PARENT NEWSLETTER (11 – 15 NOVEMBER)

  • November 8, 2019
  • Category: Parent Newsletters
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Dear Parents,

I hope you all enjoyed the half-term break with your families.  Thank you for sending your children back so smartly, they all looked wonderful.

Football success abroad

I tried to take a quiet few days’ rest last week; however, I was happy to be interrupted by Mr Toal giving me an hour-by-hour account of the prowess of our 3 football teams who represented ACM in the Mediterranean Cup held in Verona, Italy. What an adventure for them, and what an exciting, marvellous result for all of us.

27 players did the college proud. They played like champions, focused and determined, and returned home with 3 huge trophies.

The U16 boys’ team consisting of Pablo Martin (captain), Ethan Prawidlo, Brad Macintyre, Alexsei Praslov, Alex Gudkov, Rudy Martinez, Gines García Barrero, Francis Toebak, Alessandro Puglisi, are now the Mediterranean champions.  Enjoy these videos!

 

 

 

 

 



The U16 girls also played exceptionally well, gaining 2nd place in the whole tournament and only losing to IS Geneva in the final.

 

 

 

 

 



The U18 boys were an additional team, led by José Acosta, who contributed to the organisation of the event.  He used his leadership skills to coach the team to an overall 3rd place.  Congratulations to José and all his team for their gallant efforts.


Thank you to Mr Toal and his wonderful team of Don Sebastian, Mrs Sweeting and Alejandro Avila for supporting the teams during half-term week.

 

 

 

 

 



Basketball success at home

The next item of ACM sporting success was this week’s basketball event.  Congratulations to all our U14 basketball teams who came 1st (boys), 2nd (girls) and 3rd (girls) in our tournament this week.  You are an absolute credit to our school.

Thank you again to all staff who organised this event.  We are definitely dominating other schools on the sporting front.

Odd Sox Day:  All pupils

You will read below in the Primary and Secondary section of the newsletter that we are promoting our “Be Kind” campaign next week. On Tuesday we have our annual Odd Socks Day so please find the brightest and funniest odd socks that you can – see example below

Annual Christmas Bazaar

You are being sent lots of communications regarding our forthcoming Christmas Bazaar on Saturday 30 November.  Please send in your usual contributions of chocolates and bottles e.g. champagne and try your best to sell your allocated tickets.

Please remember that all funds from this event go towards additional resources for your children.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Congratulations to Alba, one of our financial assistants, who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last week.

Have a lovely weekend.

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Batchelor

Principal

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

This week we have opened our doors after the holidays to children entering proudly and smartly in their new winter uniform. The achievements of last term were recognised in our special Monday assembly as October ‘blossoms’ were awarded to those children who went ‘above and beyond’ last term. Congratulations to: Marta Blázquez De La Fuente NS, Yasmine Abdeselam Heidmann RC, Elizaveta Haikina Y1, Maria Bliznyuk Y2, Colby Matthews Y3, Carlos Lozano Y4, Beatriz Salvador Chávez Y5 and Oleksii Prusov Y6; and for Spanish: Mila-Emilia Riijimaa NS, Lucy Matthews RC, Olivia Langeland Y1, Gia-Valentina Franklin-Pellegrino Y2, Smilla Andersson Y3, Dina Gzouli Y4, Andrey Kukusta Y5 and Victoria Goryachkina Y6.

Thursday was a super treat for all the children as 183 parents came along to our English Workshop morning and experienced learning alongside the children. Thank you to all who attended and also to Mr Wakefield for his informative presentation to Parents at the start of the morning. Commendations to Srta Ana for her excellent translation.

Next week we shall be organising activities for children as part of ‘Be Kind’ Week. During the week children will be encouraged to open their minds to what it really means to ‘Be Kind’ and we would like you to discuss this further with your child at home. As a symbol of our understanding of kindness we ask that your child brings a pebble for painting and on Tuesday 12 November we will be holding an odd socks day for anti- bullying week. Please ensure your children are wearing full school uniform, but they are invited to wear the brightest, longest and craziest pair of socks they can find.


In IPC, Year 3 and 4 (MP2) will be learning about different types of materials. For the Entry Point next week, we would like the children to bring in small samples of different types of materials such as  paper, plastic, fabrics, metals etc. 

Thank you to the parents who are helping the PTA ladies for the Christmas Bazaar preparations;if you wish to help you can still sign up by completing the online form. The PTA Room will be open from 14.30 h every day from Monday 4 November and all parents are welcome to come along, help, have a chat and make new friends.
Please remember to ensure your child is included in the Children’s Draw by donating bottles or chocolates (every morning, 8:45-9:00 h, KS1 dining room).

Aloha Value Focus this half term – CARE
Personal Goal Target for November – THOUGHTFULNESS

Yours sincerely

Kathryn Salmon

Headteacher, Primary

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

Next week, from 11th to 15th November, Aloha College Marbella will be hosting their 3rd  annual ‘Be Kind week’.  Every year, we ensure this week coincides with anti-bullying week in the UK.    The aim is to raise awareness about anti-bullying.   

We continue to encourage our community to demonstrate kindness in their everyday actions and support each other. This year, the theme is:

‘Change starts with us’

Whether it is verbal, physical, online or in person, bullying can have a significant impact on a child’s life well into adulthood. We can all make small, simple changes demonstrating kindness and creating a safe environment for everyone. 

Change starts with a conversation; it starts with us checking in with each other. It starts with working together.

On Tuesday 12th November we will be holding an odd socks day for anti- bullying week. All students will be involved in a variety of activities throughout the week. 

I would like to kindly remind you about our ‘Give a gift’ campaign. If you can, please donate new gifts for less privileged children. Please click here for more information.

We are very excited about this campaign. We want to create empowering and positive messages addressing the fact that when it comes to bullying ‘Change starts with us’.

Yours sincerely,

Francisco Escobar

Headteacher, Secondary

One subject is chosen from each of the following groups:

  1. Language and Literature (Language A). Students take their studies in a language in which they are academically competent.
  2. Language acquisition (Language B). A modern language course with an emphasis on understanding another culture through its language.
  3. Individuals and Societies: Provides for the development of a critical appreciation of the nature and activities of human activities in history and the physical, economic and social environment that people inhabit.
  4. Experimental Sciences: The exploration of concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and through these, develop their understanding of the scientific method.
  5. Mathematics: The development of mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles and the development of logical, critical and creative thinking.
  6. The Arts: Students develop their understanding of the dynamic and changing nature of the arts and explore the diversity of arts and learn to express themselves with confidence and competence. Students may opt to study an additional science, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.

The requirement that students take at least one subject from each of the first five groups listed ensures a balanced education. Thus, the scientist continues the study of languages and one of the humanities, while the arts student continues to take mathematics and science. Furthermore, students may choose their study programmes to take into account their interests, abilities and future career or education requirements by the choice of the sixth subject and by the choice of subjects offered at Higher Level.

team
Darren Roth
Headteacher Secondary
Earned his BA(Hons) in English Literature from Cardiff University before completing his teaching qualification as a secondary English teacher at Swansea University. Over 17 years in South Wales, he held roles including Head of English, Head of Sixth Form, and senior management before joining Aloha College Marbella in 2012. A passionate educator, Darren finds immense satisfaction in students’ success.
His diverse interests extend beyond the classroom. Darren obtained his pilot’s licence at 17 through a Royal Air Force scholarship and continued training for years. He volunteered in the Camp America scheme, played water polo for Wales Under 18s, and taught children to swim.
Outside of his professional and athletic pursuits, Darren enjoys reading, cycling, and walking his rescue Yorkshire Terrier, Charley. A paddleboarding enthusiast, he finds joy in outdoor activities. Darren also has a flair for cooking and delights in preparing meals for friends. He holds a special affection for the Andalusian sunshine and seizes every opportunity to explore Spain and beyond.
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Louise Verinder
Designated Safeguarding Lead & Pastoral Care

Louise earned her BA Hons degree from Edge Hill University and went on to complete her PGCE. With a lifelong passion for sports, she always knew she wanted to become a PE teacher. She excelled, particularly in sports acrobatics, earning the honor of representing Great Britain. For fourteen years, she served as head of PE in Chorley, in the north-west of England, before embarking on what was supposed to be a year’s sabbatical in Spain.

Louise joined Aloha College in 2014 as a part-time teacher of PE. A couple of years later, she transitioned into the role of pastoral care, a role that she absolutely loves. Tasked with leading the secondary school’s PSHEE program and serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, she finds great pleasure in developing positive working relationships with teenagers, supporting their mental health and wellbeing, helping develop their self-esteem and confidence, as well as helping them navigate the challenges of life!
Louise is passionate about learning and developing her skillset. She is an accredited life coach with the ICF, specializing in working with teenagers. She has studied for a Diploma in NLP and has recently been awarded a Level 5 Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health-Informed Schools and Communities. 
Outside of teaching, Louise loves the simple things in life. Spending time with her family and friends, travelling, and spending time outside hiking, skiing and paddleboarding. She loves good food and she feels truly blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
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Sara Dickie
Head of Key Stage 2

Graduated from the University of Plymouth with a BEd (hons) specialising in English Literature and teaching children in the primary age range.  For the next 17 years, Sara worked in large, central and outer London schools.  As a senior leader in the UK, Sara raised attainment and supported curriculum development across groups of schools in the local area and worked with the local education authority to provide training across boroughs. She ensured the success of school improvement in roles such as leader of English, Maths and SEND provision over the years.  Sara moved to Spain in 2017 and is currently our Head of Key Stage 2.  

Sara has travelled to many fascinating destinations across the globe and still counts travel as one of her interests.  However, she now spends more time at her rural finca in the Andalucian mountains than ever before due to the increasing number of rescue animals she supports.  Outside of education, Sara loves to spend time in the countryside with her horses, dogs and many other animals under her care. 
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Liz Keys
Teaching & Learning

Liz gained a BA.Hons degree in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Hull.  After her PGCE  she began her teaching career at a state Primary School in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Her passion for teaching and her love of travel soon prompted her to take up her next role as a Reception class teacher at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand where she gained invaluable experience of working in an international environment. 

A desire to move closer to the UK prompted Liz to join Aloha College Marbella in 1997 where she has been a Key Stage leader in both KS1 & KS2. She is passionate about providing children with a Creative Curriculum which  provides exciting stimuli and first-hand learning experiences. Her interests are reading, travel and sampling different cuisines.
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Anna Sweeting
Head of Key Stage 3 and Enrichment

Completed her degree in Business, Accounting and Finance, then later a Certificate in Mathematics. Having worked in banking, accounting and education finance she started teaching by founding a tuition company in 2006 and lecturing part-time in a further education college. These both grew, and a decision was made to sell the business and lecture full time, while also leading GCSE Maths. Anna made the move to secondary education in 2015, then joined Aloha College in 2016.

Anna loves inspiring students to try new things and to grasp opportunities, you never know where they will lead! She enjoys performing in theatre shows and singing, but the most drama in her life comes from being an avid follower of Blackpool FC, a curse that she has passed on to her two sons.
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Jacqueline Brice
Head of Key Stage 4

Achieved a first class Honours degree in Mathematics and Physics from Kings College London before pursuing a career in broadcasting. She indulged her curiosity in the latest scientific and technological advances as a producer of scientific documentaries for BBC Radio and Television and then moved into fly-on-the-wall documentary making for Channel 4 with the police and the Royal Navy. Her broadcasting career has taken her flying through thunderstorms with lightning chasers in North Dakota, to crime scenes with the Metropolitan Police murder squad and from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious to Gibraltar by Sea King helicopter. 

As her young family took priority in her life, she turned her degree into a Post Graduate Certificate of Education and brought her family to Spain, where she has continued to share her love of mathematics, science and life-long learning with the students of Aloha College for almost two decades. Over the years, she has thoroughly enjoyed leading the Mathematics Department and Key Stage 3 and now she is working as the Head of Key Stage 4, hoping to instill a love for learning and international travel in our young adults and to encourage them to value a broad range of creative, analytical and communication skills.
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Ellen Richards
Head of EYFS

Studied at the University of Chester where she completed her BEd (Hons) in  Primary education, specialising in the Early Years. She believes there is no age range more exciting and inspiring with which to work, and feels fortunate to have truly found her vocation. 

Ellen has taught at international schools in Guangzhou, China, Bangkok, Thailand and London, UK, before joining the Aloha College Marbella team in 2018 where she is currently Head of Foundation Stage. Having attended international schools herself in Maseru, Lesotho, Yokohama, Japan and South Wales in the UK, Ellen feels a strong sense of belonging within our multicultural community.
Outside of work, Ellen is most content exploring all and any creative pursuits, be it in a rather haphazard way! What she lacks in finesse she makes up for in enthusiasm, and will happily while away the weekend with her sewing machine. 
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Elaine McGirl
Head of Key Stage 5

An experienced educator with over two decades of expertise in the field of science and education. Originally from Ireland, Elaine graduated with Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Limerick after earning a Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in Biology and Chemistry. 

Driven by a passion for understanding how students learn best, Elaine has held diverse roles in education, including lecturing and tutoring in educational psychology to undergraduate students. She has extensive experience teaching various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate, A Levels and the Irish Leaving certificate, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of various educational systems. 
In 2007, Elaine joined Aloha College Marbella, where she has served as an IB and A-Level Biology teacher, General Science teacher, and Head of the Science Department. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Sixth Form and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to guiding students towards academic excellence and personal growth.
Outside of teaching, Elaine enjoys Irish dancing, Flamenco, and salsa. She can play several instruments from her days in a youth marching band. Elaine loves traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with animals.
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Anne Ross
Head of Key Stage 1

Began her teaching career with a Foundation Degree in Early Years from the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. She managed and developed a Nursery School in the Highlands for several years and was very involved in raising the awareness and the importance of Early Years education throughout many schools in the Highlands and North of Scotland. Anne then furthered her studies, experience and expertise by gaining a PGCE at the University of Buckingham to further her career in Primary education.

At Aloha Anne has always been passionate about extending her knowledge and learning, she is currently studying to become a certified Well-Being coach. She is a strong advocate of student wellbeing, emotional intelligence and social development, these important life skills ensure our students emerge more resilient and ready to face future adversities. 
Even though Anne has lived in Spain for over 20 years, she loves to explore Spain’s rich culture and many hidden treasures. She is an enthusiastic traveller with a love for diverse destinations and learning from different cultures. Anne has always been passionate about sports and keeping fit and in her spare time she loves Crossfit classes, family time and reading.
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Emma Saunders
Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead & Pastoral Car

Emma has dedicated her entire teaching and professional career to ACM. A Saint Mary’s University London honour’s graduate, holding a Masters Degree in International Education from Oxford Brookes, Emma has shaped her career into a student-centric narrative. Her experience and research into “Third Culture Kids’, which recognises our students unique educational, international and Spanish experience, was used in crafting and developing the Primary PSHEE programme, facilitating essential skills appropriate to academic, psychological and emotional well-being.

Emma’s professionalism at Charity, is helping change lives for the vulnerable, in Málaga and Africa where ACM has initiated educational programmes in Kampala. Her work as a rapporteur for the COBIS ConnectED sessions is established and recognised. As a qualified Catechist, Emma’s Pastoral Care role is busy and engaging. As a safeguarding expert and officer, fluent in Spanish, Emma analyses the latest programmes, developments and policies, at national and International level.
As a former ballerina, Emma trained young dancers for school shows and Marbella events in modern/Irish dance, and regularly performed in her native West End. Emma also enjoys entertaining family and friends, however Tara the Afghan Hound as the newest member of the Saunders family, is the one who now steals the show!
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Kate Edwards
Headteacher Primary

Kate graduated from the University of Central England with a BEd (Hons) in Primary Education, specialising in the Early Years. As an experienced leader in both UK and international educational settings, Kate is committed to providing students with a learning environment that celebrates effort and achievement in both academic and personal endeavors. In July 2019, Kate, completed the Cobis Program for Aspiring Heads, before taking on her first headship with us in 2023. 

In her spare time, Kate loves spending time with her husband and three children. They often enjoy trips to the park, constructing Lego masterpieces, strolls along the beach and splashing about in the pool. When time allows, Kate also loves to bake.  At home you’ll often find her whipping up a storm in the kitchen. Rumour has it, she dreams of donning the iconic apron on the Great British Bake Off one day! 
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