Veritas In Caritate
The History Of Our School
In 1912, the first S.Sp.S. missionaries arrived in the Philippines and founded Holy Ghost College, now known as the College of the Holy Spirit, in 1913. Through the Sisters’ unwavering faith and dedication, the college has evolved into a modern and growing learning institution with branches in different parts of the Philippines.
From 1978 to 1981, the School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon (SHSQC) operated as a satellite school of the College of the Holy Spirit of Mendiola. It was established to help ease the congestion in educational institutions in the Metro Manila area as part of the government’s plan. The school’s foundation was laid at Capitol Hills, Quezon City, near the Interim Batasang Pambansa on May 20, 1978. Initially, SHSQC offered kindergarten through the first year of high school, with an initial enrollment of 847 students in 1979-1980. The following year, the enrollment increased significantly, leading to the need for additional infrastructure. In response, a high school building was constructed in 1981. As the school expanded, the surrounding communities and parishes were established. The growth of SHSQC also led to the establishment of the Holy Spirit Parish in 1980 at the request of the residents of BF Homes QC. This initiative eventually led to the development of the Holy Spirit Drive, the Parish of Jesus Lord of Divine Mercy in Mapayapa Village, and the creation of Baranggay Holy Spirit, District 2, in 1982. These developments not only demonstrate the school’s adaptability but also its commitment to progress amidst educational changes, reassuring our community of our ability to evolve and meet modern challenges.
The first group of high school students graduated in March 1983. The school has always prioritized evaluating its performance through surveys, accreditations, and tests. In 1986, the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) conducted a Formal Survey and granted the school a Certificate of Accreditation for three years. The school continued to evaluate itself and successfully met the standards for Level II status during PAASCU accreditations in 1990, 1995, and 2001, which provided a deregulated status for five years. This commitment to quality education reflects the enduring values and mission of the school to provide a comprehensive education and contribute to community development, instilling confidence in our community about our high standards.
The school has come a long way from its humble beginnings, continually upgrading its facilities and resources through a prioritized and systematic implementation process. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2003, the school saw improvements in classrooms and facilities and a stronger sense of community among its members. This led to the development of several significant infrastructure projects to promote the community’s health and wellness. These projects included the construction of a swimming pool, the installation of walking ramps in all buildings, the addition of a new basketball court, the renovation of the prep playground, and most recently, the improvement of the traffic system, parking areas, and installation of air conditioning units in all classrooms and offices. These efforts not only demonstrate the school’s dedication to fostering a sustainable lifestyle but also its commitment to nurturing life-giving relationships within the community, inspiring everyone to uphold these values.
In 2007, the school faced the challenge of PAASCU re-accreditation, which pushed it to elevate the quality of its Catholic education for the youth. Having a clean slate in all areas from previous re-accreditations qualified the school to apply for a Level III accreditation, which was granted in 2008. This achievement further strengthened the commitment of the school’s administration, faculty, and non-teaching staff to deliver the best possible education. The school has also been more determined than ever to provide quality education, maintain high standards, and strive for excellence in shaping the students into future leaders of the country and the Church.
The years 2012-2013 are another milestone in the school’s history. The SSpS Congregation celebrated its 100 years of presence in the Philippines with its theme, “Afire with Gratitude and Commitment to Life.” The school community has been grateful for God’s gift of the SSpS Sisters’ presence through their educational apostolate, and as an expression of this gratitude, the school commits to life in all forms. A centennial gift to the Holy Spirit School system is the publication of a series of textbooks in Christian Living entitled “Afire with Gratitude Series.” Celebrating one hundred years sets us afire to live on for hundreds of years in our educational mission.
In the face of the challenges brought by the Philippine Department of Education’s K to 12 programs, the School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City rose to the occasion by constructing the impressive Holy Family building for its Senior High School students. Since its inception, the school has continuously expanded its academic offerings, adding new strands and consistently upholding the quality of its holistic educational programs through internal and external audits. The school’s commitment to growth and excellence was further validated when it received re-accreditation status from PAASCU in November 2018. Even during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the school remained steadfast in its belief that learning should persist, adapting to new learning modes to ensure that education continues to thrive. As the school continues to navigate the changing landscape of education, it remains dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences for its students, embracing both online distance learning and blended learning with resilience and determination.
This is the School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City, dedicated to providing a comprehensive and holistic Christian education for all students. We continuously aim to foster a supportive community that embodies the values of the Holy Trinity, including respect for individuality, equality, open communication, unity, and purpose. With our continuing growth and development, SHSQC is committed to creating a joyful and enthusiastic learning environment. We wholeheartedly pursue our Philosophy and Vision guided by the principles of “Veritas In Caritate”…TRUTH IN LOVE.