Celebrate love, courage, and community spirit at BSM
Celebrate love, courage, and community spirit at BSM
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Dear BSM Family,
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, falling intriguingly on Friday the 13th at school, it feels like a timely reminder that meaning is shaped not by superstition, but by values.
Across many parts of Europe, for centuries, Friday the 13th has carried a reputation for bad luck, rooted in medieval folklore and cultural traditions. Yet history also reminds us that perspective matters. In Asia, other numbers bode ill fortune. In either case, a date once viewed with caution can just as easily become a day filled with joy, connection, and gratitude.
Valentine’s Day itself has similarly rich and layered origins. Beyond what some may see as simply a commercial tradition, its roots lie in the legends of St Valentine stories associated with courage, kindness, and selflessness. One account tells of Valentine as a priest who secretly married couples in defiance of unjust laws, standing up for love, compassion, and the right to be together. Another legend describes his acts of healing and generosity, including restoring sight to a jailer’s blind daughter and signing a final note before his execution, “Your Valentine.”
At the heart of these stories is not superstition, but character, integrity, empathy, courage and care for others.
These are some of the very qualities we strive to nurture in our BSM community. Over this past week, leading up to the half-term break, our BSM Sporting Values have been on display during our various Sports Days. They were thoroughly engaging and enjoyable, filled with energy, grit, teamwork, perseverance, and of course, House spirit. Sometimes, more from our supporting parents! And, thank you to all the parents who came to support their children and teams and indeed participated. Your presence makes a tremendous difference. A special shout-out as well to our outstanding PE, Health, & Well-Being Department for their organisation, enthusiasm, and tremendous efforts in making these events such a success.
A personal highlight for me this week was attending the IBDP Drama Collaborative Project final assessment. I was completely enthralled by the depth, creativity, and meaning in the students’ performances. Their confidence, vulnerability, and collaboration were truly impressive. Bravo to our Drama students and teachers for such powerful work.
Chinese New Year Celebrations have also been enjoyed across various parts of the school. As always, the Dragon Dance is a hit with students and staff alike.
Tap left or right to see more photos
Tap left or right to see more photos
Moments like these and many more, as shown in this Lion's Roar, reflect the richness of a BSM education. They demonstrate that learning here is not confined to classrooms. It is expressed through teamwork, artistic expression, resilience, and courage. It is grounded in the values that shape who we are as a community.
As the half-term break now begins, it offers us a welcome opportunity to pause and to reflect on the successes of this term. So perhaps it is fitting that this Valentine’s Day shares space with Friday the 13th. It reminds us that what truly shapes a day and a community is not myth or superstition, but the values we choose to live out daily.
Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with warmth and appreciation for one another, and a well-deserved and restful half-term break, and safe travels for those heading away.
Have a wonderful, family-filled weekend.
Martin van der Linde
Parent Workshops
'Year 11 Parent Coffee Morning with College Counsellors', Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2, Screen Space
This Year 11 Parent Coffee Morning is an informal opportunity for families to sit down together with the College Counselling Team, ask questions, and begin conversations as we move into a more focused phase of guidance and planning. We’ll talk through common questions around subject selection, outline what to expect from the upcoming Higher Education (HE) meetings in March, and clarify the purpose and goals of those meetings with Year 11 families. Most importantly, this session is designed to create space for connection — a chance to meet one another, raise any early doubts or curiosities, and start building the collaborative relationships that will support students as we begin working more closely together over the coming months.
'Supporting Parents with Career Exploration & Future Pathways Conversations with Your Child', Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 08.00am-09.00am, Senior FoodiE Bistro
Are you looking for meaningful ways to connect with your children about their future? Parents of Primary and Senior School students are invited to join our school and College Counsellors for an engaging workshop to equip you with practical strategies to foster open, values-based conversations that inspire confidence and curiosity. Learn how to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and shift from pressure to empowerment.
Instead of focusing solely on careers or universities, discover how to open doors to possibilities aligned with your child’s passions, strengths, and purpose and support their journey with encouragement, resilience, and hope.
International Evening, Friday, 06 March 2026
Have you been to a BSM International Evening event before? It is a wonderful celebration of cultures and an evening of traditional costumes, sumptuous food and amazing performances! Here is a glimpse of last year’s sell-out event:
WISE Roundtable, Saturday, 07 March 2026
Join us at the WISE Roundtable on Women’s Health for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with changemakers who bring fresh perspectives and lived experiences to the table. From championing empowerment through movement and fitness to advancing sustainable health solutions, our speakers promise authentic and powerful discussions that matter. This is a unique opportunity to listen, learn, and connect around the issues shaping women’s health today. We look forward to seeing you there! Scan the QR code or click this link to register https://bit.ly/WISE_Roundtable2026
RELATED LINKS
- Message from the Head of School
- Whole School