Dear Team,

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

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

I want to thank the primary Arts & Performances team for the effort and energy they have put into preparing for the primary music, drama and art events taking place in the final week of Term 1. In addition, I want to mention how inspired we all our by the display of wonderful art work from our Middle and Secondary school students. Thank you to Sara Prudêncio and Tamirys dos Santos for your dedication and enthusiasm - the students are thriving! (From Alexa Laryea)

Rita Marques,
thank you for your dedication and for making Staff Dance happen. Your commitment makes these moments special for everyone.
(From Veronica Barbieri)

A huge shout-out to our amazing kitchen team! Joana Xardoné, Elaine Sousa, Érica Moura, Fátima Baptista, Fátima Daúdo, Gildete Teixeira, Izabel Moreira, Juliana Vaz, Marcos Ferreira, Leonardo Silva and Raiane Santos. Also a big thanks to our maintenance team! Ricardo Limão, Joaquim Cercas e Yaroslav Verstiuk. We all count on you and truly appreciate the extra effort and dedication you give, especially during these special times of the year. (From TFD)

Alexa Laryea and Chloe Jaden, supported by Guilhas, Veronica Barbieri, Teresa Cruz, Ricardo Limão, and many others, delivered a truly wonderful Primary and Middle School Performance/Concert. (From TFD)

Thank you to the 2nd Grade teachers and students for creating such an amazing Manifestation and Right of the Child video. Your creativity and dedication really shone through. (From TFD)

We are also grateful to Tatiana Colla for the inspiring “What Are We Reading” initiative, and to Rita Rovisco and Guilhas for the fantastic Primary Shadow Theatre presentations that delighted everyone. (From TFD)

A special thanks to Tamirys dos Santos for the beautiful Art exhibition, and to the Grade 10 English teachers for leading an outstanding Socratic Seminar. (From TFD)

We also appreciate Frederico Soares for supporting all the performances in the library and Rita Marques for once again organizing the staff dance this year. Your energy, commitment, and passion make all the difference! (From TFD)

Thank you to Luisa Heitor and the entire Child Protection Committee for your dedication, hard work, and continued commitment. Your efforts are truly appreciated. (From TFD)

Thank you so much to everyone who helped with the Christmas hampers — Teresa Cruz, Susana Alves, Cristina Rodriguez, Erwin Russel, Verônica Barbieri, Inês Fragoso, Diogo Santos, Maria Fernandes and Vanessa da Trindade — your kindness warmed so many hearts! (From TFD)

INSET DAY INFORMATION

On January 5th, we will come together for our first professional learning day of the year, dedicated to strengthening our practice, sharing expertise, and equipping ourselves with tools that directly support our work with students and families. The morning will be organised into two rounds of workshops, from 9:00-10:30 and 11:00-12:30, and all staff members will participate in one workshop per round. 

Based on the areas of interest you shared, we put together the following workshop programme. If you didn't fil it yet, please do it as soon as possible. Please note that we are still finalising the planning, and a first come, first sign up registration system. The final list of participants and room numbers will be shared on the morning of the 5th. 

Gently reminder: Staff members who joined our team before the 2025/26 academic year must obtain a new criminal record certificate and submit it to Cristina Rodriguez by January 5th.

19 DEC | End of 1st Term | 12:00

20 DEC to 05 JAN | Christmas Holidays

05 JAN | Staff Inset Day (all day – in person)

06 JAN | Start of 2nd Term

07 JAN | Meet the Alumni (Assembly Grade 11 and 12) | Library | 12:20–14:00

07 JAN | Parents’ Meeting – Grade 1 | Library | 08:45–09:45

08 JAN | Transition Meeting – Grade 6 to 7 | Library | 15:00–16:00

08 JAN | Transition Meeting – Grade 8 to 9 | Library | 16:00–17:00

08 JAN | Action Research Programme – Online (whole group)

09 JAN | Parents’ Coffee | Refectory | 08:45–09:30

12 JAN | Parents’ Meeting – Grade 2 | Library | 08:45–09:45

12 JAN to 21 JAN | MOCKS – Secondary – Grades 10, 11 & 12 | Village 2

13 JAN | PTSO (Parents, Teachers, Student Organization) Meeting | Library | 16:00–17:30

14 JAN | IGCSE Fair – 8th Grade | 10:30–12:30

15 JAN | Transition Meeting – Pre-school to Primary | Library | 16:00–17:00

15 JAN | Parents’ Meeting – Grade 3 | Library | 08:45–09:45

20 JAN | Parents’ Meeting – Grade 4 | Library | 08:45–09:45

21 JAN | House Meeting | Library | 17:00–18:00

23 JAN | Staff Christmas Party | 19:00–23:00

25 JAN to 31 JAN | Mobility to Czechia – Erasmus – Grade 8

25 JAN to 31 JAN | Sky trip – Grade 8 up

30 JAN | Bio Market – Charity Edition | Tent | 16:15–18:00

02 FEB | Subject Fair Preschool | Library | 16:30–18:00

03 FEB | Subject Fair Primary | Library | 16:30–18:00

11 FEB | 3-Way Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents) | Middle to Secondary

13 FEB | Carnival Party

14 FEB to 22 FEB | Half Term Break

03–05 MAR | Regeneration Festival

21 APR | 3-Way Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents) | Primary

PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS’ MEETINGS

We would like to inform you that the Primary School parents’ meetings will take place on the dates listed below. Please save these dates in your diaries.

These meetings are designed to provide an opportunity for parents to better understand the educational structure and methodology that guide our teaching approach.

During the meetings, we will present the curriculum, explain the learning objectives for each grade, and discuss how we support the development of academic, social, and emotional skills

Your attendance is very important.

ALUMNI GET TOGETHER

On 7 January 2026, at 12:20, Aprendizes International Active Learning School will host a Meet the Alumni event in the library for Grades 11 and 12.

Former students will reconnect with teachers, share post-secondary experiences, inspire final-year learners, collect Cambridge certificates and enjoy a relaxed lunch, celebrating shared memories and the idea that meaningful journeys often lead back home.

TRANSITION MEETINGS

Aprendizes will host a series of Transition Meetings to help students and parents navigate the move to the next school year and prepare for upcoming challenges.

Sessions include Grade 6 to 7 on 8 January at 3:00 PM, Grade 8 to 9 on 8 January at 4:00 PM, and Pre-School to Primary for 6-year-old students on 15 January at 4:00 PM. These meetings provide guidance, support, and a chance to discuss the transition process.

PARENTS’ COFFEE MORNING

On Friday, 9 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.

PTSO MEETING

The next PTSO (Parents, Teachers and Students Organization) meeting will take place on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, in the Library.

YOUR CHOICES, YOUR PATH! 

The IGCSE Fair offers 8th-grade students an opportunity to look beyond the core curriculum and explore the diverse elective courses available for Grade 9. From Business and Computer Science to History and the Arts, students can discover what each subject entails, speak directly with the teachers, and begin designing a personalized academic journey.

It is the first step for students to take ownership of their education and find the subjects that truly excite them. Parents are welcome.

HOUSE MEETING

Date: 21 January
Time: 17:00 – 18:00
Location: Library

Between 17:00 and 18:00, all staff will meet to share relevant information. If you would like to suggest a topic or raise a question, please do so via the form.

The house meeting will be followed by the usual happy hour.

JOIN US FOR 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 for selling partners.

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 lessons that their children attend.

It is also an opportunity to clarify any questions regarding the educational programme.

Dates and times:

  • 2 FEB – Preschool | Library | 16:30–18:00

  • 3 FEB – Primary | Library | 16:30–18:00

PRESCHOOL

PRESCHOOL CELEBRATES THE SEASON ON LISBON’S CHRISTMAS TRAM

Preschool pupils enjoyed a festive December outing aboard Lisbon’s Christmas Tram, organised by CARRIS. Departing from Santo Amaro, the decorated tram offered a narrated Christmas story, window drawings and small gifts.

The initiative also supported Café Joyeux, promoting inclusion for people with disabilities, teaching children the joy of giving while exploring the city during a memorable seasonal educational experience together.

Primary

GRADE 2 MARCHES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

On 10 December, Grade 2 students marked Human Rights Day with a school march focused on Children’s Rights. Carrying creative messages, pupils highlighted dignity, safety and equality.

Celebrations continued with presentations in the library, where students shared reflections, showing confidence and understanding as young advocates for fairness, respect and inclusion in their daily lives and communities.

Middle

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS SHARPEN SKILLS IN EXPERT-LED DEBATE WORKSHOP

Last week, Aprendizes middle school students took part in an expert-led Debate Workshop facilitated by Coach Przemek, a Harvard graduate and experienced debate coach.

Through dynamic activities, including speed debating with immediate feedback, students strengthened argumentation, communication and critical thinking skills while gaining confidence in expressing and defending their ideas.

Secondary

LEARNING FROM MYPOLIS ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTION

Secondary students welcomed MyPolis specialist Marcela Farias for a session on social enterprises and civic engagement. Students explored democratic participation, funding models and community-led solutions.

An interactive Q&A inspired discussion on accountability, youth involvement and future project-based learning collaborations, encouraging students to actively contribute to positive social change within their own communities.

MAGICAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS BRING THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO LIFE

This festive season, the school came alive with joyful celebrations. Packed Christmas concerts filled the hall, while the Bio Market’s Christmas edition allowed families to shop from local and community vendors. Students amazed everyone with shadow theatre performances and original music they composed, alongside an art exhibition exploring lines and shapes. Shared lunches, staff dances, carols, and parent-led plays added to the magic.

We also embraced the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, offering a traditional dessert to honour the occasion, celebrating cultural diversity and bringing the whole school community closer together.

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING IN OUR HOUSES?

Although still in its early stages, the House System has already brought students, teachers and staff together through fun and healthy competition. Points reflect empathy, reasoning, dexterity and creativity, rewarding participation in a variety of activities, from academic challenges like the Languages Quiz and Maths Olympics, to sports and creative events such as football, basketball and the Staff Dance.

House culture is growing stronger every week through House Day, when everyone wears their house colours, and House Tutor Time. The House branding can now be seen across the school—in the entrance, the dining hall, and at the entrance of each Village—making the system a visible part of daily life. Engagement is high, and the next exciting milestone will be the expansion to Primary in January, along with more House events across the school.

In the house rankings, Earth leads with 830 points, Fire and Air are tied at 615, and Water trails with 540.

REMINDER – Shared Lunch Tomorrow

We would like to remind all staff that there will be a shared lunch tomorrow. You may bring something individually or organize contributions with your team.

Suggested contributions:

  • Pre-School: Desserts

  • 1st and 2nd Cycle / Secondary: Savoury dishes

  • Middle School: Drinks

  • Support Staff: Savoury dishes and desserts

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

SCHOOL PHASES OUT PRIVATE STUDENT CHATS ON MICROSOFT TEAMS

Starting in January, the school will gradually eliminate private chats between students and between students and teachers, on Microsoft Teams. This decision follows pedagogical reflection, feedback from families, and scientific evidence showing that excessive notifications and parallel communication negatively affect focus, wellbeing, and learning.

To simplify and clarify communication, email will become the official channel. In parallel, students are receiving explicit guidance in English, Portuguese and ICT on how to write clear, appropriate and well-structured emails, supporting responsible and intentional digital communication.

IMPORTANT | BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS

Anyone who will be taking a computer home must inform Laura Cercas in advance. Please ensure that all work areas are left tidy, organised, and clean before the holidays. Thank you for your cooperation.

YEARBOOK PHOTOS NEW DATES IN JANUARY

We kindly ask all Head Teachers who have not yet scheduled their class individual photo session to please do so in January, on the following dates: January 8th, 13th, and 15th.

We advise secondary school teachers who have not yet taken the photos to book 8 January, as the following two dates coincide with the MOCK exams.

Please fill in your preferred time slot using the schedule available at the link. Thank you for your cooperation.

NEW PARTNERSHIP – SWEDISH LANGUAGE CLASSES AT THE SWEDISH SCHOOL

Our network of partnerships has just grown with the Swedish School, offering our students the opportunity to learn the Swedish language.

📍 Location: Swedish School
📅 Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays
⏰ Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

For registrations and further information, please contact the Swedish School directly by phone: +351 21 457 0646.

We would also like to remind you that all activities within our partnership network are available on our website. These activities are designed for our students; however, registrations, payments, and information are always managed directly by the partner institutions.

COMBINE PROJECT

Between 6 and 9 January, as part of the international COMBINE Project, a new weighing of food waste will take place in the school canteen. This will involve students from Primary, Middle, and Secondary, with the presence and coordination of researchers Iva Pires and Sónia Nobre (FCSH – NOVA University of Lisbon). The aim is to assess the impact of the measures implemented over the past few months, with the goal of reducing food waste by at least 10%. Some of the measures implemented include:

  • Awareness posters created by students (Science and Arts)

  • Awareness messages and actions

  • Food waste weighing carried out by the Kitchen team in November, and the announcement of a collective prize in the event of a reduction (ice cream)

  • Workshops and awareness sessions on this topic during Middle and Secondary Assemblies

  • Indication of appropriate portion sizes on the canteen serving lines

SOLIDARITY INITIATIVE BY “DESCOBRIDORES”

After learning about children’s rights, the “Descobridores” created a donation box to support children with special needs aged 3 to 8. Placed at the pre-school entrance, it collected essential items such as clothes, shoes, hats and books.

The donated items were delivered yesterday to Porta Amiga de Cascais by the children themselves, who travelled by public transport, with the school only supporting the transport of materials.

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