24th October 2024

Below is a repeat of last week’s update, but first, a brief update:

Ashgal have confirmed our compliance with Traffic Safety Standards but have stated they will coordinate elevated pedestrian speed crossing tables. I continue to engage with them to request a visit during drop-off or pick-up so they can witness arrangements as they happen. Please remember that VG6 is an option for all parents to use for drop-off if you do not wish to use the bus or the land outside and do not have a pass for VG4.

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.

It is hard to believe that we have already come to the end of the first half-term of the academic year. Over the past couple of weeks our performing arts departments are coming to the fore with our Senior Drama Production (Our Town) last week and our Battle of the Bands this week.

There are a huge number of advantages for young people taking part in the performing arts and events such as these. These include:

Building a young person’s confidence as they learn to express themselves in front of an audience and overcome stage fright and nerves;
Enhancing communication skills as young people develop skills that enable them to articulate their ideas clearly and actively listen to others;
Allowing young people to express themselves creatively;
Developing teamwork, collaboration, empathy and understanding;
Developing problem solving skills, discipline and time management;
Developing cultural awareness;
Developing their public speaking skills and improving their memory.

Congratulations to all those involved in organising these events and thank you to all our drama and music teachers for helping our students develop these vital skills.

Have a wonderful half-term.

David Tongue

Principal

KEY COMMUNICATION

Half-term School Timings

A Message from the Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Block A Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) have come to a triumphant close, marking an unprecedented level of engagement across both Primary and Secondary schools. With an impressive 204 CCAs taking place, we've achieved our highest number of student participation to date, truly embodying our mission of "Excellence beyond the classroom."

This remarkable turnout underscores the vital role CCAs play as the third pillar of our holistic approach to education. Through these diverse activities, our students have had the opportunity to discover new passions, develop essential life skills, and foster meaningful relationships with peers who share their interests. From enhancing time management abilities to boosting self-esteem, CCAs contribute significantly to our students' personal growth and character development. We are delighted to see our students embracing these opportunities to expand their horizons and improve their social skills. These experiences not only complement their academic pursuits but also prepare them for future challenges by cultivating leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Thank you to all our parents for your unwavering support and dedication in encouraging our children to engage with CCAs. Your feedback and commitment have been instrumental in the success of our programme.

Please see below for more details about Block B CCAs:

Join requests for Primary have now closed.
Join requests for Secondary will remain open until Thursday, 7th November.
There are still spaces available in some of our Outside Provider paid CCAs, including German, Ju Jitsu, and Prodigy. These CCAs will remain open and can be booked through SchoolsBuddy.

On behalf of the whole CCA team, I would like to wish all our families a restful Half Term holiday. We look forward to continuing this journey when Block B CCAs commence on Sunday, 3rd November.

Ondrea McSwiggan

Director of Co-Curricular Activities

Celebrating Black History Month: Honouring Our Past and Inspiring Our Future

As part of Black History Month, students at Doha College had the opportunity to engage in various activities to deepen their understanding of Black heritage.

They participated in an African Djembe drumming workshop led by Patrick Dilley, @drumming_qatar, where the energetic beats and chants filled the Secondary quad, providing an engaging introduction to traditional African instruments. Our PE teacher, Latoya Smith, led a dynamic Afro-dance workshop, where students enthusiastically learned various dance moves, immersing themselves in vibrant rhythms.

Through Black History Month, Doha College cultivates a deeper understanding of Black culture and reaffirms its inclusivity, equality, and unity values. This annual observance allows students to reflect on their experiences, promoting a sense of belonging and respect within the school’s diverse community.

As we have celebrated Black History Month (BHM) throughout October, pupils in both Primary and Secondary have engaged in vital discussions about difference, Reclaiming Narratives and the ‘Danger of a Single Story’. We encourage you to continue these important conversations at home, to engage your family in meaningful dialogue about unconscious bias and racism in addition to the contributions and experiences of Black individuals throughout history. Together, let’s explore these rich narratives and foster a deeper understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Below are some resources to support you in using appropriate vocabulary and discussing sensitive or potentially triggering issues, such as racism.

Miss Hesketh and Miss Rattray

Whole College DEI Coordinator and Deputy

Black History Month Resources

Celebrating International Day at Doha College

In May this year, DC Primary celebrated World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, sharing and learning about many of our rich and diverse identities that make up the DC community. We had many parent volunteers who danced, sung, led art workshops or created stalls to educate our pupils about their heritage.

Following feedback from our previous event, we will be hosting a whole-college International Day on Sunday, 15th December 2024, during the winter term. The timing has been chosen to take advantage of the pleasant weather, allowing us to utilise the outdoor spaces. Additionally, by aligning with the timetables and examination schedules, we will ensure that every year group, from FS1 to 6th Form, can participate.

"The concept is to share information with pupils about the many countries, cultures, languages, and heritages from around the world that make up the DC community. Our aim is to celebrate the rich diversity within our school and promote conversation and sustainable development.

Pupils will be invited to wear their traditional dress or national colours and then embark on a 'World Tour' within the campus. We plan to present information about countries and global cultures through 'stalls'—areas or tables where pupils can explore, participate in workshops, engage in activities, and listen to talks.

We need your help!

If you would be willing to support in preparing, sharing resources , leading a workshop, creating a stall or otherwise volunteering during this day, please complete the following survey. The survey will close on Tuesday, 5th November.

International Day Survey

We are excited about this event and look forward to celebrating the incredible diversity within our school community together.

Miss Hesketh and Miss Rattray

Whole College DEI Coordinator and Deputy

PRIMARY NEWS

This week marked a proud moment for Doha College as we held our Primary School Student Leader Investiture, welcoming a new cohort of inspiring young leaders. The ceremony was a reminder of the important role that leadership plays in our school, and the impact that young leaders can have on the school and the wider community.

To illustrate this, we used the story of Babar Ali, an incredible young leader from India who, at just nine years old, began teaching children in his village who couldn’t afford formal schooling. Babar’s selflessness and determination continue to inspire leaders worldwide, setting an example for our young student leaders, who now step into their roles with similar aspirations to make a difference. Students were amazed to learn that almost 800 children would regularly attend the Babar's lessons, who taught them after completing his own day at school!

During the ceremony, Mr. Tongue inspired the children by highlighting the essential qualities of a student leader and leaders in general. In particular, he highlighted the key skills of empathy, adaptability, and humility. He reminded us that leadership is not just about holding a title, but about truly understanding others, being flexible in the face of challenges, and leading with a humble heart. These words resonated with our newly appointed leaders, who have already shown they possess these vital traits. We must also thank Mr. Tongue for sharing his artistic side, as he surprised the children with a series of incredible drawings that captured the essence of leadership.

As we look forward to the year ahead, we are confident that our student leaders will carry the lessons of empathy, adaptability, and humility into their roles and serve as role models for the entire Doha College community.

As our school community continues to grow and develop, we are looking for parents who would be keen to support us in organising and helping with our Primary events. These events range from the Year 6 production to Foundation Stage picnics. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact your child’s AHT (Mrs Smith, Mr McDiarmid, or Mr Martindale). Foundation Stage parents may contact Ms Rattray or Mr Holland.

Derek Watson

Senior Vice Principal - Head of Primary

Doha College Primary PE Students Achieve Gold at QPPSSA Indoor Athletics!

We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our Primary PE students, who secured a clean sweep at the recent QPPSSA indoor athletics events, taking home gold in every category.

Our Under 8, 9, 10, and 11 teams demonstrated exceptional talent across all events, from sprinting to jumping, marking an unforgettable moment of success for Doha College.

Year 3

Tommy Achu - 3B

Noah Perez - 3B

Khalid Sharizal - 3G

Zheyuan (joyRan) Su - 3G

Mohammed Djerbi - 3G

Aya Matni - 3G

Qianyi - Elsa Wang - 3P

Layla Abdel-Hadi - 3P

Amelia Matni - 3P

Szamoca Szuts - 3Y

Year 4

Maxwell Achu - 4O

Luca Borghetti - 4Y

Alexander Cann - 4B

Kingston Cunnigham - 4B

Phatnadol Intravichit - 4Y

Parveen Rehman - 4P

Sereni Joshi - 4Y

Serene Khan - 4O

Gabriella Wahhab - 4P

Lara Alencar Yamashiro - 4O

Year 5

Andrej Stojic - 5T

Ismail Akmal - 5T

Lucas El Hourany - 5P

Paul Williamson - 5P

Zhankozha Mektepkhan - 5P

Nehir Akbas - 5P

Alia Khalifa - 5T

Jena Elbermani - 5P

Emily Diaz-Morgan - 5T

Alice Kerr - 5G

Year 6

Elias Jan 6L

Zoubayr Boughorbel - 6T

Hadley Vaughan - 6G

Rony Sobh - 6B

Mateo Vazquez - 6L

Nil Sanci - 6Y

Talia Ali - 6L

Darinka Moreno Apostu - 6G

Dima Abdelmonem - 6T

Anna Hawramy - 6Y

However, it wasn’t just the victories that set our students apart. Their commitment to supporting one another, respect for their competitors, and genuine enjoyment of the competition exemplify the holistic education we provide at Doha College. We believe in developing well-rounded individuals, and this triumph is a testament to the values of teamwork, dedication, and personal growth that our students embody both inside and outside the classroom.

Congratulations to all the students for their remarkable accomplishments and for showcasing the spirit of Doha College through both their sporting excellence and their exemplary conduct.

Gary Froud

Director of Sport

World Science Day - Sunday 10th November

We are excited to announce that Doha College will be celebrating World Science Day on Sunday, 10th November 2024.

This special day is dedicated to exploring the incredible contributions of scientists to global health and wellbeing. As part of the celebration, we encourage all students to come dressed as their favourite scientists!

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of science, sparking curiosity and creativity while learning more about the various fields and achievements that shape our world.

We look forward to seeing the innovative and inspiring scientist costumes on the day!

World Science Day Competition

Calling All Scientists! Get ready to showcase your brilliant ideas in this year’s World Science Day Competition!

Submit your entries to your teacher by Sunday, 10th November, for a chance to win some awesome prizes!

Don’t miss out—check the slides below to find out more!

Muna Mohamed

Primary Class Teacher & Head of Science

Science competition information for EYFS (FS1 and FS2)

Science competition information for Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2)

Science competition information for Key Stage 2 (Year 3, 4 and 5)

SECONDARY NEWS

As we approach the October half-term, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable start to the academic year. After a long summer break, it has been a joy to see how brilliantly our students have settled back into school life.

From the very first day, the atmosphere in lessons has been scholarly, with students demonstrating a deep commitment to their learning and academic progress. This term has been filled with exciting events that have enriched our school community. We celebrated Languages Day with great enthusiasm, explored important themes during Black History Month, and witnessed the incredible talent of our students in the Our Town Drama production and the always-anticipated Battle of the Bands. Our assemblies have been thought-provoking, and we have been fortunate to host inspiring guest speakers who have broadened our students' horizons.

It has also been wonderful to see more and more parents visiting the school to meet with the leadership team. These conversations are invaluable as we work together to keep our child-centered approach to learning at the forefront of everything we do. Your partnership is key to our continued success, and we greatly appreciate your support. Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement for what the second half of the autumn term will bring. With such a strong foundation already in place, I have no doubt that it will be even better.

Enjoy the well-deserved half-term break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for more exciting challenges and achievements!

Jerome Scafe

Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Congratulations to our Battle of the Bands winners!

Battle of the Bands 2024 winners!

Experimental BBQ

A big round of applause for Experimental BBQ for their outstanding performance.

A huge well done to all the bands who took part and to the entire DC community for creating an electric atmosphere in the auditorium. We can’t wait to share the incredible student performances with you over the coming weeks!

Guardian Summaries and Google Classroom

To help you stay informed about your child’s progress, we’ve created a video explaining Guardian Summaries and Google Classroom communication. This video will guide you on how to receive updates and monitor assignments. We encourage all parents to watch it to stay connected with your child's learning. Please take a few minutes to view the video and stay engaged with their progress!

Teresa Menton

Head of KS4 English & Head of Digital Learning (Secondary)

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

COMMUNITY UPDATES

One tackle at a time, student success in Bahrain!

Celebrating Doha College students' successes at the Bahrain Rugby Tournament!

Our Doha College students, as part of the Doha Rugby Football Club (DRFC), recently competed in a rugby tournament held in Bahrain. They played against teams from across the Middle East, including the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC), Muscat Pirates, and others.

Tackling one match at a time, our students performed exceptionally well across the different age groups. Their outstanding display of skill, teamwork, and determination was reflected in their success at the tournament.

Tournament Results:

U8s: Second in a thrilling final.

U10A: Second in a golden point extra time final.

U10B: Valiant 5th place.

U12s: Winners with the last play of the game.

U14: Winners versus Valiant Barbarians.

U16: Winners, despite having a very small squad.

U18: Winners, a remarkable turnaround after losing a pool game.

Representing the U8s: Alexander J, Jonty F and Oliver K.

Representing the U10s: Harris W, Sarah B and Luke D.

Representing the U12s: Joshua K and James D.

Representing the U14s: Ryan K, Leonidas M, Alex C, Oli B and Sebastian J.

Representing the U16s: Caleb B.

Representing the U18s: Caleb B and Kostis K.

A huge congratulations to our brilliant rugby players!

These exquisite achievements reflect our continued commitment to a holistic education, encouraging students to excel and take opportunities beyond the classroom. Visit our Student Success page for more incredible achievements: https://www.dohacollege.com/campus/student-success

Flora is having a splashing time!

We are immensely proud of our student, Flora Tsiliynanni, who secured first place at the Hydra Short Course competition for the 200m backstroke and 100m backstroke!

Flora claimed victory in the 200m backstroke with an impressive time of 3:15, and finished the 100m backstroke in 1:28.

Her outstanding achievements continue to bring pride to both her school and community. Congratulations, Flora, on this fantastic accomplishment!

These exquisite achievements reflect our continued commitment to a holistic education, encouraging students to excel and take opportunities beyond the classroom.

Visit our Student Success page for more incredible achievements: https://www.dohacollege.com/campus/student-success

FDC is thrilled to introduce our amazing team!

Please meet our new FDC Team:

Dalia Lofty - Chair

Onuchi Mabel Opta - Vice Chair

Alina Trandafir - Marketing Officer

Bahargavi Govindarajulu - Treasurer

Visit our website https://www.dohacollege.com/community/friends-of-doha-college to learn more about the dedicated members working together to benefit the entire community. We are excited to elect our FDC team for the new academic year and can’t wait to see the great work they will do for the school this year. We also offer various opportunities for parents to volunteer and support school events throughout the year. To find out more or to get involved, be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Delicious Lollys are a hit!

Our Friends of Doha College (FDC) sweetened the last day before the half-term break with an ice lolly sale!

Throughout break time and after school, our students enjoyed a variety of ice lollies, from orange, mango, and strawberry to swirly lollies. It was the perfect way to cool off and bring everyone together before heading into the well-deserved break.

Thank you to Dandy for generously supplying the delicious lollies, and a heartfelt thank you to our FDC committee for helping make the day even more memorable!

Keep an eye on the FDC Facebook page to find out how much was raised.

EVO Holiday camps return, Sunday 27th October!

Evo multi-sports camp is back from Sunday, 27th October until Thursday, 31st October.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Campers will dive into an action-packed week filled with a variety of sports and activities. Each day offers a new adventure, from football and basketball to gymnastics, tennis, and more! Your child will have the chance to learn the technical skills of each sport in a fun and safe environment, all under the guidance of our expert coaches.

To make things even more exciting, we’ve added Nerf Gun challenges to the lineup for Under 8 - Under 12 taking the fun to the next level!

Please see all the information below:

Venue: Doha College, Al Wajba
Camp: Multi-Sports
Dates: 27-31 October 2024
Age Groups: Under 5 - Under 7 & Under 8 - Under 12
Time: 8.00 am - 1.00 pm
Cost: 750 QAR

If you’re interested, please log in or sign up to your EVO members portal on our website: evosportsqatar.com.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at theevofoundation@evosportsqatar.com or call 4407 6772.

Safeguarding Information

We want to reassure you that our commitment to safeguarding remains unwavering, even during the holiday period. Should you have any concerns regarding the safety and welfare of any Doha College student and require emergency support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at safeguarding@dohacollege.com

This email address will be actively monitored throughout the holidays by the EDSL.

We kindly request that you only use this contact information for any safeguarding issues requiring immediate attention. Your cooperation ensures that our resources are focused on promptly and efficiently addressing critical concerns.

Childline UK - 0800 1111,

Childline Europe - 116 111,

Childline USA - 1 800 932 0313,

Childline Australia - 1000 55 1800.

For emergency safeguarding concerns, while in Qatar, please see the image above.

Have a great break.

Uzma Zaffar

Vice Principal - Quality Assurance

Executive Designated Safeguarding Lead

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