Dear Parents and Guardians,
In this week's newsletter, please find our latest updates and important information, including:
Preschool embraces the Rain
Primary triumphs at Interschool Chess Tournament
Middle School receives The Troublemakers Guide to Refugees and Inequalities
Secondary goes to Estoril Conferences
Highlight Event - Halloween Celebrations
Highlight Event - Math Olympiad
Upcoming - Celebrating European Week for Waste Reduction
Bi-weekly Menu/ Country Days in Our Kitchen
November’s Seasonal Star: Chestnuts
Hands-On Learning: Engage with Nature in the School Horta
Preventing and Managing Lice
Reminder for Dog Owners
Lost & Found Display
Planting of Two Linden Trees at the School Entrance
Join our Winter Animal Care Campaign
Share Your Inputs for 2025: Survey Coming Soon
Book Clubs at Aprendizes
Canva for All Teachers and Students
News from our Partners
Dear Parents, Staff, and Students,
As autumn settles in, we feel the shift in more ways than one—not just in the crisp air and darker days but in the challenges the world around us is facing. This season, as global events remind us of our shared values and responsibilities, we are called to strengthen our commitment to human rights, peace, and the democratic foundations that support our society. These principles are more important than ever, and it’s through teaching and modeling them that we can help our students grow into resilient, compassionate citizens.
This resilience starts with even the small things. As the weather turns colder and wetter, it’s essential for our students to come prepared each day with warm, waterproof clothing—coats, boots, and layers that will keep them comfortable and able to focus on learning. Embracing the outdoors, even in the rain, reminds us that storms are not obstacles but opportunities to build strength.
Let’s encourage our students to step out confidently, prepared for the elements and ready to face the world with courage and commitment. Together, we will weather this season with warmth, resilience, and the values that hold our community strong.
Warm regards,
Rikke
Principal
PRESCHOOL embraces the Rain: Learning Through Exploration and Play
This rainy week, our preschoolers have been joyfully embracing the weather, playing in the rain and exploring the wonders it brings. Equipped with raincoats and boots, they’ve splashed through puddles, observed how raindrops ripple in water, and discovered how different materials react when wet.
PRIMARY triumphs at interschool chess tournament
On November 1st, four talented students from Aprendizes—Sebastião, Toby, Manuel, and Eddie—brought home the victory at the interschool chess tournament held at Fábrica da Pólvora. Competing against some of the region's top young players, our students displayed skill, strategy, and resilience in each match, leading them to an impressive win.
MIDDLE SCHOOL receives The Troublemakers Guide to Refugees and Inequalities
We hosted an insightful event in collaboration with the Lisbon Project titled The Troublemakers' Guide to Refugees and Inequalities. This initiative aimed to raise awareness among students about the challenges faced by refugees and the importance of addressing social inequalities. The event was a powerful reminder of the human stories behind global challenges, encouraging the school community to engage more deeply with issues of compassion, solidarity, and social justice.
SECONDARY goes to Estoril Conferences
Aprendizes had the privilege of attending the Estoril Conferences—an impactful international event addressing pressing global challenges.
The conference featured a remarkable lineup of speakers discussing urgent topics such as peace, international politics, and environmental sustainability. Notably, Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, shared her insights on the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting its humanitarian impact. The situation in Gaza was also a significant topic of discussion.
08 NOV | PARENTS COFFEE MORNINGS (8:45 AM)
08 & 09 NOV | MEETING 1 - Action Research Programme
08 NOV | TEACHERS VS. STUDENTS GAMES | Volleyball (1:30 PM to 2:00 PM)
12 NOV | OPEN DAY TO NEW FAMILIES AT APRENDIZES (9:00 AM)
15 NOV | TEACHERS VS. STUDENTS GAMES | Basketball (1:30 PM to 2:00 PM)
18-22 NOV | EUROPEAN WEEK FOR WASTE REDUCTION
20 NOV | WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY
20 NOV | PYJAMAS NATIONAL DAY
25-29 NOV | SCIENCE, TECNHOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM) WEEK
26 NOV | BOOKCLUB FOR ADOLESCENCE (Portuguese) (6:30 PM)
28 NOV- 1 NOV | BARCELONA MUN
29 NOV | BIO MARKET (4:15 PM to 6 PM)
03 DEC | APRENDIZES BOOK CLUB (English) (6:30 PM)
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
We celebrated Halloween in style with a lively Trunk or Treat event that brought together students, families, and teachers for a day of spooky excitement. Parents and families went all out, decorating their car trunks with impressive Halloween displays that amazed students from preschool to middle school. Each age group enjoyed its own unique Halloween twist, making the celebration one to remember!
Preschool students were greeted by their educators dressed as ghostly brides, adding a playful touch of fright to the festivities. The little ones were thrilled by the creative costumes and the spirited atmosphere.
Primary students didn’t miss out on the fun either, with each child getting Halloween-themed face paint to complete their spooky look, alongside the appearance of a friendly dragon who added a magical touch to the day.
Middle School took Halloween up a notch with the teachers hosting a dance floor, where students could show off their moves, cheered on by a mysterious virus character that added humor and energy to the party.
Our Secondary students showcased their entrepreneurial spirit by offering face painting to the younger kids. They also set up a "haunted ice cream stand," where the looming “retakes” added a touch of Halloween suspense to every scoop.
MATH OLYMPIAD: Showcasing Talent and Problem-Solving Skills!
Last Wednesday marked the 1st Eliminatory Round of the 43rd Portuguese Math Olympiad, where 6th to 12th-grade students engaged in a challenging series of mathematical problems. In addition, 5th-grade students participated in the Pre-Olympiad, a single-round event designed specifically for their level.
This annual competition, known for its rigor, encourages critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving—key skills for both academic and personal success. The results, which will determine which students advance to the next stage, will be announced by the official Math Olympiad organization in December.
Participating in the Math Olympiad and Pre-Olympiad offers students a fantastic opportunity to push their mathematical limits and foster a lifelong appreciation for the subject. Best of luck to all our participants!
Celebrating European Week for Waste Reduction
Aprendizes is proud to join the European Week of Waste Reduction, focusing on the importance of sustainable waste practices and environmental responsibility. Our Grade 10 students will have the opportunity to visit Tratolixo, a local waste management facility, where they’ll see firsthand how waste is processed and learn about recycling and reduction strategies.
Throughout the week, various activities will be organized across the school to raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable practices. Engaging students in these initiatives is essential for fostering responsible habits and empowering them to make environmentally conscious choices. By celebrating this week together, we take steps towards a cleaner, greener future.
Our Next Country Days:
TODAY - DENMARK in our Kitchen
November 14th - IRELAND in our Kitchen
NOVEMBER’S SEASONAL STAR: Chestnuts
November is the perfect time to celebrate the season’s flavors and chestnuts take center stage, especially during São Martinho! Traditionally, chestnuts are roasted and enjoyed during this holiday, a beloved celebration in many regions. São Martinho, celebrated on November 11th, is not only a time for gathering with loved ones but also for indulging in the rich taste of roasted chestnuts, a symbol of the season.
Chestnuts are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious treat. They support immune health, digestion, and heart health, all while bringing a comforting warmth on cooler days.
Hands-On Learning: Students Engage with Nature in the School Horta
Every week, our preschool and primary students embark on a special journey—leaving the classroom behind and heading to our school garden, where learning takes root in the soil. Under the guidance of André Maciel, our resident expert in permaculture and sustainable farming, students gain hands-on experience in growing their own food, while deepening their understanding of nature and sustainability.
The garden is more than just a place to grow plants—it's a living classroom where our youngest learners are exposed to critical lessons about the environment, teamwork, and responsibility. Through engaging, hands-on activities, children learn the basics of permaculture, a method of agriculture that mimics natural ecosystems and promotes sustainability. This holistic approach to gardening teaches students about respecting the Earth’s resources, fostering a deep connection to nature from a young age.
PREVENTING AND MANAGING LICE
As part of our commitment to student health, we would like to remind everyone of best practices for preventing and managing head lice. Head lice are common in school environments and, while not harmful, can cause discomfort and spread easily.
To help prevent the spread of lice:
Check your child’s hair regularly for signs of lice, such as small white nits (eggs) near the scalp.
Encourage your child to avoid sharing hats, brushes, or hair accessories with others.
For girls with longer hair, keeping it tied back can help minimize contact.
If you do find lice, there are over-the-counter treatments and combing techniques that effectively remove lice and nits.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community comfortable and healthy!
Reminder for DOG OWNERS
We are delighted to see so many families bringing their dogs to school. It's wonderful to have them as part of our community! We kindly ask that all dogs be kept on a leash for everyone’s safety. Additionally, we would greatly appreciate if dogs could stay outside the school’s main entrance and not enter the atrium.
LOST & FOUND DISPLAY:
Available Until November 8th
We would like to inform everyone that all items in the Lost & Found will be on display until November 8. If you have lost any belongings, please make sure to visit the designated area and check for your items before this date.
After November 8th, all unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
PLANTING OF TWO LINDEN TREES at the School Entrance: A New Symbol of Growth
We are excited to announce the planting of two beautiful linden trees (Tília) at the entrance of our school. Lindens are known for their symbolism of harmony, resilience, and connection—values that resonate with our school community. In time, these trees will provide welcoming shade, creating a pleasant and inviting space for students to gather and enjoy nature.
As they grow, these linden trees will stand as a reminder of our commitment to nurturing a thriving, sustainable environment for current and future generations.
JOIN OUR WINTER ANIMAL CARE CAMPAIGN
We are collecting supplies for cats dogs, and other animals in need. Your donations will help provide food, warmth, and care for animals in shelters as winter approaches.
Please leave your donations in front of the Sports Wall. All donations will go to Associação S. Francisco de Assis
SHARE YOUR INPUTS FOR 2025: Survey Coming Soon!
As we prepare for the upcoming year, we are encouraging parents to start thinking about their inputs for 2025.
This year, we will be sharing the survey earlier, giving everyone ample time to provide valuable feedback. Your opinions are crucial to shaping the future and we strongly urge you to participate. By sharing your thoughts, you help us improve and create a more tailored experience for all.
Stay tuned for the survey launch and thank you in advance for your contributions!
BOOK CLUB FOR ADOLESCENCE (Portuguese)
26th of November
APRENDIZES BOOK CLUB (English)
3rd of December
CANVA for All Students and Teachers!
We are excited to announce that Aprendizes has officially provided Canva access for all students and teachers! This powerful design tool will now be available to everyone in our community, enabling easy creation of presentations, posters, infographics, and much more.
To get started, simply log in using your Office 365 email account credentials. Whether you're designing for a class project, creating digital content, or simply exploring your creativity, Canva will support your efforts with its user-friendly interface and vast collection of templates and design options.
We hope this new resource helps enhance your learning experience and creativity!
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
We’re launching a new activity at IMBAS called Saturday School of Rockstars. We’re having a trial session this weekend and I thought it would be nice to be able to let the Aprendizes students know about it too.