Recent News and Updates2020-11-13T21:11:44+08:00

Recent News and Updates

Brent Subic Scheduling Update: April 2, 2020

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

By |April 2nd, 2020|

Extended Home Learning

Pursuant to Republic Act. No. 11469, and for the well-being of our community, we at Brent Subic will continue with our Home Learning program through April 30, 2020. Students will not report to school during this time.

While Home Learning has some limitations, I am confident in our ability to continue with the level of high quality learning for which we are known. There are also opportunities here for students to take on greater ownership of their own education. Parents, thank you very much for providing guidance at home, and students, thank you for showing the grit that comes with being an accomplished learner at Brent school!

As always, we will continue to keep you informed as the situation progresses.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brett Petrillo
Headmaster/Upper School Principal

By |March 20th, 2020|

SAT Cancelled – March 14

Brent International School Subic takes its role as an SAT testing center as well as its commitment to health and safety very seriously. Due to increasing concerns surrounding the spread of Covid-19 in the Philippines, Brent International School Subic has officially closed as a testing center this Saturday, March 14. Students registered to test at our center will receive an email from College Board regarding next steps and should communicate with them directly for any requests regarding refund or rescheduling.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause and look forward to hosting future administrations of the SAT.

By |March 11th, 2020|

COVID-19 Update: March 9, 2020

Dear Brent Family,

The new Coronavirus cases in the Philippines may be creating some anxiety in our community. I invite you to pray for the peace and safety of the Brent Family as a whole.

In addition to prayers, here is an update on our response to the newest cases of Coronavirus. We will continue to follow and take into account various agency recommendations. The situation may change quickly, and we will continue to provide information via email and our website.

Continuing with classes tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, Brent International School Subic is implementing and recommending the following precautions:

  1. All activities involving the participation of other schools outside of the Brent community will be suspended effective immediately.
  2. The weekly disinfecting with Virosolve will continue every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This includes handrails, door handles, light switches, etc.
  3. The hand sanitizer Sterillium will continue to be available in all areas of the school, including classrooms, offices, security stations, and the cafeteria.
  4. Daily temperature checks of all individuals entering the campus will continue. Students, families, and employees should remain home if they have even mild symptoms of illness out of consideration to the rest of the community.
  5. The self-isolation expectations outlined in our March 1 update remain in full force.
  6. We urge anyone with travel plans outside the country during Easter Break to reconsider. It is possible anyone returning from abroad could be required to self-quarantine by that point. It is also possible to be stranded outside the country making access to resources and online classes difficult.
  7. Prepare a plan for your children to have supervision and internet access in case we need to go to Home Learning. We have been preparing for the possibility for some time.

Thank you for your patience, kindness, and self-discipline as we continue to navigate this situation. God bless.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brett Petrillo
Headmaster/Upper School Principal

By |March 9th, 2020|

COVID-19 Update & PTCs

Good day Brent Families,

Out of an abundance of caution, we are cancelling Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) and all other activities planned for Monday, March 9. There will be no offices open on Monday, either. This comes after the recent diagnosis of multiple new cases of Covid-19 in the Manila area, and the Department of Health’s recommendation that the alert level be raised to “Code Red”.

By cancelling the PTC’s we will be given an extra day to monitor and assess the situation surrounding these new cases in the Philippines.

Fortunately, to date Brent Schools have been able to continue with classes as usual. Our plan is to continue with classes on Tuesday March 10, however, the possibility that the Covid-19 virus spreads more widely is real, and we must all be prepared for the possibility that we are forced to move to Home Learning. We will continue to update you as the situation develops.

In the meantime, I have attached the guidelines we have developed to facilitate high-quality Home Learning should the need arise. Please familiarize yourself with this document and reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

As always, the health of our entire Brent community (students, staff, teachers, and families) remain our top priority and concern.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brett Petrillo
Headmaster/Upper School Principal
By |March 8th, 2020|

SAT Info March 14

Brent International School Subic welcomes all students who have registered to take the SAT on our campus on Saturday, March 14, 2020. However, students are advised to be aware of our school’s policies surrounding protection against the spread of Covid-19 during this round of SAT testing.

  1. Students with travel to China (including Special Administrative Regions), Japan, South Korea, Iran, or Italy within 14 days of the testing date are requested to self-isolate and abstain from testing. This also applies to students who have been in close contact with anyone who has travelled to these countries.
  2. Body temperature scans will be conducted upon arrival. Students with a body temperature reading of over 38°C will not be permitted to enter campus.
  3. Parents, caregivers, and drivers are to drop students off at the main entrance. Only students are allowed on campus during the testing period.

Please arrive early to allow for any delays that these measures might create. Students affected by the above policies should contact the College Board with regard to cancellation, rescheduling, or refunds. We thank you for your cooperation as we work to safeguard our staff and students against the ongoing concerns surrounding this global health issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

By |March 4th, 2020|
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