The Islamic Special Religious Association – the body that teaches Islamic scripture to kids in New South Wales public schools – has released a new guide in the hope that teachers will give students practicing Ramadan less homework and “time out”.
During Ramadan, those who practice Islam fast, meaning they abstain from all food and drink from dawn to sunset.
In the Ramadan Guide For Students & Schools, it reads:
“During Ramadan, Muslim students may appear to be more tired or inattentive, particularly at the beginning of the month.”
“You can help by allowing teachers to grant concessions to fasting students where possible, such as requests for time out, flexible schedules and lighter homework assignments, or less strenuous playground activities, especially towards the latter half of the day.”
“It may be helpful to develop a policy for these requests so as to minimise confusion amongst the staff body as well as students and their parents.”
Although, according to the Australian Medical Association vice-president Tony Bartone, who spoke to The Daily Telegraph, growing kids need to be eating regular meals and drinking water.
“This is a very difficult conversation because of the issues around religion,’’ Dr Bartone says.
“But the average adolescent can have hunger pangs every couple of hours, especially when they’re going through a growth spurt. They’re going to be struggling with hunger, concentration and attention if they’re missing out on essential nutrients and energy.”
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