EDITORIAL NOTE
by Joana Braga dos Reis
We are delighted to welcome our readers to the first issue of The Blazon in 2026. As we begin a new year, this edition reflects the energy, commitment, and shared values that continue to shape life at Astoria International School.
In these pages, you will find stories that celebrate both learning and community. We highlight the Winter Market charity event, a wonderful example of generosity and collaboration, where students, staff, and families came together to support meaningful causes. This event reminded us that learning extends far beyond the classroom and is deeply connected to empathy and social responsibility.
This issue also explores the importance of the Milton platform in supporting teaching and learning, helping to strengthen communication, organization, and student engagement across the school.
Alongside this, we proudly share coverage of the Lisbon Area Cross Country Race, where our Primary and Lower Secondary students represented Astoria with determination, teamwork, and school spirit.
Our youngest learners are also at the heart of this edition. An article on project work and learning techniques in preschool highlights the value of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on experiences in early education, laying strong foundations for lifelong learning.
As always, The Blazon aims to reflect the vibrant and diverse experiences of our school community. We thank all contributors for their dedication and invite our readers to enjoy this first issue of the year as a celebration of growth, values, and shared achievements. We look forward to another inspiring year together at Astoria International School.
Arts & Culture: Cross Country Race
by Joana Braga dos Reis
Our students from our Primary School and Lower Secondary proudly represented our school in the Lisbon Area Cross Country Race, an event that brought together schools from across the region for a day of sport, effort, and community. Our students competed alongside hundreds of runners from other schools, showing determination, resilience, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the race. Whether it was their first time taking part or they were more experienced runners, each student gave their best and supported one another, making our school community incredibly proud. The event was not only about results or finishing positions, but about participation, commitment, and the joy of
taking part in a shared challenge. Seeing Primary and Lower Secondary students racing together was a wonderful reminder of how sport can unite different age groups and foster a strong sense of belonging and teamwork. Participating in events like this cross country race is an important part of our students’ development. Sport helps build healthy habits, confidence, perseverance, and respect for others. It also teaches valuable life lessons about setting goals, overcoming difficulties, and celebrating effort as much as achievement.
We would like to congratulate all the students who took part for representing our school with such enthusiasm and pride, and to thank the teachers and staff who supported them. We look forward to many more opportunities for our students to run, compete, and grow together—both on and off the track.
International School
Project Area The Value of Project work
by Teresa Viscusi
Project work brings learning to life from the very first years of school. In first grade, students explore topics through songs and discussions before designing and drawing their dream house. When they present their work to the class, they begin building confidence and speaking skills.
As students grow, their projects become more challenging. In fourth grade, they create clever inventions, write about how they work, and present them to their classmates. These presentations often lead to engaging discussions, helping students think critically and express their ideas clearly.
By fifth grade, students research inventions that changed the world. They learn how these innovations shaped the way people live, work, and communicate, and present their findings using PowerPoint.
Through project work, students develop creativity, communication skills, confidence, and the ability to connect classroom learning to real life, skills that will support them far beyond school.
Learning on the Go: Platform
by Teresa Viscusi
Technology plays an increasingly important role in education, and at our school, the Milton Platform has become a valuable part of our students’ learning journey. More than just a digital tool, Milton supports students in developing autonomy, responsibility, and confidence in their academic work.
Through the platform, students can review classroom content, complete interactive activities, and receive immediate feedback. This helps them better understand their strengths and identify areas where they need more practice. Learning becomes more personalized, as each student can progress at their own pace while reinforcing what has been taught in class.
Most importantly, the platform encourages students to take an active role in their learning. By engaging with digital resources in a meaningful way, they develop essential skills such as independence, time management, and digital literacy — all of which are fundamental for their future academic and personal success.
The Milton Platform is, therefore, much more than a technological resource; it is a bridge that connects effort, feedback, and growth, supporting each student along their unique learning path.
Da Descoberta à Aprendizagem
A Leitura e a Escrita no Pré-Escolar
by Vanessa Antunes
A iniciação à leitura e à escrita na educação pré-escolar constitui uma base essencial para o desenvolvimento de competências fundamentais ao longo do percurso escolar. Mais do que antecipar aprendizagens formais, este processo deve assumir um carácter natural e progressivo, respeitando o ritmo e os interesses da criança.
No pré-escolar, a linguagem escrita emerge através de experiências significativas, como a leitura de histórias, jogos de palavras e contacto diário com livros e textos. Estas vivências favorecem o desenvolvimento de competências emergentes, como a consciência fonológica, o enriquecimento do vocabulário, o reconhecimento de letras e palavras e a construção de uma relação positiva com a leitura e a escrita.
Um exemplo desta abordagem é a leitura partilhada de uma história em grande grupo, seguida de diálogo sobre a narrativa e exploração de palavras ou letras significativas A partir daí, as crianças são incentivadas a desenhar, escrever espontaneamente ou tentar registar palavras conhecidas, atribuindo sentido à escrita como forma de comunicação.
Deste modo, a educação pré-escolar desempenha um papel determinante na preparação para o 1º Ciclo, promovendo uma transição mais segura, confiante e equilibrada. Ao proporcionar experiências intencionais e ajustadas, a escola contribui para a construção de bases sólidas que facilitam a adaptação às exigências futuras da leitura e da escrita.
Our Events
Winter Charity Market Brings Our Community Together
It is with great joy that we thank all families for their participation in our Winter Market. This special initiative was only possible thanks to the generous involvement and collaboration of our entire educational community.
The Winter Market brought together a variety of stands with the aim of strengthening the bond between school and families, and it truly became a moment of sharing, joy, and togetherness. Children had great fun at the fair stand, where they challenged their luck by raffling numbers to see if they matched the prize they hoped for. The Wheel of Fortune was also a great success, delighting both children and parents, who knew they would walk away with a prize no matter what.
There were also food stands where families could enjoy
by Teresa Viscusi
something to eat and drink while spending time together. For the youngest visitors, face painting and the bouncy castle guaranteed smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Beyond the fun, this event carried a strong message of solidarity. Thanks to everyone’s participation, we were able to donate €1,300 to the institution Apoio à Vida, supporting children and mothers facing very difficult situations.
Your involvement and spirit of solidarity are essential to the success of initiatives like this and serve as an inspiring example for our entire school community. We are deeply grateful to everyone and hope to count on your support again in future events.
Fun and Games
Q: What did the picture do to end up in jail?
A: Nothing. He was framed!
Q: What did the hat say to the head?
A: I’ve got you covered.
Q: Why was the traffic light late for his date?
A: It took him too long to change.
Upcoming Events
School trip to the English Theatre
