International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Dear Maarif Parents,

We are continuing with a very busy Term 4! We have finalised enrolments for our new Prep and Kindergarten students for next year, and they recently completed their two-day orientation at school. They met their teachers, explored their classrooms, and participated in a school tour. Like us, they are very excited to start school next year.

We celebrated the 101st Anniversary of Cumhuriyet Bayramı, commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. On 29 October 2024, we held a special event at the school, where Maarif students formed a star and crescent, which was captured from above by drone. If you have not seen our students’ Ay Yıldız (Star and Crescent) display, I highly recommend watching it on our social media. We extend our gratitude to all our students and teachers for their contributions, especially Mr. Korkut and Ms. Aygar from our high school team, for their dedicated efforts in planning the Ay Yıldız formation.

I would also like to revisit a topic that is very important to me. My thanks go out to the parents who prepare their children with such care, helping us represent the school with pride. Unfortunately, some students still come to school in untidy, dirty clothes with tears. This not only reflects poorly on our school but also on the community. Please ensure that all uniforms are worn with pride, are clean and tidy, and are not faded or bleached. Term 4 should not prevent your child from wearing the uniform correctly.

We are also very excited for our end-of-year events for both Primary and Secondary school students. We will be presenting a variety of awards on the night. Both events are free of charge, and attendance is compulsory for all students and parents.

Thank you for your support, and have a great Term 4!

Best regards,

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Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Maarif Families,

Another two weeks have gone by where we celebrated learning growth across all Key Learning Areas as we approach the end of the year.

Last week we celebrated Cumhuriyet Bayramı at our school marking the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. The highlight would have had to be the Ay-Yıldız formed by students as well as the fabulous performances.

We were delighted to have our prospective Prep and Kindergarten students with us for orientation programs this week. The sessions provided our students an opportunity to experience a Prep and Kindergarten classroom and connect to their future peers. Thank you to all staff involved in organising the two sessions, which included a parent information session. The sessions provided an overview of our school and learning in a Prep and Kindergarten classroom. We look forward to welcoming our 2025 Prep and Kindergarten cohort to big school.

Moving from primary to secondary school is a significant step, therefore as part of our Secondary School Transition program, our Year 6 students had the opportunity to be a Year 7 student for a day. ‘A Day in the Life of Year 7’ offers benefits that help set the foundation for their secondary education journey. This stage is important for academic growth, personal development and social interaction.

We are excited about our very first Athletics Carnival which will take place next week. Students are encouraged to come prepared for a day filled with fun, friendly competition. This is a great opportunity for our students to demonstrate their sportsmanship and teamwork.

‘Hats On, Game On!’ As the weather warms up, please ensure your child comes to school with a hat and sunscreen applied. We are committed to promoting sun safety and protecting our students during outdoor play and activities. Also, a gentle reminder to ensure students are wearing the correct summer school uniform, including black shoes and the school hat. Sports uniform is to be worn by students on allocated sport days. If you have any questions about uniform requirements, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. Wishing you all more wonderful weeks ahead.

With Regards,

Mrs Reyhan Er

Primary School Coordinator

Turkish Republic Day, celebrated on October 29, marks the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923. This day is not only a celebration of freedom and democracy but also a profound affirmation of our national identity and heritage. It serves as a reminder of the values that unite us as a community and inspire us to strive for a brighter future.

This year, we proudly celebrated the 101st anniversary of Republic Day. As Maarif Schools of Australia, we were committed to commemorating this special day in a festive atmosphere that reflects its deep meaning and significance.

The event was made even more special with the distinguished attendance of Ms. Belgin Ergüneş, the Consul General of Sydney, and many esteemed guests. As we commemorated the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of our Republic, we reflected on the core values that define our nation—freedom, democracy, equality, and progress—which continue to guide us today.

The celebration was a school-wide event, with all students actively participating in bringing the spirit of the Republic to life. One of the most memorable moments was when the students formed the iconic crescent and star, a powerful representation of the Turkish flag. Each student contributed to this formation, symbolizing unity, national pride, and the strength of our Republic’s symbols.

Throughout the ceremony, Maarif students passionately recited poems, sang anthems, and showcased the richness of Turkish culture through traditional dances. Each performance reflected the dedication and effort of the students, whose enthusiasm filled the atmosphere with a strong sense of national pride and unity.

A poetry competition was organized in the Primary School on the occasion of Republic Day. Each class memorized the poem assigned to them and participated in the competition. The winning students from each class received their certificates from the esteemed guests during the Republic Day ceremony.

A Glimpse into the Future: Year 6 Students Experience a Day in the Life of Year 7

This week, our Year 6 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a 'Day in the Life of Year 7' as part of their transition program. It was a day filled with new experiences, anticipation, and a bit of nervous excitement as they stepped into the world that awaits them next year.

The day began with our Year 6 students joining a bustling Year 7 homeroom, where they were introduced to the routines of secondary school life. They received timetables for the day, mirroring what a real Year 7 student would follow. From moving between classrooms for different subjects to handling a timetable, they were immersed in the rhythm and responsibilities of high school.

One of the highlights was the exposure to new subjects and specialised teachers. They took part in Science, Technology, and HSIE lessons, which gave them a taste of the deeper learning they will encounter next year. The HSIE lesson introduced them to more advanced critical thinking, and it was wonderful to see how eagerly they engaged with the material. In addition to academics, they experienced other aspects of high school life, such as using lockers, managing books and materials, and organising themselves for each lesson. Many students commented on the thrill of having their own lockers – a small but symbolic step toward independence!

The day included a Q&A session led by Mr Bahadir Korkut, our Welfare Coordinator, where students could ask questions about secondary school. From queries about homework expectations to questions about sports and extra-curriculars, it was a valuable time for them to gain insight and feel more confident about the transition ahead.

This immersive experience offered our Year 6 students a chance to preview the responsibilities, independence, and exciting challenges that come with high school. It was inspiring to see them approach the day with such enthusiasm, resilience, and curiosity. We hope this glimpse into Year 7 helps to build their confidence and excitement as they prepare for the next big step in their educational journey!

On Thursday, 31 October, our school was invited by Kids Early Education to attend the Auburn Annual Reading Day which is a community event, where everybody in Auburn is encouraged to stop and read. It is an early intervention project to support the development of children's early literacy skills in the Auburn LGA and is auspiced by Accesible Diversity Services Initiative Limited (ADSI). Our Choir Group and Year 2 Girls Folk Dance Group participated in the event and showcased a wonderful performance on the day. Following the event, Ms Comert from Kids Early Education kindly visited our school to present our school with a certificate of appreciation and presented gifts to our students. We were delighted to be part of this great initiative!

Matatalab is an educational STEM learning tool designed to teach Year 1 and Year 2 students the basics of coding, robotics, and problem-solving through hands-on play. It is an interactive system that introduces students to concepts of programming and logical thinking using physical blocks and a robot. Matatalab helps them learn coding principles in a fun, engaging, and creative way. Stage 1 Teachers enjoyed coding as much as the students!

Well done to the students who have been selected as 'Student of the Week'. These students are selected for academic achievement and for modelling our school values.

	Week 3	Week 4
1A	Ada Ozkan	Nikan Basiri
1B	Belinay Elustu	Altay Keles
2A	Eren Varlik	Musa Chehaita
2B	Asma Kanj	Elanur Ayan
3A	Mikaal Khan	Amelia Khan
4A	Junaid Saidi	Sayid Kudusov
4B	Alina Khan	Teoman Seyrek
5A	Zara Ergun	Muhammad Al-azam
5B	Halid Cetiner	Beyzanur Karaca
6A	Abdul Rahman Mohammed	Vera Bulli

Also congratulations to these students for receiving an award.

The Night Sky and Constellations!

1A students were involved in an exciting journey to explore the wonders of the night sky as part of their science unit on constellations. Our exploration began with investigating the moon and the sun, which led us to fascinating discussions about the stars and the patterns we can see in the night sky.

Throughout the unit, students learned that constellations are groups of stars that form pictures of animals, objects, and even people. Some students recognized familiar shapes, while others let their imaginations run wild, creating new and exciting constellations.

A highlight of our learning was the opportunity for each student to design their very own constellation. After sketching their ideas on paper, they transferred their designs into a 3D model using sticks and marshmallows—a fun and hands-on way to bring the night sky to life! The students had a blast working in small groups to create their models, and their creativity truly shone through in their designs.

This activity not only helped students better understand the concept of constellations, but also gave them a chance to practice teamwork, problem-solving, and artistic expression. The excitement and energy in the classroom were palpable as they proudly shared their creations with one another.

We are so proud of the enthusiasm and creativity Year 1 students are showing throughout this unit. It was a wonderful learning experience that allowed them to engage with science in a fun and imaginative way. We look forward to continuing to exploring the wonders of the world around us!

Mrs Ulku Turkmen

1A Class Teacher

In Geography, 1B has been actively learning about the importance of recycling and how it contributes to reducing waste. As part of our exploration, students designed their own recycling posters, which were then showcased in a "gallery walk." During this gallery experience, students observed each other's work, much like a museum visit, where we respected the artwork by not touching. Each student noted their favourite poster on a small piece of paper, and afterward, we collectively tallied the votes to celebrate the selected pieces as a class. We also discussed how materials like aluminium, which can be recycled indefinitely, offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.

In English, we have begun our unit on procedural writing. The students are learning what procedural texts entail by exploring various examples, such as recipes and assembly instructions. They are practicing sequencing text and images, focusing on putting steps in the correct order. Soon, students will have the opportunity to create their very own procedural text!
In Science, we have been learning about the different phases of the sun. Our class created beautiful artwork depicting "solar noon" and "sunset" over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. This activity allowed students to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and significance of light and time changes.

Well done, 1B!

Miss Bahar Sevgi

1B Class Teacher

Exploring 3D Shapes in 2A!

This term, 2A has been diving into the world of 3D shapes! We reviewed various 3D shapes, focusing on their properties and learning about "nets"—the 2D patterns that can be folded to create these shapes. Students worked together in pairs to build models of 3D shapes using paddle pop sticks and glue tack. After constructing each shape, they identified the vertices, edges, and faces, strengthening their understanding of geometric structures in a fun and interactive way. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for collaborative learning and creativity in math!

Mrs Zeliha Mehcur

2A Class Teacher

Mathematical Thinking in 2B

This week 2B students became mini architects, using paddle pop sticks and blue tack to create 3D shapes in collaborative groups! This engaging activity helped develop students problem-solving skills through trial and error, fine motor skills through stick manipulation, teamwork and communication, geometric understanding of shapes and structures as well as enhancing their creativity and critical thinking skills. As they built and explored, students strengthened foundational math concepts and developed essential skills for future success.

Mrs Irem Tas

2B Class Teacher

Bringing Exaggerated Personalities to Life!

During English writing lesson, the Year 3 students created some humorous characters in their short stories-developing their imaginations with an odd and comic trait. The students overflowed with ideas for quirky names of the characters, silly habits, and usual appearances that made the buzz around in class. They were sharing promptly, right away giggling at each other's suggestions, and adding with eagerness to their stories. This activity had students really getting into the creation of characters that would make their stories humorous and memorable.

Ms Samira Asad

3A Class Teacher

Sculpture By The Sea Excursion

This term, our last excursion of the year was to Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi Beach. We enjoyed a beautiful day filled with many sculptures to explore along the shoreline. Our guide was very welcoming and provided detailed explanations on the materials used and the purpose of various sculptures. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and share their interpretations. For some sculptures, they were able to touch and experience them up close, while others could only be observed from a distance. We also had a relaxing picnic with scenic views. By the end of the day, each student chose their top three favourite sculptures with their reasons. Back at school, we followed up with a writing session and a class discussion. It was a day rich in interpretations and perspectives on art.

Ms Melike Tugrul

4A Class Teacher

Mini Mini Golf - Stem

This week, students were introduced to our new and exciting STEM program. This lesson revolved around students using LEGO bits and pieces to create a mini golf layout. They then connected their creations to the SPIKE Hub and used the iPads to create codes to get a hole in one for a game of golf! Students completed this activity in groups and did so very successfully. They were super enthusiastic and happy to be participating in this activity.

Mrs Ayse Yildiz

4B Class Teacher

Non-verbal Communication in Drama Lesson

5A students have been exploring the power of non-verbal communication in Drama lessons. Inspired by the wordless book The Arrival, they have been experimenting with ways to convey meaning through body language, facial expressions, and the use of sound, without relying on spoken words. Students have worked collaboratively to express emotions and tell stories, drawing on the book's themes of migration and new beginnings. Their creative and thoughtful performances bring these ideas to life, demonstrating the depth of storytelling that can be achieved through physical and vocal expression alone.

Mr Mike Liu

5A Class Teacher

Shining a Light on Science

This term in science, 5B students are investigating the properties of light. In a recent lesson, students explored whether various objects are translucent, transparent, or opaque. Through engaging investigations, they were able to learn new concepts about light transmission while also enhancing their observational skills. This hands on approach deepened their understanding of materials and encouraged critical thinking about the interaction of light with different surfaces.

Mrs Fatima Memedoski & Ms Amel Mehana

5B Class Teachers

Back To Swimming Lessons

Students are thrilled to have begun their swimming lessons this term, diving into a program that promises not only to enhance their water skills but also to promote confidence, safety, and fitness. Swimming is a vital life skill, and these lessons provide our students with the opportunity to develop water safety knowledge, refine their swimming techniques, and build essential water confidence. Lessons are tailored to suit a variety of skill levels, so each student, from beginner to advanced swimmer, will find the program engaging and beneficial.

The focus of the swimming program includes:

Basic water safety and survival skills
Developing techniques in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke
Building endurance and confidence in the water

Miss Dilara Ozhan

6A Class Teacher

Year 1

With our Year 1 students, we celebrated Republic Day by reciting poems, singing songs, and creating drawings. Starting from the question “What is republic?” we shared our ideas. Students also engaged in plenty of drama activities on the topic “What questions do we ask when meeting new people?” We had fun and reinforced what we learned.

Year 3

With Year 3 students, we started by asking the question “What is this?” to learn the names of objects in our classroom. Acting in the role of a teacher, we asked “What is this?” and named the items we use in the classroom.

Ms Özge Ilıca Akçelik

Turkish Language Teacher

Year 2

In our Turkish class with our Year 2 students, we learned about the concept of mass. Using a scale, we measured the mass of different objects to reinforce our learning. This hands-on activity gave students the opportunity to observe mass comparison and measurement in action. Our lesson was both fun and educational, helping our children to better understand the topic.

Year 3

In our Turkish class with our Year 3 students, we discussed the concept and importance of the Republic. We talked about Republic Day on 29 October and reflected on the significance of this special day in our history. Our students learned how meaningful it is to celebrate this important day and to keep its values alive.

Year 4

With our Year 4 students, we talked about 29 October Republic Day and the significance of this meaningful day. To celebrate, we made bookmarks together, adding a creative touch to our lesson. This activity allowed our students to express their understanding and appreciation for the Republic in a fun and memorable way.

Ms Tutku Şahin

Turkish Language Teacher

Year 6

We conducted an activity with the students to explain the importance of knowing family phone numbers. During the activity, we discussed why it is crucial for each child to memorize their family’s phone number. We emphasized the importance of being able to contact an adult in case of an emergency for safety.

Mrs Ayşe Açıkkol

Turkish Language Teacher

Cumhuriyet Bayramı Kutlu Olsun!

As International Maarif Schools of Australia, the 101st anniversary of the Republic was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the entire school. During the celebrations, Year 4 students sang the song "Ay Yıldızlı Bayrağım".

The Year 5 students participated in the ceremony with a Republic Oratorio, featuring various poems.

Mrs Şeyma Akdemir

Turkish Language Teacher

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,   

(May peace and mercy be upon you)

All praise be to Allah (SWT), the most merciful and may peace and blessings be upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, companions and all those who follow him.   

It is my honour to inform you that Year 5 students are learning about Prayer in detail, they have learnt about 5 Times Prayer and prayed 2 Rakah Prayer together in the class, we will continue to pray in Islamic Studies class as the students can apply what they are learning.

Mr Usama Mohammad

Primary Religion Teacher

The big day is approaching. As all primary students and teachers, we are working with all our efforts and excitement for this special show. We look forward to this great event!

Mrs Fisun Benlisoy

Music Teacher

The Student Corner is a dedicated space for students of any year level to showcase their unique work and talents!

Liya Gokmen 1A

Isa Sanjuan 1B

Esila Alagoz 2A

Rayan Wadi 2B

Amelia Khan 3A

Jasmine Skaf 4A

Elif Demir 5A

Raheem Jawas 5B

Utku Ozalp 6A

Vera Bulli 6A

Crunch&Sip gives kids the chance to refuel on fruit, vegetables and water during a set break in class. It’s a simple way to help them stay hydrated and energised. It also helps improve their focus in class.

Including vegetables, fruit and water in the daily routine helps to shape kids' preference for healthy food.

There are other benefits too. Kids want to be part of Crunch&Sip, so parents and carers learn not to forget water and a healthy snack in the lunchbox! Most kids don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables each day, and many forget to drink unless you remind them. Crunch&Sip can help with this.

Visit the Crunch&Sip®website to find out more.

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School Drop off and Pick Up

Students need to be dropped off at school by 8:45am daily and pick up at 3:30pm.

Parent-Teacher Communication

When communicating with teachers, please try to be respectful of their time and understand that they may not always be able to respond immediately. This means, giving them a reasonable amount of time to respond to your emails or messages, and understanding their work hours.

Please avoid sending multiple follow-up messages when not receiving a response immediately, teachers have many responsibilities.

Written Communications

Written communications to the school, including emails and letters, please include the student's full name and class for identification purposes

Phone & Electronics

Primary School students are not permitted to bring to school, their phones and/or any electronics. This includes smartwatches.

Birthday Celebrations

We love to celebrate our students at Maarif and accept that some families may want to share the special occasion of their child’s birthday with his/her class peers. As a school, we embrace this opportunity however would like to enforce a strict policy of not bringing in food or other edible items for these one-off occasions. It is important we cater to all students including those who have severe allergies by monitoring this closely. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday, we would suggest an alternative to food.

Toys and Valuables

Students are not permitted to bring toys and valuables to school. These include Pokemon cards, fidget toys and weapon-like toys. Students are only permitted to bring in appropriate toys on allocated Show and Tell days. Please check with your child's class teacher if unsure.

Student Lunches

We understand that occasionally dropping off a meal may seem convenient, but we appreciate your cooperation in supporting our efforts to promote fairness and healthy eating for all students by not dropping off fast food for your child. It is no longer allowed at our school. When fast food is brought to school, it can lead to other children feeling left out or upset if they do not have similar meals.

Students are required to be in full summer uniform during Term 4.

All uniform requests can be made as follows:

Order Submission Only

Primary school parents are to complete the attached uniform order form
Order forms should be emailed to uniforms@maarif.nsw.edu.au or sent to the school office with students if required
Orders will be processed weekly on Wednesdays and uniform items will be sent home with students by the following day
Contact number for uniform-related enquiries 0402 393 844

Attached below is the Uniform Order Form

2024_Primary_School_Uniform_Order_Form_Price_List.pdf

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Maarif students are expected to wear their summer school uniform during Term 4. Please be reminded of the importance of naming all items of school uniform with your child’s name and class. This means that lost items found around school can easily be returned.

We consider that uniform is important for several reasons.

It provides pupils with a sense of identity and pride in their school.
It enhances the appearance of pupils and therefore the reputation of the school.
It helps to instil a sense of purpose in pupils when they put on their uniform in the mornings.
It helps overcome the worry about “fitting in” with fashions and keeping up with other children. All children feel equal and there is no stress, competition or worry for families about expensive brands/labels.
It overcomes the problem for both parents and teachers about what is suitable attire for school.

We request that our parents and/or carers be extra cautious during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Years 1 - 3 are dismissed from the Front School Gate.

Years 4 - 6 are dismissed from the Side School Gate.

Road_Safety.pdf

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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 it also causes traffic congestion.

- Follow the directions of our school crossing supervisors.

- Give way to our School Bus drivers.

Road_Safety.pdf

Road_Safety _pdf 1.68 MB

Thank you for your cooperation.

According to ACARA National Standards for student attendance, parents are required to complete an Application for Leave Form for holidays within the school term or other leave. Applications should be submitted 14 days prior to the leave. The Principal approves this leave as appropriate.

For all student leave requests (1-50 days) an application form should be submitted to the school at least 14 days prior to the requested leave date. Supporting documentation, such as travel ticket or itinerary, should be included with student holiday leave applications.

Holidays taken by students outside of School vacation periods are included as absences.

Families are encouraged to holiday or travel during school vacations rather than in term time. If travel during the school term is necessary, the following considerations apply:

If the Principal accepts the reason for the absence, the absence will be marked as justified leave.
If the Principal does not believe the absence is in the student’s best interests and does not accept the reason, the absence will be recorded as unjustified leave.

The Leave form can be accessed below:

Student_Short_Term_Leave_Application_Form_less_than_50_days_.pdf

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Did you know you can organise your school fee payments into weekly, fortnight or monthly payments? International Maarif Schools of Australia uses Edstart to provide more flexibility and choice for your school fee payments. There are no additional charges for the service regardless of the schedule or payment method you choose. Getting started is easy, simply visit edstart.com.au/Maarif to set up your payments online or call 1300 139 445. If you would like further information, you can also contact our accounts team at accounts@maarif.nsw.edu.au or 02 8316 0655.

InternationalMaarifSchools_Edstart_A4_Flyer_Plus_2.pdf

InternationalMaarifSchools_Edstart_A4_Flyer_Plus_2 _pdf 642.05 KB

2024_Maarif_Calendar.pdf

2024_Maarif_Calendar _pdf 3.35 MB

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