Upholding traditions that foster a sense of community

Nov 8 2024

Dear BSM Family,

Tonight is our annual Guy Fawkes Night event and it promises to be a fun-filled community gathering. An annual tradition that brings us together under the banner of an enduring British celebration, Guy Fawkes Day on every fifth of November, commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, hence the fireworks. There is, of course, more historical context and significance but for now let’s consider the idea of “tradition.” For us, Guy Fawkes Night brings a bit of British history and festivity to our school community with entertainment, fireworks, food and a sense of shared celebration.

I recently heard the saying, "Tradition is just peer pressure from those who came before us," and it made me laugh, but it also gave me pause to stop and think. Our students sit at the heart of BSM and our school traditions reinforce our sense of belonging in our community. Guy Fawkes Night, Year 13 Graduation, Student Leader Hustings, International Evening, Parent Coffee mornings, and Summer Fete, for example, all create a sense of continuity, connect us to our shared history and purpose, and foster pride and belonging. But as amusing as that quote is, it holds a bit of truth. We work hard at upholding traditions and ensuring that they resonate with who we are as a community today.

At their best, traditions foster a sense of community and shared rituals that students, families, and staff look forward to every year. They bring our BSM community together and showcase the diversity of experiences and perspectives that enrich our school environment. Traditions also instil a sense of pride and belonging in our students. Seeing themselves as part of a bigger picture, with shared purpose and values, students feel more connected to the school’s legacy and empowered to contribute their unique strengths to that legacy.

As we look towards the future, we want to keep the traditions that reinforce our values and adapt those that may benefit from a fresh perspective so as to reflect our ever-growing, ever-changing, thriving community.

Enjoy Guy Fawkes Night and thank you for helping us create and uphold traditions that will keep BSM a vibrant and welcoming school.

Warm regards,

Martin van der Linde

Head of School

Notice of Withdrawal

Dear Parents,

With Christmas Break and the start of another exciting year on the horizon, we are also aware some families may be starting to make plans to move on. If you intend to leave before Term 3, we ask you to complete the Notice of Withdrawal Form on or before Friday, 06 December 2024.

As places at BSM are in high demand, this allows us to plan for changes in classes and ensures you are not charged. As a reminder, if we do not receive a notice of withdrawal, the school will charge full fees for Term 3.

Thank you.

Maria Cecilia Roque | Donna Caballo
Finance Manager | Admissions Manager

The Episcopal (Anglican) Church of the Holy Trinity

Remembrance Sunday, 10 November 2024 "Lest We Forget"

The Church of the Holy Trinity extends a warm invitation and welcome to everyone to join us at our Remembrance Sunday Service being held at 09.30am on Sunday, 10 November 2024. Our address is:

48 McKinley Road, Forbes Park Makati (Across from the San Antonio Plaza)

The Service is held each year on the Sunday closest to 10 November 2024 (Armistice Day).

It is to remember with thanksgiving and deep gratitude, those who made the supreme sacrifice in times of war and in the service of others, so that we and future generations may live in peace.

The address during the Service will be given by:

His Majesty's Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils.

The service will also be available online.

Tel. (02) 8817 9440

email inquiry@holytrinity.ph

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