November 3, 2024:
The Ministry of Education’s recent decision to launch afternoon shift classes at Shantiniketan Indian School (SIS) responds to the growing demand for school admissions within the Indian expatriate community. This initiative is designed to address the capacity constraints in morning sessions, allowing more students to access quality education. As part of a broader effort, SIS, along with other Indian schools, has voluntarily embraced this project to ensure educational opportunities for all eligible students, even those who had previously been unable to secure spots in the morning shifts.
The introduction of the afternoon shift is a strategic measure to make better use of available resources, enabling the school to accommodate a larger number of students. This initiative is especially beneficial for families who struggled to find placements in the morning sessions. It offers an additional time slot that maintains the same high standards of curriculum delivery, academic rigor, and overall educational quality as those observed during the morning shifts.
To ensure a smooth transition and provide clear communication, SIS organized a Parent Orientation Session for grades 1-8 on November 3, 2024. The session aimed to familiarize parents with the structure, guidelines, and expectations associated with the new afternoon shift. It began with a prayer led by Mr. Tila, followed by the National Anthems of Qatar and India.
Mr. Hamza opened the session with a warm welcome to all parents, setting a positive tone for the event. Mrs. Najeeba then discussed the school’s academic discipline policies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a structured learning environment. Mrs. Fathima Rizna provided insights into the school’s assessment structure, detailing the methods used to monitor and evaluate student progress. The school counselor, Mrs. Faheema, addressed the crucial role parents play in supporting their children’s academic success and involvement in school activities. Mr. Abdul Hameed, the Senior Operations Manager, highlighted the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive school culture. Mr. Rafeeq Rahim shared his vision for the school and encouraged greater parental engagement in their children’s educational journey.
The session concluded with remarks from Mrs. Soumya Mathew, who expressed her gratitude to all attendees, presenters, and organizers for their contributions to the successful orientation. The event was skillfully hosted by Mr. Firos, who ensured smooth transitions between speakers and maintained an engaging atmosphere throughout.
This well-organized orientation session provided valuable insights and resources to parents, helping them understand the structure of the afternoon shift and the school’s commitment to providing a balanced and high-quality educational experience. It also emphasized the importance of parental involvement in supporting their children’s academic and extracurricular development. Overall, the afternoon shift initiative, paired with effective communication and a robust curriculum, reflects SIS’s dedication to expanding access to education and ensuring no student is left behind due to capacity limitations. The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Indian schools in Qatar underscores a collective effort to meet the growing educational needs of the expatriate community.
