Parent Newsletter 17 October

Dear parents,

I am proud of the fact that the safety measures we have put in place and strictly adhered to have really helped keep our children safer. Another week has passed and our children continue to be happy while participating in some vibrant learning throughout the college.

Uniform
As half term is fast approaching, please remember we change to winter uniform on  9 November. For Year 3 upwards, this includes the school blazer and tie, which are compulsory according to our dress code.  Please purchase all the uniform you require using the online shop.

Old uniform
Many of you are asking what you should do with the old uniform. We have donated a large amount to charities abroad.

We kindly ask that old uniform is discarded carefully. From Monday 19 October we will have a trolley at the main entrance of the school so that your children can leave bags of old but clean uniform, if you wish.  We will try to distribute some of this to charities abroad.

Thank you for your support on this matter.

Lovely  moments
I am blessed to be working in a job that I still love and appreciate every day.  At the moment school is different in many ways.  However we have not lost our Aloha spirit and values during this pandemic.

Some lovely moments this week included a telling off from Sitong Wang in Year 2, because I was standing on the blue pitch wearing my shoes. She pointed to a sign of no high heels and firmly put me in my place. 

Charlie in Reception class proudly told me all about his new baby sibling. 

Santiago in Year 1 greets me every day with a beaming smile and a blank piece of paper which he likes to do extra work on, usually treasure maps! 

I watched and listened to some Year 7 pupils who were talking about their first experience of PCTs. They were all excited and happy.

I overheard some Year 12 pupils discussing their results too, but not exam results, it was how Aston Villa beat Liverpool 7-2!!!

Congratulations to the new house representatives in the Secondary Section of the school.

School continues to be the best, thanks to your children.

Have a lovely safe weekend with your families.

Elizabeth Batchelor
Principal

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

This photo shows one of our most consistent messages to our children in Primary School.

We are helping children change their mindset from “I can’t” to “I can”. This is an important message that helps our children become confident learners.

As I have walked around the classrooms this week it’s so wonderful to see how many of our children have embraced this message and our Aloha value of Resilience. In Year 1 I watched the children develop their independent skills and was interested to see a small group constructing with unifix blocks. Upon closer inspection and listening I realised they had actually made thermometers and then I heard one small child say “let me take your temperature…..OK you are Covid free” as he pointed his ‘thermometer’ at his friend’s forehead. Such a beautiful example of how our children have very quickly adapted to our ‘new normality’.

I can see many of you have signed up to our Meet the teacher Parent Consultations next week and I know your child’s class teachers are looking forward to sharing your child’s progress so far this term.

Next week our target is ‘Effort’ so we shall be looking for children who go ‘above and beyond’ in their learning by continuing to show their ever-increasing resilience.

Finally a message from another child in Year 5 “School is cool!”

I wish you all a lovely weekend with your families, keeping safe and enjoying the sunshine. 

Talk Homework – If you could be a character from your favourite book or film who would it be and why?
Aloha Value – EFFORT
October’s Personal Learning Goal – TO BE ADAPTABLE

Yours sincerely

Kathryn Salmon
Headteacher, Primary
kathryn.salmon@aloha-college.com

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

Let me start this week’s newsletter by introducing you to Marcus Elizondo-Darwin in Year 12, the king of procrastination.


It is incredible that in the space of just a week, I have had two encounters with ‘procrastination’. The first one was a very interesting TED talk Mr Welsh sent me on the subject. The second one happened when I was teaching a Year 12 lesson and Marcus Elizondo-Darwin proudly claimed that he was the king of procrastination. There were enough signals to indicate that this week’s reflection had to be on this fascinating ability that we, humans, have of delaying things.

5pm: You all know the feeling of staring at a screen, ready to start writing an essay, but desperately wishing you were somewhere else. Beautiful weather out there, but you know the deadline is one week away and you are already behind. You cannot move away from your desk, otherwise you will not be able to finish it on time. You then decide to have a cup of tea before you start, and suddenly you hear your mum screaming across the room: ”Where are you going this time?”

7pm: Your cup of tea has turned into a thorough instagram update, two phone calls and a pre supper snack. Then you think: “One week is still a long time. Why not start tomorrow? 

3 days later: You approach your teacher to get an extension!

Does this sound familiar? If so, you are not the only one!

We are all inclined to put off until tomorrow what we should do today. When we procrastinate, we know that we are avoiding the task in question and that it is a bad idea. And yet, we do it anyway!! It is totally irrational, isn’t it? We know that doing this will result in negative consequences but we totally ignore such warnings. 

After watching the video Mr Welsh sent me I have read several articles on procrastination and discovered that it is a well-researched field amongst psychologists and neuroscientists. Some say that procrastination is nothing to do with your inability to manage time but a way of coping with challenging emotions and negative moods such as boredom, anxiety, insecurity, frustration, self-doubt and beyond. 

It is now time for our students to investigate this further. I would like them to consider this concept and start identifying situations when they procrastinate. More importantly, the focus of this analysis should be: ‘What can we do to stop it? ‘

I hope you have a nice weekend

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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