Excitement fills the air as ASD opens after long break

Students and staff of the American School of Doha (ASD) were filled with excitement as the school reopened on Wednesday, after a long break.

The school was a beehive of activities as students were shown around their new classrooms and introduced to teachers and subjects for the academic term. Different school divisions from lower and upper elementary to middle and high schools had assemblies to welcome both new and returning students.

Happy to move to another level in their academic pursuits, the students were eager to know what awaited them in the new session. Speaking to Qatar Tribune, ASD Director Dr Deborah Welch said the school would continue with its exemplary academic programmes.

“We base our curriculum on the US standards (AERO) to prepare the students for transition to the next academic stage and future challenges,” she said. Welch said the school has designed various programmes which would see high school students sign up for service trips during the upcoming Eid al Adha holidays and spring break.

She added that students who are interested in international relations would also have an opportunity to take part in the Harvard Model Congress in January 2013, adding that some students would also participate in the UN COP 18 meet in November this year.

She said the after-school sports programme would begin on September 2. “Some students will also have the opportunity to participate in the UN COP 18 meet which will be held in November this year,” she said. High School Principal Colin Boudreau said the school’s activities this session will include the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programme as well as sports-related events, drama, art and music. 

“Our aim is well-rounded educated children. Extra-curricular activities are essential to the students’ growth. We are happy to welcome the students back from the summer recess. Our students are motivated. We received sixty new students in high school and are excited that they have become part of the ASD family,” he said.

For the students, the reopening of the school was an occasion for reunion, the time to meet friends they have not seen for several weeks.

Nine-year-old elementary school pupil Katherine Stoy from Denmark said, “I was happy to visit my grandparents and cousins in Denmark. I am excited to be back. I am looking forward to learning new things. I know things will be a bit harder because I am moving to a higher class but I am prepared for everything.”

An eight year-old newcomer from England, Joseph Gunning said, “I have made new friends already and I expect quite a lot of fun here.” For Daniel Van Hal, a grade11 student from Holland, this academic year means extra hard work because he will be preparing for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. “IB Diploma is quite challenging but I did summer work so that I could prepare for the courses. I am expecting a lot of work, therefore I have to be more organised,” he said.

source: Qatar Tribune

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