On Friday 2nd October it was a pleasure to welcome over 30 Greengates alumni from the classes of 1976–1982 back to the campus, many for the first time since they graduated. The event was coordinated by alumnus Roberto Salinas and it was an afternoon of pure delight. The attendees were treated to an entertaining and emotional video of their time at school,it was wonderful to share in the memories and laughter that the visit generated. Needless to say, the guests were impressed with the school today and why it is great to be Greengates!
Dr Silva and the National Programme team are working hard on final plans for the Día de Muertos Ofrenda, which will be set up during the week before the half-term break. The focus this year is on Greengates community members who are no longer with us. If you know of somebody from the community who has passed and you would like their photograph placed on the ofrenda, please send a digital copy of the photo and a brief overview of who the person is and when they were at the school to ggcommunications@greengates.edu.mx Please make submissions by Thursday 15th October.
At Greengates, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and that commitment extends not only to our students but also to our staff. As highlighted in a recent Evidence Based Education (EBE) report, effective professional learning is one of the most powerful levers for improving student outcomes. The report argues that professional learning should become “the core work of school and college improvement”, recognising that building teacher expertise is a central long-term strategy for ensuring every student receives the highest quality learning experience. Ultimately, when teachers continue to learn and refine their practice, our students benefit most.
We work hard to ensure that our staff remain at the forefront of educational best practice. This week, for example, we held one of our monthly whole-school pedagogy briefings, bringing colleagues together to share successful classroom strategies and engage with the latest educational research.
Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of visiting classrooms across both Primary and Secondary, where I have seen excellent learning in action. In a Year 4 lesson, students collaborated effectively, demonstrating teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. In a Year 10 English lesson, students debated different interpretations of a text, respectfully challenging one another’s ideas and supporting their arguments with evidence. These are precisely the kinds of skills that technology can support but cannot replace: critical thinking, creativity, empathy and collaboration.
These experiences remind us that outstanding learning is about far more than acquiring knowledge. By investing in our teachers’ professional growth, we continue to invest in what matters most: ensuring every Greengates student receives the highest quality education and develops the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
WEEKLY REFLECTION
SCHOOL CALENDAR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
To our Primary parents, we warmly invite you to our Early Years and Primary Day of the Dead / Halloween celebration on Friday 23rd October on the school Patio. Please arrive from 8:15 am onwards to sign in and take your seats. The celebration will begin at 9:00 am and finish at approximately 10:00 am.
We will enjoy year-group costume parades, poetry from our prefects and the announcement of our Student Council costume competition winners. There will also be a teachers’ and parents’ parade, so you are very welcome to dress up and join in!
There will be two tickets available per family through our new ticketing system. Click here book your tickets and find the instructions here.
To help everyone enjoy the celebration, please ensure children’s costumes are appropriate, comfortable and safe for school:
- No toy or replica weapons, including guns, knives or swords.
- No excessively violent, frightening or culturally insensitive costumes.
- Masks may only be worn during the parade and must not restrict vision.
- Children should wear safe footwear and be able to sit and move comfortably.
- Please choose lightweight, cool costumes, as children may be sitting in the sun while waiting for their turn in the parade. Any extra layers should be easy to put on just before their turn and remove afterwards.
Students will enjoy pan de muerto following the parades. If your child has any relevant allergies or dietary requirements, or you would prefer them not to have pan de muerto, please inform their class teacher and send a suitable alternative snack.
Please find below the list of items that will be requested from Primary and Secondary for the altar. Secondary students should give their contributions to their Spanish teachers. The deadline for bringing the items will be 19 October, as follows:
- Early Years (Nu, Re): Papel picado (traditional decorative paper)
- Early Years Y1: Potted marigold (cempasúchil) flowers
- Y2–Y4: Potted marigold (cempasúchil) flowers
- Y5: Pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread)
- Y6: Fruit (oranges, mandarins, corn on the cob, etc.)
- Y7: Papel picado (traditional decorative paper)
- Y8: Candles
- Y9: Sugar skulls
- Y10: Decorative skulls
After the celebration, you are welcome to take your child home if you wish. Please collect a green slip from the designated table near the exit before leaving with your child. Children staying at school will continue with their usual school day.
We look forward to sharing a wonderful morning of celebration with you!
75TH Birthday Bash
On Friday 20th November, we will celebrate Greengates’ 75th birthday with fun and House spirit!
All Early Years, Primary and Secondary students are invited to wear their House colours for the day.
Primary and Early Years
During break time, we will gather on the field to sing “Happy Birthday”.
Primary students will then enjoy a picnic together in their four Houses, followed by music, a disco, dance competitions and party games led by Mr Driver. There will also be opportunities to earn House points!
After joining the birthday song, Early Years children will enjoy their own picnic by the library.
Please ensure your child brings:
- Their usual packed lunch or picnic food. The tuck shop will remain available for Primary students.
- A sun hat and water bottle.
We look forward to a wonderful celebration together!
Secondary
Secondary students will celebrate the Big Birthday Bash with a range of activities and opportunities to earn House points!
Throughout the week, students will take part in a Greengates-themed quiz during tutor time.
Students are also invited to enter our House baking competition by creating a cake inspired by Greengates or its 75th birthday. A panel of judges will select the winning cakes.
We will hold a talent show with separate categories for KS3 and KS4/5. Preliminary rounds will take place beforehand, with the final held during lunchtime on the Big Birthday Bash.
On the day, students will also enjoy a picnic together in their Houses.
We look forward to celebrating together and showcasing our students’ talents!
Don’t forget to book your tickets for our Primary production of “The Wizard of Oz”, taking place on Friday 19th June at 5:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there. Tickets here.
Students can enjoy a unique international experience this summer through Nord Anglia’s Global Summer Camps, with programmes in Europe and the USA focused on leadership, performing arts, languages, sports and more. Click here.
The the online pre-sale for the Yearbook 2025–2026 ends on Monday 15 June. Click here. After this date, remaining copies of this special 75th Anniversary edition will be available for purchase through Uniforms while stocks last. Families can also view the digital version on the Parent Portal.
As we celebrate the end of the academic year, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase our special 75th Anniversary merchandise throughout our academic events in June. A limited edition of just 50 George plush toys featuring an exclusive “Class of 2026” T-shirt will also be available to mark this memorable milestone.
OCTOBER MENU
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
5
Salad with cranberries and apples
Chicken and vegetable yakimeshi
Orange tapioca
6
Creamy tomato soup
Chicken Gyro
Salad
Jello
7
Rice with vegetables
Beef Steak
Zuccini with onion and tomato
Slice of bread with Nutella
8
Three cheese pasta
Pork chops
Steamed vegetables
Danonino (Yoghurt)
9
Beef broth with vegetables
Sushi
Carrot and celery sticks
Pineapple with chamoy
12
Steamed vegetables
Enchiladas (not spicy)
Salad
Arroz con leche
13
Beef broth with rice
Beef teriyaki with vegetables
White rice
Chocolate covered banana
14
Parsley pasta
Grilled chicken breast
Salad
Peachers and cream
15
Salad with kiwi and strawberries
Chicken nuggets
Fries
Cinammon apples
16
Vegetable soup
Beef wrap
Mashed potato
Ice cream
19
Carrot cream
Poke bowl with chicken
Jello with fruit
20
Chicken broth with vegetables
Beef ramen
Icicle
21
Salad with mango and sunflower seeds
Fried chicken tacos
Apple salad
Jello with fruit
22
Pasta soup
Chicken entomatadas
Salad
Lime sorbet
23
Rice with vegetables
Chicken gyro
Salad with tomato
Jello
26
Pasta with vegetables
Grilled chicken breast
Salad and rice
Jello
27
Creamy tomato soup
Poke Bowl with chicken and vegetables
Orange tapioca
28
Rice with vegetables
Mexican style ground beef
Salad and rice
Flan
29
Egg salad
Entomatadas
Rice with vegetables
Sliced cucumber
30
Alphabet soup
Griled steak
Salad with rice
Ice cream
25
Onion soup
Chicken Wrap
Fetuccine Alfredo
Lime Pie
28
Rice with vegetables
Fried chicken tacos
Salad with tomato
Jello
29
Creamy tomato soup
Chicken gyro
Salad
Jello
30
Rice with vegetables
Beef Steak
zuccino with onion & tomato
Slice of bread