Dear parents, guardians, and students,
In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:
Parents’ workshop: Roots & Wings: belonging beyond borders
Wait Until Later movement launch
Openapply: new admissions platform
News from the kitchen
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27 FEB | Grade 5 | Field Trip | MAAT + Canoeing Jamor | MAAT + Jamor | 08:30–15:45
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 + Trampolins Up Up | 08:10–16:30
27 FEB | Grade 12 | Field Trip | Aqueduto das Águas Livres + Trampolins Up Up | 08:10–16:30
27 FEB | Grade 6 | Field Trip | Estúdio de gravação + trampolins up up | 10:30–16:30
03–05 MAR | School Community | Regeneration Festival | School | All day
03 MAR | Workshop for Parents | Belonging Beyond Borders | Library | 08:45–10:00
12 MAR | For Parents | Wait Until Later movement launch | Library | 16:30–18:00
13–14 MAR | Middle & Secondary DOE Expedition (overnight): Starts 13 MAR ~17:30, Ends 14 MAR ~11:30
26 MAR | Secondary Students | Career Day | Village 2 | 14:00-16:00
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
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 who wish to take part must register using the email sent on 12 February.
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 own cutlery, 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
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
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
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? Sign up here:
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.
NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN
INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN
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