Letter from the Executive Principal

Dear Parents

We have reached the end of a unique term at Oryx International School, one which will probably never be repeated. The FIFA World Cup has necessitated the closure of all schools in Qatar much earlier than usual and now the whole country is in the grips of World Cup fever!

Of course, this event will bring once-in-a-lifetime experiences for us all which in the bigger picture will outweigh the short-term inconveniences to our daily routines and life in Qatar. I would like to thank all parents for your patience, flexibility and understanding as we navigate this unique experience. The country should be commended for the great advances made over the past decade, no doubt accelerated by hosting the World Cup and we wish the organisers a very successful, inclusive, and enjoyable World Cup. May the best team win!

In school, we have marked and celebrated the World Cup through a diverse range of activities, competitions and lessons which have enhanced our term. Perhaps as a direct result of Qatar hosting the World Cup, schools have enjoyed greater relaxation of COVID restrictions this term., allowing us to restart activities, take part in inter-school competitions, provide more fully engaging face-to-face lessons, welcome parents back into school and the re-constitution of the PTSA. We are also submitting proposals for trips and visits, for the first time in more than two years, to the MoEHE.

All of this augers well for next term in January when we aim to restart our after-school activities programmes and re-open our canteen service, marking a full reopening of our 5-star school provision. We have made arrangements for all our Y12 and Y13 students who will sit A-Level exams in January, to receive support and continued learning /revision opportunities throughout the shut-down period.

I hope you will all enjoy the festivities over the next four weeks as the world’s attention falls on Qatar. For those of you travelling abroad, I wish you safe travels and a pleasant holiday.

Kind regards,

Mr Derek Laidlaw

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