This is the first in a series of articles on Coping with Grief and Loss

Many people are experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grief is a normal response to loss during or after a disaster or other traumatic event. Grief can happen in response to loss of life, as well as to drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that usually bring us comfort and a feeling of stability.  Common grief reactions include:

• Shock, disbelief, or denial
• Anxiety
• Distress
• Anger
• Periods of sadness
• Loss of sleep and loss of appetite

Uniforms 2021

The Uniform Sub Committee of the Board has been consulting with stakeholders and has finally presented certain changes to the following uniform items for 2021, insha ALLAH.

Track Suit

Preschool - Boys/GirlsFoundation - Boys/GirlsIntermediate - Boys/GirlsHigh School - Boys/Girls

3 Quarter Sports Shorts

Preschool - Boys/Girls Intermediate - BoysHigh School - Boys

Golf Shirts

Preschool - Boys/GirlsFoundation - Boys

Sports T Shirts

Preschool - Boys/GirlsFoundation - Boys/GirlsIntermediate - Boys/GirlsHigh School - Boys/Girls

Grey Pants

Foundation - BoysIntermediate - BoysHigh School - Boys

T-Shirts (Under Cloak/kurtha)

Intermediate - Boys/GirlsHigh School - Boys/Girls

However, due to the lockdown and supply chain challenges, the items may not be available in time for the new academic year. Therefore, we advise you to kindly take note of the following:

New items will be available around the middle of February 2021, insha ALLAH.

In the interim, learners will be allowed to use their current uniform or a close substitute.

2021 will be a transition year. Learners will therefore be allowed to use either the old or new uniform items from the list above.

We acknowledge the support and commitment of our community service providers in the design and quality of uniforms, and more importantly in ensuring that there is no increase in the cost of these uniforms. The on-going support of all stakeholders is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of our school. May ALLAH bless Al Falaah College and all our sister schools to develop into institutions of leadership and excellence.

COVID EDUCATION NEWSLETTER

Stance on Level 2

Last week, our President announced that we will be moving to Level 2. Alhamdulilah, while this indicates that there is room for improving the current state of the country, it does not mean that it is now safe. It simply means the country has relaxed restrictions to allow the economy to pick up. As we move into lockdown level 2, we must be more vigilant and meticulous in taking preventative action.

Al Falaah College will continue to maintain all precautionary measures in line with our protocols to ensure the safety of everyone.

Valved Masks

Valved masks have become a popular practice especially since they are comfortable for the user. However, we have been made aware of how these masks actually work and have found that the valved masks protect us as they filter the air that we breathe in but they may harm others as they do not filter the air exhaled. This has high implications for Covid transmission.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have stated: “The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control. Masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to be expelled out through holes in the material.  This can allow exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others and potentially spread the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, CDC does not recommend using masks if they have an exhalation valve or vent.”

Online Learners Exam Protocol

Any Online Learner who is attending an exam/test at school will be screened/vetted and be required to present a new contact tracing form before entry. Copies of these forms are on D6.

Covid-19 Education

Before you go out:

1. If you are feeling sick, please stay at home and seek medical advice.
2. Please observe all necessary preventative measures when you are in public areas.
3. Avoid taking public transport if you are sick.
4. If you are at a higher risk of serious illness, don’t head out into the community just yet. It’s safer to stay at home.

When you’re on the go:

1. Wear a mask.
2. Keep a distance of about 1.5m from others.
3. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
4. Avoid large events and mass gatherings.

How to reduce infections when you go shopping:

1. Plan your shopping needs so that you can reduce the need to go more regularly.
2. Practice physical distancing of 1.5m between yourself and others (e.g. keep the shopping trolley between you and the next person).
3. Carry hand sanitizer whenever possible (or make good use of it if provided in stores).
4. Wear a mask at all times, keep hands away from your face.
5. Try not to touch many items. If you touch it, consider buying it.
6. Remember to wash your hands when you get home.

ONSITE/ ONLINE CHOICE– Primary School

We thank parents for responding to and forwarding the returns timeously for August 2020.

Kindly take note of the following:

• Learners will not be allowed to swop between ONSITE and ONLINE or vice versa during the month or as they wish. There will be “window periods” allowing for migration to either option and is subject to space being available in the class.

After the 3^rd of August, the next option to return as an onsite learner will be on 1 September 2020. The school must be informed by the 17 August 2020 of your intention to return onsite and you will receive a confirmation on a first come –first serve basis.

• It may be possible and easy to migrate from onsite to online, BUT it will be difficult to migrate the other way, that is, from online to onsite. This is because we can only accommodate a limited number of learners in the onsite class. Preference is given to those who have indicated earlier on of their intention to return.

• Requests for migrating from online to onsite will be based on available spaces in the class at the time of your request and will be accommodated at the end of a month only. Please understand that it may be difficult to facilitate the constant moving in and out of onsite classes.

• We will not allow a student to “HOLD on to” an onsite seat, but stay away from school for frivolous reasons, thus denying another student the opportunity to return to onsite classes.

• Onsite students who may be absent for valid reasons, may access the online lessons while at home.

• Online learners will need to report to school for assessments if and when required. You will notified timeously.

• It is the responsibility and onus of the parent and the child to ensure that there is routine and discipline during the online classes. It is also important for learners to abide by all the rules of the classes.

• We will be able to sustain the online class for as long as the demand remains at these levels. As demand for onsite classes increases, the viability of online decreases. You will be timeously informed of any changes to the options offered.

• Please do not allow your children (those who choose onsite lessons) to stay at home for frivolous reasons because of the convenience of the online option. In any case you have to meet the requirements of the new absentee policy upon return from any absence

The Muslim community have always associated with taking Ramadan very seriously ensuring they try to make the most of it but for some reason the significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah weren’t as emphasized. Alhamdulillah ,by studying the meanings of the Qur’an and the ahadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him),it is clear that the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah has great virtues associated with it. Below are 10 reasons why all Muslims should take these days seriously:

1. It is mentioned in the Qur’an:

Allah most high says: “By the dawn and by the ten nights … ” Surah Al Fajr, Verse 1-2

According to the famous exegesist of the Qur’an, Ibn Kathir, the “the ten nights” refers to the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. This view is also supported by many prominent scholars. 

Allah Subhanahu wa ta ‘ala has blessed His righteous servants with periods of time within which they can increase in good deeds to attain great rewards. One of these opportunities is the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic Calendar, in which the Hajj is performed). Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) encouraged people to do righteous deeds because of the virtue of this season and because of the virtue of the place – for the Hujjaaj (pilgrims) to the Sacred House of Allah.

1.The excellence of these ten days have been mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah Subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says in the Qur’an:

“By the dawn and by the ten nights … “ [Al-Qur’an 89:1-2]

Ibn Kathir said that ”the ten nights“ referred to here are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and this opinion was also held by Ibn Abbas, Ibn az-Zubair, Mujahid and others. Rasulullah (sallallahu alyhi wasallam) said, “There are no deeds as excellent as those done in these ten days.” They (the companions listening) said, “Not even Jihad?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alyhi wasallam) said, ”No, not even Jihad except a man who goes forth endangering his life and wealth and does not return with anything.” [Recorded by Imam al-Bukhari]

2.Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (Subhan-Allaah), Tahmeed (Al-hamdu Lillaah) and Takbeer (Allaahu akbar) during this time. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (radiallahu anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (La ilaaha ill- Allaah), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh). Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

3.These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah (the Day of ‘Arafaah). Allah Subhanahu wa ta ‘ala perfected His Religion on this day. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

4.The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing any-thing from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “When you see the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice.” According to another report he said, “He should not remove (literally touch) anything from his hair or skin.” (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146)

5.It is highly encouraged to perform the obligatory acts at their prescribed times (as early as possible) and to increase oneself in the supererogatory acts, for indeed, this is what brings a person closer to their Lord. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Upon you is to increase in your prostration to Allah, for verily you do not prostrate to Allah with even one prostration, except that He raises you in degrees and decreases your sins because of it.” [Reported by Muslim]

6. Fasting has been mentioned as one of the acts of righteousness where Hanbada ibn Khalid reports on the authority of his wife who reports that some of the wives of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ”The Prophet, upon whom be peace, would fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Ashura and three days in every month.” [Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nisa’i and others]

7.Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah. One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sa-cred House of Allah. The one whom Allah helps to go on Hajj to His House and to perform all the rituals properly is included in the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”

8.Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.

9.One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.

10.Sincere repentance is one of the most important things to do during these ten days. Sincerely repenting to Allah and giving up all kinds of disobedience and sin. Repentance means coming back to Allah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allah loves.