{
  "id": 5021717,
  "title": "‘First weeks of school crucial to building trust, setting students up for success’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/first-weeks-of-school-crucial-to-building-trust-setting-students-up",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T05:26:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Peninsula Qatar",
    "slug": "the-peninsula-qatar",
    "url": "https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/02/09/2026/first-weeks-of-school-crucial-to-building-trust-setting-students-up-for-success"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the early weeks of the school year, educators and parents in Qatar have an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for student success, according to Dr. Ahmed Ashley-Welbeck, Director of Qatar Academy Doha. The director emphasizes that the first few weeks are crucial for establishing trust between teachers and students, as well as fostering positive relationships between families and schools.\n\nDr. Ashley-Welbeck explains that during these initial weeks, schools have a chance to set clear expectations and build trust, which is essential for creating an environment where students can learn effectively. He states that clear communication of expectations, priorities, and strategic direction is vital for both teachers and students, enabling them to focus confidently on improving learning outcomes.\n\nTrust, according to Dr. Ashley-Welbeck, is built through clear boundaries, honesty, and respect, but it does not mean lowering expectations. Instead, strong relationships are formed when teachers genuinely care for their students while maintaining high standards. He adds that when teachers understand what is expected of them, they are better equipped to guide students towards success.\n\nParents also play a critical role in supporting their children's transition back to school. Dr. Ashley-Welbeck highlights the importance of establishing routines, such as regular sleep patterns, punctuality, and consistent attendance. He stresses that families should encourage positive attitudes towards education, ensure regular school attendance, and reinforce the value of listening to teachers.\n\nOne common mistake schools can make is ineffective communication during this period. Dr. Ashley-Welbeck advises schools to keep information clear, concise, and easily accessible. Short, targeted messages are more effective than lengthy emails, especially for families returning from vacation.\n\nAt Qatar Academy Doha, the beginning of the year sees teachers dedicating time to build relationships with students before diving into curriculum content. This early focus on social and emotional learning helps students feel secure and ready to engage in learning. Dr. Ashley-Welbeck stresses that building this foundation must be intentional, planned, and clearly communicated to all faculty members.",
  "summary": "<p>Doha, Qatar: The opening weeks of school offer a unique opportunity to establish a foundation of trust among students, and once that moment has passed, it is difficult to recreate in quite the same way later in the year, according to Director of Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), a member of Qatar Foundation, Dr. Ahmed Ashley-Welbeck.</p> <p>Speaking about the importance of the start of the academic…",
  "key_points": [
    "First weeks of school crucial for building trust and student success.",
    "Clear expectations and communication vital for effective learning environment.",
    "Parents' role in establishing routines and positive attitudes towards education."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Establishing trust and clear expectations in the early weeks of school enables students to learn effectively and sets them up for success, with both educators and parents playing critical roles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}