Students have had a busy two weeks leading up to assessments due this week. These assessments are essential as they judge whether students have their syllabus outcomes but also because they showcase the individual learning journey of each student. As part of their learning, students engaged in a range of activities, both creative and analytical.  

Year 7 

Year 7 students focused on their textual analysis and are learning to express a point of view in their analytical writing. They are working hard to construct effective PEEL paragraphs and have embraced the challenge with gusto.  

Year 8 

Students have learned the art of oratory by presenting speeches for their assessment task this term. Although speaking in front of a group can be daunting, the students spoke eloquently and passionately! 

Year 9 

Students reflected on the notion of identity and attempted to answer the question, "What makes us who we are?" They created a memory box that summarised their lives and important milestones. They then had the opportunity to share this with the rest of their class. This was an invaluable learning experience as it encouraged students to be introspective and connect with their classmates.  

Year 10 

Year 10 continued contemplating a world that bans books and, by default, creativity and free thought. They participated in lively discussions as they saw parallels within the contemporary world. Many were surprised that some books are banned in schools and countries worldwide. 

Year 11 

Students are preparing for their first Stage 6 assessment tasks, which will take place in class this week. They continued their Reading to Write module and had opportunities to engage in hands-on, practical and quiet, reflective activities. Stage 6 teachers are excited to see students' writing skills develop in the upcoming assessment.  

English Committee

The English Committee have engaged in two initiatives this term. The Premier's Reading Challenge for 2025 was launched, and students from K-9 were encouraged to participate. Students also participated in an in-class yearning circle to celebrate World Story Telling Day. The classes had much fun generating a story as a whole group. They then reflected that these stories often went off on a tangent, creating memorable and funny tall tales. Students have expressed a desire to engage in this activity more often, and teachers are looking to incorporate this in teaching and learning programs in the future. 

Year 7 

Year 7 students had a term filled with enjoyment as they explored parts of the ancient world. Their completion of the assessment task investigating Tutankhamun's tomb and artefacts was a testament to their enthusiasm. Currently, they are studying Ancient Egypt and discovering the importance of the Nile with great interest. 

Year 8

Year 8 students have submitted their virtual museum assessment tasks, which allowed them to explore and appreciate the establishment of the Ottoman Empire, its architectural and historical elements, and the significance of art. They also investigated past cultural aspects and components of ancient Japanese civilians, broadening their understanding of history and culture. 

Year 9

Year 9 students have shown remarkable dedication these weeks, as evidenced by their creative posters and engaging speeches on technology enhancement during the Industrial Revolution. Their excellent work ethic is a testament to their commitment to their studies, and they continue to make progress through the course content. 

Year 10

In Year 10 History, students actively engaged in learning how people fought for equal rights. They journeyed through the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, studying leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott. They then delved into the Australian Freedom Riders 1965, led by Charles Perkins, and their efforts to combat racism in rural towns. Through their exploration, students discovered how these courageous actions brought about change in both countries and enhanced the rights of Indigenous Australians. 

Year 11

In Year 11 Legal Studies, students were immersed in a practical learning experience. They were tasked with solving a murder mystery case file, adopting the role of detectives. By examining evidence, witness statements, and timelines, students understood firsthand how the legal system investigates cases. This engaging and challenging activity underscored the importance of critical thinking and following the facts, providing students with a tangible insight into how real-life cases are constructed and resolved in court. 
 

In Year 11 Society and Culture, students have been immersing themselves in the culture of the Roma people, a European cultural group. They have been exploring their traditions, beliefs, daily life, and the discrimination and challenges they face. Students gain a broader world perspective through various learning tools, including videos, readings, and class discussions. They are learning why respect and equality are not just important but essential in every culture, fostering a sense of empathy and open-mindedness. 

12 Mart 1921 

March 12 is a significant date symbolising Turkey's independence and national unity. In 1921, Mehmet Âkif Ersoy wrote the İstiklâl Marşı (Independence March), which was adopted as the national anthem, powerfully expressing Türkiye's struggle for independence and deep love for the homeland. This day holds great importance in remembering the nation's fight for freedom, preserving national values, and passing them on to future generations. The İstiklâl Marşı is a testament to the Turkish nation's determination, belief in freedom, and profound patriotism. 

Year 11 Student – Çanakkale Victory 

A display board was prepared for the March 18th Çanakkale Victory commemoration. Our student Tarık gave a meaningful presentation by reciting the poem Çanakkale Destanı (The Epic of Çanakkale). In each Turkish classroom, the students actively discussed the day's significance. They participated in various activities to better understand and connect with the spirit of Çanakkale, fostering a sense of active involvement and engagement. 

Mrs Canan Korkut, Mrs Ayse Tokyurek, and Ms Melike Turgul

Turkish Teachers   

Students have been actively engaged and enthusiastic in their PDHPE and PASS classes this term. They participate in practical activities and theory-based learning that promote physical health, mental well-being, and personal development.

Year 7- Personal Identity

Year 7 students completed the unit 'Personal Identity', where they explored the changes and challenges they encounter as they grow. They reflected on their strengths and developed strategies to manage adolescents' emotional and social transitions.

Year 8- Be Healthy

Year 8 focused on the unit 'Be Healthy', learning about the importance of movement skills, physical activity, and healthy habits. Students participated in various activities that enhanced their understanding of how staying active supports physical and mental health.

Year 9 - Mind Matters

Year 9 completed the Mind Matters unit, which focused on mental health and well-being. Students discussed managing stress, building resilience, and supporting others in challenging situations. They also developed an understanding of mental health issues and learned about the resources available to them.

Year 9 PASS -Body systems and energy for physical activity

Students are showing much effort in PASS and the practical component this term. They showed enthusiasm in learning about the muscular, circulatory, and respiratory systems. They wanted to know how the skeletal and muscular systems work together to make efficient movement possible. Seeing the 3D models they created for their assessments and their efforts to make such items was pleasant.

I look forward to seeing what else the students can produce in PASS, and I hope their efforts continue until the end of the school year.

Year 10 - Bullying & Harassment

Students have completed the unit on Bullying and Harassment for this term. The final thing they did was show awareness of Bullying and Harassment creatively by completing a poster. The students used their creative minds and artistic skills to make it engaging and informative to the best of their ability. Students gained much knowledge about Bullying and Harassment. They will hopefully use it to make more informed choices inside and outside of school.

Year 10 PASS – Physical Activity for Health

Students have nearly finished the Physical Activity for Health content. They should be able to form relationships between physical activity and health. Furthermore, it provides strategies to overcome barriers for people with disabilities. The students should be close to completing their Fitness Test Assessment. They should have a good understanding of the areas they need to improve regarding their Fitness. The students have shown great participation rates in PASS, and I hope it continues until the end of the year.

Year 11 - Health for individuals and communities

The Year 11 students have been working hard in HMS this term, completing their 1st assessment and receiving feedback. Students had to use their creative skills to create a poster showing how various health approaches have influenced health promotion in Australia. Both classes are scheduled to complete the unit by the end of the term. We are all looking forward to starting the depth study for 2 weeks and then moving on to the next unit of work, Body and Mind in Motion.

Sports

In addition to their theory units, all students across all Years have been developing their basketball skills during practical PE lessons. They have thoroughly enjoyed friendly games held at the PCYC basketball court and demonstrated teamwork, cooperation, and enthusiasm throughout the term.

Year 7 

Year 8

Our Year 8 Science students have been engaging with the fascinating topic of physical and chemical changes this term. They are learning how to distinguish between changes that alter the form or appearance of a substance (physical changes) and those that create entirely new substances (chemical changes). 

Students have participated in various hands-on activities to bring these concepts to life. One highlight was modelling a simple thermometer using isopropyl alcohol. This allowed them to observe how liquids expand and contract with temperature changes – a great example of a physical change where no new substance is formed. 

Students also investigated water resistance by testing how different materials around the classroom respond to water. Through this experiment, they explored material properties such as absorption and surface tension, helping them understand why certain materials are more water-resistant than others. 

These practical experiences are helping students make real-world connections to the science they learn, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. 

Year 9

Year 9 students have explored the nervous and endocrine systems these past two weeks. They've learned about the brain's structure, how neurons transmit signals, and how the body responds to stimuli. Through an experiment, they tested reaction times and how receptors process information. Students also studied the endocrine system, focusing on how hormones regulate growth, metabolism, and stress. Group presentations on different hormones and their effects are underway, highlighting how imbalances can lead to health issues. They've also researched diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's, focusing on prevention through healthy lifestyle choices. Final presentations are next week, followed by a class quiz to review their learning. 

 

Keep up the great work, Year 9 — you're doing fantastic! 

Year 10

Year 11 students have been exploring the fascinating chemical bonding this term. They have been learning about covalent and ionic bonding and the structure and properties of covalent macromolecules. A key focus has been understanding quantum electronic configurations and the work of quantum scientists in shaping modern chemistry. Students have also been applying their knowledge by creating molecular models using Lewis structures and designing their models for different compounds. This hands-on approach has helped them visualize how atoms bond and form stable structures. Combining theory and practical work has enhanced their understanding of atomic interactions and chemical properties. 

 

Keep up the great work, Year 11 — your creativity and problem-solving skills are impressive! 

 

Year 11 Investigating Science 

Our Year 11 Investigating Science students have been building essential scientific skills by exploring the difference between observation (what we directly see, hear, or measure) and inference (the conclusions we draw based on those observations). Understanding this distinction is key to developing critical thinking and forming sound scientific findings. 

In addition, students have been learning how to collect and differentiate between primary data (data they collect through experiments) and secondary data (information gathered from other sources like scientific articles). These skills are fundamental to scientific investigations and research. 

As part of their learning, students created informative posters on traditional leaching techniques Aboriginal people use to detoxify certain foods – a powerful example of how cultural knowledge intersects with scientific principles. 

Students also took part in experiments testing water quality. They measured several indicators: pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, nitrates, and phosphates. These practical activities reinforced their understanding of environmental science and highlighted the importance of data collection in evaluating ecosystem health. 

Through these activities, students become more thoughtful and methodical scientific thinkers, ready to apply their skills in academic and real-world contexts. 

Year 11 Biology 

Our Year 11 Biology students have been deeply engaged in Module 1: Cells as the Basis of Life, covering foundational concepts through hands-on experiments, models, and in-depth studies. Students have compared and contrasted DNA and RNA and built 3D DNA models to visualise nucleotides, base pairing, and the double-helix structure. 

 

As part of their mandatory Depth Study, students conducted two detailed investigations, focusing on the scientific method, risk assessment, and report writing. In the first experiment, students investigated how renin coagulates milk proteins, analysed variables affecting enzyme activity, and prepared a scientific report with conclusions. 

For the second experiment, students designed their experiments to test how pH levels and substrate concentration impact enzyme efficiency (e.g., catalase in potato vs. hydrogen peroxide). They followed strict safety protocols and risk assessments and produced detailed reports with graphs, data analysis, and scientific reasoning. 

 

As the final topic of Module 1, students explored photosynthesis and cellular respiration by comparing these complementary processes using diagrams, animations, and equations. 

Year 11 HSC Physics

Students have commenced the DYNAMICS module, focusing on understanding and applying different forces. Over these two weeks, they will understand the fundamental forces and Newton's Laws of Motion and develop problem-solving skills in force analysis. 

• Explore fundamental forces such as gravitational, normal, frictional, tension, and applied forces. 
• Learn about Newton's Laws of Motion, the cornerstone of our understanding of forces, and how they govern the interaction of forces in our world.
• Develop problem-solving skills by resolving forces into components and applying vector techniques, which are crucial in physics and many other fields. Work through numerical and conceptual problems to strengthen their understanding of force interactions in various contexts. 

This learning phase aims to build a solid foundation for analyzing motion and equilibrium, preparing students for more advanced mechanics concepts in upcoming lessons. 

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, "The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it to others." 

In their pursuit of knowledge, our secondary students recited their assigned pages and completed assessment tasks during the lessons. In Islamic Studies, they learn the crucial skills of performing salah and its rulings and how to pray behind and follow an Imam.