NEWSLETTER January 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Rebecca Gough, Head Of Secondary Dear Parents, I would like to start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year! I hope that you have been able to spend time with family and friends over the Winter Break, either in Qatar or abroad. Returning to Distance Learning was not what we had hoped for as we moved into 2022. However, the pandemic has taught us so many things, and resilience and flexibility are certainly characteristics that we rely on more than ever. What is apparent, is that our students are also extremely resilient and have transitioned exceptionally well to Distance Learning. We thank you as parents for the part that you have played in helping to support and guide the children through this process. At this time of year many people make New Year’s Resolutions. These resolutions or personal goals are often centered around improving fitness, healthy eating, developing personal characteristics, or spending time doing things for other people. Most commonly, resolutions are about ‘Getting Better’. At Hamilton, ‘Getting Better’ is something that we and our students are passionate about. We look forward to supporting your children in getting better in their academic studies as they engage in their learning in 2022. However, we also understand the importance of ‘Getting Better’ in a much wider context: whether that means becoming a better friend, or having a better understanding of different cultures, or becoming a better musician or sportsperson. As we deliver our curriculum through Distance Learning, we remain committed to giving our students a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities to get better in a whole range of areas. With this in mind, Elementary School students continue to receive Specialist Lessons on a weekly basis, and Secondary Students continue to follow their normal timetables. In addition, we have built in time to support the student’s well-being with the help of their class teachers, homeroom teachers and the wider support team. As we look further ahead into 2022, we understand that we may face some uncertain times. However, we also know that our students will be offered some amazing learning opportunities and experiences, and that each child will grow in strength and character. The Hamilton team will be working hard to provide a safe, inspiring, high-quality education for all of our students and we hope to welcome them back into school soon. Kind regards
Early Years Our Pre KG and KG1 celebrated the end of the term 1 by having a winter concert, our children worked really hard to perform in front of their friends and teachers. From dances to plays, they did a great job this year! Thank you to everyone involved in making these amazing performances happen!
In our KG2 Classes our children are always happy learning! For "Habitats " IPC lesson - Exit point, children became even more creative and prepared dioramas of the different habitats they learned about. The class then met in the Black Box Theater so that each student could present their work. It was amazing to see them answer all the questions that their friends had about the habitats. Great job KG2!
Elementary The curriculum at The Hamilton International School is comprehensive, creative, and relatable. Our Grade 1 students celebrated their IPC lesson by doing dioramas and large information boards to showcase their learning about different habitats. They were invited to come to school dressed in the colours of nature and had an amazing day filled with activities.
For our Grade 2 - Footprints From The Past - Exit Point, our students learned about the time when dinosaurs lived. They drew, painted, made clay dinosaurs miniatures, and even sculptured huge 3D dinosaurs.
As part of our Grade 3 IPC lessons students dressed up as people whose significant influence has made a difference in the world. We had Neil Armstrong, Galileo Galilei, Jane Goodall, and many more in our Grade 3 classrooms that day! Each students was confidently able to explain the impact that their chosen hero has had on the world. We hope one day, students of the future will be learning about the amazing feats of the future leaders currently at Hamilton.
Did you know that penguins can hold their breath for about 20 minutes? or that Polar Bears can swim nonstop for a week? For our Grade 4 IPC topic " Extreme Survivors " Exit point, our students presented their learning by making different dioramas of the rainforest, desert, polar, deep sea and underground cave habitats. They also created information posters to explain the adaptation methods of the plants and animals they chose to study as part of those habitats.
Does life on Mars exist? Can humans ever inhabit Mars? To begin Grade 5 new IPC topic - Mission to Mars, students took part in a range of NASA inspired space activities designed to test their agility, strength and knowledge. Grade 5 were set the challenge of growing plants using hydroponics, completing an assault course and exploring Mars using virtual reality.
Hub Exit - Point We were over the moon to attend the first Hamilton Hub - Exit point for IPC. Our amazing students performed on the stage for the first time. They went on a bear hunt, danced, sang, and our very own talented Omar, played the famous Fur Elise by Beethoven on the piano! We are so proud of you!
Art Competition Art is an important part of the curriculum at our school. The Elementary Student Council organized an Art Competition for grades KG2 to Grade 5. The theme was 'Nature', and students were asked to prepare their art works and exhibited them in the Black Box Theater. On the last day of semester 1 the council picked the best projects and announced the winners. Congratulations and Well done to all!
Secondary At the end of the first semester, our Secondary department held an award assembly for attainment and effort in each subject, for every grade level. To break the ice our talented school band performed in front of their friends, teachers, and SLT members. Congratulations to each student whose hard work was recognized with a certificate. Well done to all of you!
Street Child United At Hamilton The Hamilton International School was honored to host the official screening of the award - winning film Street Kids United 3 - The Road To Moscow. With esteemed guests like Dana Al Fardan, dignitaries from various embassies representatives from Fifa, as well as influential members of the community in Doha, the event was truly memorable. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performed three amazing songs composed by the one and only Dana Al Fardan.
We were also so honored to have some Street Child United leaders in our Black Box Theater. Our secondary students were part of an amazing assembly with Street Child United leaders and got to know them by hearing all about their journey and asking a lot of questions.
We had the privilege of hosting even more young leaders from Street Child United. They played football with our students, and even learned a few things form our PE teachers. One thing was clear - everyone was connected in their love of football that day.
Qatar National Day 2021 Students and Staff arrived in Qatar’s traditional dress and national colors, as we celebrated Qatar National Day at The Hamilton International School. Our students attended several shows performed by their friends, did art activities in class, and had the chance to pet horses in our grass field. It was amazing seeing them all so happy and excited.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Refer A Friend We recognize that parents and friends are the best ambassadors for our unique style of learning and community-minded environment. To thank you for every friend that you refer to Hamilton, you will receive QAR 1,000 as a reward. This can be credit to use towards any school related cost or cashback by end of the academic year. Contact the Admissions Team for Terms & Conditions admissions@this.qa