Dear Team,

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

Special Shout-out
Update on Staff & Recruitment
IRS Tables
Upcoming Events
- Rikke on “the student-centered shift” podcast
- Mirabilis Conferences for students: The impact of screens on health
- Parents’ coffee
- SAVE THE DATE - 3-Way Conferences (Students, Teachers and Parents)
- Open Day
Section Stories
Practical Information
- International trips
- Duke of Edinburgh presentation
- Lice Prevention
- Lost and Found
- Senior Shine car wash
Act Together
- Mirabilis Conferences: The impact of screens on health
- Cozinha com Alma
- Our Kitchen News

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 Carla Ferreira and Joana Primavera for being the best "mom" and "aunt" I could ask for. Thank you for helping me face challenges every day and for never leaving me alone. I love you <3” (From Rita Cabral)

“First, I would like to thank Eva Silva for the swift, sensitive, and effective way she has faced and responded to the challenges that have arisen at the start of this school year.

Her immediate responsiveness, combined with a collaborative attitude with the entire team, demonstrates her commitment to the quality of teaching and the well-being of everyone: students, teachers, assistants, and families.

A huge thank you to Catarina Pires, both personally and professionally, for her constant and immediate availability, her drive, and her energy that motivates and inspires everyone around her. I loved all the messages and little treats you left.

Thank you to the entire team for your dedication and hard work.

Wishing you a good rest and may you come back inspired!”

(From Cláudia Branco)

“Big Thank you to Eunice Maia for sharing the conclusions from the interviews (diagnosis) and helping set priorities.” (From TFD)

“Cristina Rodrigues, Veronica Barbieri, Teresa Cruz, Ricardo Limão and everyone behind the Bio Market — thank you for your dedication!” (From TFD)

“Sara Prudêncio for the stunning art exhibition. Thank you!” (From TFD)

“Big applause to Dimitri Athanasopoulos for completing the Ironman — incredible achievement!” (From Victoria Rivadeneyra)

UPDATES

We are very happy to announce that MARIA FERNANDES will join us in de Communication and Marketing Department as an intern. She will start after the break — please make her feel welcome.

WELLBEING & LEARNING SUPPORT: A TEAM DEDICATED TO THE INCLUSION OF ALL STUDENTS

We are pleased to share the formation of our new Wellbeing and Learning Support Team, which began its work this academic year.

Who We Are

Luísa Heitor (Psychologist)
Victor Felippe (SER Curriculum / Pastoral Care)
Bárbara Pereira (Special Education and Rehabilitation)
Jaimé Atkinson (Learning Support Teacher – Middle School and Secondary)
Susana Reis (Occupational Therapist)
Alexandra Troeira (Speech Therapist)
Sónia Martins (Coordinator)

What We Do

We work collaboratively within classrooms alongside teachers, promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and the success of all students.
Our team supports the development of academic and socio-emotional skills through class activities, small group sessions, and individual support.

We’re Here for You

The coordinator is available for family meetings on Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with flexibility to schedule at other times if needed.
Please book a meeting via email: soniamartins@aprendizes.pt

UPDATE ON INCOME TAX (IRS) DEDUCTION

We would like to inform all employees that, starting October 2025, the IRS (income tax) deduction on salaries will return to the standard rate according to the current table. This change will affect the net salary you will receive.

LISTEN TO OUR PRINCIPAL RIKKE ON “THE STUDENT-CENTERED SHIFT” PODCAST

We’re happy to share that our Principal, Rikke, was recently featured on The Student-Centered Shift podcast, hosted by Kyle Wagner — an internationally recognized educator, author, and advocate for Project-Based Learning (PBL) and student-centered education — to join his podcast and talk about our school’s ongoing shift towards PBL.

This conversation is part of our broader mission of Educating for Change here at Aprendizes, where we continue to explore how learning can be more authentic, purposeful, and connected to the real world.

Rikke shared insights, successes, and reflections from the transformative journey we are on — a journey made possible by the dedication and collaboration of our amazing team of educators. 🌱

If you have a moment, we invite you to listen and share your thoughts.
How can we continue to make learning more meaningful and impactful for our students?

🎧 A perfect listen for the break!
👉 https://spotify.link/njxhXSX0vXb

MIRABILIS CONFERENCES: THE IMPACT OF SCREENS ON HEALTH

During the upcoming assemblies, the Mirabilis Conferences will be extended to students and will cover the topic “The Impact of Screens on Health”, tailored to each age group.

Through interactive reflections, students from 5th to 12th grade will explore how prolonged screen exposure — particularly through gaming, online searches, and social media, including sensitive and harmful content — can affect physical and emotional well-being, impacting posture, sleep, concentration, and mental balance.

Held in multiple sessions throughout November and December, this initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage healthier digital habits, both inside and outside the classroom.

PARENTS’ COFFEE MORNING

Join us for our next Parents’ Coffee Morning on November 7th, 2025, from 8:45 to 9:30 AM!
This is a wonderful opportunity for open conversation and sharing between the school and all parents.

Let’s get together in a relaxed atmosphere to exchange ideas, discuss students’ progress, and stay connected about upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you there!

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FAIR

We are partnering with TASIS School to spread the word about the International University Fair, taking place on the morning of 8 November.

More than 70 universities from 16 countries will be attending this event — an excellent opportunity for students and families to meet university representatives and take part in informative sessions and workshops.

Please check the information and register here.

SAVE THE DATE | 3-WAY CONFERENCES (STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS)

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

It is absolutely essential that both the student and the parents are present at the scheduled time. Please make sure to mark it in your calendar. The booking system will open on NOVEMBER 3.

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.

On November 3, a newsletter dedicated to this topic will be sent to parents, containing all the relevant information to help them prepare for this moment, as well as guidance on how to use the booking system.

UNIVERSITY SESSIONS – REMINDER

Join our online University Information Sessions for secondary students and parents. EU applications session on 13 November at 6pm and Portuguese applications session on 27 November at 6pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the full process and clarify your questions.

OPEN DAY FOR NEW FAMILIES

We are delighted to invite new families to our Open Day on November 20th, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM.

Come and meet our Head of School and Academic Director, visit the section of your choice (Preschool, Primary, Middle School or Secondary), and discover our educational vision in action.

Registration is required. Please encourage interested families to sign up early to secure their spot.

PRESCHOOL

FUTURE MURALISTS WITH OUR SIGNATURE COLORS

In the Navigators’ classroom, autumn arrived in a burst of color and creativity! Together, the children painted a vibrant mural filled with falling leaves, chestnuts, and the warmth of the season. With classical music setting the mood, every brushstroke expressed joy and teamwork.

Now, their mural shines proudly — a true splash of color and imagination!

PRIMARY

FIRST MEETING OF PRIMARY REPRESENTATIVES

All primary class reps gathered for their very first meeting — and the energy was electric! Smiles, handshakes, and a sprinkle of nervous excitement filled the room as they introduced themselves and kicked off their official mission.

From sharing ideas to planning big dreams, these young leaders are ready to make their mark this year!

MIDDLE

WHAT MAKES A FACE?

How do you build a face — and what does it say about you?
In WHAT MAKES A FACE?, middle school graders explored identity through collage portraits inspired by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. By deconstructing their own features and rebuilding them with paper and imagination, they transformed portraits into reflections of self.

Each artwork reveals not just appearance, but insight into who we are.

Secondary

LAB COATS AND COURAGE

Our Year 9 and 10 students turned the lab into a place of discovery — and laughter! With lab coats on and fears off, they explored density and reaction times through hands-on experiments that fizzed, popped, and sparked curiosity.

Science has never been this fun — or this fearless!

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS – REGISTRATIONS OPEN!

Registrations for our international trips are now underway! Open until 27 October for students. You can choose between two exciting destinations: a Cultural Trip to Paris (26–30 January - From Grade 7 onwards) or a Ski Trip to Sierra Nevada (25–30 January - From Grade 8 onwards). 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.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD – A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND DISCOVERY

The DofE Team warmly invites our students to join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – an exciting opportunity for personal growth, confidence-building, and adventure. Here you can find more detailed information, and you should already have received an email explaining how to take part in this inspiring international programme.

HEAD LICE PREVENTION - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BREAK!

As we head into the break, we encourage all parents to take a moment to check their children’s hair and, if needed, carry out a preventive treatment. Regular checks with a fine comb or the use of suitable home treatments help keep everyone protected. Thank you for your cooperation and care!

LOST & FOUND DONATIONS - CHECK BEFORE THE BREAK!

Please note that all Lost & Found items will be donated during the school break.
We encourage everyone to check the designated area before the holidays begin to recover any missing belongings.

Thank you for helping us give these items a new home!

SENIOR SHINE: GRADUATES’ CAR WASH COMES TO THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT

Starting with a first day of experience, November 7 we will have a car washing service organised by the graduates will be available in the school parking lot, between 10:40 and 12:20.

Each car washed helps raise funds for the graduation trip. Slots can be scheduled on the website — book your slot now and support the adventure: Book here.

DIGITAL SAFETY TRAINING WITH MIRABILIS

Our collaboration with Mirabilis continues this year with assemblies for Middle School and High School students. In October, we reinforced the message with parents and staff, and now the next step is ensuring that students also understand the impact that screens have on their lives.

Recent data highlights the challenges Portuguese adolescents face: children aged 10–17 spend an average of 4 hours online on weekdays, rising to 5 hours on weekends. Nearly half (48%) use the internet to escape negative feelings, and 1 in 6 experiences anxiety when without their phone.

These figures underline the importance of awareness, education, and discussion — both at home and at school. The programme will continue this year, including sessions with our Middle and Secondary students.

Parents who wish to be part of the Digital Safety Committee can sign up [here], and consider reading “The Anxious Generation”, by Jonathan Haidt.

COZINHA COM ALMA — THE SOLIDARITY TAKEAWAY

Cozinha com Alma is a sustainable social business that transforms every meal into an act of solidarity. Born in 2011 in response to families silently skipping meals, it combines restaurant-level quality with a deeply human mission.

For 14 years, Chef Nuno Simões has ensured that every dish is made with dignity and excellence. Every paid meal helps finance another for a families skipping meals, due to financial hardship, who pays only a symbolic amount using the anonymous Cozinha com Alma Card. Producing 1800 portions daily, the project supports up to 84 families every day.

'Visit the shops in Cascais Cascais (Praceta Padre Marçal da Silveira 31) or Alcabideche (Rua Hermenegildo Pulquério 347). Become an ambassador — here, buying is helping.

NEWS FROM OUR KITCHEN

LAST WEEK, WE CELEBRATED WORLD FOOD DAY WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR CHEF, JOANA XARDONÉ.

We’re fortunate to have such an experienced chef who does far more than manage a school canteen — she teaches us through taste. In our school kitchen, every meal is a lesson in sustainability, culture, and flavour.

Learn more here.

Get to know our menu

INTERNATIONAL DAYS IN THE KITCHEN

November 6 – Greece
November 13 – France
November 20 – Brazil
November 27 – Thanksgiving

PÃO POR DEUS: THE ACT OF SHARING

Long before Halloween, Portuguese children would go through streets and villages asking for “Pão por Deus”, a tradition with religious roots on All Saints’ Day.

Celebrated on 1 November, this practice dates back centuries, when people would go from house to house in their communities, asking for bread, cakes, or nuts in exchange for prayers for the souls of the deceased.

The bread they received was broken and shared among families, neighbors, and friends, symbolizing solidarity, gratitude, and community. In some regions, it was believed that this bread could be kept all year without spoiling, bringing blessing and protection to the home.

This year, let’s celebrate our traditions — bake treats at home, share with neighbors or friends, and keep the spirit of Pão por Deus alive!