February

2024

THE
STAFFORD
BULLETIN ~ Hear Us Correct ~

STAFFORD SRI LANKAN SCHOOL DOHA - QATAR www.slsqatar.info

 My dear students,

Congratulations on doing well in your 1st Semester Examination of this academic year and good
luck for more progress.

Throughout this month, it was wonderful to witness numerous successful team activities at
the school, including overnight camps, the celebration of the 76th Sri Lankan Independence
Day, the Qatar National Sports day, the MUN conference, the friendly football match against
the Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh, and the Interschool Scrabble Tournament. I am
also pleased to observe the efforts of your teams and the remarkable achievements made
through these competitions.

"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." – Ryunosuke Satoro

The quote above eloquently illustrates the importance of working as a team.

In today’s multidisciplinary world, team building is crucial for success. If you are a student who
wants to reach success, you need to make sure that you are aware of the importance of team-
work. As you strive for growth and success with your innovative and creative mindset, remem-
ber the crucial role of effective teamwork in achieving your goals.

The more you participate in a team and contribute, the more confident you become. There-
fore, do not miss the opportunities already available at school, and seek out additional ones;
always strive to be a valuable team member, whether in academics or sports. Collaborating on
projects, assignments, or sports activities provides you with the chance to benefit from each
other's strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, it will provide you with fresh perspectives and
new ideas, leading to creative thinking and innovative solutions. This can lead to a deeper un-
derstanding of subject matter, and allow you to explore novel approaches, fostering a collabo-
rative learning atmosphere that will benefit
your future in multiple ways.

I hope you will have another wonderful month

ahead.

Namal Fernando
Principal

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 1

ACHIEVEMENTS
Bravo! They did it!
SSLSD Senior Football Team’s Riyadh Tour
The senior football team of Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha made history last week with their inaugu-
ral international tour to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The SSLSD team arrived in Riyadh on February 7th and re-
ceived a warm welcome, and was graciously looked after by their host, the Sri Lankan International
School Riyadh (the first Sri Lankan School in the region, established 35 years ago).

After exploring the host school and the renowned Nofa Wildlife Park on February 8 th, the team en-
gaged in an evening practice session to prepare for their historic match slated for February 9 th.

As the event unfolded around 4:00 pm on Friday amidst an enthusiastic crowd eagerly anticipating a
victory for their home team, SSLSD supporters in Doha watched the match live on YouTube. The first
two goals were netted by SSLSD, and shortly after, the hosts scored, adding intrigue for the home
crowd. However, the Stafford team soon began to dominate, showcasing exceptional football skills,
captivating both the SSLSD supporters tuning in online and the Riyadh supporters in attendance. As the
final whistle blew, the scorecard displayed a resounding 9-2 victory, marking Stafford's first football
triumph away from home. The goal scorers for the SSLSD team were; Ibrahim 3, Shaheed 2, Thanish 2,
Bassam 1 and Jenish 1.

The team co-captains for the tour, Mohomed Bassam and Thanish Rasmi, accepted the winners’ trophy
from His Excellency, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to KSA, while Shaheed Azoor and Sawwaf Shefwan
were honored as the most valuable player and the best goalkeeper, respectively. The match was fol-
lowed by a formal dinner at the host school, where the two teams discussed plans for further collabora-
tion in academics and extracurricular activities. The team returned home on Saturday, bringing with
them the gleaming trophy and cherished memories.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 2

EVENTS
76 th Independence Day Celebration - 2024
SSLSD celebrated the 76th anniversary of Sri Lankan Independence on 31st January 2024 at the main
school. The event commenced at 7.00 in the morning with the delightful presence of students and teach-
ers from grade 1 to 6, singing the national anthem. Subsequently, a moment of silence was observed to
honour the national heroes of Sri Lanka, who valiantly fought for the country's independence.

Regardless of their nationalities, children from diverse backgrounds joined forces to commemorate the
Sri Lankan Independence together. Mr. Namal Fernando, the principal of the school addressed the stu-
dents and teachers, wishing prosperity, health, peace, and happiness for all.

Combining the remarkable talents of SSLSD students with the dedicated efforts of the teachers, the
event featured several performances. Furthermore, the students who secured first place in the Independ-
ence Day speech competitions delivered their speeches in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, discussing Sri
Lankan history and the significance of independence.

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EVENTS
MUN CONFERENCE - 2024
The fifth conference of SSLSD MUN Club was successfully held on 16th and 17th February 2024 with the par-
ticipation of nearly 100 students from grades 8 to 13.

SSLSD MUN V was a great way for students to gain knowledge and experience in international diplomacy
and global issues. In this conference, students simulate the workings of the United Nations by represent-
ing various countries and working together to find solutions to global problems.

This year's conference theme revolved around "Combating Desertification and Climate Change" which
aligns with the theme for the "Expo 2023 Doha". The delegates, who are students from Stafford Sri
Lankan School, debated over a period of two days on various topics related to this theme that brought
much needed discussion into the above topics and inspired delegates to find solutions to pressing social
issues that are important to Qatar at the moment.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Shabarinath Nair; Senior Migration Management Officer at
the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Qatar as the Keynote speaker. He
enlightened the students with his perspective regarding the life of a diplomat and appreciated the efforts
by the students to create awareness about global issues. Along with him, Mrs. Sumaya Baqavi; Deputy
Chief of Mission and Counsellor from the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, and Mr. Kashyapa
Ukwatta, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar honored the occasion with their presence.

The event came to a successful end as the students proceeded to engage in fruitful conversations about
global issues and solutions to them.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 4

EVENTS
ANNUAL INTER-SCHOOL SCRABBLE TOURNAMENT
After a hiatus of four years, Stafford Sri Lankan School reignited the competitive spirit of Scrabble enthu-
siasts in Doha by hosting its annual inter-school Scrabble tournament. The event held on 24th February
2024 saw participation from four other esteemed educational institutions: Philippines International
School, Richmond International school, Birla Public School, and MES Indian school.

The tournament offered students a platform to enhance their vocabulary, sharpen their cognitive abili-
ties, and develop critical thinking skills through a fun and intellectually stimulating activity. It also gave
them the chance to form new friendships beyond the borders of our school.

As the final tiles were laid and the last words played, participants departed with a sense of fulfillment
and accomplishment.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 5

NEWS
The Ministry of Public Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department con-
ducted a vaccination program named Tdap Vaccination on the 15th of February, 2024, at the
school auditorium. Year 10 students were vaccinated against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular
Pertussis.

Engaging in games and sports fosters a positive outlook on life. The Stafford Sri Lankan School
celebrated Qatar Sports Day on 13th February, 2024. The event was scheduled from 8.00 am to
12.30 pm at the school premises.

Over 100 students took part in the event, which featured four sports organized by the sports de-
partment for both girls and boys: netball, volleyball, football, and basketball. The matches includ-
ed teams comprising students, teachers and non-academic staff.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 6

NEWS
Qatar Debate’s Public Speaking Competition.
Amal Haya from year 7C secured the 1st place in the junior category at a public
speaking competition organized by Qatar Debate in collaboration with Qatar
Expo.

The final stage of the competition was held on the 19 th of

February 2024 at Qatar Expo. A total of twenty students
competed in the final round on the theme of agriculture and
the environment.

Our heartiest congratulations to Amal Haya! We are proud of

you.

The Annual Prefects’ Workshop of Stafford Sri

Lankan School Doha was held on 7th February 2024
at the school premises with the participation of the
Prefects’ Guild of the school. This was an interactive
session designed to equip student leaders with es-
sential skills and responsibilities. The event was
hosted by Mr. Arnold De Zilva who was instrumen-
tal in making this event a success.

Through engaging activities and discussions, partici-

pants learned about effective communication, and
conflict resolution. The workshop emphasized the importance of upholding school values and fostering a
positive school environment. Prefects left the workshop inspired and prepared to serve their peers and
uphold the standards of leadership within the school community.

The Expat School Scout Olympics, organized by the Qatar Scouts and Guides Association, took place on
February 6th at Al Wakra Public Beach. Ten scouts from Stafford Sri Lankan School participated in various
team events, which provided them with a valuable opportunity to interact with scouts from many other
schools. Notably, our scouts secured first place in the Flag Making Relay event.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 7

NEWS
Grade 11 students visited the Al-Zwuair farm in Shahaniya on February 8th and 9th (girls) and 23rd and 24th
(boys) as part of their pre-journey to complete the Bronze Award of the Duke of Edinburgh's International
Award. During the camp the students independently cooked dinner.

They also followed a hike route about 8km in distance around the Shahania desert area, reading their
compasses and navigating the desertscape. A total of 33 students participated in this camp and received
an experience that transcends the limitations of the classroom. The students improved their teamwork
skills and enhanced their awareness and mindfulness of the nature surrounding them.

On February 8th the Cub Scout and Beaver Scout Leaders Training Course was conducted by Mr. Jeewan-
tha Dharmasena, a Leader Trainer of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, along with Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Bhul-
lar, the Coordinator of expat schools at the Qatar Scouts and
Guide Association.

The event was graced by the presence of Qatar Scout and

Guide Association officials, Mr. Ahmed Khamis Alyousef, and
Ms. Muna Al Mansouri.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2024 8

NEWS
Introduction of Cub Scouting and Beaver Scouting
Cub Scouting was introduced for the first time in the history of Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha by Mr.
Jeewantha Dharmasena, a National Training Team member of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, on the 25 th
of February, with 186 Cub Scouts registering for the 1st Cub Pack.
Beaver Scouting was initiated for grade 2 students at Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha for the first time,
with 75 students registering for the inaugural Beaver Colony.

Scouts’ Investiture Ceremony

The inaugural Scouts' Investiture Ceremo-
ny of the Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha
Scout Group was held on February 18th,
with 53 Scouts and Guides being invested.

Inter-School Scouts’ Football Cup

The Inter-School Scouts’ Football Cup, organized by The Next Generation School Wakra, aimed to promote
the values of Qatar National Sports and foster an active lifestyle. SSLSD scouts secured third place in this
event, with Scout Dovindu Wijekoon earning recognition as the best defender.

Qatar Sports Day program

Fifteen Scouts and Guides participated in the Qatar Sports Day programs held on February 13th at Old Doha
Port, organized jointly by the Qatar Scouts and Guide Association and the Ministry of Sports, Qatar. This
event allowed our scouts and guides to participate in various sports activities alongside their peers.

World Thinking Day-Girl Guide Training Camp.

On the 24th of February the Qatar Scouts and Guides Association, in collaboration with the Ideal Indian
School, organized the World Thinking Day-Girl Guide Training Camp. Ten of our Girl Guides participated in
this event, where they acquired skills and knowledge in various areas including camp craft, first aid, fire
safety, sustainability, and team building.

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