PARENT NEWSLETTER (15 – 26 APRIL)

  • April 12, 2019
  • Category: Parent Newsletters
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Dear Parents,

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The last newsletter of this term! By now you will have received your child’s school report. I hope you are happy with its contents. With our tough policy on pupil attendance you will have received some comment if your child is falling below expectations. If this is the case please help to improve this next term.

What a very busy but successful term it’s been. As you are aware we have launched our school Twitter account, so next term, as well as your newsletter, you should be receiving more instant up-to-date news.

RHYTHMIC GYMNAST STAR

Our fantastic rhythmic gymnast Alessandra Tertychna, Year 9, has been chosen to represent Lebanon in July in a world championship with 160 countries competing in Moscow. Alessandra does 5 hours training a day, but her self-discipline is such that she always keeps up with her school work.

ACBC TRIUMPH

Wow – lovely news this week regarding our Basketball teams – enjoy this report from Julián.

Aloha College beat Colegio Atalaya school in the NBA Jr competition. Aloha dominated in all aspects of the match: our team had a very clear game plan, they were prepared for the challenge and their performance was excellent.

On the first game, we won by two points, where player number 4 of Atalaya gave us serious problems. This month we have been preparing the match against Atalaya, focusing on how to defend against their key players. In today’s game, player number 4 scored just 2 points, thanks to the defence of Claudia and Georgie. In attack, we were coordinated, always looking for the open player and driving with energy towards the basket.

We would like to highlight our starting five:  Adriana, Claudia, Panna, Georgie, and Willow.

Adriana is developing as the team’s playmaker, assisting her teammates and scoring the difficult shots. She has a champion’s mentality and everything she does makes the team better. 

Claudia and Georgie are excellent defenders and have very clear ideas in attack; the work of these players goes unnoticed but it is the one that allows their teammates to shine. Every time that Panna steals a pass it’s due to the intense pressure of Claudia, every rebound that Willow gets is due to Georgie boxing out the other team.

Panna and Willow are the two highest scorers and our principal values in defence. 

Willow is strong, tall and fast. This year she has learned to use her physical superiority to dominate the zone, both in attack and defence.

Finally, we have Panna, the combination of talent and effort make her the star of the team, all of her teammates always want to play with her. The first game against Atalaya was won by two points, without Panna. Yesterday we won by 30, with Panna.

Well done ACBC, keep it going!

CHARITY RUN: HEALTHY MINDS

Thank you to all of you who supported our alumni charity, proposed by Chris Knaup . The money raised to date was €1,386.15, but we were hoping to round up the figures to € 1.600,00. If you feel generous as you read this letter please submit a note to reception and give your 2€. Good luck, Chris, in the marathon on the 28 April. I will be supporting you from my lounge sofa!

MUSIC & ART EVENING

For those who attended I hope you enjoyed the Music and Art display as much as I. Congratulations to Miss Longdon and her department, we thank you.

YEAR 11 & YEAR 13

We wish you every success with your final revision programme.

Look who passed my window today – it’s Don David on his way back from the wonderful Primary Easter parade.

Have a lovely Easter break with your wonderful families.  We look forward to seeing you all back again on Monday 29 April.

Your sincerely

Elizabeth Batchelor

Principal

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

Thankfully the rain held off on Monday for our Charity Run in aid of “Healthy Minds”. There were certainly a lot of determined, healthy bodies as each year group completed their races. A special congratulation to Year 5 and Year 6 who showed real willpower to complete our Primary Mini Marathon around the school campus. Thank you everyone for your contribution and don’t forget to cheer on our alumni Chris Knaup he races in the London Marathon in a special Aloha T-shirt on Sunday 28 April.

Book Week

Book week was a huge success with the children showing a real love of book,  and the quizzes including, the Book Trail Quiz really enthused both children and staff.

Easter Parade

This week’s Grand Finale was, of course, a very colourful Easter Parade with a fantastic array of bonnets and book characters costumes.

I wish you all a lovely holiday and I’ll see you on Monday 29 April, on time before 9:00 h.

PE Inter House Easter Challenges

1st – Córdoba 771 points
2nd – Sevilla 748 points
3rd – Granada 740 points

Your sincerely

Kathryn Salmon

Headteacher, Primary

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

Exactly a week ago, our school was full of young, talented youngsters who came from all over the world to participate in the ISMTF Mathematics competition.

Seven pupils from Aloha were selected for this competition (Iker Yang, Álvaro Sánchez Valenzuela, Martin Brun, Adrian Ogrzwalski, Pablo Benet, Sofía Elgaily y Marco Santaella Mihok). They had to train hard and face different mathematical challenges that required critical and problem-solving skills.

The ISMTF organisation was founded in Vienna in 1993 and today encompasses around 70 international schools from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The key to the success of this event has clearly been teamwork.  From the moment the Mathematics Department agreed to host the competition this year, the complex machinery of this wonderful event was set in motion. There were countless details which, after much dedication and planning, and as if we were putting a jigsaw together, shaped each of the scheduled activities. Both students and teachers who travelled from Cairo, Morocco, India, Russia and all over Europe enjoyed this experience.

This underlines the saying:‘Unity means strength’. With teamwork, you combine the skills of each person to produce a well-oiled machine. This union did not only come from the maths department. It was the administration, maintenance, volunteer staff, students and management who made this challenge such a success.

We are proud to belong to the Aloha College community, which faces each new challenge with professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm.

We are grateful for all the positive feedback received from visitors. We are delighted to know that they enjoyed such an enriching experience and felt at home.

We have created new links with other international schools and reinforced existing ones within our community. We can, together, continue to achieve whatever we set out to do.

Once again, many thanks and sincere congratulations to all.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy holiday.

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.

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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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