May 2012 - Orient Islamic School

NEWS LETTER
May 2012
Volume 15
Issue 3
Message from the Principal’s Desk
As-Salaamu-Alaikum
preciated and with a newly-elected Par-
ents ’ Committee in place, the school looks
The implementation of our revised late- forward to more successful joint ventures in
coming policy with effect from the first day the future.
of the new term attracted its fair share of
Contact Details
criticism as well as positive comments.
PARENTS ’ COMMITTEE
Mr Faizal
Suleman
faizal@fsulemanca.co.za
Chairman - Parents
Committee
Dr Zaid
Seedat
drseedat@gmail.com
Rep. - Physical
Planning & Resources Committee
Dr Hoosen
Randeree
dochar@mweb.co.za
Rep. - Academic
Committee
Mr Imraan
Subrathie
ismsaq@gmail.com
Communications
Enquiries
Mr Ryaz
Khan
ceo@valuwise.co.za
Communications
Enquiries
However, we have certainly succeeded in
our objective of heightening awareness of Jazaakaalhu-khair to
COMMENCEMENT DATES
Grades 10 , 11 , 12
30 May 2012
Grades 7 , 8 , 9
14 June 2012
We sincerely thank all parents/guardians As should be common knowledge to all parfor their excellent cooperation and are opti-
school initiatives aimed at developing a organisation and the school is reliant on the
greater sense of responsibility in our chil- timeous payment of school fees to cover its
day-to-day running expenses.
This issue of “ The Orient”
covers the
wide range of activities that has been organised for our learners during this term.
One of the highlights that deserves mention
was the very successful and well-supported
Vortex
day was the involvement of the Mom ’ s
THE ORIENT
ents/guardians, our school is registered as
mistic that this spirit will extend to other both a non-profit as well as a public benefit
Fun Day for the Primary Phase learners
A username and password has been sent
out to all parents via SMS. Kindly verify
that all your Contact Details Online are
correct. To update, Contact Aaliyah Seedat
on
0313091450
or
Email:
admissions@orientschool.co.za
parents/
dence of late-coming at present is minimal. order and whose payments are up to date.
Please view the Full
Exam Time Table Online at
www.orientschool.co.za
MANAGED INFORMATION SYSTEM
all those
the importance of punctuality and the inci- guardians who have kept their accounts in
dren.
June Exams
School Fees
Family Discounts
The school ’ s payment options are essentially payment of fees over a six-month period from January to June each year.
that was held on Saturday 21 April. A ma- AS FROM THIS YEAR, FAMILY DISCOUNTS
jor contributory factor to the success of the WILL APPLY ONLY TO THOSE ACCOUNTS
WHICH ARE UP TO DATE.
THIS MEANS
Committee, a voluntary band of committed THAT IF ACCOUNTS ARE NOT SETTLED BY
mothers, who, together with our staff, THE END OF JUNE, THE FAMILY DISCOUNT
spent weeks in planning the event and also WILL FALL AWAY AND THE FULL FEE WILL
gave of their time and resources on the day BE PAYABLE.
to ensure that our children and all our visitors were well looked-after. The commitment of this band of parents is deeply ap-
Please contact the Accounts Department
should you have any query in this regard.
ANNUAL FUN RUN: 27 MAY 2012
Our popular and much-anticipated Annual Fun Run is scheduled for Sunday 27 May 2012 . Learners have been provided
with sponsorship forms as well as details of the event. The
revamped Beachfront promenade will once again be the ven-
African Institute Of Chartered Accountants ( SAICA ) competition to be held on the 16th of May 2012. This is a national competition with learners from all over the country participating. We would like to wish them well and hope InshaAllah that they do Orient Islamic School proud.
ue for this event, with separate routes for males and females.
ATTENTION: GRADE 10 FATHERS
We look forward to maximum participation by learners and parents,. Funds raised are used for financial assistance for needy
learners as well as on other school projects.
On the 25th May 2012 , the school has arranged an exciting programme for our Grade 10 boys ’ classes which aims at devel-
INTERMEDIATE PHASE NEWS
Interschool Spell-Aloud Competition
oping closer understanding and bonding between fathers and
sons.
The programme includes a sleepover as well as sporting activities, interspersed with presentations by visiting speakers.
On the 18th of April 2012 Nagari Pracharni Primary School host-
Details of the programme will be issued to all Grade 10 boys
ed an interschool Spell Aloud competition for the grade 4 ’ s .
and for further details and suggestions, please contact Mr H.M.
Orient Islamic was one of 12 schools that participated. Learners
were expected to spell 20 words aloud. Masha Allah our learner
Bobat, who is the co-ordinator. We look forward to the 100%
support of our fathers and boys.
Muhammad Simjee in grade 4.2 was placed second.
English Forum Discussion 2012
The Speech & Drama College ( SA ) Durban branch ( including the S.A. Guild of Speech & Drama Teachers ) held a
Forum Discussion for Grade 9 learners on the 03/05/2012 at
the Westville Girls ’ School. The topic for discussion was ‘ The
Changing Face of Learning’ . The following students participated in the contest:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
J.S.E. Competition
We are pleased to report that one of our teams viz. The Ori-
Nabila Asmal:
Grade 9.1
Nabila Patel:
Grade 9.1
Naadira Jinnah:
Grade 9.1
Zahra Olla:
Grade 9.2
Chairman/Facilitator
ent Fantastic Four, participating in the J.S.E. shares competition was placed first in the country and won the March
monthly prize in the speculator portfolio. We wish them well
The aim of the contest is to encourage effective communication
for the rest of the competition. The team has done the
in the form of a group discussion involving both listening and
school proud. The team comprises of Zaahirah Bassa, Az-
speaking skills. The winning team was from the Clifton Boys ’
raa Motala, Aadilah Moosa, Thaybah Yusef.
School and although our girls did not succeed in winning the
SAICA Competition
Our Grade 12 learners will be participating in the South
contest, they were commended for their articulation and clarity
in presentation. This is a motivation factor for their participation
next year, Insha Allah!
Dangers of Social Networking
Each year our Grade 9 learners have the opportunity to attend a
presentation designed to create awareness amongst the youth on the
dangers of social networking. The workshop that was presented on
Wednesday, 2 May 2012 by Marc Hardwick an ex SAPS employee
was primarily geared around understanding the risk involved in using
sites such as facebook, twitter etc. Through such a workshop our
learners were empowered with the tools needed to use social networking responsibly. Parents can look forward to an informative workshop
with Marc Hardwick in the near future.
ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAMME
Our Grade 10 learners had the opportunity to attend a Study Skills Workshop offered by Junaid Bhayat a life coach
and NLP practitioner. Research indicates that learners who are exposed to learning strategies and study skills
accomplish far better results in exams.
A two day seminar for the girls was well attended on 4 & 5 May 2012.
Our Grade 10 boys have an opportunity to sign up for the same course which is to be offered on 11 & 12 May 2012
and we encourage parents to ensure that their children attend this very worthwhile programme.
Best Speaker Competition
In the first round of Best Speaker competition held at Glenwood High School on 09 May 2012, our candidate, AHMAD
RIDAH EBRAHIM emerged victorious. He competed against speakers from schools such as Durban High, Durban Girls ’
College, Maris Stella and Glenwood High. He will now represent Orient in the semi-finals to be held later this year.
Congratulations to Ahmed Ridah on his meticulous preparation and presentation which paved the way for his success.
Grade 8 Forum Discussion
Eight grade 8 learners participated in a forum discussion that took place at Westville Boys High School on the 8th of May
2012. Pupils from eight other schools participated in this discussion. The learners were: Aaliyah Aboobaker and Amina Hassim who were chairpersons and; Jamila Desai, Zakiyah Hamid, Alia Gafoor, Gerald Mlotshwa, Ruqqayah Seedat and Nabeelah Seedat. Our pupils gave a good account of themselves and we congratulate them on their effort.
Grade 4 Excursion
Giraffe, zebra, buck, wildebeest, crocodiles and snakes galore
being the Planetarium show where learners were given the opportunity of viewing a movie about the Solar System inside the
large domed structure called the “ Planetarium ” .
There was a hands-on activity where learners were able to con-
awaited the Grade 4 ’ s at Phezulu Safari Park. They enjoyed
struct their own model of the 4 layers of our Earth out of
an exhilarating game drive and watched a spectacular show
playdough.
portraying traditional African life in the African Village. Our
This concluded with a fun and exciting Astronomy Quiz de-
learners' general knowledge was most impressive and they listened intently to the Guides. It was an enjoyable learning experience for our children.
signed to test the learner’ s knowledge of our Solar System.
Learners competed against each other in teams. Teamwork
and time management skills are emphasized throughout the
game as the learners are also competing against the clock.
Grade 5 Excursion
On the 13th March 2012 the Grade 5 learners visited The Umhlanga Sharks Board and the Gateway Science centre. This
was both an exciting and rewarding experience for them.
At the Sharks Board, the learners saw a film on the life of
sharks at sea and they enjoyed a walk around the museum.
However the highlight of the visit was viewing the dissection of
a shark !At the Science Centre learners participated in the Astronomy Program. This consisted of three activities, the first
Grade 6 Excursion
The grade 6 learners visited Treasure Beach Educational Park
on the Bluff where they interacted with nature and experienced
the beach environment. The programme consisted of the Sandy
Shore study, which focused on currents, tides, action of the
sea, wind and people use, the Rocky Shores, the Forest and
Wetlands Study.
PRIMARY SCHOOL FUN DAY - 21 APRIL 2012
Our school had its first annual fun day for Grades RR to 6
learners on Saturday 21 April. The day ’ s activities included a Talent Show, Weakest Link and an exciting soccer tournament on the school ’ s astro turf. The water
slides provided much enjoyment for kids while the mums
and dads were spoilt for choice with the variety of treats
that were on sale in the Tea Garden. The fun day was
also open to prospective learners who could join in the
fun, as well as to view what the school has to offer. Our
sincere gratitude goes to all of our parents, sponsors and
well wishers for their generous contribution in making our
fun day a success.
The Islamiat Studies Department arranged a week-end
All the teachers were friendly and
outing to the Ezulwini Resort for the Grade 11 boys. The
Muhammad Randeree
group of 40 boys were accompanied by Moulanas I Mulla,
Z Peer, M S Hansa and Mr A Kaka.
approachable-
The teachers were perfect – they allowed us time for fun
as well as salaah etc. The lessons we learnt from them
The main objective of the outing was to provide the op-
will always be with us. We have built a better relationship
portunity for our boys to experience the wonders of the
with them and feel easier to communicate with them now.
outdoors while at the same time being conscious of their
– Ismail Bayat
obligations as Muslims.
As can be seen from the comments from learners , not
only did our boys have a really enjoyable outing, but they
also appreciated the importance of integrating salaah
and good Islamic conduct in the process.
The best part of the trip was :
Being together with friends and teachers – away from the
school environment—Ishaq Solwa
It ’ s hard to single out one as the whole weekend was
the best part! - Ismail Akoo
All-out adventures was really nice, The hike was scenic
but mostly just being together as a group made this trip
memorable- Muhammad Moola
Reading all salaah with Jamaat. Had free time to play outdoor activities. Breathing in fresh farm air- Zamir Essay
What are your comments on the teachers that accompanied you?
They made us very comfortable and they brought Islam
into all aspects of the trip. They are fun to associate with.
– Yousuf Kaka
They could not have been any better. They made us feel
comfortable. – Mohammed S Arbee
It was an honour and was extremely fun getting to know
them out of school and interacting with them without the
formality we experience at school. They are awesome.Muhammed Kathrada
What were some of the highlights of the trip?
The trail at Royal national park. The swim at the cascades; All-out adventures was great! The horse riding was
a great experience. – Mohammed Haffejee
Seeing the beauty of nature and having fun with my
friends- Muhammed Kadwa
Hiking through the river to the waterfall – Ismaeel Motala
The food that was provided and once again the teacher
and pupil bond which has strengthened. Uzair Jeewa
Playing paintball and bungee jumping. – Loyiso Kasule
Mini Cricket
Last month, we were given a pleasant surprise when the
Natal Cricket Union provided our school with new minicricket equipment. Our sincere thanks are extended to the
managed to build their innings up and the winning runs
were hit via a beautiful shot for four by Waakid Mohamed.
They played gallantly showing true school spirit on and off
the field as well as hospitality. We organised a braai for
the players of Orient And St Thomas, giving the students
NCU on their generous gesture. The new equipment ar-
a chance to bond and create a relationship in which Ori-
rived just in time for the commencement of our off-season
ent intends on building in the near future.
cricket coaching which is being conducted on Tuesdays
and Thursdays by Mr Naveen Ramnarain, an ex-Natal
cricketer and qualified Level 3 cricket coach.
Cricket Fixture
Our Orient under 15 and 17 teams played a friendly
match against St Thomas Aquinas School ’ s touring
cricket sides from Witbank, Mpumalanga on Saturday the
17th of March. Unfortunately the under 15 ’ s did not win
although they played with passion and enthusiasm. They
have a promising future of cricket ahead of them. Our under 17 side was victorious and won their game after losing
the toss and having had to field first. The bowlers did a
terrific job as the opposing team was bowled out for 73.
The bowlers who did well were Ismaeel Motala, Reeza
Suleman , Sameer Ikram, Mohamed Mulla, Waakid Mohamed, Ismail Akoo and Mohamed Kadwa. Our boys
Table Tennis
Table tennis coaching has now commenced. Our learners
have the privilege of being coached by a South African
table tennis champ. Reggie Naidoo, with the boys ’
sessions on Wednesdays and the girls on Thursdays.
OUR CHILDREN NEED ROLE MODELS
3.
Our youth need to feel connected to and loved by the
adults in their life. We should take the time
By Claire Marketos
to talk with
them. Since the breakdown of the extended family, chil-
www.inspiredparenting.co.za
dren are spending less time with the people that love
them. In many families, both parents are working long
The article "Knife cut short teen's dreams," ( September 18
hours and are either too stressed, tired, or disinterested
2007 ) refers. Something is very rotten in South Africa if our
to bond with their children. Society and business have a
children are prepared to kill themselves, their peers or their
responsibility to provide families with time and support,
teachers.
so that this fragile relationship can be nurtured.
All children are born innocent, like an empty book which still has
to be written in. Their parents, significant others, as well as their
environment determine what their life story will be. If children
live what they see, we need to ask what it is that they have
4.
All children are born with an instinctive desire to learn
seen and learnt that condones this kind of behaviour?
and explore their world, and it is our responsibility as
Can a child feel so unloved, helpless and hopeless, that he will
adults to encourage this. By supporting our educators
attack those around him? Are our children growing up without
both financially and practically, we can help to address
dreams? Who is responsible for this anger within them, that is
the lack of respect that has become acceptable behav-
destroying them like a disease?
iour in our schools. We have no hope as a society if our
As much as we would like to blame our past or others for this
kids are not educated.
tragedy, we the adults of South Africa know the answers to these questions. Even if we aren't parents, we all have a responsibility to act in the best interests of our youth.
5.
We also need to work together to create an environment
that is free of violence, and which meets children's basic
need for food, housing, and medical care.
Here are some pro-active steps we can take that
We cannot continue to be complacent while this epidemic
focuses on what children need:
of violence spreads like a rampant disease within our society. We moan and blame, yet we are slow to take action
to rectify the problems.
1.
Children need adults who are role models of positive behaviour. We need to consider our actions. Kids copy what
we do. Take a look in the mirror. Do you like what you
see? What are your morals and values? Are you teaching
them to your children?
2.
Imagine if every adult decided to take one small step towards
improving education in this country, what a dynamic prosperous
life we could enjoy in the future.
Children need mentors. We all have a responsibility to
guide and teach our youth, even if they aren't our children. If we don't, they will find other idols that may not
always have their interests at heart;
http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?ArticleId=4042818