International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Dear Maarif Parents,

Time flies; we have already reached the halfway point of the year! I congratulate all students and parents for our collective successes as we get the midyear mark. This term has been jam-packed with events such as the Eid Celebration, Harmony Day, Talent Show, International Excursions to Türkiye and Cyprus, Wanderers School Soccer Cup, a visit from the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, SWISSA Cross Country, AICES Cross Country, the 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day in Canberra, an official visit from high-level delegates from Çanakkale, Turkey, Mother's Day, Oodie Day, leadership sessions, visits from the Police Liaison Office focusing on cyberbullying and cyber safety, World Music Day celebrations, a chess competition, and many curriculum-based and fun excursions.

As noted in the newsletter, I want to mention a slight change in our admin office hours. Office inquiries and payments will not be accepted between 3-3:30 and 4:00 p.m. However, payments or inquiries to the admin office can be made by appointment from 3–3:30 p.m. Additionally, it has come to our attention that the number of early pickups has increased, causing significant class disruptions. Therefore, we want to remind you that school finishes at 3:30 p.m. Please schedule your appointments after school hours, as we will only approve early pickups with prior approval. We request your cooperation in this matter.

Our Executive Leadership Team attended an Artificial Intelligence workshop, "School Leaders Meetup: Sydney Forge Connections, Drive Innovation," at the Opera House on Friday, 21 June. Over 200 leaders from more than 130 schools across Greater Sydney participated in the workshop. The topics covered in the workshop:

Powered-up leaders: Neuroscience of performance & wellbeing with Dr Kristy Goodwin and Luke Callier. Dr Kristy Goodwin, CSP, and Luke Callier hosted a fascinating live episode of the EdLeaders podcast, where they spoke about the challenges of the digital world and how we can improve our wellbeing with the power of sleep and good digital habits.
Driving AI innovation: A hands-on approach with Brett Salakas and Rob McTaggart
Is your LMS enabling your vision for education? With Misbah Jafary and Nick Morgan
Navigating the future: How AI is reshaping Schools Moderated by Yasmin London, with Anthony England, Lubna Sayed, and Sue Floro.

We had the privilege of participating in this fantastic event at the Sydney Opera House.

On Tuesday, 25 June, we visited the Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney, The Hon. Prue Car MP. We introduced our school to the Minister and requested that our HSC students be allowed to choose Turkish Beginners and Turkish Extension subjects. We explained that while we have students who would like to select Turkish for their HSC, the current syllabus only offers Turkish Continuers. She promised to address this need and assured us that these subjects would be provided due to the demand from Maarif students. We invited her to our next event, and she expressed her happiness and accepted the invitation.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Best regards,

Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As Term 2 draws close, we reflect on what an incredibly busy and vibrant term it has been at Maarif. The school has been bustling with activities and events inside and outside the classroom.

One of the term's highlights was the international excursion for our Secondary students to Türkiye and the Northern Republic of Cyprus. Our students have had the opportunity to meet our Foundation President, Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, and our Board Members, Ahmet Türkben and Mustafa Çaltılı. We look forward to hearing all about the fantastic activities and experiences our students will have during their stay.
In the past two weeks alone, Maarif has celebrated numerous events, and Harmony Day has brought our community together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. The Secondary School Wanderers Soccer Cup and the Chess Competition showcased our students' talents and competitive spirit. Additionally, students engaged in various excursions and in-class workshops, enriching their learning experiences beyond the traditional curriculum.

Year 7 students had the opportunity to meet with the Youth Liaison Police Officer. Meanwhile, year 9 and 10 students participated in a Disability Basketball event, promoting awareness and inclusivity. The Chess Competition invited students from years 7 to 10 to challenge their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our student leadership team from years 6-10 recently participated in a leadership workshop. This workshop, which focused on the characteristics of influential leaders, aimed to inspire and equip our future leaders with the skills necessary to make a positive impact in their community. A short film workshop was also held, teaching students the essentials of creating impactful short films.

As we approach the end of Semester 1, parents can access their children's reports via the Sentral parent portal. These reports will provide valuable insights into students' progress and achievements over the term.

We wish all our families a happy, safe, relaxing school holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3, ready for more exciting and enriching experiences.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at adeba.qasim@maarif.nsw.edu.au

Kind regards,

Mrs Adeba Qasim

Secondary School Coordinator

The Secondary students have embarked on their international excursion to Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Our students have already had the privilege of meeting with our Foundation President, Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, as well as our Board Members, Ahmet Türkben and Mustafa Çaltılı. Our students were given a tour of our headquarters building.

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the students had the privilege of meeting with the Consulate General. They engaged in insightful discussions about diplomatic relations and international cooperation. In Ankara, the students explored the vibrant city and ventured into local villages, immersing themselves in cultural events highlighting the region's rich heritage.

Our students visited the film set of Resurrection: Ertuğrul in Istanbul. At Bozdağ Film Studios, the largest in Europe, they delved into the fascinating world of the Ottoman Empire. They explored Turkish history, tried on traditional costumes, and met actors from the popular TV series.

We eagerly anticipate our students' participation in various activities this coming week. Their experiences so far have been enriching, and we look forward to seeing how these experiences shape their future endeavours.

The International Maarif Schools of Australia participated in the Secondary School Wanderers Soccer Cup. Our students have diligently trained over the past week, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. They performed exceptionally well on the field, demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship and athletic ability.

We look forward to seeing our students continue to shine in sports tournaments in Term 3.

Week 9 was a vibrant time at our school as we celebrated Harmony Day. Staff and students came dressed in a diverse array of beautiful and colourful traditional clothing, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere that genuinely reflected our school's diversity.

The highlight of the day was the Best Dressed competition. The winning students' creativity captured the spirit of Harmony Day.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make Harmony Day a memorable celebration of diversity and unity in our school community!

The International Maarif School of Australia held its first chess tournament, attracting over 60 students. The four-day event featured two categories: high school and primary school, with each match lasting 20 minutes.

The tournament showcased the students' strategic skills and fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The winners of the Chess Tournament are;

Xavier Kaarsberg
Halil Ibrahim Coskun
Furkan Daliliç

Congratulations to all participants and especially to the winners for their outstanding performance. We look forward to hosting more events to nurture our students' talents and interests.

International Maarif Schools of Australia has organized a special Leadership Workshop for our student leaders in Years 6-10. Leadership skills empower students to make wise decisions, develop problem-solving abilities, and improve academic performance. Furthermore, students learn to take responsibility for their actions, which is a critical life skill.

This school leadership program gave our students the necessary skills and experiences to become influential leaders.

During the workshop, students engaged in hands-on activities that promote collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. These exercises were designed to help the students understand the importance of teamwork and the value of diverse perspectives in achieving a common goal.

During Week 10, Year 7 students welcomed Constable Amanda Stannett and Constable Gary, dedicated Youth Police Officers, to their class. Constable Stannett and Constable Gary's visit was informative and engaging, focusing on the critical topics of cyberbullying and the dangers of online conversing.

Constable Stannett began her session by highlighting the prevalence and devastating impact of cyberbullying. She shared real-life stories and statistics to underscore the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing the importance of kindness and empathy in all online interactions. The students were attentive as they learned about the different forms of cyberbullying, how to recognize it, and the steps they can take to protect themselves and others.

The conversation then shifted to the broader dangers of online communication. Constable Stannett educated the students on the risks associated with sharing personal information, interacting with strangers, and the potential consequences of engaging in inappropriate online behaviour. Her insights, which were practical and easy to implement, provided the students with valuable tips on how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

One of the highlights of the visit was the interactive Q&A session. The students eagerly asked various questions, ranging from how to handle cyberbullying to seeking advice on creating strong passwords. Constable Stannett responded with clear, actionable advice, ensuring that the students left with a better understanding of how to stay safe online.

Constable Amanda Stannett's visit was a valuable experience for Year 7 students. It equipped them with essential knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely.

Year 8 and 9 students have diligently worked on their revision booklets, encompassing the three main topics they studied this semester. Their hard work and dedication have been evident throughout the term as they tackled challenging concepts and honed their mathematical skills. The revision booklets help reinforce the material they have learned and prepare them for future studies. We are incredibly proud of the effort and progress our students have made. We wish all our students a well-deserved break and a joyous holiday as we approach the holiday season.

We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to take on new challenges in the coming year.

Mr Bahadir Korkut, Ms Lark Lu, Dr Zeynep Yaseen & Ms Mariam El Maarraoui

Maths Teachers

What a busy term it has been for Team English! As we wrap up our Shakespeare and Drama units, assessments have been marked and handed back, and reports have been written.

Year 7 have been busy finishing their booklets on Honey Spot and focusing on their analytical writing by working on their PEEL paragraphs.

Year 8 has engaged in various activities, including summarising the main ideas of the play by creating social media hashtags and participating in a fun escape room.

Year 9 have finished reading Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and are consolidating their learning by watching Ten Things I Hate About You. We have had some lively discussions about misogyny and how attitudes towards women have changed over time.

Year 10 has also engaged in higher-order discussion on the ideas in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and is now refining its analytical writing skills by writing sophisticated paragraphs. It has also worked on analysing unseen texts to further its critical thinking.

Overall, it has been a great term, and a great deal of learning has taken place. We hope our students enjoy their mid-year break and return refreshed and ready for Term 3.

Ms Susan Naser & Mrs Canan Korkut

English Coordinator & English Teacher

Welcome to Week 10 of the 2nd Term.

I am incredibly proud of our students' remarkable progress in sewing and textiles. From mastering basic stitches to creating intricate designs, they have shown tremendous growth in their skills and knowledge. Each project has demonstrated their creativity and attention to detail, reflecting the dedication and effort they have invested in their work. Watching their confidence soar as they tackle increasingly complex tasks has been a joy.
The journey of learning textiles has equipped our students with practical skills and instilled a deeper understanding of the subject. They have explored various fabrics, learned about sustainable practices, and experimented with different techniques. Their enthusiasm for the subject has been inspiring, and their willingness to embrace challenges has been commendable. The collaborative spirit in the classroom has fostered a supportive learning environment, enabling everyone to thrive.

Looking at the work that the Year 8 and Year 7 students have been working on during and after their assessment tasks has been astounding. After working on pin cushions, their tote bag/pillow, and weaving bracelets or bookmarks.

As we look ahead, I am excited to see how our students will continue to develop their sewing abilities and textile knowledge. I encourage them to keep pushing the boundaries of their creativity and carry forward their acquired skills. I wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break!

Ms Noor Elmubasher

TAS Teacher

Year 7 History

As we wrap up the academic term, we are delighted to inform you that our Year 7 students have completed their unit on Ancient India, marking the end of their History studies for 2024. Students have received their exam marks, and we congratulate them on their hard work and achievements. Next term, we will see the beginning of our geography curriculum, where students will explore new and engaging topics. We appreciate your continued support and wish everyone a restful break.

Year 8 History

We are pleased to announce that our Year 8 students have completed their unit on Mongol expansion, marking the end of our History lessons for 2024. Students have received their exam results, and we congratulate them on their hard work and achievements. As we look forward to the following term, our focus will shift to Geography, where students will explore our world's diverse physical and cultural landscapes. We anticipate another term of engaging and enriching learning experiences. Well done to all our students for their dedication and effort!

Ms Burcin Taskin & Ms Sumeyye Islek

HSIE Teachers

Celebrating Inclusivity: Wheelchair Sports Australia Inspires Students at International Maarif Schools of Australia

Dear Parents and Students,

We are excited to share a remarkable event that recently took place at the International Maarif Schools of Australia. It marks a significant moment in our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. Wheelchair Sports Australia visited our school for an insightful 20-minute presentation on disability awareness and road safety rules.

This presentation was a real eye-opener for our Year 9 and 10 students. It aimed to deepen their understanding of disabilities and foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Through hands-on activities and discussions, our students gained valuable insights into why accessibility and treating everyone with respect are crucial in our community.

After the presentation, our students could engage in wheelchair sports, including an exciting 40-minute game. This practical experience wasn't just about getting active—it's a crucial part of our Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum. It gave our students genuine insight into the challenges and joys of adaptive sports while teaching them teamwork, resilience, and determination.

International Maarif Schools of Australia is committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued and respected. Events like this are instrumental in helping our students become compassionate and socially aware individuals.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Wheelchair Sports Australia for their inspiring visit. We look forward to championing diversity and inclusion in our school community.

Warm regards,

Ms Aslihan

PDHPE

Ms Aslihan Agyar, Mr Yusufhan Diler, Mr Talha Sen

PDHPE Teachers

Year 7 and 8

This week, stage 4 students are studying the steps of scientific method (a systematic way of conducting experiments)

Students in Stage 4 are encouraged to design an experiment using the scientific method: asking a question, conducting research, forming a hypothesis, and testing the hypothesis with an experiment.

By the end of this practical study, students will be able to:

Know the steps of the scientific method
Understand how to use the scientific method in their scientific investigations
State a hypothesis and design an experiment to test the hypothesis
Collect and organise data into tables and graphs, then conclude the data to support claims with evidence.

Enjoy a well-deserved break.

Years 9 and 10

Last fortnight, Year 9 students learned about electric circuits. They explored several concepts, including conductors, insulators and supply voltage. They understood that the electric current measures the quantity of electrons flowing in a circuit per unit of time. In contrast, voltage refers to the energy necessary for the electrons to flow in the circuit. Other concepts, such as resistance and voltage drop, were also examined, and the triangle method used to apply Ohm’s law was practised under

various circuit configurations.

Year 10 students, on the other hand, learned about hydrocarbons and biofuel, in particular, as a source of renewable energy. They also learned how chemical reactions are classified into decomposition reactions, including thermal decomposition, combination reactions, and precipitation reactions. At the same time, they learned about ionic compounds, cations, anions, polyatomic ions, and the notion of solubility concerning the precipitation phenomenon.

Mr Bilal Almadi & Mr George Hassoun

Science Teacher

Year 7 Advanced Turkish Students

We conducted a detailed activity with year seven advanced-level students about their weekend plans. The students tried to strengthen their sentence structures and express themselves more fluently while discussing their plans. During group work, they talked about where they could go and what activities they could do at these places. They also included in their discussions the various periods during which they could carry out these activities. The students used invitation and justification expressions in their sentences to make their suggestions more persuasive. While reading their written texts aloud, they identified and corrected the points where they struggled and the mistakes they made within the sentences. This process helped develop their language skills and public speaking abilities.

Year 8 Beginner Turkish Students

We discussed clothes and their features (in terms of colours and the seasons they can be worn in) with year eight beginner-level Turkish students. The students answered the questions with correct Turkish grammar and proper pronunciation. During the listening activity, the students worked eagerly to answer the questions. The topic of the listening text was Türkiye. While listening to the text, the students filled in the blanks about Türkiye with the correct words. Then, they answered the 5W1H questions related to the text in detail. This activity improved the students' language skills and reinforced their knowledge of the subject.

Year 9 Beginner Turkish Students

Year 9 beginner students first matched the visuals of four different characters given for four seasons with the Turkish words they had learned, and then they verbally described these visuals. The students used the sentences they learned to explain their outfits verbally. The students expressed the clothes they learned by matching them with colours and forming grammatically correct sentences.

Year 10 Beginner Turkish Students

Year 10 beginner-level Turkish students reinforced the topics they learned throughout the term, such as seasons, weather, clothing, colours, and emotions, by verbally explaining the pictures in the texts and answering questions. This week, the students learned the 'neden' question within the context of the unit's topics. While answering the reasons for the given sentences, they used the 'çünkü' pattern in their written responses. Additionally, they practised organising jumbled words into coherent sentences, forming meaningful texts with cause-and-result relationships. These activities enhanced the student's ability to apply grammatical rules and their competence in writing logical and cohesive texts.

Sever Meyra Biçer

Turkish Teacher / Türkçe Öğretmeni

____________________________________________________________________

Year 7

Year 7 beginner-level students started the Breakfast Time unit. They learnt which breakfast foods are available in traditional, classic, and fast breakfast menus. They found common and different foods on these menus and compared their prices.

They read the text " İzo tatlı Yemek İstiyor " about ordering breakfast in a restaurant or café and expressing a preference. They learnt the unknown words by asking. They practised ordering, expressing preferences, breakfast foods and famous foods.

Year 8

Eighth-year students started the topic of My Routines. They learnt the verbs used in routines. They worked on reading Turkish time. The quarter expressions are complex for them. Students formed sentences describing their routines by combining verbs describing routines with clock expressions.

They learnt adverbs of frequency. They practised the words ‘her zaman / daima, genellikle, sıklıkla, bazen / ara sıra, nadiren, asla / hiçbir zaman’. They asked and answered each other what their routines were and how often they did their routines.

Year 9 Incursion - Ebru Sanatı

Last week, year nine advanced and beginner-level Turkish students had the opportunity to explore the Ebru sanatı as part of their Turkish class. A guest instructor, Hatice Erbaş, was invited to the school to provide the students with comprehensive information about Ebru. Instructor Hatice began her talk with a detailed explanation of the history and materials used in Ebru sanatı. Ebru's origins date back to the Ottoman Empire, and it is known for creating patterns on the surface of water using special dyes. Alongside this historical information, the instructor also emphasised the cultural significance of Ebru sanatı to the students.

When moving on to the practical part of the lesson, the instructor introduced the materials used in creating Ebru. She used Turkish terms to provide information about brushes, dyes, the water basin, and other tools. While explaining the meanings and uses of these terms, the instructor reinforced the students' Turkish language skills.

The students carefully followed the instructor's guidance as they began creating their own Ebru pieces. She provided instructions in Turkish and explained each step. During this process, the students developed their artistic skills. They had the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge of the Turkish language practically.

Throughout the activity, lively communication and collaboration were observed among the students. Advanced students supported beginner students, helping them to be more successful in the Ebru creation process. This collaborative effort allowed the students to mutually develop their language skills and enjoy the learning experience together.

In conclusion, this Ebru sanatı activity was a productive lesson in which students enhanced their artistic and language skills. The instructor's presentation, filled with Turkish terms and instructions, helped the students use their Turkish language more effectively and meaningfully. This activity provided an unforgettable experience for the students, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Turkish culture and art.

Zeliha Uzun Turkish Teacher

____________________________________________________________________

Year 10 students researched Maarif news and shared their chosen news stories in class. Through various school and student news from all over the world, they realised the extent to which Maarif schools are widespread across all countries and educational systems worldwide. Additionally, they obtained information about various achievements of Maarif schools from the Maarif Başarı Öyküleri book.

The participation certificates signed by Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, the President of the Türkiye Maarif Foundation, have reached us for our Turkish debate students. Once again, I congratulate Sare Aytekin, Tarık Uzun, Mansur Uzun, and Elif Özal for their achievements, self-courage, and commitment to the Turkish language.

Ayşegül Şeyma Akdemir

Seyma Akdemir

Turkish Language Teachers

Year 7

Students concentrate on the artist Salvador Dali's biography and famous artworks. They analyse the artwork and the persistence of memory. Year 7 students focused on Indigenous artists Albert Namatjira and Mt Hermannsburg Finke River. They analyse the painting and construct the story told by Albert Namatjira.

Year 8

Students learned about the origin of the pop art genre. They focused on Andy Warhol's biography and art style. Inspired by Andy Warhol's paintings, students created a mood board. Students also focused on the influence of mass media and celebrity culture on pop art.

Years 9 and 10

Our students have been delving into the world of great artists, exploring their biographies and creating sketches of famous pieces. They analyse the techniques and works that have stood the test of time and explain their lasting impact. Additionally, they examine the differences between AI-generated and traditional art and discuss how AI influences creative industries.

Wishing all of the Students a Fantastic Break!

Year 7

Music has focused on the instruments played in an orchestra. Students completed the in-class work and analysed ten scenes where music changed in the movie Coco.
Students identified why the music changed and its impact on the viewer. Students also identified the instruments being played during the ten scenes.

Year 8

Music has focused on the Phantom of the Opera. Students have focused on identifying the various musical features using the Concept of Music.
Students discussed the various musical instruments that they could hear.
Students have completed a publicity poster and incorporated the various concepts and skills they have studied during the term.

As Term 2 ends, students receive their assessment marks and complete research tasks to consolidate their learning. Year 9 students thoroughly enjoy exploring the “Economic and Business Environment.” They can now identify various types of businesses and understand the impact of technology and globalization on these enterprises. To inspire them, they studied and researched entrepreneurs and their characteristics.

Year 10 students have shown great enthusiasm in learning about “Law, Society, and Political Involvement.” They have delved into public and private laws, explored case studies, and discovered how laws affect individuals and groups and regulate society. They have also learned about democratic participation.

We wish everyone a happy holiday and look forward to seeing you in Term 3!

Ms Mariam El Maarraoui

Students have been busy completing their in-class tasks and workshops as the term ends. Year 9 and 10 students have focused on ethical concerns and preferred futures in Agriculture and Automatic Control Systems.

Years 9 and 10 have participated in technology workshops throughout the term. They finished their projects in week 10.

Year 10 students participated in an excursion to Bankstown airport. They had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of an aeroplane and experience the simulator.

It was a fantastic opportunity, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the excursion.

Mrs Adeba Qasim

Design and Technology & TAS Teacher

Secondary Religion Studies

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmetullahi wa barakatuh, All praise be to Allah (SWT) and may peace and blessings be upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, companions and all those who follow him.

Our Secondary students have participated in the journey of understanding the importance of having good character and morals and different aspects of mannerisms. Our secondary students enjoyed listening to the various stories in Islam. Each year, students presented their Islamic Studies assessment tasks about one aspect of mannerism.

For Qur’an Studies, beginners recited and practised from the Elif Ba book, and students on the Mushaf practised reciting with some Tajweed rules covered within the term.

I want to congratulate our students for their hard work and motivation.

Mr Muhammed Ordukaya

Secondary Islamic Studies Teacher

2024_Maarif_Calendar.pdf

2024_Maarif_Calendar _pdf 3.35 MB

We request that our parents and/or carers be extra cautious during school drop-off and pick-up times. Please ensure NSW Government rules regarding road safety are being followed and adhered to at all times.

This means:

- Respecting the road rules and signs, and driving within the speed limit of 40km/h in a school zone.

- Parking safely in designated parking areas or in drop off/pick up zones.

- No double parking, as it is dangerous and illegal.

- Three-point turns and U-turns are not permitted in school zones, as not only is it dangerous for students and other vehicles but also causes traffic congestion.

- Follow the directions of our school crossing supervisors.

- Give way to our School Bus drivers.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Road_Safety.pdf

Road_Safety _pdf 1.68 MB

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