Islamic Activities - Rabi ul Awwal

Sunnah’s of the Prophet(pbuh)

The last week of the term was the start of the Islamic Month Rabi ul Awwal. The month in which

many believe the Prophet (sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam) was born and passed away. At MIHSG we try

to highlight the importance of each Islamic month and its significance in Islamic history. During this

week we put up posters highlighting different Sunnah’s of the Prophet (Saw) as well as the

characteristics of the Prophet (Saw).

Story of Maryam (AS) and Prophet Isa (AS)

Every day before Asr Salah, pupils were presented with

the story of Maryam (AS) and Prophet Isa (AS) so pupils

could drive Islamic lessons and make comparisons to

the Christian narrative they would hear about during

this time. This was followed up by a whole school

Jummah prayer on the last day of term with Br Jahengir

(Imam from Khizra mosque) doing the khutbah on

Maryam (AS) and Prophet Isa (AS). The Jummah prayer

was beautifully led and benefitted by all.

Sunnah Challenge

As part of the last day of term activities pupils were presented with a presentation on the life of the

Prophet (SAW) and the Sunnahs of the Prophet (Saw). Rabi ul Awwal is a month for Muslims to learn

more about the Prophet (Saw)’s life and characteristics as well as completing Sunnah’s of the

Prophet. Pupils were given a worksheet to carry out one act of Sunnah every day of the holidays and

for parents to sign what they have done; and pupils will be presented with a prize.

Public Speaking competition

During this week a competition was launched for pupils to prepare a 4-5 minute speech on the life

and lessons of any aspect from the life of the Prophet (saw). The idea is to train pupils to become

future female scholars and speakers that are much needed in our community. The competition will

be taking place next term. Watch this space insha’Allah

We pray that it was a highly beneficial and reward set of Islamic activities highlighting the beautiful

stories of the Prophets and great women gone before us. May Allah (swt) guide us to benefit and

learn from them and enter their company in Jannah tul Firdous.

Competition will be taking place with Westwood high school for girls, Afifah high school, KD

grammar and Muslim prep school insha’Allah

Islamic Award

At MIHSG we feel it is just as important to reward pupils for exceptional behaviour displayed around

school especially good Islamic behaviour.

Abu Hurairah Rasulullah saw said: "He, who does not thank people, does not thank

Allah." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

We wanted to take this opportunity to reward

Sara Al Mahmoudi in year 8 for displaying

exceptional Islamic conduct in school and

outside of school, and being an exemplary

Muslim role model and ambassador to others.

Sara has made a great impression to teacher

and pupils in her short time at MIHSG. From

encouraging pupils to read Salatul Duha, to

raising money during Jummah for various

charities and single handily raising the most

during charity week. She has got half the

school signed up for a charity walk too.

We encourage pupils to display good Islamic

conduct in and outside of school and will be

continuing to reward pupils for their

contribution. We will also be gifting those

pupils who have started to wear the Hijab as

we know how much of a difficult and

courageous step it is for most young girls

today. May Allah(swt) reward everyone’s

efforts and intentions and especially those

people actions who go unnoticed in this world

but are recorded are noticed heavens above amongst the angels and the almighty Allah(swt)

insha’Allah.

Nativity Play - Interfaith

A local school, St John’s Primary School Community Christmas Performance invited our pupils to

attend a nativity play

performance delivered by

their nursery class on

Wednesday 16th December

2015. Pupils from 7B were

taken to see the

performance and engage in

conversation afterwards

about the differences and

draw comparisons from the

Muslim and Christian stories

of Mary and Jesus (Maryam

(AS) and Prophet Isa (AS). It

was an exceptional

performance thoroughly

enjoyed by staff and pupils.

Thank you to St John’s primary school for inviting us, we hope to work with St John’s primary school

again closely.

“The play was really good I loved the costumes and the sign language, it was amazing to see 4 year

olds do sign language” – Year 7

Sikh Gurdwara Visit

As part of interfaith visits to religious places of worship, pupils from year 8 visited the Sikh Gurdwara

on Wednesday 16th December 2015. They were given a tour of the place of worship, and were asked

to wash hands and remove shoes as etiquette of entering the Gurdwara. Pupils then listened to a

presentation prepared for by the Bobby Singh on the tenets of Sikhism, festivals and the 5 Khalsa

and it’s importance for Sikhism. Pupils were very engaged and asked informative questions to

understand the faith better. As per Sikh tradition of langar where they feed any guests to the

Gurdwara, and on a daily basis they

feed 1000 people. Pupils enjoyed

some daal chawal and were presented

with a box of chocolates. Thank you

to everyone at the Sri Guru Gobind

Singh for their hospitality.

“It was really interesting to learn

about Sikhism and actually see the

Guru Granth Sahib as we had learnt

about it in school.”

Survival Camp – ‘Living as a Syrian refugee’

The first weekend of the holidays as everyone was relaxing from

the long first term at school; Maryam Mansour from year 10 and

Miss Kossar spent 24 hours in a survival camp living as Syrian

refugees, amongst 150 volunteers across the country doing the

same activity in make shift survival camps across the country.

Comedy Show

As a treat for students after their exams, we had some comedians visit the school from the UK and

USA. It is always a great opportunity for students to be exposed to people who are active in the

Muslim community, and spread the true message of Islam; whether it is Islamic scholars, speakers,

reciters or talented artists in our own communities. Thank you to Human Appeal international for

bringing Ali Official and Preacher Moss down to school. Br Sibbat Noor started of talking about the

work Human Appeal international do and how the school has fundraised for olive trees and water

wells in the past. Preacher Moss spoke through his comedy about his conversion to Islam and

reactions in the community as well as the needs as Muslims to laugh, as the Prophet (saw) was

always seen smiling, which in

this day and age is a much

needed reminder.

Random Acts of Kindness Project

Following on from last year’s project of giving cookies and cards to neighbours, pupils have been

writing random messages to teachers and pupils around school, boosting each other’s confidence

and installing a sense of sisterhood and love between one another, it was worth seeing all the smiles

and look of sheer joy in the pupils and teachers faces when receiving a note.

Chocolates with a lovely message from the girls at school were also handed out to the local

neighbours and the girls who participated spoke of the great feeling they felt in making someone’s

day a little more special.

Messages from neighbours

Dear Friend, Salaam Aleichem. Our thanks for your lovely thoughts and choc gifts that our grandchildren are eyeing...Random acts of kindness - how important in our troubled world. Small acts and gifts have such a great meaning conveying our common humanity and solidarity. When you invited us to share a meal (vegan) with you a year or two ago we said that if ever one of your girls had any anxiety, being collected late for example, or for any reason whatsoever, then please come to our house which is almost opposite your school. With every good wish to you, staff and students, David and Jane Graham, Dear Ms Kossar,

I would like to thank you and your team for the many random acts of kindness that I

have received in recent months/years.

It such a lovely surprise when I see them and I am most grateful. Please hand on

our thanks to your girls.

Best wishes for the holidays and the new year.

Catriona Roussel

Hi

I have just got home from work and found your amazing gift. It has made me day!

Thank you so much, I needed a choc fixes!! Best wishes, high lane, lorien and

anthony Hello,

I walked out of my front door this afternoon and a smile came to my face

when I found the little parcel of chocolates you'd left.

Thank you very much for your random act of kindness, it was a lovely

surprise and gave me a warm feeling.

Cheryl and Rich (Chorlton Green)

Thank you so much for the lovely packet of chocolates. What a kind and thoughtful

gesture.

It really made me smile.

Warm Regards

Valerie Atta

Dear Pupils,

Thank you for your generosity. We love the edible surprises from MIHSG!

Happy Holidays.

Best wishes,

Dear year 10 pupils

I have just returned home after a

very long and tiring day at work

to find your bag of treats.

What a lovely surprise to come

home to. They certainly have put a

smile on my face :-)

Thank you very much

Anne-Marie

Dear Year 10 pupils at MIHSG,

Thank you for the chocolates that

were left at my door this morning.

Such a thoughtful surprise!

Best wishes,

Lindsay, Acres Road.

We loved��the chocolate �� thank

you so much ��

Love Alice and Hannah.��

What a lovely surprise I had morning this morning, when I opened the door to

do my shopping,

for a moment I looked around and saw no one, may i say what a wonderful

idea someone had to cheer people up,

many thanks for your thoughts of us oldies, I wish you well for the coming

years and A Very Happy Christmas. M.

Please pass our thanks to the year 10 pupils for today's act of kindness.

It certainly did bring a smile to our faces :)

Heather Vaughan

Dear Year 10, thank you very much for the chocolates you

left for us on our

doorstep today. It was a lovely surprise and very kind of

you!

Best wishes, The Woolley family.

Hi

I would just like to say thank you for the chocolates, it

was a very lovely idea, very kind and certainly did raise

a smile!

Very best wishes

Please pass our thanks onto the Year 10 girls for their

gift of chocolates, a very kind thought.

Have a great holiday

Chris and Julie Phillips

Thank you so much for my lovely present this morning.

Pauline Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face girls! Really cheered me up this

morning. Excellent act of kindness project, keep up the good work girls.Kind

regardsJacqui from 7 johns close.Merry Christmas.

PSHEE DAY 2

The second PSHEE day of the academic year took place on Tuesday 15th December 2015. It saw pupils from different year groups learning about key physical, social, health, educational and economic issues. Pupils timetables were collapsed for the day and

pupils took part in various workshops. The day started off with an assembly about living with a disability. Pupils and staff listened to Kyle who has Minicore Myopathy. This is a progressive condition and will continue to deteriorate over time. This requires a significant amount of support with his daily support needs. Overnight Feed via gastrostomy. He has problems with gastrostomy site (Infection, soreness) – mainly caused by his anxiety causing him to keep his hand over it all the time and preventing it being cared for properly

However, regardless of this Kyle was very enthusiastic and positive about life and being grateful for what we have. Kyle spoke about his life ambition of going to America which was fulfilled last year and hopefully travelling the world one day.

The assembly was very inspiring for everyone and put a lot of things into perspective.

After assembly pupils were split up in to different workshops and benefitted from guest speakers too.

Iconic public figures: Women – There is only one statue of a female Iconic role model in Manchester and that is of Queen Victoria. Manchester city council has decided to put female statues up around the city but of which iconic women. Pupils looked at the suggested list and prepared debates to see who would win and the winner was Emile Pankhurst from the Suffragettes movement

Pupils then had a workshop delivered by Amna Abdul; a very active member of the community who works for Women’s Aid as well as a local youth organisation. She delivered a workshop on gender stereotypes and expectations.

Pupils learned about the different public services like the NHS and the police and debated about the privatisation of the NHS.Pupils had a workshop with Kyle on living with a disability.

Saima Alvi delivered a workshop on radicalisation to year 9 and prevention of it. Whilst Year 10 participated in workshops about eating disorders and healthy eating from a local nurse Amina Duale. Pupils also had the privilege of participating in a workshop addressing anti –racism through Drama,aA very enthusiastic and well delivered workshop by Lauren Booth. Pupils loved and benefitted from the various workshops and we hope it’s a means of

development of various spectrums of life.

PSHEE DAY – October 18th

As part of the PSHEE curriculum at MIHSG, pupils and staff

have a collapse in the normal timetable and take part in

several different sessions and workshops covering a range of

personal, social, health, economic and educational topics.

Pupils also have an opportunity to hear from a variety of

speakers from public services or from a variety of professions.

The day started with Miss Kossar delivering an assembly on

safeguarding and safety. Pupils and staff were shocked to see

a video of a social experiment that took place with parents

and their daughters who without parental consent were

speaking to a stranger online and had even agreed to meet

them. Their parents were adamant their daughter would not

do this until the experiment took place and they saw for their

own eyes. Pupils were reminded that talking to strangers

online is not safe, especially meeting strangers, and their

social media accounts with strangers could be anyone.

Year 7 participated in workshops on stress and anxiety, bullying and friendship issues and benefits.

These were delivered by the teachers with a range of activities throughout the day

Year 8 participated in a workshop on public services in particular the police. After learning about the

police service, pupils had an opportunity to listen to Youssef Dar an ex Muslim police officer who has

served for over 30 years. He shared his experiences and pupils asked very intriguing questions in

light of current affairs. Pupils then learnt about different public services like hospitals, fire service

and so on.

Year 9 participated in public service workshop on the

NHS and in light of current affairs were able to debate

on whether the NHS should go private or not. Pupils

were then able to listen to Amina Duale who is a ward

sister at the general surgical department at Manchester

Royal infirmary. Previously she has worked as a nurse in

community, outpatients and ward settings. She was

able to share her role as a Muslim nurse and what the

job entails. Pupils then had the opportunity of listening

to a lady from a local Dementia charity who works with

the sufferers of dementia.

Year 10 took part in a fair trade workshop delivered by

Mrs C Pennington. Pupils learnt about the importance of

fair trade and its implications on the world. Pupils

thoroughly enjoyed the session and will be making some

fair trade chocolate soon.

Year 11 had the opportunity to participate in career

aspirations workshop listening to an ex-student Fatima Mahmood who will be running as a labour

councillor soon but works at MEP Afzal Khan’s office at the moment. She talked about Muslim

women being involved in politics and how pupils should be more politically active. Pupils then had a

session to prepare for their college applications and write exceptional personal statements.

Remembrance Day Assembly

Pupils listen to Jahan Mahmood, a Birmingham researcher, who is behind Shared Histories and the Travelling Museum. He is a former Birmingham University Lecturer, and has served as an advisor to both the Home Office and Royal Military Academic Sandhurst. Jahan has helped research a number of Television documentaries on the role of Muslim soldiers in the First and Second World War and is a regular media commentator on the BBC and SKY News. He delivered a very energetic and insightful assembly explaining the role that

Muslims played for Britain and its allies during World War 2 as well as bringing with him a shared histories exhibition of world war artefacts including a Nazi uniform. His assembly and workshop explored the role played by Black and Asian (Hindu, Sikh and Muslim) soldiers during the Two World Wars whilst showcasing a collection of WWI and WWII uniforms, equipment and decommissioned weapons.

Many Muslims in Albania in particular, died trying to protect the Jews from the Nazis. "There were 2.5 million Indians who fought in the war of which 600,000 were Muslim soldiers." Pupils had the opportunity to see artefacts that would have been used during the war by both sides. On Remembrance day Miss Kossar held an assembly to commemorate and remember the Muslims who gave their lives during World War I and World War II and to highlight how WW1 in particular changed the Muslim world as we see it today. The Muslim world was divided in to different countries during this time. Pupils and members of staff collected

stories and artefacts from their

families who took part in the war and

shared significant artefacts. Ashraf Ali

from British Muslim Heritage Centre

is in the middle of compiling an

exhibition entitled 100 untold stories,

highlighting the untold stories of

Muslim soldiers and their sacrifices during the wars. Ashraf brought artefacts and letters from the

wars and delivered a workshop to pupils about the Muslim contribution during the wars.

When Saira met Sarah

As part of interfaith week, on Sunday 22nd November 2015 pupils in year 9 and 10 were invited to attend an interfaith literary event. It was also a great opportunity for pupils to attend the Manchester Jewish Museum. It was a local poetry literature event organised by the Muslim Jewish Forum entitled ‘When Saira met Sarah’, with readings from an e- book of short stories and poetry by local Muslim and Jewish women. These are competition winners, mostly without previous published writing. The works were sad, emotional and humorous. They give brief insights and reflections into the lives of Muslim and Jewish women. It was a great opportunity for pupils in a historical Jewish setting to consolidate what they had learnt in Religious studies and learn from the lives of Jewish and Muslim women from a literary point of view.

Faith in Education Conference 2015

During the national interfaith week, both Miss J Kossar and Mrs Malek Junior attended the local faith in education conference which took place in Manchester. The

conference was organised by Greater Manchester's interfaith groups led by the Faith Network for Manchester and followed on from last year's excellent conference on Faith in Health. It was a very informative day attending different workshops learning about the role of faith in education and how we can embed different faiths and their beliefs in to our activities and curriculum. The workshops entitled were educating communities about faith through media portrayals of faith; ensuring key decision makers understand faith, the role of twinning faith schools and RE in schools today. The faith in adult and higher education as well as the advantages and role of interfaith dialogue was discussed too. It was a great opportunity to network with practitioners from

other schools and faiths and shares the good interfaith

practice within the Manchester community. Thank you to

Manchester Faith Network for the invite.

World Book Day – Thursday 3rd March 2016

As part of world book day the Islamic co department will be giving out Islamic books to pupils to encourage pupils to read Islamic books as well as build up their collection over the next 5 years. Pupils will be receiving the following books with a book mark listing 50 Islamic books they should read in their life time. There will also be an Islamic book fair taking place on Thursday and Friday to encourage pupils to buy Islamic books. It is planned to have this book stall happening once a month InshaAllah. Year 8 - Kindness to Parents Year 9 – The Noble Woman Year 10 – The handbook for Muslim Teenagers Year 11 – The Muslim student’s Guide to University and beyond. Honouring our mothers event An afternoon high tea event took place at the BMHC on Saturday 27th February 2016 to honour the women in the developing country, women in Jannah and women everywhere for international women’s day. Pupils from our nasheed group performed at the event. As well as teachers attending who listened to messages from their children.

Ustadha Rehana Shah

As part of international women’s day and world book day, Ustadha Rehana Shah visited the school to deliver an assembly to the pupils Pupils had the honour of listening to an enlightening and empowering speech on striving for Jannah by Ustadha Rehana Shah from South Africa. Ustadha Shah speaks to pupils about how to achieve the ultimate objective of Jannatul Firdous. Ustadha Shah explains to pupils that the reality of the 'happily ever after,' is that of Jannatul Firdous and gaining the pleasure of Allah.

Absieling challenge with Made in Europe

A number of brave pupils in Yr 7 and 8 gave up their Saturday afternoon to abseil down the British Muslim Heritage Centre tower to raise much needed funds for the charity Made in Europe. Money fundraised will go towards advocating for causes to eradicate poverty. Pupils were very brave and excited by this opportunity, with many opting to abseil down the tower twice!Well done to our very own Mrs Smart too for completing the challenge.

Primary school visits: Greswell Primary school in Tameside and St Johns Primary school in Denton MIHSG has had visits from several primary schools in the local area who have been learning about

Islam as part of their curriculum. Attending MIHSG gave them an opportunity to learn first hand

from pupils and take part in a number of pre-planned activities to aid their understanding.

Over the past two weeks MIHSG had had over

120 primary school pupils who:

- had a tour of the school,

- learnt about the 5 pillars of Islam,

- were given the opprtunity to write their

names in Arabic, calligraphy session,

- developed their understanding of Islamic

geometric art,

- learnt about the Islamic dress code with a

chance to dress up and decorate some

chocolate dates for Ramadan.

Pupils from both schools have been fantastic and spoke very highly of pupils in our school. Thank

you to Greswell Primary School in Denton and St Johns RC Primary School in Chorlton for visiting us.

World Hijab Day 2016

MIHSG celebrated World Hijab Day 2016. Pupils wore different Hijabs in different styles and shared what inspired them to start wearing hijab. As well as learning the importance of it in lessons today. Teachers wore the same colour hijab blue to show that different hijab styles can be worn in the correct modest Islamic manner. Non-Muslim staff joined in and experienced wearing hijab for the day. We hope it was a beneficial and inspiring experience for all.

Shiekh Jibreel Visit

Today we were honoured with listening to Sheikh Mohammed Jibreel. He led the staff and pupils in duhr Salah and then had the opportunity to listen to his beautiful recitation and then a reminder on the status of women in Islam, developing tarabiyah and family life. Jazakh'Allah to Human Appeal for arranging this visit. Shaykh Muhammed Jibreel memorised the Qur'an at the age of 9 and won many national and international Qur'an competitions. The honourable Sheikh graduated from Al-Azhar University in Egypt from the faculty of Shari'ah and leads an estimated 3 million Muslims in Ramadhaan Taraweeh prayers at the famous Masjid Amr Bin Al-Aas in Cairo where he has been leading since 1988. He is among the most prominent reciters of the Holy Quran in the Muslim World today. Sheikh Mohammed Jibreel has traveled the world to lead worshippers in Mosques and delivered lectures at Islamic centres in Quran'ic Studies. He has recorded the Holy Qur'an for radio and television broadcasts for many countries around the world and clips are widely available on YouTube with millions of views. Soup and Smiles – Feeding the Homeless with Myriad Foundation As part of living Islam lessons pupils have been working on various projects and have arranged food and clothes packs to take to the homeless at the soup and smiles event with myriad foundation.

Hug in a Mug On going campaign at the moment where by pupils and staff are preparing mugs with coffee, tea, sugar, milk and chocolates to give to a homeless shelter for teenagers in Bolton.

10 Downing Street visit As part of Patchwork foundation and Mosaic, two of our pupils took part in a competition whereby they had to submit a speech on who their role model was. Upon winning they were invited to meet the Prime Minister and the heroes who stood trail with Nelson Mandela. The two pupils during their visit to 10 Downing Street also had an exclusive tour Westminster Parliament, visited exhibitions at the British Library, British Museum, Sherlock Holmes Museum as well as visiting Regents park mosque and East London Mosque and the Made in Europe offices. Gaza Winter walk Some pupils took time out on their Saturday as well as Farhat Javid and took part in Gaza Winter walk around Heaton Park for Muslim Hands and raised hundreds of pounds between them.

Holocaust Memorial Day Thursday 26th January – There are many untold stories of Muslim who saved the lives of Jews during the Holocaust. Pupils were presented with different stories during lessons by teachers on different Muslims who saved Jews during the holocaust. The national theme for holocaust Memorial Day this year was not to stand by. A flash mob activity was organised where pupils held up names of countries where genocides have taken place with their backs to some girls lying on the floor ‘dead’ representing genocide in various countries with the sign don’t stand by to educate pupils of the different genocides that take place today.

Art exhibition On behalf of Human Relief Foundation pupils took part in an Art exhibition entitled 99 names of Allah. Pupils had to prepare a beautiful canvas with one of the names of Allah and then sell it to raise money for Zaatri camp in Jordon. Pupils may able to attend a deployment visit to Jordon in July to spend Eid with the Orphans. Pupils took part in this competition with KD Grammar, Muslim prep and Afifah high school. The exhibition took place at the heritage centre whereby one of our canvases sold for £350.

Ofsted Outstanding Dinner

Alhamdulillah firstly through the grace of Allah (SWT) the school was able to achieve Outstanding in all areas of the Ofsted inspection, and then through the hard work and dedication of the staff and pupils. The trustee’s organised a celebratory dinner for the staff to reward and celebrate the result of the inspection. The dinner was held on Friday 11th December at the British Muslim heritage centre. Thank you to Br Jamal and the BMHC team for organising and decorating an exceptional dinner, and for going above and beyond for the staff and making it a very special evening for all. On behalf of the staff we would like to say a huge thank you to the trustees. We hope that everyone’s hard work and dedication is rewarded in the hereafter as well as in this world. “One Ummah, One team, One outstanding school MIHSG. Celebrating good times outstanding performance. Good food, good company and good time. Thank

you” – Miss Hockwart “It’s important to celebrate the achievements of the dedicated staff who love the school, where else better to enjoy our triumph (alhamdulilah) than the heritage” – Mrs Ahmed “Absolutely amazing, it was an outstanding dinner, well organised good food and great company” – Mrs Sadiq