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- 30 Ağustos Zafer Bayramı
- Year 7 Anti-Bullying Workshop
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- bstreetsmart Excursion
- SWISSA Athletics Carnival
- SWISSA Oz tag Competition
- TEDx Sydney Event
- Father’s Day
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- PDHPE
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- Design Technology
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Best regards,
Dr Zeynep Yaseen
Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We're already midway through Term 2, and it has been a bustling and eventful time for our students! Our students enthusiastically participated in the 30 Ağustos Zafer Bayramı celebrations during their Turkish classes. This day, known as Victory Day, commemorates the pivotal Turkish victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar.
Our Maarif Oztag team made us proud by winning their latest game in the weekly SWISSA competition. Well done, team! We are very proud of your effort. I want to thank the coaches, Mr Yusufhan and Ms Asli, for their hard work and dedication.
We are delighted to recognise the students who achieved outstanding grades in NAPLAN. They received trophies and certificates as a token of our pride in their accomplishments.
Our students have been actively engaged in various workshops and excursions.
- Year 7 students attended a Growth and Development Workshop and an Anti-Bullying Workshop.
- Book Week was a highlight, with students participating in a "Booknic" – an excellent way to celebrate reading.
- Year 10 students took part in the bstreetsmart program, gaining valuable insights.
- Year 10 parents and students participated in a Subject Information Night, exploring the different subjects available in Year 11.
- Year 8 students have embarked on a five-week cooking course in TAS.
- An optional TEDx excursion offered students an informative and inspiring experience.
- The Premiers Reading Challenge has concluded.
Our after-school Baglama classes continue every Thursday. We are thrilled to see our students progressing and becoming increasingly skilled at playing this traditional instrument.
Assessment tasks have been distributed across subjects. We encourage all students to develop sturdy study habits and diligently complete their tasks. Classwork and assessment tasks have been uploaded to Teams. Please get in touch with subject teachers for additional information regarding classwork and assessment tasks.
Open communication is vital. 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
On the 30th of August, Victory Day
The 30th of August Victory Day, also known simply as Victory Day, is a significant national holiday in Turkey commemorating the victory of the Turkish forces led by Mustafa Kemal in the Battle of Dumlupınar during the Turkish War of Independence. This crucial battle, which took place in 1922, marked the decisive end of the Turkish War of Independence and paved the way for establishing the Republic of Turkey.
This year, we are celebrating the 102nd anniversary of Victory Day. This day marks a century of triumph and resilience, honouring the courageous efforts and sacrifices made during the Turkish War of Independence.
Maarif students have engaged in activities throughout the week in their Turkish language classes to reflect the meaning and importance of this significant day.
Our high school students at the International Maarif Schools of Australia watched videos in their Turkish lessons to understand the significance of the 30th of August Victory Day. Through these videos, they gained insight into the historical meaning of the day and how this special occasion is celebrated in Turkey. They also shared what they learned with their classmates.
The 30th of August is Victory Day, marking the anniversary of a significant victory in the Turkish nation's struggle for independence. In 1922, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish army launched the Büyük Taarruz and Başkomutanlık Meydan Muharebesi, which led to the liberation of Anatolia from occupation and secured the success of the Turkish War of Independence. This victory is considered one of the most crucial steps towards the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year.
Our students have better understood the significance and place of this important day in our history, becoming more aware of preserving our cultural values and national holidays. Moreover, through such activities, we aim to develop our students' historical and national awareness, helping them grow into conscious individuals for the future.
Zeliha Uzun, Seyma Akdemir ve Sever Meyra Bicer
Türkçe Öğretmenleri / Turkish Teachers
Our Year 7 students at International Maarif Schools of Australia participated in a valuable anti-bullying workshop. Facilitated by the experienced team at NSW Martial Arts, this workshop was designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and effectively address bullying in their lives.
The workshop covered a range of essential topics, including:
- Understanding what bullying is
- Identifying different types of bullying
- How to respond to bullying
- The roles involved in bullying
- The difference between a hurtful bystander and a helpful bystander
- Recognising the signs of bullying
- Focusing on psychological well-being
- Empowering oneself to take action
- Understanding our responsibilities
- Knowing when and how to seek additional help
In addition to these discussions, students also engaged in martial arts activities, which provided a practical and physical approach to building confidence and self-empowerment.
Our Year 7 students recently participated in a Growth and Development Workshop. Puberty is a pivotal and often challenging time for young people, marked by physical and emotional changes. This period can evoke feelings of awkwardness, fear, and confusion as hormonal and social factors combine to create unpredictable mood swings that may affect relationships with family and friends.
To help our students navigate this critical stage of life, International Maarif Schools of Australia arranged separate Growth and Development Workshops for Year 7 boys and girls.
We recently held our Year 11 Subject Selection Information Night, a valuable event designed to assist our Year 10 students and their parents make informed decisions about the upcoming HSC course and the subjects offered at our school.
During the evening, parents and students had the chance to meet with our Executive Staff, Heads of Department, and subject teachers. This provided an excellent opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns regarding subject selection and course content, ensuring that families felt well-supported in this crucial decision-making process.
The event was crucial in helping our students navigate their academic pathways and set the stage for success in their senior years.
Our Year 10 students recently took part in the bstreetsmart excursion, an impactful initiative led by the Trauma Service at Westmead Hospital. This program was created in response to the alarming statistics that show young people aged 15–30 are overrepresented in road trauma incidents. The Trauma Service, through its unwavering commitment to Road Safety Education, is deeply dedicated to helping reduce these numbers.
The goal of bstreetsmart is to lower the rates of fatalities and injuries among young people by encouraging safe practices as drivers, riders, and passengers. The program featured several powerful presentations, including:
- A realistic Crash Scene Scenario
- Inspiring talks from Brain Injury Unit speakers sharing real-life stories
- Insights into Spinal Injuries
- The emotional impact on families
- A demonstration of Braking Distances
Our Father’s Day stall was a tremendous success! Students had the chance to select unique gifts for their dads from a fantastic range of toys and thoughtful presents. The joy and excitement on their faces were genuinely heartwarming, with many smiles exchanged as they picked out the perfect gifts.
We want to thank our dedicated P&C committee. Their constant support and hard work in organizing this event made it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Mr Bahadir Korkut, Ms Lark Lu, Dr Zeynep Yaseen & Ms Mariam El Maarraoui
Maths Teachers
We have just finished celebrating Book Week. What a week it was!
Book Week was held from 19/08/24 to 24/08/24. This year's theme was 'Reading is Magic', and we had a schedule of events designed to inspire our students' love for books and literature.
Here's a glimpse of what we planned:
- Drop Everything and Read: Students brought a book to read silently every morning during roll call.
- Character Booknic: On Monday, August 19th, students brought their favourite book to school and snacks/food for a "booking." During the booking, students shared their books and food with their class.
- Guess the Teacher's Bookshelf: Students could view images of the Maarif staff's bookshelves over the week. Here's the twist! They had to guess which bookshelf belonged to each staff member. The student who made the most correct guesses will receive a prize. We will announce the winners shortly.
Apart from Book Week, students have been busy working on their English programs in class. Assessment notifications for Term 3 have just been handed out, and students will be busy creating and writing to showcase the learning that has occurred throughout the term. Teachers are excited to read student submissions!
Ms Susan Naser & Mrs Canan Korkut
English Coordinator & English Teacher
Year 7
In the past weeks, Year 7 students have actively engaged in hands-on learning as part of their Agriculture and Food Technologies lessons. They continued taking notes on the plants they planned to raise, focusing on essential factors like sunlight requirements, spacing, and germination periods. To guide them through the plantation and design portfolio processes, the teacher demonstrated the website they will use as a reference.
Using this website, students researched the chosen vegetables. They recorded specific details in their workbooks, including the optimal position for sunlight, the germination period, and the spacing needs for each plant. This preparation was crucial as they began their planting projects.
In a practical activity, students followed the steps for planting seeds. They placed tissues inside plastic boxes, added the seeds of their choice, covered them, and closed the lids to begin germination. They also prepared garden beds for planting, carrying soil bags, and using shovels to level the soil.
In addition to the seeds, students planted some grown plants such as tomatoes, mint, lavender, marigold, and rosemary. They watered the plants and added mulch to keep the soil moist.
These activities not only taught students important agricultural concepts but also gave them valuable hands-on experience in gardening. Through this process, they are developing a deeper understanding of plant care and the steps to raise healthy plants.
Year 8
In the past two weeks, Year 8 students explored various tools and techniques related to planting, managing, and harvesting through interactive activities and hands-on learning experiences.
Students examined images of agricultural activities of Native Americans, Ancient Egyptians, and Vietnamese people and tried to guess the tools they were using. A presentation guided them through each tool's correct names and uses. They learned about the essential tools involved in plant production, from planting to harvesting. To reinforce their learning, students completed a word puzzle centred around these tools.
The students were introduced to food technologies through a Tic-Tac-Toe activity. This creative exercise allowed students to express and interpret their understanding of food technologies using various methods tailored to different types of intelligence. They could choose three activities: creating videos, music, presentations, surveys, drawings, or drama. This flexibility helped students plan and present their ideas to suit their strengths.
Finally, students had an exciting hands-on cooking session at the Auburn Youth Center. Guided by a professional chef, they learned how to make "Abagannuc" (Burnt Eggplant Dip) as part of a lesson titled "Playing with Food." The students peeled and prepared smoked eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and other ingredients, mixing everything to create the dish.
These activities helped students understand the tools and techniques involved in plant production. They allowed them to explore food technologies in creative and practical ways. The cooking session added a fun and engaging element to their learning, allowing them to apply their knowledge in the kitchen.
Ms Beyza Nur Çelik
TAS Teacher
Ms Burcin Taskin & Ms. Aysha Imtiyas
HSIE Teachers
We are thrilled to announce the success of our recent Swissa Athletics Carnival, a highlight event showcasing our students' incredible talents and sportsmanship. Held at our school grounds, the carnival brought together students from various grades to compete in various track and field events, promoting healthy competition and camaraderie.
The atmosphere was electric as students, staff, and parents gathered to cheer on our young athletes. The carnival featured events such as sprints, relays, long jump, shot put, and more, catering to various interests and abilities. It was heartening to see students giving their best, supporting their peers, and displaying outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day w
Several standout performances marked the carnival, with students achieving personal bests and setting new records. We were particularly proud of the enthusiastic participation from all grades, showcasing a strong sense of community and school spirit. We are also excited to announce that, thanks to their outstanding performances, several of our students have qualified for the AICES (Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools) Athletics Championships. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for athletics, and it's something we can all be proud of.
At Swissa, we believe in the importance of physical fitness as part of a well-rounded education. The athletics carnival is not just about competition; it's about building confidence, fostering teamwork, and encouraging a lifelong love for physical activity. We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to grow physically and mentally.
We look forward to many more successful events where our students can continue to shine, both on and off the field. Congratulations to all our participants, especially those who have made it to the AICES Championships! We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming competitions. A special thanks to our staff and volunteers for their hard work in making the Swissa Athletics Carnival a day to remember. Your dedication and support are truly appreciated.
Stay tuned for more exciting events, and let's keep the spirit of sportsmanship alive! We have a lot more in store, and we can't wait to see our students continue to shine.
Best wishes,
Ms Aslihan Agyar, Mr Yusufhan Diler, Mr Talha Sen
PDHPE Teachers
Mrs. Derya Koc Kalkan
Science Teacher
Year 7 – Advanced Turkish
We have transitioned to the second topic of our unit, "Personal Hygiene and Healthy Eating," with our Year 8 beginner-level Turkish students this term.
In this unit, our students used the names of foods, vegetables, and fruits they had previously learned to determine and classify whether these items were healthy.
Additionally, they could express their hygiene habits using the new vocabulary they learned. For example, they described personal hygiene practices such as brushing teeth, washing hands, and showering daily. These activities helped our students improve their language skills and develop health awareness. The students reinforced these topics by gaining theoretical and practical knowledge through various activities.
Year 8 – Beginner Turkish
We have transitioned to the second topic of our unit, "Personal Hygiene and Healthy Eating," with our Year 8 beginner-level Turkish students this term.
In this unit, our students used the names of foods, vegetables, and fruits they had previously learned to determine and classify whether these items were healthy. Our students could express their hygiene habits using the new vocabulary they learned. For example, they described personal hygiene practices such as brushing teeth, washing hands, and showering daily. These activities significantly improved our students' language skills and developed a strong sense of health awareness. The students reinforced these topics through various activities, gaining theoretical and practical knowledge they can apply daily.
Year 9 – Beginner Turkish
Year 9 beginner-level Turkish students practised using vocabulary related to illnesses and body parts to reinforce what they learned in the last lesson.
Our Year 9 beginner-level Turkish students have significantly progressed in their language skills. To reinforce what they learned in the last lesson, they practised using vocabulary related to illnesses and body parts. To achieve this, they participated in doctor-patient dialogues and paired conversations, focusing on using these words correctly and appropriately. Our students memorised the dialogues they had prepared and practised by role-playing them. This activity helped enhance their communication skills regarding health issues they might encounter daily and showcased their correct pronunciation and expression progress.
Year 10 – Beginner Turkish
Year 10 beginner Turkish students have recently begun studying the new topic "Stay Healthy, Stay Fit."In this unit, they explored the topic using previously learned and newly introduced vocabulary and sentences. They also reviewed healthy foods and personal hygiene practices to reinforce their knowledge. The students practised relating this topic to their daily lives by reading texts and various activities. They also played group games related to body parts, where they could express the vocabulary they had learned verbally and in writing. During these games, they competed vigorously, making the learning process fun and effective.
Sever Meyra Biçer (Turkish Teacher)
Year 8, Advanced Turkish Student
Year 8 Advanced students completed the subject of Professions. They learnt the names of professions, the tools used by professions, and the jobs they do. They introduced people according to their careers. They also introduced their family members by answering questions about their name, age, profession, where they work, and what they do. They made comparison sentences about professions using words such as eğlenceli-sıkıcı-zor-kolay-heyecenlı-tehlikeli. Pırıl Tell Me the Time! They watched the TRT Çocuk's video, answered the questions, and repeated the topic of clocks. They completed unit 3 and conducted a small evaluation study.
Year 7 Beginner Turkish Students,
Year 7 Beginner Students have started a new unit: HAVA NASIL? (WHAT'S THE WEATHER?)
This week, students were introduced to the topic of seasons with the reading text 'Four Seasons in a Year, All in a Different Picture' ('Bir Yıl Dört Mevsim Hepsi Ayrı Resim'). The names and characteristics of the seasons and what is done during these seasons were read, written and discussed. Then, the names of the twelve months were written in Turkish and English. While writing the months according to the seasons, attention was drawn to the differences between the seasons in Australia and the Northern Hemisphere. Students wrote and talked about their favourite season and what they do in this season. Students will continue to encounter many new vocabulary words in the new unit. If they take notes more carefully and study their notes and books at home, their success will increase.
Year 9 Advanced Turkish Student,
Year 9 Advanced students have started the News ( Şimdi Haberler) unit.
They read the text in the news from Maarif. Analysed three different Maarif Schools news given in this text, wrote the words they did not know, asked 5N1K (Ne?, Nerede?, Ne zaman?, Neden?, Nasıl? Kim?) questions about the news and learnt what information the news should contain. They compared the past tense (Duyulan Geçmiş Zaman) structure learnt with the past tense (Görülen Geçmiş Zaman) structure heard. They knew how to convey an event seen and heard from someone else.
Zeliha Uzun (Turkish Teacher)
Year 10 Advanced Turkish Students
Due to the 102nd anniversary week of August 30 Victory Day, our Year 10 students have participated in activities throughout the week in their Turkish language classes to reflect on the meaning and importance of this significant day. They watched videos about the victory and read poems.
Ayşegül Şeyma Akdemir
Turkish Language Teacher
As we approach the end of the term, it's inspiring to see our students' dedication to their artistic projects. Their creativity blossoms each day as they work on the daily prompts for their sketches. The level of creativity some students exhibit in their works is truly remarkable. With assessment tasks underway, I eagerly anticipate their progress in the coming weeks.
Year 7
Our Year 7 students fully engage in an exciting and meaningful assessment task focused on creating 'ready-made' sculptures. This project challenges students to reflect on pressing social issues of their choice, such as environmental sustainability, poverty, or Indigenous rights, by transforming recycled materials into thought-provoking artworks. Drawing inspiration from artists studied throughout the term, students will photograph their sculptures and present their research and creative process on an A3-sized poster. This poster will include essential components such as a list of resources, a step-by-step process, and a bibliography. Through this task, our students are honing their artistic skills and deepening their understanding of how art can be a powerful tool for social commentary.
Year 8
Our Year 8 Visual Arts students are embarking on an exciting exploration of street art with their latest project. They are tasked with creating a portfolio featuring five different graffiti examples from their neighbourhood or famous artists, ensuring all images align with Maarif School Values. Each photo will be labelled with a title, date, location, and brief description. Students will also design a billboard proposal inspired by an artist studied in class, addressing a real-world issue or passion. Additionally, they will recreate two of their selected graffiti examples as refined A4 artworks. The final submission will be a stapled booklet reflecting their research, creativity, and insights into the power of street art.
Year 9
Our Year 9 Visual Arts students are embarking on an inspiring project focused on their heroes. Each student will research and develop an art portfolio that tells the story of their chosen hero, showcasing their creativity through five artworks. This portfolio will include three mixed-media portraits and two additional pieces, each accompanied by artist statements that delve into the hero's journey and the student's artistic inspiration. The portfolio will feature a captivating front cover, an introduction to the student as an artist, and a detailed narrative of their hero's accomplishments and struggles. Students will submit their work in a display book and sketchbooks to demonstrate their artistic process and growth throughout the assessment task.
Year 10
Our Year 10 Visual Arts students are delving into the dynamic world of digital art with their latest assessment task. Students are tasked with creating five distinct digital art pieces, demonstrating their creativity and technical skills. While they are encouraged to design original works, they may also transform existing artworks into digital pieces, provided they align with Maarif Values and show evident transformation.
The artwork for the Assessment will include
- cereal box design
- travel poster
- abstract art
- webcomic
- dreamlike scene using digital photography.
Each piece will accompany an artist statement, offering insight into the student's creative process and inspiration. The final Assessment will be submitted in a display book with a captivating cover and sketchbooks documenting their artistic journey.
Ms. Noor Elmubasher
Visual Arts and Music Teacher
Year 7
Our Year 7 Music students are diving into a fascinating exploration of global musical instruments with their latest assessment task. Each student will research an instrument that has not been previously studied in class, focusing on its cultural significance, evolution, and essential musical elements. They will create a detailed 1-page report (minimum 500 words) covering various aspects of the instrument, such as its origin, how it's played, and its role in famous performances. Alongside the report, students will design a poster featuring a hand-drawn illustration of the instrument and the flag of its country of origin. The poster must be clear, concise, and neatly labelled, showcasing the student's understanding of the instrument's key features. This project encourages research and creativity and allows students to deepen their appreciation of diverse musical traditions worldwide, fostering a sense of respect and open-mindedness.
Year 8
Year 8 Music students are gearing up for a collaborative exploration of global musical parades. Working in pairs, students will create a 1-2 minute presentation using PowerPoint or Google Slides, focusing on a parade from a specific country. They must seek teacher approval for their chosen parade before starting. The presentation should cover the parade's history, key dates, themes, and examples of performances and music. Students will also design a poster featuring the parade and the country's flag, highlighting key aspects and imagery. All presentations and posters must be submitted on Teams with the student's names in the file, showcasing the students' collective effort and shared learning experiences.
Ms. Noor Elmubasher
Visual Arts and Music Teacher
The Year 10 students have also been challenged at work, showcasing their creativity by designing and constructing unique lamps. After completing their first project, they move on to their second challenge: creating beautiful baskets. Year 10A students made step stools during a woodworking workshop.
Mrs Adeba Qasim
Design Technology Teacher
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.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "No people sit down in a house of Allah, reading the book of Allah and studying it together, unless Angels surrounded them, Peace descended on them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him."
Our Secondary Students recited their assigned pages and repeated Dua's memorisation after the teacher. Some rules were explained and shown on the board.
Mr Muhammed Ordukaya
Secondary Islamic Studies Teacher
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.
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