The spirit of partnership that defines the BSM community
The spirit of partnership that defines the BSM community
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Dear BSM Family,
One of the true privileges of my role as Head of School is the many opportunities to speak so regularly with so many of you, parents who are deeply engaged with life at BSM. Over the past few weeks, these conversations have offered meaningful and rich insights. Moreover, they are also heartening reminders of what makes our BSM community so special.
In one recent conversation this week, a parent mentioned how much they look forward to reading this weekly article. I mentioned that a few parents read our Lion's Roar. However, since that chat, I have checked on our data, and we actually have a rate of around 80-90% of families opening the Lion’s Roar weekly. That’s incredible! And that’s significantly up on the 20% or so just two years ago!
Back to my original point, regular conversations with parents offer an insight into successes as well as challenges and are a welcome opportunity for us to learn and understand parent perspectives.
Another chat, equally valuable, touched on the school’s role in situations that arise beyond our gates. From time to time, we are asked about how to respond when disputes occur between children or families outside of school hours. These are delicate matters, and while our responsibility is first and foremost within school, our aim is always to partner with families in ways that support children’s well-being and growth. Together, we seek to foster empathy, resilience, and constructive conflict resolution, skills that will serve our young people for life.
Most uplifting for me have been the many positive conversations I’ve had with families, especially those new to BSM, about how smoothly their children are settling into the new school year. Time and again, parents have spoken of the warm welcome their children have received, the excitement they feel for learning, and the friendships already beginning to blossom. These stories capture the very essence of what we strive for, a BSM that embraces its purpose.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our remarkable teachers and the many support teams who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to create an environment where every child can flourish. From classroom teachers and specialist staff to our operations and support colleagues, it is their professionalism and care that give life to the values we cherish.
Above all, I am grateful for the spirit of partnership that defines the BSM community. Parents, teachers, and students alike contribute to a culture of kindness, integrity and respect.
Thank you for making the British School Manila not just a school, but a truly thriving community.
Speaking of community, please see our request again, elsewhere in this Lion’s Roar, for further support for our partner community in Tondo, where another fire has devastated lives and homes.
Warm regards,
Martin van der Linde
Head of School
FOBISIA Newsletter
The FOBISIAN: Term 1, September 2025, Issue 48
BSM Fun Run
Sunday, 26 October 2025, 07.00am, The British School Manila
Scan the QR code or click here to register
The BWA Linda Boyd Memorial Texas Scramble Tournament
WISE Roundtable
The WISE Roundtable on Women’s Health will feature inspiring voices who bring expertise and advocacy to issues impacting women today. The event creates space for open dialogue, shared learning, and collective action, highlighting changemakers dedicated to advancing women’s health and empowerment.
'Year 3 BYOD Parent Workshop', Wednesday, 24 September, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2, Screen Space
Join us on Wednesday, 24 September, from 08.00am-09.00am (LRC Level 2, Screen Space), to learn more about BSM’s approach to technology and how it supports learning in Year 3. We’ll share our Technology Curriculum, the Year 3 iPad integration plan, and the controls we use to keep students safe. The ICT team will also guide you on setting up devices safely. There will be time for your questions, too.
'Careers in the Creative Industries by Marcel Pusey', Wednesday, 24 September, 08.00am-09.00am, Bayanihan Hall, Creative Arts Centre
Parents are warmly invited to join international musician and educator Marcel Pusey for an inspiring workshop on careers in the arts and creative industries. Drawing on his award-winning work as a producer, composer, performer, and education innovator, Marcel will share insights into the diverse opportunities available for young people with creative passions. From music and performance to multimedia and production, he will highlight how skills developed through the arts—creativity, collaboration, resilience, and confidence—can open doors to a wide range of future pathways.
Please register here on or before Tuesday, 23 September, if you would like to attend this Parent Workshop.
RELATED LINKS
- Message from the Head of School
- Whole School