Dear parents, guardians, and students,

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

A Message from the Principal
Upcoming Events
- Primary school parents’ meeting
- Transition meetings for Parents
- Parents’ coffee morning
- PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) Meeting
- IGSCE Fair - For 8 and 9 graders and Parents
- Behaviour, emotions & education workshop - For Parents
- Bio Market | Charity Edition
- Parents’ meetings | Subject Fair | Preschool and Primary
- Middle and Secondary Parents’ Meetings
Practical Information
- Parents’ Satisfaction Survey
- School phases out private student chats on Microsoft teams
- Re-enrolment starts mid-January
- No phone school
- Attendance & punctuality
Best Practices
Act Together
- News from the kitchen

Dear Parents and Students,

Our school should be the place where our students learn to love the world so much that they want to connect with it, act in it, and change it. This is not just an aspiration - it is the challenge we are up to.

And it is a challenge that feels especially urgent in the times we are living in. We see countries invading each other, a growing disregard for international law, democracy, and human rights, and increasing global instability. At the same time, the issue that should be at the very top of everyone’s agenda - the climate crisis - is being neglected or even dismissed.

Instead of focusing our shared energy and resources on learning how to live together in mutual respect, on sharing resources more fairly, on leaving smaller ecological footprints, and on caring for the nature we depend on, the global focus is too often on fighting for access to oil and mineral reserves, starting wars, and increasing inequality by targeting those who already have the least.

In this context, our role as educators could not be more important. While our students must understand what is happening in the world around them, they must also be inspired with Hope. Hope that they matter. Hope that they can participate. Hope that they can act - and that change is possible.

Hopefully our students who are part of the Erasmus+ club, and who will soon travel to the Czech Republic, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it - by experiencing everyday life, learning, and cooperation across borders.

Hopefully our students starting their Design for Change projects in Global Perspectives will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it - by identifying real problems in their own lives and taking action.

Hopefully our students in 6th grade, working with misinformation, fake news, and critical thinking in Arts and Portuguese, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it.

Hopefully our students in preschool, who go to the forest every week, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it - by first learning to love nature itself.

Hopefully our students in 9th grade Environmental Management, who will design proposals to help companies reduce plastic use, will learn to love the world so much that they want to participate in it, act in it, and change it.

As a colleague recently shared, we are moving from the Year of the Snake - a time of introspection and wisdom - towards the Year of the Horse, a time of energy, movement, and courageous action. Let us make this term a term of HOPE, where reflection turns into action, and where our students move forward with care, courage, and responsibility.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS’ MEETINGS

We would like to inform you that the Primary School parents’ meetings will take place on the dates listed. Please save these dates in your agendas.

These meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for parents to better understand the educational structure and methodology that guide our teaching approach.

Your attendance is very important.

TRANSITION PARENTS’ MEETINGS

Aprendizes will host a series of Transition Meetings to help students and parents navigate the move to the next school year and prepare for upcoming challenges.

Sessions will take place on the dates listed. These meetings provide guidance, support, and a chance to discuss the transition process.

PARENTS’ COFFEE MORNING

On Friday, 9 January 2026, Aprendizes will host a Parents’ Coffee Morning from 8:45 to 9:30.

This informal gathering offers parents and staff a welcoming space for open conversation, idea sharing and discussion about students’ progress, while strengthening communication and staying connected about upcoming school activities and events.

PTSO MEETING (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization)

The next PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) meeting will take place on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, in the Library.

YOUR CHOICES, YOUR PATH!

The IGCSE Fair offers 8th-grade students an opportunity to look beyond the core curriculum and explore the diverse elective courses available for Grade 9. From Business and Computer Science to History and the Arts, students can discover what each subject entails, speak directly with the teachers, and begin designing a personalized academic journey.

It is the first step for students to take ownership of their education and find the subjects that truly excite them. Parents are welcome.

BEHAVIOUR, EMOTIONS & EDUCATION
by Melanie Von Muhlen

In today’s world, parents face endless advice and expectations yet often feel uncertain. This workshop explores the roots of children’s behaviour, which begin in the body, nervous system, and early experiences.

Participants will learn how emotions and patterns develop, how parental responses shape children, and strategies for setting boundaries, supporting strong emotions, and understanding behaviour’s underlying messages.

The focus is not on fixing children, but on understanding and fostering their inner world. This workshop will be led in English and it is free.

BIO MARKET | CHARITY EDITION

On Friday, 30 January 2026, from 16:15 to 18:00, Aprendizes will host the Bio Market Charity Edition at The Tent. Visitors can explore a wide selection of organic and sustainable products while supporting local vendors.

This event offers a fun and eco-friendly afternoon, encouraging community engagement and promoting green initiatives. Registration is required for selling partners.

PARENTS’ MEETINGS | SUBJECT FAIRS

The Subjects Fair is an event aimed at parents and guardians, providing an opportunity to learn about and understand the different subjects. Through a rotational system, parents will experience each of the subjects their children attend, such as Drama, Music, PE, or Arts.

It is also an opportunity to clarify any questions regarding the educational programme.

MIDDLE & SECONDARY PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS

On 4 February, our Middle and Secondary Parents Meetings will take place online between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and will be held exclusively with subject teachers.

Each meeting will last 7 minutes and offers parents the opportunity to have a direct conversation with teachers about students’ learning progress and their academic journey. Further details regarding the meeting logistics and the booking system will be shared shortly.

PARENT SATISFACTION SURVEY

Thank you to all families who completed the Parent Satisfaction Survey. We received 201 responses, reflecting the strong partnership between families and the school.

We are already working closely with the PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organisation) to review the feedback and address the key points raised. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and our belief that working directly with parents is a defining characteristic of our school.

We are pleased with the results of this survey, seeing that parents continue to view us as a very safe school (4.3), where their children feel happy (4.42) and would recommend our school (4.16).

SCHOOL PHASES OUT PRIVATE STUDENT CHATS ON MICROSOFT TEAMS

Since the beginning of January, the school has begun to gradually eliminate private chats between students and between students and teachers, Microsoft Teams.

To simplify and clarify communication, email will become the official channel.

Important note: in the case of preschool, the chat will remain active, as it is the means of communication between educators and parents.

RE-ENROLMENT STARTS MID-JANUARY

The re-enrolment process will start in the second half of January.
All details and instructions will be sent by email. Please keep an eye on your emails.

Thinking of enrolling another child?

If you’re considering enrolling another child at our school, please contact our Admissions team. We’re happy to assist you and guide you through every step of the process.

NO PHONE SCHOOL

This is a reminder that we are a no phone school. For this reason, we kindly ask that you avoid answering calls or checking your phones while on school grounds.

Beyond setting a positive example for our children, this approach supports focus, mindful interactions, and a calmer school environment.

For students, we ask that they reread our policy on the use of personal devices.

We would also appreciate your cooperation in the immediate surroundings of the school. Mobile phones should be used only when necessary, such as to contact parents or arrange transportation, and not for prolonged use while waiting for pick-up.

In addition to these awareness activities, we will add more signage throughout the school.

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY

We kindly remind you of the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. Consistent presence and timely arrival support your child’s success and contribute to a positive learning environment. Please check our school policies.

preschool

A DAY AT THE AIR MUSEUM

Our Exploradores class enjoyed an inspiring field trip to the Museu do Ar in Lisbon, tying perfectly into their year-long airport-themed project. The children had the opportunity to see historic airplanes, learn about aviation history, and explore the mechanics of flight in a hands-on, interactive environment.

PRIMARY

WHERE LEARNING TAKES ROOT

Primary students visit the garden regularly, planting seeds, caring for plants, and harvesting fresh produce.

These routines teach responsibility, healthy habits, and teamwork while sparking curiosity and creativity. By connecting with nature daily, children develop life-long skills and a love for sustainable practices, making learning hands-on, joyful, and meaningful.

MIDDLE

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES MUSEUM EXHIBIT

This term, 8th grade Global Perspectives students researched global issues of their choice, analysing causes, consequences, and different perspectives before drawing informed conclusions. On Wednesday, 3rd December, they shared their findings with the school community through a museum-style exhibit. The project developed students’ critical thinking, research, and communication skills while encouraging deeper understanding of real-world global challenges.

SECONDARY

PRACTICAL EXAM SIMULATION IN BIOLOGY

Our Biology students completed a Cambridge-style practical exam simulation focused on diffusion. Using agar cubes and hydrochloric acid, they practised precise measurements, dilution calculations, time management, and data analysis. Unexpected results encouraged critical thinking, evaluation of errors, and comparison with a teacher-run control. These realistic sessions build confidence, independence, and familiarity with exam routines, while highlighting the essential role of ensuring a well-organised laboratory environment.

NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN

INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN

GET TO KNOW OUR MENU

January 22– Poland
January 29 – Ireland