THE

STAFFORD
BULLETIN 2024
~ Hear Us Correct ~

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

Message from the Principal

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“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we
need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

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My dear students,
- J.K Rowling, author

I hope you can reflect on why you are a student in the first place and what it is you hope
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to achieve. Forget about that one assignment/test that you’re procrastinating and is

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making you want to rip your hair out. Forget about that upcoming test, or that last test

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that was trickier than you thought. Just take a second to focus on the “why.” What
makes you want to be a student? What can you do for yourself, your family, your com-
munity, and the world, by being a student? Schooling is not a linear-success experience;
so, if you are faced with obstacles, use your resources, get the help you need, and cling
onto this “why” to help push you through the tough and uncomfortable times. If you

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have the passion, determination, and perseverance, you can conquer these obstacles in
the journey and emerge victorious.

Sometimes it feels challenging and overwhelming to pursue a goal when the pressures
of everyday life demand our focus. The path to a goal is like a river; sometimes it moves

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calmly in a chosen direction, but occasionally encounters rough waters - these remind
you to stay alert. Unanticipated rocks or fallen trees may require creative solutions and

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extra time to think a little so you can continue down the river to your destination.
Sometimes, things will seem hard and you might be discouraged. Please know that
there are so many people who care, and are cheering you on every step you take. Do not

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underestimate the power of distractions and indulgences to take you off-course. Stay
focused, and be grateful to your family and friends. Finally, enjoy what you are doing,
knowing that it makes a difference.

I am incredibly impressed with your determina-

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tion and resilience and would like to encourage
you to keep doing what you need to do in your
life, for your life. Learn more about yourself in
the process. Keep up the good work! I know
you can make the world a better place!

May your education bring you endless opportu-

nities, success, happiness and blessings to you
and your family and everyone supporting you! Mr. Namal Fernando - Principal

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - JANUARY 2024 1

EVENTS
The Thai Pongal festival, a customary Hindu celebration by the Tamil community to express gratitude
for a successful harvest and to mark the beginning of the new year, was celebrated at SSLSD on Janu-
ary 14th, 2024.

The celebrations at the school began with a traditional puja conducted by Hindu teachers. An integral
part of the Thai Pongal celebrations was the cooking of the Pongal dish. The students and the staff
gathered to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

A special assembly was conducted with various cultural performances and activities to showcase the
rich heritage of Hindu culture. Students participated in traditional dances, music performances, and
recitals to bring out the significance of the festival.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - JANUARY 2024 2

EVENTS
On January 25th, 2024, the pre-primary section of SSLSD organized a Kiddies Fun Day for the Rainbow and
Upper Reception students. The event featured a parade, a lively drill filled with colors, and two relays
from each class, focusing on developmental activities that contributed to the holistic development of the
children.

They discovered the essence of teamwork, coordination, concentration, precision, and control. They also
learned how to play to the best of their ability, regardless of the outcome. Overall, it was a fun and re-
warding experience for the children.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - JANUARY 2024 3

SSLSD University Fair NEWS
The school's career guidance unit organized a University Fair for upper school students, which took place
on December 2nd from 9.00 am to 12 00 noon. During the event, students and parents had the chance to
interact with representatives from various educational institutions in Qatar and abroad, discussing poten-
tial opportunities for higher education. The fair featured participation from eleven educational institu-
tions, including consulting agents and the British Council Qatar.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - JANUARY 2024 4

 NEWS
Annual Inter-House Debate Tournament
The Annual Inter-House Debate Tournament concluded with its final round on January 11th in the
school auditorium. This event provided a fantastic platform for our school's amateur debaters to
showcase their skills, and we were impressed by the promising talent displayed by many partici-
pants.

The final debate of the Annual Inter-House Debate Tournament featured a contest between To-
paz House Team 1 and Topaz House Team 2 on the motion "Governments should have the right
to regulate and control artificial intelligence development." Topaz House Team 2 emerged victo-
rious, and Rathapanan Puvanesvaran, one of our first-time debaters, was recognized as the tour-
nament's best debater.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the house leaders for their efforts in training the
new debaters and preparing them for the tournament. Additionally, we extend our appreciation
to the dedicated executive committee members whose hard work contributed to the success of
the event.

Year 11 Parent-Teacher Meeting

Year 11 Parent-Teacher Meeting was held on Saturday, 6th January 2024, from 8.00am -
12.00noon with an overall participation of 65% of year 11 parents. Parents got the opportunity to
meet all the subject teachers one-to-one to discuss their child's performance at the Pre-Mock
exam conducted in December 2023, and to discuss better strategies for the upcoming Mock
and Edexcel Exams.

Parent-Teacher Meeting - Primary School

The Primary School's Parent-Teacher meeting took place on January 5th from 2:00 pm to 6:00
pm. Parents engaged with teachers to review their child's academic development and overall
welfare. The session offered a platform for parents to inquire, share concerns, and receive feed-
back from the teachers. This meeting promoted open communication and cooperation between
teachers and parents, aiming to support students in achieving excellence in the upcoming se-
mester exams.

THE STAFFORD BULLETIN - JANUARY 2024 5