Welcome to this week’s edition of our newsletter, and I hope you have all had a wonderful week. This weekend is National Teaching Assistants Day on Friday 29 September. This is a fantastic day to celebrate all that our wonderful Teaching Assistants bring to the College, our students and our wider community.
Teaching Assistants, who are often the unsung heroes of our College, embody dedication, passion, and commitment. They are instrumental in fostering a positive learning environment that allows both students and teachers to thrive. Their unwavering support, assistance, and nurturing attitude are the pillars of our educational community.
Teaching Assistants can frequently bring an extra dimension to the learning experience. They provide personalised attention to students, ensuring that no child is left behind. Their patience, empathy, and deep understanding of individual needs empower them to tailor learning strategies, making education accessible and meaningful for all students.
Our Teaching Assistants go above and beyond, extending a helping hand to both teachers and students alike. They assist in lesson planning, organise classroom activities, and offer a comforting presence for students who may need a little extra encouragement. Moreover, they serve as vital liaisons between parents and teachers, fostering a strong sense of community within our school.
As a Principal, I am constantly inspired by the dedication and passion our Teaching Assistants exhibit. Their hard work and tireless efforts contribute to the smooth functioning of our school, ensuring a positive and enriching educational experience for all. To our Teaching Assistants, I express my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for the transformative impact you make on our school community. Your commitment to educational excellence does not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for your continuous dedication.
On this National Teaching Assistant Day, let us all take a moment to celebrate and thank our Teaching Assistants for their unwavering dedication, selflessness, and love for the students and the community. Together, we create a nurturing environment where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
This year, we are once again celebrating World Animal Day on Wednesday 4 October.
To help raise awareness of animal welfare, it will be a non-uniform day, and students are encouraged to dress up as an animal or wear animal print, e.g. zebra print or leopard print.
As an Eco School, we are not asking for the purchase of new outfits or items, but to instead reuse or create something from old clothes/items you already have at home. Students can bring in a voluntary 10 QR, which will be donated to the WWF and local animal charities which support animals and their well-being.
Thank you for your continued support in trying to improve our world, one small step at a time.
International Universities College Fair
Georgetown University in Qatar
8th October 2023
5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
The university fair is an excellent opportunity for students and parents to meet face-to-face with admission officers from universities to conduct research, network and hear all about the programmes at their respective universities.
This is ideal for high school students and parents (Year 10 – Year 13).
Please sign up using the QR codes in the flyer.
We are excited to share with you the highlights of our recent assembly on safeguarding led by Mrs Danielle Price, Deputy Head pastoral, which was held for our primary students. At our school, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our utmost priority: education is a vital step in ensuring our young learners about the importance of staying safe.
The Purpose of the Assembly:
The primary objective of this assembly was to continue to empower our students with knowledge and understanding about safeguarding. We believe that when students are aware of potential dangers, how to protect themselves and how to report concerns, they are better equipped to make safe and informed decisions.
Personal Boundaries: The assembly began by teaching students about personal boundaries. We emphasized that everyone has the right to say "no" to any physical contact or interaction that makes them uncomfortable. Students were encouraged to speak up if they ever felt unsafe or uneasy.
Identifying Trusted Adults: We introduced the concept of trusted adults to our students. We explained that these are individuals they can confide in if they ever encounter a situation that makes them feel unsafe or unsure. This could be a parent, teacher, school counsellor, or any other responsible adult they trust.
Online Safety: In today's digital age, online safeguarding is essential. Students were educated about the potential risks associated with the internet, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and their own digital footprint. We stressed the importance of not sharing personal information online and reporting any concerns to a trusted adult.
Reporting Mechanisms: Our students learned about the different ways they can report concerns or incidents related to safeguarding. We introduced them to the school's reporting procedures and emphasised that they should always seek help when needed.
Respect and Kindness: Finally, we reminded our students about the importance of treating each other with respect and kindness. We discussed the role they play in creating a safe and inclusive school environment where everyone feels valued and protected.
Safeguarding is an ongoing conversation, and we encourage parents and guardians to continue discussing these topics at home. Here are some suggestions for further discussion:
Ask your child about what they learned during the assembly and if they have any questions or concerns.
Reinforce the importance of boundaries, online safety, and reporting mechanisms.
Remind your child of the trusted adults in their life and encourage open communication.
Encourage empathy and kindness in their interactions with peers.
We believe that by working together as a school community, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for our primary students to thrive.
If you have any questions, would like additional resources on safeguarding, or to report a concern, please do not hesitate to contact our designated safeguarding team.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the well-being of our students.
Best wishes,
Mrs Whymark
In today's digital world, it's essential for parents to understand that online groomers are experts at concealing their true identities. Many young people have online friends they barely know, often less than half of them in chat rooms or on social media. This highlights the importance of talking to our children about the potential dangers they might encounter online. Predators are increasingly using the internet to target children, so we must be proactive. Engage in open conversations with your children about online safety and encourage them to come to you if something feels off. It's our responsibility to protect our children in this digital age.
Uzma Zaffar
Vice Principal – Compliance Safeguarding Staff
I saw this image this week, and it reminded me of how we view and interpret our educational progress.
We are all, whether we’d like to admit it or not, concerned if we haven’t grasped that ‘thing’; that ‘idea’; that ‘concept’ or that ‘skill’ straight away. It often ends up with low self-esteem and, most severely, a misnomer that we are not getting better and somehow become stuck in progress paralysis.
I hope the image below highlights the sometimes invisible nature of progress happening over time. Constant and habitual steps forward in the right direction may not be noticeable there in the moment; the routine mixed with diligence and a desire to persevere will almost always lead to success.
Isn’t this a stark reminder also that it is the person who endures challenge and hardship that often fails to see the tiny improvements. Paradoxically, it is people around us who see clearly how close we are becoming to actualising the gifts we possess.
Be reassured if you cannot see progress in what you are working hard on/for; someone in our community does! Keep going.
Best wishes,
Mr Scafe
We are thrilled to share the exceptional results from the recent QCPC competition held over the weekend. Standing tall among their peers, Team SD Card, comprised of Demir Khan and Suhail Abbas from Year 13, clinched the coveted 1st prize! Their achievement is all the more noteworthy given the rigour of the event, with competitors from 30 different secondary schools participating.
What made this competition unique was the level playing field established for both university and secondary school students. While both groups faced the same challenging problems, secondary school participants were assessed under a tailored grading criteria. Our champions, Demir and Suhail, brought home the honour and some fantastic prizes, including iPads!
It wasn't just Team SD Card that shone, though. Two other Doha College teams made an impressive mark by securing spots within the top 10. Organised by the ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest), this global contest witness's student participation from diverse regions. Demir and Suhail are aiming to make the grand finals in November, which will take place in the picturesque Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Should you come across these brilliant students, don't hesitate to inquire about their exhilarating experience and shower them with well-deserved congratulations!
In an impressive display of talent and sportsmanship, the U19 boys' volleyball team emerged victorious in the recent QUESS (Qatar United English Speaking Schools) tournament. Their journey to victory was outstanding, going undefeated in the group stages and securing thrilling wins in the knockout rounds.
Facing a tough challenge in the semi-final against SEK, the team showcased remarkable skill and determination to secure a hard-fought victory. This set the stage for an exhilarating final match against Park House, where they once again rose to the occasion and claimed the championship.
What made this team truly special was their embodiment of Doha College's core values: Respect, Integrity, Diligence, and Perseverance. They not only excelled on the court but also represented their school with grace and respect for their opponents throughout the tournament.
Talent Identification at Doha College
Sports plays a huge part in the educational success and well-being of each student at Doha College. The Physical Education Department has introduced talent identification at Doha College this year. The selection process involves a rigorous approach to highlighting sporting talent and ensuring that students exemplify the Doha College values of diligence, respect, perseverance and integrity.
The Physical Education Department uses the games programme, KS3 Physical Education lessons and CCA's to make a professional assessment of the skill, physical ability, and overall potential of students wishing to participate. We held our first non-compulsory Talent ID morning on Saturday, 23 September 2023.
Our Talent ID programme will develop the physical literacy of all our students.
BSME Football Tournament
Doha College will host the U13 and U15 boys' and girls' football tournaments in November 2023. This is a significant milestone in Qatar schools' history as Doha College is the first school to host a BSME Football event in the region.
Martin Eldridge
Director of Sport
During the upcoming October half-term break, the award-winning Evolution Sports, named 'Best Multi-Sport Coaching Organisation' for 2023 in Qatar, will offer opportunities for young people to keep active and still participate in sports through the ever-popular #IAMEVO Multi-Sports Holiday Camp.
Fun and enjoyment are the key focuses of the camps, and whether a child has been before or is starting for the first time, they will be made to feel welcome as part of the Evo family. The fun doesn't stop once the camp day is finished, as the Evo team also sets daily challenges for the children to complete at home.
Key Information
Dates: Sunday 22 October - Thursday 26 October
Programme: Multi-Sports Camp
Venue: Doha College (Al Wajba)
Time: 8 am until 1 pm
Ages: 4 - 11 years old ONLY
Price: QR 750 per week
Special Discounts: 20% off for teachers, school staff and employees of the Supreme Committee, Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Qatar Football Association (QFA)
If you want to know more about our holiday camps, please contact our friendly Customer Support team via theevofoundation@evosportsqatar.com or call 4407 6772.
This term, we're delighted to continue our partnership with Role Models UK, which will offer their award-winning life skills courses at Doha College.
The skills in focus this term will be, Leadership and Creative Problem Solving.
An early bird, 10% discount will run until midnight on Monday, 2 October, exclusively for DC families. Enter code ‘AUTUMNDC’ at checkout to redeem.
Autumn 2023 Course Schedule:
Venue: Doha College
Date: 22 – 26 October 2023
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Price: 2,142 QAR (sibling discount applied automatically at checkout)
5 - 7 year-olds: Brilliant Me & My Feelings – click here to read more and book
8 – 10 year-olds: Leadership Course – click here to read more and book
11 - 13 year-olds: Leadership Course - click here to read more and book
As a school, we are always looking at ways to improve our services and your overall experience at Doha College. Please complete this short survey to help us improve the traffic and transport in around the College.
We would like to thank the Doha College community for their incredible generosity and support. The crises in Morocco and Libya have touched many, and your collective contributions will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. Your empathy and willingness to assist in such trying times is a testament to our community's compassionate and united spirit. Thank you for stepping up and making a positive impact.
Please take a look at a selection of photographs below.
Dear Parents,
We are delighted to share with you the details of our curriculum Google site. You can use this site to find information on the programmes of study your child will undertake.
For Primary parents, these will be organised into the children’s year groups. In these sections, you will find a short overview for the year as well as detailed information on what is being taught for the term.
For Secondary parents, the site will contain information about each of the departments that your child will work with. Each department has detailed information about what is delivered at each stage of the school. Secondary parents are also able to access a Pastoral section containing the details of the key staff members who work with your children.
Important: You must have a Google account to access the Google site. Please see step-by-step instructions here.
As discussed in our start-of-the-year parent meetings, we are highly committed to working together with parents to ensure our children are supported and challenged to reach their potential. We look forward to a successful year ahead!
Best wishes,
Mr Corke and Mr Watson