Summary of our last events

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Teacher Perspectives

By Antonio Santos

52 years ago, an American journalist at Largo do Carmo, in the heart of Lisbon, went live on the radio to describe to his incredulous listeners what his puzzled eyes were witnessing: “It’s as if people woke up feeling like birds and perched in trees,” he said. It was the morning of April 25, 1974, and what the journalist—who didn’t speak a word of Portuguese—didn’t know was that a revolution was about to usher in a new era of freedom and democracy. The military, having had enough of an unjust and brutal colonial war, had plotted a coup and ordered the people of Lisbon to stay home, but no one obeyed. Thousands gathered at Carmo, where the remnants of the government were holed up, and, sensing that something momentous was about to happen, climbed the trees.

On April 20, ULIS welcomed two guest speakers who told our students what it was like to live under a dictatorship and, perhaps more importantly, what the price of freedom was. Conceição Matos and Domingos Abrantes are a gentle-looking couple in their nineties. But appearances can be deceptive: these tougher-than-steel freedom fighters endured more than 30 years of dangerous clandestine struggle for democracy, spent 15 years in prison, resisted the most brutal forms of torture, and even married while incarcerated. Domingos escaped from a high-security prison in an audacious, action-packed challenge to the regime. They returned from exile on the famous “Plane of Freedom” when the Carnation Revolution brought an end to the longest dictatorship in Europe, and since then have become a living testament to Portugal’s resistance against oppression. It was striking to see our 10th and 11^th grade students listening attentively — some with tears in their eyes, to these first-hand accounts of why the past can’t be forgotten.

Education and freedom are two sides of the same coin: without education, there can be no freedom, and without freedom, there can be no real education. That is why, at ULIS, learning history is not a sterile exercise in memorisation, but a critical reflection on historical significance; a genuine discussion of change and continuity; an engaged debate about perspectives and their evidence; and a continuous effort to establish causal links that cross borders and centuries; en exercise of democracy. History, after all, cannot teach us all the right answers, but it can certainly teach us how to ask the right questions.

Education, I would argue, is the personal equivalent of a historical revolution like April 25^th: a deep, sometimes difficult, and complete transformation of oneself. In that sense, ULIS is the tree where our students perch like optimistic birds just before taking flight to shape their destinies, fulfil their dreams, and, ideally, make this world a better place.

The ULIS Talent Show is an event designed to celebrate the creativity, diversity, and artistic expression of secondary students at United Lisbon International School. Its purpose is to boost self-assurance and promote community spirit, and teamwork, offering students an opportunity to showcase their unique talents. The event is organized by the Student Council in collaboration with the Music Department, and the entire school community is invited to participate and show appreciation for their colleagues. All secondary students are invited to take part. Performances may be individual, in duos, trios, or as a group, with four or more participants.

Any type of talent is welcome, provided that it is appropriate for the school environment and aligned with ULIS values, safeguarding safety and respect. Rehearsals run from April 27 to May 7 and take place during Music classes, or at another convenient time arranged with the Music Department. Auditions take place during Assembly sessions between May 4 and 7, depending on the grade level.

The audition panel includes Student Council representatives and event organizers. The Talent Show Final will be staged on May 8 at 14:40 in the school auditorium, where finalists will perform live in front of the entire school community. Performances will be judged based on creativity, technical skill, stage presence, originality, and overall impact. The winning act will receive a prize, and certificates of achievement will be awarded for categories such as Best Performance, Best Creativity, Audience Favorite, and Best Group Act. All participants receive House Points.

During the final week of May, all Music Academy students will take part in our end-of-year performances. These events provide a special opportunity for students to showcase the progress they’ve made throughout the year, celebrate their achievements, and experience the excitement of performing live.

Over the course of the year, students have developed essential musical skills such as technique, interpretation, ensemble awareness, creativity, and stage confidence. The performances bring all of these elements together in a real artistic setting. Each student will present a prepared piece, either individually or in a small group, reflecting their growth, dedication, and personal musical journey.

Families and members of the school community are warmly invited to attend, support our performers, and enjoy a week of inspiring music. These performances not only highlight students’ talents but also celebrate the joy of learning and the importance of artistic expression.

We look forward to a wonderful week filled with creativity, dedication, and memorable performances from our young musicians.

Our next Open Day will take place on 20 May at 10:00 and will last approximately two hours. The event is intended for families who would like to learn more about the school across all year groups.

The session will begin with opening remarks, followed by a short address from the Head of School, who will share insights into United Lisbon International School’s mission and vision.

This will be followed by a guided tour of the school, led by the admissions team and phase leaders, providing a closer look at our classrooms, facilities, and learning environments.

The morning will conclude with light refreshments, including snacks and coffee, as well as an opportunity for questions during an informal Q&A session in the library.

With IB exams starting this week, our counsellor, Carolina Serra, shares some helpful advice to support students during this important time.

During exam time, it is important to nurture both our physical and mental health, which can be done in different ways. We all recharge in different ways, so understanding what helps you rest and refocus is key. This might include short walks, meditation, reading, light exercise, learning something new, or spending time with friends, anything that gives you a break from studying and reduces stress.

While this is a busy academic period, rest should still be a priority. Taking time to recharge does not mean you are neglecting your studies; in fact, it helps you perform better. Balancing study with rest allows you to maintain focus and energy over time.

One effective strategy is using the Pomodoro Technique, which encourages structured study sessions with regular breaks. This can help you stay productive while also reducing feelings of guilt when stepping away from your work. If you still experience pangs of conscience, use your breaks to meet your basic needs: eat, hydrate, move, or simply relax.

Looking after your physical wellbeing is just as important as studying. Healthy eating, good sleep habits, and regular exercise all support brain function, emotional balance, and energy levels. At the same time, remember that your needs go beyond the basics. Socialising, even briefly, can be very beneficial, and taking time away from screens should also be part of your routine.

By recognising rest as a necessity, not a luxury, you can approach exams in a healthier, more balanced, and ultimately more effective way.