Ramadan at School

Over the coming weeks, members of two of our faith communities will be observing fasting as part of their religious practice.

Our catholic friends and our Muslim friends participating in Lent and Ramadan began their fasting on Wednesday 18 February. To support students who may not be aware of what this means and teachers who want to be supportive and attentive to students over the coming weeks, the Nossal Muslim Society wanted to share some additional classroom considerations that may assist over the coming weeks with students who are participating in these practices.  

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, charity and community for Muslims. Students who are fasting will not eat or drink from dawn to sunset (approximately 5:00am–8:00pm). 

Energy levels 

Many students will be waking around 4:30am to eat before dawn and pray. It is not unusual for students to be up past midnight attending prayers at the mosque. Fatigue is common, particularly in afternoon classes.

Hydration 

As students are not drinking water during the day, they may appear quieter, less focused, or physically flat, especially in warmer weather or during practical lessons. 

PE and physical activity 

Some students may need to self-pace or adjust intensity levels. As always, professional teacher judgement in monitoring wellbeing and engagement is appreciated. 

Exemptions 

Those who are unwell, travelling, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, or with certain medical conditions may not be fasting. 

Eid al-Fitr 

At the conclusion of Ramadan, many families will celebrate for one to two days. You may notice absences during this time. Eid coincides with camp and activities week at Nossal, so it may be a challenging time as students have to select one group (school or religious) to celebrate with and forego the other.  Ramadan often involves increased prayer, charity, family gatherings and community connection beyond the school day.  

Below is an iceberg analogy that illustrates the deeper meaning and experiences associated with Ramadan beyond what is immediately visible. Ongoing awareness and flexibility can make a meaningful difference in ensuring students feel supported and included. 

We meet weekly on Thursdays in the Physics classroom.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

Khalid Ahmadzai 

(Student leader of the Nossal Muslim Society)