Photos from: Sabine Mendoza and Mariella Trazo
Written by Psalm Hidalgo and Ricarla Nolasco
Bridging Tradition and Modernity: The New SHS Uniform
The School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City is embarking on an exciting transformation for its Senior High School students by redesigning the traditional tan uniform, a staple since the school's inception in 1913. Under the leadership of the uniform committee, headed by Mrs. Zaira Penafiel and Mrs. Denise Besinga-Manlapaz, this initiative aims to provide a fresh visual identity of the Senior Highs school students. This change marks a significant milestone as it seeks to create new memories for students transitioning from Junior High School to Senior High School, making their experience more vibrant and engaging.
The redesign of the new Senior High School uniform would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the committee, which included students from both Senior and Junior High School. Various design proposals were submitted by students, and these designs were thoughtfully combined into a unified concept. Under the leadership of Mrs. Peñafiel and Mrs. Manlapaz, the project was further guided by the school leadership team, including the previous acting principal, Mrs. Jane Gonzales. Additionally, the SSpS sisters, Sr. Florencia and Sr. Vemma, provided spiritual guidance and enlightenment throughout the process.
This significant initiative started during the orientation and discussions on the rich history of the Holy Spirit uniform. Mrs. Manlapaz emphasized the importance of tradition and how it should serve as an inspiration for the new Senior High School uniform design. Following this, sketches and drawings from volunteer students were collected. As committee heads, Mrs. Peñafiel and Mrs. Manlapaz selected and refined the best designs, with further input from the graduating batch of SY 2023-2024. The final design was then submitted to the school's long-time uniform suppliers, who are also proud alumni of Holy Spirit schools.
The redesigned uniform is more than just fabric and thread—it symbolizes nearly five decades of SHSQC’s history and growth. It fosters pride and encourages Senior High School students to embrace their roles as leaders and role models, representing our school with dignity in competitions, work immersion, and beyond. As St. Arnold Janssen reminds us, "May the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all." Let this transformation inspire us to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose, honoring our school’s legacy while shaping its future.