Last week I had the immense pleasure of congratulating all those students in the Secondary School who have been awarded more than one hundred house points over the course of the year. The huge volume of students who had reached this milestone really underlined how committed and focused our students are, and what a pleasure they are to educate. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those students who have contributed so much to the positive attitude that pervades the school.
Like many members of the community this month, I have been embracing Meat Free May in an attempt to help reduce my impact on the environment. The month kicked off with our Great Eco Bake Off which was an absolute delight to judge. All of the entries could have won an award and we had a very difficult time choosing the winners.
Final thanks this week to all those members of our community who have supported our Aspirations Evenings and ensured that they are inspiring for our Year 10 students as they dream big for the future!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.
David Tongue
Principal
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our students, Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Ghosh.
Sasha bravely battled illness for an extended period before peacefully passing away at home, surrounded by her loving family.
During Year 9, Sasha moved home for treatment, but we will always remember her fondness for Harry Potter. She excelled in Rhythmic gymnastics, competing internationally and making us all immensely proud. Her love of Art and her role as the Student Council representative showcased her exceptional leadership skills as she nurtured her form class.
Sasha was an extraordinary person who enriched our school and the wider Doha community. We were a much better school with her among us. We deeply miss her.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sasha's parents, Arin and Olga, her sister Maria, and brother Gregori. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as all her friends, during this incredibly difficult time.
Eoin O'Connor
Mathematics Teacher & Head of Year 11
Thank you for engaging in the recent survey relating to the format for future formal Parents-Teacher Meetings. Following a comprehensive analysis of the survey responses, it is evident that the majority of parents, spanning both Primary and Secondary school, expressed a preference for Online Parent-Teacher Meetings.
Read the full letter here
Please note that we will adopt the hot weather timetable with effect from Sunday (12th May) so the first break will be the longer break of the two until further notice and certainly until the end of term. This is to provide maximum opportunity for pupil activity before the temperature is too hot.
Primary - If your child is absent from school please email your child’s class teacher and attendance@dohacollege.com. In your email you should include your child’s full name, class and reason for absence.
Secondary - If your child is absent from school please email your child’s form tutor and include attendance@dohacollege.com
In your email you should include your child’s full name, form class and the reason for absence.
Unplanned absence (e.g. illness, family emergency) - email as early as possible, preferably before 7.00 am
Planned absence (e.g. family commitment, travelling) - email as soon as plans are confirmed.
Lauren Mackie
Student Welfare Officer
For our Primary students, the muster point is the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
For Secondary students and those utilising the sports facilities, head to the AstroTurf pitch.
For any visitors or parents, assembly is by the side of the 3G pitch by the fencing.
Your safety is our top priority. Please familiarise yourself with these muster points and evacuation procedures to ensure a swift and secure response in any emergency situation.
As part of our ongoing efforts to review and enhance our emergency procedures we had a scheduled Fire Drill on Monday 6th May during our CCA time. The drill was carefully planned to provide an opportunity for us to assess our emergency response protocols and identify any areas for improvement. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and patience of all those involved in this important exercise.
Thank you to everyone for your understanding and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our school community.
Kevin Busaka
Head of Health, Safety, and Special Projects
You should create a one-piece project to teach your classmates about your country or countries of heritage.
Please see the poster for details.
Projects should be brought into school on Sunday 19th or Monday 20th May. Parents will be invited to attend the showcase of projects on Tuesday 21st May as part of our Culture Day celebrations.
We can’t wait to see all of your creations!
The DEI Committee
On Tuesday 21st May 2024, your child will be invited to wear their cultural and traditional dress, or country colours.
During the day, there will be a Culture Fair for pupils to take ‘a trip around the world’, a costume parade, a showcase of ‘My Country’ Projects and much more!
Parents will be invited to attend the showcase of projects on the day. Please see your child’s Class Dojo for more information.
Thank you.
Maisie Hesketh
Primary Class Teacher & DEI Coordinator
This week marked Doha College’s inaugural Aspirations Evening and we are thrilled to announce that the event was a resounding success.
The evening gave Year 10 students the opportunity to meet with professionals from a diverse range of industries - from dentists to architects; journalists to surgeons; finance managers to RAF pilots. Through one-to-one discussions, students had the opportunity to gain real-world insight, seek advice and develop a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and requirements of various career paths.
Our distinguished guests generously gave their time, sharing their expertise and own experiences with students throughout the course of the evening. Through dialogue, students were able to gain a better understanding of the professional realm, which we believe is a crucial aspect in moulding their future and helping them to establish ambitious goals for life beyond Doha College.
We were really proud to see the community come together in support of our young people and a huge thanks goes to the professional volunteers who we simply wouldn’t have been able to run this event without. Students left energised and appreciative of this invaluable opportunity, which is testament to the importance the wider community plays in the educational experience of our students.
A special thanks goes to the hard work of Mr Acton, Head of Year 10, and Ms McIntosh, Head of Careers & University Guidance, who were instrumental in the organisation and successful delivery of the evening.
We look forward to this becoming a legacy event that continues to support students as they embark on the first steps in their career aspiration journeys.
Gemma Stroud
Assistant Headteacher - Key Stage 4
After careful consideration and consultation, Doha College Secondary School intends to implement Yondr pouches beginning next academic year. The intention is to support our existing phone-free policy and encourage an environment of better relationships and learning without distraction.
Read the full letter here
During exam season, it is imperative that all students wear their school uniform consistently, both during exams and while revising in school. Adhering to the uniform policy helps maintain a focused and disciplined environment conducive to effective studying and exam performance. Additionally, it fosters a sense of unity and equality among students, promoting a level playing field for all. Therefore, we kindly remind all students to proudly wear their school uniform throughout the exam period, as it reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence and professionalism.
Be Part of FDC - Come And Elect
Join us at the Friends of Doha College's Annual General Meeting on Sunday May 19th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the Bentley Room. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to nominate themselves for 5 Committee Members, as well as Primary and Secondary Parents Representatives.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 17th May at 12.00 pm - make sure to submit yours on time by emailing fdc@dohacollege.com
To attend the meeting, please register here.
Let's work together to create a positive impact on Doha College students' school life!
During term two we interviewed some of our pupils about their experience at Doha College. Find out what they had to say by visiting the home page of the Doha College website. View here