The result of our collaboration & our strong sense of belonging as reflected in the insightfulness of our BSM students
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Dear BSM Family,
Last week, I had the privilege of being interviewed by one of our Year 7 students for a project on well-being and belonging. What really struck me were two things. Firstly, the maturity and confidence of the student and secondly, the incredible thoughtfulness of the questions and her deep interest in what I had to say about what makes people feel connected, valued, and happy at BSM. It was a wonderful experience, and it reminded me that our young people understand more deeply than we appreciate that belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential to learning, engagement, and success.
I am currently at the Annual EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) Leadership Conference and have had some really interesting conversations with other school leaders about what success looks like at schools, and what impact that has. As with our Year 7 BSM students’ perspective, the consensus is that a sense of belonging drives engagement in school and school activities and is a direct indicator of success. As you know, success, of course, is not only measured by academic outcomes, but that is for another time…
Research consistently shows that when students feel they belong, their engagement and motivation soar. Data from multiple international studies, including the OECD’s PISA Well-being Report, reveal that students who report a strong sense of belonging at school are significantly more likely to attend regularly, participate actively in class, and achieve higher academic outcomes.
At BSM, we see this every day. Our school's commitment to a sense of belonging is not just about pastoral care. When students are known, respected, and included, whether through a caring tutor group, supportive friendships, or meaningful engagements with their teachers, they are more likely to take learning risks, persevere through challenges, and discover their best selves. Framed within our community and shared core values, we establish a strong basis for learning and growth.
Critically, the positive relationships we build between school and home model for our students the importance of trust, collaboration, and community. I am deeply grateful to our parents for their ongoing positivity and support.
My conversation with that delightful Year 7 student reminded me how insightful our students can be about what truly matters. It is what keeps us forging ahead and makes us truly proud of our wonderful BSM.
Wishing all participants in Sunday's Annual BSM Fun Run a great family morning out.
Warm regards,
Martin van der Linde
Message from the BSM Board of Governors
Announcing an opening on the Board of Governors for Legal & Compliance Governor. The role has a term of five years, starting at the end of this term.
All parents in good standing are eligible to join the BSM Board. Governors all have equal status for the strategic and oversight role of BSM, plus advising the school leadership. Each Governor helps by overseeing a specific area of the School on behalf of the collective responsibility of the Board.
The skills/experience we are looking for are - Recognised legal qualification and Philippine legal expertise, including practical familiarity with local compliance requirements and processes. Candidates should have experience heading the governance of a large organisation and be currently in practice. In this role, the Governor will liaise with BSM’s leadership team and external counsel and provide oversight of the governance standards of the school.
If you are interested in the role or would like to discuss further, please contact Tim Daniels, Board Chair, or Ivy Ramos, Board Administrator, by Saturday, 08 November.
Alliance Global Tower Fire Drill
Please be advised that the Alliance Global Tower (across BSM) will conduct a Fire Drill for its building occupants on Thursday, 30 October 2025, from 09.00am to 11.00am.
Participants will assemble in their designated evacuation area along 36th Street, near the school. During this time, heavy traffic is expected in the area.
BSM Fun Run
Sunday, 26 October 2025, 07.00am, The British School Manila
Scan the QR code or click here to register
'ToK in an AI World: What Makes Us Human?', Wednesday, 29 October, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2 Screen Space
'Nutrition and Holistic Health for Students: The Hungry Mind & Body with Dr Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas', Wednesday, 05 November 2025, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2 Screen Space
We often focus on curriculum, technology, and teaching methods to boost child development. Are we overlooking the most fundamental building blocks: nutrition and physical health? This talk, “The Hungry Mind & Body”, explores the powerful connection between what children eat and how they learn, behave, feel, and thrive. We will move beyond generic advice to provide a science-backed, practical framework for using nutritional medicine as a tool to enhance not only focus and memory but also to address and identify common physical health barriers to learning and development.
We will delve into the role of nutrition in managing conditions like eczema, asthma, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, and sleep disturbances—all of which directly impact a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom. Attendees will leave not just informed, but empowered with actionable strategies to create environments where every child is properly fueled for cognitive and physical well-being. Read more about the works of Dr Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas here.
Please register here on or before Tuesday, 04 November, if you would like to attend this Parent Workshop.
The Episcopal (Anglican) Church of the Holy Trinity
Remembrance Sunday, 09 November 2025 "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, 09 November 2025. 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 11 November 2025 (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, Sarah Hulton OBE
The service will also be available online.
Tel. (02) 8817 9440
email inquiry@holytrinity.ph
RELATED LINKS
- Message from the Head of School
- Whole School