CHRISTMAS

Dear students,

Christmas holidays are already here!!

Enjoy this colourful time!

I leave you here a Christmas song by Paul McCartney. 

             Listen to it if you want and sing it, too.

                          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o8-eLZhrOA

You can also go to http://www.avepalmela.edu.pt/escola-sede/hino and look at the photos taken on 17th December or sing our school anthem.

The photos show the friendship we could feel on that day. It was an incredible day!
MUSIC was the queen and the FAMILY was there, too. 

Be happy and dream. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18th July 1918 and died on 5th December 2013.
He was a South Africananti-apartheid revolutionary as well as a politician and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold the office, and the first elected in a fully representative election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation. 
(in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela)

So many words that can be said about this great man! 

I've decided to post something for you to read about him and listen to.

'He achieved more than could be expected of any man', Chicago Tribune NEWS
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-nelson-mandela-dead-20131205,0,6266118.story


"Let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived—a man who took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice.", 
President Obama

Here are some of his own quotes:

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.", 
Nelson Mandela

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.",  
Nelson Mandela

International Day of People with Disability,

 3rd December 2013

The United Nations promoted this date "(...) since 1992. 

It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. 

The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.(...)"

This year the issue is  "Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all"

(in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations'_International_Day_of_Persons_with_Disabilities)

 

2nd December 2013

Do you know that ...

Today the world celebrates the 90th anniversary of 

MARIA CALLAS's birthdate?!

         

The Google doodle marks 90 years since the birth of the opera singer, who died in 1977.

She was born in New York City and she received her musical education in Greece. She established her career in Italy. (in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Callas)

She was an opera singer and her voice is still alive. 

Listen and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj9a57YIUyM

World AIDS Day: 

1st December 2013

Getting to zero: 

Zero new HIV infections.

                       Zero discrimination. 

                                                                                                   Zero AIDS-related deaths

World AIDS Day is celebrated on 1 December every year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to disseminate information about the status of the pandemic and to encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world, particularly in high prevalence countries.

Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Day has the theme: "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths".

The WHO’s focus for the 2013 campaign is improving access to prevention, treatment and care services for adolescents (10-19 years), a group that continues to be vulnerable despite efforts so far.

WHO (World Health Organization) will release new guidance for HIV testing and counselling and care for adolescents living with HIV on World AIDS Day 2013. 

(in http://www.who.int/campaigns/aids-day/2013/event/en/)

Here are some more links. When you can/ want/ have time visit them:

https://www.un.org/en/events/aidsday/

http://www.who.int/campaigns/aids-day/2013/en/index.html

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/world-aids-day

 

THANKSGIVING DAY

Thanksgiving Day is on Thursday, November 28, 2013.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/videos#bet-you-didnt-know-thanksgiving

And did you know that ...

The Thanksgiving parade is accompanied with musical shows and celebrities and they lift the spirits of the spectators, providing them with entertainment?!

There are Thanksgiving parades all over the country (USA). One of the most popular and well-known parades is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

The most important Thanksgiving activities include eating, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Watching National Football League (NFL) during Thanksgiving is also a popular tradition. One of the most memorable games (Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears, 1934) was played on this day.

WHAT - Some more texts to read! 

WHO - My students. 

WHERE - Written in class.

WHEN - 1st term - 2013-2014

English around the world!

                                      Multiculturalism and English!

 The importance of English!

English is useful! Why?

Two Worlds, One Life

       Belonging to two cultures has many advantages, but, sadly, some disadvantages, too.
       The advantages of belonging to two cultures are the amazing and different customs and traditions that the foreign country has to offer to the host country: the music, which has a huge impact in some countries; the food, that gradually becomes part of the host country cuisine, like “couscous” in France, which is originally part of North Africa; the language, that brings to the host languages new words and concepts, like “bungalow”, “algebra”, “zero”, etc. The most important advantage is that the host country becomes multiculturally richer.

Although, the disadvantages are the racism, because some countries are very against immigrants and their culture, marginalizing them and treating them wrongly and badly is not at all correct.

Two Different Cultures

  The advantages of belonging to two cultures are many. It gives you the opportunity to increase your knowledge in certain subjects, to meet different people, learn a new language and many others! If you belong to two distinct cultures, I'm sure your life will never or ever be monotonous. It's like you are a part of two different worlds. It must be exciting and fun!

  The disadvantages of belonging to two cultures is that some people may be a little more sensitive to the fact of the connection of two different cultures and that can, unfortunately, turn into racist issues.

English-speaking country - the importance of English

Yeah! We're visiting an English-speaking country! Well, the teacher said we should learn about that country so... what do I need to know? I already know the language they speak so... ah! Geography: where is it? what cities are we going to visit? What can we do there? Visit museums... take long walks... or simply do nothing? what is the weather like there? Sunny, rainy, foggy? I think I should take all kinds of clothes, just for sure. also, how are the people? Are they nice, mean? I should take and English-Portuguese dictionary, just in case. My suitcase... clothes, toothbrush, autograph book (in case there are any celebrities...), my dictionary, my teddybear ... Lots of stuff! How will it fit in the suitcase? Oh, I'll search it on the Internet! Oh...it's in English! I never thought English could be so important, but now I understand that we use it for everything! I am even writing in English! With English I can talk to people and read the signs in the streets so I don't get lost! English is really amazing!

"My origins"

Students from my 9th grade classes wrote short texts about 

their family and origins and about what to expect from the 

future.

Go to http://www.avepalmela.edu.pt/

   and enjoy your reading!

  Write a comment. Leave here your opinion.

October 31st

What is Hallowe'en actually a celebration of?

Hallowe'en, the time of pumpkins, candies, ghosts, witches and much more, is annually celebrated on 31st October.
That's the night before All Saints Day. 

Its origins date back thousands of years to the Celtic festival of Samhaim or The Feast of the Sun, a most significant holiday of the Celtic year. This day marked the end of summer but also the season of darkness as well as the beginning of the New Year on 1st November.

Here's a Halloween exercise. Have fun!

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/countries/halloween.htm

Special dates

This October has been a good month with special dates to remember.

And today, 28th October, there two:

-"The International Day of School Libraries"

Do not forget to visit our school library and pay attention to the news there.

Pick up a book and enjoy its reading. 

It's something so delightful!

-"World Judo Day"


Perseverance is the theme of this year.

Why not using this attitude in our lives?

"The IJF Unvails 2013 WJD Theme: PERSEVERANCE

Previous themes were JUDO FOR ALL (2012) and RESPECT (2011) for the day which is dedicated 

to coaches, fans, judoka and everyone with a passion for one of the world’s most widely 

practiced sports.The World Judo Day takes place on the same date every year as 28 October is 

the birthday of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo." (in http://www.worldjudoday.com/en/WorldJudoDay-3.html)

Hallowe'en is coming ... 

Next week pay attention to the "dark news"!!

WORLD FOOD DAY, October 16th

Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition

“Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition” will be the focus of World Food Day in 2013.

The official World Food Day theme – announced at the start of every year

by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) –

gives focus to World Food Day observances and helps 

increase understanding of problems and solutions in the drive to end hunger.

http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/

What is your opinion about ...

-the importance of eating well, 

-the importance of having a balanced diet, 

-the importance of eating what you like??

And what is your opinion about ...

-THE IMPORTANCE OF EVERYONE HAVING FOOD?

Well, "Healthy people depend on healthy food systems."

International Day of the Girl Child, 

11th October

International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations. 

The observation supports more opportunity for girls, and increases awareness of inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender. 

This inequality includes areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence and unfree child marriage. (in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_the_Girl_Child)

 We complain a lot! And we usually do it without a real reason.

There are so many girls that suffer and are not respected. 

They are discriminated! Their human rights are not at all respected.

This young woman, Malala Yousafzai - winner of the 

Sakharov Prize 2013, shows us that we should fight for our 

rights. "Ms Yousafzai, 16, is a student from the town of Mingora in 

Swat District, Pakistan, known for her women's rights activism in 

the Swat Valley, where the Taliban regime has banned girls from 

attending school. " (in European Parliament-News)