International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to everyone and a very warm welcome to all new families.

It is pleasing to see new and returning students already settled into the 2023 school year. Seeing our new students, especially in Kindergarten and Year 7, settling well into life at Maarif is pleasing.

The first week saw us focus on empathising and getting to better know each student. This is an important part of helping teachers plan experiences for their classes and explain Maarif values which they hold themselves and each other accountable.

There will be many opportunities to volunteer throughout the year, as a parent or carer, and be involved with Mother’s Day/Father’s Day stalls, social events, excursions and more. Please send your expression of interest. Sentral Parent Portal is a means of communication between the School and parents/carers.

We hope you will enjoy this first issue of the Maarif Newsletter. Each issue will bring you a snapshot from Maarif highlighting the students’ learning and achievements. I wish all the students and members of the Maarif community a happy 2023.

Kind regards,

Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

Welcome to term 1, 2023! We hope all families had a relaxing holiday.

Term 1 will be quite busy for our students at International Maarif Schools of Australia. Students will participate in a range of in school activities including various tasks within the classroom, excursions, programs, after school sports program as well as debating. Our students will have the opportunity to join the Soccer and Oztag Teams. Boys and Girls teams will be trained by professional coaches once a week. They will have opportunities to verse other teams as they progress through their training.

Additionally, students are able to join the Maarif Debate Teams. The Junior Debate Team consists of students from year 7 and 8 and Senior Debate Team includes members from year 9. Students will have opportunities to verse other schools throughout the year. The Debate Teams are coached once a week during after school hours.

Our students have an exciting opportunity to be part of the Maarif Student Network. Maarif Student Network is a platform for all Maarif students at high school levels. Through this network, students will share their experiences and discuss special topics to improve communication skills. They will also get the chance to work together with joint projects.

This network is a part of non-formal education that aims to increase connection and affiliation among Maarif students.

In addition to providing quality education and supportive learning environment, International Maarif Schools of Australia focuses on the social-emotional wellbeing of our students. Students participate in a weekly You Can Do It program. This program maximises student achievement, wellbeing and relationships.

We believe effective communication is the key to a strong partnership. Parents are encouraged to get in touch with subject teachers via email, sentral or phone. Please don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you have any concerns or queries.

I would like to welcome back everyone from 2022 and extend a warm welcome to all of the new families who have joined our Maarif family.

We look forward to having a fun and exciting term 1.

Kind regards

Adeba Qasim

Secondary School Coordinator

Year 7

This term, year 7 is studying a unit called ‘The Mystery Within’, which aims to create a foundational understanding of narrative structure through the reading and dissection of a novel called ‘Holes’. Students are introduced to the world of novels and narrative by learning the basic elements of novels such as ‘themes’ and ‘character development’. They further develop skills involved with writing and critical thinking, both of which are crucial for the upcoming schooling years.

Year 8

This term, year 8 is studying a unit called ‘The Legend Lives On’, which integrates an understanding of narrative and novel structure and explores cross-curriculum themes through its focus on Greek Mythology. Students learn about the ways in which myths and legends are reinterpreted and adapted to a modern context, culminating in a creative assessment task where they will modernise their own version of a myth. This unit aims to reinforce foundational concepts and skills associated with narratives and novels from the previous year.

Year 9

This term, year 9 is studying a unit titled ‘Against All Odds’ which focuses on themes of power and propaganda in dystopic societies. Students are using the novel ‘The Hunger Games’ to reflect on and critically analyse tools and mechanisms used by governments and corporations to maintain and manipulate control of individuals and societies. Through this unit of study, students are encouraged to become more aware of the rise in technology and surveillance in their present society, and the risks associated with their reliance on these tools. This unit also serves as an introduction to more complex English writing and analysis skills that are needed in the senior years of schooling.

Ms Samia Sabih

English Coordinator

Mathematical strategies

This year, The Mathematics Faculty will be taught by one of the following experienced Mathematics teachers: Dr Yaseen, Ms El Maarraoui and Ms Boz. We have all been working busily and efficiently to settle the students into their new classes and ensure that learning is taking place in a safe, inclusive and productive environment. This term, students will study a range of topic areas and they can look forward to an excursion to Luna Park, where they will use their Mathematical strategies and processes to investigate and solve problems related to concepts such as number, measurement, space and geometry.

Currently, Year 7 have been exploring Number theory and developing their mental strategies to aid computation as they are required to mostly use their non-calculator skills to answer questions and solve problems in Mathematics. On the other hand, Year 8 have completed a unit on number and algebraic techniques, exploring and implementing the abstract nature of Mathematics.

Financial Mathematics

This Term students in Year 9 maths have been learning about financial mathematics. Students practised solving problems that involved earning money, paying tax, calculating refunds, holiday loading, income tax and deductions. Students will be completing an assignment on financial mathematics where they will be required to demonstrate a deep understanding of the content and meet learning outcomes.

Ms Sabriye Boz and Ms Mariam El Maarraoui

Maths Coordinator and Maths Teacher

States of Matter

Year 7 students started the term with the introduction of the scientific method and exploring what safety measures are to be taken to feel safe in the laboratory. In our current topic, year 7 students have been exploring the states of matter (solids, liquid and gas) and the process of the water cycle and water management.

In the classroom, a STEM approach has been implemented to support the learning and development for students of the areas of science. By using this approach, students have been able to develop the key problem-solving skills that encourage independent thinking and learning.

Here are some of the photos of students in 7B, creating a poster outlining the characteristics of the three states of matter and their different properties. Students were creative in presenting their drawing and illustration skills during this task.

Mrs Sevim Keselik

Science Teacher

'Solving Real World Problems'

TAS is all about using creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to come up with innovative solutions for the evolving technological problems and issues that our society faces. As our issues become more complex, so too does our technological solutions. In the photo we can see a Year 7 TAS class presenting their independent research assignments. The topic of the assignment is “Solving real world problems” and incorporates innovative thinking with careful research to provide a solution to a real world problem. In this case, this student has chosen climate change as his presentation topic and is proposing widespread solar power networks moderated by AI technologys around each suburb to create a sustainable energy source. I allow the other students to spectate and to offer their informed critique of the design and proposition, which makes for some interesting conversation and debate.

The idea is to encourage critical thinking as well as resilience, an ability to take and handle criticism and to grow from it. As scientists and engineers, they will have to constantly come up with solutions for real world problems and face criticism for their proposals and ideas. In this context, criticism isn’t a bad thing. It is a process of refinement so that students can continuously update and refine their products and ideas in order to arrive at the most optimal solution. Later this term students in Year 7 and 8 TAS will be tasked with carrying out a complex research topic where they will design an original innovation that aims to solve a current real-world problem.

Another aspect of TAS is that it teaches students to become creators rather than simply consumers. The global market is heavily based on consumerism and therefore innovative creators can become very successful in this market. We aim to connect the curriculum and the student’s learning to real life. That also means, giving students the skills necessary to compete and become successful in a booming technological world market.

Mr Abdussamed Dilber

Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) Teacher

Investigating the Ancient World

Students thus far have developed an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of historians and archaeologists. Furthermore, students have participated in a variety of learning activities in the classroom, providing an opportunity to develop historical skills and concepts. Year 7 History students will have the opportunity to take part in an excursion to the Museum some time this term.

Ottoman Empire

Year 8 History students have been exploring the historical foundations of the Ottoman Empire, with a strong focus on art and architecture. Students have been actively involved in class discussions, applying their knowledge to the content presented throughout the lessons. Students will be required to participate in an incursion to discover the rich contributions of the Ottoman influences.

Making Of the Modern World & Making a Nation

The topics being studied provide an opportunity for students to examine the motives and consequences of people’s actions in the past and explore different interpretations of early historical events. During lessons, students are exploring the significance and nature of the Industrial Revolution by analysing historical sources and videos. Year 9 History students will have the opportunity to take part in an excursion to Manly Quarantine station during the year.

Ms Burcin Taskin

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Teacher

Competitive Football Competition

Term 1 of high school started with off the term with a competitive football competition. Each class has had the opportunity to compete in a soccer competition between each other. The winner of this competition receiving KKs donuts was 9B boys and 7A girls. Within the two weeks students have been divided into their house colours/ teams in preparation of their first swimming carnival. Kurt (blue team), Sahin (green team), Kartal (red team) and Aslan (yellow team). Each house has voted for two captains responsible for being in charge of their house colour. Students have demonstrated excitement about the swimming carnival and have been working on their cheers and chants for their upcoming carnival. Furthermore Year 7 and 8 students have begun learning lacrosse. Here is a sneak peek.

Ms Fatma Sahin

PDHPE Teacher

Welcome to High School!

During art lessons, students have been learning about the fundamentals of art through learning about lines and patterns through the creation of Zentangle Patterns and Map Drawing. They have also been studying the works of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings through the creation of their own Jackson Pollock inspired artworks. Students are beginning their assessment topic of portraits and will begin working on their self-portraits shortly.

Australian Art!

During Visual Art’s lessons, students have looked into the history and significance of Australian Indigenous arts through looking at a variety of artists and their reasons behind the creation of their art. The students are being prepared for their assessment task where they have to create their own artworks inspired by an indigenous artist of their choice.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Welcome to High School!

During Music Lessons, Students have learnt about the basics of Music Reading. The focus has been on learning about Note Values and we have begun looking into Note Names. This will assist them in the following weeks where we will begin looking at how to play the piano in preparation for their assessment.

Introduction to the Ukulele!

During Music lessons, students have been exploring the history of the Ukulele, including looking at famous or influential ukulele players. They are being introduced to how to read TAB music for ukulele and how to play a variety of songs using the ukulele in preparation for their assessment task.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Skeletal System

Hello Year 9 PASS. Our first few classes have been a success! The students have presented a large amount of interest and curiosity as they have been introduced to some of the major roles and structures of the human body. Specifically the skeletal system!. It has been wonderful to observe the amount of interests that students have presented in relation to the human body and how it works.

Ms Fatma Sahin

PDHPE Teacher

Intro to Drama!

During drama lessons, students have been introduced to different techniques such as movement and improvisation. In week 1, the students were introduced to movement through the use of Yoga, and week 2 they used a game of charades to work on their improvisation skills. They have now begun looking into the topic of Brecht Theatre which will be the focus of their upcoming excursion where they will be watching a musical that demonstrates real world issues.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Year 7

Our beginner-level year 7 students learned to greet in Turkish, introduce themselves and greet during the day. They introduced themselves with the play they wrote called 'Okulun İlk Günü'. They asked each other their name, their age and their background.

Year 8

Year 8 students at the beginner level were taught how to meet people, introduce themselves, and greet them at various times of the day in Turkish. "Okulun İlk Günü," a play they wrote, used as their introduction to each other. They asked about the names, ages, and backgrounds of each other. The students became able to speak "Günaydn, İyi Günler, Merhaba, Nasılsınız? to their Turkish teachers.

Year 9

Beginner-level year 9 students start the term learning to meet, introduce themselves, and greet them during the time of the day in Turkish. The play they wrote, "Okulun İlk Günü", acted as their introduction. They enquired about one other's names, ages, and backgrounds. The students learnt how to say ‘Günaydın, İyi Günler, Merhaba, Nasılsın?‘ to their Turkish teachers.

Ms Sever Meyra Bicer

Turkish Teacher

Year 7

Writing the explanation of the proverb “işleyen demir ışıldar” with the advanced group of Year 7.

This semester, once a week, we learn a proverb, which is one of the most important treasures of Turkish culture.

Year 8

Studying Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı's poem “Memleket İsterim” with Year 8 students.

The students read this poem, which stimulated our emotions and dreams, as it should be read. They noted down its vocabulary and asked each other questions about the poem.

They had a good introduction to the world of Turkish poetry.

Year 9

Reading the text “Munise”, a chapter from Reşat Nuri Güntekin's novel Çalıkuşu, with the advanced group of Year 9.

Students take turns to read at least a few paragraphs each.

Then, unknown words are found to fully understand the text, and students ask each other questions about the text.

Mrs Zeliha Uzun

Turkish Language Teacher

Prophethood

Year 7 are completing a unit on Prophethood. They have learnt what the difference is between a Prophet and a Messenger and are currently learning about the purpose and characteristics of the Prophets of Allah SWT. We will be covering the lives of some of the Prophets throughout the term. The students have thoroughly enjoyed this topic thus far and always anticipate the next Islamic Studies lesson to discover more about the topic.

In this picture Jad and Ayaan of 7A are reading out to the class the lesson on the Prophets of Allah SWT.

Mrs Rouba Kodr

Qur'an and Islamic Studies Teacher

Maarif OzTag Team

This year, Maarif has decided to create an Oztag Team due to the interest of many students. Try outs were held in Week 3. The team is now training every week, with their coach, in preparation for the Oztag competitions that will occur in May.

We congratulate the following students for being chosen for the Boys Maarif Oztag Team!

Mohammed Alameddine

Mohammed Dib

Ali Alameddine

Yusuf Strik

Yasser Shmit

Dilan Inan

Omar Batisha

Yusuf Sama

Awwab Zod

Jad Tayyem

Abdur Rahman Alameddine

Abdul Kanj

Mohammed Abdul Rashid

Onur Beyaz

We congratulate the following students for being chosen for the Girls Maarif Oztag Team!

Talia Bas

Medina Ismail

Aminah Kassem

Liyana Nabouche

Fatimah Kassem

Maymouna Kassem

Malak Hussein

Maysam Hussein

Illayda Karadas

Naa’ila Mehtar

Safiye Turkmen

Aliya Ozbaglar

Laila Dib

Medina Nahle

Maarif Soccer Team

Our Maarif soccer team is growing as it sparked the interest of many students. We have held try outs in Week 3 and decided to create both a boys and girls team, including Under 14's and Under 15's. They are now training every week with their coach, as there will be many competitions to come.

We congratulate the following students for being chosen for the Boys Under 14's Maarif Soccer Team!

Ahmed Sayed

Zakaria Samrie

Hamzah Abu Rashed

Khadeer Hassan

Hadi Shahrouk

Yusuf Pehlivan

Ayaan Malek

Ahmet Okmen

Abdul-Qaadir Hage

Omer Balabanel

Yusuf Moniriraad

Mansur Uzun

We congratulate the following students for being chosen for the Boys Under 15's Maarif Soccer Team!

Ali Kemal Asanovski

Tarik Uzun

Talha Ordukaya

Alaa Kreich

Zakariya Alzoubi

Yilmaz Sekerci

Xavier Kaarsberg

Yousuf Ahmed

Mohamed Dbouk

Ayhan Uyanik

Muzamel Darwaish

Halil Coskun

We congratulate the following students for being chosen for the Girls Under 15's Maarif Soccer Team!

Zeyno Hasgul

Amina Strik

Amira Khan

Zaina Alzoubi

Acelya Karagoz

Siba Abu-Issa

Jana Adwan

Akasya Uluc

Fatma Yag

Fatimah Fahme

Ruqayah Nahle

This week, our Maarif debating team had their first meeting. Debating is a useful tool for students to develop their persuasive language writing and public speaking skills and helps to improve confidence in expressing opinions. Members of the Maarif debating team will meet on a weekly basis to develop the skills needed to formulate persuasive arguments under time constraints, as well as learning how to work together as a team to successfully persuade audiences. The debating team will have the opportunity to implement these skills in official upcoming debates with other schools.

Ms Samia Sabih

English Coordinator

NSW Education Standards Authority

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Each year students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

From 2023, NAPLAN is moving to Term 1 and will take place from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March. The reason for this change is so that results can be returned to schools earlier in the year which will support teachers to understand the learning needs of their students and plan accordingly. NAPLAN tests are just one part of our school learning assessment program and questions are primarily based on knowledge, understanding and skills gained from the prior year of schooling.

In preparation for NAPLAN 2023, our school will undertake activities to help students to become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked.

Students and parents can access the public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

The community came together to support and raise funds for the Turkiye and Syria earthquakes on Saturday. It was a beautiful day, filled with soccer games, face painting, stalls and a jumping castle.

Congratulations to our Maarif Soccer boys for winning. More photos are found on our facebook page @maarifaustralia

The 2023 Maarif Swimming Carnival was a success. Thank you to Ms Sahin for organising this event. Congratulations to those who have recieved ribbons and to all for participating.

All Photos are found on our Facebook page @MaarifAustralia

Students at Maarif have been eager to support those in Turkiye and Syria. On Tuesday, the 14th February, Maarif held a Cake Stall to raise funds to support those affected by the earthquakes. Students had also created posters and signs with hopes of spreading awareness. Our Fundraising Cake Stall had raised over $10,000 which will be going to support those affected by the earthquakes.

We send our prayers and thoughts to those affected by the devastating earthquakes.

Thank you to all the families that donated to our cause, we appreciate every single donation! Also, a very big thank you to our parent helpers for managing the Cake Stall throughout the day.

As our school is growing, we request that our parents and/or carers are extra cautious during school drop off and pick up times.

We are pleased to inform you that new road signs have been installed on Percy Street. Please pay attention to the new Pick up/Drop off zones and No Stopping zones.

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 cooporation.