Post on 25-Apr-2020
several videos, performances and
nasheeds relating to Ramadan. The
annual Quran Competition also
commenced during Ramadan with
the final competition to be held in
the last week of Term 2, Insha'Al-
lah.
The college also held its annual
student/staff Iftars where the Islamic
Studies department led the organi-
sation of one for the Year 5 & 6
students and the Primary SRC and
then another one for the Secondary
students. I have no doubt that all
the students and staff enjoyed the
iftar and the activities that were
organised. Another Iftar was held
separately for ICOM’s first group of
Year 12 students. This was held off
campus, it was wonderful to be able
to see the students in a more casual
setting.
On another note, the college is
happy to inform you about the
great success of our students in the
interschool debating. This is a great
accomplishment for the college, the
students and the teachers who
mentored them.
There was also another annual
program that concluded this
term, this was the Life Educa-
tion van where Primary stu-
dents learnt to make safe and
healthy lifestyle choices now
and into their adult lives. Next
term, the Primary students will
be commencing the 9-week
gymnastics program. Gymnastics
encourages and develops physi-
cal wellbeing skills, life skills,
brain development and motor
development skills which are
important for students’ overall
progress.
With the last day of term being
this Friday, 22 June 2018, the
college will end it with its annual
Eid Festival. As mentioned,
ICOM students will enjoy a day
filled with rides, activities and
food, with parents and the com-
munity welcomed to join the
festivities between 3.30pm to
5.30pm. I wish to see you all
there insha’Allah and if I do not,
I hope that everyone has a re-
laxing but productive school
break, and see you all next term
on Tuesday, 17 July 2018 in-
sha’Allah .
Dr Abdul M.
Kamareddine
College Principal
Principal’s Message
Islamic College of Melbourne
20 June 2018 Term 2, Issue 4
ICOM Newsletter
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah
Wabarakatuh
As we return to the normal
school hours and bell times, we
thank Allah (SWT) for allowing
us to complete another blessed
Ramadan. Insha’Allah all your
prayers and dua’s are accepted.
A great community initiative this
year involved the College arrang-
ing Tarawih prayers in the gym-
nasium. The College also held
Eid prayer too. This was great
for the community and it was
delightful to see a number of
familiar faces at both these
events. Below are some photos
from the Eid prayer.
Of course, the atmosphere of
Ramadan filled the college during
school hours too. This was ac-
complished with the Ramadan
man, Ramadan decorations in the
hallways and around the school,
classes integrating the im-
portance of fasting and during
the morning assemblies with
student performances. The col-
lege also held a special Ramadan
assembly for Primary students
where students were shown
Important Dates
Character Day
(Primary only)
Thurs 21 Jun
Eid Festival
Fri 22 Jun
Last Day of Term 2
Fri 22 Jun
First Day of Term
3 (Admin. office)
Mon 9 Jul
First Day of Term
3 (Students)
Tues 17 Jul
Careers Expo
Wed 8 Aug
Arabic Week
Mon 30 Jul - 3 Aug
Scholastics Book
Fair (2 weeks)
Mon 6 - Thurs 16 Aug
Hajj Week
Mon 13 - 17 Aug
Eidul Adha (TBC)
Wed 22 Aug
Year 5 Camp
Wed 12 - Fri 14 Sept
Important Reminders!
Please ensure that students are given food or money for recess and lunch as it is a huge
concern that students have been coming to school without any food.
Students should not be dropped off to school before 8.20am unless they have morning
classes. This is to ensure the safety of your child as teachers start their morning supervi-
sion at 8.20am.
Parents are reminded that all school gates will be opened at 8.20am every morning and
students should be at school for morning assembly at 8.35am. Gates 1 & 3 will
close at 8.35am and only gate 4 will remain open for students to join the assembly. After
morning assembly at 8.45am, gate 4 will be closed and the only entrance into the college
will be near the Administration building. The gates will then be opened again at 3.30pm
for afterschool collection.
If your child is absent or will be absent, please ensure you contact the Admin. Office or
reply to the absence text that is sent on the day with the reason of your child’s absence.
Parents are also reminded that in Term 2 & 3, students are to be wearing the winter
uniform, as per the policy. This includes the winter tunic/skirt and dark grey leggings/
tights for female Primary students.
Parents must advise the college of any medical conditions their child may have, whether
it is severe or just a mild condition.
Please ensure you inform the college or update your details on the Parent Portal if your
contact details have changed.
Enrolments for 2019
Enrolments for 2019 have now closed. Unfortunately, due to
the number of students currently enrolled at the Islamic Col-
lege of Melbourne and the number of new enrolments already
received, the college will no longer be accepting any further ap-
plications. Parents who have submitted an expression of inter-
est form will be contacted if a place is available for their child
next year.
For parents who have already enrolled their child but have not
returned all the documentation please do so by Friday 22 June 2018.
Enrolments for 2019 closed on Wednesday 13 June 2018.
ICOM Newsletter Term 2, Issue 4
Page 3
Term 2, Issue 4
The college’s Parent Advisory Committee continues to meet and it is great to the enthusiasm
of the members during the meeting. At ICOM we believe parents are the primary educators
of their children and as such are an important section of the school community. We value and
actively encourage parents to be involved through the ICOM Parent’s Advisory Committee
(IPAC).
During the meeting the committee
members discussed a number of
items including the Orphan Spon-
sorship Program, multicultural day,
the school carpark and road safety.
As the members for 2018 have
been elected, if you have any other
items you would like to bring forth, please do not hesitate to email the committee at
ipac@icom.vic.edu.au.
ICOM Parent Advisory
Primary Ramadan Assembly Ramadan was exciting and different this year at ICOM. We had many activities and
events to celebrate the month and boost the love and spirit of Ramadan within the
students. On the first day of the Holy Month, some of the staff of ICOM went around
to the classrooms with the principal. They gave the students dates to revive the
Prophet's Sunnah and Ramadan gifts to celebrate the beginning of this month.
On Friday the school started with Ramadan celebrations and dedicated the first peri-
od of the day for a whole primary school assembly. Students participated with
nasheeds, hadiths, performances and speeches. The Islamic department created two
videos featuring the students to welcome Ramadan and to set some goals for the
month. You can watch these videos on the ICOM website.
The Principles and Practice of Aus-
tralian Democracy
As is the case with any other Australian
School, the Islamic College of Melbourne is
established in line with and operates con-
sistently within the principles of Australian
democracy.
This was clearly stated in our school's
governance, vision and mission documents
as well as in our constitution and publica-
tions.
Our school's programs and teaching practic-
es support and promote the principles and
practices of Australian democracy, including
a commitment to:
elected government
the rule of law
equal rights for all before the law
freedom of religion
freedom of speech and association
the values of openness and tolerance.
ICOM's Philosophical Statement
Education, a life-long journey, is Learn-ing
to Know, to Do, to Be and to Live Togeth-
er. The values of Openness and Tolerance
as expressed in the Teach-ings of Islam and
the Australian Demo-cratic Principles are
integral to this definition of learning.
At the Islamic College of Melbourne we
believe learning occurs through collabora-
tion and interaction within the family unit
and within the school, local, wider Australi-
an and global communities. The social,
emotional, physical, spiritual, academic and
aesthetic development of our students is
pivotal to their success at school, within
their families and the communities to which
they belong. Respectful relationships are
foundational to the learning and living
culture of the school and pro-mote the
values of openness and tolerance.
We want our children to be Australian:
people who understand and value
Islamic Teaching and Prayer and their
relevance to their lives in contempo-
rary society
community members who con-tribute
socially, economically and culturally to
society
responsible individuals capable of
relating to family, friends and col-
leagues
life-long learners who are able to
make sense of the world in which they
live
informed citizens who understand and
contribute to civil and com-munity
relations at a local, nation-al and global
level
Page 4
ICOM Newsletter
Primary Ramadan This year we incorporated the theme of Ramadan in all subject studies, the students
decorated the school with lanterns, posters, artwork and much more. The daily ICOM
Ramadan quiz was successful and taught the students about Ramadan and Islam, many
students participated and received gift vouchers for their answers. May Allah SWT ac-
cept all the hard work and everyone's efforts in this Holy Month and 'Eid Mubarak from
the Islamic Department of ICOM.
Year 5 and 6 Iftar:
The Islamic Department organised a very successful Iftar for Year 5 and 6 where the
students stayed back at school and enjoyed a lovely Iftar with the staff. They attended
an exciting spiritual program which started with soccer for boys and yoga for girls. Stu-
dents’ prayed Asr had a guest speak which was followed by trivia. The kids prayed Ma-
ghrib in Jamaa' and had Iftar together; a delicious meal catered by Nando's.
Quran before school
The school has been working very hard on the Quran before school program, 80 stu-
dents joined the program this year; making it a very engaging and exciting semester for
the program. Every year we teach the students a different syllabus including different
chapters from the Quran. The kids enjoyed learning verses 32-39 of Surat Al-Imran and
they learnt the story of Al-Imran: Yahya, Zakari, Mariam and Issa. We wrapped up the
beneficial and exciting semester with an end of semester and Eid celebration where the
students were given show bags and participated in many fun and exciting activities.
Next semester we are going to start Surat Taha and teach the students the story of
prophet Musa. We would like to announce a vacancy for students in Year 1 and 2 on
Monday and Friday. If you are interested please enrol your kids with the front office
and the fees are only $100. The program will resume in week 2 of term 3, see you
then.
ICOM Islamic Studies Department
ICOM's Vision
Our vision is to ensure excellence, in both
academic and Islamic development, with
continuous progress to produce a new
generation of Muslims, who are committed
Australians, embracing the Australian values
of care and compassion, doing your best,
freedom, honesty and trustworthiness,
integrity, respect, responsibility, openness,
tolerance and inclusion.
The diverse programs to be implemented will
foster a love of learning, a sense of achieve-
ment and a respect for, and understanding
and tolerance of others. Students will feel a
strong school spirit coming from a sense of
belonging to our multicultural school com-
munity and the building of community part-
ner-ships.
Teaching and Learning practices in our school
accommodate the diverse needs of our
students as teachers seek out best practice
and embrace educational initiatives for
continuous improvement to occur. Learning
through a variety of programs enables stu-
dents to become literate, numerate, self-
directed, skilled in creative thinking and
reasoning and technologically proficient.
Students, parents and teachers are required
to work together as active learners to ensure
that all experience success.
Our students will develop an awareness of
their responsibilities to the community and
their environment and be prepared to
contribute positively to the local and national
community and the wider world. The realiza-
tion of this vision will ensure that the school
community can face the local, national and
global challenges of the 21st century with
confidence.
ICOM's Mission
This school provides a positive learning
environment where staff and students work
co-operatively to achieve their best and to
develop a commitment to continuous learn-
ing and effective participation within their
wider community. We are committed to
fostering a community of learners, and to
provide an academic curriculum that devel-
ops a broad knowledge base, while promot-
ing the skills of critical and creative thinking.
We seek to do this within a challenging and
supportive Islamic environment which
develops individuals as both independent and
collaborative learners.
Objectives for Students:
To foster the development of Islamic
manners and love of learning in students
To promote the physical, spiritual,
academic, social, emotional and moral
development of each student
To provide adequate and appropriate
educational facilities
To provide a safe and violence - free
school
To encourage the highest level of
community and parental involvement
To provide a positive, caring and sup-
portive climate
To work as a team to accomplish our
mission
Term 2, Issue 4
This term, the Year 1 students have been learning about natural and built places.
Students were asked to use their imagination and make the most of their creativity in order to create a diorama
of their own natural or built place.
The dioramas presented were outstanding. Students showed great excitement and enthusiasm when it came to
sharing their creations with their peers.
All students should be incredibly proud of the work they presented. Well done!
Year One Teachers
Page 5
ICOM Newsletter
Year One - Natural and built places dioramas
A message from the Primary Art Room Term 2 has been a rich term within the Primary Art Department, full of creativity from all year levels.
Our Foundation levels enjoyed making the creative Ramadan card dedicated to Mum and Dad.
Our students at ICOM have participated in the Ramadan Activities beautifully.
Students had the opportunity to experience the joy of the inspirational month of Ramadan, through the study of art elements,
the principles of using different colours and techniques. Some examples of their creative work are on display below.
Mrs Lamia Al-Asaly
Primary Art Teacher
Term 2, Issue 4
A win for the After-School Debating Program A selected number of students in year nine and ten participated in an after-school debating program which is part
of the Debaters Association of Victoria. The DAV Schools Competition is the largest English-language debating
competition in the world. This competition is divided into 19 regions encompassing both inner and outer Mel-
bourne suburbs, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
The format of the competition is Australian 3-on-3 style - with three speakers to each team, debating over five
rounds, spread across the year.
ICOM is proud to share that the Year Ten team consist-
ing of Sara Abdalhamid, Nur Abubaker and Abdulsater
Bey won their debate against Westbourne Grammar
School on 9 May 2018 with Sara Abdalhamid winning the
best speaker award!
Some of our debating champions. From left; Farhad Ah-
madi, Amir Hussein, Ayna Mehicevic, Enaia Marten, Sara
Abdalhamid and debating coach Mr Carrington.
Furthermore, the Year 9 team consisting of Ayna Mehicevic, Farhad Ahamdi and Enaia Marten also had a brilliant
win against Suzanne Cory High School on 30 May 2018 and the best speaker award given to Ayna Mehicevic!
This is an outstanding achievement from both teams and we cannot wait to see many more successful outcomes.
Well done to all students on their consistent hard work and dedication!
Miss Aleksandra Peric – English Teacher and Debating Coordinator
Term 2, Issue 4
Primary Incursions - Foundation Community Helpers On Friday, 1 June, the Foundation students had Community Help-
er’s Dress Up Day. Throughout Term 2, students have been learn-
ing about ‘People and Places in our Community’. Police Officer
James came to visit the students during the
day and the students enjoyed asking ques-
tions about how police officers can keep our
community safe.
Ms Michelle Culjak,
Foundation A Teacher and Team
Leader
ICOM Newsletter
Term 2, Issue 4
Ramadan Man comes to visit Primary students were excited to welcome Ramadan Man to ICOM.
Every student received a pouch with dates and a colouring book, to welcome Ramadan in 2018.
ICOM Library News
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh,
Ma’shallah and Jazak’allah Kheiraan for all the students, staff and parents who visited the Ali-gator Book Fair with-
in the 2 weeks. Al hamduallah we are receiving $1,756.89 worth of Arabic and Islamic books and re-
sources for the ICOM Library (135 books and resources). May Allah (s.w.t) reward you all the very best. Thank
you to everyone who assisted in making this library event very successful.
A friendly reminder- when a library book is borrowed under the student’s name, it must be returned within 2
weeks. Library books due date: 4 June 2018. Take home reader books: 7 June 2018.
Please ensure that the library books are returned on time. If the book is lost or damaged a library fine will be is-
sued out.
ICOM Library Fun Activity:
Arrange the following 10 words in alphabetical order. This technique will help you find books on the shelves.
ARE, EXTRA, THE, ALL, THERE, FUN, WHY, FUNNY, THEIR, EXTRAORDINARY
Jazak’allah kheiraan and thank you.
Mrs Haifa Atatreh and Mrs Zetty Latip
Library Department
Page 7
Answers:
ALL, ARE, EXTRA, EXTRAORDINARY, FUN, FUNNY, THE, THEIR, THERE, WHY
ICOM Newsletter Term 2, Issue 4
Page 8
On a quiet Thursday afternoon after all the students had
made their way home and the teachers had just finished
up with their meetings, an extraordinary rescue mission
happened at ICOM. As some of you may be aware, we
have many lost or abandoned cats who have sought ref-
uge at our school, they live underneath our classroom
portables, seeking food and shelter in stormy and cold,
hot and humid days. Since the beginning of term two, the
school staff have noticed many teeny tiny kittens roam-
ing around the school and becoming trapped underneath
the portables. Two kittens were lucky enough to be res-
cued by our amazing teachers over the last few weeks
and these teachers have gone out of their way to take
them to an animal hospital or shelter and make sure they
are looked after and possibly adopted by a family.
What a beautiful act of kindness this is.
However, the story does not stop there! As you all
know, our teachers can notice the smallest of things…
The kitten kept meowing all day long, the noise was al-
most unbearable. This scenario lasted for almost two
days and it was heart breaking to hear the little kittens
constant cry for help.
They called the animal shelters such as RSPCA, the local
vets and animal hospitals but unfortunately they also
could not provide help. By this time, the teachers knew
they had probably attempted all possible sources but
decided to try one last option and call the emergency
services – the police. And luckily enough, they agreed to
come promptly and investigate the situation. Three po-
lice officers came and attempted to take the kitten out
of the pipe, after an hour of trying, they too had no luck!
So they called the Fire Brigade. Five men from the Fire
Brigade came and were not successful either. So what
now you may ask? Seven members from SES joined in
the operation and after a few hours of their hard work
they finally saved the day! This rescue mission ended at
9.30pm! Wow, what an incredible journey that was!
From the beginning until the end, twenty-one people,
from teachers to SES members were involved in the op-
eration of rescuing the infamous ICOM kitten.
The Qur'an describes that animals form communities,
just as humans do:
"There is not an animal that lives on the earth, nor a be-
ing that flies on its wings, but they form communities
like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book,
and they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the
end" (Qur'an 6:38).
This should serve as a constant reminder that we
must always be kind and merciful to all living beings.
Miss Aleksandra Peric
English Teacher and Debating Coordinator
ICOM Cat Rescue Mission Term 2, Issue 4 ICOM Newsletter Term 2, Issue 4
Page 9
ICOM’S SCIENTISTs OF THE MONTH
The following students were chosen to be ICOM’S Scientists of
the month for their outstanding interest and motivation in the
Science classes and for their incredible Science skills and tech-
niques in the laboratory.
Razan Kamarelddin (7C)
Aimen Raza (8C)
Amir Hussein (9C)
Mohammed Hammoud (10A)
Well done Scientists.
Crystallisation of salt water.
This term the Year 7 students have been learning all about mixtures and about the different techniques that could
be used to separate mixtures.
In the laboratory they conducted an experiment which allowed them to separate a dissolved mixture of salty water
and form crystal salts. This process is known as crystallisation.
“Sheepy’ brains
The Year 9 students have been learning all about the nervous system and our body responses to changes happening
around us.
In the laboratory, they had
the opportunity to examine
and dissect a sheep’s’ brain.
The brains resemble a hu-
mans’ brain so they were
able to identify the main
parts that make up a brain:
the four lobes, the cerebel-
lum, the brain stem and the
medulla.
Ms Safa Osman Science Teacher & Coordinator
Science @ ICOM Term 2, Issue 4
Page 10
The college continues to emphasize the importance of
daily attendance and punctuality. Daily attendance of stu-
dents has a paramount effect on their education. The
college will follow up on this daily and action will be tak-
en to maximise students’ attendance. Your cooperation
will be highly appreciated for the best interest of the stu-
dents.
At the Islamic College of Melbourne we aim to:
Maximise learning opportunities by ensuring stu-
dent absenteeism and late arrivals is kept to a min-
imum.
Put into place agreed processes for managing stu-
dent absences and late arrivals within the school.
Create a parent culture that views regular school
attendance and communicating student absences
to the school as important.
To ensure students abide by the college’s attendance
policy, the following is implemented:
Student attendance register is maintained daily by
following these steps;
Office staff to start checking the list of absence/
late arrivals during Period 1
Send an SMS message to parents informing them
of the students absence/late arrival and requesting
an explanation for their absence/late arrival.
If the child is absent for more than 2 days, parents
of absent students are required to notify the
school of the reason for their child’s absence/late
arrival. The notification can be made in person, via
a written note, text message and /or phone call.
These notifications are to be updated on the elec-
tronic system by the administration office.
If the child arrives late to school/class on more
than 5 occasions, the administration office will
contact the parents to provide an explanation for
the students’ continuing lateness
If the overall attendance per term is below 85%,
including late arrivals, the office will then send a
letter to the students’ parents/guardians to identi-
fy the reasons behind the poor attendance of the
particular student.
Student Responsibilities:
Students are expected to arrive to school on time
every day at 8.35am, in time for morning assembly
Students are expected to attend the classes on time
and for the entire time indicated in the timetable. If
they do not, they may be marked absent/late
If the overall attendance over each academic term
falls below 85%, the Principal or nominee will con-
tact the student. Once the student is contacted, the
student should immediately make a sincere attempt
to improve his/her attendance at the College which
includes arriving on time
If the above does not work the school will contact
the parents to discuss the student’s attendance/
lateness
Actions provided by the Principal may include con-
tacting the Department of Education and cancelling
the student’s enrolment at the college.
To obtain a late pass from the administration office.
If student comes to class without one, they are to
be sent back to the office.
Student Attendance
Term 2, Issue 4 ICOM Newsletter
Page 11
Lateness and Leaving Class:
Students are expected to be at school
by 8.35am, in time for morning assem-
bly. Students who arrive after 8.45am
will receive a late pass from the ad-
ministration office which will be rec-
orded on the students file.
All students who arrive at school after
9 am, will need their parents/guardian
to fill in the ‘Late’ form which they
then take with them to class.
Students who are late to homeroom
and/or class, more than 5 minutes, are
to obtain a late pass from the admin-
istration office. If a student comes to
class without one, they are to be sent
back to the office.
Any student leaving the school
grounds before the school time is
over is required to fill in the “Early
Departure” form. This will be done
by their parent or guardian in the gen-
eral office and entered into the sys-
tem.
Actions provided by the Principal may
include contacting the Department of
Education and cancelling the student’s
enrolment at the college.
Holidays:
All students who are enrolled at the
Islamic College of Melbourne are ad-
vised to arrange their holidays during
the college term breaks. The College
discourages any leave during school
terms. Therefore, the school may not
approve leave forms submitted during
the school terms however, the princi-
pal may approve special leave on com-
passionate reasons.
Sickness:
In case of illness or other special cir-
cumstances, students may be excused
from attending classes. Such absence/
late arrivals from the classes should
be reported to the College as soon as
possible. A medical Certificate, from a
registered Medical Practitioner is re-
quired. The student should submit the
certificate to the class teacher. Par-
ents need to notify the college with an
explanation for student absence/late
arrivals other than illness. This should
be provided to the office.
For more information or to view
the policy in its entirety, please
visit the Parent Portal.
Student Attendance (cont.)
Would you like to leave some feedback about this newsletter? If so please let us know by emailing to: z.hassan@icom.vic.edu.au
Islamic College of Melbourne
83 Wootten Road
TARNEIT VIC 3029
Phone: 03 8742 1739
Fax: 03 8742 1959
E-mail:
admin@icom.vic.edu.
au
Term 2, Issue 4 ICOM Newsletter