Upper School Newsletter

• From the Upper School Principal
• Student Information Forms
• School Uniforms
• From The PTA
• 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
• August School Holidays
• Upper School Calendar of Events
• When Emergencies Happen: What Parents Should and Should Not Do
• Communicating with the Upper School

Dear Upper School Community,

It is hard to believe that we are already two weeks into the new school year. Despite an opening that has included heavy rainfall, challenging weather, and two unexpected days of canceled classes, the year has gotten off to a remarkably positive start.

Walking around campus over these first two weeks, I have been particularly pleased by the energy of our students and the ease with which our community seems to be settling back into the rhythm of school. Classrooms are active, activities are beginning to take shape, friendships are being renewed, new relationships are forming, and our hallways once again have the unmistakable energy that comes when a school is fully alive.

This year, one of our particular areas of focus in the Upper School is Cultivating Meaningful Engagement. At its simplest, this means encouraging our students to be genuinely present in their learning, their relationships, and the wider life of the school. We want students to participate rather than simply attend, to engage with one another rather than retreat behind screens, to ask questions, contribute ideas, try something unfamiliar, and take an active role in shaping their own school experience.

That work is already underway. Our new expectations surrounding phones and device-free spaces are one visible part of it, but meaningful engagement extends far beyond technology. It happens when a student stays after class to ask another question, joins an activity for the first time, has a conversation over lunch, helps a classmate, speaks up in discussion, or simply gives someone their full attention. These small moments, repeated every day, are what ultimately create a strong school culture.

There is much ahead of us this year, and after these first two weeks, I am excited about the direction in which we are heading. Thank you to our faculty for the thoughtful way they have welcomed students back, to our families for their continued partnership, and especially to our students for bringing their enthusiasm, personalities, and energy back to campus.

Even with a little more rain than we might have wished for, it has been a very good beginning.

Warm regards,

Dr. Brett Petrillo
Deputy Headmaster and Upper School Principal

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 by the end of August.

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.

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.

Friday, August 21: Brent will not have classes, and offices will be closed in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day.

Monday, August 31: Brent will not have classes, and offices will be closed in observance of National Heroes Day.

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!