Presentation on MAC Islamic School of Calgary presented during the Parents Information Session on June 29th 2017 at Al-Salam Centre.

1. MAC Islamic School – Calgary
Grades KG-4
Open House
June 29, 2017

2. Muslim Association of Canada
• Established in 1997
– Fosters a Muslim presence within Canada that
adopts a balanced, moderate understanding of
Islam, that is actively engaged within society.
– Focuses on youth development and integration
into society
– 13 chapters across Canada
– 20 full-time/part-time/weekend
schools/preschools across Canada

3. Fraser Institute ranking for selected
MAC Schools in Canada
• Olive Grove Elementary School
• Abraar Elementary School
5th in Mississauga
5th in Ottawa

4. New MAC School at
Al Salam Center – Facility
• Over 15,000 sq ft
– 5 Classrooms
– Prayer space
– Gym
– Offices
• Full-day Grades 1 through 4
• Early dismissal on Fridays
• Half-day KG for 1st year, Full-day KG in subsequent
years (TBC).

5. Mission
• Through the Alberta program of studies, with
special emphasis on literacy and numeracy,
promote the student’s love for knowledge and
lifelong learning.
• Promote religious knowledge through integration
of Islamic Studies into the school curriculum.
• Enabling students to appreciate the core
Canadian social values of democracy, tolerance
and freedom while understanding responsibilities
to become a positive productive citizen.

6. MAC Islamic School – Board Members
• Ahmad Haydar – Chairman
• Reezwan Premji – Secretary
• Brian Elsayed – Treasurer
• Rumana Haque – Educational Director
• Mazen El-Jishi – Director
• Lina Kattan – Director

7. Key Messages
• Aims to be in the top 10 schools in Alberta
• Accredited Faith-based school
• Alberta Certified Teachers
• Integration of the Islamic/Quranic program
• All families are eligible to apply
– Inclusive and accepting of diverse cultural
backgrounds and values
• Aspire to fulfill the school district values with
emphasis on passion, integrity and quality

8. Why MAC Islamic School?
• Holistic Development of students
(academic, physical, content of
character and spiritual development)
• Learn and live Islam
• Develop and promote high self
esteem and emotional intelligence
• Strong sense of belonging and identity
• Weave leadership behaviour, Islamic
knowledge and etiquettes
• Complement tarbiyah (education and
upbringing) with the parents
• Strong Parental involvement

9. Elements of our Program
• Visible Learning Outcomes and Strategies in
Literacy and Numeracy
• Focusing on iSTEM (Islam, Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) education
• Differentiated programming based on students’
learning strengths and needs
• Developing students’ leadership and character
• Integration of Islamic Studies into the Curriculum
• Promoting mainstream Islamic Values and
Learning of students Muslim heritage
• Promoting Citizenship among students

10. Alignment with other School Programs
• Similarities
– Alberta Program of Studies
– Second Language Opportunities
– Daily Physical Education
– Character Building Education
– Citizenship and Leadership

11. MAC Islamic School Program
• Enhances the Alberta Curriculum through:
– Student centered learning with an emphasis on Islam
– Instilling the power of knowledge and education
– Instilling Strong character development through the Sunnah of
the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)
– Endorsing responsible citizenry and stewardship of the
environment
– Reinforcing Islamic values and morals through all daily activities
– Promoting a strong love for Islam

12. A MAC Islamic School Student…
• Shows an interest in Islam
• Thrives on independence
• Enjoys collaborating with others
• Has a love for nature and being outdoors
• Willing to engage in problem-solving and
inquiry learning

13. Kindergarten at a Glance
• Half day 8:00am - 11:40am Mon-Fri
• Homeroom at beginning and end of day
• Islamic Studies and Quran taught daily
• Circle Time and teacher directed learning coupled with
hands on learning; some time spent at desks
• Learning through inquiry and play
– Exploration Centres with different focus on gross and fine
motor skills, and different learning outcomes
– There are worksheets to also develop writing skills
– Reading and Literacy program
– Minimal homework (review Quran, duaas, home reading)

14. Kindergarten Islamic/Quran Studies
Islamic
• Learning about Ramadan and Eid
through stories and play, arts and crafts
• Basic Seerah Knowledge
• Arabic Alphabet
– reading, recognition, writing,
• Stories of Prophets
– Adam, Musa, Noah, Ibrahim, Muhammad
• Duaas
– greetings in Islam
– before/after eating
– entering/leaving home
– entering/leaving washroom
– before sleeping/waking up
– Can be more or less depending on student
progress
Quran
• Learning of Fatiha
• Proper pronunciation of Arabic letters
• Basic tajweed
• Learning of suras
– Fatiha
– Ikhlas
– Falak
– Nas
– Masad
– Maun
– Quraysh
– Humazah
– Asr
– Kafirun
– Kawthar
– Can be more or less depending on student
progress

15. Lottery/Screening Process
• When the program is oversubscribed, a
lottery/screening process will be employed.
• Registrants are categorized into 2 criteria:
– Category 1 – New Students with Siblings
– Category 2 – New Students
* Previous applicants are selected in the lottery
prior to new applicants.

16. Timeline for Registration
1st year of Operation, Fall 2017:
• Registration will be on a first come first serve basis
• Screening to start in August
• Report cards (for Grade 1 and 2) are due in July
Subsequent Years:
• Open house will be held in January
• Registration will open in the beginning of February
and close at the end of February
• Screening will occur in March
• Parents must accept/decline by April

17. Other Considerations
• Parent Commitment to volunteer (2 times per
year per child)
• Transportation is provided by yellow school
bus carrier through congregated stops at the
expense of the parent.
• School uniforms (TBC)
– Navy blue pants
– Sky blue polo short (long sleeve or short sleeve)
– MAC Islamic School Crested Vest