International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

Warm greetings to all of you! As we embark on a new journey into Term 3, I am delighted to share with you some updates and important information about the upcoming academic session. As we enter Term 3, our commitment to providing the best possible education remains unwavering. Some highlights include:

Academic Focus: Our teachers have been preparing engaging and enriching lessons to challenge and stimulate our students. We will continue to focus on individualized learning to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of each student.

Extracurricular Activities: We firmly believe that a well-rounded education involves not just academics but also participation in extracurricular activities. We have an array of clubs, sports, and cultural activities planned for students to explore their interests and talents.

Parent-Teacher Interviews: We encourage open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers. Parent-teacher interviews will be scheduled at the end of the term to discuss your child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. We value your insights and active involvement in your child's education.

As we approach the end of this dynamic school year, in the spirit of fostering a love for culture and arts, I'm excited to share two incredible opportunities to immerse in the diverse and enriching tapestry of performances that our talented students and the greater community have prepared.

International Maarif Schools of Australia presents the musical - "Bir Sevdadır Anadolu." This extraordinary musical is more than just an event; it's a heartfelt celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. Experience the passion, history, and beauty of Turkish culture through mesmerising music, traditional Seymen folk dance, the enchanting Whirling Dervish, the soulful Baglama, and much more. You can reserve your tickets and pick your preferred seats by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/CKLFA.

The musical will be presented in Turkish; however, attendees will receive an English booklet summarising the performance on the day.

Thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm in championing our students' efforts. Looking forward to seeing many familiar faces in the audience!

Kind regards,

Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed school principal, Dr Zeynep Yaseen, for achieving an extraordinary milestone—securing the 2023 Excellence Award in the Principal of the Year (Non-Government) category for the second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement not only underscores her unwavering commitment to education but also shines a spotlight on her exceptional leadership prowess.

Our very first international excursion to Türkiye was scheduled for the first half of term 3. Our students and teachers have been busy with a range of fun, exciting and educational activities. Our staff and students returned to Sydney on Wednesday. We are excited to hear stories of their adventures. We look forward to our next international excursion!

The third term has been busy with student activities. Team sports have taken centre stage, fostering essential skills including teamwork, cooperation, and resilience. Our boys' and girls' oztag teams have commenced their weekly competitions in the SWISSA, showcasing their talent against other schools.

Weeks 4 and 5 also witnessed students participating in the ICAS exams, demonstrating their dedication to academic excellence.

The Calligraphy Club has been offered during lunchtime since Week 3. Students who enjoy calligraphy or would like to learn the skills are taught by our very talented calligraphy teacher.

We believe in open communication. If you have any questions/queries, please feel free to contact our friendly and dedicated staff. We look forward to a rewarding second half of Term 3.

Kind regards

Adeba Qasim

Secondary School Coordinator

Secondary Students were presented with an incredible and enriching opportunity: an international excursion to Turkiye. This excursion provided students with opportunities to explore the diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural wonders, offering them a direct insight into main subject areas like Science, STEM, Geography and the History of Türkiye and Islam.

From the iconic historical sites of Çanakkale to the vibrant streets of Bursa, the ancient city of Konya, which provided them with a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Türkiye. Ankara, the capital city of Türkiye, educated them on the political and cultural landscape and Istanbul, one of the biggest cities in the world, was definitely a highlight for the students. This international excursion was more than just a trip; it was a learning experience, one that broadened not only the student's understanding of cultural differences and develop an appreciation for the Turkish culture but also created lifelong memories.

Here are some photos:

More photos found on our social media platforms!

On Tuesday the 8^th of August students engaged in meaningful discussions and developed an understanding of the 6 R’s assigned by the campaign – Keeping Australia Beautiful. Students participated in the class to differentiate the 6Rs to develop an understanding of sustainability, waste reduction and conservation.

International Friendship Day is a time to reflect on the profound significance of friendship in Islam. The teachings of Islam emphasize the value of companionship, loyalty, and kindness towards one another. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Verily the believers are bricks of a building; each part strengthening the other." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim). This beautifully captures the essence of friendship in Islam.

Secondary students had the opportunity on this special day to learn about the various hadiths and Quranic verses that speak about the importance of Friendship in Islam. In a world that often grapples with divisions, these lessons on friendship and tolerance offer excellent guidelines for fostering unity and respect among diverse individuals.

Friendship in Islam goes beyond mere social interactions; it's a spiritual bond that nurtures empathy, compassion, and support. True friends in Islam uplift each other, share in each other's joys and sorrows, and provide a source of comfort and guidance.

The Quran speaks of the importance of righteous companionship, stating, "And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance." (Quran, 18:28)

On August 18, 2023, students in grades 7 to 9 actively took part in the National Day Against Bullying and Violence initiative. This day serves as a crucial platform to strengthen Australian school communities by providing them with well-informed resources and engaging activities aimed at a proactive stance on bullying prevention and education.

In order to effectively combat bullying, International Maarif Schools of Australia believes t is imperative to comprehend its true definition – an introductory step in both prevention and response strategies. The term 'bullying' often encompasses behaviours that may not necessarily qualify as bullying itself. These alternate behaviours, while equally serious, may require additional strategies to combat.

Dive into the World of Storytelling

This term, Year 7 students are embarking on an exciting journey into the realm of storytelling, with a special focus on the engaging novel "Soraya the Storyteller." The novel, filled with enchanting tales and valuable life lessons, has captured the imagination of our young scholars and has set the stage for an exploration of literary techniques, character development, and thematic insights.

Through guided readings and thoughtful discussions, students are delving into the rich narrative woven by "Soraya the Storyteller." They are uncovering the art of storytelling, analysing the author's use of language, and relating to the characters and their struggles and triumphs. The novel's engaging plot provides a wonderful context for students to explore different cultures, values, and traditions that come alive in the text.

Building on the inspiration drawn from the novel, our Year 7 students are taking their first steps into the world of creative writing by working on their narrative stories. They are not just telling stories; they are learning to craft them using the PEEL paragraph structure.

“People of Influence"

This term, Year 8 English students have been studying the unit titled “People of Influence", a comprehensive study focusing on individuals who have showcased significant influence in their lives. Students have been introduced to various poems and speeches, broadening their understanding of influential figures across different mediums. Some of the key figures studied include Olympic athlete Cathy Freeman, renowned surgeon Fred Hollows, and war hero Neville Reginald Howse. Through this unit, students gain insight into the lives of those who've left a mark in history and reflect on the qualities that make someone truly influential. It's a valuable learning experience, encouraging them to think critically and appreciate the impact of individuals in shaping history and their personal lives.

Currently, students are working on their assessment task by researching a chosen influential individual and crafting an engaging newspaper article about them. This task encourages students to delve deep into the lives of their chosen figures, understanding their challenges, resilience, and achievements. As part of their next class assignment, students will be tasked with interviewing a person in their life who they view as influential and presenting what they have learned to the class. This is an exciting opportunity for students to learn deeper information about people in their life such as their parents or grandparents, many of whom have lived through significant trials and experiences.

Love and Loyalty

Year 9 English students are currently engaged in the unit titled "Love and Loyalty", centred on Shakespeare's timeless play, "Romeo and Juliet". This unit delves into the complex themes of love and loyalty, and how they transform through different mediums.

The students have been immersed in the text, reading the original play and examining its intricate language and techniques. They have not only explored the story but have also dived into the underlying emotions that govern the characters' relationships, focusing on aspects of familial, friendship, and romantic love. The exploration has gone beyond the written word, extending to Baz Luhrmann's modern film adaptation of the play, allowing the students to draw comparisons between the two.

Overall, the "Love and Loyalty" unit is providing Year 9 students with a rich literary experience, helping them understand not only the themes in "Romeo and Juliet" but also how those themes can be translated and transformed across different mediums.

Ms Samia Sabih & Ms Inas Barakat

English Coordinator & English Teacher

A Snapshot of Term 3

This term students in Mathematics have been studying the following:

Year 9: Algebra and Linear Functions

Year 8: Percentages and Financial Mathematics

Year 7: Geometry and Decimals

They have all been issued with assignments that are creative, thought-provoking and related to real-life scenarios. Year 7 will construct a creative Quadrilaterals Creature with precise drawings of quadrilaterals and triangles. They will also apply decimals to solve problems related to the area. Year 8 will present a PPT presentation on purchasing goods and finding GST, profit and loss and discounts. Year 9 will be investigating linear functions and solving problems related to geometric figures.

All classes have been using Maths Online to consolidate their learning. We have observed that they have been very responsive and engaged as the videos provide extra support.

The following is a snapshot of the class using this great resource!

Ms Sabriye Boz and Ms Mariam El Maarraoui

Maths Coordinator and Maths Teacher

Discover the Wonders of Science

As we journey through the NSW Stage 4 and 5 Science curriculum this term, our classrooms are buzzing with the mysteries of forces, the microscopic wonders of atoms and isotopes, and the marvels of our own human body systems!

Students will explore the invisible push and pull of forces that shape our world, diving deep into the tiny building blocks of matter, and navigating through the intricate systems that keep our bodies running daily, from the force that keeps our feet on the ground to the tiny atoms that make up everything around us, and the remarkable systems like our heart, lungs, and brain that keep us alive. Our budding scientists are set for an enthralling voyage of discovery.

From using 3d virtual models of the lungs to completing fun “Elephant Toothpaste” experiments for science week to Kahoot quizzes to gauge student learning, we strive to make learning engaging and exciting.

Mr Abdussamed Dilber

Science & TAS Teacher

Year 7 Geography: Landforms and Landscapes

Year 7 Geography students have been navigating the complex world of landforms and landscapes this term. During the unit, titled "Landforms and Landscapes", students have been exploring examples from both Australia and around the globe, focusing on the significance of these landforms to different cultures and communities. The unit has directed attention towards crucial issues of landscape degradation and the means to manage and preserve these natural wonders.

One aspect that has particularly caught the interest of our students is the investigation of natural hazards and how communities respond to such events. This has led to discussions that are not only intellectually stimulating but also foster an understanding of real-world challenges and responses.

The upcoming assessment task is an engaging practical application of the term's content. Students will construct a volcanic eruption, a hands-on project that will enable them to connect theoretical understanding with a tangible representation of one of nature's most powerful phenomena.

Year 8 Geography: Water in the World

This term, Year 8 Geography students have been studying a unit titled "Water in the World", an exploration of the importance of water as a vital resource and the factors that affect its availability and flow in different regions. This unit aims to foster a sense of global awareness and responsibility, allowing students to appreciate the interconnectedness of humanity and the shared responsibility we all have in preserving valuable resources.

Students have investigated the essential nature of water scarcity, focusing on its causes and assessing potential solutions. They have engaged in thought-provoking discussions about people's differing perceptions of the value of water and why sustainable management is crucial. The unit has also guided them to explore environmental processes, such as atmospheric or hydrologic hazards, adding a layer of complexity to their understanding of the world's water systems.

As part of their upcoming assessment task, students will select an international country to research, focusing on the unique water-related challenges and solutions relevant to that region. This research will culminate in a presentation, allowing students to articulate and showcase the knowledge they've gained during the term.

Year 9 Geography: Biomes

Year 9 Geography students have been immersing themselves in the study of Biomes this term, enabling them to investigate the physical characteristics and productivity of different biomes. This unit fosters an understanding of how Biomes relate to climatic zones and their ability to support various agricultural productions.

A significant focus of the unit has been on human interaction with biomes, particularly how we influence them to produce food and increase agricultural yields. Students have also analysed population trends and projections, both in Australia and globally, to forecast future food supply-and-demand issues.

In early September, students will be embarking on a field study to Centennial Parklands where they will get an up-close view of the wetlands, exploring firsthand the issues impacting these vital ecosystems. The term's learning will culminate in an assessment task where students will design a 3D model illustrating how biomes produce food. This innovative project will allow them to apply their knowledge in a creative way, synthesising what they have learned about the relationship between biomes, climate, and agriculture.

Ms Burcin Taskin

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Teacher

Agriculture and Food Technology

As we are approaching the middle of term 3, we can look back at all the hard work and effort students have put in their understanding of Agriculture and Food technology.

Year 7 have been introduced to the concepts of agriculture and farming and how it applies to our daily lives. Students have delved into the topics of food and fibre production, importance of nutrition, and agricultural practices which will allow students to put their knowledge of preparing soil, planting, garden maintenance, and knowledge of different herbs into practice as student will prepare their very own gardens at our school!!

Year 8 have been introduced to the concepts of food technology, which has allowed students to build a deeper understanding of the importance of food through the analysis of nutritional needs of the human body and the safety of that comes with food production in the kitchen. Students have had the opportunity to start cooking at The Culinary School to learn and put their cooking skills to practice!

Mr Billal Almadi

Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) Teacher

Cricket

In PDHPE, students are learning striking and fielding games, with a particular focus on the fundamentals of cricket. The students are encouraged to think about decision-making, adapting to game-based scenarios and strategy. As students immerse themselves in cricket, they have taken steps in improving their concentration and motor skills.

Ms Fatma Sahin

PDHPE Teacher

Aeronautical Engineering

This term in our NSW Stage 5 Design and Technology curriculum, we're lifting off into the exciting realm of aeronautical engineering! Our students will be delving into the world of flight, exploring how aeroplanes and other flying machines are designed and how they soar through the skies. We'll touch on the basics of aerodynamics, the principles that keep aircraft aloft, and the innovations that have transformed travel. From paper planes to jet engines, our young designers will be understanding the wonders behind what keeps us airborne. This module promises not just theoretical knowledge, but also fun, hands-on activities that bring the principles of flight to life. Get ready to spread those wings and embark on a journey that promises both learning and adventure in the skies!

Mr Abdussamed Dilber

Science & DT Teacher

Found Objects

This term, the year 7 Visual Arts students have looked at the use of recycled materials in sculptures. The focus has been on discovering a variety of artists that predominantly use ‘found objects’ or recycled materials in their artmaking. Students have studied Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dali, Joseph Cornell, Atsuko Tanaka, Doris Salcedo and Leo Sewell, each bringing their own take to the use of found objects. The students will begin focusing on their art-making through the creation of their own sculpture that represents a current social issue such as climate change, poverty or war.

Art Appropriation

Throughout the term, the year 8 Visual Arts students have been studying Graffiti and Street art as a means of sending a message to a larger population. The students have looked through the works of Banksy and have learnt about the technique of art appropriation. The students have focused on how street art is used to send a message, usually a political or social issue that is happening in the area where the graffiti has been designed. The students will be working towards creating and appropriating street art as well as creating a billboard proposal to represent a social issue that they struggle with as part of their assessment.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

World of Investments

This term, Year 9 Commerce students are immersing themselves in the world of investments. They have been exploring a range of investment options, sharpening their decision-making skills by analysing real-world data, and grasping the vital role of the financial services industry.

From stocks to real estate, students are uncovering diverse investment avenues. Students are assessing risks and rewards aligned with their financial goals.

This unit is particularly important as understanding the financial services sector is vital for students in their future. Throughout this unit, students will learn how institutions like brokerage firms and financial advisors facilitate investments and gain practical insights into financial responsibility and ethical investing practices.

Ms Mariam El Maarraoui

Commerce Teacher

Music Cultures From Around the World

Year 7 Music students have been working hard this term learning about a variety of different music cultures from around the world. They have so far covered the Music of Japan, China, India and Korea. Students have been encouraged to relate their own culture to the culture they are studying in the class. During the study of music in Korea, students learnt that the Tiger is the national symbol of their country and students all participated in a brainstorming activity where they had to select an emblem that represented themselves. The students are working towards their final assessment task for the term where are required to research a non-western culture and an instrument that is unique and special to them.

Musical Parades From Around the World

In this term, Year 8 have been learning about musical parades from around the world. They've been exploring music styles from St Patricks Day, the Rome New Year's Parade, the Prague Christmas Parade, and the Waikiki Holiday Parade. They were also asked to think about how their own culture relates to these musical traditions. When they studied the Christmas and New Year Parades, they were asked to write down what they do to commemorate the beginning of the New Year and found they shared many experiences with their peers. Students will begin focusing on their presentation skills for their upcoming assessment where they will be required to research a parade from around the world to discuss with their classmates.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Beauty and the Beast

This term the year 9 Drama students have been focusing on developing their skills in writing reviews. The students had the wonderful opportunity to see a high-end production of Beauty and the Beast at the Capitol Theatre which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Each student is focusing on a different role in drama such as the director, the set designer etc. The students will continue to develop their skills in review writing throughout the term so that they may complete their final assessment task of the term.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Modified Games

During PASS Students are exploring modified games with a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Students are learning to modify games in a way that emphasises inclusive physical activity for people from a range of motor skills and abilities. This week students focused on cricket, with a little twist. Instead of the traditional, two-based crickets, 4 has been incorporated. Students are slowly understanding the concept of inclusivity in sports.

Ms Fatma Sahin

PDHPE Teacher

Advance Group

The students read the Sokak Köpeği text given to them. They found the words chosen from the text or they did not understand from the Turkish Language Association (TDK) dictionary and wrote down their understanding. They then answered questions about the text.
With the work given in the MEB worksheets, we did activities such as conditional conclusion sentences and interpreting the visuals.

Beginner Group

In the previous weeks, we learned about family members, kinship relations, occupations, the question of what time it is and how to answer this question with our 8th-grade students. This week, we started the topic of routines. We use the present tense while processing routines and learn many new verbs related to daily life. Who? Where? What is her job? We repeat occupations as we learn how to answer their questions.

Mrs Zeliha Uzun

Turkish Teacher

The Seerah of the Prophet

Year 9 this term is covering the Seerah (Biography) of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. They have thoroughly enjoyed this unit in Islamic Studies this term. It's truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and engagement that the students have shown while delving into the life of our beloved Prophet.

Through this journey, they have not only gained a comprehensive understanding of historical events, but they have also been able to draw profound lessons from the resilience displayed by the Prophet (PBUH) in the face of numerous challenges. Learning about his unwavering determination and steadfastness during times of adversity has left a deep impact on the students.

Quran Recitation

The dedication and progress shown by our Year 7 Quran students and Elif Basi learners this term has been impressive. It is evident that their hard work and commitment to improving their Quranic recitation and Tajweed skills has presented excellent results. Many students successfully advancing from reading individual letters to skilfully joining words together. This significant leap brings them one step closer to the beautiful art of Quranic recitation.

Mrs Rouba Kodr

Qur'an and Islamic Studies Teacher

Debating Competition

Our debating team has been working hard this term, engaging in their weekly training sessions and also competing against other schools in the Debating Competition. Recently, students competed against Australian International Academy, Strathfield as the affirmative teams for the topics “school uniform should be banned in schools” and “classes should be based on academic level rather than age”. Both schools argued their cases eloquently, however, the final victory was awarded to Australian International Academy. Our debating teams will be continuing their debating experiences next week, with the next debate being held at Unity Grammar, Austral on Monday 21 August and International Maarif Schools of Australia acting as the host for their debate against Irfan College on Thursday 24 August. We wish our teams the best of luck in their next few rounds!

Ms Samia Sabih

English Coordinator

Maarif OzTag Team

Oztag teams train every Friday (girls) and Monday (boys). Students train with their dedicated coach and eagerly await the competition every Tuesday. The boys and girls’ teams have been playing vey well against other teams in SWISSA. The teams are supported by school staff and their coach during the games.

Maarif Soccer Team

The Boys Soccer team has suspended its training until the players arrive back from overseas. We look forward to soccer training resuming in the coming weeks.

Instagram: @australiamaarif

Facebook: Maarif Australia

Twitter: @AUmaarif

We request that our parents and/or carers are 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 cooporation.

Road_Safety.pdf

Road_Safety _pdf 1.68 MB

Book Week	21st August 2023
Character Parade	23rd August 2023
30 Ağustos Zafer Bayramı	30th August 2023
Father’s Day Stall	31st August 2023 1st September 2023
National Child Protection Week	4th September 2023
History Week	4th September 2023
National Health & Physical Education Day	7th September 2023
R U OK? Day	14th September 2023
World Heart Day	20th September 2023

2023_Academic_Calendar.pdf

2023_Academic_Calendar _pdf 853.94 KB