56 Bakers RdNorth Coburg VIC 3058Subscribe:Subscribe: https://aiamsc.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email:Email: aiamsc@aia.vic.edu.auPhone:Phone: 03 9350 4533

Fax:Fax: 03 9354 4731

24 May 201924 May 2019

Affirmation of Democratic Principles andPractices

The Australian International Academy ofEducation declares and affirms that schoolprogrammes and leading practicesembrace the following important principles:

1. The promotion of peace, harmony andunderstanding through interculturalinteractions.

2. All Australians have equal rights before the law. We reject anyform(s) of discrimination based on race, religion or gender.

3. The rule of law and respect for the rights of others.

4. The values of fairness, openness, sharing and giving a hand,looking after neighbours, tolerance, understanding andacceptance.

5. People are free to choose and practice their religions. But wereject those who preach violence and hatred in the name of anyreligion.

6. The right of individuals to enjoy the freedom of speech,expression and association. But we reject verbal and writtenabuses and transgressions against others under the cover offreedom of speech and expression.

7. The Australian system of democratically electedgovernments and councils is the best that serves the interest ofall Australians.

Mr. Salah Salman AMAcademy Director GeneralEmail: aia@aia.vic.edu.au

Deputy Campus Heads

UNIFORM REMINDER

Australian international academy students are expected to bein uniform every day, both at school and when travelling to andfrom school. This includes wearing our compulsory Blazer aswell as conforming to the dress code for other items.

During the cold winter months students may wear navy bluescarves and gloves. Fingerless (cut off) gloves are notacceptable. For added warmth, students are also permitted towear plain white t-shirts or white thermals under their shirt.

POLICY REMINDERS

Please be aware that mobile phones are notto be use on school grounds. If mobilephones are brought to school they must belocked in your lockers for the day. If you arecaught with your mobile phone it will beconfiscated for a week for the first offenceand then for a term.

If urgent contact with a child is required through school hoursplease call the student reception office on 9350 4533. Shouldyour child fall ill at school they are expected to attend to theFirst Aid Area. Here the nurse will assess the situation and shewill contact you if she feels the students’ needs to go home.Students should not use their phones or computers to contactparents directly to come and pick them up. If your child makescontact with you because they aren’t feeling well, please directthem to the First Aid room

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Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Ms Michelle Shears and Mr Ali HarbaDeputy Campus Heads, Student Well-Being

Deputy Campus Heads

Assalamu Alaykum,

Ramadan Kareem to all our parents and students. May thisblessed month resound with togetherness and happiness. Mayyour good deeds, prayers and devotions get acceptance byAllah Almighty.

As we make progress into Term 2, students have returned tothe term having received their first academic reports. Reportsserve as indicators about students’ effort levels, their conductin class, their organisational skills and their homework habits.They aim to give students and parents an indication of howthe student is fairing and should be reflected upon as such.Concerns highlighted in these reports, if not dealt with, are likelyto resurface again and again. We urge all parents and studentsto raise any concerns they may have in relation to these reportswith subject teachers as early as possible and make use of thenumber of after-school tuition options which are available oncampus. This will especially benefit students in Years 10 & 11who have upcoming examinations which will begin on the 23rdof May.

In 2019 Year 10 & 11 examinations will be held between the23rd of May and the 30th of May. Friday the 31st of May isa student free day for Year 10 & 11 students who have notmissed any scheduled exams within the examination week.Those students who have missed an exam for medical reasonswill have an opportunity to resit their missed examination onFriday the 31st of May. Examinations are important indicatorsof student understanding; as such we urge students to ensurethey have a study timetable which gives them adequate timeto prepare. Year 10 students should also remember that examsuccess is linked to acquiring credit points and credit pointsdetermine promotion to Year 11.

This year NAPLAN transitioned to an online format. The ideabehind the transition to online is that will provide betterassessment data, more precise results and faster turnaroundof information. Unlike previous years, NAPLAN Online features‘tailored testing’ which gives students questions that are moresuited to their ability – resulting in better assessment and moreprecise results. As students will be tested on school devices,the process will take much longer this year. Testing will beginon the 14th of May and students will be tested on differentcomponents on different days. By the 21th of May all testing willbe completed if the student has not missed a session. Studentswho have missed a component within the testing days will begiven an opportunity to complete those tests until the 24th of

May, at which time NAPLAN testing will officially conclude. Anyquestion in relation to this matter should be directed to Ms SirinSezer who will be coordinating the testing.

Last term we had a number of lock-down drills to reinforce tostudents the process involved in a critical response situationto ensure familiarity with the required practices. Our securitysystem in now fully operational with all gates into the schoolbeing locked before the end of period one. Parents andstudents arriving after this time need to enter via Bakers Roadand report to either the administration office or the studentoffice. If you are collecting your child/ren early, we request thatyou notify the student office via telephone or in person. You willneed to sign your child out by using the compass kiosk which islocated in the student office. It is the responsibility of the officestaff to collect your child whilst you wait in the student office.Visitors are not permitted onto the school grounds unless theyare escorted by a member of staff. This aids us in ensuring thesafety of our students and knowing who is on campus and forwhat purpose.

For many years we have discussed the importance ofconsistent attendance at school in our newsletters. We dothis because evidence shows that high attendance levels atschool correlates directly to success in education. It ensuresthat students don’t fall behind both socially anddevelopmentally. Young people who regularly attend schooland complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have betterhealth and employment outcomes and enjoy higher incomes.Parents are legally required to ensure their child attends schoolevery day and to provide an explanation for their child'sabsence from school unless an exemption from attendance hasbeen granted or an exception to their attendance applies. Thismust be done on the Compass portal, preferably the day ofthe absence or soon after it. The law provides a frameworkfor school’s attendance, exemptions and exceptions fromattendance and parents’ obligations relating to ensuringattendance. The laws are an effort to promote and improvestudent attendance across schools. The following areguidelines as to how non-attendance is classified:

To further readings about this topic we have added can articleto confirm the importance of consistent attendance at schoolfrom Parenting Ideas -insight it’s not ok to be away nor be lateto school.

• Habitual non-attendance: where a student has 5 ormore absences for any reason in a term (average of 1day per fortnight)

• Chronic non-attendance: where a student is absentfor 10 days or more days in a term for any reason(average of 1 day per week)

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Head of IB

IB DP Newsletter

This has been another busy term forDiploma Programme students. Our Year 12IB students have been occupied withcompleting all their internal and externalassessment requirements, while nine ofthem had the additional stress of sittingtheir Arabic B examinations on the 14th and

15th of May. This term has also been productive for our Year 11IB students who have been working towards their end ofsemester examinations.

One of the core components of the IB Diploma Programme isCAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). This essential element of theprogramme “enables students to demonstrate attributes of theIB learner profile in real and practical ways, to grow as uniqueindividuals and to recognize their role in relation to others.Students develop skills, attitudes and dispositions through avariety of individual and group experiences that providestudents with opportunities to explore their interests andexpress their passions, personalities and perspectives” (IBO,2017). An excellent example of a CAS project took place thisterm on the 1st of May; Sohaila Elnahrawy with the help of herYear 11 peers (which included Beya Dar, Rayhan Abou-Eid,Salma Moeladawilah, Sabrina Ahmed, Mohammed AdnanUddin, Khaled Merhi, Moussa Moussa, Hussain Nasser)conducted a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale at our school. Thefundraiser aimed to collect money for the Mother’s Day ClassicOrganisation, an organisation that aids in breast cancertreatment and research. The sale of the doughnuts along withhandmade pink ribbons and bracelets raised $1026.90, a greatillustration of the good we can achieve if we work together andsupport each other.

CAS involves the wider community, therefore, as parents/guardians and members of our community we all need toencourage our students to enhance their personal andinterpersonal development by helping the less fortunate, beingmore creative, and physically more active members of society.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Ms Berna YusufIB DP Coordinator

Head of VCEDear Parents and students

Ramadan Mubarak, May the blessings ofthis month be upon you and May Allahaccept your Taa’a and Ibadah.

Please be informed about the upcomingassessments that will be conducted atschool:

The GAT for all students completing any VCE Unit 3/4studies or IB programs in 2019

ALL students completing at least one Unit 3 and 4 VCE studyMUST sit the GAT (General Achievement Test) on Wednesday12 June. All students involved will receive a personalisedprintout outlining this examination expectation. Students withSEA (Special Examination Arrangements) will also receive acopy of their approved SEA over the next few weeks. The GATbegins at 10am and runs through until 1.15pm. Studentssitting the GAT are to attend school from period one.

NOTE: All VCE students completing at least one Unit 3 and4 study MUST sit the GAT even if:

All students will soon be issued with a GAT brochure – this willexplain the content, timing and exam rules in place for the GAT.Previous years' GATs are available online at the VCAA website –I also have many hardcopies of the 2018 GAT that I will offer tostudents when we hold our GAT Rules and Information briefinglater this term.

It is in every student’s best interest to ensure that they:

The closing date for Special Examination Arrangements forknown illnesses, learning difficulties etc. passed in March. Weare still able to make applications for newly diagnosedconditions throughout the year, but otherwise we are expectedto have met this deadline. If you have any questions orconcerns at all, please contact me.

Emergency Examination Special Arrangements

Students who become ill or experience accident or personaltrauma at the time of the GAT (or End of Year exams) maybe eligible to apply for Emergency Special ExaminationArrangements. Please make sure that all concerns are reportedto me asap so I can advise you on the options available andnote for you any documentation that you may need to obtain.

The VCAA recommends that you should attend everyexamination session you have scheduled unless this isagainst medical advice. Students absent without adequate

• They’ve done the GAT before (for example, in 2018).

• They are completing an unscored VCE (i.e. not sittingother subject examinations).

• Perform as well as possible on the GAT

• Do not breach VCAA examination rules

• Arrive on time and have the correct equipment withthem (a blue/black pen, pencil, eraser, dictionary– NO thesaurus allowed)

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reason will have the words “unauthorised absence from theGAT” on their VCE Certificate.

Note: Students with ongoing issues may also be eligible tocomplete a VTAC SEAS Application at the end of the year(further details about this when it opens).

Mid-year Examinations for Year 11 students

Year 11 Mid-year Examinations begin on Thursday the 23rdMay and conclude on Friday the 31st May. Details about theYear 11 Examinations, including the examination timetable,were issued earlier this term.

Year 12 classes will be running as normal during Year 11Exam Week.

Change of Subjects for Unit 2

After the Year 11 examination period / the GAT starting onThursday 13 June we will commence VCE Unit 2 studies. Therewill be an opportunity for students to make changes to theirYear 11 program in advance of this time. Any students whowould like to enquire about changing their program shouldspeak to me as soon as possible.

Note that our school-based cut-off date for Unit 1 and 3subject changes passed some time ago now. As all VCEcourses require a minimum of 50 hours teaching, there is nochance now to catch up on what has been missed. Of course,there may be good reasons why changes may need to bediscussed. In this case, the VCAA dates which must be metare:

*Changes after these dates can occur on CompassionateGrounds.

SAC Absence Reminders

Just a reminder that parents must notify the school as early aspossible on the day their daughter/son is absent from school– this includes all senior students. Senior students who willmiss a Unit 3 and 4 SAC or SAT due to absence MUSThave a Medical Certificate (or similar) and present it to meas soon as they return to school so that Special Provisionarrangements can be put into place. Students who knowthey will miss a SAC because of sport, excursions etc., MUSTsee me prior to the event to organise a change of date and tocomplete the required VCAA paperwork.

Illness and the VCE

Last year and already this year, unfortunately, we have hadquite a number of students unwell for extended periods of time.

Whilst vaccinations are most definitely family decisions, I’d liketo give a timely reminder that flu vaccinations are now available,and families may consider this as being a sensible decision ina year when missing time can create additional stress. Whenstudents are unwell, we can reschedule tasks, so please

encourage ill students to stay at home and (hopefully) recovermore quickly.

Ms. S. AL-AshiHead Of VCE Program (MSC)Tel: (03) 9350 4533 Ext (256)

Year 6

Term two, lots of fun andlearning.

I would like to take this opportunity to thankall parents that booked a time and came tomeet their child’s teachers during ‘Parent/Teacher and Student Conference’.

It was lovely to see you all. I hope everyonehad their questions answered and worries put at ease.

After interviews, it is always important to setgoals together with your child, to further helpin improving or extending in particular areasor subjects. I wish you all the best inachieving them.

To help or add to any goals please remember the main partsof year 6 homework expectations are: the completion of aReading Plus session once a week (students may select anyday to do this, Monday-Friday), 10-15 minutes spent on theirweekly spelling including Literacy Planet and 10-15 minutes toreinforce concepts being taught during Mathematics classes onMangahigh.

I would also like to encourage you to talk to your child/renregularly about how to cope with different feelings in variouscircumstances. Children express their emotions in differentways and it is important we teach them how to cope and dealwith their feelings. Please refer to the handout of tips I haveincluded for you.

The year 6’s will visit the Immigration Museum this month aspart of their learning journey in Individuals and Societies aboutmigrants and their struggles, the push and pull factors thatinfluence one’s choices, refugees, etc. The excursion will nodoubt be enriching experience for all.

Last term students explored Allah (swt)creations in Islamic Studies. To sum up thetopic students were engaged in an incursionbased on that exact theme. Not only werestudents exposed to some fascinating

creations but they also learnt many amazing facts about thesecreatures during the ‘Wildlife Xposure’ incursion. Thank you tothe parents who took time off from their busy schedules tocome and join in with your child’s learning experience.

All students have been entered into theVictorian Premiers' Reading Challenge.Students received their log in details at thelibrary early this term. The Challenge for

schools is now open and will run until Friday 6 September 2019.The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages childrento read a set number of books over the year and record theirefforts online.

• Monday 6 May* – final date to enrol or withdraw fromUnit 3 and 4 sequences

• Monday 22 July* – final date to withdraw from Unit 4

• 11 November – final date to enrol or withdraw fromUnit 1 and 2 studies

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The aim is to read up to 15 books, 10 out of the 15 booksneed to be titles from the Challenge booklist. It is a good ideato access the booklist, which can be found on the website:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/events/prc/Pages/booklist.aspx

The book list provides a broad range of books from whichstudents can choose appropriate reading material.

This term through our author study, we look forward to gettingto know Colin Thompson. Students will be exposed to hisbiography and lots of his books and very creative illustrations:

http://www.colinthompson.com/

I have always believed in the magic of childhood and think thatif you get your life right that magic should never end.”

Congratulations to the recipients of:

-Student of the week:

6A 6B 6C 6D

Week2

ZainAbou-Eid

Ismail Syed YahyaAlmardod

Amin Ouaida

Week3

SalmaKhazma

AhmedAbdallah

Saja Sabih Isaaq Koch

Week4

KarimTabiaat

MohammadElserfy

Fatima Nur AliciaNoureddine

-Coordinator’s Star student:

6A 6B 6C 6D

Week2

HamzahSaad

MohammedKentar

CerineHaouchar

LayanAlhashmi

Week3

RemaEl-Hawli

Bilal Hamze MuhammadBardan

Alia Bardan

Week4

AyaHamad

MeryemSabah

Fatema Tiba MahmoudAllouch

-Student of the Term- for term 1: Tala Alhawasawi of6A.

Finally, I pray that all our fasting and prayers in this blessedmonth are accepted. May Allah swt allow us to complete ourfasting strong and our hearts full of iman.

Wishing you and your families Eid days full of happiness andenjoyment.

Ms Silvana HarbaYear 6 Coordinator.

Year 7Assalamu Alaikum parents/guardians&students,

I would like to wish you all a blessed monththat’s full of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.We ask Allah (SWT) to give us the strengthand the patience to be able to make themost of Ramadan this year.

Ramadan is a month of fasting not only from food but alsorefraining from all acts of evil in order to build our lives ongood habits. Everything we do during this month causes us todevelop Taqwa (piety). The Holy month of Ramadan is wherewe recharge our Iman (faith) for the entire year. Here’s a list of10 things we could all do to make this Ramadan a spiritual oneand hopefully develop some of these tips into habits which wecarry on with us for the rest of days ahead. It would be goodto keep a copy of these tips with you to remember to use yourtime wisely.

I hope that these 10 things inspire you to make the utmost bestof your Ramadan. Remember that the little things add up.

Reminders

Some students are attending school with a uniform thatmisrepresents the school. The school uniform should be cleanand tidy. It includes ties (for the boys), shirts should be tuckedin and a blazer that fits the student. If the blazer doesn’t buttonup then it is small and the student has to purchase another one.

Also, the school does not allow haircuts similar to the imagesbelow as they are against the school policy and areinappropriate. If students come with the wrong haircut, they willbe sent back home.

It would be very much appreciated if parents wouldcommunicate with their children about the correct uniform andhaircut requirements.

1. Read Quran daily

2. Pray Sunnah Salaat before and/or after Salaat

3. Increase your remembrance of Allah“O You who believe! Remember Allah with muchremembrance”

4. Give extra charity

5. Do not engage in unnecessary talk

6. Visiting a sick Muslim

7. Providing food for breaking the fast

8. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr“Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.”(Surat Al-Qadr 97: Verse 3)The rewards from prayers of this night is equivalent toa thousand months. This is a great opportunity to getcloser to Allah and build up your spirituality.

9. Asking Allah to forgive ALL Muslims

10. Remember to pray for your parents &all theMuslims all over the world

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Also, I advise all parents to monitor their children’s Devices andto have parental control over the social Applications they areusing. Students are not meant to play games at school or usetheir Devices without the supervision of a teacher.

Please remind your children to label their items e.g., uniformand stationery and to look for their lost items.

I appreciate your cooperation in of the matters mentionedabove. May Allah accept your deeds and bless you and yourfamilies.

Ms Sawsan AlshakshirYear 7 Coordinator

Toastmasters

Year 9Dear Parents /Guardians,

Assalamu Alaikum Wr.Wb,

Ramadan Mubarak to All students and theirfamilies.

I would like to welcome all year 9 studentsand I wish them a very successful andfruitful term 2.

The year 9 students have been very active this term ineducation and extra- curricular activities. All students in year 9are required to continue working on their Action and servicesactivities reports and portfolios for end of semester one reportassessment. I would like to congratulate all those students whoachieved a good result in sport.

Student Portfolio

Portfolio work continues in term 2. I urge parents to checktheir children’s portfolios and make sure that they place their

work requirement / tasks in their portfolio to get it ready for thePortfolio assessment

Homework and study Plan.

Students are expected to do homework each night for 1.5 to2 hours, at least 5 sessions per week. Parents are urged toencourage regular habits of homework and study, and supportof their children in developing a good routine, and provide theright conditions for home study.

Ms Fadia EldebsYear 9 Coordinator

Year 11

Yr11 Exam Advice

Assalam Alaykum Parents, Guardians andStudents.

Term 1 is finished and Yr 11 exams areabout to start. Exams can be stressful tomany students. This exam period the year11’s have the added challenge of being inthe middle of Ramadan. Fasting can sap

energy and make revising difficult. Never the less, exams at year11 provide good training for the important exams at year 12which hugely impact on ATAR marks and eventual Universitycourses students can get in to.

I have personally, in my twenty years plus as a teacher, taughtstudents who have achieved perfect and near perfect ATARscores. I woud like to share some strategies and tips that willinshallah help students achieve results with minimum stress.

1. Perspective is a powerful tool for stress relief. If youget stressed, take a few deep breaths and think of allthe positives in your life. Then reflect on the biggerpicture of all the problems in the world, the vast sizeof the universe, the fact that we live 150 millionkilometres from a continually exploding nuclear bomband are still alive i.e. otherwise better known as ourSun. While you are alive and healthy the hope andpotential is there to keep trying and learning.

2. Attitude defines stress. If your aim is to get excellentmarks then stress is likely to result in chasing thisgoal. If your attitude is to do your best, then you arenot defined by results but instead by the comfortingrealisation that you have tried your best and this is allanyone, most importantlay you of yourself, canexpect. However, in my experience students who trytheir best tend to quite often surprise themselves.

The problem is that not many people “try” to the bestof their ability. “Trying your best” means beingproactive and accepting responsibility for the learningprocess. That involves reflecting on your strengthsand weaknesses, seeking help from teachers whenneeded and thinking of strategies to maximize yourtime and learning.

e.g. During student/parent report days some

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To conclude, remember to balance your learning with activitiesyou enjoy e.g. sport, reading, etc… Lots of high achievingstudents have an outside interest like playing sport or playinga musical instrument. Balance in life, with time management,helps in achieving your best. Don’t be defined by fear and stressof exams. Embrace the opportunity as a stepping stone in yourlife journey. Inshallah, you are on your way to utilising the talentsour creator has bestowed on you. Use your time wisely.

If you have any questions about your son or daughter, pleasecontact me via email or the school phone number. I lookforward to a year in which potential is utilised and students setthe foundation for maximising their Yr 12 studies at AIA.

Mr Elvedin CorhodzicYear 11 Coordinator

MYP News

For Parents

At The Australian International Academy- Melbourne SeniorCampus we are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate(IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP).

The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It providesa framework of learning that encourages students to becomecreative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasisesintellectual challenge, encouraging students to makeconnections between their studies in traditional subjects andthe real world. It fosters the development of skills forcommunication, intercultural understanding and globalengagement-essential qualities for young people who arebecoming global leaders.

Teaching and learning in the MYP

The MYP aims to help students develop their personalunderstanding and their emerging sense of self andresponsibility in their community. Teaching and learning in theMYP is underpinned by the following:

Stay tuned every month as we explore these stepping-stonesto increase our understanding of the MYP.

Ms Naima Kedddar & Ms Silvana HarbaMYP Coordinator and Assistant.

https://www.ibo.org/information-for-parents/myp-for-parents/

Arts Department

Independent Schools ArtsLearning Festival

On Thursday 2nd of May a group of 17 year10 and 12 art students took part in theIndependent Schools Arts Learning Festivalwith internationally renowned New Yorkartist, Mary Mattingly. Students participatedin the workshop Objects in the Round

which involved the creation of a collaborative artwork at TheNational Gallery of Victoria. Using personal objects as well asmaterials collected in Melbourne, participants made anexpansive landscape in miniature, and combined it withstorytelling about each object, through techniques based ontheatre in the round.

The workshop provided students with an opportunity toexamine questions about daily rhythms dependent on objects,and habits of purchase, products that are used and discarded.Students explored issues regarding what is more permanent,what endures, and for how long, and then what happens?

students often complain that they have studied for atest but didn’t do well and then becomediscouraged. When questioned they usually tell methat they started studying 1 to 2 days before the test.However, if they studied one week before the testthey would have more time to absorb the materialand seek help from the teacher if problems areencountered.

3. Better learning is not just more hours learning andmore schoolwork. As we have limited time in the dayworking smarter and more efficiently is the way to go.Break up studying into smaller chunks over a longertime frame. The aim of each session isunderstanding. What is the aim of your learningactivity? How does it relate to other areas ofknowledge? Learning should be exciting and fun.Even the most mundane tasks when approachedwith a positive attitude can become interesting.

4. Human nature when revising is to spend most of thetime on material which is well known and little or notime on areas of the subject we are not good at. Theopposite needs to occur. Revise quickly the materialyou are good at and spend most of your efforts andtime on your weaknesses. Get help from teachers,classmates, tutors etc… and practice on yourweaknesses. One of the joys of learning is when youhave mastered a weakness and are left with anintrinsic sense of achievement.

• Teaching and learning in context

• Conceptual understanding

• Approaches to learning (ATL)

• Service

• Language and identity

• MYP projects- The Personal Project

• Assessment

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Our students gained a great deal from the experience ofworking collaboratively with a contemporary artist and theircontributions were intelligent and perceptive. I was very proudof the way in which all participants represented our Academy atthe event.

Elizabeth Barnes

Observation DrawingObservation Drawing Creating the landscapeCreating the landscape

The group with Mat MattinglyThe group with Mat Mattingly

Interfaith & Harmony Coordinator

AIA Guests of Honour at StBernard College Diversity Day

On the 17th May I accompanied four Year11 students to St Bernard College asguests of honour at their Diversity DayWhole School Assembly. It is an annualevent organised by SBC to highlight agroup that is often identified as different in

the broader community in the hope that SBC students canappreciate that diversity is to be celebrated. In response to theevents in New Zealand this year, SBC invited us to share withthem the basic teachings of Islam and how media portrayal ofIslam and Muslims have impacted our community.

On that day, Year 11 students, Hayla Rafei, SabrinaNoureddine, Sesanga Kakembo and Zaidan Basalamah did usproud by presenting their speeches with poise and incredibleconfidence in front of a huge audience of 1,500 teachers andstudents. Hayla and Sabrina shared a speech on dress codefor Muslim men and women while Sesanga and Zaidan sharedthe podium speaking on the meaning of Surah Al Fatiha andthe Five Pillars of Islam. (Well done, boys and girls!) Lastly, Idelivered a three part speech on the positive contributions ofreligions towards society in general; the common platform ofAbrahamic faiths in the belief in God; and the impact of the

media on our community. Our presence for the day was muchappreciated and, later, the teacher in charge of the event, MrJohn Samanna, emailed to thank us that “it has made a bigimpression amongst the staff and the students (of SBC). Theywill be talking about this for a while.”

Ms Im YeohInterfaith and Harmony Co-ordinator

Islamic Studies – Annual Iftar

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem

Assalamu Alikum Wr. Wb.

On Friday 17th May, our “Iman Club” students along with theIslamic Captaincy team organised and held the school’s annualIftar night, where 200 guests attended including parents,students and teachers. It was a spiritual event filled with anatmosphere of warmth and togetherness like the feeling ofa family. We prayed Maghrib, Ishaa and Taraweeh incongregation, with students taking turns in leading the prayers.Our students did phenomenal work in decorations and settingup with spiritual drive and dedication, may Allah reward themall. Not to mention the large and delicious buffet of a variety ofrestaurant food catered. A rich and beautiful poem was writtenand delivered by Beyza Uzun from year 10 about Ramadan andiftar, while Fahima Badat from year 9 prepared an online quiz on‘kahoot’ which all attendees took part in. Prizes were awardedto the top 5 winners in the quiz and each guest was given asmall gift as a token of appreciation and thanks for attendingand adding more value and warmth to the event.

A very special thank you to Ms Naima Keddar who was veryinstrumental in organising the Iftar night.

Thank you to all parents and students, the Iman club studentsand volunteers.

Wassalamu Alaikum Wr. Wb.

Mr Belal AssaadHead of Islamic Studies

Mr Sheikh Abdel-Nasser SalehAcademy Imam

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Muslim Voice

Mr. Samuel Shropshire, founder of Muslim Voice for Peace andReconciliation (based in the US), talked to the Year 12s abouttheir global project in advocating for peace and understandingbetween followers of different religions around the world.

Additionally, he talked spoke about their support work withdisadvantaged people who have been stricken with poverty andgrief as a result of war and famine; and to lobby against nuclearand chemical weapons.

He also spoke of his inspirational journey to Islam and to thinkof the bigger picture in our place in this world.

Mr Belal AssaadHead of Islamic Studies

Mr Sheikh Abdel Nasser SalehAcademy Imam

Year 10 Umrah 2019Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem

Welcome back to the safe return of ourUmrah students this year!

On the 28th of March, a group of our year10 students set off on their spiritual journeyto Makkah and Madina to perform theirUmrah as a special annual excursion by our

school. On their way, they spent a few days in Abu Dhabivisiting out sister school ‘The Australian School of Abu Dhabi’ instudent exchange program. They enjoyed some fun activitiessuch as the great Safari Tour, visiting the Grand Sheikh Bin ZaidMosque and spending a thrilling time at the Ferrari world.

After Abu Dhabi, our students set off to Medina where theyprayed and worshipped at the Great Prophet’s Mosque (pbuh)for 4 days anticipating the equivalence of 1000 Salahs for eachSalah they prayed there, in the second holiest Mosque in Islam.They visited the Prophet’s (pbuh) grave and his Companions,and visited historical iconic sites such as Uhud, Mount Hira andCave of Thawr. This was their first significant experience in theirlife, which they will remember for ever, inshallah.

On the fourth day, the Umrah students wore their humble whiteclothes of Ihram and drove for 7 hours across the deserts toMakkah to perform their Umrah and anticipate the equivalenceof 100,000 Salats for each Salat they prayed in the 3Haramof Makkah, the first Holiest Mosque of Islam. Some studentssummoned the spiritual energy to perform multiple Umrahs inthe days they were there.

May Allah s.w.t. reward the parents for their sacrifices andaccept the supplications and worship of our students whoperformed this venerable rite of passage, ameen.

Mr Belal AssaadHead of Islamic Studies

Student Welfare

Positivity, Motivation andWell-Being during Ramadan

By: Mohammed Faris

Motivation is an inherent aspect of ourbeing and its success is our ultimateobjective in life. People who are unable tofulfil the objective of motivation end up

experiencing feelings of emptiness, anxiety, despair and pain.This can then compel people to reflect upon Allah. His creationand our purpose in life. Motivation is generally defined as a needor desire that helps people energise their behaviour and direct ittowards a particular goal. Allah has gifted humans with motives,and they are a fundamental component of a human being’spersonality and behaviour. “Our Lord is He who gave each thingits form and then guided [it]” [Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verse 50].

The words “need” and “drive” are generally used to suggestthat motivation is an internal force, while incentives are external.However, upon deeper reflection, one will find that it is needsthat actually produce our drive in order to attain fulfilment. Inthis month of Ramadan, how are you reviewing your life andreflecting on your motivation and positivity? Yes — motivation,positivity and dua. The three are interlinked!

Research shows that when you have a positive frame of mind,you are more likely to be positive in life and an uplifting attitude.Those around you will also become more positive just by beingin your presence.

Dua is not only a weapon of the believer, it is also a tool ofwell-being. If you make dua, your well-being improves. Youbecome more caring towards others. Anas bin Malik narratedthat the Prophet said: “The supplication is the essence ofworship” [Tirmidhi]; and Abudullah bin ‘Amr narrated that theMessenger of Allah said, “No supplication is more readilyresponded to, than the supplication made for someone who isabsent” [Tirmidhi].

10 Things That Cultivate Positivity & Motivation duringRamadan

1. Counting your blessings:Express gratitude for what you have (either privatelythrough dua or journaling or to a close other) and‘show’ your appreciation to others by making dua forthem.

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Now, you don’t have to do all of these. Just pick three andfocus on those. Try them out for a week and see how they workfor you. Finally, remember, “And that it is He who makes [one]laugh and weep.” [Qur’an: Chapter 53, Verse 43].

Ms Ceril GocukStudent Well Fare and Counselling

E-SportsThe fledgling AIA eSports Club, run byresident gaming-geek and teacher MrGokhan Yuksel, is competing in theonline-game League of Legends, againstother schools.

This tournament sees the best of the besthigh school teams compete at Rod LaverArena later in the year; for the right to be

crowned champions.

We are in a division of 28 teams where only the top 4 teamsqualify to reach the second stage, the play-offs. The winnersof the play-offs get the chance to compete in the finals at RodLaver.

Right now, as it stands, with a few rounds left, AIA is in secondplace, alhamdulillah! No matter what occurs it is a wonderfulachievement for this being our first time competing. Well done,eSporters.

Mr Gokhan YukselEsports Club

AIA Sports

SSV COBURG DISTRICT WINTERSPORT SEASON

Friday May 3rd saw the opening round ofthe grade six inter school sports program.

Grade 6 girls and boys who have beenparticipating in regular after school sportstraining played in: AFL Boys, Soccer Girls

and Boys, Netball Girls.

Al Hamdullilah it was pleasant day of development and physicalengagement with magnificent weather!

SSV MORELAND DIVISION SENIOR BOYSFOOTBALL

April 30th at Charles Mutton Reserve, Academy Senior BoysFootball Team competed in the Moreland Division Tournament.

2. Cultivate optimism:Keep a journal in which you imagine and write aboutthe best possible future for yourself, or practicing tolook at the bright side of every situation. ThisRamadan, think of the best possible Ramadan youcould have and then make it happen InshaAllah.

3. Avoid over-thinking and social comparison:Use strategies (such as distraction) to cut down onhow often you dwell on your problems, and insteadcompare yourself to others who have less than you.This is also a sunnah. Then, be grateful for what youdo have. Each day, say Alhamdulillah for simplethings which you have been blessed with.

4. Practice acts of kindness:Do good things for others, whether friends orstrangers, either directly or anonymously, andwhether spontaneous or planned.

5. Nurture relationships:Pick a relationship in need of strengthening, andinvest time and energy into healing, cultivating,affirming, and enjoying it.

6. Do more activities that truly engage you:Increase the number of experiences at home andwork that are challenging and absorbing, and inwhich you can almost “lose yourself”. Practice thiswith reading Qur’an, listening to tafsir on your iPod orelectronic device, and in sending salams on theProphet Muhammad (SAV).

7. Commit to your goals:Pick one, two, or three significant goals that aremeaningful to you and devote the time and effort topursue them. What are you going to change thisRamadan?

8. Practice learning to forgive:Keep a journal or writing a letter in which you work onletting go of the anger and resentment towards oneor more individuals who have hurt or wronged you.Remember this act of forgiveness this Ramadan willbring even more reward, especially if you do it for thesake of Allah.

9. Practice religion and spirituality:Become more involved in your mosque. Read andponder on the meaning of the Qur’an. Listen to asurah audio. All of this improves your well-being. Becautious however to not set goals so high, that theyare unachievable and leads to stress.

10. Taking care of your body:Engage in physical activity and reflection. Thisincludes smiling and laughing! Also, eat well anddrink healthy drinks during the month.

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This round robin tournament is a pathway to NorthernMetropolitan Region Finals.

The team was undefeated overcoming opponents.

In the final match against Glenroy Secondary College, AIA hadto work hard in the first half against a competitive team, butkicked away in the second half to win the pennant.

The team was captained by Mohamed Khodr and supported byyear 12 boys Ibrahim Moustafa and Abdul Hamid El Bodon whohave been regular players since grade six in 2013.

A fine service well done boys!

AIA Sports scholarship student Mouna Dib of Year 10 hasbeen a dedicated athlete and assistant coach for the PE/SportsDepartment.

Mouna has been committed to assisting with after schoolsports training with Grade 6 girls this year.

Mouna recently co-captained the Intermediate Girls Footballteam with Susan Hamad.

Some of Mouna’s achievements are:

Well done Mouna!

On April 24th, Anzac Eve, the Academy Intermediate BoysFootball Team competed in the Moreland Division Tournament.

This round robin tournament is a pathway to NorthernMetropolitan Region Finals.

The team was undefeated overcoming opponents by no lessthan 40 margins making it a three-peat for the Academy Year9/10 Boys Football team, alhamdulillah.

SHEFFIELD SHIELD CRICKET FINAL

As a valued member of the Cricket Community, AIA had theopportunity to participate in an on field experience in the lunchbreak of day 1 of the Sheffield Shield Final. Girls, boys andstaff got to watch the opening play of the final between Victoriaand NSW and then play a 40 minute Woolworths Cricket Blastmatch on field during the lunch break.

The event took place at the home of Cricket Victoria, theJunction Oval, St. Kilda. AIA looks forward to developingCricket further this year with programs such as Grow GirlsCricket, tied into the strategy for improvement in female sport.

Mr Adam NahalHead of AIA Health, Physical Education and Sports

2019 Term Dates

Term 1 Tuesday 29 January – Friday 5 April 2019

Term 2 Tuesday 23 April– Friday 28 June 2018

Term 3 Monday 22 July – Friday 20 September 2018

Term 4 Monday 7 October – Friday 6 December 2018

Upcoming Events

May 2019

Thu 23 May Year 10 &11 Semester 1 exams

Fri 31 May Year 10 & 11 exams conclude

Fri 31 May Progress Reports Available on Compass

June 2019

Wed 5 June Eid –Al-Fitr TBC

Mon 10 June Queens Birthday Public Holiday

Wed 12 June GAT – all Year 12 students

Wed 19 June Immunisations for Year 10 students

Fri 28 June Scholarship Applications Close

Fri 28 June Last Day of Term Two

Uniform Shop

Trading Hours

Wednesday 9.30 am -11.00am

Friday 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Saturday - First Saturday of EveryMonth

12.00 noon -2.00pm

1st Day of Each Term 9.30 am – 3.30pm

Compiled by Ms SelmaEdited By Ms Julie Macpherson

• AFL Victoria All Nations Academy

• Represents Pascoe Vale Football club in thewomen’s category Division 1 under 18s.

• Attending and AFL media conference for the 2019Bachar Houli launch.

• Regular participation in inter school sports.

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