Upper School Newsletter

• From the Upper School Principal
• First Quarter Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
• 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,

As we move further into the semester, this week offers several meaningful opportunities to celebrate our community, reflect on student progress, and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

This week is Spirit Week, and I encourage our students to take part in the activities and enjoy the opportunity to build school spirit and connect with one another. Events like these are an important part of the Upper School experience, giving students a chance to step outside the regular academic routine and contribute to the energy and sense of belonging within our community.

I would also like to remind families that first-quarter progress reports will be released on October 2. These reports provide an important early look at each student’s academic performance and growth during the first part of the semester. They highlight areas of strength while also helping identify where additional attention, support, or adjustment may be helpful.

Progress reports are not simply a measure of where a student stands at one point in time. They are an opportunity for reflection and conversation. Every student has the capacity to grow, and our teachers remain committed to supporting that growth throughout the semester. When students, parents, and teachers work together, we create the strongest possible conditions for students to learn, develop confidence, and reach their potential.

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will take place on October 5. We strongly encourage students to attend these conferences alongside their parents. Including students in these conversations allows them to reflect on their own learning, hear feedback directly from their teachers, ask questions, and take greater ownership of the goals and next steps that emerge from the discussion.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. I hope our students enjoy Spirit Week, and I look forward to the conversations and connections that the coming days will bring.

Warm regards,

Dr. Brett Petrillo
Deputy Headmaster and Upper School Principal

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are on Monday, October 5, from 7:45 am to 3:00 pm. To sign up, click on the link below.

A few important reminders:

• If it is your first time, we suggest watching the 2-minute, 30-second video tutorial to get basic instructions before signing up for meetings.
• If you have multiple children, you will have to sign up for meetings one child at a time. You may use the same email address for all.
• If you are trying to book a meeting with a teacher who has no more available slots or is unavailable on PTC Day, please reach out to that teacher via email. They will work with you to find a mutually convenient time on a different date.
• You will have the option to download a PDF version of your schedule on the Thank You page after clicking the Submit button.
• A confirmation email will still be sent after the Submit button is clicked and will be re-sent on October 3, two days before the actual PTC day. If the email message does not appear, kindly check your email spam folder.
• You will not be able to change your schedule once it has been submitted. If necessary, please send an email to eforms@brent.edu.ph.
• [NEW] To enhance the PTC sign-up experience, we have developed the Brent PTC app, which is more mobile-friendly. You can install the app on your mobile device by clicking “Add to Home Screen”. This will create an icon on your phone or tablet for easy access. If you choose not to install it, the app will still function the same way when accessed through your browser.

Upper School PTC Sign-up 2026

Shared Teachers PTC Sign-up 2026

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.

Friday, October 2: Mid-term progress reports are issued

Monday, October 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences. There won’t be classes on this day, but we encourage all students to attend conferences with their parents.

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.

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!