Let's work together to support our students' well-being and promote healthy habits
Let's work together to support our students' well-being and promote healthy habits
![A group of young students in school uniforms are seated in a library or classroom setting, engaged with digital devices and books.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769144658/britishschoolmanilaorg/britishschoolmanilaorg/tadlffg1u2k70haf5xoh/MessagefromtheHoS_17.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769144658/britishschoolmanilaorg/britishschoolmanilaorg/tadlffg1u2k70haf5xoh/MessagefromtheHoS_17.png","width":400}])
Dear BSM Family,
Across the world, schools and families are having conversations about young people and social media. With some countries now considering, and indeed introducing restrictions for children under 16, it feels like the right time for BSM to look forward rather than wait, strengthening our approach now so our students are well supported as the digital landscape continues to shift.
First and foremost, this is not about alarm or blame. Social media is part of modern life, and it can bring genuine positives. It helps young people stay connected, express creativity, share ideas, and learn how to communicate in digital spaces. At the same time, we also recognise that social media can be demanding, particularly for younger adolescents. It can make it harder to switch off, affect sleep, distract from learning, and can amplify worries around self-image or belonging. For many students, the online world can feel constant and overwhelming.
That is why we are reviewing how social media is used and discussed within our school context. Our intention is to be proactive, ensuring our approach supports well-being, learning, and healthy habits, now and into the future.
Recent events at BSM, such as this week’s MAD Week, remind us of the powerful benefits of meaningful, offline engagement. Throughout the week, our senior students connected face-to-face, collaborated creatively, and took part in activities that fostered empathy, purpose, and community. The positive energy reported from each of the experiences highlights how students thrive when they have space to connect deeply with others and focus on experiences beyond screens.
It is increasingly clear that children and young teenagers benefit from guidance and boundaries while they develop the resilience and critical thinking needed to navigate online spaces safely. Our role as a community is to provide that guidance in a balanced and supportive way.
As part of this review, our collective aim is to:
- Encourage healthier digital routines and balance
- Reduce unnecessary distractions during the school day
- Support positive well-being and self-esteem
- Promote responsible and respectful digital citizenship
Importantly, we want students to understand why boundaries matter, to reflect on their own habits, and to make informed choices about how they use technology. These are essential life skills, best developed through consistent messages at school and at home.
Any online search can provide useful information for parents, such as UNICEF Parenting: How to keep your child safe online. Please also see our school website for recent workshop resources.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we work together to ensure our students enjoy the benefits of the digital world while also protecting the well-being, focus, and connection that help them flourish.
Enjoy a family-filled weekend.
Martin van der Linde
New Governor Appointment
On behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Governors, it is our pleasure to present to you our new Governor:
Atty Karlo Estavillo - Governance and Compliance Governor
To know more about our Board of Governors, please visit the Leadership page of the school’s website.
We are fortunate to have such committed parents amongst our community.
Re-enrolment Emails
Whilst our students are enjoying the exciting opportunities that Term 2 offers, we have already started to plan for School Year 2026-2027.
We ask that all families watch out for our annual re-enrolment confirmation email, which will be sent to your family account at the start of next week.
'Nutrition Workshop with Harvie de Baron for family helpers, yayas, cooks, and drivers', Wednesday, 28 January 2026, 08.00am-09.00am, Senior FoodiE Bistro
Following the success of our recent parent session, BSM will host another nutrition workshop led by Harvie de Baron of the Baron Method.
This session is designed especially for family helpers, yayas, cooks and drivers, and will cover the same practical nutrition guidance in a hands-on, accessible way. Participants will learn simple tips to support healthy eating at home—from checking ingredient labels and preparing balanced meals, to making small adjustments that suit each child’s individual needs.
The workshop aims to empower those who help prepare family meals with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices that benefit the whole household.
'Loving Connections: Helping Children Thrive through the Seasons of Life ', Wednesday, 04 February 2026, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2, Screen Space
Children need to feel known, valued, and nurtured in their relationships through daily life in order to flourish and actively and meaningfully engage in their learning, their friendships and community. As we walk alongside them as a community and endeavour to create a strong ecosystem of connections that champions the relationships they need to thrive. The BSM Counsellors warmly invite you to join us for a time of reflection, exploration, and resource sharing of three evidence-based strategies to build resilience, especially during challenging times.
Join us on Wednesday, 04 February 2026, at the LRC Level 2 Screen Space, from 08.00am-09.00am.
Please register here on or before Tuesday, 03 February if you would like attend this Parent Workshop.
Lion's Den School Shop Alteration Guide
RELATED LINKS
- Message from the Head of School
- Whole School