Dear Team,

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

  • Special Shout-out

  • Update on Staff & Recruitment

  • Upcoming Events

    • Highlight Event - Gregório Duvivier inspires with lecture on the power of Portuguese Language

    • Highlight Event - STEM Week Success

    • Highlight Event - Aprendizes students shine at Barcelona MUN

    • Upcoming Event - Open Day for New Families

    • Upcoming Event - Bio Market (Christmas Edition)

    • Reminder: Christmas Celebrations

  • Act Together

    • Grade 9 engages in a Workshop on Food Waste Awareness

    • Bi-weekly Menu/ Country Days in Our Kitchen

    • December’s Seasonal Star: PERSIMMON

  • Practical Information

    • Secret Santa is Here!

    • New Drop-off and Pick-up System

    • Parents Organisation Committee (POC) & School Administration Meeting

    • Christmas Charity Campaign

    • Preparing for Next Year: Share Your Feedback

    • Parents Satisfaction Survey 2024

    • Save the Date: Mark your Calendars

    • New Partnership: GRF MURCHES

    • Get to know our Partnerships

A huge shoutout to our incredible support team for the amazing Christmas decorations! 🎄✨ Your creativity and hard work have truly brought the holiday spirit to life. The festive atmosphere you’ve created is nothing short of magical—thank you for spreading joy and making everything feel extra special this season! 🎅🎁🎶

A massive shoutout to the entire Math, Science and Media and IT departments for an incredible STEM Week! 🔬✨ Your dedication, creativity, and hard work made this event truly inspiring. From fascinating experiments to innovative tech showcases, you’ve sparked curiosity and ignited a passion for learning in everyone. Thank you for going above and beyond to celebrate the wonders of STEM! 🚀🧬📚

A huge shoutout to Kate for organizing the MUN Barcelona trip—it was a fantastic experience! 🎉👏 Special thanks as well to our amazing teachers, Kica and Stephen, for accompanying and supporting the students throughout the event. Your hard work and dedication made it all possible! 🌟🌍📝

Also, a big shoutout from Laura to Daniel, the most huggable teacher in our school! 💫 Thank you for all the incredible help and support you’ve been giving—your kindness and dedication never go unnoticed! 🌟👏

RECRUITMENT

We are recruiting so please help us nd your new fantastic colleague for the following positions:

  • Substitute Teacher - Primary

  • Communication and Marketing Manager

Remember, these positions are open for all of you to apply, so don't hesitate to let us know if you're interested - or simply apply. Additionally, as we at TFD believe that YOU are the best individuals to spot and select your future colleagues, we have decided to introduce an active referral system. This means that  if you refer a future colleague (and they credit you as the person who informed them about the job), we will compensate you with €150.

TOMORROW | PARENTS COFFEE MORNING (8:45 AM TO 9:30 AM)

10 DEC | OPEN DAY FOR NEW FAMILIES (9:00 TO 10:30 AM)

10 DEC | UNIVERSITY CHATS “FROM CAMPUS TO CLASSROOMS: TEACHERS SHARE THEIR UNIVERSITY STORIES” (10:20 TO 10:40 AM)

10 DEC | PARENT INFORMATION SESSION - IGCSE and GCE Focus (3:00 PM)

10 DEC | BOOK CLUB FOR ADOLESCENCE (6:30 PM)

11 DEC | UNIVERSITY CHATS “FROM CAMPUS TO CLASSROOMS: TEACHERS SHARE THEIR UNIVERSITY STORIES” (10:20 TO 10:40 AM)

13 DEC | CHRISTMAS CONCERT (2:00 TO 4:00 PM)

13 DEC | BIOMARKET (CHRISTMAS EDITION) (4:15 TO 6:00 PM)

18 DEC | CHESS TOURNAMENT

18, 19 DEC | MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) AT APRENDIZES

20 DEC | PRESCHOOL & PRIMARY CHRISTMAS PARTY

 

HIGHLIGHT EVENT

GREGÓRIO DUVIVIER INSPIRES WITH LECTURE ON THE POWER OF THE PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE

The Language Department at Aprendizes - International Active Learning School was honored to host acclaimed Brazilian artist Gregório Duvivier for an exclusive lecture, which captivated students  and staff with his reflections on the richness and influence of the Portuguese language.

During the event, Duvivier shared insights into the role of language in shaping culture and creativity, drawing poignant connections to the theatrical production currently being staged in Lisbon “O Céu da Língua”. His discussion highlighted how the Portuguese language serves as a powerful tool for storytelling, fostering both personal expression and collective identity.


HIGHLIGHT EVENT

STEM WEEK SUCCESS

STEM Week wrapped up last week and we can now look back on a great event. Filled with hands-on activities, challenges, and projects, the week celebrated the exciting worlds of Science, Mathematics, and IT.

A highlight of STEM Week was the Brain sessions for secondary students, which showcased the powerful intersection of physics, Biology,  technology and medicine. The session on Proton Therapy provided an in-depth exploration of how physics drives life-saving technologies, while the “Exploring the Brain” session offered insights into the role of physics in understanding brain function and the complex processes of the human body. Students also had the unique opportunity to use specialized medical software for brain tumor analysis, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools used in healthcare.


HIGHLIGHT EVENT

APRENDIZES STUDENTS SHINE AT BARCELONA MUN

Last week, a team of Aprendizes students from grades 8-12 attended the 12th edition of the Barcelona Model United Nations Conference (BCNMUN) at the Hotel 1898, near Plaça Catalunya. This year’s theme, “Identities in Conflict: Building Bridges to Unite and Finding Solutions to Thrive,” focused on addressing global challenges related to identity and conflict resolution.

The event brought together students, offering them a unique opportunity to engage in international diplomacy and develop their skills in public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking.


UPCOMING EVENT

OPEN DAY TO NEW FAMILIES AT APRENDIZES

We are excited to welcome new families to our Open Day, taking place on December 10th at 9:00 AM TO 10:30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to learn more about our school community and educational programs. During the event, you will:

  • Meet our Principal and Head of Academics, who will provide valuable insights into our school’s vision and curriculum.

  • Enjoy a personalized tour of the section that interests you most: Preschool, Primary, Middle School, or Secondary. See firsthand how we nurture and challenge students at every stage of their education.

To ensure a seamless experience, registration is required.
Please if your know any interested families tell them to register early to secure their spot! The event will be hosted in English Language.


UPCOMING EVENT

JOIN US FOR BIO MARKET
CHRISTMAS EDITION

Date: Friday, 13th December
Time: 4:15 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Tent

REGISTRATION HERE (only for selling partners)

Come and discover a fantastic selection of organic and sustainable products while supporting our local vendors. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy a beautiful afternoon, shop for eco-friendly goods, and continue contributing to our community’s green initiatives.


REMINDER

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

13 dec | 2:00 to 4:00 | Christmas Concert 🎶

We invite you to gather in the refectory for our Christmas Concert, which this year will feature beautiful performances by our middle school students that capture the magic of the season and celebrate their talents.

We kindly ask all parents to stay until the end the concert to support and celebrate all the performers—your encouragement means the world to them! 🎶👏


20 DEC | 9:30 TO 12:00 | PRESCHOOL & PRIMARY CHRISTMAS PARTY

PRESCHOOL

  • 9:30 – 10:30: Musical performance by the children + Parents’ theatre play

  • 10:30 - 12:00: Shared brunch in classrooms


PRIMARY

  • 9:30 – 10:30: Shared brunch in classrooms

  • 10:30 - 12:00: Musical performance by the children + Parents’ theatre play

All students are more then welcome to join us for the musical perfomance and parent’s theatre.

GRADE 9 ENGAGES IN A WORKSHOP
ON FOOD WASTE AWARENESS

At the request of our Head of Academics, 9th-grade students took part in an engaging workshop on food waste prevention by Eunice Maia, our sustainability consultant, held to conclude our week-long focus on waste reduction. The workshop combined impactful statistics with hands-on learning, equipping students with practical knowledge and strategies to combat food waste in their daily lives.

After completing the activities, students reviewed the correct answers, solidifying their understanding of food waste prevention methods. They also met with our school kitchen manager, Joana Xardoné, who shared insights into the school’s ongoing efforts to reduce food waste. Joana explained how the kitchen team monitors food usage, repurposes ingredients creatively, and collaborates with suppliers to minimize excess.

A Call to Action

The workshop inspired students to reflect on their own habits and consider actionable steps to reduce waste at home and in the community (We want to see what changes the students have made at home after this session full of tips, please share it with us) It marked a meaningful conclusion to Waste Reduction Week, leaving participants empowered to make sustainable choices and contribute to a better future. 


Our Next Country Days: 

December 12th - SCOTLAND in our Kitchen
December 13th - GERMAN in our Kitchen


DECEMBER SEASONAL STAR: PERSIMMON

The diospyro, or persimmon, is a beloved fruit of the December season, cherished for its vibrant color, firm texture, and naturally sweet flavor. This crisp variety is perfect for enjoying fresh, much like an apple, with its smooth, edible skin adding to its appeal.

Versatile and easy to enjoy, persimmons can be eaten as they are—just wash and bite—or sliced to enhance salads, cheese platters, or desserts. Their bright orange hue and sweet taste make them a festive addition to any dish.

Beyond their deliciousness, persimmons are a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, they offer numerous health benefits, from boosting the immune system and aiding digestion to promoting healthy, glowing skin.

Whether as a quick snack or a flavorful ingredient, persimmons bring a touch of seasonal sweetness and vibrant health to your table.

 

SECRET SANTA IS HERE!

Pick up a paper slip with the name of your Secret Santa friend from Bárbara at reception. The idea is to spoil this lucky person! You can leave messages, chocolates, little treats, or anything else you’d like.

During the week of December 16th to 20th, drop off a gift for them.
It can be symbolic, super cool, or whatever you want.

The goal is to have fun and make someone’s day special!


NEW DROP-OFF & PICK UP SYSTEM

We are excited to announce the implementation of a new drop-off and pick-up system! This initiative comes as a result of the collaborative efforts of the Traffic Committee, which includes school staff and three parent representatives.

The committee has been meeting throughout this term to evaluate and design a more efficient and safe process for everyone. Full details of the new system will be shared with you in a separate email during the upcoming week.

These adjustments were identified as an effective solution for our school community.
Your feedback and cooperation will help refine these procedures for the future.


PARENTS ORGANISATION COMMITTEE (POC) &
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
MEETING

Last week, the Parents Organisation Committee (POC), with the representatives from all sections, met with school representatives Erwin, Teresa, Veronica, and Rikke.

The meeting focused on the following key points:

  1. School Fees Proposal for 2025/26:

    • The school presented its considerations and initial proposal for the 2025/26 school fees, as agreed with the POC last year. The POC provided input, with the understanding that re-enrolment will open mid-January 2024, coinciding with the announcement of the final fees.

  2. School Year 2025/26 Calendar and Parent Satisfaction Survey:

    • The POC reviewed and gave feedback on the proposed calendar for the 2025/26 school year.

    • Input was also provided on the questions for the Parent Satisfaction Survey, which opens today.

  3. Updates and Discussions:

    • Traffic Committee: The school shared an update from the traffic committee. These will be communicated with all parents in a separate email during next week.

    • Construction Plans: Erwin gave an update on the construction project. We will share an update with the community at the beginning of the next term. 

    • Teacher Evaluation: The school outlined the annual feedback loop process for teacher evaluations in response to POC inquiries. 

This collaborative meeting provided the POC with an opportunity to offer valuable input on key topics, helping the school leadership gain a better understanding of the families’ perspectives and incorporating that knowledge into future decision-making processes. This committee meets once every term.



PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR: Share Your Feedback

As we plan for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure that everyone has a voice in shaping the future. We encouraged you to share your feedback and suggestions with your Coordinators or Principal.

Your insights are invaluable in helping us identify areas for improvement and creating a stronger learning and working environment. Together, we can make next year even better for our students and community.

Thank you for your thoughtful input!


PARENTS SATISFACTION SURVEY 2024

We’ve sent out the 2024 Parents Satisfaction Survey to families. This is an important opportunity for parents to share their feedback and help us improve. They are encouraged to complete one survey per child by December 13th.

We deeply appreciate their insights and look forward to hearing their perspectives to continue fostering a thriving learning environment. Thank you for supporting this initiative!


SAVE THE DATE: MARK YOUR CALENDARS


NEW PARTNERSHIP: GRF MURCHES

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce our new partnership between GRF Murches and Escola Aprendizes! This collaboration aims to promote sport and offer our members a unique and enriching experience in terms of commitment, team spirit, respect for others and overcoming obstacles. With regular figure skating and roller hockey classes for various ages and skill levels, our students can choose to compete, if they wish, in a federated competition at district and national level.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our club!


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA