We are blessed to have a Musalla on-site at Al Siraat College, where our whole community can pray outside school hours, including Jummah prayers, alhamdullilah.
We realise many parents pray Jummah at our College Musalla. As much as we welcome parents, we also need to ensure the safety of students at all times.
Unfortunately, we have an issue of some students being left to fend for themselves in the school yard and playground whilst their parent prays. The school yard is not monitored after 2:20pm on Fridays, and these children are not supervised, which is a concern. As the school office is closed at this time, there is nowhere for the children to go if there is an incident.
Children cannot continue to be left unattended in school grounds. We believe parents would not leave their child unattended at a playground or park whilst they go and pray. Our school needs to be considered in the same way.
Rather than leaving your child unattended in the school grounds, we recommend one of the following options:
- Your child prays Jummah with you in the Musalla
- Have someone else (such as a friend, other family member, carer) collect your child and take them home
- If your child is old enough, and you live nearby, your child could walk home.
Unfortunately, for all children who are left in any part of the school grounds after 2:20pm on Fridays, parents will receive an extra account they will need to pay, which equates to $1 per minute, per child. This is not something we want to do, but are being forced to do, as so many children are left unattended after 2:20pm on Fridays.
Caring for our children is an important Islamic value, and one every parent needs to uphold. We trust you will make every effort to care appropriately for your child(ren) at all times, including whilst you are at Jummah Prayer.
Children are a gift from Allah and we must cherish this gift, guard it and protect it.