Our fashion show

To end up in glory the unit 4 of the 8th grade, dedicated to fashion, clothes and accessories, I've invited my pupils to be models for a lesson. Two of the classes accepted the challenge and they paraded on the catwalk. It was very rewarding to watch almost all of my pupils walking down the runway, showing and describing what they were wearing that day. Some even brought special accessories for the occasion! Awsome! Here is a short video with some models and the awarding ceremony. They won clothes and accessories as well as flowers. All according to the book! Have fun watching or recalling this experience! The teacher: Ana paula Amaro

Patron's Day - Escola Secundária Fernando Namora

Last 23rd April my school comemorated its Patron's Day. It's a day dedicated to Fernando Namora, a Portuguese writer and doctor, on behalf of whom our school was renamed a few years ago.
It's a day full of countless activities, among which we can name the Fernando Namora's route, which links the three public libraries, several ehxibitions containing books, documentation, touristic leaflets, art, photography, computer/digital displays, a TV emission, several specific workshops, conferences, gymnastics exhibition, a music event, online games, a small arts and crafts fair and many other fun and didactic happenings.
This year a resident teacher - Ana Rita- made a bronze sculpture (bust) of our famous writer, which is going to be on display forever in our front little garden.

If you want to take a peep at some pictures of our Patron's Day, please watch the video and enjoy it!

http://animoto.com/play/nIThJ3gl8ylD0ocGrQoUqQ

Field trip to Guimarães

Last 16th April, two classes of the Agrupamento de Escolas de Condeixa-a-Nova (8th and 11th TT) went to Guimarães, one of the European Capitals of Culture 2012. In the morning we visited the castle, the Church of S. Miguel and the Paços dos Duques de Bragança(former palace and the official residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic). Our guides were very nice and very professional and we loved the guided visit. We also loved the modern art exhibitions we came across in every room. They were funny and interesting. During the afternoon, we visited the ancient town, also known as the walled city, and the pupils of the Tourism Course presented the most important spots and explained their relevance. After that, we went for a ride on the cable car to Santuário da Penha and we had lots of fun. Some pupils were afraid at first but quickly lost their fear and enjoyed themselves a lot. The view was amazing and we could see the entire town. We returned late and tired but it was worthwhile. Have a look at this short video and imagine the rest...

Happy Easter!

In each and every language, have a Happy Easter!
Ana Paula

What makes me happy

Dear pupils, colleagues and people in general,

school should be a place to forge open minds, to stimulate creativity, to share bright ideas. Instead it is becoming more and more a place to follow imposed programmes, to achieve a status above the others to ensure a precarious future, a place to rule in microcosmos of small and vicious power.... it is becoming a vampiric world that sucks our blood and leaves us hollow inside. I apologize for being such a pessimistic human being at the moment but I face my days as a succession of tasks to be followed and tiredness as a reward...

Anyway I found myself in such a year of deep and exhausting work that I had no chance to publish regularly in this blog. Today, I took the time to share an essay from a pupil of mine. I asked the pupils from the eight grade to write an essay about what makes them happy. It was not a fair proposition, I know. They did it: some with copied ideas, some with ideas they thought I wanted to ear and a hanfdful of others with real personal ideas. From those, I chose this essay I considered one of the best. Enjoy!

What makes me happy

"I think it's true (that some people have forgotten to take care of their personality) because some people just care about their appearance. But I'm kind of the opposite. I care about my personality and what makes me happy. I don't really care about the people that say I'm ugly because that's not the most important thing  in the world. I like to relax and go out with my friends or watch a movie with my family. That makes me happy. Of course, I like to look good and I know what I can and can't change in my body. I brush my hair and I like my clothes but I can't change my entire body. Well, I'm happy the way I am and who doesn't like it, can look away because like Lady Gaga says: "I was born this way"!

Luís Victorino, 8ºF, Escola Secundária Fernando Namora

New Year's Resolutions 2012

Hi folks!

here comes the day when we all decide to make New Year's Resolutions (AGAIN!)

You can opt to make serious ones or to joke with this issue.

I'l leave some good examples for you. Do you like this one?

Or do you prefer this?

I am more a humourous kind of woman, so I really prefer the third option.

Although...having second thoughts...I've just decided right now: this is definitely my favourite one.

HAVE AN EXCELLENT NEW YEAR OF 2012!

The Christmas Story

Hi guys!
I know that I'm late this year but I've been deadly tired doing lots of stuff lately!
Anyway, I couldn´t resist sharing this Christmas Story with you. It was told by the children of St Paul's Church, who were also the actors, cameramen, musicians and directors. Jesus Christ! - seems to me the appropriate expression! You must see this! Really!