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

A heartfelt thank you to TFD and Vanessa Fevereiro for their incredible dedication in bringing the annual review of the School Policy to completion quickly. Thank you for going above and beyond! (From TFD)

We also extend our sincerest thank yous to our Pedagogical Coordination for finalising the Academic Policies. Your careful attention, passion, and teamwork help shape a brighter learning journey for our students—your effort truly matters and is deeply valued. (From TFD)

Thank you to the 1st Grade team for always welcoming me with open arms in your classrooms. Love you all ❤️ (from Rita Cabral)

Shoutout to Barbara Portugal (AKA Barbarela Superestrela!) for her warm, welcoming smile every day and for being such an amazing colleague. Your positivity lights up our workplace - thank you for being you! (from Nicky)

The results reflect a collective effort by parents, students and our whole team — it’s our unity and community that make us strong.

Parent Satisfaction Survey (1 to 5 scale)

  • Safety: 4.3 — parents see our school as very safe

  • Happiness: 4.42 — children feel happy here

  • Recommendation: 4.16 — most parents would recommend our school

  • Mission alignment: 4.07 — living up to “Together we Educate for Change”

  • Pride in school direction: 4.10 — positive view of where we are heading

Internal (Staff) Survey (1 to 5 scale)

  • Proud to be part of creating a unique school: 4.59

  • School developing in a good direction: 4.14

  • Recommend as a good place to work: 4.34

  • All scores have increased compared with last year.

RECRUITMENT

At Aprendizes, we believe that every member of our team is the best person to identify and recommend future colleagues. If you know someone who you think would be a great fit for our team, please let us know.

This is a friendly reminder that occupational health appointments are currently taking place on Mondays at CUF Cascais. You will be invited to a consultation via email.

Please check your email regularly and ensure your attendance, as these appointments are mandatory. Kindly note that absences and rescheduling may result in costs for the school.

23 JAN | Staff New Year’s Party | Azure Rooftop | 20:00–01:00

25–30JAN | Ski Trip

25–31JAN | Grade 8 | Erasmus to Czechia

27 JAN | For Parents | Parents Workshop – Behaviour, Emotions and Education by Melanie Von Muhlen (in English) | Library | 08:45–10:00

28 JAN | Grade 1C | Field Trip - Biblioteca de Cascais | 08:30–12:30

28 JAN | Middle Students | House Sports Event | 11:30–12:30

30 JAN | Parents | Parents’ Coffee | Cafeteria | 08:45–10:00

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

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

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

03 FEB | Grade 10 Students and Parents | A Level Fair | School | 08:40—10:30

04 FEB | Middle and Secondary Parents and students | Student and Parents’ Meetings with subject teachers | Online | 15:00–18:00

04 FEB | Students | LASA Tournament Cross Country | School | 09:00–14:00

05 FEB | Grade 9 (Sociology), Grade 11 (Sociology). Grade 9 (Art&Design) and Grade 9 (Music) | Field Trip – Calouste Gulbenkian Museum | Lisbon | 13:15–16:00

06 FEB | New Families | Open Day | Library | 09:00–10:30

06 FEB | Grade 3 | Theatre Play – “Era Uma Vez…” | Teatro Armando Cortez | 09:30–12:00

06 FEB | Action Research Programme – Face to Face – 2th session

07 FEB | Action Research Programme – Face to Face – 2th session

09–13 FEB | Middle and Secondary | Humanities Week | School | All day

10 FEB | Preschool Parents | Music Presentations | Refectory | 09:30–11:00

11 FEB | Middle to Secondary Student and Parents | Student-Led Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents) | School

12 FEB | Grade 2 | Theatre Play – “Era Uma Vez…” | Teatro Armando Cortez | 09:30–12:00

13 FEB | Carnival Party | School

14–22 FEB | Half Term Break

23 FEB | School Restart

24 FEB | Preschool Students | Festival Play | Cinema São Jorge + Estufa Fria | 09:00–15:00

24 FEB | Grade 10 and Grade 11 | University Fair | Sharing International School – Taguspark | 14:00–15:30

24 FEB | For Parents | Parents Workshop – Behaviour, Emotions and Education by Melanie Von Muhlen (in English) | Library | 16:15–17:30

26 FEB | Grade 1A | Field Trip and Workshop | Museu do Mar | 09:00–14:00

27 FEB | Middle and Secondary Students | Field Trip Day | Various locations | All day

03–05 MAR | School Community | Regeneration Festival | School | All day

21 APR | Primary Student and Parents | Student-Led Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents) | School

NEW YEARS PARTY

It’s happening. And it’s going to be good.

When: January 23rd
Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Where: Azure Rooftop, Nova School of Business and Economics
Carcavelos – R. da Holanda 1, 2775-405

Good to know:

  • Rooftop venue, with both open-air and covered areas

  • Finger food will be served - come hungry, but not that hungry

  • Paid covered parking available on-site, plus public parking along the Marginal

  • If you drink, don’t drive - the train station is nearby

  • Dress code: Black OR White. Yes, you can be creative!

BEHAVIOUR, EMOTIONS & EDUCATION
by Melanie Von Muhlen

In today’s world, parents face endless advice and expectations yet often feel uncertain. This workshop explores the roots of children’s behaviour, which begin in the body, nervous system, and early experiences.

Participants will learn how emotions and patterns develop, how parental responses shape children, and strategies for setting boundaries, supporting strong emotions, and understanding behaviour’s underlying messages.

The focus is not on fixing children, but on understanding and fostering their inner world. This Workshop will be held in English and it is free. If you are unable to attend this session, you can join the next one on February 24th from 16:15–17:30.

PARENTS’ COFFEE MORNING

On Friday, 30 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.

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. To register, please complete the form: [Registration Form]

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 subjects their children attend, such as Drama, Music, PE, and Arts.

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

A-LEVEL FAIR

The A-Level Fair provides 10th-grade students and parents with a vital roadmap for the final stage of their secondary education. This event is designed to bridge the gap between IGCSEs and higher education, offering a detailed look at the diverse subjects available—from the Humanities and Social Sciences like Sociology, History, Business and Global Perspectives, to the scientific rigor of Physics, Math and Chemistry.

Through faculty presentations, families will gain a clear understanding of the significant leap in responsibility and academic depth required at this level. This is an essential opportunity for students to align their subject choices with their aspirations beyond Aprendizes, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of university and their future careers.

PARENTS-STUDENTS-SUBJECT TEACHERS’ MEETINGS

On 4 February, our Middle and Secondary Parents-Students-Subject Teachers will take place online between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and will be held exclusively with subject teachers. 

Each meeting will last 7 minutes and offers parents the opportunity to have a direct conversation with teachers about students’ learning progress and their academic journey. Please note that the instruction email has already been sent.

PRESCHOOL

SALTEADORES TAKE PAGE TO STAGE 

The Salteadores class presented a theatre play inspired by A Casa da Mosca Fosca, by Eva Mejuto, celebrating creativity and teamwork. Students created new characters, rhymes, and masks, bringing the story to life on stage.

The performance was shared with classes 1A, 1C, and 2C, as well as parents, highlighting the value of the arts in learning. 

PRIMARY

A MYSTERIOUS TREASURE HUNT ADVENTURE 

Classes 3B and 4A teamed up for an exciting treasure hunt to solve a mysterious disappearance. Students tackled tricky challenges and puzzles that revealed important clues.

The tasks were demanding, but their teamwork and enthusiasm stayed strong throughout. Everyone loved the adventure, enjoyed the problem-solving, and had a fantastic time working together to uncover the mystery! 

MIDDLE

OUTDOOR WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS 

Middle school students participated in the Outdoor Workshop, developing survival and teamwork skills through hands-on activities. They built shelters, practised fire safety, and applied concepts from physics, biology, and geography.

The experience encouraged confidence, decision-making, and collaboration, allowing students to put theory into practice while fostering independence, problem-solving, and a deeper appreciation for learning beyond the classroom. 

SECONDARY

STORIES FROM LAST YEAR’S GRADUATES

Last year’s graduates returned, both in person and online, to share their journeys with current students. From university applications to starting life at their chosen universities, and even taking gap-year experiences, they offered honest reflections and advice.

Their stories inspired students to embrace challenges, stay curious, and explore the unique paths ahead, showing that every journey is different and full of possibilities. 

YEARBOOK PHOTOS LAST DATE IN JANUARY

We kindly ask all Head Teachers who have not yet scheduled their class individual photo session to please do so for the remaining session on January 28th.

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

REMIDA

As a reminder to our school community, the REMIDA materials reuse cabinet remains available for all staff. Created in 2024, this project promotes reuse and upcycling, giving discarded materials a second life for creative and practical classroom use.


All staff members are welcome to both contribute materials and use what is available — such as cardboard, boxes, yarn, and other surplus items. To ensure the space remains organised and functional, please follow the established guidelines for use and tidiness. Whenever you need materials, remember to check REMIDA first.

WE ARE A NO PHONE SCHOOL – LET’S LEAD BY EXAMPLE!

As a no phone school, we rely on parents to help make this a reality. Your example at home—how you use technology, set boundaries, and prioritise offline time—has a huge impact on your children.

Our partnership with Mirabilis provided practical tips to support healthy screen habits, from encouraging outdoor play to keeping screens out of bedrooms. Let’s work together to model mindful technology use, reinforce healthy routines, and show our children that life beyond the screen can be fun, creative, and meaningful.

Please take a moment to re‑watch the video recommended by our school principal, and we invite you to spend five minutes intentionally stopping to reflect on your own screen habits and behavior.

NEWS FROM THE KITCHEN

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INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN

  • January 29 – Ireland

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