Message from the Executive Principal - 14 March 2019

Dear Parents,

Sports Results: Congratulations to our Year 3 basketball team who came 2^nd in the recent QPPSSA tournament and our Year 4 boys who came 3rd after a tough few games and were unfortunately knocked of the top spot by goal difference, as well as to our U14 Boys’ football team who beat Sherborne 4-0. Our U-14 Netball team unfortunately lost their last game of the season 9-0 to a strong DBS team. Well done to all the students and PE staff for representing the school and for their achievements.

Opening Ceremony : The planned opening ceremony event has been postponed at the request of Qatar Airways. I will let you know the new date as soon as I have received confirmation from Qatar Airways PR and Events Team.

Dr. Hassan Al Thani : We were delighted to receive a presentation from Dr. Al Thani, to parents and senior students on the topic of Road Traffic Awareness.

Dr. Al Thani , who is Head of Trauma and Vascular Surgery at Hamad Hospital, spoke about the need for road safety from drivers and pedestrians and also informed us about the improved rates of road traffic trauma in Qatar over the last 10 years. He urged parents to ensure that their children are safely strapped into any moving vehicle and that the use of mobile phones whilst driving is a major cause of road traffic accidents.

Road Safety: I am still very concerned about the lack of road calming measures on the main roads outside the school. Qatar Airways, as the owners of the school, have been in contact with Ashghal for several months now ( as have we) regarding the placement of a pedestrian crossing and other speed calming measures outside the school. So far, we have received only the 30 km school signs at the entrance to the school. We will continue to lobby Ashghal for these measures and in the meantime I would ask that you re-enforce with your children the need for caution when crossing the main roads around the school.

Underground Parking : We have a few spaces in our underground car parking area which we can now make available for FS2 parents. As these are limited, we can offer them on a ‘ first come, first served’ basis now that FS1 have had the opportunity to reserve places since last term. If you would like to reserve a space, please contact the school office for the necessary form.

Nuts and Nut Products: I would ask for parents’ cooperation with our ‘no nuts ’policy in school. As in previous years at Oryx, we aim to provide a ‘nut free’ environment in order to protect children and adults who can suffer severe allergic reactions to nuts or anything containing nut extracts. This includes items such as Nutella, cereal barsand certain chocolate bars as well as nuts themselves. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

International Day: On Wednesday April 3^rd we will hold our International Day to celebrate the different nationalities that make up the Oryx School Community. Students should dress up in their national dress or national colours instead of their school uniform for this day. I would like to invite parents to join us for our Parade of Nations after dropping off your children in the morning. The Parade is due to startaround 08.00 and will take place on the Sports Field. Parents are asked to sit in the shaded seats behind the goal as this is the area where the parade will take place. After the parade you are welcome to join us in the Auditorium for a short Dance Show (FS, KS1 and Secondary at 09.00, KS2 at 09.20). After the second Dance show finishes, around 09.45, the children will be taking part in various class activities and I would ask that parents leave the school by that time. Children should still bring a packed lunch with them on the day, or go to the canteen as normal. I look forward to you joining us on the day. Please remember to wear your parent lanyard, or sign in and out again at the office if you forget it.

Regards,

Derek Laidlaw