Thank YOU!

Just a short note to all those readers who sent me a card on Saturday, 26th September, The EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES: a big hug and THANK YOU!!!
Please keep on :)))

26th September: European Day of Languages

What is the European Day of Languages?

The European Year of Languages 2001, jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the European Union, was successful in involving millions of people across 45 participating countries. Its activities celebrated linguistic diversity in Europe and promoted language learning.

The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are:

1.Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;

2.Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered;

3.Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for purposes of mobility or for pleasure and exchanges.

Who is the European Day of Languages for?
The Council of Europe is hoping that this Day will be celebrated by both authorities in its member states and potential partners at the following levels:

■among policy-makers (specific measures or discussions on language policy issues, for instance)
■among the general public (awareness-raising on the overall objectives of the Day, including the importance of lifelong language learning, starting at any age, in educational establishments, at work, etc);
■in the voluntary sector (specific actions by and/or for NGOs, associations, companies, etc).

SOURCE:
http://edl.ecml.at/Abouttheday/Whatisit/tabid/1760/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

After some info on this particular day, I have some suggestions for students and teachers/colleagues alike...

To celebrate the upcoming European Day of Languages I would invite you all to click on the link below
http://edl.ecml.at/LanguageFun/MemoryGame/Flagsmemorygame/tabid/1870/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
It will take you to two examples of pelmanism. TRY at least the easy one!!!!
Anyway, there are also other activities I find quite interesting. If you click on "Language Fun", you will find topics such as "Language Treasures", "Language Facts" or "Language Quiz" but I would challenge you to send me (or somebody else) a CARD ("Send a Card") :)))

Another suggestion (especially for teachers of English) is to click on
http://www.britishcouncil.org/portugal-ensinar-ingles-materiais.htm
where you will find resources you may wish to use.

I'll be waiting for your feedback and cards!!!

Swine Flu Plan

In a prior posting dating back to August 10th, I have already introduced some information, posters and a video on swine flu. Now that the school year is about to start, Martinho Árias - just like all schools in Portugal - has a plan, the so-called "Plano de Contingência", mainly developed by Biology teacher Maria João Machado.
Teachers Natália Costa (coordinator) and Maria João have been addressing the different audiences communicating preventive measures and other pertinent information for flu, both seasonal and H1N1 related.

It is important that we all (parents / students / staff) take this information - and plan - seriously to avoid spreading the virus.

Keeping this in mind, watch another video.