Dear parents, guardians, and students,

This is a special edition of our newsletter, highlighting the Regeneration Festival, our annual event. Here, you will find the schedule and program details.

This year, the festival goes beyond environmental sustainability, embracing a holistic approach that includes ecological balance, social justice, and human rights. Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this student-led event invites the entire community to explore solutions to today’s global challenges.

Stay tuned and join us in this celebration of ideas and action!

• A Message from the Principal

• Upcoming Events

  • Parents coffee morning

  • Spring concerts: let’s dance!

  • Regeneration Festival 2025!

  • Bio Market at Regeneration Festival

• Practical Information

  • Lice alert

• Act Together

  • Menu/ Country Days in Our Kitchen

  • March’s Seasonal Star: Cauliflower

Dear Aprendizes Community,

We are at a pivotal moment in history where the future of our planet, human rights, and democracy are at risk. Ecological sustainability, climate change, human rights, and democracy are no longer isolated issues—they are deeply interconnected. The choices we make today will shape the world we leave for future generations. We can no longer afford to ignore these challenges.

Ecological sustainability is critical because our planet’s resources are finite, and we are rapidly depleting them. Our ecosystems are under severe threat, with climate change accelerating environmental degradation, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity. Wildfires in South Korea and devastating flooding in Bolivia are just two examples of the destruction caused by climate change, displacing thousands and destroying entire communities. These events are urgent reminders that action is needed now. Without immediate change, we risk creating a world increasingly hostile to human life and all living species.

Climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, deepening inequalities and threatening human rights. Vulnerable populations, particularly in the Global South, are already bearing the brunt of rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather. This growing crisis demands that we protect human dignity and ensure fundamental rights for everyone.

At the same time, democratic values are under threat as authoritarian movements rise and challenge the principles of equality, freedom, and justice. The erosion of democratic institutions, the disregard for science, and the marginalization of entire groups signal a dangerous shift away from the values that our societies depend on. Our rights and freedoms must be actively defended.

This is why we are hosting the Regeneration Festival on April 3 & 4. At the festival, we will hear from students who have researched innovative solutions to the challenges we face, providing fresh ideas for a sustainable future. Climate activists will share their powerful stories, and we will showcase circular economies as inspiring examples of sustainable models. The festival will offer a platform for collaboration, learning, and empowerment as we work together for a more just, resilient, and democratic world.

Now is the time to act. Join us at the Regeneration Festival and be part of the movement toward lasting change.

Together, we can make a difference.

 
Rikke
Principal, Aprendizes

28 Mar | Breakfast with Parents – 08:45 AM to 09:30 AM
28 Mar | Spring Concerts – Primary – 04:15 PM – Library

1 Apr | Atelier Rita Rovisco Workshop – 08:30 AM to 03:30 PM – PS0B | PS0E | PS0F
3-4 Apr | Regeneration Festival

4 Apr | Bio Market – Tent – 04:15 PM to 06:00 PM

7-8 Apr | Tumo Lisboa Tech Day – 08:30 AM to 03:30 PM – 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades

8 Apr | LASA Tournament – Kings Boys Football – 09:00 AM to 02:30 PM – 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades

9 Apr | LASA Tournament – Kings Boys Football – 09:00 AM to 02:30 PM – 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades

10 Apr | Tumo Lisboa Tech Day – 08:30 AM to 03:30 PM – 9th grade

11 Apr | Biology – Universidade Lusófona – 01:30 PM to 05:30 PM – 12th grade

29 Apr | Model United Nations CAISL

ERWIN RUSSEL INTERVIEW

We invite you to listen to the podcast by Gui and Salvador, from the 7th grade, featuring an interview with Erwin Russel, Director of the Apprentices. This conversation is filled with fascinating insights about how it all began, his passion for education, and his life journey.

Erwin also shared the various challenges he faced in the early years of the school and how it evolved into the institution we know today.

Highlight event - For all

PARENTS' DAY COFFEE | JOIN US!

Come join us for Parents' Day Coffee on March 28th, from 8:45 AM to 09:30 AM!

This is a great chance to connect, share, and engage in open conversations between parents and the school.

Enjoy a warm and welcoming setting where we can exchange ideas, discuss your child’s progress, upcoming events, and ways to collaborate for their growth.

We look forward to seeing you there for a meaningful and friendly chat. Don’t miss this opportunity!

SPRING CONCERTS: LET’S DANCE!

Aprendizes is ready to celebrate the arrival of spring with lots of music and dance! The Primary Spring Concert takes place this Friday, March 28, at 4:15 PM in the Library.

RECYCLING AT THE REGENERATION FESTIVAL

As part of the Regeneration Festival, we will have a special collection initiative for small appliances, light bulbs, and batteries (see the image for details on what you can donate) in collaboration with Eletrão. Staples will collect pens, pencils, and glue sticks; Dr. Filipa Coimbra will deliver toothbrushes to Jordan; and the Claro Movement will accept bottle caps.

Join us and contribute to a more sustainable planet!

All collection bins will be clearly labeled at the school entrance.

CHARITY EVENT SUPPORTS MAKE-A-WISH

On April 3rd, from 14:10 to 15:00, four 8th grade students will host an interactive activity in the school’s main lobby to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Open to all students and families, participation requires a minimum donation of one euro.

PARENTS' CLASSES AT REGENERATION FESTIVAL

Regeneration Festival introduces special classes for parents in partnership with ArteMove. On April 3rd, enjoy an adult yoga session at 15:30 in the Amphitheatre. On April 4th, experience Hip Hop 30+ at the same time and place. A perfect chance to move, relax, and connect! Join us for a fun and revitalizing experience.

FASHION WORKSHOP EXHIBITION

In collaboration with the Media and Magazine Workshops, our Fashion Workshop presents an AI-simulated Photoshop showcase featuring students’ clothing designs from the first term. These designs were created through upcycling and reinventing used clothing, encouraging sustainability and creativity in fashion.

Many of the photos are featured in the school magazine, The Sauce, which is available for sale. This exhibition highlights the students’ innovative approach to fashion and digital presentation. The exhibition will be on display throughout the festival.

PROF. IVA PIRES: REDUCING FOOD WASTE

On April 4th at 9:00 AM, Professor Iva Pires will present COMBINE, a European project (Belgium, Italy, France, Denmark, and Portugal) that integrates different types of interventions to reduce consumer food waste and assess potential synergies. She will explain our school's contribution (the only Portuguese school participating) and outline the initiatives and activities that will be implemented over the two-year collaboration.

Join us for this session and be part of the change!

BIO MARKET AT REGENERATION FESTIVAL

In April, the Bio Mkt will be part of the Regeneration Festival, promoting sustainability and conscious consumption. The exhibitor selection was curated with Eunice Maia, with no open registrations—participants were invited based on their alignment with the event’s concept. It will be on Friday, the 4th, at 16:15.

But there’s another opportunity: the Flea Market, where students and families can sell clothes, toys, and books. Registrations are already open via form. Invitations for the Bio Mkt will be sent out tomorrow, March 28. Join us and be part of this movement!

FRIDAY STUDENT-LED GREEN TOUR (WITH ANDRÉ MACIEL)

Join our student guides on an interactive journey through sustainability initiatives—exploring regenerative practices, green solutions, and inspiring ideas that shape a more sustainable future.

FLEA MARKET REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

On April 4, alongside our Bio Market, we’ll host a special Flea Market as part of the Regenerar Festival, celebrating sustainability and the circular economy. It’s a chance to find new homes for pre-loved items.

To sell second-hand goods, sign up now! Registration is open, but spaces are limited, and confirmation will be sent on April 2. The Flea Market runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Click [here] to register. Let’s regenerate together!

8th grade

TALK: DOLPHINS WITH AIMM

AIMM is a Portuguese NGO focused on marine research and conservation. Founded in 2010 in the Algarve, it promotes education, partnerships, and activities to enhance understanding of marine ecosystems, aiming to be a reference in environmental research and protection. This is an activity suggested and organized by the students

With this talk, students will:

Learn more about dolphins and how to protect them.

4th grade

KITCHEN DATES: MINICHEFS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Maria and Rui, founders of Kitchen Dates, are on a mission to change the way we eat. Through food literacy, they inspire people and organizations to adopt more conscious, healthy, and sustainable food practices—because what we eat has the power to shape a better future.

With this Hands on cooking competition - Minichefs for sustainability, with Kitchen Dates: a fun and educational cooking competition - Students will:

- Prepare a dish with the aim of limiting waste as much as possible.

The teams will be evaluated according to a number of criteria, the most important being the taste, presentation of the dishes and the amount of waste generated during preparation. During the activity they will be exposed to some relevant information about more sustainable food.

5th grade and 6th grade

GAME: HOW MUCH DOES THIS TOMATO COST?

Students will:

- Understand how the money we pay for a certain food is distributed in the food system and to realize the value we have as consumers.

Each team receives money to distribute among the various actors in the food system. But what at first seems like a simple task may not be so simple.

4th grade

GAME: THE UPS AND DOWNS OF FOOD

Students will:

- Have to answer questions about food and food sustainability, while also needing some luck with the dice to come out winners at the end.

2nd Grade

EXPEDIÇÃO H2O | DISCOVERING THE VALUE OF WATER

Water is life. BoG-EC’s H2O Expedition brings an engaging educational approach to raise awareness among young minds about water’s value, conservation, and responsible use, ensuring a more sustainable future.

With this expedition, which includes video, music, and games, students will:

• Learn simple concepts (the value of water, water on Earth, pollution, the water cycle, water efficiency, and more).

• Have fun and play individually or in teams, putting their knowledge to the test through challenges with questions, charades, and drawing.

1st grade and Middle School

MOVIMENTO CLARO CASCAIS & TORRE PLSTIK

Imagine turning discarded plastic into skateboards! Torre Plstik does just that, giving waste a second life while promoting free access to sports and raising awareness about plastic pollution in local communities.

With this workshop students will:

- Understand the production process at the recycling unit.

- Participate in the production of recycled plastic objects.

- Finishing skateboards with previously produced boards and even product testing.

LET’S SWAP

What if we swapped instead of shopped? Let’s Swap began as a grassroots movement in Porto and is now an association organizing clothing swaps, book exchanges, and repair workshops to challenge fast fashion and promote a circular economy. In this Regeneration Festival brings us:

2nd grade + Arts Students

CREATING DOLLS FROM IMAGINATION AND WASTE

With this workshop students will:

- Create a cloth doll inspired by their drawing, with the help of an adult (cutting the pattern, drawing, painting, applications, textile stuffing and sewing)

- Take their doll home.

5th to 9th grade

OLD BAG, NEW LIFE

With this workshop students will:

- Learn about the importance of reusing and rethinking items before discarding them, by customizing a pre-existing tote bag

- Students who want to participate must bring an old bag to customize.

Secondary

CREATIVE EMBROIDERY

With this workshop students will:

- Raise awareness of the importance of rethinking our pieces, giving them a second life and creating emotional memories through hand embroidery.

- Students must bring the piece of fabric they want to embroider.

3rd, 7th, and 8th grades

ANA PÊGO - PLASTICUS MARITIMUS

A marine biologist passionate about the ocean, Ana created Plasticus Maritimus to raise awareness about marine pollution and inspire changes in people's relationship with plastic.

With this workshop, students will:

• Learn from a field scientist (marine biologist) and award-winning author about marine litter/plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems.

• Create a short film animation to raise awareness of the harmful impact of single-use plastics.

2nd grade

SCIENCE WITH WATER, WITH RUTE CANDEIAS

Rute, with a degree in Marine Biology and a postgraduate in Environmental Sciences, has worked as a sustainability trainer and educator since 2000. She has collaborated with organizations like the Lisbon Oceanarium, Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua, and Naturanima.

With this workshop students will learn more about:

•Water cycle (with simulation);

•Density of hot and cold water;

•Pollution and water treatment with filtration and decantation experiments;

•Hydrophobia;

•Surface tension and communicating vessels.

4th, 7th and 8th grade

VINTAGE FOR A CAUSE: PATCH & REPAIR

Fashion with purpose! This award-winning brand upcycles textile waste while empowering unemployed women over 50. In their collaborative design platform, every piece tells a story—of sustainability, inclusion, and timeless style. 

With this workshop students will:

•Know more about the impact of textile industry.

•Learn how to upcycle old clothes in a creative, customized and cool way.

Note: Students who want to mend a piece of clothing can bring it to the workshop.

TALKS WITH SEI PORTUGAL

Sharks are crucial for ocean balance, yet they are endangered. SEI Portugal raises awareness and promotes marine conservation through education and public engagement, ensuring these majestic creatures thrive.

3rd grade

DEFENDING SHARKS MEANS PROTECTING MARINE LIFE

With this talk students will:

• Learn more about various sharks and their characteristics

•Learn how to protect them

2nd grade

SAVING WATER IS PROTECTING THE SEA

With this talk students will:

• Learn more about the importance of saving the resources

• Understand the link between saving water and helping to better protect the ocean and sharks.

1st Grade

MIND THE TRASH | SOFIA’S DISCOVERIES

This children's book by Mind the Trash teaches kids the importance of recycling and waste separation, showing how small actions can help the planet.

Students will:

• Learn more about the global waste problem and the importance of recycling.

• Learn how to recycle correctly through play.

• Ask questions and share their ideas.

7th and 8th grade

TINCTORIUM STUDIO: NATURAL DYE WORKSHOP

Annette, a natural dyer and artist, founded Tinctorium Studio to reconnect people with plants. Through her craft, she regenerates ancient dyeing traditions, transforming natural pigments into art and sustainability.

With this workshop students will:

• Learn how to use scraps and food waste and local herbs and natural dye.

•Learn how to resuse old paper and turn it into beautiful art.

8th and 9th Grades

ECOMOOD PORTUGAL

Sustainable mobility! This non-profit organization promotes eco-friendly habits in mobility, energy, and consumption, encouraging greener choices in daily life.

With this workshop, students will:

• Calculate the carbon footprint associated with their journey to school.

• Present viable alternatives and compare their impact.

9th grade

REBUNDANCE WITH LIVIA TIRONE

For over 20 years, Livia has pioneered sustainable architecture in Europe. She is more than an architect—she’s a facilitator of change, creating spaces that shift mindsets from scarcity to abundance, fostering collaboration and regeneration.

With this talk students will:

• Learn about smart cities; sustainable construction; community resilience

5th and 6th grade

JOANA GUERRA TADEU

A voice for climate justice! Joana is a journalist, activist, and content creator dedicated to sustainability, human rights, and climate action. From TEDx talks to podcasts and TV shows, she sparks critical conversations that drive change. 

QUIZ - WHO WANTS TO BE AN IMPERFECT ENVIRONMENTALIST?

With this Quiz - Who wants to be an imperfect environmentalist? -  students will:

- Learn more about the climate crisis, climate action and practical gestures to reduce impact

5th grade

FANZINES FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE WITH JOANA GUERRA TADEU

With this workshop students will:

- Create fanzines — independent, artisanal publications — as a means of expression and awareness on issues related to climate justice.

7th grade

TALK CRISIS AND CLIMATE ACTION - FROM INDIVIDUAL GESTURE TO COLLECTIVE STRENGTH

With this talk students will:

- Learn how to use their voice to demand local and global change.

Secondary

MARIANA GOMES: HOW TO BECOME A CLIMATE ACTIVIST

Through Associação Último Recurso, Mariana is using litigation to hold climate crisis perpetrators accountable. Her legal actions have already supported 500+ activists and challenged the Portuguese State on environmental commitments.

With this Talk and Workshop - How to become a climate activist - students will:

•Understand the term collective action.

•Understand what their role could be in collective action for climate change.

•Demonstrate support for climate friendly activities.

5th and 6th grade

MARIANA SILVA, ETHICA FOUNDER

Ethica - Sustainable Fashion Hub strives to transform the fashion industry by promoting transparency in garment production, sales, and disposal.

Through education and communication, it simplifies sustainability concepts to bridge the gap between brands and consumers.

With this Interactive talk students will:

• Realise the impacts associated with the textile industry and how they can adopt more sustainable and conscious consumption habits in this area

Secondary

TRAPPED IN A CYCLE, WITH SALOMÉ AREIAS

Salomé is an intersectional activist challenging sustainable production and consumption. With a background in fashion design and sociology, she realized trends fuel perceived obsolescence. She founded Fashion Revolution Portugal in 2014 and now researches how self-transcendence can counter consumerism in her PhD at CENSE, funded by an FCT scholarship at NOVA School of Science and Technology.

Students will learn and talk:

• About systemic consumerism, alienation, and addiction, how shopping and screens shape a world that's hard to escape

5th and 6th grade

TALK WITH FLÁVIA LINS E SILVA

Flávia Lins e Silva, journalist and children’s literature master, has published over ten books for children and young adults. Her works include the “Pilar's Diary” series, adapted for Disney Channel, and “Mururu no Amazonas,” awarded Best Juvenile Book in 2011.

With this talk students will:

• Exchange ideas on the results of the students' research into the causes of pollution and fires and relate these themes to Flávia's books

5th and 6th grade

TALK WITH THE FOOD EDUCATORS

The Food Educators project offers educational materials for teaching food and nutrition to students aged 6-18, promoting food literacy and encouraging sustainable, healthy lifestyles. It's an EIT Food program, supported in Portugal by BGI Sustainable Ventures.

With this talk students will:

• Become informed and conscious consumers with sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

1st grade and Middle School

MELANIE KOORSTRA

Melanie is a Holistic Reiki Therapist, she has completed a newborn sleep certification for newborns from 0-12 weeks and has a background as a Doula, specialized in secure attachment and behavioral patterns.

With this workshop students will:

• Play.

5th Grade

EXFIRE

A student-led project (Pilar, Joana, Martim, and João, 17 years old, from Colégio Pedro Arrupe). At ExFire, they are driven by a mission to protect what matters most: lives, communities, and the environment. The project's goal is to effectively, sustainably, and affordably prevent fires, ensuring safety while preserving the population and biodiversity for future generations.

The students will:

• Learn about a fully biodegradable firefighting solution.

• Discover how an idea from 4 young people is being scientifically supported by researchers and universities and can be scaled up.

6th grade

FROM WASTE TO TASTE

Year 9 students will be running this practical workshop with Year 6 students to raise awareness of the problem and impact of food waste, as well as passing on very practical gestures and habits to tackle it on a daily basis.

Miidle and Secondary

STUDENT-LED ROUND TABLE WITH ACTIVISTS

Bringing debate and diplomacy to real-world challenges, students host a round table. Bringing together renowned activists Joana Guerra Tadeu and Mariana Gomes, this session will explore urgent social and environmental issues through meaningful dialogue.

4th Grade

LIQUID SOAP WORKSHOP | ECOX

From recycling to soap! EcoXperience teaches how to turn used cooking oil into an eco-friendly detergent, promoting the circular economy.

With this workshop, students will:

• Learn to make liquid soap in four steps using used cooking oil.

1st grade

RECYCLING WITH ELECTRÃO

Electrão is a Portuguese waste management organization handling electrical equipment, batteries, and packaging recycling. It ensures proper end-of-life disposal under the Extended Producer Responsibility Principle and manages three waste streams, including single-use plastics through urban cleaning initiatives.

With this workshop students will learn:

• How to separate waste correctly.

• Differences between the various ecopontos.

• What to dispose of and what not to dispose of in each ecoponto.

LICE ALERT!

We would like to inform you that there have been some cases of head lice in recent weeks. The arrival of spring can intensify their spread. We kindly ask parents to increase the monitoring of their children’s hair by using a fine-toothed comb and to carry out treatments at home with the appropriate lotion, electric comb, or at a clinic. More information here.

These occurrences are common in schools, do not pose a health risk, as they do not transmit diseases, but they do affect children’s concentration due to the discomfort. We appreciate your cooperation in effectively addressing this issue.

March’s Seasonal Star: Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a nutritious and versatile vegetable, in peak season during March. Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, it supports immunity and digestion.

Its mild taste and soft texture make it a favorite among children, easily blending into mashed dishes, rice alternatives, or even snacks like cauliflower tots.

A great substitute for heavier carbs, it’s a perfect ingredient for healthy meals.

Enjoy cauliflower this season in soups, roasts, or as a delicious side!

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