International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Dear Maarif Parents,

In this newsletter, I would like to focus role of home activities and support to build strong foundations together. In our busy schedule, it is easy to overlook the importance of home activities or home learning. However, home activities play a pivotal role in shaping not just academic success, but also encouraging important life skills and strengthening family bonds.

Home learning is not just about completing assignments; it is about reinforcing classroom learning, promoting critical thinking, and instilling discipline and responsibility in students. When students engage with the effective activities at home, they deepen their understanding of concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to manage their time effectively.

Moreover, home activities provide an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning journey. By working independently on assignments, students build confidence in their abilities and become more self-reliant learners. This sense of empowerment is invaluable not only in academic settings but also in navigating real world challenges.

Beyond traditional homework assignments, engaging in home activities can further enrich a child's educational experience. Cooking together, gardening, or embarking on DIY projects not only make learning fun but also teach practical skills and foster creativity. These activities encourage curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration, all of which are essential for holistic development.

Furthermore, home activities offer a break from screen time and provide opportunities for meaningful interactions among family members. Whether it is a game night, a family gathering, or simply sharing stories around the dinner table, these moments strengthen familial bonds and create lasting memories.

Encouraging open communication, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, are just some ways families can support their children effectively. Additionally, creating a conducive study environment at home, free from distractions, can help children stay focused and motivated.

Together, we can build strong foundations that will empower Maarif generations to come. As we have NAPLAN exam next week, I want to remind you to continue being the pillars of strength and support that your children rely on. Offer them words of encouragement, help lighten any anxieties they may have, and remind them that you believe in their abilities.

As Ramadan approaches, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your family. This sacred month holds immense significance in our lives, offering us an opportunity for spiritual growth, reflection, and renewal. Let’s use this month as a teaching moment, not just through words but also through actions. Let our children witness our dedication to prayer, our acts of charity, and our efforts to strengthen our connection with Allah. Our example will resonate deeply with them and shape their understanding of faith and devotion.

Best Regards,

Screen_Shot_2023_02_20_at_11.07.07_am.jpg

Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to another edition of our newsletter. Students have been delving into learning across all Key Learning Areas with enthusiasm and are making great progress in their acquisition of skills and knowledge. It is wonderful to see the love for reading continuing to blossom in our classrooms. Thank you for monitoring the reading that is happening at home, this is really important.

We have Key Learning Area events coming up in March that I would like to inform you about. We have World Poetry Day where activities will take place in our school to celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures through the art of poetry. It is a means of self-expression, storytelling and exploration of themes. World Maths Day is another which is a fantastic opportunity to have our students excited about learning Maths as they engage in various activities. In Science lessons, students will observe World Water Day where they will celebrate water and become aware of people living without access to safe water.

A reminder that NAPLAN assessments will be conducted between 13-25 March. We encourage students to try their best for each test.

In our continued commitment to foster a safe and inclusive school environment, we have introduced a ‘Playground Buddy’ program where younger students will have another positive role model within our school and they will have their buddy to go to if they are worried about something in addition to their teachers. The program will also prove beneficial for Stage 3 students as they will take on and develop responsibility and learn how to be a positive role model for other students. Furthermore, the role of a ‘Playground Buddy’ will involve making their younger buddies feel comfortable during play time, supporting them to find solutions to any problems they may be encountering and teaching them new age-appropriate games.

We are proud of the progress of our students are making and the supportive community we have here at Maarif.

Until next edition….

Kind 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
1A	Ada Ozkan	Mikail Yaman
1B	Sara Bulli	Deren Atik
2A	Aliza Ahmed	Emirhan German
2B	Haroon Fahme	Sena Alca
3A	Muhammad Fahme	Medina Jawas
4A	Juanid Saidi	Salahuddin Nahle
4B	Uthman Maaliki	Yavuz Caliskan
5A	Haktan Cetiner	Anaum Khan
5B	Rayan Badarani	Leah AlSaheli
6A	Jada Saddiq	Berat Topaktas

Also congratulations to these students for receiving an award.

Our day at The Tramway Museum

1A students visited the Tramway Museum on Wednesday where they were given the opportunity to go inside old trams and see how transport was like in the past. They were given tickets to ride the tram and saw many sceneries whilst riding. They were also asked to draw an old tram and a new tram, we compared how things have changed and they did a fantastic job! This experience allowed the students to understand the concept of old and new and how time changes things around us. The students showed a lot of interest whilst listening to the facilitators and they were praised for their good behaviour and hard work for the day, well done 1A!

Mrs Ulku Turkmen

1A Class Teacher

All Learning Areas

1B has been making progress this term across all learning areas. In Mathematics, we have been exploring odd and even numbers through engaging activities such as relay games. We formed two teams, and each team had a goal of jumping on either an odd or even number and the first team to finish was the winner. In PDH, we have been working on identifying on our own strengths and qualities by reflecting on our inner and outer self. For Science we have been exploring living things. We conducted a celery experiment and observed what happened to the celery when placed in water mixed with food colouring. We watched how the leaves changed colours over the span of a week. We also conducted an experiment on how beans grow using beans, cotton wool and water. We are super excited to see the results. 1B is also super excited for their upcoming excursion to Sydney Tramway Museum, where they will have the opportunity to explore the past and the present.

Great work 1B!

Miss Bahar Sevgi

1B Class Teacher

Year 2 Collage Charm

Students eagerly explored a myriad of materials, textures and colours this week. From torn paper to fabric scraps, each element was carefully selected and arranged to capture the essence of Van Gogh’s iconic style!

We were also fortunate to have Hilal, a support team member, grace our classroom with her presence and support for the learning experience.

Mrs Maryam Faisal

2A Class Teacher

Sprouting Scientists: 2B's Seedventure in Mini-Greenhouses

In the buzzing hive of our classroom, the curious minds of 2B have embarked on a thrilling journey into the mysteries of plant growth! With twinkles in their eyes, they've delved into a captivating experiment, crafting cozy environments for tiny seeds to sprout and flourish. Instead of planting in soil, they carefully nestled seeds into damp paper towels, sealing them snugly in sandwich bags to create mini-greenhouses. Exploring the concepts of variants and constants, they placed these bags in different corners of the room, each with its own unique conditions. With giggles and whispers, they observed as their seedlings embarked on their verdant voyage, learning about the magic of growth and the importance of nurturing our green companions. Through teamwork and scientific wonder, they're sowing the seeds of knowledge for a brighter tomorrow!

Ms Suzan Tarpis

2B Class Teacher

Maths and Typing Quest

Students of Year 3 collaboratively worked in groups and participated in Math games to improve their understanding of multiplication, they adopt an interactive and stimulating approach to comprehend mathematical concepts. By employing strategies such as arrays, skip counting, and repeated addition, they not only enhance their multiplication skills but also refine their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. These games encourage students to think creatively, fostering a deeper comprehension of the connections between numbers and operations. This hands-on learning method not only increases the enjoyment of Math but also establishes a solid groundwork for future mathematical pursuits.

Moreover, this term students are participating in a typing program to improve their typing skills. This program includes regular practice sessions, teaching proper finger placement and keyboard layout. Interactive exercises and games are used to make learning enjoyable. By the program's end, students are expected to have developed strong typing skills, which will benefit them academically and professionally.

Ms Samira Asad

3A Class Teacher

Irrigation Setups

This week in our Food and Fibre science unit, our main task was to build water irrigation systems. Students collaborated in groups to establish their own guidelines for these systems, then proceeded to sketch out their designs. After that, they collected the materials needed and began constructing their irrigation setups. It was thrilling to watch each group's water flow from one point to another. While some designs were successful, others needed tweaks to work better. Overall, it was a fun and engaging activity for everyone.

Ms Melike Tugrul

4A Class Teacher

Food and Fibre

For Science students have been exploring food and fibre and how food is grown and taken care of at farms and similar areas.

Students explored the technology of water irrigation systems as a means of watering fruits and vegetables at farms.

After discussing the function and uses of water irrigation systems, students began to create their own with cups, straws, clay, paper clips and any other classroom items they deemed necessary.

Students enjoyed creating their water irrigation systems! Together, we tested the irrigation systems and students were excited to see how the water travels and waters the ‘pants’ in the cups.

Mrs Ayse Yildiz

4B Class Teacher

Yeast Experiments

The students’ enthusiasm in science has not faded even a little bit as we had another two experiments exploring how yeast works. The most anticipated one was that we made bread in class. Starting from scratch with water, flour and yeast, the students mixed the ingredients, kneaded the dough, let it proof, and we “baked” them in a microwave. “It actually tastes like bread”, the students exclaimed how simple it is to make bread.

During the dance lesson, we refreshed the movement of bush dance. Some of them remember the dance clearly from years back while others are completely new to it. As a class, we managed to pull off a few leg movements.

The Geography excursion was a huge success with students learning about factors that shape the environment. Through building habitats for baby turtles on the beach, they learned how natural factors affect the fauna in a specific environment.

Mr Mike Liu

5A Class Teacher

Exploring our School Values

During our PDH lesson, students in 5B collaborated in groups to explore our school's core values of respect, honesty, cooperation, and excellence, with a focus on inclusivity. Through a creative brainstorming session, students shared stories and examples, vividly illustrating what these values look like in action, both in school and in the wider community. Their collaborative efforts highlighted the importance of listening to one another, being truthful, working as a team, and embracing diversity. This activity not only reinforced our school values but also empowered our students to embody these values in their daily interactions.

Mrs Fatima Memedoski & Ms Amel Mehana

5B Class Teachers

PDHPE Poster Challenge

During week 5 students explored the concept of healthy decisions in PDHPE around the concept of Medicine. Students in class create a health promotion poster around the concept of drug use to educate themselves and their peers. Students used their sensory elements such as touch and visualisation to be able to create a poster that incorporates elements of promotion and persuasion through visual techniques learnt during English lessons. Hands on activities such as poster creation allow students to use their critical thinking skills and visualisation skills to create different representations to attract the audience. The students also competed against each other to see who can create the best poster where in class create a poster judging show

Here are some photos of the different posters that students created.

Miss Dilara Ozhan

6A Class Teacher

Year 3 and 4

This week in Turkish Years 3 and 4 students worked on their storytelling abilities. They were given the names of characters and some pictures and were asked to describe what was going on and tell a story linking the pictures to each other. They later played interactive games to recap their knowledge on Turkish terms.

Keep up the great work Years 3 and 4!

Year 5

This week in Turkish Year 5 students were introduced to Family Words. They formed sentences about their families and told the class about how many siblings they have. Students are forming more sentences and increasing their writing ability.

Keep up the good work Year 5!

Year 6

This week in Turkish Year 6 students discussed what ‘Erdemler’ means. They gave their ideas and thoughts about the topic and tried very hard to express themselves in Turkish, forming longer, more detailed sentences.

Keep it up Year 6!

Miss Esma Dogan

Turkish Language Teacher

Plants

We conducted a bean experiment with our 1st-grade students to observe the growth of plants. We began tracking the effects of sunlight and water on the plants together.

Our 2nd-grade students are learning to read two-digit numbers in Turkish on a staircase house. They express their emotions through various Turkish activities and drama exercises.

Ms Özge Ilıca Akçelik

Turkish Language Teacher

Sihirli Sözcükler

We read the reading passage titled "Magic Words" with year 4 students from our MEB textbook. We discussed why we use magic words and why we should use them. Afterward, various scenarios/situations were presented, and we determined which words we should use in these situations.

Nasıl Giderim?

6th-grade students continued to ask for and provide directions. Using various maps, they reviewed buildings and improved their Turkish language skills in asking and giving directions.

Mrs Seyma Akdemir

Turkish Language Coordinator

Year 2

This week, our 2nd grade students learned how to express their emotions. First, we made cubes with facial expressions, then we acted them out and described them in Turkish. Additionally, we hung up facial expression charts in our classroom where we can indicate how we feel each morning, attaching our names to them with clips.

Year 3

This week, our 3rd grade students engaged in activities focused on fluent reading, comprehension, and answering questions based on the text they read. We aimed to enhance both our reading comprehension skills and vocabulary knowledge.

Year 5

This week, our 5th grade students worked on antonyms. First, we learned antonymous words and recorded them in our Turkish notebooks. Then, we prepared a pocket-sized booklet containing antonyms that we can carry with us at all times.

Ms Tutku Sahin

Turkish Language Teacher

Primary Year 5&6 Religion

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.

Year 5B Students were reciting, practising, and memorising Dua Qunoot 1 which was displayed on the smartboard.

In Islamic Studies Year 5A Students were taught about the first pillar of Islam the Shahadah and its meaning. Students identified the five pillars of Islam. Students also watched a Prophet story. We discussed about the main points of the story and the lessons we need to take and how we can implement into practice.

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

Rhythms

We developed the sense of rhythm in the student by conducting rhythm studies in the Year 2. The student learned to capture their own rhythm by applying the rhythm they heard.

By working on blockfult in the 4th grade, students were enabled to discover the musical instrument and play tiny melodies.

Keyboard started to be learned in 5th grades. Studies were conducted on the piano playing technique on the keyboard.

Mrs Fisun Benlisoy

Music Teacher

Welcome to the latest edition of our sports roundup! The last two weeks have been a rollercoaster of sports fun, and we're here to spill the beans.

Cricket-wise, forget catching balls; we levelled up to a full-on game. Shoutout to our juniors for bringing in the win – total blast!

In the pool, we owned freestyle and backstroke like champs. Basketball and volleyball? We were tossing hoops and making epic plays. Courtside feels were next level.

Now, soccer in scorching heat? Challenge accepted and aced. Because nothing stops us from kicking it on the field.

Stay tuned for more crazy sports antics. The game goes on, and so do the good times. Catch you in the next update!

Gentle Reminder:

Parents and students, as the sports season heats up, let's remember to:

Stay hydrated by bringing your water bottles.
Be equipped for success by wearing the correct sports uniform and shoes.
For our swimmers, ensure you have your swimmers and towels packed.

The Student Corner is a dedicated space for students of any year level to showcase their unique work and talents!

Nour Isik - 1A

Emir Sarimsaklio - 1B

Yusuf Ozdemir - 2A

Atilla Aydin - 2B

Narin Ince - 3A

Aneesa Samrout - 4B

Haktan Cetiner - 5A

Aleena Khan - 5B

Deema Ahmed - 6A

Dear Parents,

We are excited to inform you that our school will be hosting a special parent meeting with a delegation from the Turkish Maarif Foundation. The meeting will take place on Monday between iftar and teravih at our school premises.

This is a valuable opportunity for all parents to meet with representatives from the Turkish Maarif Foundation, who are visiting from Türkiye. The delegation will be available to share information about their organization and its initiatives, as well as to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Date: Monday 11 March 2024
Time: 8 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: International Maarif Schools of Australia (2 Percy St, Auburn 2144)
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided

We encourage all parents to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to engage with the Turkish Maarif Foundation delegation. Your participation and input are highly valued as we strive to strengthen our school community.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

NAPLAN_2024_Parent_carer_suggested_newsletter_email_content _pdf 115.85 KB

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 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

2024_Primary_School_Uniform_Order_Form.pdf

2024_Primary_School_Uniform_Order_Form _pdf 186.13 KB

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.

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 smartwatches.

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.

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.

We request that our parents and/or carers be extra cautious during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Years 1 - 3 are dismissed from the Front School Gate.

Years 4 - 6 are dismissed from the Side School Gate.

Road_Safety.pdf

Road_Safety _pdf 274.27 KB

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 it also causes traffic congestion.

- Follow the directions of our school crossing supervisors.

- Give way to our School Bus drivers.

Road_Safety.pdf

Road_Safety _pdf 1.68 MB

Thank you for your cooperation.

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.

InternationalMaarifSchools_Edstart_A4_Flyer_Plus_2.pdf

InternationalMaarifSchools_Edstart_A4_Flyer_Plus_2 _pdf 642.05 KB

Maarif_Behaviour_Expectations_Matrix_final_2 _pdf 98.00 KB

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:

Student_Short_Term_Leave_Application_Form_less_than_50_days_.pdf

Student_Short_Term_Leave_Application_Form_less_than_50_days pdf 263.96 KB

Instagram: @australiamaarif

Facebook: Maarif Australia

Twitter: @AUmaarif

Youtube: @MaarifSchoolsOfAustralia

‘Bir Sevdadir Anadolu’ Melbourne	8 - 10 March 2024
Ramazan Begins	11 March 2024
Primary Iftar (Year 3 - 6)	12 March 2024
NAPLAN (Year 3 & 5)	13 - 25 March 2024

2024_Maarif_Calendar.pdf

2024_Maarif_Calendar _pdf 3.35 MB