EDITORIAL NOTE
by Joana Braga dos Reis
Dear Astoria Community,
It is with immense pride and joy that I introduce this edition of The Blazon, a reflection of the creativity, empathy, curiosity, and global spirit that define our school.
At Astoria International School, learning goes far beyond textbooks. It is lived on stage, shared across cultures, expressed through language, and strengthened through acts of kindness. This issue beautifully captures that essence.
In Arts & Culture, we revisit our recent school trip to watch the interactive English play Mayhem at the Manor. This was not a traditional theatre experience. Our students were not merely spectators—they became part of the action. Through live interaction with the actors, spontaneous responses, and active participation, they experienced the English language in an authentic and memorable way. Theatre, in this context, became a dynamic learning environment where confidence, listening skills, and communication flourished naturally and joyfully.
In Project Area, we are invited into the enriching experience of Learning English Through Our Countries. This project highlights what makes Astoria truly international: our diversity. By exploring language through cultural identity, our students not only develop fluency but also deepen their respect for one another’s heritage. English becomes a bridge - connecting stories, traditions, and perspectives from around the world.
Continuing this linguistic journey, English is Contagious: Famous Five Adventures showcases how enthusiasm for reading can spark a genuine love for language. Inspired by the timeless adventures of the Famous Five, our students demonstrate that when learning is joyful and immersive, it becomes unforgettable. Passion, indeed, is contagious.
In Our Events, we are reminded of the beauty of human connection through O Correio da Amizade. In an age dominated by instant messages, this initiative brings back the warmth of thoughtful words written and shared. It nurtures empathy, kindness, and the simple yet profound act of making someone feel seen and valued.
Finally, in Giving Back to Others: Apoio ao Centro Infantil de Alcácer do Sal, we witness our community at its most compassionate. Supporting the Centro Infantil de Alcácer do Sal is more than an act of charity - it is a lesson in responsibility, solidarity, and social awareness. Our students learn that true education also means understanding our role in building a better world.
Each article in this edition reflects the pillars of our educational mission: academic excellence, cultural understanding, creative expression, and community engagement. Together, they show that at Astoria, we are not only preparing students for exams - we are preparing them for life.
May you read this edition of The Blazon with the same pride with which it was created.
With warm regards,
Arts & Culture: English Theatre A Little Mystery, A Lot of Mayhem!
by Teresa Viscusi
Our school recently came alive with mystery, laughter, and excitement during Mayhem at the Manor, presented by The Interacting Theatre Company.
Some students from our school had the opportunity to go on stage and be part of the play, and they had so much fun bringing the story to life. With colorful characters, surprising twists, and dramatic moments, the performance kept the audience engaged from beginning to end.
The experience allowed students to step outside their comfort zones, try something new, and share plenty of smiles and laughter along the way.
It was a fun and memorable day for our school community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to experience live theatre together.
Project Area
Learning English Through our Countries
by Damla Paksoy
In Edelweiss, we worked on a special project about our home countries. Since our class is made up of children from different places, this was a meaningful way to learn English while also sharing our cultures.
The students learned and practiced vocabulary about flags, food, traditions, cities, and famous places. They built simple sentences like “My country is…,” “In my country we eat…,” and “A famous place is…” This helped them improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a natural and motivating way.Each child had the chance to present their country to the class. Speaking in front of their friends helped them grow in confidence, especially because they were talking about something personal and important to them. They also listened to their classmates and asked questions, which encouraged respectful communication.
This project also sparked a lot of curiosity about the world. Students became interested in learning about different languages, foods, and traditions. They began to see English not just as a subject, but as a way to connect with others and discover new places.
Through this project, the children strengthened their English skills while also learning to appreciate diversity and feel proud of their own backgrounds.
Tea
English is Contagious: Growing Our English Skills with The Famous Five Adventure
by
Damla Paksoy
This year in our English classes, we read and explored the story The Famous Five Adventure, which is the yearly reading book for Edelweiss. Throughout the year, this book became an important part of our learning and classroom discussions. Reading the story together helped students improve their reading comprehension and expand their English vocabulary. We didn’t just read the text — we paused to talk about the characters, events, and settings. The students made predictions, shared their opinions, and described their favorite parts, which supported both their speaking and listening skills.
We also used the book for different activities, such as answering questions, sequencing events, and
discussing the problems and solutions in the story. These tasks helped students understand the plot more deeply and express their ideas using complete sentences in English.Because the story was full of adventure and mystery, it kept the students engaged and curious about what would happen next. This motivation made them more confident and willing to participate in class discussions.
Working with The Famous Five Adventure throughout the year helped students strengthen their English in a meaningful and enjoyable way, while also developing a love for reading in another language.
Giving Back to others: Apoio
ao Centro infantil de Alcácer
do Sal
by Joana Braga dos Reis
In response to the devastating storms and floods that recently affected several regions of Portugal, Astoria International School has launched a meaningful charity initiative that aims to support the children of Centro Infantil de Alcácer do Sal, located in Alcácer do Sal, one of the communities impacted by severe weather conditions.
The recent storms brought heavy rainfall and flooding, causing damage to homes, public infrastructure, and educational facilities. Many families were left facing unexpected hardships, and local childcare centers struggled with the loss of materials and temporary disruptions to their daily activities. For young children, such events can be particularly unsettling, as familiar spaces and routines are suddenly changed.
Moved by the situation, the leadership, students, and families of Astoria International School came together to organize a donation drive focused on collecting essential goods for the affected children. The initiative reflects the school’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to social responsibility and compassion
The charity campaign has gathered a wide range of much-needed items, including school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and art materials, as well as children’s books, toys, clothing, hygiene products, and non-perishable food. Collection points were established across the school campus, and the response from the community has been remarkable. Boxes quickly filled with donations.
Beyond the material contributions, the initiative has also become a valuable learning experience for the students. Through active participation, students have gained a deeper understanding of empathy and civic engagement, recognizing that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. While the storms caused destruction and uncertainty, they also inspired a powerful display of unity and generosity
Our Events: O Correio da Amizade
by Cristiana Pereira
Na nossa escola, existem atividades que nos lembram que educar vai muito além dos conteúdos. Recentemente, os Edelweiss os alunos do 3.º ano do 1.º ciclo viveram uma experiência especial ao prepararem uma pequena história sobre a amizade e ao partilharem a sua leitura com os Pumpkins, os alunos mais novos do jardim de infância.
Este momento de partilha foi vivido com entusiasmo e carinho, criando uma ligação significativa entre crianças de diferentes idades. Para os mais pequenos, foi uma experiência divertida e inspiradora; para os Edelweiss, foi uma oportunidade de desenvolver a confiança, a leitura expressiva e o sentido de responsabilidade.
Como continuidade desta iniciativa, foi criada a Caixa de Correio da Amizade, um espaço dedicado à troca de mensagens positivas e gestos de afeto. Os Pumpkins responderam com desenhos cheios de cor e ternura, deixando também um espaço para que os Edelweiss escrevessem o que a amizade significava para eles.
Fun and Games
Q: Why was six afraid of seven?
A: Because seven eight nine.
Q: Why did the bicycle fall over?
A: It was two-tired.
Q: Why can't your nose be 12 inches long?
A: Because then it would be a foot.
O resultado foi um conjunto de trabalhos repleto de significado, mostrando que a amizade se constrói com respeito, partilha e empatia. Esta atividade reforçou valores essenciais e lembrou-nos que, através de pequenos gestos, podemos tornar a escola um lugar ainda mais acolhedor e humano.
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