Themaid News | Monday, 2 March 2020

Dear Parents,

We have had a fantastic week of learning both inside and outside of school.

Many of our Year 6 students had an amazing experience at the Blue Pearl camp in Doha. This was a great example of experiential learning where students formed long lasting memories and were able to apply what they learnt to new experiences over the three-day period.

On Sunday afternoon children from Year 6 in Themaid set off on an adventure to join the other three campuses for their annual residential trip. The children went to the Blue Pearl Leadership camp for three days and two nights.  On arrival, the children from each of the campuses were introduced to each other. Their first activity was to set up sleeping bags and belongings in their tents and get to know their new roommates. Next, they were placed in cross-campus groupings for the next few days of activities. Activities began immediately and the children engaged in pursuits such as cycling, high ropes, orienteering, fire-making and nature walks as well as challenges around the campsite. Day two was spent at The Pearl engaging in watersports - kayaking, paddle boarding and mega sup. In the evenings, the children relaxed at the campfire by singing songs and eating marshmallows. As a final challenge, the children were given the opportunity to try eating a critter(bug). All the children from Themaid were brave enough to try them. Ms Kelly was not! The children made Themaid and Compass International School proud with their excellent behaviour, positive attitude, teamwork and resilience. All children agreed it was a very positive and memorable experience.

"The camping trip helped me overcome some of my fears while having fun." - Jay

"I even ate bugs... they're better than you think." - Leah

"The camp was fun and a great experience. I learned many new skills." - Precious

"The camping trip was wonderful. I loved the activities, the tents and the food." - Ahmed

"This was my favourite Year 6 activity." - Caeli

Thank you to the Year 6 team for organising such an enjoyable learning event. I think there will be a few tired children (and teachers) this weekend.

On Wednesday evening, we held an open evening at the Intercontinental Doha – The City. Mr Holyome presented to parents and we shared the wonderful learning that goes on in our school. Places for next academic year at Themaid campus in some year groups are already limited. If you have siblings who want to transfer or friends who are thinking of applying, please contact our Admissions Officer Olivia on Olivia.Villanueva@nais.qa as soon as possible.

Our series of Parent Seminars and Parent Information sessions are proving very popular. Last week Mr Porter lead the Year 9 IGCSE Options Evening and the IB/A-Level, What’s the Difference seminar. Ms Rajakumar led a very interesting seminar on linking family travel and out of school learning.

The next seminar is aimed at Primary parents and will give information on the International Primary Curriculum approach to learning and how you can help your child at home. I hope to see you there.

Students in both primary and secondary were treated to an assembly and performance by the Flutronix duo. This was part of the ongoing The Juilliard School Artist visits. The duo visited classes and worked with students to share their expertise. It was an enjoyable experience for all.

Year 4 had their Exit Point for the International Primary Curriculum unit ‘Land, Sea and Sky’. During the unit, the students learnt about animals and particularly focused on the impact humans are having on climate change and how this is affecting the different animal habitats. For our Exit Point, we held a bake sale. Instead of bringing in money to buy a cake, the Primary students were asked to bring in donations for the animal shelter PAWS. It was extremely successful so thank you to all our students for being incredibly generous with their donations. 

Last week, as part of the Qatar Ministry of Education initiatives to teach the students more about Qatar, in the field of growth and productivity, the students in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 visited Baladna Park. The Arabic Department and class teachers worked together to create a visit which focused on Qatar’s development. They had the opportunity to see how the dairy farm was created and has expanded over the last few years in order to provide the products needed for Qatar. The students then used the excellent facilities at the park. The bike races were definitely a huge hit with students.

Planning for International Week is well underway and is always a very enjoyable whole school event. We have a Drop in for Coffee on Wednesday 4 March and all parents are welcome to join.

Have a great week.

Kind regards,

Mrs Djedid

Head of Campus, Themaid