Este mês andamos a ler

Este livro reúne doze dos mais belos contos de Natal escritos em língua portuguesa. Fialho de Almeida, Eça de Queiroz, Ramalho Ortigão, Raul Brandão e Machado de Assis são alguns dos autores destes clássicos que com mestria retratam o imaginário desta época.

CONCURSO NACIONAL DE LEITURA

Concurso Nacional de Leitura

2019/2020

3º Ciclo

Aventuras de João Sem Medo, José Gomes Ferreira

Sexta-feira ou a Vida Selvagem, Michel Tournier

Secundário

Contos, Eça De Queirós

1ª Fase - Prova de Escola: 11 de dezembro

Inscreve-te na Biblioteca escolar, PARTICIPA!

Este mês andamos a ler

Numa remota aldeia polaca, a excêntrica Janina Duszejko, professora reformada, divide os seus dias a traduzir a poesia de William Blake e a observar os sinais da astrologia, fazendo por manter-se afastada das pessoas e próxima dos animais, cuja companhia prefere; mas a pacatez dos seus dias vê-se interrompida quando começam a aparecer mortos vários membros do clube de caça local. Certa de encontrar respostas, Janina decide lançar-se na investigação do caso, chegando a uma estranha teoria que espalhará o terror pela comunidade.

Sob a máscara de policial noir ou fábula macabra, Conduz o Teu Arado Sobre os Ossos dos Mortos é um romance mordaz e desconcertante que questiona a nossa posição acerca dos direitos dos animais e responsabilidade sobre a natureza, bem como todas as ideias preconcebidas sobre a loucura, a justiça e a tradição.

Este mês andamos a ler

1984 oferece hoje uma descrição quase realista do vastíssimo sistema de fiscalização em que passaram a assentar as democracias capitalistas. A electrónica permite, pela primeira vez na história da humanidade, reunir nos mesmos instrumentos e nos mesmos gestos o trabalho e a fiscalização exercida sobre o trabalhador. O Big Brother já não é uma figura de estilo - converteu-se numa vulgaridade quotidiana.

Plano Nacional de Leitura - obra recomendada para o Ensino Secundário como sugestão de leitura.

Bem-vindo, Outono!

Uma borboleta amarela?
Ou uma folha seca
Que se desprendeu e não quis pousar?

Mário Quintana, Hai-Kai de Outono

Citizenship and Development #2

Eleanor Roosevelt

The woman who made the difference

Eleanor Roosevelt was a pioneer in the Human Rights movement. She was born on the 11^th October 1884, in New York.  This powerful woman, who was married to Franklin Roosevelt, was the First Lady of US during the II World War. In the White House, she was one of the most active first ladies in history and worked for political, racial and social justice.

There were many episodes where she showed her support to these causes. This is one example: in 1938 she went the inaugural meeting of Southern Conference for Human Welfare. There she sat directly beside an African American associate, ignoring the designated whites-only section. After being told that Birmingham’s segregationist policies prohibited whites and blacks from sitting together at public functions, the First Lady asked for a ruler. Then she said: “Now measure the distance between this chair and that one,”. Upon examining this gap separating the white and black seating areas, the first lady placed her chair directly in its center. There she defiantly sat, in a racial no-man’s land, until the meeting concluded. “They were afraid to arrest her,” one witness claimed.

Eleanor was elected delegate of the United Nations in 1946. This organization had a commission dedicated especially to Human Rights which was made up by eighteen members from various political, cultural and religious backgrounds. Due to her impact and effort she was recognized as the driving force for this commission and led to the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

For these reasons Eleanor is such an important figure in our History and everybody should see her as an example to be followed.

Margarida Morim, 10A

Marta Nicolau, 10A

                                                                      

Citizenship and Development #1

Tendo como objetivo envolver os alunos em atividades potenciadoras do desenvolvimento de competências pessoais e sociais, os alunos de Inglês das turmas 10º A e 10º D elaboraram textos escritos alusivos a figuras proeminentes na defesa dos Direitos Humanos.

Os textos publicados no blogue desta biblioteca são algumas amostras do trabalho desenvolvido por estes alunos.

Professora Albertina Anjo

Alice Walker – Human Rights Activist

Alice Walker was born on February 9 in 1944. She is a novelist, short story writer, poet, and political activist. She is known for writing the novel The Colour Purple in 1982, which brought to her the National Book Award for hardcover fiction, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

She is also known for being a feminist, who created, in 1983, the word "womanist" which means a black feminist or feminist of colour. Even nowadays, Alice is a big influence on feminists through her books and other works.

Alice Walker always wanted to change the rules of society. She has been a powerful feminist who fought for race equality. She is a “feminist of colour”.  The term was made to unite women of color and the feminist movement at "the intersection of race and gender oppression.

Through her writing career she explains us the obstacles and difficulties she had to fight against in order to protect woman’s rights. But she also did a lot for humanity as well, explained through her books and her speeches. All that was done along with being an activist.

And that way we think Alice Walker really took a step forward in humanity fighting for a more equal world.

 Margarida Figueiredo,10ºA

 Mariana Pinto,10ºA

Writers' Corner #29

What are the most relevant factors to succeed at work?

(I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.  Estee Lauder)

 At a certain age, the first thing we want to do is become independent, but first we need to get a job and know the world of work.

When we are starting a career, firstly we need to find out what we are good at, what we like and what people need. That is why most young students are not happy with their work -  because they don´t think twice; they just go for it.

 To me, the most relevant factors  to succeed at work are the following: to be helpful and always willing to work; to have the ambition of being the best in what we do; to be patient and nice to co-workers; and to have a good relationship with co-workers and our boss. But the most important thing is to love what we do because if we love what we do, we won´t call it a job, but a hobby.

 We cannot dream about success; we have to work for it and be good at what we do because one day we will enjoy looking back and thinking that we have done our best.

Afonso Cunha, 11F

Writers' Corner #28

What are the most relevant factors to succeed at work?

I never dreamed about success. I worked for it. (Estee Lauder)

Work, whether we consider it in the past or in the present, has something that no amount of time can alleviate, and that is it does not reward the lazy. Even if your dad is the owner of a big law firm that will surely be handed down to you, if your work ethic is low, you will not enjoy your job as other employees will surely drive you insane with their constant need to be productive.

Furthermore, there is a thin line between a good employee and a bad one, and it is that line that can signify the Holy Grail for some – those whose hard work will surely pay off - and failure for others. To be successful in your job, you must be organized, innovative and a goal-setter since the key to success is never giving up. In fact, employers are often looking for workers that stand out and have a tendency to think outside the box.

Overall, as I see it, the most relevant factor in workplace success is, undoubtedly, being able to maintain a solid and productive routine while simultaneously pushing yourself to your limit - and, thus,  showing others and yourself what you are truly made of.

Denise Pinheiro, 11ºF

Este mês andamos a ler

Um tempo múltiplo. Labiríntico. As histórias das sociedades humanas. Ricardo Reis chega a Lisboa em finais de dezembro de 1935. Fica até setembro de 1936. Uma personagem vinda de uma outra ficção, a da heteronímia de Fernando Pessoa. E um movimento inverso, logo a começar: «Aqui onde o mar se acaba e a terra principia»; o virar ao contrário o verso de Camões: «Onde a terra acaba e o mar começa.» Em Camões, o movimento é da terra para o mar; no livro de Saramago temos Ricardo Reis a regressar a Portugal por mar. É substituído o movimento épico da partida. Mais uma vez, a história na escrita de Saramago. E as relações entre a vida e a morte. Ricardo Reis chega a Lisboa em finais de dezembro e Fernando Pessoa morreu a 30 de novembro. Ricardo Reis visita-o ao cemitério. Um tempo complexo. O fascismo consolida-se em Portugal. 

(Leitura recomendada para o 12º ano)

PÁSCOA FELIZ!

A Biblioteca Dr. Luís Amaro de Oliveira deseja uma Páscoa Feliz, recheada de ótimas leituras!

Writers' Corner #27

Technology – an asset or an obstacle?

Technology is a very popular topic nowadays, one that causes many discussions about its importance in our lives. Has it helped our lives or has it caused more problems?

Firstly, I need to point out that technology is so advanced that it is really difficult or impossible to live without it. It has given us some very good gadgets and electrical equipments. In my opinion, life would be worse without electricity, or without a fridge, which preserves our food and without which it would be impossible to live healthily.

Although it helps our lives, technology can cause some problems too. The mobile phone is a good example of it. It really helps us, but if we can't establish a limited amount of usage time, we'll be addicted to it and won't be able to have a balanced and proper life.

In conclusion, I would say that, from my point of view, technology won't ruin your life if you don't overuse it.

Beatriz Pereira, 10º M

Este mês andamos a ler

Este é o romance mais divertido de valter hugo mãe, feito da história sempre trágica de duas empregadas de limpeza e carpideiras profissionais que, entre cansaços e desilusões, encontram ainda motivos de esperança. Cada uma ao seu modo, descobrem caminhos nada óbvios para a felicidade, explicando uma inteligência que radica mais na emoção do que na prudência envergonhada do bom senso.

O retrato mais genuíno de Portugal é, ao mesmo tempo, um sinal de força e de confiança para que, um dia, o país se encontre com a generosidade que define tanto o seu próprio povo.

Writers' Corner #26

People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.

Martin Luther King

Nowadays, it’s not that strange to be amongst people of different races, ethnicities or cultures as the world has adapted itself to accommodate all human beings. Although this new way of thinking is becoming more and more popular, it has not yet been properly carried out by the entire world.

On the one hand, as the statement conveys, the problem is in the mentalities of people who don’t realise how much of others’ cultures they have assimilated into theirs, be it in the food sector, the fashion industry, or even in the laws, and, instead of being grateful for such diversity, they proceed to complain about immigrants and their “foreign” lifestyles. This mainly occurs due to a lack of communication, as Martin Luther King wisely stated, which creates these stereotyped concepts.

On the other hand, government officials are not always encouraging integration as they have their own interests to worry about. Donald Trump, for instance, is one of the most racist presidents currently active. Besides discriminating against Muslims for their alleged affiliations with terrorism, he also despises Mexicans, blacks, women and anything else that isn’t a white male. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that peoples’ mentalities aren’t evolving as fast as they should.

In conclusion, we should all embrace diversity - as it strives to bring us together - instead of building walls that separate us.

Denise Pinheiro, 11º F

A Primavera chegou à Biblioteca!

Writers' Corner #25

The School of my life

I’m a seventh grade student and I’m writing to make an account of my experience in this school during the first term and what made me enjoy studying here.

I will start by describing it. It’s a large, imposing and beautiful building. It is well maintained and we all contribute to keep it that way. One of the places I like to be with my friends is the indoor patio because it is very nice to be sitting on the benches watching the fountain and the students passing by.

Another thing I like about this School is that the students are friendly and polite, and there are so many studying here! But what I like the best is the relaxed environment that is at the same time civilized and has rules.

Now I’m going to talk about an episode that is new to me at School. During the student association elections, the candidate lists organized interesting events. What struck me the most were the concerts during the breaks, because it is different to see all School gathered in the school room that usually has tables, chairs and sofas, but at that time there was only one stage. The bands that acted managed to liven up the environment a lot.

Everyone at school is nice (well, almost…), which helped me to adapt in an easier way to the change.

And I will stick around. Goodbye!!!

Afonso Eça Guimarães, 7º B

Celebrar Sophia

Março é tempo de celebrar Sophia!

Writers' Corner #24

I am glad I picked up the courage to move to a country thousands of miles away from the stability of home.                          

 (Xitao Chui, Singapore, studying at the University of Glasgow)

Have you ever thought of studying abroad?

Studying abroad is a very popular activity nowadays.

I would love to travel to another country and study there. If I studied abroad, I would have the chance to learn new words, practise accents and, most importantly, learn about the fascinating culture of a specific country.

I have an extreme passion for the U.K. and specially London, but in honour of my favourite actor - among other reasons -, I would choose the Republic of Ireland. Ireland is such a beautiful place! Yet, it is extremely underrated. I would choose Dublin, not only because of the influencers that were born in the city, but also because of its beauty and grace. The language wouldn't be a struggle for me because I can speak and understand Irish English (the local accent and vocabulary).

Still, the great difficulty I would face is money as I can’t afford it. I could participate in the Erasmus programme , but for me it wouldn’t be the same feeling.

If I ever studied in Dublin, I would probably never leave it!

Lara Pires, 10º M

S. Valentim

Dia de pensar e escrever os afetos.
Hoje, escreva uma carta de amor.

Writers' Corner #23

I am glad I picked up the courage to move to a country thousands of miles away from the stability of home.                                                 
(Xitao Chui, Singapore, studying at the University of Glasgow)

Have you ever thought of studying abroad?

I would like to study abroad. I think it would be a good experience for me to grow up, but my mom wouldn’t really  let me go.

If I had the chance, I would go to South Korea because, in my opinion, it would better fit/suit my objectives. They have good artists there and they are growing in the fashion industry. I would learn a lot of things about their culture and history, which would be good for one of my favourite hobbies - writing.

There would be some difficulties, though: I would be far away from home; I would have to learn more Korean; and, the most difficult thing, I would have to accept a different culture.

In conclusion, it would be very beneficial, but, at the same time, I think it would be too much for a teenager.

Beatriz Pereira,10ºM

Writers' Corner #22

Living in a multicultural society takes time. It’s a long educational process.

(Jeresa Hren – Women’s Leadership Conference)

As everyone knows, a society can’t become multicultural in the blink of an eye. It’s simply impossible to get everybody on the same page about diversity and multiculturalism.

As such, the transformation to a multicultural society is a lengthy process. Some people might not agree with it at first and heavily oppose it, and this is mostly why it takes so long.

In order to solve this, all we need to do is educate these people about the benefits of diversity. If we do the educating part first and then the leaders of the society slowly implement policies to promote a more diverse society, it should, with time, culminate in an overall bigger acceptance of multiculturalism by the general population.

However, this transition doesn’t always happen smoothly. In fact, there are nearly always some sort of conflicts that happen between different ethnic groups, which is, of course, an undesirable scenario. Because of this, it’s vital that virtually 100% of the population agree on moving towards a diverse society since it is clear that we can’t build a multicultural society by pure brute force.

In conclusion, transitioning into a globalised society is a very long process that sometimes takes generations to happen due to the drastic changes it causes in people’s lifestyles.

Luís Pereira, 11ºF

Concurso Nacional de Leitura - Fase Municipal

É amanhã! Desejamos boa sorte a todos os participantes!

Writers' Corner #21

How important is music in your life?

In my opinion, music plays a very important role, not only in teens’ life but also amongst all generations. For me particularly, music is one of the most important things in my life.

My love for music started when I was a little girl. My dad (and later my sister) has always encouraged me to know a little about music - mostly rock -, not only for the pleasure of listening to it, but also because it’s really important to have some general knowledge. Music is so important for us that one of the family traditions is to go to concerts together – me, my mom, my dad and my sister. Music is also present in my hobby, which is playing the drums.

In conclusion, I think we should all enjoy the great things that music gives us.

                                                                                                               

 Mariana Costa, 10ºK

O Livro do Mês #5

O Japão é um Lugar Estranho é a história da viagem do escritor Peter Carey a Tóquio, com o seu filho, Charley. Com doze anos de idade e apaixonado por manga, Charley anuncia ao pai que quando for grande vai viver na capital japonesa. Partem então os dois em busca de autores famosos de livros de manga – a banda desenhada emblemática do Japão, com personagens de enormes olhos redondos e expressividade exagerada – e dos mais importantes estúdios e criadores de anime – os desenhos animados originados em obras de manga (e vice versa). Pelo caminho, percebe-se que estamos todos “Enganados acerca do Japão” – e é esse o título original do livro (Wrong about Japan): nada é o que parece, o estrangeiro mal consegue aflorar a superfície desta cultura hermética regida por regras rigorosas que determinam tudo, do modo de fazer o chá à profundidade das vénias. A cada interpretação, o “estranho” percebe que nada percebe do Japão. Do primeiro ao último dia. À espera da imagem tradicional de quimonos e templos budistas (que também existe, mas sob a forma de ilhas), o encontro com Tóquio é o choque cultural com uma modernidade ordenada e tão característica que permite aos seus habitantes viverem como personagens de manga ao fim de semana. Encontramos anjos e demónios, mulheres vestidas como miúdas e homens como bichos fofinhos.  Porque durante a semana, a vida não se parece muito com a manga colorida e movimentada dos livros.

Writers' Corner #20

Living in a multicultural society takes time. It’s a long educational process.

  (Jeresa Hren – Women’s Leadership Conference)

Nowadays emigration has become a necessity for those who hope for a better future,  so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that multicultural cities have arisen.

Living among various cultures and having the ability to fit in is a skill that takes time to achieve. To the more experienced traveller, whose life has been spent wandering every corner of our planet, infiltrating in such a society isn’t a problem, but to the inexperieced traveller whose sole contact with other cultures occurred through hotel check-ins or airport passport-controls, it can be quite hard to accept the concept of multiculturalism. Issues such as racism, xenophobia and other types of discrimination have always persisted and will always persist due to the existence of narrow-minded people but, surprisingly, “the digital natives” era came to help reduce the quantity of such individuals as it is, in fact, through apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that people are able to connect to the world and, thus, gain more knowledge in regard to cultural diversity.

Overall, learning to live and interact with people from different backgrounds is an impressive feat that takes time. Even though it might be a slow and tedious process, it is definitely worth it as, in the end, one will not only acquire the ability to live anywhere and get along with the different races, but will also become more familiarized with the world outside the safety of home.

Denise Pinheiro, 11º F

Writers' Corner # 19

How important is music in your life?

Music is very important for people of all ages, but especially for teens. It can help us get through the changes that we can’t control and our daily problems.

In my case, music helps me relax before a test and control my anxiety. It’s also very helpful when I’m studying because it helps me stay focused and memorize things.   

Besides all the help in my school life, I also use music to express myself and to make me feel better whenever I have a really bad day.

Finally, I also use music as an “icebreaker”, for example, when I meet someone new, music is always a good conversation topic, and it avoids all the awkward moments.

In conclusion, I think that music is truly important, not just for me, but for all people around the world, no matter their age.

Maria Figueiredo, 10º K