News & Updates

December 4, 2020

Dear Brent Family,

It is now December, and we have no official word from the government on regulations for returning to in-person classes. With Christmas break approaching we feel it is important to give our families time to plan. The school will likewise need time to review any guidelines on returning to classrooms once those announcements are made. Furthermore, travel and family gatherings during the Christmas and New Year holidays increase the potential for spreading COVID-19, and make it prudent to include a time gap before any potential return to classrooms.

Therefore, Monday, February 1, 2021 is now the earliest possible date for returning to in-person instruction. Whether or not we actually do return at that time is still dependent on future government regulations.

I hope this helps in organizing the next few months. Stay safe and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,
Jason Atkins
Headmaster

Early Learning Center Presents A Virtual Christmas Production
The Christmas Story
December 11, 2020
4:00 P.M.

Lower School Presents A Virtual Christmas Production
Christmas Unlocked
December 4, 2020
4:00 P.M.

November 12, 2020

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and the whole extended Brent Family,

Our accreditation visit by the committee from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) concluded on Thursday, November 12. The visiting committee’s report was remarkably positive. They said, among other things, that, “The school should be proud of the fact that the Brent spirit and culture shines through and reflects a school that is vibrant, caring and compassionate.”

A huge “Thank you” goes out to everyone who helped give feedback for our Self Study and those who served on our many Focus Groups. A special thanks is owed to Mr. Wyks who spearheaded the entire study.

The WASC Focus on Learning review process takes several years, and is challenging in the best of times. These have not been the best of times, and to complete this accreditation online while delivering a rigorous distance learning program is a testament to the remarkable people who make up our community.

Our hard-working students, their supportive families, and the dedicated professionals in every department and at every level throughout our school have created a community that is greater than the sum of its parts, and the WASC committee could see your commitment and the warm, caring culture you have created.

Thank you all.

Sincerely,
Jason Atkins
Headmaster

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be able to push through with our annual, face-to-face Biñan Christmas Charity. However, we are delighted to inform you that Brent has decided to proceed with this year’s Christmas Charity in a different way in order to help the Biñan community and the communities ravaged by the super typhoon “Rolly” and our School agency staff.

By continuing our Brent tradition of giving back to the community every Christmas season, we would like to ask for your help and support for this year’s Christmas Charity 2020 to share the spirit of Christmas giving with our community.

The donation will be sent to two places: half to Biñan and the other to a community in Catanduanes or in Camarines Sur and some for our Brent agency staff.

Donations can be in cash or in kind, and either would be much appreciated. Cash can be deposited to Brent International School Manila Inc., and indicated for Brent Cares Christmas Charity fund. Please find Brent School bank details here.

Donations in kind can be:

• rice, noodles, bottled water (355ml or 500ml)
• 3-in-1 coffee sachets, canned goods, 1kg pack sugar
• blankets, towels, clothing, soap
• fever, colds, cough medicine (tempra forte or biogesic tablets)
• face masks, face shields, rubbing alcohol, PPE

These can be delivered at the drop off area at the Brent Manila campus. The Christmas Charity drive will start on Thursday, November 12 and end on November 25, 2020, and the Christmas family packs will be sent out on December 15.

We hope you can look into your hearts and bring out the Christmas spirit to share with others.

Brent will host a WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges, USA) Virtual Visit from November 9-12, 2020 as part of the school’s re-accreditation with the organization. A 5 member Visiting Committee, composed of administrators from international schools around Asia, will review the school’s self study report and provide their observations on Brent’’s programs and practices. The self-study process is not an evaluation of Brent’s programs but rather provides the school with an opportunity to reflect on its mission and curriculum in the culminating activity of the six-year accreditation cycle. The Visiting Committee will hold meetings with teachers, the PTA and staff and drop in on classes via Zoom. Students who plan to attend remedials should note that Brent teachers will attend meetings with the Visiting Committee on Monday Nov 9 – 2:45 – 3:30 pm and on Thursday Nov 12 – 3:00 – 3:45 pm.