PARENT NEWSLETTER (17 – 21 FEBRUARY)

  • February 14, 2020
  • Category: Parent Newsletters
  • Comments Off on PARENT NEWSLETTER (17 – 21 FEBRUARY)

Dear Parents,

Another week has flown by!

Never give up!

From someone whose favourite sport is Athletics, I was thrilled to spend some time with Alvaro talking to me about his recent success in a duathlon (road bike and running) held in Tíjola (Almería) recently. The best part of Alvaro’s story was about how he frequently competed and, by his own confession, “never won anything”.  Through sheer determination he continued to train in all areas of the triathlon – cycling, swimming, running -on a daily basis. Last weekend he took part in the Andalucian championship and won first place in the duathlon of cycling and running.  A perfect example of what happens when you live by one of our school values – RESILIENCE.  Well done, Alvaro, you deserve your success! Enjoy his moments: watch the video!

Update on Coronavirus

We have been advised that the incubation period for Coronavirus is now 3 weeks. Can we please remind parents of our current internal procedure?  If any parent has recently returned from China or a country where there are many reported cases please declare this in writing to our School Nurse Sara.  If your child has travelled to these countries also, he/she must be in good health before they return to school. They must then report daily to the Nurse at 9 am to have their temperature checked for a period of 3 weeks.  We are constantly requesting advice and updates from the appropriate authorities. I thank you in advance for your support in this matter.

Saturday training

Today as you read this newsletter 100 staff will be in school receiving training on various issues required to help make us even better prepared to educate your children.  Thank you to our committed staff for their attendance today.

Grease

Don’t forget that our musical spectacular takes place next week (Tuesday and Wednesday 18.00, Thursday 19.00 h).  You need to get your tickets now – they are selling fast!  

This is just the sort of entertainment to get us in the mood for our half-term holiday (24 to 28 February).

Wild Hair Day in Primary

It was a great way to start the day, watching Primary pupils stream in with their decorated hairdo’s, ranging from spiders to doughnuts!  Thank you all for joining in!

Goodbye to Sergio Caballero

Sergio has been working with us for some months as financial assistant in the administration office, covering a maternity leave.  He has been a great addition to the team and we are sorry to see him go. Hopefully he will return in the future!

Have a lovely weekend all of you.

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

― Nelson Mandela

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Batchelor

Principal

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

This week the teachers have been refocusing on Growth Mindset and sharing experiences of their classes. Miss Anne, Year 2 class teacher, led a very informative staff meeting in which we all took a little time out to reflect upon our own mindsets. 

Why is this important? 

For many years we as teachers have understood the powerful connection between having a ‘Growth Mindset’ and achieving academically. This is why we encourage our children to believe they can learn anything, even tricky subjects if they show resilience and keep trying rather than giving up. Also that mistakes are OK if we learn from them. We also know that this approach has a positive impact upon children’s health. This is especially important when we focus on praising the effort a child has made rather than just the final result.

Leading up to half term children are being asked to select their favourite piece of learning since the start of term. They are being asked why they chose this piece and, what have they learnt from it? I’m sure they will enjoy explaining this to you too just like Sonya 2ARS below.

On Tuesday Year 3 children visited the Dolmen Centre of Corominas in Estepona. The children are beginning their new IPC Unit ‘Footprints from the past’ and as their ‘Entry Point’ they visited this local discovery, an archaeological museum with artefacts between 3000 and 4000 years old. As one child said to me “It was great fun and the bones and pots were so old and yes, a lot older than you.”

Thank you to all Primary parents who attended the PSHE Info Meeting yesterday. Alison Harris, a consultant speaker and author from the Jigsaw programme, explained the importance of the Personal, Social and Health Education programme.

Y5-6 children enjoyed yesterday a St Valentine’s Party organised by the Secondary School InterAct Club. The money raised from this year’s event will be in aid of Triple A, Marbella, as part of the ‘Be Kind’ to creatures campaign.

Yesterday all Primary children came to school with crazy hair styles to show that we also  care about the wildlife that inhabits our planet, especially those that are endangered – again, as part of our ‘Be Kind’ campaign.

It has been a huge pleasure to welcome Sarah, Zoe and Cecilia, three students from the University of South Wales, into the Primary School. They are final year students who have achieved their QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and are completing a professional practice in their chosen subject in their final year of teacher training. They experienced teaching and learning in an international setting with children in Reception, Year 2 and Year 3. Yesterday we said goodbye and we wish them every success in the future.

Miss Laura Hobson, Year 1-LHB and Miss Catherine Scott, Year 6-CST will meet with parents next week (see Primary important dates & reminders).

This week I am pleased to welcome Georgia Lansdowne as part of our teaching team. Miss Lansdowne will be teaching EAL (English Additional Language) while Miss Freeman is on maternity leave.

As I regularly say to the children, we are never too old to learn and so today all the teaching staff are in school receiving further training.

I hope to see many of you next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday when Year 6 children will perform in the Secondary theatrical production Grease, The Musical.

Aloha Value Focus this half term – Honesty
Personal Goal Target for February – Enquiry – What do I want to learn more about and why?

Yours sincerely

Kathryn Salmon

Headteacher, Primary

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

Last Saturday, I went to the cinema with my sister. We saw a Georgian film in the original version (with Spanish subtitles!). At the end of the film we talked about the universal nature of emotions; it was not necessary to pay attention to the subtitles to know if the character was feeling happy, sad, disappointed or angry in some of the scenes. We do not need written or spoken language to interpret emotions, do we? 

Let’s take a look at those tiny drawings called ’emojis’, which have barged into our lives through technology. They have become a practical and attractive language for many of us. We seem to have gone back in time, prioritising the visual over the written expression. In Altamira, for example, people used to draw hunting scenes and animals thousands of years ago in order to communicate effectively.

The idea of a universal language is interesting. We only have to look at mathematics and music to know that; no matter where one comes from, the meaning of or ♯ is understood. The same goes for the signs we find at airports or train stations.You don’t need the word written to work out the meaning of:

As I said before, interpreting human emotion in a film is relatively straight forward. The difficulty is trying to express an emotion and many other things out of an inert object. In fact, some languages struggle to adequately represent gender. ‘Emojis’, on the other hand, have variations to differentiate between gender, race and age. 

It is fascinating to see how language evolves. Perhaps this is what the future will be, a combination of letters, images, audios and videos to communicate with. I am sure that your children can write a whatsapp message without using a single word !

I would like to end this letter with a message using only ’emojis’. There will be a prize that can be collected from my office for the person (student, parent or staff) who translates the following:

I hope you have a nice weekend.

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.
Show More
team
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.
Show More
team
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. 
Show More
team
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.
Show More
team
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.
Show more
team
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.
Show more
team
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. 
Show more
team
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.
Show More
team
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.
Show More
team
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!
Show More
team
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! 
Show More