Happy Independence Day! Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan!

Jun 7 2024

Dear BSM Family,

Next Wednesday is Philippine Independence Day. As the British School Manila, we are incredibly humbled and thankful for our place in the Philippines, in Manila and in the education landscape of the country and region. Embracing our host country, celebrating with our Filipino families, friends, and colleagues is important and so is remembering history and acknowledging those who made independence possible.

As Jose Rizal, one of the greatest national heroes of the Philippines said: "He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination."

Looking back at our own history, BSM will be 50 in 2026 and we most certainly have flourished. BSM is proudly diverse with 53 nationalities from around the world represented; and so, whether you are a proud Filipino celebrating your homeland, or a foreign national like me privileged to be a temporary guest in the Philippines and calling it home, the upcoming Philippine Independence Day is a wonderful and important community celebration for all of us.

On 28 May 1898, the Philippine Revolutionary Army led by General Emilio Aguinaldo defeated Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan in Cavite and first unfurled the National flag which he had brought with him from Hong Kong. Philippine Independence was formally proclaimed on 12 June 1898, when Aguinaldo waved the flag in Kawit, Cavite.

There, the Philippine National Anthem was also played for the first time.

The Declaration of Independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1898 was never fully realised since the Philippines became a U.S. colony under the Treaty of Paris following the US-Spanish war.

In 1935, the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth leading to independence after a planned 10-year transition. Of course, World War II disrupted that and finally on 4 July 1946, the Republic of the Philippines attained true independence and the Philippine flag could proudly fly again.

Celebrating the independence of the Philippines and the values in the symbolism of the flag reminds us, too, of our own shared values. Those represented by the colours on the national flag are peace, truth, and justice. Patriotism, valour, & equality.

Our core values at BSM, as you know, are Respect, Integrity, and Kindness.

It is the unwavering resolve and commitment of our heroes that inspire us all as we navigate the challenges of the present and work towards a brighter future.

Independence for any country epitomises a reflection on the past as much as hope for the future. It forces us all to think about being actively involved in shaping our own destiny and that of our world, promoting equality and progress for all and actively uplifting those less fortunate than ourselves.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Enjoy a family-filled weekend.

Kind regards,

Martin I. van der Linde

Head of School

Dear BSM Family,

School Bus Service New Rates SY 2024-2025

Please be informed that due to inflation, fuel price, and minimum wage order increases, our school bus service provider, Philkor Dynamics Solution and Sourcing Industry, Inc., will be increasing their school bus fees by 5% effective School Year 2024-2025.

Attached is the School Bus Service Agreement indicating the specific areas and the corresponding bus fees per term. The School Bus Service is an agreement between the bus service provider and the parent or guardian of bus riders. BSM is only acting as a facilitator in this arrangement and cannot guarantee routes and prices.

A bus service representative will be onsite to assist families in completing the bus service forms and to answer any enquiries until Friday, 21 June, and from Monday, 22 July, onwards. Kindly refer to the following contact details:

Ms. Mercy Salmo

Bus Office Coordinator

Telephone Number: 8860-4800 local 1118

Email: busservice@britishschoolmanila.org

Mobile Number: 0907-278-3229

The deadline for completing the School Bus Service Agreement is on Monday, 05 August. The timely submission of the forms will enable our bus provider to plan the routes and schedule the pick-up times effectively for the new school year commencing on Monday, 12 August.

Changes to PE Uniform

We are currently reviewing the Uniform, Dress, and Appearance Code for next school year which we will share with you shortly, but we wanted to let you know in advance about an exciting change so you can plan ahead.

For SY 2024-2025, starting in August, students will wear a new PE Uniform on timetabled PE days, with the current House Uniform being reserved for House competitions, Spirit Day, school trips and other special events.

The design mirrors the current house uniform but in BSM blue to boost our community spirit and match the uniforms worn by our BSM teams, our Lions On Tour shirts and our supporter shirts.

The new uniforms will be available in the Lion’s Den school shop from August and, to support families in making the transition, we will be allowing the current House Uniform to continue to be worn for PE during Term 1.

Pricing and sizing will remain the same as the current House Uniforms so we hope the transition period will allow families to replace their existing shirts as students grow and wear them out - though they look so good that we’re sure many will be excited to change far sooner!

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