Dear Team,
In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:
Color Block Party
Erasmus +
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About this space
This space is for colleagues, by colleagues — it’s not from the management, it’s from the team, for the team. It’s about valuing what we are together, recognizing the effort, care, and presence. If you’d like to thank a colleague, this is the place. It will be published in the next newsletter.
Shout out
Arraial – Veronica and everyone supporting her: A huge thank you to Veronica and the amazing team behind her for making the Arraial such a vibrant and unforgettable event!
Camp teachers: Thank you for bringing energy, creativity, and fun to every day of camp – you're the true summer heroes!
Summer school leaders, teachers and assistants: Your dedication and teamwork made summer school a fantastic and enriching experience for everyone involved!
Diogo Santos: A special shout out to Diogo for his quiet but vital contribution – always making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes!
Well-being team: In the midst of challenging change, you continue to offer unwavering support and care – thank you for always being there for us.
A huge thank you to Vanessa for her commitment and dedication to producing the Yearbook!
UPDATES
Congratulations to our new DUKE of EDINBURGH Coordinator, Diogo Santos!
We’re thrilled to announce that Diogo Santos will be stepping into the role of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator. Over the past few years, Diogo has shown incredible dedication, ensuring every activity was truly outstanding. We firmly believe he’s the best person for the job — bringing commitment, energy, and vision to the programme. Congratulations, Diogo!
LIZ NASH WILL BE OUR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR THIS YEAR!
We're thrilled to share that Liz Nash will be our Volunteer Coordinator this year! Her energy, dedication, and warmth make her the perfect person to bring our amazing volunteer community together.
Wishing you a fantastic year ahead in this new role — we're lucky to have you on board!
RECRUITMENT
Sharing is attracting — by spreading the word, our team helps bring in more talent just like you! Let’s grow this team.
Primary Teacher (Now or School Year 25/26)
Primary Co-Teacher (School Year 25/26)
Primary Teaching Assistant (Academic Year 25/26)
Middle school History and Geography of Portugal
Secondary Business Teacher (School Year 25/26)
PE teacher Middle school (School Year 25/26)
Secondary Teacher English Teacher (language and Literature)
Remember, these positions are open to everyone, so if you're interested, don't hesitate to apply!
Additionally, at Aprendizes, we believe that YOU are the best person to identify and select your future colleagues. That's why we're implementing an active referral system. If you recommend a future colleague (and they confirm that you informed them about the position), you'll receive a
NOW!!! €250 referral bonus! NOW!!!
MORE INTERNAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES
APRENDIZES HOUSE SYSTEM 2025/26
Starting this September, Aprendizes will launch its House System — a cross-grade community that brings students and staff together across Pre-Primary to Secondary. Rooted in our values, it promotes identity, connection, and leadership through challenges in academics, arts, sports, and service.
Each of the four houses will be led by student captains and mentored by staff. More than competition, it’s about belonging, collaboration, and celebrating our diverse talents. A house is not a building — it's a community.
HOUSE LEADER
(1 Position | €150/month | Open to Pre, Primary, Middle, and Secondary Staff)
Role Summary:
Oversee the entire house system across the school. Ensure consistency, excitement, and alignment with the school’s vision and values. Drive staff and student engagement.
Time Commitment:
Approx. 1 hour/week for dedicated planning, communication, and system oversight.
Training & Support:
Will receive facilitator training in:
Student leadership coaching
Event coordination and logistics
Conflict resolution and motivation strategies
Digital tools for house communication and scoring
Core Responsibilities:
Supervise and support the 4 House Facilitators.
Develop the annual house calendar (events across academics, arts, sports, etc.).
Plan and evaluate house events with HODs and Facilitators.
Promote house culture, visibility, and positive competition.
Host house assemblies and initiatives involving all houses.
Guide student House Captains and leadership teams.
Track and communicate house points and leaderboards.
Lead communication via noticeboards, newsletters, Teams, etc.
HOUSE FACILITATOR
(4 Positions | €100/month | One per House | Open to Pre, Primary, Middle, and Secondary Staff)
Role Summary:
Be the heart of your house. Facilitate communication, coordination, and spirit among students and staff. Empower student leaders to take ownership of events and community contributions.
Time Commitment:
Approx. 1 hour/week, including planning and coordination.
Training & Support:
Will receive facilitator training in:
Running inclusive, student-led meetings
Mentoring House Captains/Vice Captains
Communicating effectively across age groups
Coordinating inter-house participation and events
Key Responsibilities:
Lead monthly House Meetings with students and staff in your house.
Collaborate with House Captains and student teams to plan and lead participation.
Encourage and celebrate involvement in house events and challenges.
Provide guidance to students as they organize teams, prepare for events, and manage responsibilities.
Submit participation data and student feedback to the Lead House Coordinator.
Communicate all house-related updates to your members via notices, assemblies, or digital platforms.
Build a culture of belonging and teamwork within your house.
Working with Students:
Mentor House Captains and Vice Captains to lead initiatives and represent their peers.
Ensure the house is student-led, with learners organizing, supporting, and participating in events with adult guidance.
Foster student voice and ownership in decisions and direction of the house.
Application Criteria:
Open to all staff across Primary, Middle, and Secondary.
Applicants must:
Demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills.
Be passionate about student engagement and inclusive participation.
Inspire both students and colleagues through positive leadership.
Show commitment to the whole-school community and spirit.
Deadline: 14 of July
Submit a 1-page letter of interest stating the role you are applying for and why you are suited for it.
01 JUL - 18 JUL | Summer school | 9.00 AM to 3.45 PM
17 JUL | Middle School Team Building - TBC
18 JUL | Summer school | 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM with no lunch
18 JUL | Staff Only | Internal Staff Party
(BE THE) COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES!
Get ready for the Color Block Party on 18 July at 19h, at Escola Aprendizes! Dress loud: no neutrals, no patterns – just bold colour blocks and good vibes.
Let’s fill the night with colour, energy, and celebration. Don’t miss it!
ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME
As you head off for a well-deserved break, here’s something exciting to think about:
Next school year, three teachers from each section will have the opportunity to take part in a job-shadowing experience abroad through the Erasmus+ programme. This is a unique chance to spend five days in an inspiring school environment, observing, learning, and exploring new approaches to active learning and student agency.
Preschool and Primary: Sweden | 29 March – 4 April
Middle and Secondary: Denmark | 26 April – 2 May
Interested? Show your interest [here].
In addition, a group of Grade 8 students will visit a school in Czechia in January, and some Grade 9 students will travel to a school in Iceland in April. Two teachers will accompany each group. If you're interested in joining, please contact Joana Cunha or Victoria Rivadeneyra.
Consider this opportunity for an inspiring professional adventure!
NEXT WEEK
Next week, Teresa Cruz will send everyone information regarding the guidelines for the final week and the break. Please keep an eye on Teams.
SUMMER BREAK & RETURN DATES
As you know, the school holidays begin after 18 July.
We look forward to welcoming you back on 25 August to prepare for the new school year.
We’ll welcome our new students on 2 September, and all returning students on 3 September.
Pre-school starts on 8 September.
Please check the calendar for more details.
Wishing you a well-deserved and restful break!
AI COURSES AND CERTIFICATIONS ON THE NATIONAL COLLEGE
On The National College platform, which we all have access to, there are several courses and certifications focused on Artificial Intelligence. These resources can be especially helpful in understanding the opportunities and challenges AI may bring next school year. It’s a great idea to explore them over the summer or at the start of the year.
3 MUST-SEE SERIES ON YOUTH, SCHOOL AND SILENT STRUGGLES
If you haven’t seen them yet, here are three series worth watching this summer to help us better understand students, teen struggles, and what’s often hidden beneath the surface in educational environments.
1. ADOLESCENCE
This psychological thriller kicks off when a 13-year-old boy is accused of killing a classmate. What follows is a layered exploration of trauma, family secrets, emotional neglect and institutional failure. Available on Netflix, ADOLESCENCE forces us to rethink what teens might be carrying silently — even when they show no signs.
2. 13 REASONS WHY
Hard-hitting and unforgettable, this series centres on the tapes left by a girl before taking her own life. It addresses bullying, sexual violence, depression and the consequences of silence. A powerful wake-up call for anyone working with or raising teenagers — sometimes painful, but crucial.
3. OLYMPO
Set in a high-performance sports centre, this Spanish drama follows swimmer Amaia after a teammate collapses. What unravels is a sharp critique of elite sports culture: doping, pressure, mental health and systemic silence. Beautifully shot and dark in tone, OLYMPO mirrors what many young people face when pushed too far, too young.
TO READ
“THE ARTIST’S WAY” by Julia Cameron offers a 12-week program with exercises to help unlock creativity and face the obstacles that make the creative process difficult.
The book is useful for professionals in any field who want to explore new ways of thinking and acting at work and in life.
