With the excitement and anticipation typical of the first day of school, the Belgrano Day School community began the 2025 academic year with ceremonies in the different sections. As every year, this moment marked the reunion of students, families, and teachers, welcoming new members and renewing the commitment to the values that distinguish the school.
Over the summer, BDS worked on improving its spaces and planning new educational projects, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and the well-rounded education of its students.
Kindergarten
The youngest members of BDS began school on February 17th with smiles, enthusiasm, and, in some cases, a tear or two at the big step they were taking. Students from K5 (Dinosaurs, Tigers, and Leopards) and K4 (Pandas and Dolphins) welcomed the school year in a heartfelt ceremony where they sang the Argentine Flag Song and the School Song, an anthem that symbolizes the institution’s identity. Meanwhile, the K2 and K3 children began their year in their classrooms, accompanied by their teachers and families.
In her opening speech, Estela Fothy, Head of Kinder, outlined the challenges for the year:
“This year we aim to continue honoring BDS traditions while focusing on innovation in our teaching practices. ‘Play the game,’ says our motto Fac Recte, and in Kinder we are embarking on the ambitious implementation of the Cambridge Early Years Programme. We know it will be a sustained journey, but we are excited because it reinforces what we are already doing. This proposal, centered on play, with a holistic curriculum, seeks to develop children’s independence, decision-making, confidence, and self-esteem within a bilingual framework.”
After the ceremony, K4 and K5 students headed to their classrooms with their teachers to begin the year’s activities.
Primary School
February 17th also marked the return to classes for Primary students. From 2nd to 6th grade, students took part in the traditional opening ceremony, which began with the presentation of the Ceremony Flags.
“Today is not just the first day of school. It’s our D-Day, the day we come back together as a community. Because that’s what we are at BDS: a community that grows, that supports one another, and that shares values and traditions that unite us. This year I invite you to take on a mission: to remember every day what it means to be part of BDS. To inspire concrete actions and make our values and identity visible, we’ll use a special hashtag: #BEBDS.”
In her message, Andrea Pelliccia, Head of Primary, highlighted the importance of the BDS community:
At 1:30 pm it was time for the P1 students, who left Kinder to begin a new stage in Primary. After the welcome remarks and the songs they sang together, they toured their classrooms and work spaces with their families. Finally, together with their teachers, they reflected on the meaning and expectations of this major change in their school journey.
Middle & Senior School
On Monday, February 24th, it was the turn of Middle & Senior students, who took part in the Whole School Assembly, the first ceremony of the year. As is tradition, the Head Girl and Head Boy, Delfina Augeri and Lautaro Lacunza, served as masters of ceremony.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the Ceremony Flags and the singing of the Argentine National Anthem. Then, Enzo Speranza, Head of Middle & Senior, addressed the community:
“For more than 100 years, we have been convinced that, as long as our actions are grounded in the values that define us as a Learning Community, we will be able to grow as individuals.”
He also announced an important development for 2025:
“This year we will begin the authorization process to become part of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The IB’s teaching-learning philosophy is fully aligned with that of BDS, and being part of this organization will contribute to our ongoing process of continuous improvement.”
Authorities in Attendance
All ceremonies were attended by Belgrano Day School authorities: Lic. Raúl Taboada, Legal Representative; Lic. Federico Sciola, General Administrator; Ing. Tomás Movsichoff, Deputy General Academic Director; Luz Cerini and Steven Page, Board of Advisors; Lic. Andrea Pelliccia, Head of Primary; Lic. Enzo Speranza, Head of Middle & Senior; Mag. Estefanía San Martín, Middle & Senior Academic Coordinator.
With new opportunities, challenges, and learning experiences ahead, the Belgrano Day School community began the 2025 academic year with a commitment to keep growing and strengthening its identity.
Happy start of school, and may it be a great year!
