The article below, featuring two of Al Siraat’s key events was published in the latest October edition of AMUST (Australasian Muslim Times). The article was written by our dedicated parent Mrs Gulhan Yoldas who is a regular columnist for AMUST.
Imagine the sounds of children in ihraam, excitedly proclaiming “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk!”, the footsteps of hundreds of children hurriedly walking between safa and marwa, the congregation at Muzdalifa composed entirely of children, lined cups of zam zam water and lined tents full of beaming smiles.
You can be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to a Makkah exclusive to school aged children.It’s the week before Eid and the Hajj Simulation, an annual pioneering initiative by Al Siraat College, is causing a buzz in Melbourne’s outer north. It’s designed to educate every child on campus to be familiar with each aspect of performing Hajj.
Allah in all His compassion and mercy has blessed us with many avenues in which to raise our children with Islamic values in the path of Quran and Sunnah in this beautiful country Alhamdulillah. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and it’s inspiring to watch children understanding the key components required to perform this obligatory requirement of our faith through actual practice.
Ms Rahat, the Principal for Islamic Tradition at Al Siraat College explains, “It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn about the significance of Hajj, how to perform the rituals and gain an understanding of the sacrifice that prophet Ibrahim (a) was prepared to make.”
Al Siraat College run a number of events throughout the year that encourage community engagement and welcome parents, friends and community groups to share in the experience.
Another exciting community engagement initiative recently held at the school is the “Beyond One Right Answer – Thinking Mathematically” Inquiry Learning Exhibition.
This celebration of maths is an interactive exhibition which welcomes parents and members of the community to engage with students in various stations of mathematical challenges and demonstrations throughout the campus. The event was officially opened by Ms. Rahat Arain after nasheeds made by grade 5 students and Quran recitation by Hifz student Yahya Ahmed. A speech by national award winning principal, Mr Andrew Houghton, welcomed the many guests to the exciting event.
Ms Shahidah Osman, Head of Junior School, is a dedicated advocate for inquiry based learning where children actively source the solution to a given problem or question instead of just being presented with the facts. “Our 2017 Junior School Exhibition was a huge hit, with lots of parents and community members. Many took up the wonderful opportunity to walk through our Junior School and admire the hard work that students and teaching staff have put into exhibiting their Maths inquiry learning unit.”
Lastly, in line with their dedication to reviving a Sunnah, the way of life demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed (s), Al Siraat College ran a highly successful Miswak Fundraiser during Dental Health Week.
Miswak is fast becoming the leading tool used for oral hygiene amongst young people in western countries particularly for its natural whitening properties, not to mention it’s anti-plaque, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cariogenic properties to name a few. Oral hygiene and overall cleanliness is an important part of the Sunnah and the many health benefits of using Miswak is only now being discovered.
May Allah reward generously all the efforts of educators, staff and parents across Australia who are striving every day to raise exemplary citizens who approach the world with curiosity and compassion.