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Bekasi – April 2024, Alhamdulillah, after completing the fasting month of Ramadhan, participating in a series of spiritual activities, and enjoying the Eid al-Fitr holiday, it was time for pupils to return to school. Teaching and learning activities at Al Siddiq International School resumed on 22 April 2024. The agenda for the first day back included a Halal bi Halal gathering, followed by an environmental clean-up activity in commemoration of Earth Day. The day began with a morning assembly led by Ustadz Abdullah Haris as the ceremony instructor. In his address, he conveyed an important message about learning from the Al Qur’an and encouraged pupils to stay motivated in their studies by reflecting on the struggles of Raden Ajeng Kartini. The morning assembly concluded with mutual forgiveness between pupils and teachers, symbolising renewal and unity. After completing the Dhuha prayer, all Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary pupils gathered in the school courtyard for the Halal bi Halal celebration. Pupils brought food from home to share with their friends, fostering a spirit of togetherness and strengthening the bonds of ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood). Following this, Primary Year 3 and 4 pupils, along with Secondary boys and girls, took part in a school-wide clean-up. The Primary pupils were responsible for tidying the school’s green areas, while the Secondary pupils collected litter along the surrounding streets outside the school grounds. This activity served as an expression of pupils’ environmental awareness, encouraging them to care for the natural ecosystem, maintain cleanliness, and nurture the plants around them. [Ed.]By ESTY INDRASWARIANI, S.Sos

Bekasi – March 2024 The activities held during Ramadhan 1445H at Al Siddiq International School included Ifthor Jama’i (communal breaking of the fast) and Malam Bina Iman dan Takwa (Mabit – Night of Faith and Devotion). These events took place on 27 and 28 March 2024, involving all pupils from Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels. The communal iftar on Wednesday, 27 March, began with an opening session where pupils gathered in Masjid Al Siddiq to listen to a short Islamic sermon (tausiyah). Pupils were then divided into small groups for mentoring sessions, Qur’an recitation, storytelling on Islamic history, and collective supplications (doa and dzikir) before sunset. During the iftar preparations, parents also took part through the school committees of each level, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the event. On this occasion, the committee organised a charity programme for orphans, who were also invited to join the communal iftar. After breaking the fast, everyone performed Maghrib prayers in congregation, followed by dinner and Tarawih prayers. Pupils who joined the Mabit stayed overnight in several classrooms together with their teachers. The Mabit programme included various religious activities such as Tahajjud prayers, Qur’an recitation, and enjoyable late-night sessions, especially designed for Kindergarten pupils. As this Mabit was the first-ever overnight Ramadhan event held by Al Siddiq International School, it left many meaningful impressions. Pupils expressed their joy at being able to spend the night at school independently (without their parents) while experiencing the serenity of night worship and strengthening their faith before the upcoming school break. This Mabit activity also served as the culmination of all Ramadhan programmes at Al Siddiq International School. [Ed.]By ESTY INDRASWARIANI, S.Sos

Bekasi – March 2024, Al Siddiq International School, a well-known educational institution recognised for its dedication and commitment to providing quality education, once again demonstrated its spirit of social care through meaningful community service. With the spirit of giving and togetherness, the school organised a series of social service activities for residents around the school. On Friday, 22 March 2024, pupils, teachers, and staff of Al Siddiq International School enthusiastically gathered to carry out their latest social project. The activity aimed to provide essential food packages (sembako) to those in need while fostering a sense of empathy and compassion among the pupils. A total of 244 food packages were collected through contributions from the school committee and parents across the Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels. The Director of Education, Ustadz Abdullah Haris, expressed that social values and compassion are integral parts of the school’s educational vision. “Our goal is not only to develop academically intelligent pupils but also individuals who are caring and sensitive to the needs of the surrounding community,” he stated. During the event, pupils worked hand in hand with teachers, school staff, and the school committee to collect, sort, and pack the food packages, which were then distributed to underprivileged families living near the school. With great enthusiasm, the pupils personally handed the aid packages to local residents, learning first-hand the importance of giving and sharing while nurturing valuable values of empathy and social awareness. The activity also served as an opportunity for teachers to directly guide pupils in practising these social values. They did not only act as educators in the classroom but also as role models actively engaging in community service. “This activity is held to enliven the spirit of the holy month of Ramadhan. Seeing the pupils’ enthusiasm and involvement in this social project is truly heart-warming. They are learning that being part of a community also means having a responsibility to help one another,” said Mr. Triyoga, Head of the Secondary School Committee of Al Siddiq International. This social service project was not the first organised by Al Siddiq International School. The school has previously held regular ‘Friday Blessings’ programmes, where food is shared with both school members and the surrounding community. Through these initiatives, Al Siddiq International School has succeeded in creating an environment that nurtures not only academic growth but also social development. The spirit of compassion and solidarity cultivated within the school serves as a strong foundation for shaping empathetic and responsible future generations. Through its social service initiatives, Al Siddiq International School has truly shown that education is not only about gaining knowledge, but also about nurturing individuals who make a positive contribution to society. [Ed.]By ESTY INDRASWARIANI, S.Sos

Bekasi – March 2024 To welcome the arrival of the holy month of Ramadhan 1445H, which began on 11 March 2024, the Islamic Department of Al Siddiq International School held a Tarhib Ramadhan event on Friday, 1 March 2024. The celebration involved pupils from Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels as part of the school’s Islamic outreach activities. Pupils dressed in Middle Eastern–style attire and brought banners, posters, and small flags to share with local residents. The Tarhib procession began at 8 a.m., with pupils walking from the school to nearby residential areas as the endpoint before returning to the school. During the walk, the children joyfully sang “Marhaban Ya Ramadhan” songs and the Al Siddiq School Anthem. Upon returning to school, the pupils prepared for the “Jum’at Berkah” (Blessed Friday) programme, during which they shared food with all Al Siddiq School staff. Each pupil brought one type of food item, and in return, could take one type of drink and two kinds of food. Alhamdulillah, the event went smoothly and successfully, strengthening the pupils’ enthusiasm in welcoming this blessed month. [Ed.]By ESTY INDRASWARIANI, S.Sos

Bekasi – January 2024 At the beginning of the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, Al Siddiq International Primary School held a solidarity event for Palestine on Monday, 8 January 2024. The event, which took place on the third floor of Al Siddiq School, was also attended by all Kindergarten and Secondary students. In collaboration with Adara Relief International, the programme included storytelling and donation collection activities. The story, delivered by Fatmah Ayudia A., S.Ag, was titled “Al Aqsa and the Blessed Land”, narrating the stories of the Prophets in the land of Sham and the history of Masjid Al-Aqsa in relation to the Isra’ and Mi’raj event. The students were highly enthusiastic, especially during the question-and-answer session, where those who answered correctly received prizes from Adara. As an expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine, the teachers also organised a fundraising campaign involving both students and parents. Alhamdulillah, from the fundraising effort that began on Saturday, 6 January, a total of Rp 5,740,000 was collected and channelled through Adara. The event concluded with prayers and heartfelt hopes from the students for Palestine to be freed from the oppression of Zionist Israel, which has occupied the land of the Prophets for decades. []By ESTY INDRASWARIANI, S.Sos

Bekasi – 2023, The beginning of September marked the start of the extracurricular (extracurricular or “ekskul”) programmes at Al Siddiq International School, Bekasi. The elective extracurricular activities offered to primary and secondary students included pencak silat, swimming, futsal, robotics & coding, Japanese club, and archery. These elective extracurricular sessions take place every Friday afternoon, with most activities conducted on the school premises — except for swimming, which takes place off-site. The students showed great enthusiasm as they participated in activities that suited their individual interests and talents. In the archery club, for example, students began by learning about the basic archery equipment and proper posture for beginners. In pencak silat, they started with foundational stances and basic movements. Similarly, futsal and swimming lessons focused on learning basic techniques and styles. Meanwhile, students in the robotics & coding and Japanese club participated eagerly, demonstrating high motivation to learn new skills. As for the compulsory extracurricular activity, Scouting (Pramuka), it had already been running for a month. This programme is held every Tuesday and is mandatory for all primary and secondary students. The activities cover a variety of topics, including marching practice, teamwork exercises, group activities, and games related to scouting. With the launch of these diverse extracurricular programmes — both compulsory and elective — students are encouraged to take part actively in activities that not only develop their talents and interests but also enhance their knowledge and skills. [Ed.]