School Policies & Guidelines

Admission Requirements

To officially enroll your child, the following items must be submitted/completed:

• Copy of PSA Birth Certificate

• Two (2) pieces of 2x2 pictures of the child/student, parent, fetcher, or guardian

• Completion of the Online Enrollment Form

• Report card and Recommendation Letter from the previous school (For transferees only)

• Attendance at the compulsory Orientation for New Parents and Students

• Assessment and results (For special needs and “at-risk” children)

• Classroom Required Materials (As relayed by the class adviser)

Late Enrollment

Because we employ individualized instruction, late enrollees are accepted during any month within the academic year.

• The monthly tuition will only begin in the month the student officially enrolls.

• Registration and Miscellaneous Fees must be paid in full upon enrollment.

Emergency Remote Learning & Force Majeure Contingency

In the event of unforeseen local disruptions—including severe weather, typhoons, government-mandated health suspensions, or other force majeure conditions—JVSS MS is fully equipped to pivot immediately to preserve instructional continuity.

• Transition to Digital Frameworks: Physical closures do not stop our individualized learning momentum. The school will immediately utilize our established digital tools (Google Sites, ClassDojo, and secure IGC communication) to deliver individualized worksheets, track daily progress, and provide teacher check-ins.

• Financial Standing: Because educational delivery and tracking continue smoothly through these remote frameworks, temporary physical campus closures do not exempt families from their monthly tuition obligations, nor do they warrant tuition refund claims.

Official enrollment for the academic year is finalized only after properly accomplishing all admission requirements and paying the Registration, Miscellaneous, and June Tuition Fees.

Tuition Fee Structure

Prior to any implementation of school fee increases, the tuition fee for the whole academic year is ₱20,000.00 for the Early Childhood Program (Toddler and Pre-Elementary Levels), ₱25,000.00 for the Elementary Level, and ₱30,000.00 for the Learners with Special Needs.

This can be paid in full upon enrollment until the 15th of June with a 5% discount, or on a monthly basis from every first school day to the 15th day of every month. The monthly breakdowns are ₱2,000.00 per month for the Toddler and Pre-Elementary Levels, ₱2,500.00 per month for the Lower and Upper Elementary Levels, and ₱3,000.00 per month for Learners with Special Needs.

• Full Payment Discount: Get a 5% discount if the tuition is paid in full on or before June 15.

• Sibling Discount: Applied to the tuition of the youngest child when 2 or more siblings are enrolled:

  • 2nd child: 5% discount

  • 3rd child: 50% discount

  • 4th child onwards: 100% discount

• Referral Discount: Enjoy a 5% discount per referral within the current academic year. A form must be filled out and signed by the recruited family.

Note: Confirmation of all discounts will be given upon enrollment.

Important Financial Rules

• Due Dates: Statements of Account (SOA) are sent via the official admin group chat during the last week of each month. Payments are due from the 1st to the 15th day of every month. Prompt payment allows the school to meet its financial obligations on the second week of the month.

• Year-End Settlement: Full tuition must be settled before the closing of the academic year. Parents assume full responsibility for any legal or third-party collection fees incurred while collecting unsettled accounts.

• Cancellations: The Registration Fee is non-refundable once cancelled or after classes start, regardless of attendance.

• Dropouts: In the event of a student dropping out, the tuition for the entire month of the dropout date must be paid in full.

• Clearances: Tuition payments are a requirement for student clearance. 

Scholarship Privileges

• Employee Scholar: Children of JVSS MS faculty and staff (employed for at least one year) enjoy discounts subject to administrative approval.

• President’s Scholar: Deserving students selected by the School President receive a 100% tuition discount.

Requirement: Parents of employee and president scholars are expected to assist with school programs, event preparations, and aftercare activities when called upon.

Individualized Learning & Grading

We focus on mastery rather than competition. Students progress at their own pace, and multiple attempts on assignments are allowed to achieve full understanding. Prior to answering a worksheet, a one-on-one verbal or written Question and Answer session is conducted to check lesson mastery. Work updates will be communicated through the IGC and GPTC.

Each lesson has a time frame fitted to each learning pace. If the lesson is overdue, there will be a corresponding deduction of points reflected in lesson mastery. We follow this quarterly grading system:

• Lesson Mastery accounts for 30% of the grade.

• Worksheets/ Performance Output account for 30% of the grade.

• Mastery Works account for 20% of the grade.

• Question and Answer accounts for 20% of the grade.

📌 Note on Grading: Mastery and worksheet ratings are the average ratings for all attempts made to have all answers correct. The summative exams do not carry greater weight in the trimester grades, as they are treated similarly to a regular lesson. The purpose of giving a summative exam quarterly is to check the level of mastery and to teach test-taking skills. There is no competition as to grades, so there is no selection of honor pupils, but special recognition is given to students who show consistently good student behavior and output through the Classroom Achiever, Character Award, Leadership Award, and Excellence Award.

Acceptable Use Policy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As digital technology evolves, JVSS MS embraces tools that enhance productivity while strictly preserving human integrity, data security, and original student output.

• For School Personnel: Teachers and administrators may use AI tools to aid in visual design, brainstorming, or formatting materials. However, no sensitive student data—including student names, specific grades, medical histories, or behavioral logs—may ever be inputted into public, unsecured AI models.

• For Elementary Students: While we encourage research and digital literacy, the use of generative AI to write worksheets, essays, or complete mastery assignments passes the boundary of academic honesty. AI may be used with parental guidance as a preliminary research tool, but final student output must reflect the learner's own words and current level of mastery.

Academic Cycle

The child stays in the level for three cycles. Because we employ individualized learning, there are cases wherein the child is moved to the higher level earlier or later depending on their learning pace, regardless of age. However, this is not an acceleration but an accommodation. We also follow the guidelines of the Department of Education as to Kindergarten and Grade 1 protocols.

Teacher-Student Ratios

A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 for the Toddler Level, a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 20 pupils for the Pre-Elementary Level and a maximum of 30 pupils in the Elementary Levels are admitted in each session to facilitate an individualized teaching-learning process. The special class ratio depends on the behavior, age, and level of assistance needed in a session.

Learners with Special Needs

• Assessments: An assessment and assessment results are required for students with or at risk of having a special case. They are to be assessed by a qualified professional before enrolling or within the academic year. The school reserves the right to refuse enrollment for non-compliance on this matter.

• Placement & Accommodations: The teachers and administrators reserve the right to assess and decide that a student (both potential and, in the case of an emergent special need, a current student) be placed in the appropriate academic and social environment promoting success and emotional/social well-being. Children with mild physical, mental, or educational difficulties are considered for admission with the regular children when special care or attention is not required. Reasonable accommodations will be made provided that no changes to the program are required and that the child does not pose a risk to himself or others.

• Year-Round Program: Children enrolled who are formally, legally, and clinically assessed or diagnosed as having special needs, including those observed to have behavior problems, should enroll for the whole year including summer with their individualized special program. The school has the right to refuse enrollment in the next academic year for special children who will not comply with this policy, except if the child is undergoing other programs with OT, PT, or other therapy programs.

Progress & Achievement Records

An achievement record is to be kept updated by the teacher and parents and be discussed during the monthly conference. This record will serve as the official communication of the school and the parents to keep track of the behavior and the academic performance of the child. A Progress Report Card will be issued by trimester within the academic year as long as the child is also cleared from school obligations in that trimester. The summative test serves as our diagnosis if there is learning retention and if there is a need to re-teach certain lessons.

School Uniform Guidelines

The official school uniform bearing the school logo is prescribed and should be worn on the appropriate designated school days with neatness, simplicity, modesty, and dignity.

• Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays for non scouting members: Uniform tops are to be tucked into the bottom uniform, worn with black leather shoes and white socks.

• Wednesdays & Mass Sponsorships: All students are required to have and wear their own gala uniform.

• Thursdays: Jogging pants and rubber shoes with white socks are to be worn.

• Fridays: BSP/GSP uniform worn with proper socks and shoes.

• Daily: The school ID should be worn daily.

Prohibited Items: The school discourages rollerblades, lighted elements or other distractions in shoes, unnecessary accessories, cosmetics, and additional unprescribed clothing to avoid conflicts and distractions.

Supplemental Work (Homework Policy)

Students work hard and long while they are at school. As a general rule, we promote family time for children when they are at home. While traditional assignments are rare for all students, we do encourage families to involve their children in the daily tasks of home life, such as making the bed, setting the table, loading the dishwasher, and helping care for the family. Daily reading should be a part of every child’s at-home routine.

• Primary Level: There is no homework for children in the Primary classrooms. We strongly urge that all children have a minimum of 30 minutes of reading time with an adult at home.

• Elementary Level: Supplemental work is minimal in the Montessori Elementary program and given only when needed. However, students are often involved in projects that require research and attention beyond the classroom. Students should have appropriate responsibilities in the home and ample opportunities for participation in family life, outdoor play, and other activities.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The school provides holistic opportunities to better hone the students’ talents and skills. Extra-curricular activities are not mandatory but encouraged. This includes inter-school competitions for BAPSEA, APPSAM, and scouting. Audition, training, and practice of these are done after class or on Saturdays.

Snacks & Birthday Policies

• Snacks: Snacks and other provisions should be ready before the start of class. No junk foods and soda are allowed for the child’s snacks; we require you to provide a healthy snack. Parents are requested to involve their children in preparing the snacks at home as a good bonding activity. Children may eat snacks whenever they feel hungry during the day. During snacks and meal time, they are expected to set the table properly, keep their mess contained, and clean up. For food brought in mid-day, please make sure to have the containers labeled and sealed properly.

• Birthdays: Birthdays are important milestones, and each classroom has its own rituals for honoring these moments. We honor our students by having the Celebration of Life Ceremony. Please do not distribute invitations at school for parties that will take place outside of school; to avoid hurt feelings, please mail invitations separately. If you opt to serve food, it must be given through the office for distribution. Please understand that we distribute the food when the students eat, which probably might not be at the same time. We do not disrupt the class dynamics to cater to special requests.

Punctuality & Attendance

Following Dr. Montessori’s observation that all work has a beginning, middle, and end, we expect all students to arrive at school and be picked up on time. Lateness tends to make the child feel left out because work has started without them. Those children who are unable to join the fetching time are considered late. The parent or guardian is not required to accompany the student into the building when arriving after fetching time.

We discourage absences and tardiness to keep a school routine and help form proper behavior. Parents of students with habitual absences and tardiness may be called for a conference at the principal’s office. Attendance charts track tardiness and absences, and the teacher may call the parents' attention to help the child establish their daily routine.

Campus Gate & QR Access Policies

• Gate Locations: Children should be dropped off at gate 3 and picked up at gate 2.

• Track.Ed QR System: Upon arrival, the child will scan their ID QR code for a real-time SMS update to the registered number under the Track.Ed system confirming they have arrived. Upon going home, the fetcher’s ID QR code will be scanned by the same system to inform the family that the child has left the school with the designated fetcher.

• Security Enforcements: All gates are locked at all times with the provision of doorbells when you have transactions on campus. Parents are not allowed to enter the campus grounds without notice. No parent, fetcher, or guardian is allowed to stay beyond the fetching gate except in the designated waiting area. Please use the doorbell for urgent concerns, and do not loiter after dismissal.

• Traffic Rules: Please be reminded that the fence area is a “NO PARKING” Zone. This is done to ensure smoother traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.

Dismissal & Fetching Regulations

• The child should already be in the arrival area 15 minutes before class time to give way for pre-class activities like attendance and changing shoes. Once the child is in the classroom, parents, fetchers, or guardians are no longer allowed to bring anything to the child that they may have forgotten, like snacks and the like. Items should be coursed through the office instead to avoid incidents where the child interacts with strangers outside the campus.

• Only the registered guardian or fetcher reflected in the Fetcher’s ID is allowed to fetch the child. Students will not be released to unregistered fetchers without specific instructions. In such cases, parents must send the name and picture of the relieving fetcher via the IGC, and the new fetcher must still bring the physical fetcher’s ID.

• The child is only allowed to go out of the school earlier than the scheduled dismissal time when there is a communication through chat in the IGC.

• Liability: The school is responsible for the safety and security of children during school hours. During off-hours, the children are the responsibility of their parents. We highly encourage students to be fetched on time. The school will not be held liable for any untoward incident that may happen to the child after dismissal from class or club activities due to late fetching. Any change of schedule affecting fetching time should be communicated officially in writing or through the IGC.

Health & Campus Zones

• Illness Policy: Children afflicted with a contagious disease, fever, cold or flu symptoms (sore throat, persistent cough, sneezing), or a rash/discharge from the nose or eyes are advised to stay home until fully recovered. A medical certificate or clearance is required to ensure the child is fully healed before exposing themselves to other children.

• Hygiene Rules: There is a strict policy of no spitting or urinating anywhere on campus grounds. The child should bring their own drinking water placed in their bag daily to avoid sharing with other children who may have illnesses. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand washing are strictly observed within the school premises in cases where a child has a cough or cold.

• Strict Prohibitions: The campus is strictly a "No Smoking, Drugs, Alcoholic Beverage and Weapons Zone," and all parents, guardians, and fetchers are deemed to abide by this rule.

Official Communication Channels

• Individualized Group Chat (IGC): Composed of the school admin, teachers, and parents. Work updates, special instructions, and daily communication are sent here. Chatting during class hours is discouraged unless necessary or urgent.

• Admin GC per Family: Reserved strictly for admin and financial concerns.

• Level Homerooms Group Chat: Used for communications and concerns that affect all students in each specific grade level.

• GPTA Group Chat: Used for general community communications and reminders.

• GPTA Officers Group Chat: Dedicated to GPTA projects and other related leadership concerns.

School Property & Damages

• Classroom Materials: Classroom requirements are communicated to the IGC prior to the start of class. Kindly make sure that all items have names on them. The teacher will inform the parents when items need to be replaced or replenished. If a child accidentally brings home any learning material or a part of it, the parents and the child should return them the following day without waiting for the school to ask.

• Breakage Policy: Breakage, loss, or destruction of any material caused by the child must be replaced for continued use by other children. In such cases, the teacher records the incident in the anecdotal book and calls the parents’ attention.

• Toys & Gadgets: Toys are not permitted at school as they detract from the classroom’s atmosphere of calm and ordered learning. Please refrain from sending children with precious items such as special clothing and jewelry, which may be lost or damaged. Inappropriate items will be held until the end of the school day and returned. If a child violates this policy, the teacher records the incident in the log book and calls the parents' attention. Gadgets are allowed to be brought but must be used for emergency purposes only; if not needed, they will be placed by the teacher in a designated area. The teacher has the authority to confiscate gadgets if rules are violated. The school is not liable for any loss of these items.

Parent-Teacher Conferences & Grievance Procedures

• Conferences: A Parent-Teacher Conference is to be held on a Saturday of almost every month, where both parents are requested to attend either physically or virtually. The conference includes updates on the child’s performance, planning, assessment, and parent education. Parents' active involvement and regular contact with teachers are required to support the child's success at JVSS-MS. Special conferences might be set for some learners when the need for urgent discussion arises. 

• Meetings: Guardian and parents are invited to attend GPTA meetings to agree on a certain agenda. When a meeting is set, one's attendance is required and expected. Have a proxy or representative if parents cannot attend. Absence from a meeting waives your right to vote on your preferred outcome of the agenda; therefore, it is automatically understood that you trust and agree with the unanimous decision of those in attendance.

• Proper Attire: Parents, guardians, and fetchers should wear proper, presentable, and decent clothing when fetching the child and when transacting business in school.

• Grievance Steps: Complaints and grievances in any form by parents related to the child’s activities and performance in the classroom shall be settled first at the teacher’s level, though the teacher is required to report the matter to the principal for updates. The principal may call the attention of the parents concerning a child's misconduct. Major grievances may be brought to the attention of the principal, and then to the board for settlement when necessary.

Digital Communication Boundaries & The Sunset Clause

To maintain a professional, respectful, and sustainable learning ecosystem, JVSS MS observes clear boundaries for online communications:

• The Sunset Clause: Official communication channels are active from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Teachers and administrators are not expected to read or respond to messages outside of these hours, during Sundays, or during official school holidays.

• Emergency Exceptions: For absolute emergencies—such as sudden changes to fetching security, urgent medical notifications, or critical student safety matters—parents may send a message outside regular hours. Non-urgent concerns sent after hours will be prioritized on the next business day.

• A Note on Faculty Burnout: Our educators devote their full energy and attention to your children during school hours. Protecting their rest after hours directly ensures they can show up vibrant, patient, and prepared for your children the following morning.

• All communications must be coursed through the official communication channels for traceability and accountability.

Article 15, Section 3 (2) of the Philippine Constitution upholds “the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.” This is supported by R.A. 7610, an act providing for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

Likewise, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) spells out the basic human rights that children everywhere have: the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse, and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life.

In the same light, the Family Code of the Philippines, by way of the principle of in loco parentis, gives the school, its administrators, and teachers the special parental authority and responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction, or custody. More recently, Republic Act 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 was enacted to ensure that all schools provide a conducive and safe learning environment for children.

JVSS Montessori School strongly supports DepEd’s zero-tolerance policy for any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse. It is towards this end that the JVSS-MS Child Protection Program and Policies have been formulated.

Program Objectives

1. Empower Students: Include curriculum activities that develop self-esteem, self-confidence, assertiveness, and self-protective skills.

2. Build Faculty Capacity: Include proactive training in the faculty development program to ensure personnel maintain a safe, healthy, and fear-free learning environment.

3. Involve Parents: Raise parental awareness regarding their critical role in protecting their children from various forms of abuse.

4. Community Coordination: Maintain effective working relationships and consistent coordination between the school and outside community agencies.

Main Thrusts of the Program

• Prevention: All members of the school community shall work collaboratively to provide a positive atmosphere and exhaust measures to prevent child protection hazards through information dissemination.

• Protection: Consistent implementation of agreed, common procedures. School personnel are trained to respond appropriately, and parents and surrounding community resources are actively tapped to assist.

• Support: The school community shall readily provide appropriate emotional and spiritual support to students who may be victims of any form of abuse or violence.

Operational Definitions

The operational definitions and descriptions of violations—including child abuse, discrimination, child exploitation, violence committed in schools, bullying, peer abuse, other student-committed acts of abuse, corporal punishment, and positive/non-violent discipline—shall be based strictly on Republic Act 10627 (The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013).

Preventive Guidelines

• Capacity Building: JVSS-MS conducts sessions, training, and seminars on positive peer relationships and socio-emotional competence for personnel, students, parents, and guardians.

• Awareness Activities: School events are regularly organized to promote children’s rights, explain the prohibition of corporal punishment, and foster positive discipline while bringing families and children together.

• Codes of Conduct: The Student Handbook and the Faculty and Administrative Manual serve as the official codes of conduct to ensure child protection compliance.

• Barangay Partnership: The school works in close coordination with the nearby local Barangay Council and implements the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children Guidelines to monitor the vicinity and provide a safe surrounding environment.

Off-Campus Digital Behavior & Social Media Representation

The community spirit of JVSS MS extends beyond our physical campus gates. We hold both our staff and our families to a high standard of mutual respect online.

• Off-Campus Cyberbullying: Because digital actions heavily impact a child's emotional well-being at school, any act of cyberbullying, online exclusion, or digital harassment between students—even if it occurs off-campus over the weekend or on personal accounts—falls under the jurisdiction of the school's Child Protection Policy and will face administrative investigation.

• Protecting School Reputation: We maintain a transparent and compassionate open-door policy for all parent concerns. If a parent, guardian, or staff member experiences a conflict, they must follow our official, step-by-step internal grievance procedures. Resorting to public defamation, unverified venting, or malicious posting against the school, its personnel, or its students on public platforms (like Facebook or public community groups) violates the enrollment covenant and may result in administrative review of the student's enrollment status.

Initial Reporting and Verification

Upon the filing of a complaint by any party, or upon notice by school personnel of a bullying or peer abuse incident, the matter must be reported immediately to the Assistant Principal or Principal. The administration will conduct an immediate verification with the complainant, the involved parties, and any witnesses.

Administrative Conference

If the gathered information confirms the incident, the Assistant Principal or Principal will immediately inform the parents or guardians of both the victim and the offending child, calling them to a specialized, private administrative conference.

Interventions and Disciplinary Due Process

Depending on the gravity of the incident, the school handles cases through the following structured processes:

• Minor Sanctions & Non-Punitive Interventions: Cases warranting a reprimand or minor sanctions are decided directly by the Assistant Principal or Principal. In alignment with Montessori values, the school may impose non-punitive measures following the principles of Positive and Non-violent Discipline. Both the victim and the offending child will be referred to the Guidance Counseling Office for professional processing and intervention.

• Serious Incidents (Suspension, Exclusion, or Expulsion): If the gravity of the offense warrants suspension, exclusion, or dismissal, the school strictly observes the following minimum requirements of due process:

  1. Written Notice: The child, parents, or guardians must be formally informed of the complaint in writing.

  2. Written Explanation: The child is given the opportunity to answer the complaint in writing, assisted and noted by their parents or guardians.

  3. Disciplinary Board Hearing: The child and their parents/guardians are invited to attend a disciplinary board meeting to present their side. If parents are completely unavailable, a registered guardian must accompany the child.

  4. Deliberation & Final Decision: The Disciplinary Board deliberates on the merits of the case. The Board makes the final decision for cases of suspension, and passes formal recommendations to the School President for cases of exclusion or dismissal.

  5. Right to Appeal: A student given a sanction (especially exclusion) holds the right to appeal. A written appeal must be submitted directly to the School President within one week of receiving the official decision.

• Severe Legal Violations: If the bullying or peer abuse results in serious physical injuries or death, the case will be handled in accordance with the provisions and Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9344 (The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act).

Reporting Protocol

As part of our capacity-building and student empowerment programs, students are trained and encouraged to report any incident of child abuse, violence, exploitation, or discrimination to a trusted school faculty and staff member. The personnel notified will immediately assist the child in filing a formal complaint with the Principal.

Fact-Finding and Investigation Sequence

1. Committee Formation: If the complaint warrants further investigation, the Principal forwards the case to the Personnel Officer, who must form an official investigating committee within 72 hours of submission.

2. Personnel Notification: The accused individual is formally notified of the complaint and must submit a written explanation within 48 hours of receipt. If they fail to submit an explanation within this timeframe, the committee will proceed with the investigation in its absence.

3. Committee Hearing: The concerned personnel is invited to attend a formal committee hearing to explain their side of the matter.

4. Recommendation: The fact-finding committee reviews all findings and submits an official results report along with recommended sanctions to the School President, pursuant to the Faculty and Administrative Manual.

5. Final Decision & Appeal: The final decision on the administrative case rests solely with the School President. The employee may submit a written appeal to the School President within one week of receiving the decision.

Legal and Annual Reporting Disclaimers

• Independent Actions: Administrative proceedings within JVSS MS are entirely separate from, and run without prejudice to, any civil or criminal cases that may be filed externally.

• End-of-Year Reporting: The school compiles and submits a formal child protection report to the DepEd Division Office at the end of each academic year with strict discretion and total confidentiality.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

Complaints of child abuse, violence, discrimination, exploitation, and bullying falling under RA 10627 within the school environment are under the exclusive jurisdiction of JVSS MS and DepEd. These matters cannot be brought before the barangay for amicable settlement. Complaints involving individuals who are not under the direct jurisdiction of the school will be immediately referred to the appropriate legal authorities.

Emergency Placement and External Referrals

• Immediate Safety: In any internal case of abuse, violence, or exploitation, the school takes immediate steps to prevent further threats. Authorities will instantly remove the victim (or the offender, if appropriate) from the environment if the child is deemed at risk. The child's family will be notified of all emergency actions.

• DSWD and Agency Referrals: In the best interest and welfare of the child, the school may refer minor victims and offenders to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or specialized external agencies for professional assessment and intervention.

• Home/External Abuse Support: JVSS MS actively extends its referral services to students who are victims of abuse at home, children at risk, children with special needs, or those exhibiting sudden aggressive behavior, to connect families with competent, professional service providers.

Strict Confidentiality Mandate

In all cases involving child abuse, violence, discrimination, exploitation, or bullying, the identity and any distinguishing information that could reasonably identify the student—whether they are the victim or the offender—shall be strictly withheld from the public to protect their right to privacy.

Liability Separation

Criminal and civil liabilities arising from child abuse, discrimination, exploitation, and other acts of peer or institutional abuse are entirely separate and distinct. The presence of an ongoing civil or criminal procedure shall never bar or delay the filing and processing of an administrative case under these child protection guidelines.

In alignment with the Department of Education (DepEd) directives regarding out-of-school learning experiences and holistic development, JVSS Montessori School recognizes that external environments provide invaluable, hands-on, and experiential extensions of the classroom curriculum.

While classroom instruction focuses on individualized academic mastery, educational tours are designed to expand the child's social competence, cultural awareness, and environmental appreciation. This policy establishes strict operational, financial, and safety protocols to ensure that all off-campus activities protect the welfare, security, and absolute dignity of our learners while remaining accessible and fair to all families.

1. Curriculum Alignment and Approval

• Academic Merit: Field trips are intended strictly to complement or supplement classroom lessons. Places to visit must be primarily educational. All requests for off-campus excursions are subject to rigorous institutional evaluation and administrative approval before any planning commences.

• Objectives Presentation: The specific educational goals and learning objectives of the tour will be clearly presented to parents ahead of time to give complete clarity to the purpose of the trip.

2. Parent-Community Collaboration

• GPTA Consultation: A General Parent-Teacher Association (GPTA) meeting is required to openly discuss the specific details, itineraries, and logistics of any proposed trip. The school utilizes this forum to gauge parental support and ensure transparency before finalizing plans.

• Financial Aid & Sponsorships: Recognizing that field trips involve additional costs, the school and organizers may actively tap possible external sponsors, when applicable, to provide financial aid and ease the economic burden on families.

3. Absolute Financial Non-Profit Mandate

• No Income Generation: Educational field trips shall never be used to generate income or profit for the school, its personnel, or any school stakeholders.

• Actual Cost Charging: Participating students will only be charged for the exact, baseline costs of transportation, entrance fees, and strictly related operational expenses.

1. Non-Mandatory Participation and Fair Assessment

• Voluntary Attendance: Educational field trips are entirely non-mandatory though highly encouraged.

• No Academic Penalties: Teachers shall refrain from conducting mandatory standard tests based strictly on the field trip. If an assessment is tied to the trip, students who are unable to join shall not be penalized under any circumstances; instead, they will be given alternative, asynchronous home-study worksheets or special substitute assessments to ensure their individualized academic progression continues smoothly.

2. Stewardship, Supervision, and Consent

• Parental Consent: Because children are under the legal stewardship of the school during regular hours, organizers must secure a signed, official written consent form from the parents or legal guardians before a student is permitted to join.

• Mandatory Parent Accompaniment: The school reserves the right to require certain learners—particularly younger toddlers, students with specific behavioral needs, or learners requiring individual physical assistance—to be accompanied by a parent or personal guardian throughout the entire duration of the trip.

• Itinerary Restrictions: Side trips to malls or attendance at events outside the officially approved and prescribed educational itinerary are strictly prohibited, unless a student is directly accompanied and permitted by their own parent or guardian.

3. Preparation and Safety Briefings

• Pre-Trip Planning: Trips must be well-planned ahead of time in collaboration with the students so they are mentally prepared and know exactly what educational markers to look for.

• Safety Protocols: Detailed safety measures, emergency cues, and behavior expectations will be explicitly discussed with the students prior to boarding. Students must wear their official school uniform or designated field trip attire, along with their school ID, at all times for immediate scannability.

1. Strict Behavioral Compliance

• Adherence to Leadership: All participating students must strictly abide by campus and trip rules and follow the leadings and instructions of the teacher-in-charge or designated chaperones.

• Dignified De-escalation Protocol: The safety and emotional well-being of the children are our utmost priority. In the event that a student exhibits continuous misbehavior or a misdemeanor despite receiving multiple, gentle verbal reminders, the student will not be publicly shamed or aggressively penalized. Instead, they must be accompanied by an adult chaperone to a designated safe, quiet space within the venue where they can be allowed to calm down, regroup, and restore their dignity.

2. Institutional Responsibility and Liability Boundaries

• Proactive Security Measures: The administration and faculty of JVSS MS pledge to exhaust all reasonable, proactive, and preventive safety, security, and supervisory measures during transit and off-campus site activities.

• Limitation of Liability: While the utmost diligence and protective care are exercised at all times, the school, its administration, and its educators shall not be held legally or financially liable for accidental injuries, unexpected transit delays, or untoward incidents that occur as a result of conditions or acts of nature completely beyond its reasonable human control.

3. Official Communication Channels

• Direct Clarifications: Any questions, concerns, or clarifications regarding an upcoming trip must be directed to the proper people in charge, such as the class teachers or school administrators.

• Official Updates: Any changes, schedule adjustments, or critical safety updates regarding the educational tour will be officially communicated to parents or guardians in real-time through the school's proper digital channels (Individualized Group Chats or Level Homeroom GCs).

In accordance with Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), and the DepEd Child Protection Policy, JVSS Montessori School is deeply committed to safeguarding the personal and sensitive personal information of our students.

Because children are minors who cannot legally give consent on their own, the school exercises strict data privacy controls. We act under the principle of in loco parentis (in place of a parent) alongside parents and registered guardians to ensure all digital student records, tracking metrics, communication logs, and school photographs are kept secure, handled with total confidentiality, and used strictly to support your child’s educational journey and physical safety.

JVSS MS collects and processes specific personal and sensitive personal data of learners to facilitate individualized instruction, academic monitoring, automated security, and emergency communications. This data includes:

• Student Demographic Data: Full name, date of birth (via PSA Birth Certificate), age, gender, and level placement.

• Academic & Behavioral Records: Learning competency charts, achievement records, worksheet ratings, anecdotal logbooks, and quarterly progress report cards.

• Biometric & Attendance Tracking Data: Unique student QR codes, digital timestamps, and real-time SMS logs managed via the Track.Ed system.

• Visual Records: Student photographs (2x2 enrollment photos, IGC verification photos, proxy fetcher identification pictures, and classroom documentation images).

• Health and Wellness Data: Medical clearances, professional psychological or clinical special-needs assessments, and medication instructions.

1. The Track.Ed Attendance System

The Track.Ed automated system processes attendance through secure QR code scanning at Gate 3 and Gate 2.

• Data Minimization: The QR system contains encrypted identifiers that map exclusively to the school's private database. It does not display sensitive personal history publicly upon scanning.

• SMS Security: Real-time arrival and dismissal text messages are routed only to the verified, registered mobile numbers provided by the parents during enrollment.

2. Individualized Group Chats (IGC) and Other Official Channels of Communication

To prevent unauthorized data exposure or peer-to-peer data leaks, the school segregates online messaging platforms:

• Isolation of Student Data: Every student has a dedicated Individualized Group Chat (IGC) consisting only of the school administration, the child's specific teachers, and their legal parents or guardians. A child's academic struggles, behavioral records, or medical needs are never discussed in public, level-wide, or multi-family chat rooms.

• Emergency Proxy Disclosures: When an unregistered fetcher is authorized by a parent, the parent must upload the proxy’s name and photo directly into the secure IGC. This data is handled with immediate discretion and deleted or archived securely once the dismissal transaction is finalized.

At JVSS MS, capturing snapshots of your child’s Montessori journey is one of our favorite ways to keep you connected to their daily progress. Because these images involve our precious learners, we always handle them with the utmost care, respect, and deep regard for their safety and dignity.

1. Photos Shared in Your Child's Group Chat (IGC) and other communication channels

• Capturing Milestones: Teachers love sending photos of your children working with Montessori materials directly to your family's Individualized Group Chat (IGC) and other communication channels. These are real-time glimpses into their breakthroughs, and you are more than welcome to save and keep them for your personal family albums!

• Mindful Sharing: We kindly ask that if a photo happens to catch other classmates in the background, please think twice before posting it online. Let's work together to protect the privacy and peace of mind of every family in our school community.

2. School Publicity Materials (Pubmats) & Seeking Permission

• Celebrating Our School Community: Every now and then, we love featuring our students' bright smiles and amazing activities in our school flyers, official school website announcements, or official updates.

• Permission First: We believe in mutual respect and communication. The school will never use your child’s face in any public material or pubmat without checking with you first. 

• Your Choice Always: You are always in control of your child’s image. If you ever change your mind—whether you want to opt in or opt out during the school year—just send a quick note or message to the office, and we will happily adjust.

3. Fostering a Respectful Environment

• Upholding Child Dignity: Whether it is a photo taken by a teacher for an IGC or an image used for a school post, our absolute baseline rule is that the child's dignity always comes first. We will never take or share photos that are unflattering, compromise a child's privacy, or make them feel uncomfortable.

• A Gentle Reminder for Fetchers and Visitors: When picking up your children at the gates, please be mindful when taking quick photos so we don't accidentally capture other children whose families might prefer to keep their daily routines private.

• Student Gadgets: Any device used by a student to take unauthorized or inappropriate photos of peers on campus will be temporarily confiscated by the teacher and handled under the gadget policy guidelines.

• Access Control: Access to student records, clinical assessments, and behavioral logs is strictly restricted to authorized school personnel (the Principal, class advisers, administrative officers, and guidance coucilor designate) on a strict need-to-know basis.

• Retention Period: Student records and personal data are retained for the duration of the student's enrollment at JVSS MS and as required by the Department of Education (DepEd) for official permanent records (Form 137/SF10).

• Secure Destruction: Once the legal and educational retention period expires, physical documents are securely shredded, and digital assets, database entries, and closed IGC logs are permanently deleted using secure data-wiping methods.

As the legal representatives of our minor students, parents and guardians retain the following data privacy rights under the DPA:

1. Right to Be Informed: Parents have the right to know what data is collected, how it is processed, and who has access to it.

2. Right to Access and Rectify: Parents may request copies of their child's academic or behavioral records during monthly conferences and have the right to dispute and correct any inaccuracies.

3. Right to Confidentiality in Child Protection Cases: In compliance with RA 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act), any data regarding bullying, peer abuse, or behavioral investigations—whether the child is a victim or an offender—is strictly withheld from the public, community group chats, and unconcerned parties to protect the child's lifelong digital and social footprint.

Any unauthorized access, leakage, or sharing of student data (such as sharing class records, taking screenshots of student profiles, or leaking personal contact numbers from school channels) constitutes a severe breach of school policy.

• Internal Sanctions: Faculty or staff found violating data privacy rules will face immediate administrative sanctions under the Faculty and Administrative Manual.

• Legal Liability: Unauthorized disclosure of student information by any party—including parents or guardians—will be met with appropriate legal action under the rules of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the Republic of the Philippines.