PARENT NEWSLETTER (28 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER)

  • October 25, 2019
  • Category: Parent Newsletters
  • Comments Off on PARENT NEWSLETTER (28 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER)

Dear Parents,

Hopefully you are enjoying this newsletter relaxing with your family at the start of a week’s break – have a great time!

It has been an excellent half-term.

Winter Uniform

Please note that when your children return to school, there will be a change from summer to winter uniform. If you need to purchase more uniform the shop will be open during the half-term week.  See times here. Remember, if you purchase any item of new uniform there will be a 10% discount, up to January 2020. Old winter uniforms are still available in the shop.

Here is a reminder of exactly what the winter uniform consists of:

Foundation Stage/KS1 (Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2)

 

KS2 (Pinafore dress/Trousers)            KS2 to Ks4                               KS3 to KS4 (Skirt/Trousers)

  

Key Stage 5 

   

Please support your child by ensuring he/she is wearing the correct uniform.

School Photographs

You will receive a further communication about this.  Obviously the photos will look mixed this academic year because some pupils are still wearing the old uniform (this is completely acceptable until the end of June 2020), while many have purchased the new.

I am sure that anyway our pupils will look immaculate.

Charity Run

What an exciting event to end the term! Our Save the Children charity run on Thursday saw all our children dressed as requested, putting 100% effort into their running and remembering to bring their 3 euros.  The total raised so far is €1.917,32.  Thank you for your generosity,  and thank you also to all the Primary parents who participated when I invited you to run.  I did see cameras out when I was dressed in my sportswear – I do hope not to see photos being auctioned over the internet!

Richard

Those families who were with us last year will remember that we are approaching the first anniversary of the loss of Richard Fitzsimons.  This is a sad time for all of us, particularly his family. May he be in all our thoughts.

Our next newsletter will be on Saturday 9 November.  I look forward to seeing all our children back on Monday 4 November rested and raring to go! 

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Batchelor

Principal

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

We have been very busy this week in school with writing assessments and our very successful Fun Run on Thursday.  It was later on Thursday that I was reminded of this quote:

“While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about”.

 

 

 

I’m sure any Parent who attended the Foundation Stage ‘Stay and Play’ afternoon on Tuesday can relate to that message. The eager chatter of three to five year olds enthusiastically explaining what they are doing and asking all sorts of questions is a reality check in itself. For example during our Fire Drill on Wednesday I walked out with a group of Nursery children as the alarm bell was ringing and this was the conversation:

“Why we going?”
“We going because of the alarma”
“Where the Llama?”
“Down the steps”
“How do you know?”
“Mummy told me”

So, if any Foundation Parents thought we had been entertaining different animals in school this week don’t worry, it was a Fire Drill!


   

Congratulations to our Primary House Captains:
Tarah Wandoren and Fraser Squires (Sevilla)
Panna Tátrai-Monostori and Max Todd (Cordoba)
Savannah Rodoni and Anatoly Praslov (Granada)

They began their duties as House Captains for the Primary School this week. They have been busy collecting the House Points and these will be announced during Monday 4 November assembly. The winning House children will wear their House T-shirts on Friday 8 November for a celebratory fun afternoon.

To conclude our IPC learning for this half term, the children from Year 2 to Year 6 will take home an IPC Home Task Booklet to complete over the holidays. The booklet includes questions and activities for the pupils to do and talk about with you as they work through it.  The booklet should be returned by Friday 8 November. I ́m sure you will be as impressed as we are with the  Knowledge, Skills and Understanding your child has attained over this half term. If you want to know more about learning in IPC please click here.

Thank you to the parents who attended the PTA meeting for the Christmas Bazaar preparations and to those parents who have signed up to help 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 when we return after the holidays.

Also a big thank you to all the parents who ordered books online with Scholastic Book Club. Your order means that we could give £180.38 to Aloha College and the Primary library to spend on books.

I hope that you all have an enjoyable week and I will see you on 4 November. And don’t forget to turn your clocks back before bed tonight!

Next week’s target is: THOUGHTFULNESS

Yours sincerely

Kathryn Salmon

Headteacher, Primary

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

Dear parents,

I love listening to students’ speeches when they apply for house captains, Pupil Voice representatives and head student positions. It is admirable to see pupils of all ages addressing a large audience with such eloquence and confidence. 

Having the ability to communicate well is a key life skill. We cannot assume that all children will move from jumbled chatter in primary to suddenly knowing how to communicate well or maintaining conversations as adults. I strongly believe that this skill can be taught and school is the ideal place to learn it.

The term communication skills is very broad. It can refer to the ability to communicate, in written or oral form, different messages in a variety of situations and for different purposes. The ability to listen to, and understand, spoken messages is another important aspect covered by communication skills.

Students in all year groups, but particularly in Year 13, need to be aware of the importance of this skill. Strong communication is often implied or explicitly identified in every job description. Employers highly value people with strong oral and written communication skills.

I am not sure if you have ever heard of Speakers’ Corner. It has been a traditional site for public speeches and debates since the mid 1800’s when protests and demonstrations took place in Hyde Park, London. Historic figures such as Karl Marx and George Orwell were known to often use this area. Even today, on a Sunday morning, it is not unusual to find crowds gathering at Speakers’ Corner to listen to enthusiasts expressing their views on specific themes.

We have decided to run our own version of Speakers’ Corner in the Secondary School after the half term break. Our intention is to further develop those communication skills I was referring to earlier. We will select a theme every week and pupils or staff will have the opportunity to stand  on our special speakers’ box and give us a brief talk on the chosen topic. Watch this space!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful half term.

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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