Dear parents, guardians, and students,

In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:

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

A Message from the Principal
Best Practices
Upcoming Events
- Staff appreciation week
- Open Day for Teachers
- Parents' meeting online | 5 to 9 Grade
- Registration deadline for the Summer School Camp
- The impact of screens on young minds
Practical Information
- Ready and responsible | exam season reminders
Act Together
- Menu
- Star of may: nectarines
- Join the fun: padel with the Aprendizes community!

WELCOME TO THE LAST TERM OF THE YEAR AT APRENDIZES

Dear Aprendizes Families,

As we step into the final term of the school year, we look forward to enjoying what we hope will be beautiful spring weather and the chance to make the most of the wonderful outdoor spaces in and around our school. Spring often brings renewed energy and excitement, and it's also a great time to remind ourselves how we can work together to create a happy, respectful, and constructive learning environment for all.

Below are a few important reminders for both students and parents:

⏰ Be on Time

Middle and Secondary students: Classes begin at 8:30 AM. Students must be in class, ready to start the day with all necessary materials.
Primary students: School begins at 8:45 AM. Parents should complete drop-off by this time.
Preschool students: Drop-off is between 8:45–9:00 AM, and all parents should leave the school premises by 9:00 AM.

🏫 School Attendance is Mandatory

Regular attendance is essential for learning and is also a legal requirement. If your child will be absent, please inform the school in advance. Be sure to follow the school’s policy on justified and unjustified absences, as there is a limit to the number of unjustified absences allowed per student.

👕 Dress Appropriately for School

Coming to school means being ready to learn – not to go to the beach or back to bed. Please ensure students are dressed in appropriate attire: no beachwear or pyjamas.
Additionally:

If it’s raining, please make sure your child has rain clothes (coat, boots, etc.).
On sunny days, please ensure your child has sunscreen and a sunhat.
For Physical Education (PE) classes, students must wear appropriate sportswear.

🐜 Please Regularly Check for Lice

Checking your child for lice should be done regularly, especially if you notice them itching their hair. This is a parent responsibility, and it works best when everyone plays their part. If your child has lice, please begin treatment immediately, including regularly combing with a special lice comb and using recommended products.

📵 Phones Stay in Lockers

Phones should be left at home whenever possible. If brought to school, they must be switched to flight mode and kept in lockers.
(Only students in Grades 11 and 12 are allowed limited phone use during designated times and in designated areas.)

💬 Be Kind and Respectful

At Aprendizes, we believe in speaking with each other, not about each other – and always in a kind and respectful way. This applies to in-person interactions as well as communication via email or messages. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Creating the best possible learning environment takes all of us – students, parents, and school staff – working together in partnership. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

Wishing you a joyful start to the final term and a wonderful weekend ahead!

Warm regards,

Rikke

TRAINING AND BEST PRACTICES SHARING

On April 14th and 15th, the staff participated in two days dedicated to training and sharing, starting with a keynote speech by Phil Whitehead. The event included over 30 sessions, including workshops and the exchange of best practices.

The Action Research Workshops were an inspiring opportunity to explore pedagogical innovation, create new benchmarks, and strengthen collaboration among colleagues across the school.

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PreSchool

THE SALTEADORES BUILD A TREEHOUSE IN THE FOREST

This week, the Salteadores ventured into the forest with one goal in mind: to build a treehouse. Mateus, Sofia, and João Pedro started gathering sticks and branches. Margarida and Berta quickly joined to help, and soon all the Salteadores were collaborating on the construction.

The teamwork and creativity of everyone resulted in an amazing cabin, which was completed in no time. Proud of their teamwork, the Salteadores celebrated the success of the project, sitting in their new treehouse, enjoying the nature they love so much.

A GESTURE OF HOPE AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Lara, Gianna, and Noa (5th grade, A) delivered donations to the Associação de Solidariedade Social do Alto da Cova da Moura as part of a project from the Global Perspectives Summit. This small organization supports the local community, especially young women — some pregnant or living alone with children — and children up to 15 years old, many of whom are in situations of great vulnerability.

Projects like this demonstrate how students can turn empathy into concrete action.

Secondary

MIRROR MAGIC: THE LIGHT TRICK

In an optical experiment, light from a flashlight strikes a flat mirror, and what's fascinating is that the incident and reflected rays form the same angle with the perpendicular line to the mirror. This simple demonstration reveals the Law of Reflection.

This principle is essential for understanding light and forms the foundation of technologies like mirrors and lasers, showing how light follows precise, predictable rules, crucial for advancing science and technology.

APRENDIZES WIN 4TH PLACE IN THE VOLUNTEER SCHOOL AWARD!

Our school proudly secured 4th place in the Volunteer School Award, granted by the Cascais Town Council. We stood out among all schools in the municipality, ranking first among international schools.

We extend our gratitude to our students, partner institutions, staff, and families for supporting our students’ volunteer projects. Volunteering is essential in shaping conscious and engaged global citizens.

Together, we make a difference!

07 MAY | 5 to 9 Grade | Parent’s meeting | Online | 2:00 to 6:00 PM

12 MAY | Grade 4 | Aprendizes | Planetarium in School

19–23 MAY | Africa Week

20 MAY | Library | The impact of screens, games and social media on the brain – Talk by Mirabilis | 9:00 AM

28 MAY | Grades 3–8 (some students) | Jamor | Athletics Tournament

29 MAY | Grade 2 | KidZania | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

30 MAY | Bio Market | Tent | 4:15 PM–6:00 PM

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

Next week, from May 5th to 9th, we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week! A week filled with activities, gratitude, and affection.

On May 9th, families are invited to show their appreciation however they wish – with a hug, a letter, a smile, a little kiss… or a thoughtful treat.

TEACHERS OPEN DAY

At Aprendizes, we’re shaping the future through curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning. We’re on the lookout for educators who see teaching not just as a job, but as a powerful, transformative craft.

Do you know someone who inspires, connects, and dares to innovate in the classroom? Someone driven to make a real impact? We’d love to meet them!

Help us spread the word — registration is now open!

📍 Dates:
06th May | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
09th May | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

PARENTS' MEETING ONLINE | 5 TO 9 GRADE

This is a reminder that the parents' meeting will take place on May 7, at 2:00 PM, online. All students must attend as well. Classes will end at 01:10 PM that day to ensure everyone can participate.

We look forward to the presence of both parents and students to discuss the academic progress and development of the students.

SCHOOL CAMP | DEADLINE EXTENDED

The registration deadline for the School Camp has been extended to 09 May. Parents who are interested should complete the enrolment process as outlined in the email previously sent. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a place for your child!

THE IMPACT OF SCREENS ON YOUNG MINDS

Join us on May 20th at 9am in the Aprendizes Library for an informative talk by Mirabilis. Discover how screens, games, and social media affect children’s brains. Learn science-based insights to support healthier screen habits and informed decisions at home.

Talk in English, open to all Aprendizes parents. Registration here.

READY AND RESPONSIBLE | EXAM SEASON REMINDERS

Now that the exam season is underway, we’d like to share a reminder of how important attitude, punctuality, and preparation are during this time.

We encourage all students to arrive on time for their exams — not only to allow themselves a few moments to settle and breathe before starting, but also to give us the opportunity to handle any last-minute issues calmly and efficiently.

While the school is fully equipped to support occasional forgetfulness, students are expected to take responsibility for bringing everything they need: a clear pencil case with all necessary writing and calculation materials, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Developing these habits is part of becoming independent and accountable — key traits we aim to foster in all our learners.

Equally, we know that a positive mindset goes a long way. Exams are challenging, but they’re also a moment for students to demonstrate how far they’ve come. With your continued support and encouragement at home, and our guidance at school, we’re confident they’ll rise to the occasion.

Thank you for helping us reinforce these important messages.

Star of May: Nectarines

Nectarines are sweet, juicy, and perfect for little ones! Rich in vitamin C, they help boost the immune system, while their fiber keeps the digestive system running smoothly.

They're easy to eat, super tasty, and great as a snack or dessert. A fun fruit that gives kids the energy to play and grow up healthy!

JOIN THE FUN: PADEL WITH THE APRENDIZES COMMUNITY!

A few months ago, one of the Aprendizes dads started a padel group, and it's now open to all other parents who’d like to play and have fun! Some mums are already joining in, and it would be great to get more of the school community involved. All levels welcome! If you’d like to join, here’s the link.

Let’s play and have a great time together!