Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Primary School Coordinator's Message
- Monday Assembly - Student of the Week
- Book Week!
- Kindergarten A
- Kindergarten C
- 1A
- 1B
- 2A
- 3A
- 3B
- 4A
- 4B
- 5A
- 6A
- 6B
- Turkish Language Lessons
- Turkish Language Lessons
- Turkish Language Lessons
- Arabic Language Lessons
- Qur'an and Islamic Studies
- Learning Support Lessons
- Student Corner
- School Clubs
- Healthy Eating & Choices
- Maarif Behaviour Expectations Matrix
- Student Leave
- Parent Reminders
- Edstart
- Road Safety
- Follow us on Social Media!
- Uniform Shop
- Lost Property
- Important Dates
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Friday evening 11 August, the Australian Education Awards celebrated the utmost dedication and accomplishments of educators nationwide and acknowledged as over 800 educators, including principals, deputy heads, department leaders, and teachers, gathered for the night.
The nation’s top educators and schools were recognised across 28 award categories, including the national awards of Education Perfect Australian School Principal of the Year and the Education Perfect Australian School of the Year. The gala event was held at the exquisite Fullerton Hotel in Sydney and hosted by Australian comedian, radio and television presenter Merrick Watts.
In 2023, among the evening's most prestigious recognitions was the 'Principal of the Year’ category. This award doesn't just recognize me as a school principal; it also stands as a testament to the powerful impact our school community has in shaping the minds and destinies of our young learners.
Exciting News! As we continuously strive for efficiency and enhanced parent-school communication, we are excited to introduce Consent2Go starting Term 4. This innovative platform revolutionizes the way we manage permissions, medical information, and trip details by bringing everything online. Gone are the days of paper slips getting lost or misplaced. With Consent2Go, parents can effortlessly provide and update consent, ensuring that we have accurate and real-time information for each student. This not only streamlines our administrative processes but also bolsters the safety and well-being of our students. We're looking forward to a smoother, more connected experience with our parent community.
Lastly, do not forget to reserve your tickets for Musical and pick your preferred seats by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/CKLFA here.
Kind regards,
Principal
Dear Maarif Families,
It has been another exciting and busy two weeks full of learning and fun.
We had a special week this week which was Book Week, our annual celebration of literature, storytelling, and the magic of books. The theme for this year is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’ where imagination has unlimited scope for growth and infinite possibility. We had our annual Book Character Parade, where students and teachers came to school dressed as their favourite book characters. We are also proud of our students who participated in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge which has now come to an end. These students will receive a special certificate from the Premier of NSW. Congratulations boys and girls!
We celebrated Science Week last week by engaging students in scientific exploration and learning. Science Week aims to ignite curiosity and inspire students to ask questions, explore and appreciate the wonders of science in their daily lives.
We have introduced a new Mathematics program in classes. MathsOnline is an online platform where students are presented with concepts of Mathematics in step-by-step lessons with the use of synchronised audio and animation which harnesses both audio and visual learning styles simultaneously. Students complete interactive tasks and activities after completing the tutorial for each concept covered.
Students in each grade are experiencing excursions to a variety of educational venues again this term. School excursions and incursions offer a wide range of benefits to all students as the educational outings extend the classroom experience and provide students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities.
I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter with all the wonderful activities, achievements and learning showcased within.
With warm regards,
Mrs Reyhan Er
Primary School Coordinator
Well done to the students who have been selected as 'Student of the Week'. These students are selected for academic achievement and for modelling our school values.
|
|
Week 5 | Week 6 |
|
KA |
Hasan Karakocoglu |
Leyla Sarimsaklio |
|
KC |
Altay Keles |
Mikail Yaman |
| 1A |
Emirhan German |
Muhammad Taha |
|
1B |
Sena Alca |
Omar Alnabulsi |
| 2A |
Ibrahim Abbas |
Ela Sevincek |
|
3A |
Affan Hasan |
Melaad Kakall |
| 3B |
Said Berk Akdemir |
Erkut Odabasi |
| 4A |
Kerem Er |
Elif Demir |
|
4B |
Omer Kale |
Halid Cetiner |
|
5A |
Amima Ali |
Cinar Hasgul |
|
6A |
Yusuf Kose |
Maryam Saidi |
|
6B |
Yaseen Ayyoub |
Zinneera Mehtar |
Also congratulations to these students for receiving an award.
It’s Book Week!
KA students had so much fun celebrating Book Week. We discussed the importance of reading and that we should read often in order to speak, write and communicate effectively. Students were given the opportunity to bring in their favourite book and show the class. They also did a new book cover design from their favourite book and then got dressed in their favourite book character costume. When students read at a young age, it supports cognitive development as well as improves language skills. When children are read to, it develops a bond between them and the adult reading. It allows them to have increased concentration and creativity. It cultivates a lifelong love for reading. Adults should read their own books in front of children as role models, so they learn that reading is enjoyable and it prepares them for academic success.
Mrs Ulku Turkmen
KA Teacher
Mini Mad Scientists
Week 5 was the wacky Science Week! KC turned into mini mad scientists, puffing up balloons with nothing but vinegar and bicarb soda magic. We then went full-on geologist mode with a volcano experiment. And boy, was it a blast! Our volcano not only erupted but it did it in style with rainbow colours. We had a guessing game on the volcano's aroma - cake, perfume, chocolate? Ha! Think more along the lines of salt and vinegar chips! Oh, and let's not forget our attempt at making snow fluff from shaving foam, corn starch, and food dye. Messy? Yep! It sure was.
Week 6 was Literacy Week, and boy, did we wear our love for books on our sleeves... literally! Students paraded around the courts, dressed as their favourite characters. We read lots of Dr. Seuss books, Ms. Saadet's top pick when it comes to children's literature.
Talk about a couple of fun-filled, learning-packed weeks!
Ms Saadet Ugur
KC Teacher
Science Week
In 1A, we've been diving deep into the world of money, using hands-on resources to enrich our understanding. Incorporating real-life situations, students had the opportunity to use grocery catalogues alongside play money, giving them a practical sense of budgeting and spending. As part of Science Week, we were captivated by the thrilling experiment of combining baking soda and vinegar, watching in awe as it simulated a volcanic eruption. Our commitment remains firm in seeking diverse methods to make learning not just educational, but also fun and interactive. Hands-on activities have proven invaluable in keeping our students engaged and eager to explore more!
Ms Merve Sarikaya
1A Teacher
Science Week!
We had science week this week and decided to make some experiments! First, we watched a nice interactive video about liquid nitrogen and what we can use it for, then started our own little experiment using starch, shaving foam and food colouring. We discussed what we could do with them and how it would turn out. We started mixing them randomly and created a fluffy playdough! Then we mixed in our own colours and created our own personalised fluffy play doughs!
Ms Gulden Aksoy
1B Teacher
Bubble, Fizz and Flow: Stage 1’s Volcano Show!
Using just bi-carbonate soda, vinegar, and a dash of food colouring, we recreated the mighty burst of a volcano right outside of our classroom. The secret? When vinegar meets baking soda, it creates a bubbly reaction, imitating flowing lava. The food colouring made it even more dramatic, turning the froth into fiery red streams. This fun and simple experiment left our little scientists in awe!
Mrs Maryam Faisal
National Science Week
During Science Week, students from Year 3A eagerly participated in a range of science-related activities. One of the highlights of the week was a collaborative project where students worked together in small groups to design and build different styles of paper planes. They engaged in discussions, shared ideas, and experimented with different techniques to create planes that could fly the farthest or perform aerobatic maneuvers. This activity not only enhanced their understanding of aerodynamics and physics but also nurtured their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the students were treated to a mind-boggling liquid nitrogen show. They witnessed fascinating demonstrations of the extreme cold properties of liquid nitrogen, including freezing objects instantly, creating icy fog, and even making objects shatter upon impact. This captivating exhibition left the students amazed and inspired, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of science.
As we celebrate science week, students were given the opportunity to apply their mathematical skills to a creative activity. They used their knowledge of fractions to design a class flag. By understanding how to divide a whole into equal parts, students were able to create visually appealing and balanced designs for their flags. This interactive and hands-on approach fostered their understanding of fractions while also promoting their creativity and teamwork.
Finally, the students had the opportunity to attend an AI Academy incursion on Artificial Intelligence, where they learned about the incorporation of AI in our current lives and its potential effects for the future. This captivating experience left them with a better understanding and appreciation of the advancements in technology and its impact on society.
Ms Samira Asad
3A Teacher
Healthy Eating
This week students in 3B learnt about the impact of advertising in relation to healthy eating. Students gained an understanding of the relationship between food and how this can affect our health. Students also understood that there were some foods that were better for your health than others. We undertook the making of posters for healthy food. Students enjoyed this very much. Some samples of the work are included.
Mr Aziz Hawlader
3B Teacher
Decimals and Fractions
To kick off our week's focus on decimals and fractions, students took part in an enjoyable learning activity: a Kahoot! Quiz. This interactive game made learning about decimals and fractions fun and engaging. Through friendly competition, students had the chance to explore these important math concepts in an exciting way. The quiz helped prepare them for a week of learning more about decimals and fractions, setting the stage for an enriching and educational experience."
Mrs Ayse Yildiz
4A Teacher
Exploring Characters with Art: Mosaic Activity
4B students have been on a captivating journey through the pages of "Frindle," where they've met intriguing characters like Nick and Mrs. Granger. This week, as part of their English unit, they dove into a creative character traits mosaic activity.
Starting with special Mosaic Templates featuring the outlines of these characters, students put their thinking hats on. They brainstormed character traits and actions that define these characters, using clues from the text. Then, armed with their insights, they got artistic. Using markers, coloured paper, and pencils, they filled in the character silhouettes with a colourful mosaic of traits. Each tiny tile or part of the mosaic represented a specific trait, supported by proof from the text.
But this activity wasn't just about colours and patterns. It was a way for our students to explore the characters' feelings and depths. They had to make inferences – figuring out things that weren't directly said in the book. Through this creative process, our students not only gained a better understanding of character development but also practised making educated guesses about the characters' personalities and motivations. Their mosaics told stories beyond words, capturing the essence of the characters and their roles in the narrative.
Ms Suzan Tarpis & Ms Fatima Memedoski
4B Teacher
Welcome to Week 6!
Hello parents welcome to week 6! Students had a blast this week learning about the properties of 3D shapes and learning how to budget and estimate the price of groceries using the weekly shopping catalogue. Have a look at some of the 3D shapes created and our shopping!
Book week 2023 is on! Welcome to the special edition of this part of the newsletter dedicated to Book Week! This is a time when we come together to celebrate the joys of reading as books are a gateway to a world of knowledge, imagination and personal growth. Students have been creating their own book covers to enter a school competition with the best-drawn book covers. 5A also had the opportunity to bring in and discuss their favourite book to the class.
Mrs Sevim Keselik
5A Teacher
Welcome to Week 6 of Term 3!
I hope that all students have been having an amazing week and are excited for the rest of the term. Students from year three to year six were lucky enough to participate in the incursion for Science Week by AI Academy. AI Academy spoke about the different positives and negatives of Artificial Intelligence for our society. This topic of Artificial intelligence aligns this term with our Science Lesson on Electricity and the impact of different electronic devices on society. These opportunities allow students to interact with external learning activities that allow them to build their critical and creative thinking skills by participating in front of their peers as volunteers for the exhibition.
Here are some photos of students participating in the Incursion.
Miss Dilara Ozhan
6A Teacher
World of Literature
Book Week is a highly anticipated annual celebration that encapsulates the enchanting world of literature and its profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the significance of books in shaping our perspectives, nurturing creativity in children and fostering a lifelong love for reading and learning.
6B engaged in an activity that consisted of creating new book covers for their favourite reading book. They had the chance to design and decorate a completely new cover for books they are currently reading whilst making sure that the new design also represents the core message of the book. The best book cover was then chosen to receive a prize for their creative design and efforts!
Mrs Asli Tekirdag
6B Teacher
Bookweek!
During Turkish lessons, students engaged in a reading activity where they read and spoke about the books. They were role-played their favourite book characters during the lesson.
Mrs Fisun Benlisoy and Ms Ayse Acikkol
Turkish Language Teacher
Shopping!
This week in Turkish Years 3 and 4 completed fruit stall roleplay activities. Students were paired up and spoke the common phrases used in a shopping exchange. Students added their own twists to the conversations by straying from the text learned and adding their choice of other words and phrases learned in previous lessons. Wonderful job Years 3 and 4! Let the creativity flow!
Speaking Club
This week in Turkish lessons Years 5 and 6 started the Speaking Club. Students are taken outside into the courtyard to engage in conversations ranging through a variety of topics. The only rule is to speak exclusively in Turkish! The students did an amazing job and put in a lot of effort to use the correct words and asked each other for help when they did not remember a word or phrase, or when they had difficulty forming sentences. Fantastic work Years 5 and 6!
Ms Esma Dogan
Turkish Language Teacher
İletişim
Year 4 students learned different types of communication. Newspaper is one type of communication, and the students used and discovered what newspapers contain and what they are used for.
Read, Grow and Inspire
Book Week is an opportunity to celebrate children’s literature and promote the value of books in education, and enjoyment. Maarif students read Turkish books by themselves and in groups.
Mrs Ayşegül Şeyma Akdemir
Turkish Coordinator
Arabic Letters
Most of the kindergarten students are familiar with Surat Al Ikhlas and capable of reciting the surah. We encourage our students to recite the surah in front of the class to build their confidence and encourage others.
We also wrote the students' names in Arabic around a happy face on the whiteboard and asked them to find their names. It helped them to recognise the Arabic letters in their names and how we connected them.
Mr Yahya Al Neiame
Arabic Langauge Teacher
Islamic Studies
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmetullahi wa barakatuh,
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, "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."
Year 3 Students were reciting, practising, and memorising Surah Fil which was displayed on the smartboard. Going around the classroom, every student recited the repeated verses individually.
We pray that Allah (SWT) allows our students to keep the Qur’an in the centre of their lives and let the Book of Allah be the light of their hearts.
Mr Muhammed Ordukaya
Qur’an and Islamic Studies Teacher
MacqLit
We have been full steam ahead with our MacqLit students. Both groups have now officially moved on to Handbook Book B. Certificates were handed out to each group to acknowledge their great effort.
We have started with our weekly routine of spelling tests for all our students from years 1-6. There has been a new initiative to encourage students to practice and put in effort at home to revise spelling words that have been given to them.
To reward the students, we have created a Spelling Stars chart that we use to display the student's name for the week. Adding to that, those students receive a Super Speller award.
Mrs Heba Barham & Mrs Cansu Kaba
Learning Support Teacher
The Student Corner is a dedicated space for students of any year level to showcase their unique work and talents!
Zahraa Al Azam - KA
Ahsen Gelebek - KC
Aliza Ahmed - 1A
Rayan Wadi - 1B
Medina Jawas - 2A
3A Students
Musa Kassem - 4A
Isaac Hussein - 4B
Sumeyye Turkmen - 5A
Azra Coskun - 6A
Ecrin Sahin - 6B
Advanced Club (Year K-2)
Coding Club
Advanced Art (Year 5-6)
To foster a culture of wellness and smart choices, one must be cautious of the food they consume. We encourage our parents to promote healthy eating habits and reduce sugar intake in student lunchboxes. A well-balanced diet lays the foundation for optimal physical and mental development. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, we provide our students with the essential vitamins, minerals, and energy they need to excel in their studies and activities.
We understand the convenience of pre-packaged snacks, but we encourage you to explore alternatives that prioritise nutrition without compromising taste. Fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, whole-grain sandwiches, and lean protein sources offer a delightful array of options. By reducing sugar-laden foods, we can help prevent energy crashes and maintain a steady focus throughout the day. Opt for fresh fruits, yogurt with no added sugars, and homemade treats made with natural sweeteners like honey or fruit puree.
According to ACARA National Standards for student attendance, parents are required to complete an Application for Leave Form for holidays within the school term or other leave. Applications should be submitted 14 days prior to the leave. The Principal approves this leave as appropriate.
For all student leave requests (1-50 days) an application form should be submitted to the school at least 14 days prior to the requested leave date. Supporting documentation, such as travel ticket or itinerary, should be included with student holiday leave applications.
Holidays taken by students outside of School vacation periods are included as absences.
Families are encouraged to holiday or travel during school vacations rather than in term time. If travel during the school term is necessary, the following considerations apply:
- If the Principal accepts the reason for the absence, the absence will be marked as justified leave.
- If the Principal does not believe the absence is in the student’s best interests and does not accept the reason, the absence will be recorded as unjustified leave.
The Leave form can be accessed below:
Parent-Teacher Communication
When communicating with teachers, please try to be respectful of their time and understand that they may not always be able to respond immediately. This means, giving them a reasonable amount of time to respond to your emails or messages, and understanding their work hours.
Please avoid sending multiple follow-up messages when not receiving a response immediately, teachers have many responsibilities.
Written Communications
Written communications to the school, including emails and letters, please include the student's full name and class for identification purposes
Phone & Electronics
Primary School students are not permitted to bring to school, their phones and/or any electronics. This includes smart watches.
Birthday Celebrations
We love to celebrate our students at Maarif and accept that some families may want to share the special occasion of their child’s birthday with his/her class peers. As a school, we embrace this opportunity however would like to enforce a strict policy of not bringing in food or other edible items for these one-off occasions. It is important we cater to all students including those who have severe allergies by monitoring this closely. If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday, we would suggest an alternative to food.
School Permission Notes
All school permission notes must be returned by the due date that is on the note. In the case where signed notes are not received by the due date, students may not be able to attend.
All permission notes must always be returned to the class teacher and not the school office. Hard copies can be sent in with students or soft copies can be emailed to class teachers directly.
We are no longer accepting cash payments for excursions. Please use the link or QR code provided in the permission notes for payments.
Toys and Valuables
Students are not permitted to bring toys and valuables to school. These include Pokemon cards, fidget toys and weapon like toys. Students are only permitted to bring in appropriate toys on allocated Show and Tell days. Please check with your child's class teacher if unsure.
Did you know you can organise your school fee payments into weekly, fortnight or monthly payments? International Maarif Schools of Australia uses Edstart to provide more flexibility and choice for your school fee payments. There are no additional charges for the service regardless of the schedule or payment method you choose. Getting started is easy, simply visit edstart.com.au/Maarif to set up your payments online or call 1300 139 445. If you would like further information, you can also contact our accounts team at accounts@maarif.nsw.edu.au or 02 8316 0655.
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 cooperation.
All uniform requests can be made as follows:
Order Submission Only
- Primary school parents are to complete the attached uniform order form
- Order forms should be emailed to uniforms@maarif.nsw.edu.au or sent in to the school office with students if required
- Orders will be processed weekly on Wednesdays and uniform items will be sent home with students by the following day
- Contact number for uniform related enquiries 0402 393 844
Attached below is the Uniform Order Form
Maarif students are expected to wear their Summer school uniform during Term 1. Please be reminded of the importance of naming all items of school uniform with your child’s name and class. This means that lost items found around school can easily be returned.
We consider that uniform is important for several reasons.
- It provides pupils with a sense of identity and pride in their school.
- It enhances the appearance of pupils and therefore the reputation of the school.
- It helps to instil a sense of purpose in pupils when they put on their uniform in the mornings.
- It helps overcome the worry about “fitting in” with fashions and keeping up with other children. All children feel equal and there is no stress, competition or worry for families about expensive brands/labels.
- It overcomes the problem for both parents and teachers about what is suitable attire for school.
We have many items including school uniform, lunch boxes and water bottles in our lost property baskets. Please be advised that all these items will be thrown out if not claimed. The lost property baskets will be located in the office area. Please clearly label all items with your child's name, surname and class.
|
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 |