Secondary Welcome Letter

Friday 16th February 2018 Dear Parents / Guardians, Assalamu Alaykum Message from the Secondary Coordinator Welcome back to a new school year. We would like to extend a special welcome to all our new Year 7 students and parents and those from other years who joined our High School this year. We have been very impressed with Year 7 students and their transition into High School. Well done Year 7 and keep up the great effort! We are delighted to have the following staff join our High School teaching team: Ms Joumana Issa – Mathematics and Girls Wellbeing Mr Tallal Taha – PDHPE/Sports Ms Danielle Jebara – Creative Arts Ms Jena Yalcinkaya – Teacher’s Aide Ms Elif Tirzik – HSIE and Turkish Changes to the iPad Program Following information was sent to parents on 5th February 2018 Beginning of last year we introduced the “Bring Your Own iPad Program”. To assist students and parents, our school purchased the iPad on a 2 year plan. The students paid half of the cost last year and the other half is to be paid this year. Due to the numerous issues arising from the inappropriate use of the iPad by students, College will procure the iPads by giving them the following options: Option1 – return the iPad to the school by 12/02/18 and the school will credit $200 towards your child’s school fees. Option 2- keep the iPad and pay the outstanding balance of $300 to the school by the end of February 2018. From now onwards, the iPads will be the property of our College and they will be issued to the students for their learning purposes only during school hours. Students are not allowed to bring their own device to school. We thank parents for their cooperation in helping us providing a safe and supportive environment to our students. Free Dental Check-Up at School for Our Students The Australian government has an initiative for school children to have access to CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule) through Medicare. Peoples Healthcare Services Australia has partnered with us to bring its fully equipped Mobile Dental Clinic and AHPRA registered dental practitioners to our school to conduct dental check-ups from 26th February to 16th March. The dental treatment and preventative oral health care program is a free of charge for eligible families and students aged between 2-17 years and provide benefits to the child for basic dental services that includes:

Dental examination

Dental X-rays

Fillings & sealants

Fluoride treatment

Preventive Oral Care, such as oral hygiene assistance and cleaning of teeth The consent form was handed out to all students

Homework Subject teachers set homework as a means of consolidating what is learnt in the classroom and as an extension/enrichment of what is taught. The College seeks the support of parents in ensuring that their child does homework on a regular basis. Parents should follow up with their child’s homework and check that it is completed. As a guide only, study/homework time for students in Years 7 & 8 usually means an average of 1-2 hours per school day. Year 9 students spend an average of 2-3 hours per day. The table below shows which subject teachers have given homework for the day. It has been scheduled so that students have enough time to spend on each subject. Homework Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

English English English English English

Maths Maths Maths Maths 8 and 9 Maths

Arabic/Turkish PDHPE Creative Arts Science History

Science Technology 9 Geography

Assessments The Assessment Policy and guidelines are on the College Website. Assessment timeline for Term One is shown below. Term One Assessment Timeline Year 7

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

2

3

4

5

6 PDHPE 20% Science Practical Investigation 25%

7 English Speech 15%

Quran 10%

8 Technology Product Design 20%

Turkish Presentation 20%

9 Math Test 20%

10 History 20%

Term 1 Assessment Task Timeline Year 8

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 Science Model 25% Quran 25 % PDHPE 20%

8 Technology Product Design 20%

Turkish Presentation 20%

9 English Creative Writing 15%

Math Test 20 %

10 History20%

Term 1 Assessment Task Timeline Year 9

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 English Speech20%

Quran 25%

8 Food Tech. Nutrition20%

Creative Arts Assessment

Turkish Presentation 20%

9 Science Model 25%

Math Test 20%

10 History 20 %

Geography Multimedia Presentation 25%

PDHPE 20%

Roll Call Program Monday Reading PRC (Premiers Reading Challenge) Books Tuesday Wellbeing session Wednesday Reading PRC (Premiers Reading Challenge) Books Thursday Sports Day Friday Reading PRC (Premiers Reading Challenge) Books Assembly School assemblies will be held in the morning on Fridays. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to come and join us during assemblies. ASSEMBLY ROSTER for TERM 1 – 2018

FRIDAY CLASS PRESENTING

WEEK 1 No assembly, no awards

WEEK 2 No assembly, no awards

WEEK 3 Year 7

Awards only- Wellbeing Program “You Can Do It”

WEEK 4 No assembly, no awards

WEEK 5 No assembly, no awards

WEEK 6 Year 8

Awards only - Wellbeing Program “You Can Do It”

WEEK 7 No assembly, no awards

WEEK 8 Public Holiday (Good Friday)

WEEK 9 Year 9

Awards only - Wellbeing Program “You Can Do It”

WEEK 10 No assembly, no awards

Important dates and announcements of Term 1 SPORTS DAY: Thursday, Year 9 PE on Tuesday’s

MONTH OF RAJAB BEGINS: Monday, 19th March

HARMONY DAY: Tuesday, 21st March

YEAR 7 VACCINATION: 27th March

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS: Tuesday, 10th April

LAST DAY OF TERM 1: Friday, 13th April

FIRST DAY OF TERM 2, 2018 FOR ALL STUDENTS: Monday, 30th of April

Topics to study in each Key Learning Area (KLA) English and Islamic Studies: Mr. Ozan Angin

Year 7 Students started the year with their ‘Flights of Fantasy’ unit looking at storytelling and fantasy stories, whilst also incorporating the place of storytelling in the Quran such as the story of Yusuf (a.s.) and the use of parables in Surah Nur. The prescribed novel that will be handed out this term is The Imaginary by A. F. Harrold. Year 8 have begun their ‘Pop Culture’ unit which looks at the way young people are targeted in the media. They have looked at the ways popular brands target young people like them and become part of popular culture. An aim of the unit is to build student awareness about popular culture to strengthen students’ perceptions of themselves and how it is influence by popular culture. Year 9 are looking at social agency by studying the ‘Protesting for Change’ unit. Students will be given the opportunity to study performance poetry, songs and a variety of other persuasive texts. Islamic Studies In Term, 1 student will be exploring the basics of Shari’ah and Islamic Law. The idea of the sources of Islamic law as well as Islamic Jurisprudence (fiqh) will be explored. Contemporary issues will also be explored like the place of Madhabs today and how to negotiate contemporary issues.

Mathematics: Ms. Joumana (Head of Secondary Maths) and Mr. Mustafa As part of the Mathematics department, Mr Mustafa and I (Ms Joumana) will work to raise students’ numeracy skills in mathematics. Parent(s)/carer(s) are expected to support teachers to ensure students excel further and reach their true potential. In term 1, our students will sit a written exam covering all the concepts taught this term. A two-week notification will be given to our students prior, to help them prepare and be organised. In addition, every week for approximately 20 minutes our students will do quizzes to help them retain the concepts covered and to help them become more familiar with exam conditions. Furthermore, the year 7 and year 9 students will have one lesson per week dedicated to NAPLAN practice. Inshaa’Allah, by next week all our students will have access to Cambridge HOTmaths which is an interactive online maths teaching and learning tool. Students will need to complete assigned online mathematical tasks. Mr Mustafa and I will be able to check each student’s progress and assign further work according to their current stage. HOTmaths includes videos and examples of mathematical solutions to reinforce the concepts taught in class. Students can compete online with their peers and/or from students anywhere in Australia and their results recorded. Students will have access to hundreds of lessons that improve numeracy levels by teaching mathematical concepts in a fun and interactive way. This tool could also be used in preparation for examinations.

Jazak Allah to all the parents and students who have welcomed me to Irfan College. I look forward to meeting and working with all the parents this year. May Allah (swt) continue to guide and bless our Ummah. Science: Ms Zina Al Nakeeb The Science department has had a great first week of school where students in stages 4 and 5 were introduced to foundational elements that will pave the way for success in Science. Students and teachers alike were very excited to use our brand new state of the art laboratory. Science students will be conducting practical investigations regularly were they will be learning skills that are vital for becoming critical thinkers. We employ a range of teaching strategies to engage students and enhance learning. These include cooperative learning and visual literacy activities. We will focus on comprehension this year to help excel our students’ scientific literacy. We are committed to instil core Islamic principles within our pedagogical approach to ensure that we build responsible young men and women who will contribute positively as Australian Muslim individuals. We look forward to working with students and parents to make 2018 a prosperous year. History and Turkish: Ms Elif Tirzik I would like to welcome all our students to a new year at Irfan College and pray that you have all enjoyed your holidays. This term, I will be teaching all high school students History and Turkish. We are very excited to have commenced teaching in the brand new building, where our Turkish and History classes are held in a room overlooking a feature wall of Mehmed the Conqueror. I am very excited to be teaching two amazing subjects this year and look forward to meeting you all at your earliest convenience. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime this term via the school’s phone or email e.tirzik@irfancollege.nsw.edu.au It is an honour to be teaching your children and I look forward to meeting you all very soon. The units our students will study this term are as follows;

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9

History The Ancient World and Ancient Egypt.

Ancient to the Modern world and the Ottoman Empire.

The Making of the Modern world and Movement of Peoples.

Turkish About you, About me and Family.

Seasons and Weather and Out and About.

Life at Home and Friends and Friendships.

Geography: Ms Sameema Year 9 students examine the physical characteristics and productivity of biomes. Students examine the correlation between the world’s climatic zones and spatial distributions of biomes and their capacity to support food and non-food agricultural production. Students analyse the impact humans have on biomes in an effort to produce food and increase agricultural yields.

Quran and Islamic Studies – Mr. Erol Kaso

Year 7 Qur'an Students will continue building on their knowledge of Tajweed rules, focusing on the Idhaar, Ikhfaa, Idghaam, its letters, Idghaam Maal Ghunnah and Idghaam Bilaa Ghunnah. They will also look at the rule of Iqlaab and the ahkaam relating to Madd. Students will also be memorising Surah Yasin.

Assessments in Qur'an will be an on-going basis that tests the level of recitation and memorisation of students tracking their progress throughout the term. Students will undertake Qur’an reading and memorisation tests in week 8-9.

Year 8

Qur'an Students will continue building on their knowledge of Tajweed rules, focusing on the Idhaar, Ikhfaa, Idghaam, its letters, Idghaam Maal Ghunnah and Idghaam Bilaa Ghunnah. They will also look at the rule of Iqlaab and the ahkaam relating to Madd. Students will also be memorising Surah Yasin.

Assessments in Qur'an will be an on-going basis that tests the level of recitation and memorisation of students tracking their progress throughout the term. Students will undertake Qur’an reading and memorisation tests in week 8-9.

Year 9 Qur'an Students will continue building on their knowledge of Tajweed rules, focusing on the Idhaar, Ikhfaa, Idghaam, its letters, Idghaam Maal Ghunnah and Idghaam Bilaa Ghunnah. They will also look at the rule of Iqlaab and the ahkaam relating to Madd. Students will also be memorising Surah Yasin.

Assessments in Qur'an will be an on-going basis that tests the level of recitation and memorisation of students tracking their progress throughout the term. Students will undertake Qur’an reading and memorisation tests in week 8-9.

Arabic: Mr Rami Al Momani Year 7 Students will learn how to read a range of simple stories in Arabic to improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Students will also focus on short and long vowels. Students will also be engaged in describing and discussion within the topic about me about you. Students will be given Arabic homework every Thursday and will be collected the following Thursday for marking and reviewing. Year 8 Students will explore a range of vocabulary and translating texts from Arabic to English. Students will also be engaged in describing and discussing various topics about the weather. Students will be given Arabic homework every Thursday and will be collected the following Thursday for marking and reviewing. Year 9 Students will explore a range of vocabulary and translating texts from Arabic to English. Students will also be engaged in describing and discussing various topics about Life at home and friendships. Students will be given Arabic homework every Thursday and will be collected the following Thursday for marking and reviewing. Creative Arts: Ms Danielle The Creative Art department is proud to announce a new creative arts room. This room will house all of the creative arts classes. This new addition to the school, will allow students to explore their creativity within a dynamic creative arts environment. This semester we will focus on the Visual Arts subject. The Year 7 Visual Arts Unit of Work will explore an introduction to the visual arts and the Year 8 Unit of Work will investigate the conceptual framework in relation to Portraiture.

Technology: Ms. Wendy Johnsson

Food Technology Year 9 It is with great excitement that we would like to introduce the inclusion of Food Technology into the Year 9 subject selection for 2018. Food Technology is an exciting subject which involves the study of the following areas: Core Areas

• Food Preparation and Processing

Nutrition and Consumption

Focus Areas • Food in Australia

• Food Service and Catering

• Food Equity

• Food for Special Occasions

• Food Selection and Health

• Food Trends

The Year 9 students are very happy to be moving into their own purpose- built Food Technology Classroom which will be beautifully equipped with the latest equipment, where they will be able to construct beautiful dishes while learning a vital range of skills. Year 7 and 8 Technology Mandatory The Year 7 and 8 Technology Mandatory students have commenced the introduction to the Design process while viewing a range of old, antiquated technology and comparing this to modern technologies currently available. They have also been viewing a range of products developed by designers and entrepreneurs. Who knows……we may have a designer of the future in our midst at Irfan! Later in the Term the students will commence the production of a range of Technology projects. PDHPE: Mr Tallal Taha Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) contributes significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It provides opportunities for students to learn about, and practise ways of, adopting and maintaining a healthy, productive and active life. It involves students learning through movement experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable, and promotes the value of physical activity in their lives. Year 7 In term 1, students explore their sense of self, and strategies to deal with the changes and challenges that they expect to face this year. In P.E. students participate in tabloid games, oz-tag, athletics and gymnastics. Year 8 In term 1, students develop health literacy by learning how to access health information. In P.E. students participate in cricket, European handball, Aussie Rules Football (AFL) and hockey. Year 9 In term 1, students learn about mental health and strategies to overcome adversities in life. In P.E. students participate in softball, futsal, basketball and a contemporary sports unit.

Well-being: Well-being Coordinator – Mr Mustafa Ayvaz

This term, we have established a whole-school program to focus on student expectations in

various locations of the school. This program will work to instill our school’s values and

establish a culture for students to flourish.

Also, there will be a strong emphasis on character building through the practice of the 5 daily

prayers and lectures/reminders. A letter will be sent out separately with further details.

Well Being Program - You Can Do It! You Can Do It! Education’s (YCDI’s) main purpose is to support communities, schools, and homes in a collective effort to optimise the social, emotional, and academic outcomes of all young people. Its unique contribution is in identifying the social and emotional capabilities that all young people need to acquire in order to be successful in school, experience wellbeing, and have positive relationships including making contributions to others and the community (good citizenship). The purpose of this program is the development of young people’s social and emotional capabilities, including: Confidence (academic, social), Persistence, Organisation, Getting Along, and Resilience. Central to the development of these 5 Foundations is instilling in young people 12Habits of the Mind that support and nourish the 5 Foundations, including Accepting Myself, Taking Risks, Being Independent, I Can Do It, Giving Effort, Working Tough, Setting Goals, Planning My Time, Being Tolerant of Others, Thinking First, Playing by the Rules, and Social Responsibility (includes the values of Caring, Doing Your Best, Freedom, Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Understanding, Tolerance, and Inclusion). You Can Do It program also looks into the elimination of social and emotional difficulties and disabilities (“Blockers”) that constitute barriers to young people’s learning and well-being, including Feeling Very Worried, Feeling Very Down, and Procrastination.

‘Skoolbag App’ Skoolbag is a mobile App for our school to communicate directly to parents and students. It works through both smart phones and other smart devices such as iPads and Android Tablets. You can view our school newsletters and upcoming events through this app. Please refer to the instructions below in order to download the app to your phone and inform the school if you have difficulty downloading it. Downloading Instructions For iPhone and iPad users: 1. Go to the "App Store". 2. Type your school name in the search (using a suburb name will help). 3. You will see your school appear, click "Get", then "Install". 4. The app is FREE to download. 5. When installed, click to open. 6. Select "OK" to receive push notifications when asked. 7. Click the "More" button on the bottom right of the App, then "Setup". 8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you by tapping the on/off switch.

For Android Users:

You must first have signed up with a Google Account before installing the app.

1. Click the "Play Store" button on your Android Device 2. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top and type in your school name, using suburb name will help. 3. Click the school name when it appears in the search. 4. Click the "Install" button. 5. Click "Accept" for various permissions (please note, we do not modify any of your personal data on your device). 6. Click "Open" when installed. 7. Click the "More" button on the bottom right of the App, then "Setup". 8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you by tapping the on/off switch.

Please Note: Some brands of Android phones need the setting in "Notification Manager" changed to "Allow" instead of "Notify" in order for the push notifications to work. The phone must also be running at least version 4 system software to run the app.

Mr. Ali Arabaci

Principal