PSYCHO-FIRST AID TRAINING OF SMHS TEACHING & NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL

REY MARK A. IBAY

It is undeniable that we were in the hard times as we fought our battle against COVID-19 Pandemic, bringing us to a New Normal Education as an intervention by the Department of Education. Despite this adversity, Sta. Maria High School, as an institution, constantly fulfills its mission of promoting quality education with a health-friendly learning environment, and instilling moral values to its students. But since we are still amidst pandemic, the school have ensured the wellness and preparedness of teachers and students for the upcoming school year. As part of the preparation made, the school organized an online training on Psycho-Frist Aid which was facilitated by Mr. Charles Allen G. Canlas, a senior high school teacher and a school nurse.

On the fourth day of June, 2020, teaching and non-teaching personnel have undergone with the virtual Psychological First Aid (PFA) with Mr. Allhen G. Canlas, RN who is also a faculty member of our institution. This has of great help for the teachers and students in preparing them for the opening of classes. This activity helped teachers to reduce the distress level caused by emergencies, allow for the expression of difficult feelings and assist students in developing coping strategies and constructive actions to deal with fear and anxiety.

The conduct of Psycho-First Aid training was successful for it had helped teachers relieve themselves upon listening and participating. They have decided and promised to face whatever challenges may come through given coping strategies and stress management strategies. In this case, we can say that teachers are now ready for the opening of classes and help students to strengthen themselves upon facing further stresses and challenges.

-oOoThe author is Secondary School Teacher III at SMNHS