What makes us human is what gives life meaning in this digital age

Oct 30 2025

Dear BSM Family,

I have had the pleasure recently of spending quality time engaging with various groups across the school. Amongst others, I was interviewed by the editorial team from The Winston magazine, joined the Year 3 lunch break, attended the openings of the FOBISIA Senior Drama Festival and Inclusion eJAWS (both hosted by BSM), tested the new play equipment, popped into the Reading and Phonics workshop and the TOK Workshop and attended the Year 10 FOBISIA Short Story writing competition. In each of these, and so many more interactions, I am reminded of how privileged we all are to be part of this wonderful BSM learning community.

In the Year 10 FOBISIA Short Story Writing Competition, the quality of writing and depth of emotion the students displayed in their stories was incredible, and I shared in today's assembly the following quotes from three stories:

It has officially been a decade since the catastrophe struck. I still hear the screams and squeals of people every night, constantly reminding me of the tragedy. - Bella

And it struck him: being human was not about timetables or victories, not about racing forward with perfect strides. It was about breaking the silence when silence feels safest. - Athalia

The car door slams. Trees flicker past, the world blurring right in front of my eyes. I stare out, and in the reflection, I catch a glimpse of her again. Just a faint outline. - Mica

Each of the quotes from these stories opens a world of thought, emotion, and imagination. They invite us to think, to question, and to feel. And that is exactly what creative and expressive writing allows us to do.

Expressive writing isn’t just about storytelling; it is about thinking, speaking, and it is about solving problems in ways that even the smartest AI cannot.

Sure, AI can gather facts, but it cannot think deeply.

Expressive writing helps us to slow down, think deeply, reflect, and form our own ideas. It teaches us to analyse and question what we read, hear, and see. Every time we write reflectively, we train our minds to think critically. AI can write sentences. But only you can write and say something that matters.

In this modern world full of chatbots and algorithms, your voice, your human voice, is what gives life meaning. AI might be able to copy a speech or write a poem or a rap song, but it can’t mean the words; it cannot feel the words.

It doesn’t know heartbreak, it doesn’t know joy, and it doesn’t know laughter. You do. Your voices, our voices, our human voices, are what make meaning in this digital age.

And our interactions, too, give meaning. Any creativity, such as expressive writing, isn’t just about telling stories; it’s about finding your voice and using it to meaningfully engage with the real world.

So, the next time someone says, “AI can do that,” just smile and say: “Sure, but AI doesn’t have an original thought, or… a heart.”

As we have seen in today’s Whole School Assembly and as we see every day at BSM, our students are truly leaning into the opportunities that allow them to truly flourish; flourish as global citizens with the skills, understanding and values, to make a positive contribution to our world.

To each of you, make the most of the incredible opportunities afforded you. Bravo!

To the teachers, staff and parents, making it possible. Thank you!

As we observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, we extend our warm wishes to all members of our community. If you observe this, may it be a time of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for the lives of our departed loved ones. We hope you find peace and comfort in the company of family and friends during this meaningful weekend.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful break.

Martin van der Linde

Head of School

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.

Parent Workshops

'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.

'Strengthening Family Connections, Collaboration, & Communication', Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 08.00am-09.00am, LRC Level 2 Screen Space

Primary School parents are warmly invited to join the School Counsellors for a session on strengthening family bonds and fostering positive communication and collaboration with your children. Learn how to run brief, engaging family meetings that promote respect, teamwork, and understanding—equipping your family with tools to grow independent, kind, and resilient adults.

Please register here.

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

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