| January | March | April | May |
| May 2011 |
| Empowering Our Students |
The Student Mock Parliament of Sri Lankan School, Doha was declared open on the 12th of May 2011 in the school premises. As the event coincided with the visit of Sri Lankan Minster of Foreign Employment, Welfare and Promotion Mr. Dilan Perera, the declaration was pronounced under the auspices of the Parliamentarian.
The elected members took their oath in the presence of Minister Dilan, Chairman Mr. Kumudu Fonseka, members of the Board of Trustees, Principal Mrs. Rahuman, Vice Principal Mr. Sheikh, Staff members, parents and students who attended the event.
The parliament consists of 21 members including the Prime Minister and Speaker. The members of parliament were elected by students from grades 5 to 11 last month. The purpose of investing in this idea is to ‘empower’ students to take a stance in matters that concern the welfare and future development of this educational institute.
As mentioned by one of the parliamentarians, this elite group of students will take the initiative in bringing about ‘change’. |
| April 2011 |
| Sri Lankan School celebrates New Year 2011 |
Once again, it was time to welcome the dawn of the Aluth Avuruddha;
The premises of Sri Lankan School, Doha was filled with the ambience of festivity, as last minute preparations were made for New Year that was celebrated on the 7th of April 2011. This year, the occasion was graced by Charge d’Affair for the Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar Mr. Tharmakulasingham and his wife while many distinguished guests arrived to enjoy the evening.
The celebrations included several dances that depicted the arrival of New Year or Aluth Avuruddha, the preparation of sweetmeats and also several traditional rituals that define this festival. The Raban pada or traditional drum beats that reverberated throughout the school filled it with nostalgia.
Students from Pre-Grade to Year 3 were delighted to participate in their games such as eating buns, chocolate and musical statues. Parents too were provided with the opportunity to have a ‘feel’ of Avurudhu as celebrated back home, with a Tug-o-War!
With the fervent wish for a new beginning and prosperity, we wish you all a happy New Year! |
| Mock Parliament Appointed |
An educational institute must be capable of recognizing the abilities and strengths of its student population in order to ensure the smooth function of the organization. Students must be geared to take on challenging roles within the school system where they will be able to realize their own value.
Putting these theories to test, the school decided on its first ever Mock Parliament, elected by the students, for the students. The Parliamentary elections were held on the 7th of April 2011. In order to ensure democracy and fair play during the elections, students from Grades 5 to 11 voted at polling booths set up in the open yard, opposite the Basketball court. Voting came to a close at 9.00 a.m. and thereafter the ballot boxes were taken to the auditorium for counting.
Accordingly, of the 26 candidates 21 were elected to Parliament. Meranda Fernando of year 8 with the highest number of votes was elected Prime Minister while Pramuk Kodithuwakku of year 10 who came in second was appointed the Speaker of the House.
The entire process of electing the Mock Parliament was conducted imitating election procedures in Sri Lanka. The 26 candidates began a week of campaigning prior to the elections. They were provided with a platform for their campaign speeches where they expressed their views on change.
Whilst, the election was a novel experience for all students, this will be a stepping stone towards personality development in students. |
| Kids Go LIVE |
KIDS LIVE 2011 was the theme under which students from Pre-Grade to Year 1 showcased their talents to an overwhelming crowd of parents, guests and well-wishers on the 29th of April.
It was staged in school. The event which was the second primary concert for the school was a delight as the children performed to groovy English and Sinhala tunes. Little though they may be, the songs and dance movements were remarkably well rehearsed and remembered! Chief Guest (need name) , President of Stenden University in Qatar noted that he was impressed by the aesthetic skills of our young performers. It was a proud moment for the school.
The first English Newspaper of the school was also launched on the same day. Students from the Primary and Middle School contributed to the project by writing poems and articles on various issues. The newspaper will advocate the power of the ‘pen’ among children. The school hopes to make it a quarterly issue.
Moreover, the day became a milestone in the history of the school for yet another invaluable reason. The school assisted in launching the first ever anthology of Dithara Gunawardena of Year 6 during this evening. The compilation consists of poems she had penned down during her spare time and is nothing short from excellent. Presentations of the anthology were made to the Chief Guest, Chairman Mr. Kumudu Fonseka and the Principal Mrs. Ayesha Rahuman.
A school takes pride in the success of her children. We at Sri Lankan School sincerely believe it to be an obligation to bring out the best in our students. |
| March 2011 |
| Field Trips Galore! |
The month of March and April saw students from many classes enjoying their annual field trips. With Summer still on its way, the students were able to engage in out-door activities which are looked forward to with anticipation.
While students of Year 2 made a visit to the museum of Islamic Art for taste of culture, Year 3 made their way to the Souq to spend the day roaming around the ancient streets and buildings that define Qatar’s history. Meanwhile students of Year 5 had the opportunity to visit the Marine festival and take a look at marine life in Qatar. The numerous species that are a rarity to see, the parade of floats depicting sea life, sand sculptures and the aquarium were a treat!
In preparation for the International Awards Programme for Adventure Sports, Year 7 students trekked down to the Mesaieed beach to carry out a geography project as well as to have a dip in the sea. To top it all, they also had a barbecued meal cooked with the assistance of staff members. Year 8 students who visited the same location had an overnight stay that was thrilling as they found themselves in the middle of a mild sandstorm. Not only did they have to set up their own tents but also organize a barbecue. The children participated in a leadership programme conducted by the Vice Principal. The following week, both grades went trekking in Dukhan and cooked a light meal at school.
Year 9 were engaged in a week-long trip to Sri Lanka as part of the International Award for Adventure Sport. They visited an adventure camp and experimented with numerous adventure sports such as rock climbing and rafting. It was a learning experience for all of them as they absorbed the valuable lessons of being independent. While in Sri Lanka, the students were involved in community service as well. |
| Sri Lanka School takes on Philippe School in friendly |
Sri Lankan School, Doha invited Philippine School, Doha for several friendly tournaments. These included Basketball (Junior and Senior), Table Tennis (Junior and Senior) and Girls’ Volleyball.
It was an exciting moment for all participants as both schools proved to be worthy opponents. The tournaments took place on 24th March 2011 commencing 2.00 p.m. at the premises of the hosting school.
While Philippine School won most of the matches in tight contests, the hosts were able to maintain their position to win the Senior Basketball tournament. They crushed the Philippine players and emerged victorious with a grand slam total!
It was an exhilarating day for everyone as such tournaments could only mould and develop the mindset of growing children to go out into the world and put their skills to test. |
| January 2011 |
| Annual Awards Day– Sri Lankan School, Doha |
The Annual Awards Day of Sri Lankan School, Doha was celebrated for the second consecutive year on the 14th of January, gearing up for the New Year. Students from Grades 1-10 received academic accolades for their performance during the last academic year.
The ceremony was held in school and was attended by several distinguished members in Doha. Mr. Akram Mekhael, Managing Partner of Ernst & Young, Doha honoured the event as Chief Guest and Mr. Dharmakulasingham Charge d’Affair for the Sri Lankan Embassy was Guest-of-Honour for the evening. Parents and well-wishers were among the gathering.
It was a moment of pride for Sri Lankan School, Doha as the event highlighted the academic excellence of the school as well as its steady growth. The presentation of awards took place under the theme “Light through Learning” emphasising the fact that it is knowledge that enlightens one’s life.
The ceremony also included several entertaining musical items performed by student from the Junior and Senior sections, clearly stating that they are talented both academically and aesthetically.
And the winner is...!
Sri Lankan School, Doha hosted the Inter-School Scrabble Tournament 2011 on the 28th of January. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as over 200 students from seven schools in Qatar challenged one another’s word power.
At the end of an entire day’s gaming, DPS Modern Indian School, Qatar, which bagged most of the awards, were named Champions of the tournament. Several students from Philippines School, MES, DMIS, Bright Future, Ideal International and the Sri Lankan School also received certificates and awards for their individual performances.
The Awards Ceremony which took place subsequent to the tournament was graced by Chief Guest Mr. and Mrs. Shelton Peiris, Senior Assistant General Manager, (Trade Finance and Transaction Banking) Commercial Bank, Qatar.
This annual event is organized in order to encourage the participation of students from all over the country. While it serves as an interactive session for students, they also receive the opportunity to test their mettle against students from other schools.
The day came to a close in the midst of celebrations and with the hope of more victories next year. |