International Maarif Schools of Australia eNewsletter

Dear Maarif Parents,

In this newsletter, I would like to emphasise the importance of our school uniform policy. School uniforms represent our school, so they should be worn correctly both inside and outside of the school. Additionally, they help identify your child's belongings. Therefore, we kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that your child wears the correct uniform components, including the appropriate hat, ironed and clean clothes without any tears. We understand that sometimes oversights may occur, but it is crucial for the overall atmosphere and values of the school that all students present themselves in the correct uniform. This not only promotes a sense of belonging but also helps in minimising distractions and disruptions in the classroom. Additionally, we would like to highlight that from Year 3 onwards, it is mandatory for all girls to wear full stockings under their skirts or dresses. This rule is in place to ensure uniformity and modesty among our students. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated as it contributes to the smooth functioning of our school community.

Our upcoming Three-Way Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews are scheduled for April 9th. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for open communication between parents, teachers, and students to discuss progress, goals, and any concerns.

Details of the interviews:

Date: April 9th

Booking Method: Sentral Parent Portal

Format: Face-to-face in your child's classroom.

To ensure smooth scheduling, please make your bookings via the Sentral Parent Portal at your earliest convenience. This portal allows you to select your preferred time slot for the interview.

We highly encourage all parents to participate in these interviews as they help in your child's academic journey and overall development. By engaging in constructive dialogue, we can work together to support your child's success. If you encounter any difficulties with the booking process or have any questions regarding the interviews, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office for assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to fruitful discussions during the upcoming interviews.

Best regards,

Screen_Shot_2023_02_20_at_11.07.07_am.jpg

Dr Zeynep Yaseen

Principal

Dear Maarif Families,

As Term 1 is coming to an end, I would like to congratulate our students who have been selected as ‘Student of the Week’ as they have been demonstrating the school values in all areas of our school, proving to be role models for their peers.

Our ‘Playground Buddy’ program has commenced where Year 5 and 6 buddies have been offering support and guidance to Year 1 and 2 students during lunch time. Buddies help with minor playground disagreements fairly, encourage their buddy to join in, play and inform teachers on duty if there are any issues.

Please make an appointment to see your child’s teachers on Parent-Teacher-Student interviews. Students will no longer receive a student portfolio binder to bring home, their learning will be shared digitally this term. From next term, we will transition to a new online platform where student work can be shared and celebrated. Please be on the lookout for more information to be shared about this soon.

On another note, due to Ramazan, our school will be celebrating Harmony Week in Term 2. We will delve into what Harmony Week represents on the day, which is inclusiveness, respect and belonging for us all. We look forward to all our students coming to school dressed in either an orange top with school sport pants or traditional costumes.

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 7	Week 8
1A	Nour Isik	Nikan Basiri
1B	Alya Rizk	Ahsen Gelebek
2A	Musa Chehaita	Aneesa Barham
2B	Esila Alagoz	Asiya Ulucanli
3A	Narin Ince	Malik Duran
4A	Nilgun Basiri	Sayid Kudusov
4B	Elif Nur Sahin	-
5A	Safiya Abbas	Elisa Ozdemir
5B	Daniyal Khan	Amira Al Salem
6A	Aylin Kice	Adam Haouchar

Also congratulations to these students for receiving an award.

Blast from the Past

1A students have been looking at items from the past. They were asked to bring these into school and talk about it in front of the class. They did such a great job in explaining what their item was and how it was used. They brought in items such as iPods, CD / DVD players, Nintendo, video cameras, old mobile phones etc.

History will help students understand how people from different times used to live. Also, learning history is great to learn about people and how they lived. It also provides context into how environments change and gives us an understanding of who we are and the time we are living.

Mrs Ulku Turkmen

1A Class Teacher

Sydney Tramway Museum

1B was super fortunate to travel to the Sydney Tramway Museum this fortnight. We learnt all about why Sydney’s Trams were such an important part of everyday life and the relevance of these in our everyday lives. Students went on a real-life tram ride all the way through the Royal National Park and into Sutherland Station. We then had the opportunity to go through a guided Museum tour where we were able to view and learn about a wide range of historical equipment and memorabilia. We even learnt about the famous prison tram escape by Darcy Dugan who was able to escape out of the prison tram! During the Creative Arts activity, students sketched trams from the past and sketched what they think future trams will look like.

We have also been exploring shelters in Science this week, in particular animal shelters. We made playdough and worked on creating shelters using small paddle pop sticks. We were encouraged to use our creative/imaginative minds to create these, and we loved the results!

Miss Bahar Sevgi

1B Class Teacher

Scaling New Heights in Year 2

With a growth mindset as their compass, Year 2 students discovered newfound strengths within themselves. During our excursion to the Sydney Climbing Gym, students uncovered the power of perseverance, resilience and teamwork!

As they climbed walls and reached new heights, they learned to embrace the unknown, to push beyond their comfort zones, and to believe in their ability to overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.

Mrs Maryam Faisal

2A Class Teacher

Adventurous Exploration: Year 2 Conquers Rock Climbing

In a thrilling escapade that combined physical challenge with lessons in resilience and growth mindset, Year 2 recently embarked on a rock climbing excursion as part of their PDHPE curriculum. Scaling walls, navigating dark tunnels, and supporting one another every step of the way, students not only built physical strength but also fortified their interpersonal skills for inclusion.

Amidst the exhilarating climbs and the occasional nerve-wracking moments in dark tunnels, the young adventurers embraced the opportunity to overcome obstacles, fostering a spirit of resilience and determination. Through cheers of encouragement and helping hands extended, Year 2 demonstrated the power of teamwork and camaraderie, illustrating that every triumph is sweeter when shared. As they descended from their lofty heights, beaming with pride and newfound confidence, it was clear that this experience had not only tested their physical abilities but had also instilled invaluable life lessons in perseverance and inclusion.

Ms Suzan Tarpis

2B Class Teacher

The Joy of Learning Through Games

Understanding fractions can often be difficult for students, so involving them in fraction math games can be a joyful and efficient method to improve their grasp of the subject. Students of Year 3 had this opportunity to be involved in interactive activities allowing them to explore and manipulate fractions in a playful environment, fostering a deeper comprehension through hands-on experience. Observing students as they navigate through these educational games is truly rewarding; their faces light up with joy and pride as they conquer new challenges and master complex concepts. It’s a testament to the power of gamified learning in making abstract mathematical ideas tangible and enjoyable.

In Science, students of Year 3 dived into light ray games and focus on the principles of reflection. Each level is designed to captivate their attention, progressively introducing more complex scenarios that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As they advance, they not only learn about the behaviour of light but also develop a sharper, more analytical mindset.

Ms Samira Asad

3A Class Teacher

Aboriginal Art

This week in 4A, we engaged in another enriching and enjoyable art lesson. We explored a different style of Aboriginal art known as bark painting. Afterwards, students created their own bark art by searching for sticks from the garden and incorporating images inspired by Aboriginal culture. Their designs were vibrant and impressive, showcasing their understanding of Aboriginal traditions.

Ms Melike Tugrul

4A Class Teacher

Create 1000

During our Math class, students engaged in an exciting interactive game called 'Create 1000'. This multiplayer activity involved using counters to navigate around the game board. Whenever they landed on a number, they added it to their previous total, maintaining a running record as they progressed. The objective? To be the first to reach a grand total of 1000.

Mrs Ayse Yildiz

4B Class Teacher

Early Morning Games & Personal Responsibilities

Congratulations to the students who received a bronze award for their continuous efforts to uphold the school's values.

Over the last two weeks, students in 5A have enjoyed different games after they arrived at school. They were provided with engaging games such as chess and tumbling tower, which they were free to play with a peer. They utilised the time before lessons started to develop problem-solving skills, concentration capacity and relationship-building skills. The students were delighted with this morning routine and suggested that we introduce a more variety of games.

In PDH, students have been exploring the concept of personal responsibilities. We mainly looked at how sleep, exercise, safety practices and health check-ups can positively influence our health and some of our responsibilities in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We also extended the topic to investigate healthy eating, where students recall several unhealthy foods and why they are unhealthy. Most of the class was shocked by how much sugar is in soft drinks, and they decided to make a poster to tell people to avoid unhealthy foods.

Mr Mike Liu

5A Class Teacher

Harbour Highlights: Reeling in Knowledge and Making Waves with Year 5B!

Our Year 5B students attended an exciting Sydney Harbour excursion on a Captain Cook private charter, offering a hands-on experience of Sydney's waterways. Against the city's skyline, our 5B students appreciated the beauty of Sydney Harbour in a different way. Observing the sails of the Sydney Opera House and gaining a new perspective on the Sydney Harbour Bridge had made for a day of discovery and excitement.

Rangers enriched the experience by sharing insightful information about harbor habitats through the boat's speakers. They pointed out distinctive features and engaged the students in discussions about human impacts on the area, prompting reflections on the role humans play in shaping the environment.

The 'Beach Habitat' challenge proved to be a highlight, as students collaborated in small teams to construct homes for various coastal creatures. This project not only fostered teamwork but also deepened our understanding of ecosystems. The Hand-reel Fishing adventure added an element of excitement, with a hands-on opportunity to catch fish and observe water-dwelling critters, contributing to a heightened awareness of local species and the intricacies of the harbour's ecology.

The day had successfully blended enjoyment with education, allowing Year 5B to appreciate their local environment in a new light. The synergy of exploration, teamwork, and reflection during the excursion ensured a holistic learning experience that will resonate with our students for years to come.

Mrs Fatima Memedoski & Ms Amel Mehana

5B Class Teachers

Geography Creative Task

Throughout the Geography unit, students explored the concept of intercultural experiences through the concept migration in the Asia Pacific region. Students in class had many discussions about the experiences of migration and the causes of migration. Students in class complete a brochure based on research task on a specific Asia Pacific region. Students used sensory and visualisation elements, such as touch and visualisation, to depict their special environment. Hands-on activities such as building and drawing allow students to use their critical thinking and visualisation skills to depict their safe place. The students also competed against each other to see who could create the best brochure using graphic skills.

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

Miss Dilara Ozhan

6A Class Teacher

İstiklal Marşı

Last week, we celebrated the 103^rd anniversary of Adoption of the Turkish National Anthem and remembered the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy in Turkish lessons. Students listened and recited ‘İstiklal Marşı’ both with and without music in the classroom.

Çanakkale Geçilmez

March 18 is an important date in Turkish history, known as“Çanakkale Victory Day” or “Çanakkale Zaferi” in Turkish. The day commemorates the victory of the Ottoman Empire against the Allied Powers during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. This historic event has great significance for the Turkish people as it symbolizes the strength, determination and courage of the Turkish soldiers who fought to protect their homeland.

This week we celebrated 109^th of anniversary of Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Day.

In Year 4, the students recited the poem "Dur Yolcu" and were introduced to Seyit Onbaşı through a video. Afterwards, they listened to the ‘Çanakkale Türküsü’ and filled in the blanks while listening to the song.

Mrs Seyma Akdemir

Turkish Language Coordinator

Year 3

This week in Turkish Year 3 students commemorated the anniversary of the Turkish National Anthem’s acceptance. They watched a short clip explaining the history behind it then got to work writing and reading the national anthem. Great work Year 3!

Year 4

This week in Turkish Year 4 commemorated the anniversary of the Turkish National Anthem’s acceptance. We discussed what the national anthem was and why it was important. The students then wrote the anthem and decorated the page it was on, each in their own style. Good job Year 4!

Year 5

This week in Turkish we commemorated the anniversary of the Turkish National Anthem’s acceptance. Students recited the anthem in class and worked on crafts depicting both the Turkish flag and the anthem. They did a wonderful job!

Year 6

This week in Turkish Year 6 students commemorated the acceptance of the Turkish National Anthem. They were asked to explain why the anthem was important and what it meant to them. They read the anthem and discussed what each sentence meant. They also wrote and designed their own national anthem pages. Great work Year 6!

Miss Esma Dogan

Turkish Language Teacher

Year 1

We learned addition and subtraction with our 1st-grade students by speaking in Turkish. We reinforced addition and subtraction signs by playing different games and engaging in drama activities.

Year 2

With our 2nd-grade students, we formed pairs based on the question "odd or even?" and acted as mirrors to each other.

Ms Özge Ilıca Akçelik

Turkish Language Teacher

Year 2

In our Turkish class, we celebrated the date of March 12th when Turkey's national anthem, the 'İstiklal Marşı,' was adopted with our year 2 students through coding and coloring activities. We learned about the author of our National Anthem, Mehmet Akif Ersoy. Additionally, we delved into the question 'How do scientists think?' and learned about the mindset of scientists together.

Year 3

In our Turkish class with our year 3 students, we celebrated the day the 'İstiklal Marşı' was adopted by engaging in various activities. These included coding and coloring exercises, handwriting the 'İstiklal Marşı' onto prepared templates, and affixing a photograph of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the author of our 'İstiklal Marşı', along with his quote into our notebooks. Additionally, we watched an animated film depicting the adoption of the 'İstiklal Marşı'.

Year 4

In our Turkish class, we watched a short animated film with our 5th-grade students, depicting the 'İstiklal Marşı' and the life of its author, Mehmet Akif Ersoy. After watching the film, we shared our thoughts, and our students recited the 'İstiklal Marşı' by heart. Additionally, we wrote our national anthem on prepared templates. Elisa and Zübeyir also recited poems for us. I am proud of you all!

Ms Tutku Sahin

Turkish Language Teacher

Iftar Dinner

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmetullahi wa barakatuh,

Primary Iftar dinner was held to celebrate the breaking of fast at sunset during Ramadan. The breaking of the fast began with reciting the Adhan, a delicious meal was provided while teachers and parents helped to make it a memorable evening. There was lots of fun and laughter as the food was eaten, and we know that everyone enjoyed the evening. Following the meal, students prayed Salat al-Maghrib together.

We would like to thank all staff and our parent committee for this great opportunity allowing us to engage and develop a greater understanding of Iftar dinner. On the behalf of Maarif, we wish you and your families a blessed, fruitful, and rewarding Ramadan this year. Ramadan Mubarak.

Mr Muhammed Ordukaya

Qur’an and Islamic Studies Teacher

World of Music

Students learnt the details and rules of music in our music lessons. We also continue to discover music with various musical and rhythm instruments and in the world of music.

Mrs Fisun Benlisoy

Music Teacher

Maarif Sports

Welcome back Maarif sports families! We are excited to share the latest sports highlights from our students this week! On the Soccer Field, extreme heat conditions were around and practicing Ramadan but that didn’t stop us! The children engaged in activities focusing on improving their ball skills, and coordination. They also enjoyed a light game of soccer emphasising teamwork and sportsmanship.

On the Cricket pitch, our young cricketers focused on refining their cricketing skills through light drills and practice sessions. They also had the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cricket match.

Over in in Pool, emphasis was placed on mastering efficient movement through the water, developing endurance, and building confidence in their abilities as well as practicing essential survival skills and water rescue techniques.

Thank you to all the participating students and families. We value the importance of sports and the positive energy and skills it instils in our students. A friendly reminder to all students and families to ensure they are adequately equipped for sports days:

Full sports uniform
Hats
Water bottles
Swimming attire

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

Cesur Bugdayli- 1A

Bilal Ufacikligil - 1B

Asiya Yilmam - 2A

Asma Kanj - 2B

Mikaal Khan - 3A

Aya El Helou - 4A

Fatima Gencag - 4B

Zara Ergun - 5A

5B

Sumeyye Turkmen - 6A

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

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

Maarif_Behaviour_Expectations_Matrix_final_2 _pdf 98.00 KB

Instagram: @australiamaarif

Facebook: Maarif Australia

Twitter: @AUmaarif

Youtube: @MaarifSchoolsOfAustralia

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.

NAPLAN (Year 3 & 5)	13 - 25 March 2024
Jersey Day	25 March 2024
Student - Parent Interviews	9 April 2024

2024_Maarif_Calendar.pdf

2024_Maarif_Calendar _pdf 3.35 MB