Dear parents, guardians, and students,
In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:
Parents’ workshop: Behaviour, emotions & education
Parents’ coffee morning
Bio Market | Charity Edition
Parents’ meetings | Subject Fairs
A-Level Fair
Parents-Students-Subject Teachers’ meetings
Parents’ workshop Roots & Wings: belonging beyond borders
Re-enrolment is open
New extracurricular activity: Chess!
Free school clubs
We are a No Phone School – let’s lead by example!
News from the kitchen
Dear Aprendizes Community,
In a recent speech at the World Economic Forum, Canadian leader Mark Carney spoke powerfully about responsibility, courage, and the role institutions must play in protecting the common good. He reminded us that many of the forces shaping our lives today operate quietly, powerfully, and often without ethical guardrails. His message resonates deeply with the school we are striving to be.
At Aprendizes, our values are not abstract statements. They are lived every day. They show in how we speak to one another, how we resolve conflict, how we make decisions, and how we protect childhood. They also show in our willingness to question systems that benefit the powerful at the expense of the less powerful.
This week, we met with parents from our Digital Well-being and Safety Committee. Together, we reflected on what more we can do to raise awareness about the impact technology and social media are having on our children and on us as adults. Today, attention, focus, data, and time have become commodities. Tech giants profit from them. As Carney warned, when systems are designed without ethics, people become products. Right now, we are not just users. We are part of the menu.
There are growing movements such as “wait until later” that encourage families to delay smartphones and social media. These initiatives matter because this is not only an individual parenting choice. When too many adults give in to pressure, it affects the entire community. Norms are created collectively, and once they shift, it becomes harder for families and schools to hold healthy boundaries.
These conversations continued yesterday during our teachers’ training on Artificial Intelligence. Our educators explored how AI can support lesson planning, differentiation, and learning. Just as importantly, we discussed the ethical questions behind AI: what data we are feeding it, how it is trained, and how we can teach students to use AI in ways aligned with our values of transparency, data protection, and human dignity. This work matters. If AI is shaping the future, then ethical education must shape how AI is used.
At Aprendizes, we already teach digital citizenship from the youngest learners through SER, through Digital Literacy in Middle School, and through IT and Media Studies in Secondary School. But education alone is not enough. We must also model restraint, reflection, and courage.
For this reason, we have taken concrete steps. From January onwards, we closed down the student Team Chat. This was not an easy decision, but it was a values-based one. Boundaries matter, and schools must help create environments where focus, presence, and relationships can thrive.
We call upon students, parents, and staff to be mindful of how we use our phones and our technology. We influence one another more than we realise. Culture is shaped by what we normalise.
If we truly believe in our mission to Educate for Change, then that change must begin with our own practice, in both the small and the big.
I encourage you to watch this short and powerful video that reminds us what truly matters: vídeo.
Together, let us continue to protect childhood, question power, and choose courage over convenience.
Thank you!
The results reflect a collective effort by parents, students and our whole team — it’s our unity and community that make us strong.
Parent Satisfaction Survey (1 to 5 scale)
Safety: 4.3 — parents see our school as very safe
Happiness: 4.42 — children feel happy here
Recommendation: 4.16 — most parents would recommend our school
Mission alignment: 4.07 — living up to “Together we Educate for Change”
Pride in school direction: 4.10 — positive view of where we are heading
Internal (Staff) Survey (1 to 5 scale)
Proud to be part of creating a unique school: 4.59
School developing in a good direction: 4.14
Recommend as a good place to work: 4.34
All scores have increased compared with last year.
27 JAN | For Parents | Parents Workshop – Behaviour, Emotions and Education by Melanie Von Muhlen (in English) | Library | 08:45–10:00
28 JAN | Grade 1C | Field Trip to Biblioteca de Cascais | 08:30–12:30
28 JAN | Middle Students | House Sports Event | 11:30–12:30
30 JAN | For Parents | Parents’ Coffee | Cafeteria | 08:45–10:00
30 JAN | Students | Sustainability Workshop | Library| 09:00–10:15
30 JAN | For Community | Bio Market – Charity Edition | Tent | 16:15–18:00
02 FEB | Preschool Parents | Parents Meetings – Subject Fair Preschool | Library | 16:30–18:00
03 FEB | Primary Parents | Parents Meetings – Subject Fair Primary | Library | 16:30–18:00
03 FEB | Grade 10 Students and Parents | A Level Fair | School | 08:40—10:30
04 FEB | Grade 1A | Field Trip - Biblioteca de Cascais | 08:30–12:30
04 FEB | Students | LASA Tournament Cross Country | School | 09:00–14:00
04 FEB | Middle and Secondary Parents and students | Student and Parents’ Meetings with subject teachers | Online | 15:00–18:00
05 FEB | Grade 9 (Sociology), Grade 11 (Sociology). Grade 9 (Art&Design) and Grade 9 (Music) | Field Trip to Calouste Gulbenkian Museum | Lisbon | 13:15–16:00
06 FEB | New Families | Open Day | Library | 09:00–10:30
06 FEB | Grade 3 | Theatre Play – “Era Uma Vez…” | Teatro Armando Cortez | 09:30–12:00
09–13 FEB | Middle and Secondary | Humanities Week | School | All day
10 FEB | Preschool Parents | Music Presentations | Refectory | 09:30–11:00
11 FEB | Middle to Secondary Student and Parents | Student-Led Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents) | School
12 FEB | Grade 2 | Theatre Play – “Era Uma Vez…” | Teatro Armando Cortez | 09:30–12:00
13 FEB | Carnival Party | School
14–22 FEB | Half Term Break
23 FEB | School restart
24 FEB | Preschool Students | Festival Play | Cinema São Jorge + Estufa Fria | 09:00–15:00
24 FEB | Grade 10 and Grade 11 | University Fair | Sharing International School – Taguspark | 14:00–15:30
24 FEB | For Parents | Parents Workshop – Behaviour, Emotions and Education by Melanie Von Muhlen (in English) | Library | 16:15–17:30
26 FEB | Grade 1A | Field Trip and Workshop | Museu do Mar | 09:00–14:00
27 FEB | Middle and Secondary Students | Field Trip Day | Various locations | All day
03–05 MAR | School Community | Regeneration Festival | School | All day
21 APR | Primary Student and Parents | Student-Led Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents) | School
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.
If you are unable to attend this session, you can join the next one on February 24th from 16:15–17:30.
PARENTS’ COFFEE MORNING
On Friday, 30 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.
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. To register, please complete the form below: [Registration Form]
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, and Arts.
It is also an opportunity to clarify any questions regarding the educational programme.
A-LEVEL FAIR
The A-Level Fair provides 10th-grade students and parents with a vital roadmap for the final stage of their secondary education. This event is designed to bridge the gap between IGCSEs and higher education, offering a detailed look at the diverse subjects available—from the Humanities and Social Sciences like Sociology, History, Business and Global Perspectives, to the scientific rigor of Physics, Math, and Chemistry.
Through faculty presentations, families will gain a clear understanding of the significant leap in responsibility and academic depth required at this level. This is an essential opportunity for students to align their subject choices with their aspirations beyond Aprendizes, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of university and their future careers.
PARENTS-STUDENTS-SUBJECT TEACHERS’ MEETINGS
On 4 February, our Middle and Secondary Parents-Students-Subject teachers 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. Please note that the instruction email has already been sent.
RE-ENROLMENT IS OPEN
The re-enrolment process is open - secure your spot for the next school year! Complete the process by filling out this form by February 16th. All details and instructions have also been sent by email, on January 15th.
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.
NEW EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY: CHESS!
Strategy, logic, and fun — now available to our students!
Escola Aprendizes is pleased to announce a new addition to our range of extracurricular activities: Chess, an activity that develops reasoning skills, concentration, and the ability to make smart decisions — always in a fun and challenging way!
Aimed at students from 3rd to 6th grade, this activity will be led by a specialized instructor and will take place every Wednesday, with schedules adjusted to each age group:
3rd and 4th grade — 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
5th and 6th grade — 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Monthly fee: €23
Expected start: February
Registration deadline: January 28 — via form.
If your child loves challenges, enjoys creative thinking, or simply wants to try something new, Chess is the right choice!
Secure a spot now — places are subject to a minimum number of participants.
FREE SCHOOL CLUBS | DISCOVER, LEARN, GET INVOLVED!
At our school, we offer a range of free clubs for all students to enrich their school experience. We have academic clubs that support and extend curriculum learning, and non-academic clubs that reflect students’ interests and passions.
These clubs cover areas such as science and maths, languages and humanities, sports, music, arts and more — so every student can find something they enjoy. Clubs run outside regular class hours, and students from all sections are free to choose which clubs they would like to join. We encourage everyone to explore, learn and have fun!
PRESCHOOL
SALTEADORES TAKE PAGE TO STAGE
The Salteadores class presented a theatre play inspired by A Casa da Mosca Fosca, by Eva Mejuto, celebrating creativity and teamwork. Students created new characters, rhymes, and masks, bringing the story to life on stage.
The performance was shared with classes 1A, 1C, and 2C, as well as parents, highlighting the value of the arts in learning.
primary
A MYSTERIOUS TREASURE HUNT ADVENTURE
Classes 3B and 4A teamed up for an exciting treasure hunt to solve a mysterious disappearance. Students tackled tricky challenges and puzzles that revealed important clues.
The tasks were demanding, but their teamwork and enthusiasm stayed strong throughout. Everyone loved the adventure, enjoyed the problem-solving, and had a fantastic time working together to uncover the mystery!
MIDDLE
OUTDOOR WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Middle school students participated in the Outdoor Workshop, developing survival and teamwork skills through hands-on activities. They built shelters, practised fire safety, and applied concepts from physics, biology, and geography.
The experience encouraged confidence, decision-making, and collaboration, allowing students to put theory into practice while fostering independence, problem-solving, and a deeper appreciation for learning beyond the classroom.
SECONDARY
STORIES FROM LAST YEAR’S GRADUATES
Last year’s graduates returned, both in person and online, to share their journeys with current students. From university applications to starting life at their chosen universities, and even taking gap-year experiences, they offered honest reflections and advice.
Their stories inspired students to embrace challenges, stay curious, and explore the unique paths ahead, showing that every journey is different and full of possibilities.
WE ARE A NO PHONE SCHOOL – LET’S LEAD BY EXAMPLE!
As a no phone school, we rely on parents to help make this a reality. Your example at home—how you use technology, set boundaries, and prioritise offline time—has a huge impact on your children.
Our partnership with Mirabilis provided practical tips to support healthy screen habits, from encouraging outdoor play to keeping screens out of bedrooms. Let’s work together to model mindful technology use, reinforce healthy routines, and show our children that life beyond the screen can be fun, creative, and meaningful.
Please take a moment to re‑watch the video recommended by our school principal, and we invite you to spend five minutes intentionally stopping to reflect on your own screen habits and behavior.
NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN
INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN
January 29 – Ireland
