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- Important Dates
Dear Maarif Community,
As Term 1 draws to a close, we contemplate a start to 2023 which has presented us with a challenging return to learning onsite but has also demonstrated, yet again, that some events can be enormously unpredictable.
Challenges bring us together in unexpected ways. They can draw us closer, as a family or community, and remind us of how much we really do love, appreciate, and rely on each other. Thank you to all our families supporting us during these difficult times.
Ramazan Eid (Bayram) is on 21 April, during the school holidays. It is celebrated across the world for its deeply spiritual significance "You shall complete the number (of days) and you may glorify Allah for his guiding you, and that you may be thankful" (in chapter 2, verse 185). Happy Eid! Bayramınız Kutlu Olsun!
We teach our students our values . These values easily transfer to academic, co-curricular and sport settings because the concepts are, not only fundamental to Maarif, but are integral to our human existence.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable and restful break with the people you love – your family and friends – whether they are near or far. I hope you enjoy the rest that a holiday period often brings, and I look forward to seeing you refreshed in Term 2.
Kind regards,
Dr Zeynep Yaseen
Principal
Holes
Students in year 7 have been continuing their novel study ‘Holes’ and have worked towards the submission of their assessment task on the literary technique ‘symbolism’. Students were encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of symbolism, drawing on examples from their novel and explaining how the symbols used contribute to the story as a whole. This assessment task also helps to build on key writing and literary skills needed for future schooling years. Students ended the term by watching the film version of ‘Holes’ to add to their understanding of the text.
Greek Mythology
This week, Year 8 got the opportunity to expand their understanding of Greek mythology by attending an excursion to the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. Students took a guided tour around the museum, viewing and handling various historical artefacts. This term, Year 8 have been studying a unit centred around the novel ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’ which involves a modern interpretation of Greek mythology in a narrative style. Students have used their knowledge of narrative writing and adaptation to complete an assessment task in which they chose their own Greek myth to reinterpret and modernise into their own piece of creative writing.
The Hunger Games
Students in year 9 have been engaged in activities encouraging deep reflection of their real-world society, systems and culture through a study of ‘The Hunger Games’. As a consolidation of these activities, students completed a discursive response which required them to make a judgement as to what extent ‘The Hunger Games’ is a critique of modern-day society. Students were encouraged to think deeply about world issues such as the unequal distribution of wealth and increasing public surveillance. This assessment task also helps to build on key writing and essay skills needed for future schooling years.
Ms Samia Sabih
English Coordinator
Mathematics
A term has come to end, and in Mathematics, all students have completed their assessment tasks.Year 7 completed an assignment on Working with Number, which included a glossary and a poster to demonstrate their creative knowledge on Indices and Integers. Year 8 recently completed an end of term examination on Indices, Algebra and Pythagoras’ Theorem, and Year 9’s assignment was to produce a informative and instructional PowerPoint presentation on Financial Mathematics.
All years also experienced an educational and motivating excursion to Luna Park where they were able to “learn as they ride”. In this newsletter, we bring you snapshots of their experience in Luna Park and work samples of Year 9 assignment on Financial Mathematics where the students have used their research skills to explain key terms and create unique and complex questions with worked solutions.
"Learn as they ride" - Luna Park
Ms Sabriye Boz and Ms Mariam El Maarraoui
Maths Coordinator and Maths Teacher
Science Space
Year 7 and 8 students went on an excursion to Science Space in Wollongong! What a great day for the students where they experienced hands-on and interactive STEM exhibits.
The excursion consisted of observing a solar system planetarium whereby the students really enjoyed and a liquid nitrogen show. The show covered areas that we have been learning throughout the term such as thermal contraction, expansion, boiling points, pressure, temperature and the effects of freezing, cryogenics and changes of state.
What a great way to consolidate their learning!
Mrs Sevim Keselik
Science Teacher
Science Space
In the second half of term 2, students got to attend a joint Science and Technology excursion at Science Space in Wollongong. This excursion focused on several areas within science and TAS. The students can be seen engaging in a STEM activity that challenges students to create the tallest structure possible with a limited number of structural blocks. Some were very impressive, some had shaky foundations and eventually found themselves collapsing. Activities like this utilise cooperation and teamwork in order to come up with a holistic solution. Students can also be seen covering fundamental TAS topics such as the laws of motion, inertia, hydraulics, and air pressure. Overall, it was an exciting term and we look forward to experiencing even more throughout this year!
Mr Abdussamed Dilber
Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) Teacher
Tutankhamun's Tomb
Students had an enjoyable term, exploring parts of the ancient world. Year 7 students successfully completed their assessment task investigating Tutankhamun’s tomb and artefacts. Wishing Year 7 students a safe and happy holiday.
Islamic Museum of Australia
Students attended an incursion held by the Islamic Museum Of Australia, analysing various historical sources and cultural influences. Year 8 Students have submitted their virtual museum assessment tasks exploring the establishment of the Ottoman Empire, architectural historical elements and the significance of art. Enjoy the term break, happy holidays.
Industrial Revolution
Year 9 students have presented creative posters and engaging speeches exploring the enhancement of technology during the industrial revolution. Students have displayed an excellent work ethic this term.
Ms Burcin Taskin
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Teacher
Mental Health
Just like that the first term is over... It’s been a crazy week of students completing assessment tasks and exams. Here is a snippet of the year 9 PDHPE assessment presentations. Students had the opportunity to utilize their research skills about a specific mental health issue. Researching the specific services available for those experiencing a particular mental health issue, as well as its symptoms and causes. See you next term high school students!
Ms Fatma Sahin
PDHPE Teacher
Year 7
Students have been working on their art-making skills through their portraits. They have focused on both realistic and abstract art making techniques. Their portraits have become symbols of their personalities as they have done their best to incorporate elements of their own interests within their artworks.
Year 8
Year 8 have been exploring traditional indigenous artworks and artists throughout the term. The students have used their artmaking skills to draw inspiration from their chosen indigenous artists to create art of their own. Through their exploration of colours, shapes and historical icons, they have all produced their own unique designs.
Ms Joanne Silva
CAPA Coordinator
Year 7
Year 7 have had a busy few weeks during music as they have prepared for their assessment tasks. They have spent the last few weeks working on their note reading skills which have been put to the test in their performances of All of Me by John Legend. They have all shown their very best during their performances.
Year 8
Year 8 have had a busy few weeks as they have prepared for their assessment tasks. They have culminated the knowledge they have learnt all term through their performances on the ukulele’s. Students have all performed to the best of their abilities in various songs on the ukulele as well as occasionally creating songs of their own!
Ms Joanne Silva
CAPA Coordinator
Human Body
Students have been extremely busy presenting their presentations about the human body and how it operates during performance. Analysing the specific muscle groups of a chosen sport, the benefits, and the change in heart rate. All students have done a great job with their presentations! Here are the year nine PASS boys enjoying their break from their assessment tasks.
Ms Fatma Sahin
PDHPE Teacher
Year 9 Drama
Year 9 have been looking into Brecht theatre and were given the experience to see it live through the performance of Hairspray the musical. They were asked to focus on real world issues such as racism as they wrote their spectacular reviews of the show. All in all, a fantastic learning experience that they all enjoyed.
Ms Joanne Silva
CAPA Coordinator
This term, students were assigned to introduce a city as their assessment task. In the photo, our student Aydin is introducing to his friends.
Our Year 8 students were assigned the task to introduce a Turkish figure. Students presented their homework to their friends in the class.
In the photo our students Bushra and Amira presented a poem ‘Bu Vatan Kimin? ‘. This provided an opportunity for students to have an understanding about the importance of Çanakkale.
This term, we read and worked on a few texts. The text "Dostluk" (Friendship) was one of them. In this text, there is a conversation on friendship between Karagoz and Hacivat. Our students Talha and Ali Kemal are reading and role-playing that text.
Mrs Zeliha Uzun
Turkish Language Teacher
Year 7
Our Year 7 students became part of Çanakkale Victory assembly with their performance. They called out loud ‘Çanakkale Geçilmez!’ while they were holding the letters and flags of Türkiye and Australia.
Year 8
Our Year 8 beginner students learnt the Turkish alphabet and pronunciation of Turkish letters ‘ç-c ş-s o-ö u-ü ı-I’. They played a game called ‘Find me’ ‘Beni Bul’ and every one of them did an excellent job.
Year 9
Year 9 beginner Turkish students learnt countries in Turkish. Students tried to guess countries by their Turkish names. They guessed almost every country. Also they talked about their backgrounds for example ‘Ben Lübnanlıyım.’ and ‘O Mısırlı.’.
Ms Sever Meyra Bicer
Turkish Teacher
Year 7 had an incredibly busy but exciting few weeks as they welcomed the holy month of Ramadan, presented their presentations on the Prophets of Allah SWT and learnt about the importance of gratitude by engaging in a “What am I grateful for activity.
The week leading up to Ramadan, they created Ramadan Checklist Posters. They decorated the posters with lanterns, moon crescents, prayer beads and more. The checklist giving them a head start in planning for a productive month of worship.
In week 6, students learnt about gratitude and the importance of showing gratitude for our blessings. Students anonymously wrote what they are grateful for on a sticky note and placed it on the board, students then would choose a random note to read to the class. This activity promotes positivity as it allowed them to reflect on the many blessings they have. Gratitude promotes mental and spiritual wellbeing as psychological studies have shown that people who are grateful and express gratitude to those around them have an abundance of energy, empathy, and optimism as opposed to those who are not.
Allah tells us in the Quran that we shall be rewarded for showing gratitude:
Surah Ali-Imran: 145 “Those who desire worldly gain, We will let them have it, and those who desire heavenly reward, We will grant it to them. And We will reward those who are grateful”.
Year 7 also started the unit on the Prophets of Allah SWT. Students presented to their class on their chosen Prophet. Their PowerPoints and posters were amazing. Great work year 7.
Year 8 welcomed Ramadan learning about the significance of the blessed month. They learned about the special night of Layatul Qadr (the night of power) focusing on the surah and its meaning. They also learned of the special dua (supplication) made on that night and listed the acts of worship they would like to engage in on that night.
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. The team is training every week, with their coach, in preparation for the Oztag competitions that will occur in May.
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 training every week with their coach, as there will be many competitions to come.
Law and Order
In Week 7, our Stage 4 and 5 debating teams competed in their first round of debating against Al Noori Muslim School. The topic area was ‘Law and Order’ and students were asked to debate the topics “Police should be forced to work in prisons before working in the public” and “Employers should not be allowed to view or ask for the criminal records of potential employees”. Our Maarif teams did an excellent job as the affirmative team for each topic, arguing persuasively and speaking confidently. The Al Noori teams were ultimately victorious, however, as this was our teams’ first experience with debating, it was an excellent learning opportunity. We look forward to the coming rounds of debates.
Ms Samia Sabih
English Coordinator
Students from Year 7-9 to the Bachar Houli Cup NSW. Our students competed in AFL against other schools in the area. Although the majority of our students had never played AFL before, they did a fantastic job on the field and gave it their all. They all made me feel incredibly proud. They all displayed strong Maarif character.
Mr Mohamed Abdul-Ghani
Welfare Coordinator
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.
| First Day of Term 2 | Wednesday 26 April |