Good day Brent Families,
As many of you may have heard, we have good news on our continued quest to bring students back for face-to-face classes.
The Department of Education has released Memorandum No. 071, s. 2021, which recognizes “the unique nature of International Schools” and their “capacity to implement face-to-face classes outside the 120 pilot schools.” This is a very positive development, and it clears the way for independent approval via the Department of Education, Department of Health, IATF and our Local Government.
This recognition by DepEd is greatly appreciated given that Brent’s social distancing space is immense. Brent International School Subic covers four hectares for only 170 students in kindergarten through grade 12. Class sizes in kindergarten to grade two currently average about six students. Grades three through twelve average about 15 students per class. Classrooms average 80 square meters, which provides 4 square meters per person even for a class of 20. In other words, most classrooms at Brent will have a more socially distant seating capacity than restaurants operating at 50% capacity under modified community quarantine, where diners do not wear masks.
Additionally, we have vaccinated approximately 98% of our employees and further vaccinated other individuals who have close contact with our campus or our employees.
Once we receive permission to return to face-to-face instruction and know the final criteria, we will reach out to parents and students with a survey. We will then establish a timeline to make the transition back to the classroom as smooth as possible with that information.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the recently distributed Echoes. I know the team worked very hard putting together. I also wish everyone a restful All Saints break.
God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brett Petrillo
Headmaster