17th October 2024

This message has come before the Principal’s Pen this week in the Newsletter exceptionally - and will remain in for next week also - to highlight the importance of the message. Please do read it carefully.

Many of you will be aware that there was an incident off campus as a result of a vehicle impact on the petrol forecourt this Monday. It would not be appropriate to go into specifics as this was off campus and after school but the parents are happy for us to say the (Year 11) pupil has a broken bone, is recovering, and it could have been much worse.

We are incredibly grateful for the considerate actions from so many that access campus or drive very close to it for drop-offs and collections. That said, we need to maintain this consideration and work to universal adherence.

Whenever on campus:

Driving must be safe (slow, aware, without distractions, and with consideration for potential hazards) and movement around cars safe (so enabling appropriate space, and walking only where there is good visibility).
Seatbelts must be worn on campus by all occupants at all times unless the vehicle is stationary. This is a requirement and not merely a polite request.
Care is to be taken by all those in vehicles and on foot; headphones/earbuds are not to be worn and individuals must not be distracted by phones if anywhere within the vicinity of vehicles.
When driving, you must not be on your phone.

Off campus:

We will continue to do what we can to add to the safety of the community despite it being out of our direct control.
Please drive as carefully and considerately as possible, giving all members of the community kindness in interpretation for their actions and not reacting to any behaviour from another community member or indeed any other driver you think is not respectful.
Please remind your child(ren) to be road safe and risk aware at all times. We would strongly encourage you to ask them to not wear headphones/earbuds when anywhere near vehicles and also to never be on or distracted by phones when near vehicles also.

The above actions will keep the risks to the community as low as possible and we are incredibly grateful for your support. Security can always be contacted in the event of an emergency or immediate concern (24/7) on 5586 7856.

Doha College Recognised in Carfax Education’s 2024 Global Private Schools Index

We are thrilled to announce that Doha College has once again been recognised as one of the world’s top private schools in the prestigious Carfax Education Global Private Schools Index for 2024. This is a remarkable achievement for our school and the entire Doha College community, as we are the only private school from Qatar to earn this distinction.

Doha College has proudly secured a place among the top 15 schools in the Middle East, reaffirming our commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.

The Carfax Education Schools Index is an internationally respected ranking of private schools, highlighting the best 150 institutions worldwide. Schools are selected based on academic performance, university preparation, unique ethos, reputation, and their ability to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Carfax Education provides invaluable insights to parents, offering a comprehensive look into schools across regions such as the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and more.

Principal David Tongue shared his pride in this incredible achievement:

"I am delighted that Doha College has once again been judged to be Qatar's number one school and one of the 150 leading private schools in the world in the Carfax Index. It is particularly rewarding to see the recognition of our outstanding academic standards, our innovation, and our unique holistic education that provides pupils with a safe, kind, and supportive environment, as well as the widest possible range of opportunities to ensure that they become the very best version of themselves. I would like to thank and honour every member of our outstanding team— all of whom work tirelessly to deliver an exceptional world-class education for our pupils."

This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our teachers, students, and the broader Doha College family. We remain committed to nurturing the talents and ambitions of every student, ensuring they thrive in an environment where they can achieve their full potential.

KEY COMMUNICATION

Cold Weather Timings

Please note that we will be following the cold weather timings starting from Sunday, 4th November.

CCA Updates - Block B Allocations

Block B Scheduling Reset

Block B allocations will be sent via email at 3.00 pm today. Join requests will open tonight at 7.00 pm and will remain open for Primary until Thursday, 24th October. Join requests for Secondary will close on Thursday, 7th November. Please refer to the letter shared last week, included below, for more information.

Ondrea McSwiggan

Director of Co-Curricular Activities

CCA Letter

Leaving Notification Reminder

We would like to remind you that if your child/children will not be returning to Doha College for the Spring term in January 2025, it is essential to notify the Admissions office in writing. Please send your notice to admissions@dohacollege.com by or before Thursday, 24th October 2024.

Elanie Fest
Director of Finance

PRIMARY NEWS

This week, I have been learning about a recent piece of educational research conducted by the University of Sussex.

The ‘Just Read’ study has highlighted just how impactful regular reading can be for children. The study found that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, improve focus, and boost overall well-being. Additionally, students who read regularly not only develop stronger literacy skills but also show improvements in empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. With this in mind, I would like to reinforce the importance of daily reading, encouraging all students to make time each day to dive into a good book (please see ELO documents for time guidance).

Along with encouraging students (age and stage dependent) to read independently, the study revealed another significant finding. When adults read aloud to children stories that are just beyond their independent reading level, it can accelerate their reading progress. Remarkably, the study showed that a group of Year 8 students made sixteen months of progress in just a twelve-week period. Despite our busy schedules, please try to find some time to encourage your children to read and to read aloud to them."

In addition, I’m excited to invite you to our Growth Mindset Parent Workshop, taking place on Monday, 21st October at 1.00 pm in the Auditorium. This workshop will offer valuable insights on how we can nurture resilience, persistence, and a love for learning in our children. Understanding the power of a growth mindset is crucial, as it encourages students to embrace challenges, learn from feedback, and persevere when faced with difficulties. We look forward to seeing many of you there for what promises to be an informative session, with opportunities for discussion.

Finally, we are gearing up for our annual Student Leadership Investiture this Sunday. This is a special occasion where we formally recognise our newly appointed Year 6 student leaders. These students will take on various roles across the school, from our Head Boy and Girl to Eco Prefects, and they will have a vital part in shaping our school community. I’m confident they will lead with integrity, kindness, and a sense of responsibility. Parents of the newly elected student leaders have been invited to join us for the event.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.

Derek Watson

Senior Vice Principal - Head of Primary

Primary Parent Workshop

MFL Language Day Poster Winners

We are delighted to unveil the talented winners of our KS2 Language Day Poster Competition, where students creatively explored the theme "How Learning Languages Opens Doors" .

The entries showcased a remarkable blend of artistic skill and insightful perspectives on the power of multilingualism.

Congratulations to our winners:

1st Place: Ibrahim Mohammad

2nd Place: Anne - Sophie Emily Potter

3rd Place: Sashrik de Zoysa

Thank you to all our participants for their inspiring contributions. All our entries beautifully captured the essence of how language learning truly opens doors to a more connected and opportunity-rich world.

To learn more about our incredible student achievements, visit our Student Success page: https://www.dohacollege.com/campus/student-success

SECONDARY NEWS

I am delighted to share the tremendous success of our recent secondary school production of Our Town. It has been a joy to witness the creative energy, dedication, and talent that our students poured into this classic play. From the heartfelt performances on stage to the incredible work done behind the scenes, every aspect of the production showcased the brilliance of our young performers and the commitment of our staff who supported them along the way.

The arts play a crucial role in fostering the personal growth of our students, and this production exemplified the power of embracing creativity. Through the process, our students have not only explored their artistic interests but also developed valuable skills that will benefit them for life. The confidence gained by performing on stage and the collaborative spirit nurtured through teamwork are qualities that extend far beyond the theatre. Our students have learned to communicate effectively, manage their time, and problem-solve under pressure—skills essential for success both in and out of the classroom.

Moreover, it has been inspiring to see how Our Town brought our school community together. The story's themes of life, love, and the passage of time resonated deeply with audiences, and our students delivered those messages with authenticity and passion. I am immensely proud of each and every one of them for the courage and dedication they displayed, and for taking on the challenge of making this production such a memorable event.

Jerome Scafe

Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Celebrating Student Success!

We are proud to highlight more student achievements in Doha College Secondary!

Varna, from Year 8, recently showcased her incredible talent in the international art exhibition by Creative Kids. Gautam excelled in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad, organised by the UK Maths Trust, receiving a Certificate of Distinction. Jianne was awarded the International Maths Challenge Champion title for scoring above 95%.

Congratulations to Varna, Gautam and Jianne for their outstanding accomplishments!

To learn more about our incredible student achievements, visit our Student Success page: https://www.dohacollege.com/campus/student-success

Uniform Reminder

As we approach half-term, it's the perfect time to review and update your child’s uniform, especially as many of our students have experienced growth spurts over the term. We kindly remind parents to ensure all students are wearing the correct uniform, in line with our school policy.

We ask that particular attention be given to girls' skirt lengths, which should be below the knee. Please note that skorts are not permitted in the Secondary school. Only DC-branded items are to be worn as part of the uniform.

In terms of jewellery, we maintain a minimal approach. Girls may wear studs, and students are allowed a watch and one friendship bracelet. We appreciate your continued support in helping our students represent our school with pride and in full compliance with our uniform expectations.

Sarah Kiernan-Webb

Secondary Deputy Head - Pastoral

What Parents Need To Know About Revision Webinar

Thank you to the parents who joined Mr Corke and Mr Acton on Sunday for a webinar about effective revision strategies.

Whilst the webinar was tailored specifically for those in Year 11, the ideas discussed are relevant for all year groups. You can view a recording of the webinar at this link. We hope that you find it useful.

Matthew Corke

Secondary Deputy Head - Academic

DONATIONS FOR THE DC DOWNTOWN DOHA COMMUNITY SERVICE CCA

Join in our Downtown Doha Community Service CCA and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need within the Doha community. We are looking for dry, tinned and long life food items, in addition to educational supplies for 1-10 year olds. Students can bring donations to their form classes each morning.

Here is a short video our Downtown Doha CCA students have made which highlights what they hope to achieve.

Thank you in advance for your kind donations.

Ibrahim Mangera

Head of Chemistry

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Doha College Battle of the Bands

We are excited to announce that the Doha College Battle of the Bands will take place in our Auditorium on Wednesday, 23rd October, from 2.15 pm until 3.30 pm. This year’s competition will showcase eight finalists, each vying for the prestigious title! We are also pleased to share that the winners will represent Doha College at the COBIS Music Festival in February 2025.

We warmly invite the families of our finalists and kindly request that you arrive by 1.30 pm to ensure seating and to enjoy refreshments before the event. The doors will open for students at 1.55 pm. Entry to the event is 10 QAR per person, payable at the door.

William Morrow
Director of Music

Cool Down with Our FDC Ice Lolly Sale!

FDC invite students and parents to celebrate the end of the half term with an ice lolly sale!

Join us on Thursday, 24th October, for a delightful array of ice lollies! Whether you’re in the mood for a healthy fruity treat or a classic indulgence, there’s an ice lolly for everyone.

Price: QAR 5 - 10 (please bring the correct change!)
Secondary Timings: 9.20 pm, 11.50 pm, and 1.55 pm
Primary Timings: 1.55 pm

Don’t miss out on this refreshing event!

Upcoming Cafes at School: A New Space to Enjoy

EVO 2.0 & DRIBBLE, SHOOT, SCORE WITH EVO!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Evo 2.0, our exciting new brand refresh, and a bold step forward for Evo Sports!

You may have seen some teasers across our social media channels, and on Thursday, 17th October, it's time to officially unveil a fresh look and renewed spirit that reflects the amazing community we have built together!

EVO BASKETBALL

Evo Basketball is perfect for beginners and intermediate players aged 8 and up. We focus on key skills like passing, shooting, defence, and teamwork, with sessions twice a week and access to our exciting Games Programme. Our coaching helps players improve both on and off the court.

How to Sign Up:

To take advantage of this free assessment, please click here to sign up. Enter the Code EVOBBALL2024. Our friendly customer support team will contact you to confirm the trial times that best suit your schedule.

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