Gharaffa Buzz | Thursday 14 December

Dear Parents,

Qatar National Day at Gharaffa was a fantastic success!

The children flooded into the school on Wednesday attired in National Dress.  We began our day by playing the National Anthem with many of our children singing along.  Qatari flags waved across the playground as the breeze gently caught them. On our playing field, a kema (tent) was set up with sado (cushions for sitting), a zeer (cold water container) and the air was filled with the smell of bakor – culminating in a truly wonderful experience for the children .  In class, the children created beautiful skylines, camels, desert scenes and flags, using a variety of media. The children feasted on typical Arabic food and enjoyed a fantastic production, featuring Qatari operetta, a Qatari army military show, a sword dance (saif) and music and songs paying respect to the State of Qatar. In addition, the children learned many new things about the country in which they live. The children delivered a first class performance during Assembly. Thank you to our team of Arabic teachers and all our staff who have been working hard for many weeks in order to prepare for this special event.

On Thursday, we ended the term with a beautiful Music Assembly. The school enjoyed polished musical performances from our talented choir, guitar group and three soloist musicians.  Our Head Boy and Girl delivered a reflective speech and we said goodbye to some of our children and staff who will sadly be departing to different locations.  We wish them all the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.  Our House Captains were prepared to receive the House Point trophy which was presented this term to our North team.  The trophy is now on display in the school library.

Before I close this term’s newsletter could I please remind all parents that the new term starts on 2 January.  The daily start time is 7.15am.  Following a directive from the MOE (Ministry of Education) we will begin the day with the Qatar National anthem.  This is the expectation across all schools in Doha and a wonderful way to start the day.

I would like to end this term’s newsletter by thanking the fantastic team at Gharaffa Campus for all their hard work and support this term.  We will be saying good bye to Sarah Ellis (Early Years 1 teacher), Benita Bobat (Swim teacher) and Claire Smith (Early Years Learning Assistant and FCS Chairperson).  We thank them all for their dedication and wish them much happiness.

Thank you once again to all our parents for your relentless support and commitment to the school.

On behalf of the Gharaffa Team, I wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday.

Kind regards,

Karen Wilson
Head of Gharaffa Campus