Tradition and community connect us, strengthen us, and remind us of the kind of world we want to create together
Tradition and community connect us, strengthen us, and remind us of the kind of world we want to create together
![Tradition and community connect us, strengthen us, and remind us of the kind of world we want to create together]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763101188/britishschoolmanilaorg/qxnqmy4sq9ejclmgdsdo/MessagefromtheHoS_11.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763101188/britishschoolmanilaorg/qxnqmy4sq9ejclmgdsdo/MessagefromtheHoS_11.png","width":400}])
Dear BSM Family,
Since last week’s Lions’ Roar message, our BSM community has come together for two significant occasions that beautifully capture who we are: Guy Fawkes Night and Remembrance Day Assembly. Though very different in tone, both remind us of the enduring importance of tradition and community in the life of our school.
Guy Fawkes Night was, once again, one of those truly special evenings, filled with fun, food, fireworks, and friendship. It brought a little piece of British history to our corner of Manila and, more importantly, it brought us together in a true sense of togetherness that this tradition inspires.
For me, traditions like this are how we keep our shared memories alive, our way of saying, “this still matters.” They help us to build belonging and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves: a community that values joy, respect, and connection. My thanks go to our fabulous BSM PTA, all our wonderful support teams, and to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a success. Your energy and teamwork keep the BSM spirit burning bright.
Only days later, we came together again, this time in solemn reflection for the Remembrance Day Assembly. Across the Commonwealth, this is a moment to honour those who served and sacrificed in times of war and conflict. For us at BSM, it is also a chance to reflect on the privilege of peace and the shared responsibility we hold to learn from the past.
As Nelson Mandela once said:
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish.”
Those words feel especially meaningful. Around the world, conflict and suffering persist, reminders that peace must never be taken for granted. As our guest speaker, Captain Antony Stockbridge RN, Defence Attaché to the Philippines, British Embassy Manila, reminded us during our service,
“Remembrance isn’t just about the past, it’s about what we learn from it.”
At BSM, that lesson finds its daily expression in our core values of Kindness, Integrity, and Respect. These values guide us as we celebrate our community and honour the past, helping us to build a community rooted in compassion, understanding, and hope.
So, as we look back on these two moments, one of joy and one of reflection, may we carry forward the deeper message they share: that tradition and community connect us, strengthen us, and remind us of the kind of world we want to create together.
Warm regards,
Martin van der Linde
Parent Workshops
'PSHE Unpacked: Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom', Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 08.00am, Senior FoodiE Bistro
During this workshop, we will demystify PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) in Senior School. Far from being “just sex education,” our PSHE programme equips students with essential life skills, including critical thinking, digital citizenship, careers education, well-being, and respectful relationships.
During this session, we’ll unpack how the PSHE curriculum is thoughtfully designed across year levels, highlight the key learning outcomes for each stage, and share practical strategies to help you engage your child in meaningful conversations about complex or sensitive topics. Together, we’ll explore how PSHE empowers students to navigate the modern world with confidence, empathy, and integrity.
'Years 10-13 Parent Coffee Morning: College Counselling Updates', Wednesday, 26 November 2025, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2, Screen Space
During this session, Ms Caras will share some key insights and updates from the CIS Global Forum on International Admissions and Guidance conference — including the latest trends in higher education, admissions news, and reflections on BSM's presence at the conference.
This will be an informal and relaxed opportunity to connect over coffee with the College Counselling team, hear updates from the world of international university admissions, and ask any questions you may have.
RELATED LINKS
- Message from the Head of School
- Whole School