Dear Brent Community,

Let me first express my gratitude to the entire Brent community for your strength and courage. We are in an extremely difficult time right now and the support amongst our families, students, employees, and friends has been strong.

Of course we hope to return regular classroom instruction, but we must also prepare for the possibility that the current quarantine will be extended. Given the present global trajectory of the pandemic and being conscious of individual family disruptions and your need to make future plans, Brent International School Subic will be making several adjustments to the school year regardless of whether or not we return to classroom instruction.

Priority will be given to completing educational requirements so that our students will have the educational background and transcripts necessary to successfully continue on to the next grade level.

It deeply pains me to cancel a number of long-cherished assemblies and ceremonies, but even if we are able to return to classrooms, it seems likely that large gatherings will continue to be discouraged. The opportunities for closure and to celebrate accomplishments are important, and we encourage families to find ways to formally recognize their children’s hard work. We too will continue looking for alternative ways to recognize and celebrate our students. That being said, the following events will no longer be held in person regardless of whether or not we return to classroom instruction:

Easter Eucharist
Weekly chapel/assemblies
The US/MS Production
Upper, Middle, and Lower School Concerts
Thursday Late Start Professional Development
MAP Testing
International Food Fest
House Water Day
IB Night
Baccalaureate Service
Activity Awards Assembly
School Level Awards Assemblies
Moving Up Days
Upper School Prom

The school year can end several days earlier given the additional instructional time gained by eliminating assemblies, Late Start Thursdays, and MAP testing. Therefore, final exams will run Friday, May 15 through Tuesday, May 19. Makeup exams will be held on Wednesday, May 20.

On Graduation

We will be communicating with our seniors and considering a variety of options for graduation. A ceremony in whatever form it may take will be held on Friday, May 22.

Next School Year

The first day of classes for students next school year (2020-2021) will be moved to Monday, August 10 in order to add a bit more flexibility into everyone’s summer planning, while also keeping in mind that a self-isolation period may be in place for returning travellers. The new 2020-2021 school calendar will be issued shortly. We will use distance learning during typhoon days next semester, which should mitigate any lost instructional time.

I am hopeful that these changes, though disappointing, will allow everyone to remove some of the unknowns and provide greater latitude in planning.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brett Petrillo
Headmaster/Upper School Principal