Gharaffa Buzz | Monday 25 March

Dear Parents,

The school’s annual production, ‘The Piper’, based on the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin was a tremendous success last Monday. The children’s performance was convincing and entertaining with some beautiful harmonised singing and synchronised dancing. Preparation for Monday’s performance began in September when the children met for the first time to read through the play. Since then they have met weekly and recently at weekends in order to ensure that Monday’s performance was a success. Well done to all the teachers and staff who have supported the play over the past few months. I’d specifically like to mention Kerrey Naylor, Jeremy Mannings, Yousra Amin and thank our two wonderful directors Sophie Murray and Sarah Owens. Thank you also to all the teachers and parents who have quietly helped support the team creating props and helping to complete the backdrop. We have a truly dedicated, talented team.

On Tuesday, the children enjoyed a Pizza and Movie afternoon, organised by the Friends of Compass team. As children enjoyed eating pizza and watching animated short movie clips, parents congregated under the pergola for a cup of coffee and a chat. We very much hope the children enjoyed this event. Thank you to our wonderful Friends of Compass team, led by Matina Voortman for organising this fun afternoon.

Also on Tuesday, the school hosted Liam Day from the New York Juilliard School of Performing Arts and Music. The day began with a trumpet performance in a special assembly for children from Early Years 2 to Year 6. Liam mesmerised the children as he played music from a wide range of composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach. The performance ended in a question and answer session as children who had evidently been inspired by Liam asked numerous questions. The one message that the children will have taken away from Tuesday’s visit was that anybody can learn a musical instrument but daily practice is fundamentally important.

We are proud to announce that the school has been recently asked to demonstrate quality PE teaching to other schools in Doha. In the past few weeks the school has welcomed PE teachers from both the Loydence Academy and Sherborne schools with other schools also planning visits. Thank you to Sammie Lyon (Head of PE) for organising this initiative.

3B led Thursday’s assembly which was a superb celebration of this term’s work. The children shared learning and intelligent facts about their IPC topic, ‘Chocolate’ which they brought to life through the media of Powerpoint and art work. The audience particularly enjoyed the wonderful dances and costumes. Well done to all the children and the team of talented staff led by Ms Wrenn.

This week is Dutch Global Money week for all children from Early Years 1 to Year 6. In maths lessons, the children focused on problems involving money including how to save and avoid a loss when budgeting and spending. The school welcomed visitors into the school on Sunday morning who spoke in length to the children about business and finance.

Yesterday was the last day for ECAs. ECAs will continue after the holidays for 3 weeks and will finish for Ramadan. Advance notice that during Ramadan, the school day will operate Ramadan hours, 8am to 1pm for the children.

On Thursday, the children are welcome to dress in House team colours for School Spirit day. We look forward to our staff versus Year 6 students’ sports event which will be a fantastic event to celebrate the end of term when the school will close for a two week spring break.

Karen Wilson

Head of Compass Gharaffa