13th June 2024

It is hard to believe that we have already come to the end of this academic year. My first year at Doha College has been filled with a large number of highlights, from the outstanding academic results at the beginning of the year to the plethora of student achievements, prizes and awards; and from the outstanding BSO inspection report to being named as one of the 100 best private schools in the world in the Spear’s School Index. I have also really enjoyed the number of community events that have been laid on by the Friends of Doha College. Whilst the pandemic now seems like a distant memory it feels strange to reflect on this being the first full academic year without any pandemic-related restrictions since the early cases emerged way back in 2019.

I would like to take this opportunity to all those members of our community who have extended the hand of friendship and helped me to settle into the College and Doha. I would also like to thank all those parents who have volunteered for events this year and would encourage as many of you as possible to consider doing so in the future. I would finally like to thank all of the wonderful teachers and support staff at the College who have kept our fantastic students learning, trying new things and excelling throughout the academic year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our Muslim families a blessed Eid al-Adha at this very special time.

Have a wonderful summer everyone and I look forward to seeing you in September.

David Tongue

Principal

KEY COMMUNICATION

TRANSITION TO GOOGLE WORKSPACE - EFFECTIVE AUGUST 20TH

Doha College will transitioning to Google Workspace as of Tuesday 20th August, you will find more details here, including what you can do to help ensure a smooth transition for your child.

Transition to Google Workplace

MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM CCA LEAD, ONDREA MCSWIGGAN

As we bid farewell to another successful year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our teachers, coaches, and outside providers who have guided and supported our students throughout their co curricular journeys. Their unwavering commitment and expertise have played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents and passions of our students.

To our students, we applaud your hard work, perseverance, and enthusiasm. The skills and experiences you have gained through these co curricular activities will undoubtedly shape your personal growth and future endeavours.

Let us celebrate the achievements of this year and look forward to the exciting opportunities that await in the upcoming school year. Congratulations to all on a truly remarkable and enriching experience!

Term 1 CCAs will go live on SchoolsBuddy at 7pm on Tuesday 3rd September. CCAs will commence Sunday 8th September (Week 2).

UNIFORM UPDATE FOLLOWING MOEHE CIRCULAR NUMBER 10, 2024

We appreciate your patience as we have worked through the MoEHE Circular that relates to uniform as mentioned by the Principal in last week’s Newsletter. Please find here more detail for the start of the new academic year on 1st September 2024. Should you have any questions please raise them to frontofficecommunication@dohacollege.com in the first instance.

Uniform changes following Circular 10

PRIMARY NEWS

A FINAL FAREWELL FROM RUTH WHYMARK

As the school year draws to a close, we reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken together. This year has been filled with growth, achievements, and memorable moments. We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and the supportive community that makes our school such a special place.

Our annual 'Move Up Day' was a tremendous success, providing students with a glimpse of what to expect in their new classes and year groups next year. It was wonderful to see the excitement and eagerness as students met their new teachers and classmates, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.

Congratulations to our Year 6 students on their graduation! This milestone marks the end of their primary school journey and the beginning of new adventures in secondary school. The graduation ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of their hard work, resilience, and accomplishments. There was not a dry eye in the auditorium when the children performed and sang ‘when I grow up’! We are confident they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Congratulations also go to our Year 6 recipients of the ‘Moving on up’ Award in our final 'Moving on Up' award assemblies, beautifully organised and aided by Mrs. Sposi. These assemblies recognised students who have shown exceptional growth and dedication through completing this special Year 6 enrichment programme and challenge throughout the year. A huge thank you goes to Mrs. Sposi’s efforts in coordinating this award throughout the year and this assembly.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. To our parents and guardians, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement and encouragement play a vital role in our students' success.

As we look forward to the next school year, we wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back with renewed energy and enthusiasm in Term 1.

I will say my final farewell to you all and wish Mr Watson (as the new Senior Vice Principal and Head of Primary) and the Primary team all the best for the upcoming academic year - I know that the school will continue to reflect Doha College’s motto ‘Excellence for all, excellence from all’.

Doha College will always have a special place in my heart.

Ruth Whymark
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Primary

TERM 3 PRIMARY CCA SUCCESSES

As the school year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the incredible CCAs that our students have participated in over the past term. Within our 3 S’s framework, sports, skill and service, our young learners have truly shined, showcasing their talents, dedication, and passion.

Sports

Our sporting CCAs have been a source of immense pride this term. This term, for the first time ever, we launched a lacrosse club that quickly gained popularity, especially among girls. The CCAs success was so resounding that plans are underway to expand activities next year. The girls' enthusiasm has been the driving force, and we're thrilled to continue nurturing this newfound passion for the fast-paced sport. Our swim squads dedication to intra-school sport shone brightly, with selected KS2 children representing Doha College at QPPSSA tournaments in Qatar and a team of 32 Year 6 athletes venturing to Abu Dhabi for the U11 BSME Games. It’s been a year of triumphs and unforgettable experiences on the national and international stage!

Skills

The introduction of Urdu as a CCA at Doha College has been met with resounding enthusiasm and success. Since its inception just this term, the Urdu program has witnessed a steady increase in student enrolment, reflecting the growing interest in this rich language and its cultural heritage. The interactive and engaging lessons, led by Mrs Dalvi, have captivated students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a vibrant learning environment. Pupils have not only developed a love of the language but have also gained a deeper appreciation for the literary traditions and cultural nuances associated with the language. The CCA has provided a platform for students to explore their linguistic abilities, broaden their horizons, and cultivate cross-cultural understanding.

Service

Giving back to the community has been a core value instilled in our CCA programme. The Eco Committee at Doha College has been actively serving the school community and beyond through various environmental stewardship initiatives this year. Their efforts began with campus-wide litter collections, transforming meeting times into opportunities to beautify the surroundings through service. Extending their reach, the committee engaged Primary students in reviving the Secondary Eco Garden on Plant a Flower Day, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility from a young age. In addition, they demonstrated their commitment to animal welfare by dressing up for World Animal Day and raising funds for animal rescue initiatives, providing service to the broader cause of animal protection. On a larger scale, the committee contributed to a monumental painting project at Expo Doha, spreading awareness about environmental conservation through their service.

As we come to the end of another academic year, I would like to thank our teachers and outside providers for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. You have all played a crucial role in cultivating students' abilities, sparking their interests, and mentoring their co curricular endeavors.

Ondrea McSwiggan

Head of MFL & PSHCE & CCA Strategic Lead

SECONDARY NEWS

As we reach the end of another incredible school year at Doha College, I am filled with immense pride and joy reflecting on the wonderful spirit and atmosphere we have created and nurtured together. Our community has truly thrived, creating a space where every student, teacher, and staff member can be their authentic selves and achieve their fullest potential.

A Year of Achievements and Growth

Throughout the year, we have witnessed remarkable achievements across academic, artistic, and athletic domains. Our students have demonstrated outstanding dedication and perseverance, achieving high standards in their studies and excelling in various competitions and events. The vibrant school life at Doha College is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire community.

Fostering a Positive Environment

One of the greatest accomplishments this year has been the creation of a nurturing environment that supports and encourages everyone to thrive. The collaboration between students, staff, and parents has been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and respect. It is this inclusive spirit that makes Doha College such a special place, where everyone feels valued and empowered to be their true selves.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff whose passion and commitment have been unending. Their efforts have ensured that every student receives a well-rounded and enriching education. I also want to express my sincere thanks to our wonderful parents and guardians for their continuous support and partnership. Your involvement and encouragement have been crucial to our collective success and have significantly contributed to the thriving environment at Doha College.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to embark on a well-deserved summer break, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. Take this time to relax, recharge, and create wonderful memories with your loved ones. I am eagerly looking forward to welcoming everyone back in September, ready to embark on another year of learning, growth, and success.

Have a fantastic summer!

Jerome Scafe
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

TERM 3 SECONDARY CCA SUCCESSES

As we reflect on our secondary CCAs over this past academic year, I’d like to highlight some wonderful opportunities of excellence beyond the classroom.

Our students have been able to take part in DCMUN conferences, a medical conference, Formula 1 (including meeting the iconic David Beckham), DofE have led a trip to Oman and will take another group of students next week to England for their final expedition. We’ve had Asian cooking classes, baking, coding, a new financial literacy workshop, water polo, debating, an art CCA painting a library mural, science Bronze Crest Award, wellbeing club, Spanish club, anatomy club, jiu jitsu, Pilates, intermediate chess, crochet club, Formula 1 maths in motion, scientific debate, choir, orchestra, majlis, history club, video gaming, downtown Doha, the pass project, netball, volleyball, basketball, and a plethora of phenomenal sporting squad achievements at various international competitions, amongst many other co curricular activities.

The achievements of our students beyond the classroom has highlighted their diligence, excellence, resilience, determination and patience in learning new skills and giving back to the wider community. A special thank you to our teachers, who have led these CCAs with great passion and dedication.

I’d like to highlight an amazing service CCA, Downtown Doha, which was led by Mr Mangera and Mr Ali. Please see a short blurb below:

We are writing to share some wonderful news and to express how immensely proud we are of our Year 10 CCA students, who have participated in our recent charity co curricular activity, in partnership with the local charity "Feed a Friend." https://www.feedafriend.org/

Throughout this initiative, our students have demonstrated remarkable passion and enthusiasm, dedicating their time and energy week after week. They have worked diligently to manage and organise over 50 care packs that will be distributed to families and individuals in Qatar who are currently facing difficult times. Their commitment and compassion have truly shone through, and their efforts will have a meaningful impact on our community.

As parents, you should be incredibly proud of your children's hard work and dedication. The lessons they have learned from this experience are invaluable. They have discovered the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others, and we hope these experiences will stay with them and inspire them throughout their lives.

This initiative was not just about providing aid to those in need, but also about instilling a sense of empathy, responsibility, and community spirit in our students. We hope you join us in celebrating their achievements and encouraging them to continue making a positive difference in the world.

Thank you for your support in nurturing such wonderful young people. We are confident that the values they have embraced through their co-curricular endeavours, will allow them to continue to grow and flourish as wonderful young people in the wider world.

Vanessa Burns

Geography Teacher & CCA Secondary Lead

YONDR POUCH IMPLEMENTATION - PARENTAL ACTION REQUIRED

Following our previous communication and in our commitment to providing a safe and distraction-free learning experience, we are pleased to confirm that Doha College Secondary School will implement Yondr pouches starting September 2024.

Yondr pouches are specially designed cases that securely lock mobile phones and small smart devices such as watches during school hours, ensuring students remain focused on their studies. Students will place their phones and/or smart devices in the pouches at the start of the school day, and the pouches will remain locked until the end of the day. This initiative helps eliminate distractions and enhances the learning environment.

To ensure a smooth transition, we will have a three-week countdown at the beginning of the new academic year to help students and staff adjust to the new system.

For any urgent or emergency communication during school hours, please call the Front Office. Our team will promptly relay messages to your child as needed.

The Yondr pouch will cost 117 QAR and can be paid for via SchoolsBuddy (under Outstanding Fees). If your child will not be bringing a mobile phone to school and therefore does not require a Yondr pouch, please complete the following form. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter to ensure all students have their pouches ready for the start of the school year.

Finally, we have linked some FAQs regarding Yondr implementation HERE. These questions are based on our consultation with parents, students, and Yondr themselves.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to create an optimal learning and, above all a safe environment for our students.

PARENT REMINDERS

SHARE YOUR SUMMER ADVERTURES!

With a long summer ahead, we would love for you to share your summer travels and experiences with us!

At Doha College, our summer tradition encourages you to capture and share your holiday moments using our Doha College postcards. As an eco-conscious school, we invite you to download our digital DC postcard here, display it on your device of choice, and share your images with us.

Email your special moments to marketingrequests@dohacollege.com with the subject - My Summer Adventure and include your location, who you are with and your activity.

We look forward to seeing and sharing your experiences with the DC community!

Have a great summer!

The Doha College Marketing Team

UNIVERSITY FEE STATUS WEBINAR

UK Study Options will conduct a webinar for all UK and Irish expat parents to translate the jargon and dispel the myths around fee status. Presenter, Sam Goodwin, will offer tips and advice on how you can avoid losing your Home fee status eligibility.

Webinar: Understanding UK University Fee Status (for UK and Irish expat parents)

Date: Wednesday, 19th June 2024

Time: 2.00 pm UK time; 4.00 pm Doha

As an introduction of who we are and our fee status service please see our short video.

Our Fee Status Starter Pack is a useful resource:

Fee Status Starter Pack

Learn the basics of Fee Status with these blogs:

Find out more:

See where you can meet us at our upcoming events
Fee Status form – Are you eligible for home fees at a UK university? By completing our online form you can get a free review of your fee status case.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

AUTUMN TERM FEES

Due Date: 29th, August 2024

Looking ahead, the fee for the Autumn term is due by the 29th of August. Planning for this will ensure a comfortable start to the year for your child. We understand how quickly time flies and wanted to ensure this date is on your radar. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out.

We’re here to help!

Elanie Fest

Director of Finance

SAFEGUARDING

As we approach the end of another year at Doha College, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership in ensuring the safety of our students.

At Doha College, student safety remains our top priority, and we are dedicated to fostering a strong safeguarding culture. All of us need to embrace the belief that "it could happen here," highlighting our collective responsibility to protect every member of our community.

With the summer break approaching, we want to reassure you that our commitment to safeguarding remains steadfast, even during the holiday period. If you have any concerns regarding the safety and welfare of any Doha College student and require emergency support, please contact us at safeguarding@dohacollege.com. This email address will be actively monitored throughout the holidays.

Please use this contact information solely for urgent safeguarding issues requiring immediate attention. Your cooperation ensures that our resources are focused on promptly and efficiently addressing critical concerns.

Thank you for your continued support.

For an emergency safeguarding concern while in Qatar please see below:

Childline UK - 0800 1111,

Childline Europe - 116 111,

Childline USA - 1 800 932 0313,

Childline Australia - 1000 55 1800.

Uzma Zaffar

Vice Principal - Quality Assurance & Executive Designated Safeguarding Lead

SUMMER READING - REFLECT ON GREAT YEAR AT DOHA COLLEGE

We are excited to announce that after a one-year hiatus, the DC yearbook for both Primary and Secondary is back!

For those of you travelling, squeezing the hardback booklet into your case might not be practical, but fear not—we have made the digital version available for you to view and digest all summer long.

Primary Yearbook – [View here]
Secondary Yearbook – [View here]

Enjoy browsing through the wonderful memories and achievements of the past year!

Page updated

Report abuse

NEWSLETTER