Upper School Newsletter

• From the Upper School Principal
• New Student Applications for the 2027–2028 School Year
• Health Advisory from the Brent Clinic
• PSAT Testing
• Student Information Forms (Past Due)
• Upcoming Dates to Remember
• Planning Ahead: Semester Examination Dates
• School Uniforms
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in the Upper School
• Updates from the Activities Office
• College Visits
• SAT Testing at Brent
• Closing of School – Cancellation of Classes
• Upper School Calendar of Events
• When Emergencies Happen: What Parents Should and Should Not Do
• Communicating with the Upper School

Dear Upper School Community,

The second quarter is now well underway, and there is a tremendous amount happening across the Brent community.

Our ISAC athletes have just returned from competition in Cebu, where they represented Brent with determination, sportsmanship, and pride. At the same time, our APAC sports are underway across the region, giving more students the opportunity to compete, travel, build friendships, and represent our school beyond campus.

This week also brings the Middle School production of Matilda. Productions like this remind us just how much learning takes place beyond the classroom. Months of preparation, collaboration, creativity, and courage come together when students finally step onto the stage, and I know many members of our community are looking forward to supporting them this week.

These events are only part of what makes this time of year so full. Classes are moving forward, activities are in full swing, teams are competing, rehearsals are taking place, and students are balancing increasingly busy schedules. It is an exciting period, but it also requires students to remain thoughtful about how they manage their time and responsibilities.

As we settle into the second quarter, I encourage our students to continue finding ways to be fully engaged in the life of the school. Whether through academics, athletics, the arts, service, leadership, or simply supporting their classmates, there are many opportunities to contribute to our community and make the most of the experiences available to them.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. We are looking forward to another busy and rewarding week in the Upper School.

Warm regards,

Dr. Brett Petrillo
Deputy Headmaster and Upper School Principal

Planning to enroll another child at Brent for next school year? We look forward to receiving their application and working with your family!

Starting November 9, 2026, our online application portal will officially open for the 2027–2028 school year. To begin:

1. Complete the online application and upload all required supporting documents.
2. Once all documents are received, the Admissions Office will invite you to pay the Application Fee.
3. After payment, the required appointments can be scheduled. On-campus tests and interviews will begin on January 18, 2027.

Visit the Admissions tab on our website, stop by the Admissions Office, or email us at admissions@brent.edu.ph for assistance. We’re always happy to help!

The Brent Clinic would like to inform families that we have observed an increase in cases of flu-like illness among students and employees, including cough, colds, and fever.

We encourage families to remain attentive to symptoms and to take appropriate precautions to help reduce the spread of illness within our community. Students who are unwell, particularly those experiencing fever or significant flu-like symptoms, should remain at home until they are well enough to return to school.

For additional guidance, including when to keep your child home, when students may return to school, and recommended measures for preventing the spread of respiratory infections, please review the Cough, Colds, and Fever Health Advisory from the Brent Clinic.

Click here to read the full Health Advisory

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in helping us keep the Brent community healthy and safe.

As part of our preparation for the upcoming PSAT assessments, all registered students are required to attend a Student Readiness Check on Tuesday, September 29, from 2:35 to 3:30 pm in the Cafeteria to ensure a smooth and successful test day.

Students will also need to download Bluebook, a custom-built digital testing application, in advance.

What is the Student Readiness Check?

The Student Readiness Check is a short session (30 minutes or less) where students will:

• Sign in to the Bluebook testing app using temporary credentials (just like on test day)
• Confirm their personal and device information
• Complete exam setup (review testing rules, practice navigating the app)
• Explore a short Test Preview

This session helps prevent issues on test day and gives students the confidence to do their best.

What to Bring:

• The device you will use on test day (laptop or tablet)
• Make sure Bluebook is already installed
• Bring a charger, just in case

Pro Tip: Students should open the Bluebook app at least 1–2 days before the readiness check to avoid last-minute updates.

Parent Support:

We kindly ask that parents/guardians:

• Encourage your child to attend the Readiness Check
• Review the Student Guide and testing rules together before test day

Thank you for your support in preparing our students for a smooth and confident testing experience. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the School Counseling Office.

Bluebook offers practice tests to help students become familiar with the platform, content, and structure of the test. Digital SAT Practice in Bluebook

There are other resources available for practice.

• Digital SAT Sample Questions & Answer Explanations
  Four full-length digital adaptive test forms are available through Bluebook, College Board’s test delivery platform.
• Full-Length Linear SAT Practice Tests (Nonadaptive)
  Download four official SAT practice tests for free. The PDF versions of linear (non-adaptive) practice test forms are recommended only for students who will take the test with paper-based accommodations on test day.

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.

Monday, November 2: The beginning of the All Saints’ Break. Brent will not have classes, and offices will be closed. We will return to classes on Monday, November 9.

Monday, November 30: Bonifacio Day. Brent will not have classes, and offices will be closed.

Tuesday, December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Brent will not have classes, and offices will be closed.

As families begin making plans for the months ahead, we would like to highlight this year’s Upper School semester examination dates.

Semester 1 examinations will take place December 15–18, 2026, while Semester 2 examinations are scheduled for May 18–21, 2027.

We kindly ask families to keep these dates in mind when making travel arrangements and other commitments. Semester examinations are an important part of the academic program, and students are expected to attend their regularly scheduled assessments. Whenever possible, please avoid planning departures or other activities that would require students to miss examination days.

Thank you for helping us protect these important instructional and assessment periods and for supporting students in finishing each semester well.

According to the dress code on pages 61 and 62 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.
• Please complete the Uniform Order and Measurement form if students need uniform items. To confirm if the Tailor Shop has your size or to pre-order a custom uniform, contact Ms. Imelda Pacayra at ipacayra@brent.edu.ph.
• Parents and students can visit the Tailor Shop to purchase items daily, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.

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.

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.

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 stressful. 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.

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.

We look forward to another great year!