Dear parents, guardians, and students,
In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:
Regeneration Festival
Global Perspectives Investment Fair (Student Led)
Bio Market - Regeneration Edition
Wait Until Later Movement Launch
Book Week
Open Day for new Families
Career Day
Hosting German Erasmus+ Students
OpenApply: New admissions platform
News from the kitchen
The Regeneration Festival Is Almost Here – Join Us for Change!
Dear Aprendizes Community,
Next week, on March 3, 4, and 5, we celebrate our Regeneration Festival! This year, we explore one big question: what can we do to make this world a better place? Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we will discover ways to create a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable planet.
Globally, progress on the SDGs is mixed. While some improvements have been made in education and poverty reduction, inequality persists, climate change accelerates, and biodiversity continues to decline. These challenges remind us that everyone’s action matters.
At Aprendizes, our ambition is clear: we want our students to love the world so much that they are inspired to engage with it, act on it, and change it. I am so proud of our students, teachers, and staff, who have put together a fantastic program full of workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities. A highlight is the Global Investment Fair, where students present creative, sustainable solutions to global challenges—truly inspiring!
Parents are warmly invited to join the activities designed for families (see the program for details). Don’t miss the Bio Market, a perfect chance to connect, explore sustainable products, and enjoy time together as a community. We hope for some sunny weather after a long spell of rain.
The festival is our opportunity to dream, act, and inspire. Through curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, we hope it encourages all of us—students, families, and staff alike—to reflect on our impact and take steps toward positive change.
On a personal note, it’s such a privilege to spend my breaks outside, watching our students fully active—playing, chatting, swinging, laughing in the sun. Access to fresh, clean air and green space is something all children should have, and seeing it every day reminds me how lucky we are as a community.
Sunny regards,
Rikke
27 FEB | Grade 5 | Field Trip | MAAT + Canoeing Jamor | MAAT + Jamor | 08:30–15:45
27 FEB | Grade 6 | Field Trip | Recording Studio + Up Up Trampolines | 09:30–16:30
27 FEB | Grade 7 | Field Trip | Drama Workshop + Arborism Jamor | São Luiz + Jamor | 08:30–15:45
27 FEB | Grade 8 | Field Trip | Hippotrip + Art Walk Tour | Lisbon | 08:40–15:30
27 FEB | Grade 9 | Field Trip | Banksy Museum + Surf | 08:30–17:30
27 FEB | Grade 10 | Field Trip | University Trip + Obstacle Run | 08:30–17:00
27 FEB | Grade 11 | Field Trip | Museu de História Natural e Ciência + Up Up Trampolines | 08:10–16:30
27 FEB | Grade 12 | Field Trip | Aqueduto das Águas Livres + Up Up Trampolines| 08:10–16:30
03–05 MAR | School Community | Regeneration Festival | School | All day
03 MAR | Workshop for Parents | Belonging Beyond Borders | Library | 08:45–10:00
04 MAR | For Middle Students & Parents | Global Perspectives Investment Fair | Library | 08:40–14:30
04 MAR | School Community | Bio Market - Regeneration Edition | 16:00-18:00
05 MAR | Grade 3 | Field Trip | Museu da Água | 08:45–12:00
06 MAR | Descobridores | Field Trip | Museu de História Natural | 09:00–15:30
09–13 MAR | School Community | Book Week | School | All day
12 MAR | Grade 9 | Field Trip | Futurália | 08:45–16:00
12 MAR | For Parents | Wait Until Later Movement launch | Library | 16:30–18:00
16 MAR | Exploradores | Field Trip | Vitamimos | 09:15-12:30
16-17 MAR | For Students | LASA Tournament – Girls Basketball/Boys Football | Off-Campus
18 MAR | Secondary Students | Cambridge Language Speaking Exams - Begin | Village 2
20 MAR | Middle | Drama Performance | Out of school | In the afternoon
20 MAR | Investigadores | Field Trip | Palácio da Ajuda | 09:00 – 14:00
23 MAR | Primary | Drama, Music & Art Presentation | Library | 11:00 – 15:30
26 MAR | Secondary | Career Day | Village 2 | 14:00-16:00
27 MAR | Preschool | Egg Hunting | Vegetable Garden | 08:45 – 11:45
27 MAR | School Community | End of 2nd Term | 12:00
30 MAR – 10 APR | School Community | Easter Holidays
13 APR | School Community | Start of 3rd Term
21 APR | Primary Students and Parents | Student-Led Conferences (Students, Teachers & Parents) | in-person in School
ROOTS & WINGS: BELONGING BEYOND BORDERS
Roots & Wings: Belonging Beyond Borders is a workshop on supporting children’s sense of belonging in an international community, led by Luísa Heitor, our School Psychologist | Aprendizes.
The session will explore why belonging is essential for emotional well-being, how it evolves from early years to adolescence, and practical ways parents can foster connection, resilience and emotional safety at home and in school life. The workshop will be held in English. March 3, at 8:45 at the Library.
Preschool and Grade 3
“PLASTICUS IS NOT PLANKTON” WITH ANA PÊGO
The workshop “Plasticus Is Not Plankton,” led by Ana Pêgo, explores the hidden impact of microplastics on marine life. Participants begin by learning about plankton and the spread of toxic microplastics, then examine a small collection of marine fauna. They create their own cardboard and painted sea creatures, adding fine details with a pen representing microplastic toxicity. In the final reveal, UV lights expose fluorescent traces of pollution, showing how plastics infiltrate the ocean’s food web.
March 3rd - Preschool
March 5th - Grade 3
Preschool
WORKSHOP: MOUNTAINS OF WASTE
Inspired by Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, this workshop invites participants to imagine a city surrounded by growing waste. Through observing and transforming materials, students reflect on consumption and its impact. Exploring colour, movement and collaboration, discarded objects gain new meaning. Led by Porta Amarela, it fosters creativity, critical thinking and responsible choices.
March 3rd
Preschool
ZERO WASTE FOOD LAB
Joana Xardoné, chef at Aprendizes, leads a workshop on reducing food waste and creatively repurposing ingredients. Participants explore practical ways to minimize waste in cooking while learning to value fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. Each group develops ideas and recipes, which are then compiled collaboratively into a “Zero Waste Cookbook.” The workshop combines Joana’s culinary expertise with her commitment to conscious, sustainable cooking, inspiring students to approach meals with creativity, responsibility, and respect for nature.
March 3rd
Secondary
WE MOVE TOGETHER - PE DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY IN THE FIELD
In “We Move Together – PE Dance Choreography in the Field,” students explore movement as a form of collective expression and connection. Through choreography, they strengthen collaboration, group coordination, and spatial awareness while developing rhythm and body control. The workshop encourages teamwork, creativity, and physical engagement, allowing participants to experience the joy of moving together. It culminates in a shared celebration of community, involving peers, teachers, and staff, highlighting the power of dance to foster connection and collective expression.
March 4th
Middle school students and parents
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES INVESTMENT FAIR (STUDENT LED)
March 4th, The Global Perspectives Investment Fair showcases students’ Design for Change projects in a museum-style presentation. Students present their action plans while teachers, parents, and peers explore the exhibits. A group of “secret investors” evaluates the projects, voting for the most feasible and impactful ideas for the community. Projects with the strongest action plans are awarded a small school prize to support their development. The fair encourages creativity, critical thinking, and community-minded innovation among students.
Parents (from grades 5-8) who wish to take part must register using the email sent on 12 February from your child’s Global Perspectives teacher.
SECONDARY STUDENTS
CLOSING THE LOOP: ZERO WASTE TOUR WITH VIRIATO (STUDENT) AND ANDRÉ MACIEL
André Maciel, leader of the school’s permaculture and organic garden projects, runs the workshop “Closing the Loop: Chickens in Action” with student Viriato. Participants explore a circular system connecting food waste, chickens, soil fertility, and food production. They learn about the role of animals in regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems, while experiencing hands-on how ecological cycles function. The workshop encourages systems thinking and demonstrates practical ways to integrate zero-waste principles into everyday farming and gardening practices.
March 4th
12 Grade students and parents
THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES: ECOLOGY, NETWORKS AND LEGACY WITH ANDRÉ MACIEL
In “The Hidden Life of Trees: Ecology, Networks and Legacy,” André Maciel guides students in exploring tree ecology and resilience through hands-on field observation. Participants analyse ecological systems, gaining insight into how trees interact within their environment. They actively contribute to regeneration by planting a tree and collaborate to create a collective legacy message, reflecting responsibility and commitment to the future. The workshop fosters environmental awareness, practical ecological skills, and a sense of shared stewardship over nature.
March 4th
9 Grade Students
FROM PREP TO PLATE TO SOIL: CLOSING THE FOOD LOOP WITH JOANA XARDONÉ
Joana Xardoné, chef at Aprendizes School, leads a hands-on workshop for 9th-grade students focused on zero-waste cooking. Participants collaboratively prepare a real meal using organic, local ingredients while applying sustainable cooking principles. They learn how organic waste can be redirected into regenerative systems, such as composting and feeding chickens, and experience the full food cycle from ingredient to soil. The workshop combines practical culinary skills with environmental awareness, fostering responsibility, creativity, and an understanding of sustainable food systems.
March 4th
Secondary Business students
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING IN ACTION, WITH OIKOS LISBON (NOVA SBE)
Oikos Lisbon, the student club at Nova School of Business and Economics, leads the interactive talk “Sustainability Consulting in Action” for business students. Participants learn how sustainability consulting helps companies integrate ESG principles into their strategies and explore real-world challenges of implementing sustainable practices in corporate settings. The session also provides insights into academic and career opportunities in business and sustainability, encouraging students to consider how they can create positive impact in organizations while aligning economic goals with environmental and social responsibility.
March 4th
9 and 10 grade Students
DIY CLEAN BEAUTY LAB (STUDENT LED)
The student-led “DIY Clean Beauty Lab” workshop for 9th and 10th graders teaches participants to make simple, natural cosmetic products using safe and sustainable ingredients. Through hands-on activities, students explore how everyday choices in personal care can promote responsible consumption and environmental awareness. The workshop encourages creativity, practical skills, and a conscious approach to beauty, showing how small, informed decisions can contribute to sustainability while fostering an understanding of natural, eco-friendly alternatives in daily life.
March 4th
Secondary students
HOUSES FOR CHANGE: LUNCH IN THE TENT
“Houses for Change: Lunch in the Tent” brings Secondary students together for a shared veggie burger lunch prepared by students with support from the kitchen team. Participants actively engage in food preparation, learning about ingredient choices, organisation, and teamwork behind a sustainable lunch service. In line with the school’s zero-waste principles, students bring their cup, and napkin to minimise single-use materials. The event also raises funds for social causes through the Houses system, combining sustainability, collaboration, and community impact.
March 4th
Secondary Students
HOUSES FOR CHANGE: HOUSES GAMES
“Houses for Change: Houses Games” is a solidarity sports tournament where students engage in friendly competition to support social causes. Participants mobilise their Houses to raise funds for organisations such as CRID, Helpo, CASA – Cascais, and Cercica, promoting inclusion, education, and support for vulnerable communities. The event combines physical activity with teamwork, collective effort, and social responsibility, demonstrating how sport can be a powerful tool for positive community impact while fostering collaboration, House spirit, and awareness of pressing social issues among students.
March 4th
BIO MARKET - REGENERATION EDITION
Join us for the Bio Market – Regeneration Edition on Wednesday, 4th March, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at The Tent!
Discover a fantastic selection of organic and sustainable products while supporting our local vendors. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fun afternoon, explore eco-friendly goods, and continue contributing to our community’s green initiatives.
March 4th
Grade 1 students
MINI DECORATIVE PANELS/MANIFESTO - CREATIVE UPCYCLING WORKSHOP, WITH VINTAGE FOR A CAUSE
Vintage for a Cause leads the hands-on workshop “Mini Decorative Panels/Manifesto” for 1st-grade students, focused on creative upcycling. Participants learn about the environmental impact of the textile industry and how reusing materials can help protect the planet. Through making their own decorative panels, students express ideas related to physical and mental health while exploring creativity and sustainability. The workshop combines artistic expression with social and environmental awareness, inspiring young learners to think about their impact on the world and the value of reusing resources.
March 5th
Grade 2 Students
THE "H2O EXPEDITION - DISCOVERING THE VALUE OF WATER" SUPER CITIZEN PUZZLE, WITH BOG
BoG – Environmental Consulting leads the “H2O Expedition – Discovering the Value of Water” workshop for 2nd-grade students. Using video, music, and a collaborative game, participants learn about the vital importance of water and how to recognise responsible and irresponsible water-use behaviours in daily life. The interactive activities promote critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping students understand water as a precious resource while encouraging sustainable habits and awareness of their own impact on the environment from an early age.
March 5th
Grade 2 Students
THE "H2O EXPEDITION - DISCOVERING THE VALUE OF WATER", JUST A TAP AWAY, WITH BOG
BoG – Environmental Consulting leads the “H2O Expedition – Just a Tap Away” workshop for 2nd-grade students, using an interactive simulation and discussion. Participants explore global inequalities in water distribution and access to safe drinking water. Through participatory decision-making, they reflect on the importance of efficient and responsible water use and the impact of unequal access on communities worldwide. The workshop encourages critical thinking, empathy, and awareness, helping students understand water as a vital resource and the need for sustainable practices from an early age.
March 5th
Grade 3 Students
CORALS: THE RAINFORESTS OF THE OCEAN
Carla Lourenço, marine biologist and founder of Straw Patrol, leads a hands-on lecture and outdoor activity for 3rd-grade students focused on coral ecosystems. Participants learn about the ecological importance of corals as the foundation of reef habitats, explore different coral forms, and discover their local and global distribution. The workshop emphasizes practical actions students can take to support coral conservation, combining scientific knowledge with inspiring storytelling to foster environmental awareness, curiosity, and active engagement in protecting marine biodiversity.
March 5th
Grade 4
INTO THE WILD: DISCOVERING NATURE - LET’S PROTECT OUR BIODIVERSITY, WITH AYALA BOTTO
In the hands-on workshop “Into the Wild: Discovering Nature – Let’s Protect Our Biodiversity,” 4th-grade students work with Ayala Botto, biologist, teacher, and TV host. Participants learn to distinguish major animal groups, explore native Portuguese species, and understand the impact of invasive species on local biodiversity. Using engaging activities inspired by Ayala’s children’s book, students develop curiosity, ecological awareness, and a sense of responsibility for protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats in their country.
March 5th
Grade 4 students
DEFENDING SHARKS MEANS PROTECTING MARINE LIFE WITH SEI PORTUGAL
SEI Portugal leads the interactive talk “Defending Sharks Means Protecting Marine Life” for 4th-grade students. Participants learn about different shark species, their characteristics, and their crucial role in marine ecosystems. The session emphasizes the importance of protecting sharks to maintain balanced ocean life and explores practical ways students can contribute to conservation. Through engaging discussion, the workshop raises awareness of marine biodiversity, fosters environmental responsibility, and inspires young learners to actively participate in safeguarding sharks and their natural habitats.
March 5th
OPEN DAY FOR NEW FAMILIES
We are delighted to invite prospective families to our Open Day on March 6, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM.
Families will meet our Principal and Head of Pedagogics, join a personalised tour of Preschool, Primary, Middle, or Secondary, and explore our vision and curriculum. Registration is required. Please encourage interested families to register early.
BOOK WEEK
From the 9th-13th March we will be celebrating Book Week at Aprendizes. During this week our students will be taking part in workshops with visiting authors and storytellers. They can also participate in our Creative Writing competition. All students should make sure to have a reading book with them throughout this week.
We will have a Book Fair at school from the 11th-13th March, at which students will have the opportunity to purchase a new book.
WAIT UNTIL LATER MOVEMENT LAUNCH
Join us for a practical, hopeful session led by Dr Silja Litvin from www.healthydigitalchildhoodalliance.com who will be introducing the Wait Until Later movement and how schools and parent communities are successfully delaying smartphone access.
We will explore setting healthy boundaries, using technology intentionally, and protecting children’s innate talents from the attention economy and persuasive design. Learn what is working elsewhere, and how our parent community can easily implement this together, supporting one another along the way. March 12, 2026 16:30 to 18:00 at the Library.
CAREER DAY | WE NEED YOU!
Dear Parents, on 26 March, we will host our Career Day and warmly invite you to share your professional journey with our secondary students. Your experience and insights can truly inspire and guide them as they plan their future paths.
Interested in taking part? Send e-mail: claudiameireles@aprendizes.pt
HOSTING GERMAN ERASMUS+ STUDENTS – AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR FAMILY
Dear Families, from 19–25 April, we will welcome German Grade 8 and 9 students through the Erasmus+ programme. We are looking for families willing to host one or two students for six nights, offering them a true cultural experience. Hosting means sharing everyday family life and creating meaningful international connections. It is a rewarding experience that often leads to lasting friendships. If you are interested, please email erasmus@aprendizes.pt during next week.
Later this year, our own students will travel to Denmark through Erasmus+ and will, in turn, be welcomed by host families from the partner school.
OPENAPPLY – NEW ADMISSIONS PLATFORM
Starting in early March, the school will begin using the OpenApply platform as the single system for admissions.
Parents will be invited to access the platform and will receive an email with the necessary instructions in good time.
OpenApply will centralize and simplify administrative processes.
PRESCHOOL
A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND LEARNING
Our preschool students presented a special music performance for their parents, showcasing the songs and pieces they have been practising since last term. The event highlighted their progress, confidence, and enthusiasm for music. Families enjoyed seeing the results of their hard work and dedication in a joyful and supportive atmosphere.
These presentations reflect the importance of music in early childhood education and celebrate the learning journey taking place in our classrooms.
PRIMARY
PRIMARY STUDENT COUNCIL: IDEAS AT WORK
The Primary Student Council has been actively representing classmates and contributing ideas to improve school life at Aprendizes. Throughout the term, students shared suggestions ranging from playground improvements to canteen topics, engaging in meaningful dialogue with school leadership. Some proposals led to adjustments, particularly regarding food options, while others were carefully considered.
This process allowed students to experience how participation, responsibility, and collaboration contribute to decision-making. New elections are now underway to ensure continuity of this important work.
MIDDLE
LIVING MUSEUM KICKS OFF HUMANITIES WEEK
On the first day of Humanities Week, our 5th and 6th Grade students transformed the school entrance into a vibrant Living Museum. Bringing significant figures from world history to life, they shared their research through interactive presentations and conversations with visitors.
The event also featured a special House Quiz, adding friendly competition to the day. After counting valid entries, Fire House secured first place, making it a memorable and engaging start to Humanities Week.
MIDDLE & SECONDARY
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES: CELEBRATING LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Middle and Secondary students held in-person Student-Led Conferences with their parents and teachers. During these 15-minute meetings, students led the conversation, reflecting on their progress since the 3-Way Conferences and outlining next steps in Academic Learning, Engagement, and Personal Development.
By taking ownership of the discussion, students strengthened their confidence, communication skills, and sense of responsibility, reinforcing the partnership between school and home in supporting their continued growth.
REGENERATION FESTIVAL - SPECIAL COLLECTION POINT
During the upcoming week, as part of the Regeneration Festival, we will have a special collection point at the entrance, in partnership with Eletrão, for small electrical appliances and batteries. We will also continue our usual collection of bottle caps and toothbrushes.
Take this opportunity to kick off your spring cleaning and contribute to a better planet. At the entrance. 2nd to 6th March. Let’s make a difference together!
REGENERATION FESTIVAL - SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE FOR STORM KRISTIN VICTIMS
As part of the Regeneration Festival, we are collecting school supplies (notebooks, pencils, glue) to support victims of Storm Kristin.
The donations are for EB Carvide, Vieira de Leiria. Contributions can be made at the entrance from 2nd to 6th March. Every item helps children return to school with better conditions after the storm’s impact. At the entrance, 2nd–6th March.
REGENERATION FESTIVAL - 4 HOUSES, 4 CAUSES
During the week of the Regeneration Festival, the four Houses will compete in support of four meaningful causes, raising money donations through teamwork, creativity and community spirit. Families are invited to contribute to their child’s House — and we will see which House wins!
• AIR: Refood
• FIRE: Cozinha com Alma
• EARTH: Helpo
• WATER: CASA Cascais
Donation boxes are available at the entrance with Bárbara.
NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN
INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN
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