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
- Join Us at the Languages Bio Market
- PTSO Meeting (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization)
- First Book Club Session
Practical Information
- School Calendar
- Looking After Each Other
- New School Bus Route, Stopping at Aprendizes
Best Practices
- Art at Pre-School
- Primary School Elections
- Middle School Elections
- Secondary School Elections
Act Together
- News from the Kitchen

Learning Democracy by Doing Democracy

Democracy is not only something we learn about in books. It is something we learn by doing.

At Aprendizes, we want our students to experience what it means to have a voice, listen to others, bring ideas and suggestions, express criticism and take responsibility for helping to shape the community they are part of.

Our youngest students already practise this in Preschool, where classes have weekly elections for president, vice-president and other roles that help the class function.

Over the past few weeks, students in Primary, Middle and Secondary have also elected their Class Representatives. Every two weeks, they meet with their Head of Section to discuss what is working, what could be improved and what ideas they have.

Our Parent Class Representatives are part of this too. Next Tuesday, 29 September, all elected student and parent representatives will come together at the library to identify challenges, explore solutions and celebrate the community we are building together.

This is how we learn democracy - not simply by talking about it, but by participating in it.

A small autumn reminder

As we enter autumn, we also enter the season of lice and respiratory illnesses. Please check your children regularly for lice - this is a parental responsibility, not a school responsibility.

If your child is unwell or has a contagious illness, we kindly ask that they stay at home until they are fully recovered and you are certain that there is no longer any risk of infection.

For some people in our community, these precautions matter much more than we may realise. Taking care of each other is also part of being a community.

Rikke

Primary

Middle

Secondary

Whole Community

BIO MARKET LANGUAGES EDITION

Tomorrow, 25 September, from 16:15 to 18:00, in the tent

We are opening the school year by celebrating what makes this school so particular: the many languages that cross paths in our corridors every day. The first Bio Market of 2026/27 is the Languages Edition, held on the eve of the European Day of Languages.

You do not need a stall to take part. Come and walk through the tent, taste, talk and discover how many languages fit into one afternoon.

Community

PTSO MEETING

The next PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) meeting will take place on 29 September, 2026, at 16:00 in the Library. This meeting is only for the students and parents representatives already elected for this academic year. This is a great opportunity to collaborate and strengthen our school community.

FIRST BOOK CLUB SESSION

Join us for the opening session of the Aprendizes Book Club 2026/27, on 13 October, from 18:30 to 20:00, in the Library. We begin with Debaixo de Água, by Tara Menon, in a conversation facilitated by Cristina Rodriguez and Ana Luísa Carneiro. An evening to read together, exchange perspectives and discover where a book can take a conversation. Open to everyone.

More information here: https://www.aprendizes.pt/clube-de-leitura-dos-aprendizes-2627

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Keep track of holidays, school events and important dates throughout the year: School Calendar – click here

LOOKING AFTER EACH OTHER

If your child has a contagious illness, please keep them home until fully recovered, as some members of our community may be more vulnerable.

Please also check your child's hair regularly for lice and treat before returning to school. Thank you for your consideration.

NEW SCHOOL BUS ROUTE, STOPPING AT APRENDIZES

Good news for families and staff! Cascais Municipality has launched a new school bus line, the MobiCascais M45, which passes by our school. This circular route connects Malveira da Serra, Torre and Cidadela, making it easier for students to get to and from school by public transport. The service started on 14 September 2026 and runs on weekdays.

You can check the full route and timetable here: M45 Timetable 2026

Did you know? Young people up to the age of 23 (inclusive) can travel for free across the Lisbon Metropolitan Area with the Navegante pass.

Please feel free to share this with families who might benefit!

ART AT PRE-SCHOOL

At pre-school, art class meant paintbrushes in hand and colour everywhere. Our youngest students painted, mixed tones and let their imagination guide every stroke. A simple, colourful morning of experimenting and discovering — art, just the way we love to live it at Aprendizes.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ELECTIONS

This year's candidates made their case from home: students ran for office through videos sent in by their families. Yesterday, it was their classmates' turn to decide. Ballot boxes opened, and primary students voted for their representatives, with seriousness and enthusiasm. Citizenship in practice, from an early age.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIONS

The middle school also held assembly elections, class by class. In most, the result was clear. In one class, however, the top candidates ended in a tie. To settle it fairly, that class will hold a new round of voting. Democracy in practice — ties included.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ELECTIONS

At secondary level, campaigning happened live: candidates addressed their own classes before the vote. Once elected, representatives spoke again — this time in front of the whole secondary school, with a short thank-you speech. Leadership, voice and responsibility, in action from day one.

NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN

INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN:
15 OCT | Mexico

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