(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
Philippine School Doha's (PSD) brand new building is all set to welcome more than 3,800 students when it opens for the academic year tomorrow.
After 24 years of operating in rented buildings, PSD-the first Philippine school in Qatar-finally has its own permanentcampus in Abu Hamour which can accommodate more than 4,000 students.
'There is an increase in enrolment compared last year. So far we have more than 3,800 enrollees but still increasing. All levels are almost full, though there are some slots available in junior and senior high school, PSD Principal Alexander Acosta told The Peninsula yesterday, adding the school is ready for tomorrow's opening.
'Everything is set. Tomorrow (Saturday) we will have the orientation for old and new teachers to be followed by a simulation for teachers who were assigned in different areas to accommodate and usher the parents on Sunday, said Acosta.
With the increase in the number of students and with the introduction of senior high school which is part of the K to 12 programme being implemented in all Philippine schools, additional teachers have been hired.
'Almost 30 new teachers have been hired, 25 of which are from the Philippines, said Acosta, adding there would be no more morning and afternoon sessions once all newly-hired teachers arrive.
Located on a government-donated 14,375sqm plot next to the religious complex, the QR123mn four-storey building boasts of modern facilities such as laboratories, gymnasium and swimming pool.
'I'm very proud to inform the parents that we have state-of-the-art facilities including four laboratories equipped with modern science equipment and classrooms with Smart Boards. In Preschool, tables have been designed to suit the students and each room has its own toilet. We also have elevators and swimming pool, he said.
Student uniforms have also been changed as PSD gears up to becoming the first Philippine science school in the Middle East.
'Officials from the (Philippines) Department of Education will visit the school from July 23 to 26 for an ocular inspection in preparation for the change of name from PSD to Philippine Science School Doha (PSSD), said Acosta.
He said that apart from the pride of becoming the first Philippine science school in the region, the science school status brings a lot of benefits as it elevates the school's standard as a research-based school and provides specialized training students need based on the disciplines they want to take in university.
The official inauguration of the school will be on October 5, during which the founders and pioneers of the school will be invited, he added.
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