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Dear Maarif Parents,
As we near the end of Term 4, it is hard to believe how much we have accomplished together this term. We have had a term full of exciting events, celebrations, and milestones that reflect the hard work and achievements of our students.
A particular highlight was our Primary School Concert and Awards Ceremony, which took place last night. It was a wonderful evening filled with incredible performances from our students, showcasing their talents in music and dance. I would also like to congratulate all the award recipients for their academic achievements, sportsmanship, and contributions to our school values. We are so proud of every student who participated and made the evening so special. Children who did not receive an award should not be upset; the number of awards were limited, and this does not reflect a lack of success on their part. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our staff for their dedication and efforts to make the evening a great success.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our Secondary Speech and Award Night on December 4. This is always a highlight of our school calendar, where we recognise the achievements of our secondary students, and we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.
We are also eagerly anticipating our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony. We are proud of our Year 6 students, who have shown tremendous growth and leadership throughout primary school. We know they will continue to shine in secondary school and beyond, and we cannot wait to celebrate their achievements with their families.
Another exciting event this term was our first combined Primary and Secondary Athletics Carnival. It was fantastic to see students from both schools come together for a day of friendly competition and teamwork. Sportsmanship was evident, and we are already looking forward to next year’s carnival.
As we approach the final weeks of the year, I would like to thank you all for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Best regards,
Dr Zeynep Yaseen
Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It's hard to believe we are already in the second half of Term 4!
Maarif students have been working diligently on their assessment tasks and examinations while participating in various extracurricular activities.
Our SWISSA Tennis teams compete weekly, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and determination. Meanwhile, the Volleyball team has successfully concluded their season for the term, finishing with commendable performances.
Year 8 families recently attended the Year 9 Subject Selection Information Night, a valuable and informative event designed to guide students and families in making thoughtful elective subject choices for 2025.
This term has also been enriched with meaningful events such as National Kindness Day, National Recycling Week, and Waste-Free Wednesday. These initiatives have encouraged our students to embrace proactive and mindful attitudes as global citizens.
In addition, Year 7 and 10 students participated in the National Immunisation Program, supporting the health and well-being of our school community. Year 10 students also enjoyed an excursion to TreeTops as a reward for their hard work and success during the Commerce Market Day project.
As final assessments and exams draw near, we encourage open communication. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email or arrange a phone appointment with your child's subject teacher.
We have several exciting events planned for the remainder of Term 4. Selected students will participate in the Secondary School Speech and Award Night rehearsal during Week 7. We are delighted to invite all families to join us for the Secondary School Speech and Award Night on the 4th of December, 2024. This event will celebrate the achievements and growth of our secondary students and mark a proud milestone as we host our first separate Speech and Award Night for the secondary school.
We look forward to seeing you on this special occasion as we honour our students' hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Your presence will make this celebration even more meaningful.
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
A Day of Fun and Festivities at Our School Carnival
Last week, our school came alive with energy, laughter, and friendly competition as we hosted the much-anticipated School Athletics Carnival. The event was a vibrant celebration, with students from Years 1 to 10 participating in activities designed to showcase their skills, teamwork, and school spirit.
For our youngest participants in Years 1 to 3, the day began with the Mini Olympics. The children competed enthusiastically in various events, including the 20-metre run, 50-metre run, 100-metre run, egg-and-spoon race, and the ever-popular sack race. Their smiles and determination lit up the day and set the perfect tone for the festivities.
Meanwhile, students from Years 4 to 10 participated in the Big Olympics, featuring more advanced events like sprints, long jumps, team relays, and tug-of-war matches. The excitement was palpable as teams gave their all, vying for victory and cheering each other on.
A highlight of the day was the announcement of the overall winners: the Green Team, Şahin! Their outstanding performances and unwavering team spirit earned them the top spot and a loud round of applause from everyone present.
Adding to the joy of the day was the irresistible Sausage Sizzle, where parents and volunteers served up delicious snacks to keep everyone energized. The smell of freshly grilled sausages filled the air, making it a popular gathering spot throughout the carnival.
To cap off the celebrations, the teachers joined in the fun with a Tug-of -War that had students cheering wildly from the sidelines. This was followed by a thrilling 100-metre sprint for teachers, where the staff surprised everyone with their competitive spirit and athleticism.
The carnival was a success, bringing together students, teachers, and parents for a day of joy, teamwork, and community. Congratulations to all the participants and Team Şahin for their well-deserved victory! Events like these remind us of the incredible spirit and unity within our school community. We cannot wait to do it all again next year!
We are thrilled to announce that the Olympic Changemaker Programme has recognised Year 10 student Acelya Karagoz's inspiring contribution to our community. Acelya received this prestigious award for her creative and impactful video project. This recognition makes us proud and inspires us to strive for excellence in our endeavours.
Acelya's video, a powerful tool for promoting healthy habits, has significantly impacted our community. It explores how skipping improves physical fitness, builds community connections, and supports heart health awareness. Her engaging and educational content has highlighted the importance of active lifestyles, particularly among young people. The project, part of a more significant effort to promote healthy habits in our community, encourages individuals to embrace skipping as a fun and accessible way to improve their well-being.
The Olympic Changemaker judges were impressed by Acelya's ability to blend creativity with a strong message of health advocacy. Her video demonstrated outstanding leadership and a clear commitment to using sport as a tool for positive change.
In her acceptance speech, Acelya expressed her gratitude and excitement:
"I wanted to show how something as simple as skipping can make a big difference in our lives—not just for our health but for the connections it builds. Being recognised by the Olympic Changemaker Programme is an honour. I hope my work inspires others to get active and think about heart health."
As part of her award, Acelya will join a network of like-minded young changemakers and gain access to unique opportunities to further her impact through sport and leadership. This exciting prospect promises a bright future for Acelya and fills us all with hope for the positive changes she will bring about.
We are incredibly proud of Acelya's achievement, which reflects her hard work and passion and exemplifies our school's values. Congratulations, Acelya—you've inspired us all to think about the difference we can make, one skip at a time!
Ms Susan Naser & Mrs Canan Korkut
English Coordinator & English Teacher
Year 7
Year 7 students engaged in hands-on activities and collaborative projects in this week's lessons to deepen their understanding of engineered systems and tools. Students reviewed the functions and uses of tools. They applied their knowledge by working in small groups to build catapults using provided materials. Once their catapults were complete, they participated in a friendly competition to test their designs. The group whose catapult launched objects the farthest earned first place. They explored stories about the invention of different engineered systems we use daily and investigated the elements required for inventions. The teacher then presented a problem scenario requiring water transported to a higher surface assessment task. Students researched three designs for hydraulic systems, such as Archimedes', decided on the best design for their water system and created a detailed sketch, prepared a comprehensive list of the materials and tools required for building their system and compiled a list of 10 key terms specific to hydraulic systems. Their project summaries were presented on paper and the classroom wall for everyone to review and learn from.
Year 8
Year 8 students engaged in exciting projects centred on engineered systems and design principles this week. Students explored engineered systems created by Indigenous Peoples, cutting and sticking images of four examples and writing detailed explanations. Working in pairs or individually, students researched designs such as rubber-powered and electric cars. They selected the best concept for their prototypes. They then sketched detailed plans and listed essential vocabulary and required materials. Their project summaries were presented on paper and the classroom wall for everyone to review and learn from. Finally, students explored the impact of ethics, social values, profitability, and sustainability on design and technology, applying these principles to their projects. These activities highlighted the intersection of engineering, innovation, and values, preparing students for future design challenges.
Ms Beyza Nur Çelik
TAS Teacher
In Year 7, students have learned about the differences between Australia's urban, rural, and remote areas. They have explored what makes each region unique and examined why some parts of Australia have more people living there than others. Through these lessons, students have better understood the challenges and opportunities faced by different communities nationwide. Students also created maps of their neighbourhoods from memory as part of their learning. This fun activity helped them think about the features of their local area, like streets, parks, and significant landmarks. It was a great way to develop their mapping skills and reflect on their connection to where they live.
Year 8 Geography
Year 8 students have been learning about Australia's trading connections with the rest of the world. They have been learning about what goods and services Australia trades, the countries we trade with the most, and why these relationships are so meaningful. Through practical examples and discussions, students have started to see how trade impacts our everyday lives, from the food we eat to the jobs in our communities. This topic has broadened their understanding of the global economy and made them more aware of the world's workings behind the scenes!
Year 9 – Geography
This term, Year 9 students have made significant progress in exploring the unit 'Changing Places.' They have advanced in comparing megacities and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of urban areas. As they complete their exams this week, the objective for the remainder of the term is to continue building on this progress and develop their skills to complete the unit of work.
Year 10 – Geography
Ms Burcin Taskin & Ms. Aysha Imtiyas
HSIE Teachers
As we approach the end of the school year, our students have been working hard on their assessment tasks, showcasing their creativity and artistic growth. These tasks, designed to [include specific criteria], have seen the group demonstrate exceptional dedication to their projects. Their commitment to honing their skills and experimenting with innovative methods has been genuinely inspiring.
Year 7
The Year 7 students have been fully immersed in printmaking, a cornerstone of their assessment task. They've designed and created stencils, which they've used to make beautiful prints. Using tools like rollers, stencils, paint and ink, they've explored layering techniques and experimented with primary colours to achieve stunning effects. This hands-on approach has allowed them to combine technical skills with artistic expression, creating vibrant and unique pieces that truly engage the viewer.
Year 8
Our Year 8 students have been working on analyzing famous portraits and applying their insights to their current assessment tasks. They're tasked with drawing three portraits: a child, an adult, and a senior, all sketching with graphite pencils using different shading techniques. This project challenges them to understand the nuances of age, emotion, and expression while refining their drawing skills. Through this process, they're gaining a more profound appreciation for the art of portraiture and the techniques that bring these works to life, which is truly impressive.
Year 9
Year 9 students have been busy recreating famous paintings as part of their artistic journey. Building on this foundation, they are now developing their original pieces based on the 'Human vs/and Nature theme.' Their medium, watercolour paint, has allowed the students to further their skills rather than just acrylic. This theme encourages them to explore the dynamic relationship between humanity and the natural world. They use their unique perspectives to create thought-provoking artwork that makes the audience pause and reflect.
Year 10
Year 10 students have embarked on a meaningful project: proposing public art installations that address real-world problems. This assessment task combines research and artistic vision as students consider the impact of public art on communities. They're exploring how art can raise awareness, inspire change, and transform shared spaces. This project allows them to apply their skills in a way that bridges art and social engagement.
I look forward to seeing the artwork the students will bring in for their assessment tasks in the coming weeks as we draw near the end of the school term. I am also excited to see how they will build on their progress in the next school year.
Ms. Noor Elmubasher
Visual Arts and Music Teacher
Year 7 Advance Turkish
Our advanced 7th-grade Turkish students actively participated in their learning journey as they recently discovered the language used during grocery shopping. They explored phrases and expressions commonly found in market and shopping dialogues, sharing their experiences and memories of shopping at Turkish markets in Türkiye and Australia. This active participation helped them practice the expressions they had just learned, making the learning process more engaging and effective.
They had the chance to reinforce their learning by engaging in role-play activities. They performed a skit titled Hacivat Goes Shopping, where they brought to life the humorous dialogue between the iconic characters Hacivat and Karagöz. This interactive activity made the lesson fun and highlighted how these common phrases are used in real-life shopping scenarios, making language learning more relevant and practical for the students.
Through these activities, students actively used the language in a fun and engaging manner, which significantly enhanced their Turkish language skills. The skit not only boosted their confidence in using shopping-related vocabulary but also expanded their overall linguistic abilities. This creative and hands-on learning experience improved the students' language skills and strengthened their cultural connections.
Year 8 Beginner Turkish
Our beginner-level year 8 Turkish students are currently exploring the topic of "celebrations." This unit allows them to review and reinforce the vocabulary and grammar structures they've been learning since the beginning of the term. We play games focused on celebration-related expressions to make the learning process engaging. During these activities, students eagerly strive to give correct answers with accurate pronunciation. These interactive games make language learning fun and help students improve their pronunciation and vocabulary.
Through these lessons, students gain confidence in their spoken and written Turkish. They also enhance their cultural awareness by comparing celebration customs in Türkiye and Australia.
Year 9 Beginner Turkish
Year 7 Beginner Turkish Students
Year 7 beginner Turkish-level students are continuing their exercises on seasons, clothing, and colours. As part of this unit, they have learned the characteristics of different seasons, various weather conditions, names of clothing items, and when to wear what. They have also acquired a vast vocabulary of clothing names and colours and learned what to wear when.
Through these exercises, students enhance their language skills and apply their knowledge to practical situations. This process helps them understand the importance of choosing the right clothes for different seasons while improving their Turkish language proficiency.
Year 8 Advanced Turkish Students
Year 8 students enthusiastically continue to work on the 'Mealtime' unit. This week, students have been developing their language skills by giving and receiving recipes from around the world and making ingredient lists. They also have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of culinary vocabulary in the process. Sharing and practising recipes allows students to reinforce not only their academic skills but also their daily life skills.
The students watched the 'Serving Houses' episode of the cartoon film Rafadan Tayfa from TRT Çocuk and answered the related questions in their books. The episode explained the beauty of cooperation and friendship and that problems can be solved more efficiently together. The students reinforced the episode they watched with the related questions in their books and better understood the messages in the cartoon. This activity raised students' awareness about friendship and cooperation and provided them with a fun learning.
Year 9 Advanced Turkish Students
Year 9 students continue working on the My Family unit. Within the scope of this unit, students compare different families with each other. They asked questions to their friends to get information about their family members. They analyse family members regarding their physical and personal characteristics and occupations. In this context, they learn what adjectives are used for physical and individual characteristics and how to use them correctly. While researching who does which profession, they realise the relationship between personal traits and occupations.
Through this research, students learn about professions and gain essential clues for future career choices. They develop a deeper understanding of the social roles of occupations and their impact on individuals' lives.
Year 10 Beginner Turkish Students
Year 10 Advanced Turkish Students
Year 10 students watched a documentary on TRT that provided valuable insights into how humans have historically managed their water needs, the effects of climate change on water resources, and the challenges we may face if current trends continue. We also learned about how people have always chosen their settlement areas based on the availability of water and how global water distribution is uneven and increasingly under pressure due to global warming.
After watching the documentary, we discussed the implications of water scarcity and climate change. One group emphasised that we will likely face severe water shortages if current trends continue. They pointed out some risks, such as increasing water demand and climate change. Other groups were hopeful and discussed possible water conservation and renewable energy solutions.
Zeliha Uzun , Sever Meyra Biçer, Ayşegül Şeyma Akdemir
Year 7 students have been actively engaged in exploring the topic of probability through a mix of individual and group activities.
These activities enhanced their understanding and helped them apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. The students are also preparing for their upcoming yearly exams. We wish all our secondary students the best of luck for their exams and encourage them to keep up their hard work as the year ends.
Dr Zeynep Yaseen, Mr Bahadir Korkut, Ms Lark Lu & Ms Mariam El Maarraoui
Maths Teachers
This term in PDHPE, students from Year 7 to Year 10 have explored various meaningful topics to promote their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Year 7
Year 7 students focused on foundational health concepts to set them up for lifelong wellbeing. This term, they covered:
- Healthy Lifestyles: Understanding how nutrition, sleep, and physical activity impact overall health.
- Decision-Making Skills: Engaging in practical activities and discussions to learn how to make informed choices.
- Building Confidence: Exploring strategies to develop self-esteem and positive self-talk.
Year 8
Year 8 students delved deeper into topics that support emotional and social wellbeing. They explored:
- Managing Stress: Practical tools like mindfulness and relaxation techniques for everyday challenges.
- Friendships and Relationships: Identifying characteristics of healthy relationships and learning conflict resolution skills.
- Digital Wellbeing: Understanding the impact of technology on mental health and setting boundaries for safe online use.
Year 9
Year 9 concentrated on preparing students to navigate adolescence confidently. Key areas of learning include:
- Risk-Taking Behaviors: Discuss peer pressure, decision-making, and strategies to avoid harmful situations.
- Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing signs of mental health challenges and understanding where and how to seek help.
- Body Image and Media: Exploring the influence of media on self-perception and promoting body positivity.
Year 10
In their final year of junior PDHPE, Year 10 students explored advanced topics that build independence and responsibility, including:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: In-depth discussions about mental health, resilience, and supporting peers in need.
- Understanding Consent: Learning about respectful relationships, personal boundaries, and the importance of consent in all areas of life.
- Life Skills: Practical sessions focused on communication, problem-solving, and managing stress during life transitions.
We are thrilled with our students' engagement and growth this term. These lessons go beyond the classroom, equipping students with skills and knowledge to make positive choices and thrive personally.
We look forward to continuing this journey of learning and self-discovery in the coming term.
Ms Aslihan Agyar, Mr Yusufhan Diler
PDHPE Teachers
Mrs. Derya Koc Kalkan
Science Teacher
As the term draws closer, our music students have diligently prepared for their upcoming exams. These exams are a significant part of their academic journey, and year 7 and Year 8 students are focusing on their studies, revising class notes, and honing their skills through targeted practice. The exams will challenge their listening and theoretical knowledge, highlighting all they've learned this term.
Year 7
The Year 7 students have been immersing themselves in Australian Music, particularly the traditions of Indigenous Music and their iconic instruments. This week, their focus has shifted to exam preparation. They've been reviewing their class notes and practising listening exercises to sharpen their understanding of the cultural elements and soundscapes they've studied.
With the exam incorporating both written and listening components, students are revising key terms and concepts such as tempo, tonality, and chords—essential building blocks of Music. Their dedication to understanding these concepts, as shown in the thoughtful questions they ask and the enthusiasm they bring to each study session, is truly inspiring.
Year 8
The Year 8 students have been tackling the complexities of the orchestra as they prepare for their assessment. Focusing on the instrument families—Brass, Woodwind, Strings, and Percussion—they've been fine-tuning their ability to distinguish between each's unique characteristics.
This week, the emphasis has been on studying as a group and individually, using listening exercises and practice quizzes to reinforce their knowledge. Students are reviewing the technical aspects of instruments and working hard to identify their sounds and roles within an orchestra. Their dedication to studying and active participation in class discussions are evident in their progress.
Both year groups have put tremendous effort into preparing for their final assessments. We are confident that their hard work and passion for Music this year will be reflected in their performance. Keep up the great work, and best of luck to all our students!
Ms. Noor Elmubasher
Visual Arts and Music Teacher
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmetullahi wa barakatuh,
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "If anyone recites a letter from Allah's Book he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that 'Alif-Lam-Mim' is one letter, but 'Alif' is a letter, 'Lam' is a letter, and 'Mim' is a letter."
Our Secondary students, studying the Quran directly from the Mushaf, recited their assigned pages in a group. Meanwhile, the Elif Ba book students, who are learning the basics of Arabic and Islamic studies, recited their assigned activity pages. All students also practised memorising the Quran.
For Islamic Studies, students completed the topic' Good Morality in Islam', took comprehensive notes, and revised the articles of faith, keeping everyone informed about their progress.
Mr Muhammed Ordukaya
Secondary Islamic Studies Teacher
Our Year 9 and Year 10 Commerce students have been busy with fun and practical activities to help them learn this term.
Year 9 students studying travel practised filling out passport applications and Incoming Passenger Cards. They also watched episodes of Border Security to see how travel rules work in real life.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students delved into the marketing mix, examining product, price, place, and promotion while discussing the ethics of advertising. They explored case studies and strategies for promoting and selling products effectively, considering the importance of ethical practices in marketing.
All students are now preparing for their exams in Week 7. We wish them the best of luck and encourage them to continue their hard work and dedication!
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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