Dear Parents and Guardians,

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

Dear Parents, Staff, and Students,

I’m beyond excited to announce the launch of our new Action Research Program! This isn’t just another professional development effort—it’s our chance to grow as a community of learners and take our school to the next level.

We’ve all done Professional Development —trainings, conferences, courses—but how often do we struggle to apply that knowledge back at our work context? Well, this program changes that. It’s about us learning, experimenting, reflecting, and growing together, just like we ask our students to do! We’re daring to try new things, ask tough questions, and yes, maybe even fail a little—all in the name of improvement.

A huge shoutout to David Booth, our new Head of Academics, who’s leading this charge, and Phil Whitehead, whose expertise will help guide us through research related to our schools strategic action plans from student agency, active and interdisciplinary learning to restorative practices. magazine!

After six months, we’ll celebrate with a full Teachers’ Day, where everyone will share their findings. I know the knowledge we gain will ripple through our school, enriching everything we do.

So buckle up—it’s going to be an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us!

Warm regards,
Rikke 
Principal

 

PRESCHOOL had a Tasty Autumn Cooking Family Day

On the week of the World Food Day, our Navegadores class began a fun and educational journey through the fruits of autumn. As part of our hands-on learning approach, we hosted a special event where parents were invited to cook alongside their children at school. Together, they created delicious seasonal treats, including pear and chocolate tart, apple cake and freshly squeezed orange juice.

 

PRIMARY explores pH with Red Cabbage Experiment

In Primary School science oficina, students delved into the world of pH by conducting a fascinating experiment using red cabbage water. The young scientists used the natural pH indicator, made by boiling red cabbage, to test a variety of everyday materials. They observed the color changes when mixing the cabbage water with different substances, such as vinegar, lemon, soap, milk, water, baking soda, powdered detergent, and bleach.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL receives preschool students for a storytelling class

In a heartwarming and educational exchange, preschool students paid a special visit to the 5th graders at Aprendizes, where they shared their retelling of the beloved story Pela Floresta ("Through the Forest"). The 5th graders, currently studying narrative construction, eagerly welcomed their younger peers, creating an inspiring moment of inter-age learning.

 

SECONDARY goes to 2024 PAMUN CONFERENCE

Park International School recently hosted its annual PAMUN (Park Model United Nations) conference, a two-day event that gathered students from four different committees to discuss and propose solutions for global issues.

Our students,  Iolanda Bettin (10th Grade) and Emilia Thorne (11th Grade), both veteran delegates from the Aprendizes MUN programme, this year's conference held special significance. It was at this very event two years ago that they first experienced a real MUN debate, joining forces with students from other schools. Now, as seasoned delegates, they are taking on leadership roles, helping to train new members of the delegation.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a transformative initiative at Aprendizes: our new Action Research Program, kicking off this week! Thanks to a generous donation, we are taking bold steps to elevate the quality of education at our school, empowering both educators and students alike.

The core theme driving this program is “Student Agency & Active Learning”—the belief that students thrive when they have a voice and active role in their learning journey. To explore this, 24 teachers and other staff, will embark on a six-month action research journey, diving into various innovative themes aimed at enhancing our teaching methods and overall school experience.

This innovative program will be led by Phil Whitehead, an expert in the field of action research with vast experience in supporting international educators through professional development. Phil previously established a Master’s program at Oxford Brookes University, focusing on action research for educators, and has been leading similar programs in schools worldwide. He will be working closely with our Head of Secondary and Academics, David Booth, who successfully implemented a similar program at his previous school and is bringing his expertise to guide this exciting new chapter at Aprendizes.

With the beginning of the new academic year, the Arts and Performances Department is proud to showcase the remarkable work of its students across various disciplines. The department also takes this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the passion and energy of its dedicated team.

With kinesthetic learning at the core of their approach, students are immersed in music, movement, drama, and visual arts, allowing them to bring their ideas to life through hands-on exploration. They have embraced challenges, pushed their boundaries, and discovered new ways to express their creativity.

The department looks forward to what the rest of the year will bring as they continue to inspire, create, and grow together.

TODAY | THE TROUBLEMAKER'S GUIDE TO... “Refugees and Inequalities” (4 PM TO 5 PM)

25 OCT | HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS (10 AM to 2 PM)

01 NOV | INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT

05 NOV | BOOK CLUB APRENDIZES (6:30 PM)

06 NOV | MATHEMATICS OLYMPIADS (Grade 5-12) (3:30 PM TO 5:30 PM)

08 NOV | PARENTS COFFEE MORNINGS (8:45 AM)

12 NOV | OPEN DAY TO NEW FAMILIES AT APRENDIZES (9:00 AM TO 10:30 AM)

 

OPEN DAY TO NEW FAMILIES AT APRENDIZES

We are excited to welcome new families to our Open Day, taking place on November 12 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.

 

BIO MARKET OCTOBER’S EDITION

🍂 This autumn, we successfully hosted our Biomarket, and it was a fantastic event! 🌿 The day was filled with energy as local suppliers, parents, students, and students projects came together to celebrate authentic flavors and sustainable practices. 🍁🥕

Our Biomarket showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our students, who presented a range of initiatives—from school gardens to handmade organic products—highlighting the importance of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture.

 

TEACHER VS. STUDENTS GAME:
A Spirited Showdown on the Volleyball Court

Last week marked the inaugural Teacher vs. Student Games at Aprendizes, featuring a lively volleyball match between the teachers and their younger opponents.

From the start, the game was intense, with the crowd nearly as engaged as the players. It was evident who most of the audience was cheering for, as the cheers grew louder each time a student scored against the teachers.

CELEBRATING WORLD FOOD DAY:
The Importance of Healthy Eating

On World Food Day, Aprendizes - International Active Learning School reaffirms its commitment to promoting healthy, sustainable eating habits among students. Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in child development, we ensure that the food served at our school is fresh, local, and organic.

All of our ingredients come from suppliers within a 100km radius of Lisbon, who work with organic, fresh, and bulk products. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures that students enjoy high-quality meals made from seasonal produce.

Our Next Country Days: 

TODAY - COLOMBIA in our Kitchen
November 7th - DENMARK in our Kitchen

PRESCHOOL EMBRACES ZERO WASTE WITH HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PROJECT

Our Sonhadores Class have been getting into the Halloween spirit with a special pumpkin project! They asked the school kitchen for a pumpkin to create traditional Halloween masks, and from there, they embraced the idea of using every part of it.

The children worked together to peel the pumpkin, and the inside was turned into delicious pumpkin jam, which they’ll enjoy with scones during their afternoon snack. The seeds will be roasted for a healthy treat, and the peels were taken to feed the chickens and added to our compost bin. Even the eggshells from the scones were dried and crushed to be used as calcium for the garden soil!

LAST CALL - LAST SPOTS FOR SKI TRIP

For the International Travel Week initiative, following the initial registration deadline, we are pleased to confirm that the Ski Trip to Sierra Nevada will move forward. We still have a few spots available, and if you would like to register, we kindly ask you to send an email to activities@aprendizes.pt, providing the student’s full name and class.

Please note that you will also need to make the first payment of €310 and send the payment receipt via email. Confirmation of your spot will be sent shortly afterward.

The Ski Trip to Sierra Nevada, Spain is priced at €910 and is open to students in 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Proposed by the Physical Education Department, the trip will take place from February 2nd to 6th and includes skiing lessons as well as other sports activities.

Don’t miss out! The final registration deadline is October 25th.

 

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.

SAFETY REMINDER

To ensure the safety of all students, we kindly remind parents, when dropping of your children, to enter through the pedestrian gate, rather than walking along the road near the Kiss and Go entrance. This will help keep the area safe and well-organized for everyone.

LET’S STAY PRESENT: A Phone-Free School

At our school, we are proud to be a phone-free environment. We believe that sometimes we miss the most precious moments with our children—whether when dropping them off or picking them up—because we are focused on our phones.

Let’s all set a positive example for our children by avoiding phone use in the school atrium. This way, we can be more present and engaged with them.

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

MONTHLY GAME JAM

A Monthly Game Jam is being organized for aspiring game creators with a theme of "Spooky Scary Skeletons" for October. Participants can form teams of 2-3 people and use Scratch to build creative games. The deadline for submission is November 15th, and the winning team will receive a 20 Euro FNAC voucher.

CIick here for more information

ROCK CLIMBING WALL AT APRENDIZES

We’re thrilled to announce that a new rock-climbing (bouldering) wall is being installed next to the sports fields at the end of October! This exciting addition will offer students unique opportunities to develop their strength, coordination, confidence, and problem-solving skills as part of our physical education program.

To ensure an optimal experience, we recommend that students wear climbing shoes and use liquid chalk.
For more information on the climbing wall and its benefits, click here.

HELP US GROW - Share Your Experience

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Why Your Review Matters: By sharing your experience, you not only support our growth but also assist other families in making informed decisions about their children's education. Your voice helps us continue our mission of excellence and care.

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