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Welcome to Term 4! We are thrilled to introduce our new Director, Mr Tacettin Günaydın. With a distinguished career at Middle East Technical University in Ankara and Ibn Haldun University, Mr Günaydın brings our school a unique blend of academic excellence and holistic student development. His strategic insight and team-inspiring abilities are set to make a lasting impact on our school community. Mr Günaydın is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As we welcome new leadership, we also want to express our deep gratitude to our outgoing Director, Mr. Necmi Uzun. His exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the International Maarif Schools of Australia. We thank Mr. Uzun for his service and role in fostering a culture of excellence and care at our school.
We also welcome Ms Zeny Galsim to the Primary School teaching team at the International Maarif School of Australia. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Ms Galsim brings lots of knowledge and expertise in both Stage 2 and Stage 3 curricula. She has a proven track record of delivering engaging lessons tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students. In addition to her curriculum expertise, Ms Galsim specialises in English as a second language (ESL), ensuring that students of varying language backgrounds receive the support they need to thrive academically. Ms Galsim is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, stimulating learning environment where creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking are encouraged. We are excited about her positive impact on our students and school community.
During the first week of Term 4, all Maarif teachers participated in a Professional Development session titled "Consistent Teacher Judgement," led by Jennifer Pledger, Liaison Officer from NESA's Metropolitan Communications and Engagement Department. The session focused on deepening our teachers' understanding of assessment in a standards-referenced framework, highlighting the importance of formative and summative assessments in ensuring consistent teacher judgment. Teachers engaged in activities to enhance their skills in developing practical marking guidelines and designing quality assessment opportunities, ensuring students receive the most accurate and constructive feedback possible.
I would also like to sincerely thank our students and staff for the incredible Peygamber'e Özlem Night at the end of Term 3. The performances deeply moved the entire community, and the night was truly unforgettable. A special thank you goes to Mr Necmi Uzun for his outstanding production efforts and to the dedicated staff members who made the night possible: Ayse Acikkol, Ergul Uybadin, Fisun Benlisoy, Hatice Kocalar, Ozge Ilica Akcelik, Meyra Bicer, Muhammed Ordukaya, Reyhan Er, Seyma Akdemir, Talha Sen, Tutku Sahin, Ulku Turkmen, and Zeliha Uzun. Your hard work made this event a remarkable success.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate the 101 Anniversary of Cumhuriyet Bayramı, commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. On 29 October 2024, we will hold a special event at the school, where Maarif students will showcase performances and a special surprise. We invite all parents and families to celebrate this significant occasion and support our students.
Best regards,
Dr Zeynep Yaseen
Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to Term 4!
The year has flown by, and we have already had a busy start to the term. Our students are fully immersed in various class tasks and projects.
Many classrooms have been trialling Education Perfect, which has proven integral in supporting learning across several subjects. This innovative platform enhances our students' educational experiences and helps them achieve their academic goals.
During the school holidays, our Year 9 and 10 students participated in an exciting science project at Macquarie University. This experience gave them valuable insights into science and fuelled their curiosity and passion for it.
Our sports teams have made us proud with impressive wins in the SWISSA competitions. We thank the coaches, Ms Asli and Mr Yusufhan, and the teams for their hard work and dedication. We also celebrated our annual school photo day, capturing beautiful memories of our ever-growing Maarif family.
Our Year 10 students will complete their All My Work on 28 October 2024, a significant milestone in their academic journey. This will be followed by a week of work experience from 4–8 November 2024. And, of course, our much-anticipated annual school camp is just around the corner!
As we embrace the warmer months, students have returned to school in summer uniforms, which they will wear until Term 1 in 2025.
As always, we believe in maintaining open communication between home and school. Please feel free to contact your child's subject teachers with any questions or concerns.
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 Thursday, 24 October 2024, in honour of Teachers’ Day, our staff was pleasantly surprised with a unique token of appreciation from the school as a small gesture to acknowledge their outstanding work. We celebrated the dedication, passion, and energy our teachers put into making our school an excellent place for learning and growth.
We sincerely thank every staff member for their exceptional contributions and for continuing to inspire the next generation!
Our annual Photo Day took place on Monday, 21 October 2024, creating lasting memories for everyone. We are proud to see how our Maarif family has grown.
We look forward to seeing the fantastic photos that capture this particular moment!
During the recent school holidays, several of our students had the exciting opportunity to participate in The Science Experience workshop. Over three days, students took the initiative to immerse themselves in various fascinating science tasks, actively exploring their curiosity under the guidance of passionate scientists.
This enriching program, hosted by Macquarie University, allowed our students to perform experiments in natural laboratories, attend lectures delivered by senior lecturers, and experience firsthand what it is like to be on a university campus. From visiting science facilities to engaging in hands-on activities, the students had an unforgettable experience that broadened their understanding of the scientific world.
In addition to the interactive tasks, the workshop provided valuable information about further science, technology, and engineering studies. Students gained insight into the wide range of career pathways.
It was great to see so many refreshed and happy faces back in the classroom this week, and the English teachers enjoyed hearing about the adventures students had during their term break!
We are looking forward to exploring some interesting texts this term. Year 7 is studying fractured fairytales with a film study of Maleficent. Students will learn about film techniques and how narratives are conveyed in the medium.
Year 8 has commenced a study of Tim and Tigon, a nonfiction text by Tim Cope. They will examine how individuals can overcome adversity through travel. As they navigate this exciting unit of work, they will learn to think imaginatively, critically, and analytically.
Year 9 will consider the nature of human beings and our capacity for so much good and destruction by examining Villains and Heroes in film.
Year 10 will study media bias and how it shapes our perceptions of people and events. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the role of media and prejudice through the study of Daniel Gordon’s 2019 documentary, The Australian Dream. They will also engage with a range of short prose, visual, spoken and other multimedia and digital texts to prompt their awareness and understanding of how media and visual/ multimodal texts create meaning and influence responses.
The school is also trialling the online learning platform Education Perfect. Students have been set up on the English platform, and all students have begun using it. So far, student feedback has been great, as it is a very adaptive and engaging way to consolidate classroom learning and extend students.
We look forward to another term of lively discussion and engaging learning experiences in English!
Ms Susan Naser & Mrs Canan Korkut
English Coordinator & English Teacher
Year 7
Year 7 students have been exploring the world of Engineering Systems this term. They began by brainstorming the term and sharing their ideas on a digital platform, which generated a word cloud. This helped students visualize the vocabulary associated with the topic.
To solidify their learning, students participated in a matching activity where they matched various engineering areas with the tools used and their definitions. This activity gave students a clearer picture of how different engineered systems function and the role of tools in each.
In groups, students embarked on a journey of exploration, researching a specific branch of engineering, creating scripts, and performing short dramas representing each branch. The rest of the class acted as the audience, guessing the type of engineering portrayed. This interactive activity sparked excitement and helped students explore different engineering fields in a fun and engaging way, broadening their horizons.
As part of their learning, students created posters highlighting the benefits of engineered systems to society and the role of engineering professionals. This allowed them to internalize the importance of understanding Engineered Systems and reassured us of their grasp of the subject and how they contribute to society.
Year 8
For Term 4, Year 8 students started exploring the fascinating world of Engineered Systems, focusing on forces, motion and energy in different systems. Students learned about contact and non-contact forces and applied their knowledge by matching different troops to the correct engineered systems in a worksheet. They then moved on to a hands-on group activity where they studied the structures of six iconic Australian bridges. After reading about the facts and structure of these bridges, each group chose one bridge to recreate using only paper and glue. The goal was to construct the most vital paper bridge to support the most weight. The lessons transitioned into an introduction to motion, where students were asked to identify the types of motion they observed in their surroundings.
Through theoretical learning, group work, and hands-on activities, students have developed a solid foundation in the science and practical application of forces and motion in engineered systems.
Ms Beyza Nur Çelik
TAS Teacher
Year 7 students have begun a new topic focused on Place and Liveability this term. They have been investigating what factors influence where people choose to live and how these factors contribute to a place's overall liveability. Key elements such as climate, access to services, employment opportunities, and community wellbeing have been discussed. These lessons encourage students to think critically about their communities and consider what makes a place desirable.
Year 8 Geography
In Year 8, students began the topic of Interconnections, exploring personal connections to people, places, and products. They analyse how individuals are interconnected with the world through trade, technology, travel, and cultural exchange. This topic highlights the increasing globalisation of our world. It encourages students to think about their roles and connections within this global network.
Both topics are designed to help students better understand the world around them and the factors that shape the places we live and the relationships we build across the globe. These theoretical lessons provide practical insights that students can apply daily.
Year 9 – Geography
Year 9 students are studying the unit "Changing Places." Students have developed geographical skills to interpret the changing nature of places, exploring the shift from rural to urban areas. Students have progressed to understanding rational reasons why population levels have been increasing over time and identifying push and pull factors influencing change.
Year 10 – Geography
Year 10 students are studying the unit Human Wellbeing. Throughout this unit, students have developed skills to examine various indicators and factors that influence the wellbeing of individuals worldwide. They have investigated differences in wealth, health, education, and access to essential resources in addressing inequalities.
Ms Burcin Taskin & Ms. Aysha Imtiyas
HSIE Teachers
The excitement is palpable as we kick off the final term of the year. I couldn't be more thrilled to see how the students tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. Term 4 is always a busy but rewarding time. Over the next few weeks, our students will continue to push their creative limits, refine their artistic skills, and complete their final projects for the year. Their dedication and passion, which I'm sure you, as parents, have witnessed, are truly inspiring, and I'm excited to see what they accomplish!
Year 7
Our Year 7 students are starting Term 4, focusing on the Unit on Mapping Memories. We will focus on stamping techniques and different ways of printmaking. It's been incredible to see their enthusiasm and how much they've grown since the beginning of the year. This term's projects will challenge them to think critically, work collaboratively, and explore new artistic techniques. I'm sure their hard work will result in some fantastic pieces, and I can't wait to showcase their final projects, which will be a testament to their growth and development, a journey that you, as parents, should be proud of.
Year 8
In Year 8, we're diving headfirst into Positive and Negative Space and learning to draw Portraits. The students have already shown great creativity and determination. I'm excited to see how they bring their ideas to life this term. As they refine their skills, I do not doubt that they'll produce thoughtful, impactful work that reflects their unique perspectives. Term 4 is about building on their knowledge and taking their artwork to the next level.
Year 9
Year 9 students embark on the topic of human nature, exploring the relationship between how humans interact, conserve, or even try to tame nature itself through Fine Art and Observations. A project that will challenge them to apply everything they've learned this year innovatively. As they continue to develop their style and voice, this term will allow them to showcase their growth and creativity. I'm eagerly anticipating their progress in the coming weeks as they take on new artistic challenges and refine their techniques. I'm sure they will surprise us with their achievements.
Year 10
For our Year 10 students, Term 4 is an exciting time as they focus on public art, the different kinds of art installations, and how they contribute to the public. This term will see them push the boundaries of their creativity, exploring new mediums and techniques while preparing for the transition to more advanced studies next year. I'm looking forward to seeing the incredible work they produce and the progress they make as they wrap up their projects for the year.
It is the final term of 2024, and I cannot be more proud of my students for all their hard work. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parents for their continuous support and encouragement. Because of this unwavering support, our students can thrive in their artistic endeavours. Thank you for being such an integral part of our art education community.
Ms. Noor Elmubasher
Visual Arts and Music Teacher
Year 7 Advanced Lessons
We started the new term with our year 7 advanced Turkish students by discussing their holidays. We did something different this time: the students talked about each other's holidays. Each student asked their classmate what they did during the holiday, who they spent time with, where they went, and whether they enjoyed it. They wrote paragraphs and presented them to the class based on the answers. This activity aimed to improve the students' listening and writing skills.
Afterwards, the students received information about the new unit, titled "Markets and Bazaars." As part of this unit, they shared and compared their market shopping experiences in Türkiye and Australia.
Year 8 Beginner Lessons
Year 8 beginner-level Turkish students wrote a paragraph about what they did during the holidays based on the examples provided. They shared these paragraphs with their classmates in class, allowing them to discuss their holiday experiences. Afterwards, the students walked around the classroom. They asked each other (speaking to more than one student), "What did you do during the holiday?" They recorded the answers and wrote short paragraphs about their classmates, then shared what their friends did during the holidays with the class. Later in the lesson, we discussed celebrations in the new units. The students talked about celebrations in both Turkey and Australia and took notes on these in their notebooks.
Year 9 Beginner Turkish Lessons
Year 9 students began the term with a speaking practice focused on daily routines. They reviewed and practised asking and answering questions about their routines in pairs. Afterwards, they formed groups and wrote about their holiday activities, with each group preparing a paragraph. The students then presented their paragraphs to the class, paying close attention to correct pronunciation and sentence structure during their presentations.
Year 10A Beginner Turkish Lesson
On 14 October, we began the fourth and final term of the year 2024 with a practical lesson. The students were tasked with writing an essay on 'What did I do on holiday? 'We then created a writing plan on the board, and using this plan, we demonstrated the practical application of the past tense structure in a typical essay.
Year 7 Beginner Turkish Lesson
On 14 October, we enthusiastically started the fourth and last term of 2024. The first lesson was to write an essay on 'What did I do on holiday? 'The students were asked about their holidays, and a writing plan was created on the board. Then, the students were asked to write an essay using the past tense structure they learned last term.
Year 7 Beginner Turkish students will study the units' Four Seasons Turkey', 'Get Well Soon', and 'Personal Hygiene' this term.
The students started the 'Four Seasons Turkey' unit immediately. In Turkish, they learnt cardinal and intercardinal points, how to describe cities on a map according to directions and how to compare cities in terms of temperature.
We hope the new term will be successful and fun for all our students and our school.
Year 8 Advanced Turkish Lessons
In the first lesson, after the students were asked 'How they spent their holidays', they were asked how they could write an essay on 'Holiday'. A writing plan was created on the board about what they should mention. They were reminded which tense they should use in their sentences. Then, the students wrote their essays.
In the first week, they covered the topic of 'Noun Phrase'. After examining the structure and examples of noun phrases, they competed in the 'Phrase Making' race with the given word groups. The group that made the most correct noun phrases was applauded.
This term, Year 8 students will be studying the units' Dinner Time', 'Let's Go to the Exhibition' and 'Let's Discover Ourselves'/'Yemek Zamanı', 'Haydi Sergiye' ve 'Kendimizi Keşfedelim'. Our students are preparing for the 'Cumhuriyet Bayramı' ceremony.
Year 9 Advanced Turkish Lessons
On 14 October, we started the fourth and last term of the year 2024 with enthusiasm. In the first lesson, after asking the students how they spent their holidays, we discussed and explained how they could write an essay on 'Holiday'. A writing plan was created on the board about what they should mention. They were reminded which tense they should use in their sentences. Then, the students wrote their essays. The writings were read in class.
Year 9 Advanced Turkish students watched TRT's news titled 'Bilim İnsanları Üç Bin Yıllık Mumyayı Konuşturdu' with interest and answered questions about the video. The students also completed the evaluation activity about last semester's topics.
This term, we will study the units 'Ben ve Ailem', 'Hangi Meslek Bana Göre' ve 'Ne Olmak İstediniz Ne Oldunuz?'/'Me and My Family', 'Which Profession Is Right for Me' and 'What Did You Want to Be and What Have You Become? They will also read texts from the year 8 Turkish book (MEB). They have read their first text, the story 'Kaşağı', and are doing their activities.
We hope the new term will be successful and fun for all our students.
Year 10 Advanced Turkish Lessons
Year 10 students worked on synonyms. They played a bingo game related to the topic. The primary learning objective was to reinforce their understanding of synonyms and expand their vocabulary. Each student received a card and tried to find the synonyms for the words that were called out.
The words, drawn randomly from a bag, added an element of surprise to the activity. The students eagerly tried to complete their cards by finding the corresponding words.
Zeliha Uzun (Turkish Teacher), Sever Meyra Biçer (Turkish Teacher) Ayşegül Şeyma Akdemir
We have made exciting updates in our Year 8 Maths classroom this term to enhance learning and behaviour. To better support students' individual needs, we have relocated some students based on their academic performance and classroom behaviour, creating a more focused and supportive learning environment.
In our Year 8 Maths classroom, students actively compare MathsOnline and Education Perfect to determine which platform better supports their learning. Both programs offer valuable tools, but students are exploring, which helps them grasp concepts more effectively, enhances engagement, and provides more precise feedback. This comparison process helps students reflect on their learning styles while encouraging them to find the most effective approach to mastering maths skills. We eagerly await their insights as we continue to integrate digital tools into our lessons.
We look forward to continuing our journey with digital learning and seeing its positive impact on our students' success!
Mr Bahadir Korkut, Ms Lark Lu, Dr Zeynep Yaseen & Ms Mariam El Maarraoui
Maths Teachers
Our PDHPE program has launched a comprehensive range of topics and activities to enhance students’ physical, mental, and social well-being. Here’s an overview of what each year level is focusing on:
Year 7
Students are exploring the importance of maintaining a safe environment through lessons on bullying prevention techniques. The emphasis is on understanding the impact of bullying and how to create a supportive and respectful community.
Year 8
Year 8 students focus on nutrition. They learn about the role of macronutrients and how to balance them for a healthy diet. This knowledge helps students understand the connection between food choices and overall well-being.
Year 9
The Year 9 curriculum is centred on risk-taking behaviours and their consequences. Students discuss various scenarios and learn strategies to make informed and safe decisions. They also explore concepts of social health, ethics in sports, and participation, building on their understanding of health and well-being.
Year 10
Year 10 students actively engage in sports leadership through practical sessions, where they apply and hone their leadership skills in the field. They are also exploring topics like mental health, focusing on coping mechanisms and strategies to manage stress effectively. Additionally, the curriculum covers advanced health and physical activity concepts, including the benefits of physical activity on mental health and cognitive function.
This term is brimming with meaningful learning experiences designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy and active lifestyles. We are excited to witness their progress!
Ms Aslihan Agyar, Mr Yusufhan Diler
PDHPE Teachers
Year 9 Science: Heat, Sound, and Light
Year 9 students are delving into the fascinating topics of heat, sound, and light this term, with the first two weeks focused on heat and heat transfer. Here's what we've covered this week:
- The Particle Model:
- We revisited the particle model from Stage 4, refreshing students' understanding of how temperature reflects the average kinetic energy of particles. We discussed how thermometers work and why they can't measure the total heat energy in a substance.
- Heat Transfer by Convection:
- Students explored how convection currents form when more relaxed, denser fluids displace warmer, lighter fluids upwards. We linked this to everyday examples like land and sea breezes, helping students apply the concept to real-world scenarios.
- Heat Transfer by Conduction:
- This week, we also discussed heat transfer by conduction, where heat is transferred through direct contact between particles. Students explored the difference between conductors (materials that quickly transfer heat) and insulators (materials that resist heat flow).
In addition, students were introduced to the Education Perfect platform, where they engaged in self-directed learning activities. This tool allows them to manage their learning processes independently, reinforcing their understanding through interactive exercises.
We will continue building on these concepts next week before moving on to sound and light later in the term.
Year 10 Science: Exploring Earth's Spheres
This week in Year 10 Science, we've been diving into the fascinating topic of Earth's Spheres. Students are exploring the four interconnected spheres that make up our planet: the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (life). These spheres interact in complex ways, shaping the environment and global systems that support life on Earth.
To bring these concepts to life, our students have designed posters highlighting each sphere's unique features and interactions. These creative works aim to deepen their understanding of how Earth's systems are connected and how changes in one sphere can impact the others.
Over the next three weeks, we'll be delving into Global Systems. Students will learn about the more extensive processes that drive Earth's climate, weather patterns, and ecological systems. It will be an exciting discovery period as we continue to explore the natural systems that sustain life on our planet!
Mrs. Derya Koc Kalkan
Science Teacher
As we dive into Term 4, I'm thrilled to see how our students, with their unique perspectives and enthusiasm, will continue to explore the vibrant world of global Music and cultures. This final term allows them to take the lead in expanding their understanding of how Music connects people across societies. I'm excited to see their creativity and curiosity flourish over the coming weeks. Through hands-on learning and collaborative projects, they will deepen their appreciation of Music's role in shaping and expressing cultural identity. Let's make this term unforgettable, filled with discoveries and musical growth to which they have actively contributed!
Year 7
Our Year 7 students are starting Term 4 with a burst of enthusiasm, focusing on Australian Music. Their eagerness to dive into the task is truly impressive. This term will challenge them to explore various musical traditions, allowing them to think critically about how Music shapes the world around us.
I'm eagerly anticipating the culmination of their efforts in their final projects and the significant growth they will have experienced by the end of the term. Their growth potential is immense, and I'm confident they will surprise us with their progress!
Year 8
In Year 8, we are kicking off the term by learning about the Orchestra and its Instrumental Families. The students have shown great interest in the subject, and I'm excited to watch them expand their knowledge of musical cultures from around the globe. Their work will involve creative exploration and deep research this term. I have complete confidence in their abilities, and I'm sure their challenging musical journey will lead to some fantastic results!
Let's eagerly embrace the challenges and excitement of Term 4, infusing Music and creativity into our lives in new and inspiring ways! I'm eagerly looking forward to witnessing the remarkable accomplishments our students will achieve as they continue their musical journeys. Here's to an exceptionally fantastic term ahead!
Ms. Noor Elmubasher
Visual Arts and Music Teacher
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmetullahi wa barakatuh,
The Prophet (saw) said: “The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and then teach it.”
Our Secondary students are practising/revising and memorising duas and Surahs. Memorisations are played on the smartboard and repeated after the teacher. Students who already know these surahs are assigned new memorisations. Students also practice reciting their assigned pages from the Mushaf and reciting in groups to the teacher.
We pray that Allah (SWT) allows our students to keep the Qur’an in the centre of their lives and let the book of Allah be the light of their hearts.
Mr Muhammed Ordukaya
Secondary Islamic Studies Teacher
Year 9 commerce students are diving into travel and tourism this term. They will explore key concepts such as popular travel destinations, budgeting, and the impact of tourism on local economies. Meanwhile, Year 10 students are focused on the art of promoting and selling. They will learn essential skills in marketing, advertising, and sales techniques to attract customers. Both classes will participate in hands-on projects, where Year 9 students might plan trips. Year 10 students will create promotional campaigns, giving them valuable real-world experience in business and commerce and preparing them for their future careers.
Mrs Adeba Qasim
Design Technology 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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