14 September 2023

The Principal’s Pen

A very warm welcome to Doha College’s new Newsletter. We hope that this will provide our community with an easy way to access important information and provide it with a snapshot of all the wonderful things that are going on within the College - both in the classrooms and beyond. It will also provide us with an opportunity to share with you the latest thinking on education and childhood development and make available the latest research and thinking in these important areas. This is very much a work in progress, and we are keen for parents to receive information in the format that is easiest and most convenient for them to engage with. If you have any feedback on how this can be improved, please do not hesitate to get in touch, and if you would like to join a focus group we will shortly be setting up looking at communication in the forward-thinking British International School, please do let me know. As ever, I can be reached on principal@dohacollege.com

Thank you to all parents who attended our 'Meet the Principal' event. For those of you who couldn't attend or if you would like to recap, I have summarised my opening presentation.

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KEY COMMUNICATIONS

Important information from the Ministry of Education

Please take a look at the latest information from the Ministry of Education regarding the Code of Ethics for schools in Qatar.

Ministry of Education - Code of Ethics

Bus update

We now have a bus service that includes afternoon collection from our CCA programmes.

Parking

Thank you so much for your patience over the past few weeks with our busy drop-off and collection points. As you will have seen, senior staff have been out each day trying to support our security team in ensuring that this process is managed as safely and efficiently as possible. We are actively considering a range of options to help lubricate the traffic flow into and away from school further and we would strongly encourage all parents and drivers to show consideration of other members of our community when parking their car or dropping off children. When all drivers follow the instructions of the security team, the flow of traffic is reasonably smooth, however one car stopping in an unsuitable location can cause tailbacks and frustrations for a large number of other cars. It is particularly important that drivers are aware that there may be children in the vicinity of the parking areas and they must therefore drive with restraint and care at all times. We have created large pedestrian flow areas for pedestrian safety and we would ask all parents and students to use these corridors when entering the campus on foot.

David Tongue

Reminder about lanyards

News from Primary

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it." - Nelson Mandela.

We hope this message finds you well and filled with anticipation for all the wonderful adventures and opportunities that await our students in the coming weeks.

This week, our students had the privilege of gathering in the school's auditorium to reflect upon an important lesson: the true meaning of courage with an assembly led by our new principal Mr Tongue.

As Nelson Mandela once wisely said, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it." This timeless quote served as the cornerstone of our assembly, a message we believe is particularly relevant for our learners. Throughout the assembly, we explored the concept of courage from various angles, emphasizing that it is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to confront and overcome those fears. Our goal was to inspire our students to approach challenges with bravery, resilience, and a growth mindset, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for growth.

Stunning showcases

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents and guardians who joined us for the recent classroom showcases held at Doha College. It was a joyous occasion that allowed us to celebrate the incredible work undertaken by our students in these first few weeks of school. Your presence at the showcases not only brought smiles to the faces of our young learners but also provided them with a powerful sense of pride and accomplishment. Witnessing their parents and guardians engage with their projects and meet their teachers was a moment of great significance for them. The showcases were a testament to the dedication and hard work of both our students and our staff. The cumulative work produced in our Extended Learning Projects was nothing short of remarkable. These projects represent the embodiment of creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, values that we hold dear at DC. Seeing the curiosity and enthusiasm with which our students approached their work was truly inspiring. It reaffirms our belief that when we provide a supportive and nurturing environment, our students can achieve incredible feats. Your support as parents and guardians is invaluable in fostering this environment, and we are deeply appreciative of your active involvement in your child's education.

As we welcome the cooler weather with open arms, we are delighted to see our students eager to enjoy the great outdoors during their break times. However, as we savour this change in seasons, we would like to take a moment to remind everyone of two important practices that will ensure our students' safety and comfort during outdoor play.

1. No Hat, No Play Rule:

The well-being of our students is our top priority, and we must protect them from the sun's harmful rays. To maintain a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience, we kindly ask that all students come to school with a suitable hat. The "No Hat, No Play" rule is in effect during outdoor activities, and students without hats will be encouraged to play in shaded areas or remain indoors to avoid excessive sun exposure. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that your child has a hat at school each day. It is a simple yet effective measure that promotes sun safety and supports our commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all.

2. Bring a Water Bottle:

Staying hydrated is crucial, regardless of the weather. We encourage all students to bring a filled water bottle to school every day. Adequate hydration is not only essential for physical health but also helps maintain focus and concentration in the classroom. Please make sure your child's water bottle is clearly labelled with their name.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is of paramount importance in ensuring the well-being and safety of our children. As parents, it is our collective responsibility to create a secure environment where our children can thrive, learn, and grow without fear. Safeguarding measures encompass everything from physical safety to emotional well-being, including protection from harm, abuse, and online risks. By actively engaging in safeguarding efforts, we empower our children to explore the world confidently while knowing that they are protected.

In addition to the critical aspects of safeguarding mentioned above, we want to emphasise the importance of parents always wearing a parent lanyard when coming onto the school site. This simple yet essential measure helps us maintain a secure and controlled environment. By wearing a parent lanyard, it becomes easier for our staff to identify authorised individuals and ensure that our children are in the company of trusted adults. This small act goes a long way in enhancing the safety and well-being of our school community, and we kindly request all parents to comply with this rule to keep our children protected.

Policies

To access our school policies, kindly click the button below, where you can find all our policies conveniently housed on our school website.

Policies

Inspection

We would like to inform you that Doha College will be undergoing its British Overseas Schools Inspection during the week beginning November 4th. This inspection is a crucial part of our commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards and ensuring the well-being of our students. The inspection is carried out to assess various aspects of our school, including the quality of teaching and learning, the effectiveness of our leadership and management, and the overall safety and welfare of our students. It provides an objective evaluation of our school's performance and helps us identify areas for improvement, ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible education for your children.

News from Secondary

Dear Parents,

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible start we've had at DC this term. It has been an absolute pleasure to witness our students returning to campus, wearing their uniforms with pride and embracing the joy of reconnecting with friends and staff. The laughter and smiles that fill our hallways as they settle back into the rhythm of school life are truly heart-warming.

I must say, I have been particularly impressed by our Year 7 students. They have seamlessly integrated into our school community; walking around the campus with a sense of joy and confidence that is truly remarkable. It's a testament to the brilliant transition program we undertook, ensuring that their journey into secondary school was as smooth as possible.

Speaking of achievements, our recent IGCSE and A Level results were nothing short of stellar. Our students' dedication to their studies has truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments. Moreover, it warms my heart to see so many students receiving postcards from our staff for demonstrating values like #Respect, #Integrity, #Diligence, and #Perseverance. These small gestures have made our students extremely happy and remind us all of the importance of these core values in our school community.

Our commitment to fostering a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom, and our brilliant games program is a testament to that. We are proud to provide our students with opportunities to engage in sports and physical activities that not only promote physical health but also contribute to their mental well-being. The positive effects of sport on our community are undeniable, and it's a joy to see our students thriving in this regard.

We look forward to a busy and purposeful term, which I anticipate will be filled with students continuing to work hard in classrooms, riveting enrichment programmes,and so much more!

Thank you, as always for your support,

Mr Scafe