Issue 19 Spring 1 2023

Assalamu alaykum dear parents!

We have reached the end of the half term and what a term it has been. We have had book fairs, assemblies, inter school meetings, and plenty of learning. However, despite all of the good that we have by the blessings of Allah, our happiness is overshadowed by the tragedy that has struck Syria and Turkey. Currently over 20,000 people have died from the effects of the devasting earthquake and our prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones and with those who now find themselves without homes and shelter.

We would like to encourage everyone to give as much as they can to relief funds. We will be donating to the DEC appeal which is a collection of 15 charities working together to raise money. The government will match any donations that are raised. For more information click https://www.dec.org.uk/ and donate.

Our children this half term have been learning about the Rightly Guided Caliphs. They have been learning about the characteristics and efforts of each of these special Companions. They learnt about the generosity of Abu Bakr, the justice of Umar, the compassion of Uthman and the knowledge of Ali, may Allah be pleased with them all.

The children will also be completing special Ramadan projects over the coming weeks. Please look out for the letters that have been sent home.

Hadith on Patience during Tribulations 

Al-Miqdad ibn al-Aswad reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, blessed is one kept away from tribulations, blessed is one kept away from tribulations, blessed is one kept away from tribulations, yet excellent is one who is afflicted and bears it patiently.” Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd

Hadith on Giving Charity 

“Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” -Source Bukhari and Muslim.

JazakAllah khair to all of the wonderful parents who brought their children (or whose children dragged them) to the Book Fair. You purchased about £1000 worth of books which means about £500 of free books for the school! That is a win win!

Speeches were given, the voting was held, there were joys and commiserations but we finally got to the result and  a new group of students were chosen to represent Iqra as the school council for 2023! The day was made all the more special with the appearance  of Madam Mayor Councillor Pauline George and Councillor Linda Bray.

The students who were voted for had specially designed badges ‘School Councillor’ awarded to them in the  inauguration ceremony and Madam Mayor gave a speech (as well as a singalong!) on shining our light on to the world.

Year 4 performed a fantastic assembly on online safety. They spoke about creating secure passwords, not clicking on suspicious links, and not making hurtful comments on social media. They then performed a rap on the importance of staying safe online!

Year 5 performed an assembly on Climate Change in which they explained what global warming is and how we can reduce our carbon footprint. 

School lunches 

Parents are reminded to clear any dinner payments that they may have outstanding. The school pays for the dinners in advance and hence it is important for the running of the finances that all debts are clear. Thank you to all the parents who have cleared their debts!

Lateness

Being punctual and on time is an essential life skill. If parents are regularly late, children tend to pick these habits up in their adult life. Arriving to school on time, helps children settle in to their lessons without missing any important information and sets them in the right frame of mind for the rest of the day. Please ensure children come on time. 

Collection Arrangements 

We only release children to authorised adults. If there is a change in who will be collecting your children then please let the office know before 2pm. That way we can inform the teachers on time, any later and we cannot convey messages which may result in a delay in picking up your child. 

Morning Arrival 

The pavement outside is narrow and leads on to a bus lane. In the morning, please ensure that you and your children are standing at a safe distance from the Bus Lane by lining up to the side of the school. This also allows pedestrians, joggers and commuters to walk by without being blocked by a huge crowd. Your consideration in making our community safe is always appreciated by others and makes a difference.