Dear Team,

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

Last Friday, we experienced a situation in which a teacher wore a t-shirt displaying the slogan “Free Palestine.” While we understand this was not intended to cause discomfort, the slogan has strong political connotations that deeply affected several of our Israeli students, for whom it is often associated with anti-Israeli sentiment.

We want to acknowledge that the teacher’s intention was not to make any student feel unsafe or unwelcome. However, as educators, we must be extremely mindful of how we express ourselves within the school environment and of the influence we hold in our positions of authority.

At Aprendizes, we proudly take a stand on issues related to human rights and anti-discrimination. Yet, we must never impose personal opinions or ideologies on our students, nor discriminate in any way — regardless of nationality, religion, race, ethnicity, political belief, gender, or sexuality. Our mission is to teach students how to think, not what to think.

We also recognize that navigating these topics is not always straightforward. Many areas are nuanced and emotionally charged. For this reason, we have sent a message to all parents of students in Grades 7–12 and to students in Grades 9–12 addressing the situation.

In addition, we are inviting parents to a Dialogue Session on “How We Can Talk About Sensitive Matters” on Monday, October 13th, at 15:00. This will be an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how our community can approach sensitive topics with care, respect, and unity. All who are available are warmly encouraged to attend.

Finally, the teacher involved has personally reached out to the students affected to repair and reconnect.

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

Liz and the Additional Language Department
A big thank you for the wonderful celebration of International Language Day — creative, engaging and truly global in spirit.

It was wonderful to see the creative activities led by Sylvia Abreu and the Primary English teachers, the collaborative work with families in pre-school led by Kindala Rocha, and the classroom celebrations organised by the 3B teachers, Janaina Pinto and Rita Cabral. The class represented their countries by preparing and talking about their favourite local foods. Tatiana’s Colla creative video brought so much energy to the day, and the Languages Games, supported by Joana Geraldo, Luana Baptista, Tiago Rodrigues, Patricia Almeida, Ana Rocha, and their students, were a real highlight. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Languages Day such a fun and memorable experience for our students! (From TFD and Languages Teachers)

Teresa Cruz, Susana Alves and Cristina Rodriguez
Appreciation for your dedication in updating all HR records and ensuring the smooth implementation of the adjusted salaries. (From TFD)

The Primary Team, especially Carolina Alves
Congratulations on organising a fantastic first Primary Student Council election — a great start to student leadership this year. (From TFD)

Rikke Friis Mikkelsen
Thank you for coordinating the parent meetings with such care and for creating a welcoming atmosphere during the morning coffee. (From TFD)

To Stephen Hakim, Rita Marques and Silvana Cardoso for subbing for me last Tuesday when I was not feeling well and couldn't make it to school. Thank you for being such team players and really taking the pressure off and helping a friends out. Love you and appreciate you! (From Tehur Simmons)

Carolina Alves, Eva Silva and Cláudia Branco
A heartfelt thank you for the constant support you give me every day. (From Sara Ramos)

A huge thank you to Eva Silva, who flawlessly coordinated the entire visit of the principals from Swedish schools! Her professionalism and dedication truly made all the difference. (From TFD)

A big recognition to Cláudia Meireles and Verónica Barbieri, supported by the support staff, for the amazing organization of the University Fair! Your hard work ensured a truly memorable event. (From TFD)

RECRUITMENT

At Aprendizes, we believe that each of you is the best person to identify and select your future colleagues. That’s why we are implementing an active recommendation system. If you recommend a future colleague (and they confirm that you were the one who informed them about the opening), you will receive a €250 referral bonus!

We’re looking for a: Primary Assistant to join our team!

If you know someone who might be interested, please let us know!

FIRST TRAINING SESSION OF THE ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT

We would like to remind you that the first training session of the Action Research Project will take place on 17 and 18 October, starting at 5PM on the 17th.

This session aims to prepare all participants for the implementation of the project activities, providing practical guidance and strategies for effective action research. We look forward to your attendance.

10 OCT to 12 OCT | Campismo de Picheleiros | DofE Silver Practice

10 OCT | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Cascais Centre | Grade 3 Field Trip

13 OCT | 3.00 PM to 4.00 PM | Dialogue Talk | Library

14 OCT | 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Cascais Municipal Library | Grade 2 Reading Activity

15 OCT | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Estufa Fria | “Descobridores” Field Trip

16 OCT | Open Day for new families | 9:00 to 10:30 AM

16 OCT | Online session Information about admissions Universities in USA | 6:00 PM

17 OCT | 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM | PARK MUN | MUN Conference (Grade 7 and up)

17 OCT | Bio Market Halloween Edition | Tent | 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM

20 OCT to 22 OCT | Book fair | School Reception

20 OCT | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Oceanário | Grade 1 Guided Visit

22 OCT | 10:00 AM | Museu do Mar | Grade 3 Field Trip & Workshop

22 OCT | Halloween Lunch | Secondary

23 OCT to 24 OCT | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Kings College Cascais | Lasa Girls Football & Boys Basketball Tournament

24 OCT | Halloween Party | Preschool, Primary and Middle

25 OCT to 31 OCT | Half Term Break

03 NOV | School start

07 NOV | All Parents | Parents’ Coffee | 08:45–09:45 AM

13 NOV | Online session Information about admissions Universities in EU | 6:00 PM

20 NOV | Online session Information about admissions Universities in PT | 6:00 PM

12 NOV | Three Way Conferences (Students, teachers and Parents) | Primary to Secondary

11 FEB | Three Way Conferences (Students, teachers and Parents) | Middle to Secondary

03 MAR to 05 MAR | Regeneration Festival

21 APR | Three Way Conferences (Students, teachers and Parents) | Primary

DIALOGUE TALK

We will have Dialogue Talk on Monday, October 13th, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the library. This session is for parents to exchange perspectives on how our community can approach sensitive topics with care, respect, and unity.

We look forward to your participation and the valuable insights you can share.

OPEN DAY FOR NEW FAMILIES

We are delighted to invite prospective families to our Open Day on October 16, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM.

Families will meet our Principal and Head of Pedagogics, join a personalized tour of Preschool, Primary, Middle, or Secondary, and discover our vision and curriculum.

Registration is required. Please encourage interested families to register early.

JOIN US AT THE HALLOWEEN BIO MARKET

We invite our whole school community to the Halloween Edition of the Bio Market on 17 OCT, from 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM.

Get your greens before the ghosts do! Let’s celebrate another special afternoon together!

AUTUMN TERM BOOK FAIR

On October 20th, 21st, and 22nd, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, we’re excited to host our Autumn Term Book Fair at school.

We’re delighted to welcome independent bookseller Manuela Fernandes, who will be offering a fantastic selection of Portuguese and English language books, suitable for students from preschool to secondary.

This is a great opportunity to encourage a love of reading, so please support the event and remind your child to bring some money so they can browse and buy a book they’ll enjoy. Happy reading!

3-WAY CONFERENCES – SAVE THE DATE!

Save the date for the 3-Way Conferences – a time when each student meets with their class teacher / form tutor and their parents for a comprehensive and holistic reflection on their learning.

The first conference (12 November) will include all students, from Primary to Secondary, through individual sessions facilitated by the teachers.

The second sessions — 11 February (Middle and Secondary) and 21 April (Primary) — will be student-led, fostering autonomy and personal growth.

Preschool

MINI POLLOCKS IN ACTION!

After reading Olivia by Ian Falconer, where Olivia visits a museum and becomes enchanted by a Jackson Pollock painting, some of our “Salteadores” decided to try something similar. Motivated by Pollock’s energetic dripping and splattering style - and even inspired by a photo of him painting - we set out to create our own bursts of color.

The result was more than joyful mess: it encouraged creativity, helped kids explore feelings, practice patience, refine technique, and gain confidence in their ideas. Watching their art take shape was pure delight; art became both play and learning!

Primary

MEET THE MINI REPS

Last week, primary school students elected their class representatives. For many, it was their first time exercising their right to vote. The whole process went smoothly, from the campaigns featuring posters, videos, and promises to the moments of reflection and voting. The newly elected representatives will now have the important task of representing their classes during the next term in all official moments and whenever they are called to participate.

This is a role of great responsibility, as in our school most decisions are made together.

Middle

PODCAST SEASON IS HERE!

Our podcast’s new season is underway! Behind the mic, it’s more than speaking — podcasting requires research, planning, and preparation. Our team spends hours outlining episodes, rehearsing scripts, and editing audio to make each story engaging and polished.

This work cultivates teamwork, time management, and creative problem-solving. It also helps our podcasters gain confidence, improve communication skills, and learn to express ideas clearly. Seeing drafts evolve into final episodes is truly rewarding — a journey of patience, creativity, and dedication.

SECONDARY

BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS IN SCIENCE

Grade 9 students have kicked off their IGCSE Coordinated Sciences with a hands-on experiment to reinforce the scientific method. Using the ruler drop test, they measured reaction times, compared dominant vs. non-dominant hands, repeated trials, calculated averages, and reflected on the importance of accuracy, precision, and reliable data collection.

This practical not only boosts confidence but also establishes the critical habits of inquiry and careful methodology that will carry them through the year.

OUR COMMUNITY IN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Recent weeks highlight what defines us: a democratic, participative school where everyone has a voice. Assemblies with the Student Council, Parent Representatives, and the PTSO strengthen our community.

Here are the elected representatives from each class.

We also welcomed Swedish Schools principals through Erasmus+ Programme, sharing good practices and learning from each other. Together, we keep building a school that grows through collaboration and continuous improvement.

SWEDISH SCHOOLS PRINCIPALS ERASMUS + VISIT

A delegation of 19 school principals from Sweden visited our school over the past three days. This visit marked the first activity of our Erasmus+ Programme and provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences, good practices, and reflections on education.

They expressed deep admiration for our vision and leadership, for the democracy visible at all levels, and for our organization. They were impressed by the joy, passion, and pride we show in our work, the trust we place in our students, and the way we empower children to make their own choices. They also praised our facilities and school animals — and left carrying our school in their hearts.

INTRODUCING THE APRENDIZES HOUSE SYSTEM 

We’re thrilled to launch the Aprendizes House System — designed to strengthen our community and give students more agency, belonging, and leadership.

Our goal is to continue fostering connections not only horizontally across grades, but also vertically between sections, building a strong sense of unity and shared spirit. In true Aprendizes fashion, we’re co-creating this system with our students, shaping it together as we go.

Following student input, our four Houses are: Fire, Earth, Water, and Wind — each representing a vital element of nature and the balance within our community.

Each House includes leaders from different sections, with staff, Middle, and Secondary representatives already elected. We’ll soon extend the House System to Primary as well!

House Day: Every Wednesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear their House colors or items. This is also when most House events, like lunchtime sports tournaments, take place.

House Tutor Time: Once a week, tutor time is dedicated to House activities — Wednesday for Middle School and Friday for Secondary.

We’ve already enjoyed several great events, including last week’s Grade 11/12 Basketball (Boys) and Football (Girls) matches. Next up: Grade 7/8 Basketball (Boys) and Football (Girls) on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

Together, we’re building something special — a community that celebrates teamwork, joy, and the unique Aprendizes spirit!

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS – REGISTRATIONS OPEN!

Registrations for our international trips are now underway! Open until 27 October for students from Year 7 to Year 12, you can choose between two exciting destinations: a Cultural Trip to Paris (26–30 January) or a Ski Trip to Sierra Nevada (25–30 January). Check your email for full details and sign up soon!

Registrations via form (from 8 to 27 October) are valid only with proof of first parcel payment. Cancellations accepted only with valid medical justification.

PARENTS VOLUNTEERING OPTIONS AT SCHOOL

There are many ways parents can get involved and support our community! Opportunities include helping with traffic, assisting in the library, gardening in the school vegetables garden, reading sessions with children, charity outreach, and supporting DofE activities.

Your time and energy make a big difference—join us and contribute to a stronger, happier school!

Garden - Gardening Club – With André Maciel - 16:00-17:00 -  Fridays

Library – With Frederico Soares - during the school day Tuesdays/Thursdays

Reading with Primary students – With Elizabeth Nash - 15:00-15:45 - Monday/Friday

Charity Outreach – With Elizabeth Nash – during the school day 

Sports clubs and events – With Dimitri Athanasopoulous – 16:00-17:00 Mondays (Girls’ football)

Traffic Committee meetings and Sustainable School Travel – Contact Teresa Cruz.

HALLOWEEN WITHOUT SCARING THE PLANET

Halloween is coming! At Escola Aprendizes, we love to celebrate it! Here are three simple, fun, and more sustainable ways to keep the spooky spirit alive without leaving a scary footprint.

1. Reuse
Instead of buying new costumes every year, explore what you already have. Use old clothes, forgotten fabrics, or borrowed accessories to create something unique.

2. DIY Decorations with a twist
Skip single-use decorations. Make spider webs from old yarn, paper bats from reused paper... And pack them away for next year!

3. Zero waste pumpkin
Pumpkins can do more than just decorate! After the party, turn them into soups, pies, or muffins and compost the rest.

NEWS FROM OUR KITCHEN

THE RHYTHM OF NATURE IN OUR KITCHEN

In the Aprendizes kitchen, we follow the rhythm of Nature — and she truly knows best!

Each season brings the right foods for what our bodies need at that time. In autumn, as the days grow cooler, ingredients richer in energy and vitamins arrive, helping us strengthen our immune system and prepare for the cold.

Now, in October, it’s the perfect time for pumpkins, sweet potatoes, cabbages, carrots, beetroots, chestnuts, apples, pears, and pomegranates. Soon, with winter approaching, oranges, tangerines, broccoli, and spinach will also come into season — full of vitamin C and antioxidants to boost our natural defences.

That’s why, here at school, you won’t see watermelons or tomatoes in December — they belong to summer. We prefer broad beans, chestnuts, and citrus fruits, the generous gifts of the season.

Following nature’s rhythm means caring for our health, our planet, and our sense of taste. In our kitchen, we listen to Nature every single day.

Get to know our menu

INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN

  • October 14 – Spain

  • November 6 – Greece

  • November 13 – France

  • November 20 – Brazil

  • November 27 – Thanksgiving

PUMPKIN — OUR STAR OF THE MONTH!

Autumn is here, and so is our beloved pumpkin — queen of soups, cakes, and Halloween decorations! 
Besides being delicious, pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, which our bodies turn into vitamin A, helping to protect our eyes and boost our immune system — just what we need as the weather gets cooler.

In our school kitchen, we love using pumpkin in creamy soups, purées, muffins, and even homemade jams. And by the end of the month, when we celebrate Halloween, the pumpkin will shine bright — inside and out! 

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