Gratitude and Admiration

Dear TQS Families,

May this holy month bring an abundance of blessings.

As nice (and relaxing, and rejuvenating, and fun) as it is to have a spring break from our normal schedules, it always feels like coming home when we return to The Quaker School at Horsham.  

I believe that’s because we are a school that lives our core values of peace, equity, and belonging every day. We continuously strive to ensure all feel welcomed and loved within our walls – and one way we must do that is by acknowledging and celebrating the faiths and traditions of all our community members. 

That’s why today, I am writing to share my gratitude and admiration for the wonderful teachers in our community who are observing the holy month of Ramadan. 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset, during which time observers abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. This time of heightened spirituality and devotion commemorates the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a time for Muslims to grow closer to Allah through acts of worship, self-discipline, and charity. 

This year, Ramadan began on March 23 and will end around April 21, with the exact dates depending on the sighting of the moon. At the conclusion of Ramadan, the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr takes place. 

In honor of our Muslim community members and to show our support for their observance, our school will be closed for the first time on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on Friday, April 21, 2023. 

Our teachers who observe Ramadan exhibit an incredible amount of dedication and resilience. Despite the physical and mental challenges that come with fasting, they show up each day fully committed to their students and their profession. They embody the values of equity and community that we hold dear at our school, and their ability to serve as role models for our students is truly inspiring. 

As the Head of School, I am incredibly proud to lead an institution that celebrates the unique backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures of every member of our community. By recognizing the importance of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, we take a significant step toward building a more inclusive and equitable school for all. 

To our teachers and their families observing Ramadan: May this holy month be a time of spiritual growth and reflection. We are all lucky to learn from your dedication and compassion. Ramadan Mubarak!

Shine on,

Alex