Upper School Newsletter

• From the Upper School Principal
• From the Media Center
• 2026-2027 School Year Calendar
• About BASIS
• From Admissions
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in the Upper School
• Preparedness as a Way of Life at Brent
• When Emergencies Happen: What Parents Should and Should Not Do
• Student Information Forms (Past Due)
• Sick Child Guidelines
• School Uniforms
• Updates from the Activities Office
• College Visits
• SAT Testing at Brent
• IB Calendar of Deadlines for 2025-2026 School Year
• Closing of School – Cancellation of Classes
• Upper School Calendar of Events
• Communicating with the Upper School

Dear Upper School Students and Families,

I hope this message finds you and your families well as we settle into the rhythm of February and continue the important work of learning, growth, and community building. The past weeks have been full and productive, with students engaging deeply in their academic programs while also contributing meaningfully to the life of the school through athletics, the arts, service, and leadership opportunities.

As we move further into the semester, this is a good moment to reaffirm our shared expectations around responsibility, balance, and purposeful effort. Consistent attendance, thoughtful preparation, and respectful engagement remain essential habits that support student success, both inside and outside the classroom. Our faculty continue to challenge and support students, and I am grateful for the strong partnership we share with families in this work.

Please continue to review the information in this newsletter carefully, as it includes important updates, upcoming dates, and opportunities for student involvement in the weeks ahead. As always, thank you for your continued trust, communication, and support of our Upper School community.

Wishing everyone a focused and positive week ahead.

Warm regards,

Dr. Brett Petrillo
Deputy Headmaster and Upper School Principal

Brent uses a customized software application named BASIS (Brent Academic School Information System). This allows students and parents to view academic progress and attendance data online through the student and parent portals. All Upper School parents can track their child’s (children’s) progress throughout the school year.

If you have any questions regarding BASIS or would like to learn how to log in to the parent portal, please email BASIS@brent.edu.ph.

New Student Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year

If another child in your family wants to apply to Brent for August 2026 enrollment, please complete the online application and document submission process. On November 3, 2025, Brent’s online application will include the option to apply to the 2026-2027 school year.

When all the needed documents are received, you will be invited to pay the Application Fee. Payment allows for test and interview appointments to be scheduled. New students will be seen for admissions appointments starting January 19, 2026.

Visit the Admissions tab of Brent’s website or stop by the Admissions Office for more details.

As we continue to enhance the learning experience at Brent International School, the Upper School is committed to integrating technology effectively into our educational environment. In the Upper School, computers are beneficial and essential in preparing our students for the future.

Benefits of Using Computers in Classes:

1. Access to Information and Resources: With a computer, students can access a wealth of online resources, including academic databases, educational videos, and e-books, which enrich their learning and allow for deeper exploration of topics.
2. Collaboration and Communication: Technology facilitates student collaboration through shared documents, group projects, and virtual discussions, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. It also allows seamless teacher communication for feedback, clarification, and guidance.
3. Organizational Skills: Utilizing a computer helps students stay organized by allowing them to manage assignments, notes, and schedules digitally. This leads to better time management and preparation for each class.
4. Skill Development: Familiarity with computers enhances students’ technical skills, which are increasingly important in higher education and the workforce. It also allows them to become proficient in various software applications and online tools essential in today’s professional world.
5. Personalized Learning: Technology enables a more customized learning experience, allowing students to learn at their own pace, revisit materials as needed, and use interactive programs that cater to different learning styles.

Expectations for Upper School Students:

To maximize these benefits, we expect that all Upper School students bring their own device (laptop) to classes each day. This will ensure that they can fully participate in all aspects of the curriculum and take advantage of the digital tools and resources available.

Thank you for cooperating to make technology an integral part of our students’ education. We are confident that this initiative will further enhance their learning experience and prepare them for the future.

At Brent International School Manila, safety is not a checklist; it’s a culture. We believe that actual preparedness is a continuous commitment to care, foresight, and coordination. From campus design to daily routines, our systems ensure that every member of our community is protected and supported, regardless of the circumstances.

Here’s how Brent stays ready:

Safe and Reliable Infrastructure

• Structural Integrity: All buildings have recently undergone and passed thorough structural safety inspections.
• Emergency Power Supply: Our backup generator provides uninterrupted electricity during outages.
• Water Security: Two deep water wells ensure a reliable source of water.
• Shatter-Proof Windows: Safety film is applied to all major windows, reducing the risk of injury from impact or debris.

Security and Communication

• 24/7 Trained Security Team: A professional and vigilant security force keeps the campus safe at all times.
• Direct Embassy Link: A dedicated radio connection with the U.S. Embassy allows rapid coordination in emergencies.
• Multiple Communication Channels: Parents, students, and staff are informed promptly through a layered communication system.

Health and Emergency Response

• On-Campus Medical Team: Brent’s clinics are staffed by a school-employed doctor and qualified nurses.
• Emergency Shelter: An unused dormitory can be converted into a temporary refuge when needed.
• Helicopter Access: The soccer field serves as an official landing zone for emergency evacuations or medical transport.

Preparedness Through Practice

• Regular Drills: Frequent evacuation and lockdown exercises ensure calm and coordinated responses in real-life situations.
• Essential Provisions: The school maintains a one-week food supply to sustain all students and staff during extended power outages or other emergencies.

At Brent, we recognize that preparedness is an act of leadership and love. It’s a daily discipline that allows our students to learn, our teachers to teach, and our families to trust that Brent remains ready—always.

Be prepared by staying prepared.

At Brent International School Manila, we take emergency preparedness seriously, ensuring that our students remain safe, calm, and cared for, even in the face of unexpected events. In such moments, we recognize that being separated from your child can be a stressful experience. However, parents play an essential role in ensuring that emergency procedures run smoothly and safely.
Below are essential guidelines on what to do and what not to do during a school emergency:

What Parents Should Do

1. Stay Calm and Trust the Process: The school’s emergency procedures are designed and practiced regularly to protect students and staff. Remaining calm helps ensure clear communication and an effective response.
2. Wait for Official Communication: Brent will share timely updates via official communication channels such as SMS, email, and the school’s website. Please rely on these messages for accurate information.
3. Keep Phones Available and Charged: Ensure your contact numbers are up to date with the school and keep your phone accessible. Avoid calling repeatedly; instead, wait for school notifications.
4. Follow Pick-Up Instructions Carefully: If the school authorizes early release, follow the designated pick-up points and procedures provided. This helps the school maintain accountability for every child’s safety.
5. Prepare an Emergency Contact Plan: Make sure the school has up-to-date information for authorized guardians in case you cannot personally pick up your child.
6. Reinforce Preparedness at Home: Talk to your children about staying calm, listening to teachers, and following instructions during drills or real events.

What Parents Should Not Do

1. Do Not Rush to the School Campus:  Roads near the school must remain clear for emergency vehicles and response teams to ensure prompt access. Arriving unannounced may delay coordinated safety efforts.
2. Do Not Call the School During an Emergency: Phone lines must remain open for communication with emergency services. Instead, monitor official updates from the school.
3. Do Not Spread Unverified Information:  Sharing unconfirmed details on social media or messaging apps can cause confusion and panic. Only share verified updates released by Brent.
4. Do Not Attempt to Remove Your Child Without Clearance: For everyone’s safety, all student releases must be formally recorded and supervised by staff once it is safe to do so.

By following these guidelines, parents help ensure that the school can focus entirely on the immediate priority, keeping every student safe.

At Brent, preparedness is a shared commitment. Together, we can make sure that even in moments of uncertainty, calm and care prevail.

Be prepared by staying prepared, both at school and at home.

The student information forms distributed on the first day of school must be completed and returned to the Upper School office as soon as possible.

These forms are essential in ensuring we have up-to-date contact information, medical details, and other vital data that help us provide the best support and care for your child throughout the year.

If you have already completed and submitted the forms, we sincerely thank you for your prompt response. If not, please make it a priority to return them as soon as possible.

Should you have any questions or need another copy of the forms, please contact the Upper School office; we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and your continued support.

When to Stay Home

• Children or staff who are experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms should remain at home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving.
• Individuals with more severe or prolonged illnesses should remain at home until cleared by their physician.

Close Contacts

• Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who is ill but are not showing symptoms do not need to stay home. However, they are encouraged to be cautious, monitor for symptoms, and consider wearing a mask.

According to the dress code on pages 56 and 57 of the Student-Parent Handbook, all US students are expected to report to campus in uniform each day.

• Boys’ hair should be kept neat and trimmed, and students should not have unnaturally colored hair but rather.
• Students must also wear appropriate shoes. This means black or brown leather or ‘leather-like’ shoes: Girls’ shoes should be flats or leather-type dress shoes. As for boys, shoes are to be dress shoes or loafer style, with or without shoelaces. Shoes must be of one solid color with no logo or ornamentation.
• Students should not wear athletic shoes, including sneakers or canvas-material shoes, to school. Students will not be permitted to come to school in their PE uniform.
• To confirm if the Tailor Shop has your size or to pre-order a custom uniform, please contact Ms. Imelda Pacayra at +63 (2) 8779-5140, ext. 414
• Parents and students can visit the Tailor Shop to purchase items daily, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.

I would like to welcome our Grade 11 and 12 learners and parents. As we begin the academic year, we want both students and parents to be aware of the various deadlines set for our Grade 12 IB students. These dates span from August 2025 to March 2026 and have been intentionally spaced out to help students manage their time effectively while meeting the different requirements of the course and the IB programme.

The International Baccalaureate Organization supports the school in maintaining our internal IB deadlines. At Brent, our school deadlines are the IB deadlines. The calendar of deadlines is available on the new IB Student-Parent Portal. Feel free to explore the website. Please note that some links require users to be logged into Brent’s Google Suite. You may wish to explore these areas together with your son or daughter. Mr. Jon Carlson, IB coordinator.

Brent International School Manila adheres to the Storm Signal Guidelines established by PAGASA – (the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration). Accordingly, when storm signals are posted over Biñan, Laguna, classes will be affected as follows:

• Storm Signal #1 Normal Operation: All Brent classes will proceed as scheduled.
• Storm Signal #2 No Classes or Activities: No students or teachers are to report; however, learning may continue in the distance learning environment as announced. School offices will remain open for the day. Administrators and office support staff report as usual if it is safe to do so.
• Storm Signal #3 and #4 No School: The entire school operation will be closed; however, learning may continue in the distance learning environment as announced. School offices and business operations will be closed.Please be aware that the storm signal for Laguna is not the same as Metro Manila’s. Weather reports regarding Manila, therefore, may not apply to the conditions at Brent.

Please be aware that the storm signal for Laguna is not the same as Metro Manila’s. Weather reports regarding Manila, therefore, may not apply to the conditions at Brent.

Every attempt will be made to contact parents, students and teachers in the event of a cancellation of classes. When available and applicable, we use corporate texts to inform those whose cell phone numbers are registered in our system. If you have not heard from the school, you can assume that classes will happen as scheduled.

If you are still unsure, calling the school at +63-2-697-9043 after 6:00 a.m. or checking to see if there is a notice on our website (www.brent.edu.ph) may help.

Finally, we realize that parents have the ultimate responsibility for determining whether or not their children go to school. Even if no order for the suspension of classes has been issued, if parents feel that travelling to or from school will place their children at risk, we certainly understand and will honor their decision.

Please contact the Upper School Office if there is anything we can do to help you better understand our school. We thank you all for your continued support of the people and the programs at Brent.

Please also note that we have provided the names of all Upper School faculty on our website for easy communication: http://brent.edu.ph/academics/upper-school/faculty/. For the most part, faculty email addresses follow this format: first initial and last name followed by @brent.edu.ph.

Thank you, in advance, for supporting the wonderful people and programs in our Upper School. We look forward to another great year!