Dear Parents,
2021 is a year of hope, but the various challenges, roadblocks and restrictions mean that the start of the term felt much like the end of the last term. The debate over the practicalities of staging external examinations in the summer continues and we are preparing for a second year of Centre Awarded Grades for our International GCSE, A level and BTEC candidates if it comes to that. Our systems worked well last June and we have been preparing for a re-run in spite of UK Government assurances that it is business as usual. In the event that examinations go ahead the recently published timetable will be effective. If not, we will revert to a similar process to last year.
The introduction of Islamic Studies 2 (to non-Arab Muslims) has been achieved with the significant support of the Arabic and Islamic Studies Department. Thank you to all of the teachers and students involved.
This week, children from Year 2 to Year 12 will complete a PASS (Pupils Attitudes to Self and School) assessment. This is a self-evaluation survey that only takes 20 minutes to complete. PASS allows us as a school to uncover any emotional or attitudinal issues that may hinder achievement at school while also ensuring positive student wellbeing is at the forefront of what we do. Questions will be around the children’s attitudes and feelings about school, their preparedness and self-confidence towards their learning as well as their motivation when engaging with the curriculum. No preparation or study is needed.
This term we will stage a second episode of House Countdown (for Cohort B). We will also launch our House Photography Competition, based on the theme of 'My Qatar' and our House Short Story Competition. After half-term, we will have a socially distanced afternoon called 'Minutes To Win It' where the children will engage in various games in order to accrue House Points. This may entail collapsing some lessons but after two terms of very hard graft, the children deserve some time to have some fun. World Book Day is on the horizon and we are all looking forward to seeing the costumes on display. Start planning now!
Yours sincerely
Ken Haggarty
Head of Secondary
School Counsellor
Oryx International school offers individual and group counselling to our students and their families. The effects of the Convis-19 pandemic have been life-changing for all of us especially children and young people who may be distraught losing loved one, being physically distant from friends and family, adjusting to virtual learning and having their daily routines disrupted.
As the School Counsellor, my primary mission is to promote and enhance student social, personal emotional, academic development and wellness through individual and small group counselling sessions. Topics include managing stress and anxiety, friendship skills, managing emotions, self-esteem, coping skills conflict resolutions and more.
Any student can request to meet with me or they can be referred by parents. I will also help to support student’s needs as and when they occur throughout the school day.
I am at the school gate from 7-7:30 am and 1:30-1:50 pm daily.
I am available by telephone during working hours: 40360072/ 66011301, Email, Zoom and Classdojo: Oluwabunmi.tobun@oryxschool.qa. You are always welcome to email/Dojo me at any time and I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours.
Please feel free to reach out to me, I welcome the opportunity to provide any support.in any way I can. I look forward to hearing or seeing you. Mrs Tobun
“Life is 10% What happens to you and 90% how you react to it” -Charles R. Swindoll.
