International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Welcome to all our parents,

Welcome back to Maarif, a place we hold dear to our hearts. We wish to announce that we have moved to our new building, although the construction is still in progress, preventing us from starting our academic year there. Nevertheless, we are excited about the prospect of settling into our new space.

This year marks a significant milestone for us as we welcome our very first Year 10 students. It fills us with joy to know that we will witness our first graduates in 2026, a testament to the growth and progress of our school community.

We extend a warm welcome to our new staff members joining us in 2024:

Primary Team:

Melike Tugrul: Year 4 Teacher
Huaiyang Lui (Mike): Year 5 Teacher
Ozge Akcelik: Turkish Teacher
Amel Mehana: Returning from maternity leave, part-time Year 5 Teacher
Safa Abusadah: Primary Arabic Teacher

Secondary Team:

Bahadir Korkut: Welfare Coordinator / Maths Teacher
Canan Korkut: English Teacher
Noor Elmubasher: TAS Teacher
Sumeyye Islek: HSIE Teacher
Deya Mohamed: Secondary Quran Teacher
George Hassoun: Secondary Science Teacher
Jane Lawler: Secondary Maths Teacher

We bid farewell to the following staff members who will not be returning in 2024: Mr Mohamed Abdel-Ghani, Mr Yahya Al Neiame, Mrs Sabriye Boz, Ms Fatma Sahin, Miss Merve Sarikaya, and Ms Rouba Kodr. We extend our best wishes for success in their future endeavours. Our lovely teachers Asli Tekirdag and Rooba El-Sayed are commencing their maternity leave starting this year. As both prepare to welcome their new bundle of joy, we extend our warmest wishes for a healthy and smooth pregnancy and delivery.

We are delighted to announce that Ms. Fisun Benlisoy will be our music teacher for all year levels throughout the year. Our students will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument during their music lessons, and parents will receive Consent2Go information regarding musical instrument options.

Our Sports Academy has commenced this week, providing our students with the opportunity to benefit from professional coaching.

Exciting news awaits as our Bir Sevdadir Anadolu selected students will be performing in Melbourne on the 9th of March. If parents wish to attend the show, tickets are available for purchase here: Bir Sevdadir Anadolu (Anatolia is a Passion) - MyProVenue™ (tickets.com)

Baglama lessons will resume on Saturdays, and registration forms will be distributed accordingly.

As we enter Week 2 of the academic year, we have observed that there are still many latecomers. Punctuality is essential for academic success and sets the tone for a productive learning environment. We remind parents and students of the importance of regular attendance and punctuality. Consequences for being late to school or class may include:

Verbal reminders and counselling from teachers or school staff.
Loss of privileges, such as participation in extracurricular activities such as sports academy or access to certain school facilities.
Parental notification and involvement to address persistent tardiness.
In high school, repeated lateness may result in disciplinary actions in accordance with the school's policies, including detention, community service, or other consequences.

It is important that we collectively uphold the standards of punctuality and reinforce its importance in our daily routines. Parents are encouraged to support their children in developing good habits that prioritise punctuality, such as establishing consistent bedtime schedules and ensuring timely departure from home.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all parents who attended the "Meet with the Teacher" sessions this week. Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we endeavour to enhance our school environment and academic programs.

We are pleased to announce that we are in the process of organising after-school tuition sessions for Mathematics, English, Turkish, and Baglama lessons. If you are interested in enrolling your child in these sessions, you will receive an invitation via Consent2Go to indicate your preference.

Our Sports Academy continues to succeed, with sessions taking place every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the year. These sessions are designed to enhance student's skills and provide opportunities to interact with professionals in their chosen sport. For instance, our cricket team has had the privilege of training in the same venue as the Australian cricket team players. Last week, they had the opportunity to meet and receive autographs from Moises Henriques and Chris Green.

We are proud to share that our Turkish Team is diligently preparing for the Melbourne Musical on March 9th. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to celebrating their success. We also extend our appreciation to parents who have given consent for their children to participate in our upcoming national excursion.

Furthermore, we are excited to announce that our school will be organising Students' Iftars (for Years 3-10) during the first week of Ramadan. We look forward to breaking fast with our special students during this auspicious time.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the education and well-being of our students. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities and growth that lie ahead for us in 2024 at Maarif.

Kind regards,

Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Welcome back to a brand-new year at Maarif School! We trust that you had a wonderful and restful holiday. As we dive into Term 1, we are excited to share some exciting updates and achievements from our vibrant school community.

We are delighted to introduce the Maarif Sports Academy, providing our students with the opportunity to engage in various sports activities every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. These sessions focus not only on honing specific sports skills but also on fostering teamwork, resilience, and cooperation.

Our Maarif basketball team has been busy for the SWISSA competition in Term 1, showcasing dedication and teamwork. We are excited to follow their progress.

A round of applause for our Maarif Stage 4 and 5 debate teams as they kick-started the 2024 competition season with enthusiasm! The Stage 4 team secured a victory in one debate, while the Stage 5 team triumphed in both debates. Congratulations to Ms. Naser and the debate teams for their outstanding efforts. Keep up the excellent work!

In Week 3, our students participated in the PAT Assessment to gauge their progress in literacy and numeracy. This information is crucial for tailoring our teaching methods to best support each student. The PAT test will be conducted again in Term 4 to track ongoing growth and development.

It was a pleasure to see many of our parents during the Meet the Teacher session. This session provided a valuable opportunity for parents to get acquainted with subject related content and assessment requirements. Parents and guardians had the opportunity to ask questions, strengthening the bond between home and school.

At Maarif School, we believe in maintaining open communication between families and the school. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or your child's subject teacher. Your involvement is integral to your child's success, and we value your partnership in their educational journey.

We look forward to a fun and exciting second half of term 1.

Kind regards,

Mrs Adeba Qasim

Secondary School Coordinator

We are excited to share some wonderful highlights from our recent Meet the Teacher session that took place on February 19, 2024. It was a fantastic opportunity for our secondary school families to connect with our dedicated educators, get a glimpse into the exciting curriculum planned, and understand the assessment schedules for the upcoming term/year.

Our Meet the Teacher session was a lively and engaging event where families had the chance to meet all the teachers who play an essential role in shaping our students' educational journey.

During the session, our coordinators and teachers provided insightful overviews of the main topics that will be covered throughout the term/year.

We're thrilled to share the latest sports highlights from our students this week! On the soccer field, the children not only enjoyed their time but also learned new ball skills and engaged in friendly yet competitive matches. Over in the swimming pool, our young swimmers were observed and tested on various swim skills. They were divided into small groups, where they focused on essential techniques like floating, freestyle posture, hand movements, and board-kicking skills. The excitement extended to the basketball court and cricket field, where our students embraced challenges, improving their dribbling, shooting, and cricket strokes. Our cricket team got lucky this week and brushed shoulders with two Australian cricket stars. Chris Green and Moises Henriques.

A gentle and friendly reminder to all students and parents of participating students.

Please make sure your child is equipped on sports days:

Full sports uniform
Hats
Water bottles

A Culture of Reading

It has been a busy start to the year for the English faculty. We welcomed Mrs Korkut to the team and our students are benefiting from her vast experience, teaching English in a range of elite schools.

In an effort to promote a culture of reading and improve student literacy, we have introduced a Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program. Students have been asked to bring a book from home to participate in this program and just to engage in reading when they can throughout the day. Even our most reluctant readers have embraced the push to read more and grow as critical thinkers.

Our Year 7 students are now well and truly in the routine of high school and have started this new phase of their education with a novel study. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness explores themes of loss and resilience. Students are encouraged to confront and articulate their fears and develop empathy for others.

Year 8 are studying the novel Trash by Andy Mulligan and have had fun looking at sustainability and their own attitudes towards the trash they produce. Their novel study will examine consumerism, corruption and friendship. Students have been engaged in responding to and composing a range of texts and participated in a gallery walk.

Year 9 is looking at Tell Me Why, the autobiography of the late Archie Roach. Students have the opportunity to look at the Stolen Generation and the generational trauma this devastating policy of removing children from their families has caused our indigenous population. In developing empathy with out First Nations people, they are also considering their own life experiences and cultures, with a focus on composing their own biographical writing.

Finally, our Year 10 cohort are reading Fahrenheit 451, a dystopic fiction written by Ray Bradbury. This popular classic is so relevant to our current context as it examines the break down of society through an over reliance on technology and the surveillance and control that governments place on their populations. Censorship and fake news are pertinent to the world we live in and are explored in the book.

We are so excited to see our students engage with these thematically complex texts as they expand their world views and become critical thinkers. As the great Nelson Mandella said, Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Ms Susan Naser & Mrs Canan Korkut

English Coordinator & English Teacher

Number Theory

In Year 7 Maths students are engaging in the exploration of Number theory, refining mental math strategies, and emphasising non-calculator skills for problem-solving in Mathematics. Students will be using Online Maths resources to enhance their understanding and demonstrate their learning. Additionally, students will complete an assignment on number investigation to apply and demonstrate their knowledge.

Pythagoras Theorem

8B and 8C have completed the chapter on Pythagoras Theorem and have received results from a topic test on this chapter. This was a new topic to both groups this year and they have investigated all the properties surrounding this famous theorem and have learned some history on the famous mathematician, Pythagoras, himself. Both classes have started their revision of number and are working hard to perfect their knowledge of the topic. They will soon have their first assessment of the year so it is important that the students are working their hardest, completing their homework and always trying to improve their mathematical thinking and skills.

Year 9

Year 9 have completed their revision of Number with the introduction of some new concepts such as scientific notation, significant figures and absolute value. 9A have been enjoying using the laptops to test their speed, revise their skills and compete in class competitions. They are now starting Financial Maths where they will use their revised percentage skills to calculate GST, Tax and Interest. They have also been given past NAPLAN exams to practice and to see what is expected of them. All the revision of Number done at the start of this term will help them immensely with their NAPLAN. They will soon be doing their first assessment of the term based on the financial maths chapter

Mr Bahadir Korkut, Ms Jane Lawler & Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Maths Teachers

Science in Years 7 and 8

This term Year 7 have covered the topic of “Introduction to Science” where students have learnt about the different branches of science and the significance of each on the world as a whole, students have also gone into depth about understanding the different Laboratory procedures that specifically focus on the safety in the laboratory. Students had the opportunity to create wonderful posters showcasing their understanding of safety in the laboratory. From Week 5 onwards students are going to delve into the topic of “States of Matter” which builds on their fundamental knowledge of solids, liquids and gases but focusing on the real-life scenarios of how this would relate to the water cycle.

This term, Year 8 students are covering the topic of “Matter” which includes covering the ideas of atoms, elements and the periodic table and understanding the difference between compounds and mixtures. Students are equipped with this knowledge in preparation for the practical task and exam that are happening later this term. Students will also start the with covering the topic of how these particles react!

Science in Years 9 and 10

In Year 9, we started our scientific journey this term by exploring how the functions of various body systems are coordinated. We learnt about metabolism, the role of enzymes in speeding up body reactions, and the various nutrients that our body can use. We learnt how these nutrients could be absorbed by the bloodstream through the villi lining the small intestine and we understood how the oxygen we breathe dissolves at the thin and moist surface of the alveoli located in our lungs. Furthermore, we briefly examined the role of the heart as the main blood pump in our body. We were able to contrast the natural pacemaker with the artificial one and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the first artificial pacemaker was invented by an Australian and successfully tested here in Sydney in 1926.

In Year 10, we delved into the fascinating world of DNA, the Deoxyribonucleic acid molecule. we learnt about the double-helix, twisted rope ladder configuration, and many of us constructed their own DNA models. We were intrigued to learn that most nuclei of our tiny body cells contain billions of nucleotides, the basic building block of a DNA. The nucleotides are arranged in an intricate manner within the cell nucleus in the form of 23 different pairs of chromosomes, each containing hundreds of genes, coding each a human trait. DNA replication was also examined as well as cell division. We noted the difference between the two cell division processes, Mitosis, for body growth and repair, and Meiosis for reproduction. Asexual as well as sexual reproduction were briefly outlined, and the random nature of chromosome multiplication was examined. Last but not least, we started to explore the secrets of inheritance and human characteristics.

Mr Bilal Almadi & Mr George Hassoun

Science Teacher

Investigating the Ancient Past

We are delighted to update you on the enriching journey of our Year 7 students in the History class, currently immersed in the unit, "Investigating the Ancient World." Through dynamic lessons, students have been exploring the essence of history via archaeology and source analysis. In this phase, they've gained insights into the nature of primary and secondary sources, learning to discern their usefulness and reliability in constructing a meaningful understanding of the past. We're thrilled to announce an upcoming excursion to the Chau Chak Wing Museum, where students will witness history come alive, deepening their appreciation for ancient civilizations, and honing their skills in source analysis.

As part of this expedition, students will discover the intricacies of preserving the past and comprehend the vital role it plays in shaping our present and future. This engaging experience is designed to foster a sense of curiosity and critical thinking in our young historians. We sincerely appreciate your support in encouraging their exploration of the ancient world and look forward to the continued growth of their historical knowledge.

The Western and Islamic World: The Ottoman Empire

We are thrilled to update you on the captivating journey of our Year 8 students in the History class, currently immersed in the exploration of "The Western and Islamic World – The Ottoman Empire (c. AD 1299 – c. 1683)." In this engaging unit, students have delved into the vibrant tapestry of life within the Ottoman Empire, dissecting its social, cultural, economic, and political features. Their studies extend to understanding the intricate roles and relationships of various societal groups, providing a comprehensive view of this historical period.

As part of their exploration, students are delving into significant developments and cultural achievements that showcase the profound power and influence of the Ottoman Empire. Key events like the fall of Constantinople in AD 1453 hold a central place in their studies, shedding light on pivotal moments that shaped the course of history. Additionally, students are unravelling the artistic and architectural marvels of the Ottoman era, gaining insights into the cultural richness that defined this remarkable empire. We are excited about the intellectual growth and historical awareness blossoming within our students and appreciate your continued support in fostering their curiosity about the past.

Year 9 History

Currently, students are studying the topic of "Making of the Modern World," which presents an opportunity for them to study the motives of historical events whilst interpreting various historical events. Furthermore, Year 9 History students will have the chance to participate in an excursion to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra this academic year.

Year 10 History

Students studying Modern World & Australia are currently focusing on the civil rights movement in Australia and America, offering them the opportunity to explore the historical events and situations. Throughout lessons, students are exploring the significance and nature of the civil rights movement by analyzing historical sources and videos. Furthermore, Year 10 History students will have the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra this year.

Ms Burcin Taskin & Ms Sumeyye Islek

HSIE Teachers

World of Commerce

In Year 9 Commerce, students are diving into the world of commerce, focusing on consumer and financial decisions. They're gaining valuable insights into the dynamics of consumers, improving their skills to make informed financial choices. Furthermore, students will acquire the skills of wise consumers and demonstrate their comprehension through a research assignment, applying their learning in practical scenarios.

“Work and Future Issues”

In Year 10 Commerce, students are learning about the “Work and Future issues”. They are exploring the impact on both individuals and society, examining the evolving trends in employment, sources of income, and the dynamic shifts in rights and responsibilities within the workplace. They examine diverse perspectives, enhancing their understanding of employment and future work.

Ms Mariam El Maarraoui

Commerce Teacher

Exploring Basketball in PDHPE Class

Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,

We are excited to share the thrilling success of our recent basketball unit in PDHPE class! Over the past few weeks, students across all grades have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of basketball, learning new skills, fostering teamwork, and embracing the joy of physical activity.

Skill Development: Throughout the unit, students honed their basketball skills under the guidance of our dedicated PDHPE teachers. From dribbling and passing to shooting and defensive techniques, students demonstrated remarkable progress and improvement with each practice session.

Teamwork and Collaboration: One of the highlights of the basketball unit was witnessing the incredible teamwork and collaboration among students. Whether they were working together to execute a successful play or cheering on their teammates from the sidelines, the sense of camaraderie and support was truly inspiring.

Healthy Competition: In addition to skill development and teamwork, students also engaged in friendly competitions and games to put their basketball skills to the test. These friendly matches not only provided an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities but also promoted sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for opponents.

Physical Fitness and Well-being: Participating in basketball class provided students with a fun and engaging way to stay active and maintain their physical fitness. Through drills, exercises, and gameplay, students enjoyed the benefits of regular physical activity while also learning about the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

Life Lessons Learned: Beyond the basketball court, students also gained valuable life lessons that will serve them well in the future. From learning the importance of perseverance and resilience to experiencing the satisfaction of setting and achieving personal goals, the basketball unit offered numerous opportunities for personal growth and development.

Watch this space for more exciting announcements and activities in PDHPE class as we continue to support our students' mental, emotional, and physical health.

Ms Aslihan Agyar & Mr Yusufhan Diler

PDHPE Teachers

Design and Technology

Welcome to Year 9 Design and Technology. Students have made a great start to term 1. Students will focus on Design and Technology in Agriculture. The lessons focus on design concepts and processes. Students are learning the basic concept of design. Students focus on the purpose of design and the principles of good design.

Year 10 Design and Technology focuses on Digital Technologies. Students are learning about creative tools that designers use to develop the most appropriate solution to a design brief. Students have completed various research tasks during the lessons.

Students in years 9 and 10 are working on a Design and Technology assessment task ‘Future Transport’. Students are working in groups to finalize a design brief and will work throughout the term to work on the assessment task.

We look forward to a fun and exciting term ahead.

Mrs Adeba Qasim

Design and Technology & TAS Teacher

Dear Parents,

As Term 1 is reaching its midpoint and heading towards the end, this letter reviews what Year 7 and Year 8 students have been exploring these last few weeks.

Year 7

For the Year 7 classes, we have been going over the topics of:

Week 1: Introduction to Digital Technologies and Innovation: Going through the class expectations and what innovative inventions are.

Week 2: Hardware components of a computer: Looking at what input and output components of a computer and how each piece of technology works.

Week 3: Netiquette and computer-related injuries: We worked on how to write a proper email and then design a menu as a class project. We are examining the behaviour and the mannerisms of being on the computer.

Week 4: Storage and Software: They define what software is and how people use different types of storage, both online and offline.

Week 5: Understanding data: This week is learning about the history of recording data and events before computers were invented and how information was spread.

Year 8

For the Year 8 Classes, we have been reviewing the topics:

Week 1: Introduction and Information Systems: Reviewing through the class expectations and what and how information systems work

Week 2: Real Life Problems: Create mind maps of some of the real-life problems we face daily.

Week 3: Suitability of Computer Hardware for Different Users and Types of Computers: The students work on defining the terms of what makes a computer work, including whether it is an input or output through mind maps.

Week 4: Computers, Algorithms and Flowcharts: They were researching complex machines and how they work. The students worked on flowcharts and how they worked with algorithms.

Week 5: Visual Programming, Structured Programming and Control Structures: This week is about going through the main structure of coding and the Scratch program for future assignments.

Over these last few weeks, I had the honour of teaching some of the brightest minds in my classes; going through their work has been a delight, and I am ecstatic to see what else they can present in the coming weeks. Many students have been taking advantage of bonus marks and projects, leading them to earn high marks in their classes and even visionary thinking.

Ms Noor Elmubasher

TAS Teacher

Year 7

This term Year 7’s have been focusing on learning the fundamentals of art including line and colour. They have explored colour through Jackson Pollock’s Drip painting techniques as well as focusing on their line skills by drawing single line portraits and maps. The students will soon begin their preparations for their portrait painting in the coming weeks for their submissions in week 7.

Year 8

The Year 8 Students are currently learning the beginnings of Australian Art and it’s history and styles. They have learnt about Minnie Pwerle, Queenie McKenzie among others and have participated in recreating various artworks as well as taking inspiration from them to create something new. The students will soon be focusing more deeply on dot painting as they will be soon beginning their dot painting portrait which will be submitted in week 8.

Year 9

Year 9 Visual Arts elective has begun learning about Still Life art with the focus being on Alice in Wonderland’s the Mad Hatter. The students have been looking at the history of Still Life as well as famous artists and artworks. The students have also been looking at inspiration for their upcoming sculpture assessment of their interpretation of the Mad Hatter’s hat which will be used in the second part of their assessment as the focus for their Mad Hatter’s Tea party Still Life painting.

Year 10

Year 10’s Visual Arts elective have a similar topic selection for this term as they are also focusing on Still Life art. The students have worked on their researching abilities on various art movements through history. The students will soon be beginning their clay sculptures of skulls as the recurring theme of traditional Still Life artworks.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Year 7 Music

Year 7 have been working hard trying to learn the basics on how to read music. They have been focusing on learning the rhymes for how to read music in the Treble Clef as well as learning the Note Values and Names. They will be commencing their preparations for their performance this term where they will perform a keyboard rendition of ‘All of Me’ by John Legend in weeks 6 and 7.

Year 8 Music

Year 8’s have been learning new skills in how to read tablature for the Ukulele. The students have worked on learning basic chords as well as working through revision of note values and note names this term. Year 8 will perform a piece of music on the ukulele in week 7 and have the choice of writing something themselves or to play an existing piece of their choosing.

Ms Joanne Silva

CAPA Coordinator

Merhaba Year 10

We started the term by getting to know the Year 10 students. The students completed the "Everything About Me" activity, sharing detailed information about themselves and writing about their summer holiday memories. Later, they read texts about many students from Maarif worldwide and got to know them. They filled out their weekly timetables in Turkish and conducted analyses related to the table.

Mrs Ayşegül Şeyma Akdemir

Turkish Coordinator

LİSEYE HOŞGELDİNİZ!

For 7th-grade advanced Turkish language classes, students will use Maarif Turkish books to ensure the correct and beautiful use of their Turkish language skills. We started our Turkish lessons by introducing ourselves and paying attention to Turkish pronunciation. We will improve their Turkish writing through dictation exercises. In order to enhance their reading comprehension, we progress by having each student read the texts in the book and answer the questions.

This year, we continue with our A1.2 Maarif Turkish book with 8th-grade beginners in Turkish. Lessons are progressing by supporting new learnings with the knowledge gained in previous sessions. Enjoying the nice weather, classes were held outdoors with students. We engaged in conversations with students about the sounds, objects, or natural events in our environment (such as rain falling, the sun shining, etc.), naming and discussing them. Students answered questions on the board and made the identifications themselves.

We started the semester with a verbal review of the previous year's topics with 9th-grade beginners in Turkish. We initiated our new subjects with fruits and vegetables in conjunction with the students. They verbally identified their favourite fruits and vegetables, expressing their preferences with sentences they would use during shopping. By role-playing shopping dialogues with their peers, they reinforced what they had learned.

We began the Year 10 beginner Turkish class by reviewing our previous topics. Students engaged in role-playing exercises, matching and acting out what they had previously learned with their classmates. Later, with the teacher's help, students narrated their actions in the class using simple sentences. With the teacher's help, students narrated their actions in the class using simple sentences. sentences. They reinforced these newly acquired skills through in-class role-playing.

Ms S. Meyra Bicer

Turkish Language Teachers

Year 7 - Beginner Turkish Students

With our Year 7 beginner-level students, we learnt to read traffic signs. We worked on different plans. We learnt how to give directions using the question pattern and the words: sola dön, sonra sağa, dön, düz git, önce, sonra ve daha sonra.

Now we are getting to know the vehicles.

Year 8 - Advanced Turkish students

They did an introductory activity while processing the My New School unit. They were given the task of meeting someone who had just moved to the neighbourhood and introducing them to their other friends. They first wrote this dialogue and then acted it out.

Now they are expanding their vocabulary on the topics of my home, my neighbourhood, and my neighbours under the title of my new neighbourhood. They are learning to use the expressions of greeting, asking for well-being, meeting, introducing and saying goodbye.( Selamlaşma, hal-hatır sorma, tanışma, tanıştırma ve vedalaşma)

Year 9 - Advanced Turkish Students

The advanced students of the ninth grade recognised the school's departments. They learnt to use ordinal numbers and to answer questions with place and direction expressions.

Now they are on the topic of my holiday memories. They are increasing their knowledge and vocabulary on topics such as holiday activities, types of holidays and famous holiday destinations.

Mrs Zeliha Uzun

Turkish Language 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 to all those who follow him.

This term in Islamic Studies secondary students is focusing on learning the basics and fundamentals of belief and worship in Islam such as knowing their creator, Pillars of faith as well as cleanliness, performing wudu and steps of salah. Students have also been learning about the various stories in Islam.

Mr Muhammed Ordukaya

Secondary Islamic Studies Teacher

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, includes the words of Allah (SWT). Learning Quran is an essential and noble act in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it. Quran is considered a source of guidance, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment to every Muslim. The benefits of learning Quran are bountiful in life and in the hereafter. The goal of teaching Quran is:

Teach students the benefits and etiquettes of reading Quran.
To help students to read Quran and improve their reading.
Memorise surahs and learn about Tajweed.
Provide a quick insight into the meaning of the verses we are learning as well as the meaning of the names of the Surah and its virtue.
In Tajweed they will learn the meaning and importance of Tajweed and will learn some.
Introduce basic Tajweed rules like Qalqalah and Al-Meem and Al-Noon Al-Saakinah.

Term Overview

There will be ongoing revision on recitation and memorisation each lesson and an oral assessment at the end of the term. Quran Activity book was handed out to students to record their activities, check homework, and for parents to monitor their children’s progress.

Year 7-8 beginners

Reading and revising a page each lesson and completing lessons 1-9 (Ders book) at a minimum. Reading from the beginners’ book will be based on students’ previous knowledge and current progress. Some students may be ahead and will be assigned different pages. Students are encouraged to memorise the verses 1-5 from Surat Al-Baqarah.

Years 7 & 8

In Term one Year 7 students will start reading from Juz 1, Surah Al-Baqarah, reciting an average of half a page each lesson, it will be based on the student’s ability and progress. Student will also memorise the first five verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (Alif Laam Meem).

Year 8 will start their recitation of Juz 5 Surah An-Nisa, reciting an average of half a page each lesson, varying based on the student’s ability and progress. Students will also be memorising Surah Al-Aadiyat.

Years 9 and 10 Beginners

Read a new page and revise a page each lesson, lessons 1-9 (Ders book). Assigned reading and homework will be based on students’ previous knowledge and current progress. Some students may be ahead and will be assigned different pages. Students in year 9 are encouraged to memorise Surah Al -Fajr and Year 10 students will be encouraged to memorise Surah Al-Buruj.

Years 9 & 10

Year 9 students will start reading from Juz 13, Surah Yusuf, about half a page each lesson and it will be increased based on the student’s progress. Year 9 students will memorise Surah Al-Fajr.

Year 10 will start their Quran reading from Juz 21, Surah Al- Ankabout, they will recite an average of half a page each lesson and it will be increased accordingly, based on the student’s progress. For memorisation, students will memorise Surah Al- Buruj.

An introduction to the meaning and importance of Tajweed will be provided and students will learn the Qalqalah and the Al-Meem, Al-Noon Al-Saakinah.

Ms Deya Mohamed

Secondary Qur'an Teacher

Debating

Maarif Secondary students participated in round one of the highly anticipated Islamic Schools Debating Competition on the 29^th of February. As temperatures soared (it was the hottest day of the year so far), so did the fire in the bellies of our committed debaters.

Our Stage 4 team was up first and despite narrowly losing to Western Grammar, they were determined to pull together as a team, learn from the experience and stoically carry on. It was a great strategy because they took home the win in their second debate. Their worthy opponents from Malek Fahd put up a good fight but the Maarif Team was just too good.

The Stage 5 debaters were more experienced with the intricacies of rhetoric (now I know why they talk so much every time there is a class discussion!) and formulated some strong arguments and made some striking rebuttals which led to victories against Western Grammar and Malek Fahd. The team could not contain their joy and for a moment I was convinced they would perform a victory dance after winning two out of two debates. They did however display maturity and composure and opted to exhibit good debating etiquette instead by shaking the hands of their opponents.

The talented Maarif debaters did themselves and our school proud and already have their sights set on Round 2 which will be at Al Noori in Term 2.

Up to twice a term, students may bring home a Book Club catalogue with a selection of books available for all ages. Book Club orders must be placed online via LOOP.

It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school safe and sound and the books will be delivered to class. You can place your child’s order at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

When placing orders online, please select ‘Secondary School’ as the class for all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

We request that our parents and/or carers be 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.

Road_Safety.pdf

Road_Safety _pdf 1.68 MB

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2024_Maarif_Calendar.pdf

2024_Maarif_Calendar _pdf 3.35 MB