Our Feedback - Do we make a difference? 

 

"The Islamic Circle Supplementary School has been an energetic and effective initiative, based at the Froud Centre in Manor Park, and working with St Michael's Church and Aston Mansfield. Their summer barbecue is becoming a very enjoyable annual event - this year, as last, attracting broad attendance and offering great food! " Stephen Timms MP - MP for East Ham and Chief Secretary to the Treasury         "I, along with Cllr. Sardar Ali, was really impressed for your initiative for community involvement, the project itself and the spirit of volunteering by those young people. It was a great experience to visit and enlightening that how much can be done with sincerity." Councillor Sardar Ali & Councillor Abdul Karim Sheikh (London Borough of Newham)         "one of the most instantly striking things was that the kids all seemed to love coming in to classes and that must be a real indication that you are on the right track and that you have the right people involved" Hugh Dames - School Works (Organisation supporting lifelong learning in local communities)         "Outstanding wealth of community and team spirit" Sofina Ahmed - London Muslim Newspaper       "I was particularly impressed about the inclusive nature of the scheme and the fact that you are trying to raise standards for those most in need. It is encouraging that so many of you are giving your time voluntarily and I wish you all the best for the future." Councillor Jo Corbett (London Borough of Newham)       "I was really impressed by the kind of additional support that you provide voluntarily to those children. This will definitely boost the education achievement of those pupils. Keep it up." Samy Kuttiyandisamy (Newham LEA)       "Everybody has a part to play in their community and we all have a vast array of skills to contribute, and mine was to teach. I knew that the Supplementary school would be an excellent way of using the experience I have gained as a primary school teacher to help children who would otherwise have no extra support available to them. It is also important for the young children to see and identify with the positive Muslim role models which are provided by the dedicated and very professional volunteers every week." Allia Nisar (Local Primary School Teacher & ICSS Volunteer)       "The Eid and Education event was a great forum for raising awareness and recognising the importance of active engagement by the Muslim community in the education of their children. It was informative and laid the foundation for future events where Muslim parents can learn more about the education system as well as realising the immense potential from working with schools and school partners, such as the Islamic Supplementary School." Yvonne Powell - Head Teacher, Little Ilford School - London Borough of Newham         "Newham Governor Services were very pleased to participate in the launch event for the Association of Muslim Governors. We think that the Association will make a valuable contribution to raising the profile of school governors among the Muslim community and helping governing bodies recruit governors so that they are more representative of their local communities. We hope to work with the Association in future to achieve this." Paul Baglee - Head of Governor Services - London Borough of Newham         ""My congratulations to the Islamic Circles group for putting together a day that celebrated Muslim contributions to our education system and encouraged greater participation. I am happy to support and encourage the ICSS; their efforts to support our schools in the work of raising attainment levels benefits the whole community." Reverend Brian J Lewis - The Parish of St Michael & All Angels - London Borough of Newham         ""A really interesting and educational day" Dr Abdul-Hayee Murshad - Head Teacher, Hermitage School - London Borough of Tower Hamlets         "It was a very good event. The focus on addressing the gross under-representation of Muslims on school governing bodies is the right one, if serious issues of under-achievement and ensuring that Muslim pupils needs are met adequately, are to be addressed. Positive participation is essential if we want schools in our neighbourhoods to become flourishing schools that respond to the aspirations of parents and children. The Muslim Council of Britain fully supports this initiative of the Association of Muslim Governors." Tahir Alam - Education Chair - Muslim Council of Britain       "The event was inviting and well organised. You have worked so hard and your efforts have been appreciated, Well-Done! I am very pleased to know ICSS is progressing positively and I pray Allah rewards you all for your continuous efforts. The Association of Muslim Governors is an initiative that I highly believe will make a positive change and encourage members of the community to actively take part in their local schools. Like all of us, sometimes we need a push in the right direction and most importantly it would provide members of the community with a platform to turn to for additional support." Nazma Arif - Guest       "Everyone enjoys coming to school on Sundays - both volunteers and the children; but more so today, as we've all put a lot of effort into the preparations. It's really been a day out for everyone - there have been education-related talks, stalls to shop from, lots of food and so much for the children to do - they really look as if they've had a great time! All the volunteers hope that events like this will help the school and The Association of Muslim Governors continue to grow from strength to strength." Nausheen Haque - ICSS Marketing Manager and volunteer teacher         "Very successful" Sarah Machen - East Ham Conservative Party       "I was very pleased to be at the Eid and Education event and especially welcomed the launch of the Association of Muslim Governors. It seems to me a great initiative set up by and run by people who care about and are committed to the education of the new generation... OUR next generation. We need to welcome initiatives that are focused on improving the achievement of Muslim children who are in State schools. For Muslim children, their schools act as their introduction to wider society. This first point of contact will set the phase of their level of integration. If the schools develop positive interaction with Muslim governors and community bodies, they will no doubt have a greater understanding of the needs and sensitivities of Muslim children, which will no doubt contribute to the integration of these children into wider society. Muslim children should be encouraged to feel 100% British and 100% Muslim. I have also come to know the Islamic Circle Supplementary School over the last year. As the local MP, I was invited to judge the pupils' Eid card competition for the Ramadan Eid in November and I can tell you it was not an easy task. In the end, I chose a design by 8 year old Safiya which then went onto become my official Eid card for my Muslim constituents. Stephen Timms MP - Member of Parliament - East Ham       "It was as close a perfect "mass" BBQ as you can get, really. The food was fast and flowing (and blummin' tasty) so there was no waiting, the kids (and adults) were kept busy with the bouncy castle, five-a-side and rollerblading and the guests were turning over at a rate of knots. It was partly down to having good circumstances, but mainly a testament to damned good management getting everything and everyone to flow so nicely. Most of us were there for seven hours (and some even longer) but the heat,tired feet, sore backs and mental drainage were worth every minute. I think many left floating on that unmistakable high you get after being responsible for such an occasion." Shakil Shaikh - ICSS Volunteer       "I like ICSS because it has fun activates to do for the children and it helps me to do better at school" Saara Mushtak - ICSS Pupil       "I very much enjoyed the BBQ last Sunday. Thank you very much for inviting me. Raising educational aspiration and achievement is our number one priority in Newham. By helping children with home work and extra support the ICSS makes an important contribution to this objective. I want to congratulate all those involved and wish you every success in the future." Councillor Ayub Korom Ali (London Borough of Newham)       "ICSS is not just another supplementary school but one that serves to strengthen the ties between the different cultures and faiths that exist in the local community. Whilst its main objective is to raise the academic achievements of children in KS2 to KS3, it also aims to support the students, the parents, the LEA and wider community in whichever way it can. The enthusiastic team of professional volunteer teachers are committed to providing a positive experience for their students and are conscious of being positive Muslim role models; they are also keen for the children to be better citizens, to develop their artistic and creative talents, to take part in sporting activites as well as going out on the occasional educational outdoor visits. The Working Together BBQ is a fun-filled day -both a celebration and thank you to all those involved in the success of the school - namely the teachers and students, and the staff and church at the Froud. I pray that the school realises the impact of its work and continues to flourish in the future insha'Allah." Mahmuda Mazid - Primary School Teacher & Ex ICSS Head Teacher       "It was encouraging to see all communities together on the day and ICCS's proactive work in working with groups in East London area which is vital to the community cohesion. These type of events provides valuable opportunities for people to make a positive change in not just their own lives, but in the lives of those in their communities." Wasim Akhtar - Higher Executive Officer at the Home Office Volunteering Unit         "The two key aspects of the barbeque that immediately impressed were firstly the natural and genuine hospitality of the hosts, and secondly, the inclusive, relaxed and fun atmosphere. Well done to the dedicated, professional, and enthusiastic staff at ICSS for organising a successful cross-cultural community event!" Yinka Armartey - Community Schools Consultant - Resource Unit for Supplementary and Mother-tongue Schools         "excellent idea of bringing together parents, teachers, students, Newham LEA and other organisations. It was enjoyable and social. I was impressed by the speeding growth of your school, the professionalism of the whole team and the passion and commitment of people involved in the project" Jun Ding - Resource Unit (Organisation assisting all UK Supplementary Schools)       If you would like to give feedback please send us an email: info@icss.org.uk

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