Dear parents, guardians, and students,

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

Stay tuned and join us in this celebration of ideas and action!

Welcome Back to School!

Dear Students, Families, and Colleagues,

We cannot wait to hug the kids again and welcome them back! The laughter, the energy, the friendships—we’ve missed it all. And I know you’ve missed each other too. School is not just about books and exams—it’s about belonging, about having fun together, about being part of a community that feels a little like family.

This year, as always, we come back guided by our vision: Together we Educate for Change. We’re lucky to learn inside this wonderful community of ours—but with privilege comes responsibility. It’s up to us to make sure no one feels left out. That means giving an extra warm welcome to our new students and their families (who might be feeling a little nervous), and of course to the new teachers and staff joining the Aprendizes team. Let’s make sure they feel at home from day one!

But we also know the world outside our community is complicated. As educators, we’ve been asking ourselves: how do we prepare our students not only to succeed academically, but to make a real difference? From understanding AI and how to use it wisely, to helping tackle climate change, to standing up for democracy, peace, and human rights—our students are learning to be changemakers.

And here’s the good news: change doesn’t always start big. It starts with the little things—being kind, showing empathy, respecting others, solving problems together, and being curious. And yes, it also means aiming high, loving to learn, and getting those great academic results that open the door to lifelong opportunities.

Speaking of results—WOW. We are so proud of our students who took their exams this Spring. We had great results! From those who went from an A to an A*, to those who climbed from a U to an A—your hard work paid off. That progress is what truly matters, and we have to give a BIG shoutout to our amazing teachers who always go the extra mile. 

So here we go—welcome back! Let’s make this year full of joy, belonging, learning, and change. Together.

With excitement,

Rikke

Principal

02 SEP | New students | Induction Day | All day

03 SEP | All students (except new Preschool) | First Day of School | All day

08 SEP | New Preschool students | Preschool Start | All day

20 SEP | All Families | Picnic / Extra-Curricular Try Out Day | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

26 SEP | All students | Languages Day | All day

03 OCT | Parents | Parents Coffee | 08:45–09:45 AM

07 OCT | Parents | PTSO (Parents, Teachers, Student Organization) Meeting | 04:00–05:30 PM

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL

School Start Dates:

  • 2 September – Induction Day (new students)

  • 3 September – First day (All students, except new Preschool)

  • 8 September – Start for new Preschool students

Please follow the normal routine for a smooth transition, reassurance, and ensure you are fully prepared.

INDUCTION DAY PROGRAMME

9:30 - 10:30 - Meet the staff

Pre-school parents and children meet their Head Teachers in the Pre-school area.

Primary, Middle and Secondary parents meet with Rikke and Head of Section and Head teachers at the Library 

10:30 - 11:30 - Presentation for pre-school parents and their children in the Library - Rikke 10:30 - 11:30 -  Parents join the students and ambassadors and teachers (but HT) to a tour around school 

11:00 - 12:00 - snack + Support Desk: IT (Laura), Activities (Diogo), Parents' Association (Leonora)

SIGN UP NOW | SPORTS PROGRAMME |TERM 1

Our Afternoon Sports Program starts Monday, 8th September 2025! Free of charge and on campus, sessions include football, basketball, cross country, and mountain biking.

LASA Tournament: 23–24 Oct (Girls Football/Boys Basketball). Friendly and internal games also planned.

 Students must stay for the full session; parents collect only after. Sign up here.

PARENTS MEETINGS

The first Parents Meetings will take place in September. Upcoming meeting dates will be shared by the Head Teachers. Information and schedules will be communicated via the Friday e-mail. Please check the emails regularly to stay informed and ensure participation.

FAMILY HANDBOOK REMINDER

All important information for families is available in the Family Handbook. Please consult it for guidance on school routines, policies, and procedures. For any questions, contact the relevant staff member:

  • Admissions: admissions@aprendizes.pt

  • School Secretary: secretaria@aprendizes.pt

  • Extracurricular Activities: activities@aprendizes.pt

  • Food & Meals: joanaxardone@aprendizes.pt

HEALTH FORM REMINDER

It is mandatory that your child’s Health Form is completed and submitted by tomorrow, the 29th. Accurate information is essential to ensure the safety and appropriate support of students. If there are any changes of this nature in the future, the form must be updated and the Head Teacher informed.

FORM

SCHOOL MATERIAL

Please ensure your child starts school with all the required materials. Detailed school supply lists are available here. Being prepared helps students fully engage in lessons and activities from day one. Check the lists carefully and make sure everything is ready before the first day.

PARENTS PORTAL

New Parents will  be sent an email with instructions on how to log onto the Parent Portal, current families accesses have not been changed.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

The school calendar for the year is now available. Please check it to stay informed about term dates, holidays, and important events. Planning ahead ensures smooth routines and helps families and staff prepare effectively for all school activities.

DRESS CODE REMINDER

We remind all students and families to follow the school dress code policies. Guidelines ensure a safe, respectful, and professional learning environment. Full details of acceptable attire are available here. Please review the policies before the first day to ensure compliance.

NO EXTERNAL ANIMALS ALLOWED ON SCHOOL PREMISES

Please note that animals are not permitted on school grounds. Our dogs and cats roam freely, and we must prevent any unforeseen confrontations. We kindly ask for your cooperation to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

EXAMS RESULTS

We are immensely proud to share the outstanding results achieved by our students in the recent IGCSE and A-Level examinations. These figures are not just statistics — they reflect the effort, dedication, and resilience of each student, the support of families, and the passion of our teachers.

At IGCSE level, 84.4% of all entries achieved A–C*, with over 25% graded A/A* out of 211 exam papers. In Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, and German), results were exceptional: 16 out of 17 entries were awarded A*. In Sciences, we achieved 100% A–D and 92.6% A–C, while in Global Perspectives we celebrated 100% A–C, with almost half at A*/A. In First Languages (English and Portuguese), 89% of results were A–C*. One of our students achieved an extraordinary 5 A*s and 3 As, a result that fills our entire community with pride.

At A-Level, we celebrate an impressive 96.5% pass rate (A–E), with 23 A/As (27%) across 85 papers sat. Portuguese results were particularly strong, with all students achieving A or A*. At AS Level, we recorded 88.2% A–E, marking a strong foundation for future success.

These results confirm that our school nurtures not only academic excellence but also integrity and resilience. Each achievement is a shared victory and a source of deep pride for our whole community.

HOUSE SYSTEM IN SEPTEMBER

This September every student will join one of four epic houses — Ignis, Aqua, Terra, Ventus! From dodgeball battles to art challenges and science quests, houses earn points all year long. It’s all about teamwork, spirit, and fun. Led by students, cheered on by staff — the House System brings everyone together in true Aprendizes style!

NO PHONES POLICY REMINDER

We remind all students and families that phones are not allowed at school. This policy ensures focus, safety, and a positive learning environment. Full details and guidelines are available here. Please review the policy and make sure students follow it from day one.

Our Next Country Days: 

SET 11 - England in our kitchen

Star of September: Tomato

The tomato is our star of the month on the school menu. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, it is an excellent ally for healthy growth, strengthens the immune system, and supports healthy skin and eyes. It also contains antioxidants that protect the cells and provide energy for daily activities.

In addition, it is a very versatile ingredient, perfect for salads, soups, sauces, or as a side dish, bringing flavour, colour, and nutrition to any meal. Be sure to try it and enjoy all the benefits tomatoes have to offer!

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