AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF EDUCATION LTD

NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2024

Message from Principal

Mrs Lubna Sayed

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Assalamu alaikum Wr Wbr

Alhumdulilah we are well into term 1 2024 and what an amazing start it has been. The year started with all teachers participating in team building activities which help build positive relationships amongst staff. These positive relationships always have a direct impact on student learning as more collaborative planning takes place. We also ensured that all staff are fully capable of taking care of the needs of students by participating in mental health behaviour management workshop, first aid courses and other courses based on the specific medical needs of the students. We also ensured that the spiritual well being is not left behind by participating in a wonderful talk by Ustadha Yasmeen Mogahed on how to manage ourselves during challenging times. This year the Executive team at the school with Mr. Ibrahim Elkadomi, Mr. Zamil Mohammed, Ms. Oznur Aydemir, Ms.  Sara Shehata and myself also embarked on the path of curating our strategic plan for 2025-2020. This is a long process of evaluating were the school is currently at and setting clear goals and milestones for its next phase. The main idea always remains to ensure that we are providing quality islamic education to all students. The executive team is very excited for this and is looking forward to sharing our vision with you.

I am thankful that Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 successfully completed the NAPLAN tests this week. Thank you to Ms Shehata and Ms. Mawas for coordinating the tests and working with other teachers and IT department to help ensure that students were able to focus on answering the questions to the best of their ability.

I appreciate that some students feel pressure and experience anxiety when completing NAPLAN tests. I urge all parents to remind the students that tests like these do not define who they are but rather are highlighting their achievement until this point in time. It also provides the school with the data needed to help improve every student’s literacy and numeracy skills. I am proud of every student who demonstrated the schools’ value of Responsibility as they completed these tests.

Inshallah we will be able to use the data that comes out of this effectively to make a  positive difference to students and to help them perform above state average at all times.

We also recently hosted this year’s very first parent session on Unit of Inquiry conducted by our wonderful staff members Ms. Kandil and Ms. Sharma. It was amazing to see that all parents where very positive after the session and commended the teachers for helping them understand some of the elements of PYP. We plan to have many more sessions catering to PYP, MYP, HSC and DP in the coming terms so please do keep an eye out on Audiri for information regarding these. 

I was recently invited to be a panellist on Sydney Morning Herald’s School Summit which was attended by Principal and Teachers across NSW. The main topic of discussion for this day was about the Future of Education. I would like to share a take away that really resonated well for me from this day: 

The role of the teacher is ever evolving. The challenges thrown at teachers each day is very unique be it emergence of AI or bullying on Social Media. So how do we tackle them? What is our strength? 

UNITY…. When parents and teachers work together in a united manner, we see the students best set up for success. 

It is important that all of us reflect on this takeaway. It is very important that each time we come across any issue, we say to ourselves, I have a partner in my childs learning journey who I can discuss this with. This support that the teachers and parents get from one another is the most crucial advantage that any child can have. Alhumdulillah, I am really proud of our school community which is made of parents who work with the school and I hope that we will continue to do so in future to tackle all the challenges we encounter and to set our students up for success inshallah.

All Year 11 and 12 students should have received the cyclic reviews for this term. Please do take time to reflect on these so that you are able to understand what areas your child needs to work on. You will have a further opportunity to discuss this and the reports with your child teacher at the end of this term. Hopefully, the information relayed to you through these reports and meeting can help you support your child’s learning better. We understand that some parents were not able to book a slot to meet their child’s teacher. We will be providing further opportunities for these parents in Term 2 inshallah. 

Ramadan has alhumdulilah begun and I hope that every family is having the opportunity to make full use of this time to get closer to Allah SWT. The daily routine of every family can be different during Ramadan, particularly when this falls during the summer, with longer daylight hours. With this in mind, please can we ask all parents to allow their children to participate in the wonderful iftars planned by the school. These iftar and activities are a way of bringing the school community together as one and inshallah helps in making us grow stronger in our faith together. The dates and links for ticket purchase have been shared through Audiri for the different year groups. We also have some other beneficial sessions happening for the students at this time including Halaqa talks, creative activities, fundraising initiatives and also guest speakers coming to speak to them. Inshallah these events will help each student to take Ramadan as a time to instil a positive change in their lives.

I wish you all a blessed Ramadan and hope that we continue this journey of learning and growing together inshallah so that we are able to provide the best education for your children.

Message from Deputy Principal

Mr Zamil Mohammed

Assalamu Alaikum ww

As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, I want to take this opportunity to update you on some important areas of focus within our school community.

With the half-yearly exams fast approaching, our Year 12 students are gearing up for this significant milestone in their academic journey. We encourage parents to support their children in maintaining a balanced study routine and seeking assistance from teachers whenever needed. These exams mark an important checkpoint in their progress, and your encouragement and guidance are invaluable during this time.

As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, we extend our warmest wishes to all families observing this sacred time. Our school will be accommodating Ramadan and Eid celebrations with special timetables and arrangements. We encourage students and staff to engage respectfully and participate in these cultural and religious observances, fostering understanding and inclusivity within our diverse community.

As the term draws to a close, we value the opportunity to connect with parents and discuss their child's progress. Parent interviews provide a valuable platform for open communication and collaboration between home and school. We encourage all parents to schedule meetings with teachers to discuss their child's academic, social, and emotional development.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. Together, we can ensure a successful and fulfilling learning experience for every student.

Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead.

Message from Head of Primary (Student Management, Wellbeing and Community Relations)

Ms Sara Shehata

Assalam Alaikum

Dear Parents and Guardians

Ramadan Mubarak to our students and school community.

As partners in your child's educational journey, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive support and diverse enrichment opportunities to foster their growth and development. At our Academy we are committed to equipping your child with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally. I would like to highlight some of the support programs and enrichment opportunities available to our primary students:

SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Our dedicated team of learning support specialists provides personalised assistance to students who may benefit from additional academic support. Whether your child needs help with specific skills or learning strategies, our team is here to provide guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Individual Learning Plans (ILPs):

For students with unique learning needs, we offer individual learning plans tailored to their strengths and areas for growth. These plans outline personalised goals, adjustments, and support to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. All ILPs have been emailed to parents to inform you of their goals and learning adjustments. Please ensure that you organise a parent teacher interview (Term 1 Week 11) with your child’s class teacher to discuss their progress.

MacqLit and MiniLit Programs:

MacqLit and MiniLit are evidence-based literacy intervention programs designed to support students who may benefit from additional assistance in reading and literacy development. These programs offer structured and systematic approaches to teaching reading, phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary skills. Selected students will be taking part in a reading intervention programs, MacqLit (Years 3-6) or MiniLit (Years 1-2).

We are committed to ensuring the success of all students enrolled in the MacqLit and MiniLit programs. Our dedicated team of educators will work closely with selected students to provide engaging and effective instruction, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements along the way.

Parental Support:

We encourage parents to actively support their child's participation in the MacqLit and MiniLit programs by:

·         Reinforcing learning at home through regular reading and literacy activities.

·         Communicating with teachers to stay informed about their child's progress and areas for growth.

·         Celebrating their child's achievements and providing encouragement and motivation

 "SENSE OF BELONGING' Wellbeing Program:

We recognize the importance of nurturing your child's social and emotional well-being. Our Wellbeing program this term is focused on the concept of CARING. Students have been engaged in activities based on self-care and identifying their own strengths.  'Just like you' incursions/ workshops were held for Years 1- 6 earlier this term. This incursion is in line with our overarching wellbeing theme of "Creating a sense of belonging'.  The incursion workshops highlighted diversity and inclusion for students with disability.

 

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We're excited to present various enrichment opportunities that await our students. These initiatives are designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, empowering our young learners to explore, excel, and engage beyond the classroom setting.

  • Debating Club:

Our Debating Club offers students the chance to hone their public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills in a supportive and stimulating environment. Mrs Mohamed is working with selected students in Years 5 and 6 to construct lively debates on a variety of topics. Students learn to articulate their viewpoints, listen actively to others, and develop confidence in expressing their ideas. Official competition debates will begin in Term 2.

  • Math Olympiad and Weekly Math Enrichment Sessions:

For our budding mathematicians, we offer participation in Math Olympiad competitions and enrichment sessions. These opportunities provide students with challenging mathematical problems, encouraging them to think creatively and strategically to find solutions. Mrs Rafiqi will guide students through advanced mathematical skills and concepts, helping them deepen their understanding and appreciation of mathematics. These sessions are open to selected students in Years 4-6.

  • Tournament of Minds (Years 3-4) and Da Vinci Decathlon (Year 6):

Be on the lookout for information regarding the Tournament of Minds and Da Vinci Decathlon, two prestigious inter-school competitions that showcase students' teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities across a range of disciplines. From creative problem-solving challenges to innovative engineering tasks, these events inspire collaboration, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking among participants. The student selection process will begin soon.

 We believe that by providing a supportive learning environment and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, we can empower your child to reach their full potential and become confident, compassionate, and lifelong learners.

If you have any questions about our support programs or enrichment opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

AUSSIE OF THE MONTH AWARD – MARCH

Aussie of the Month is based on encouraging and recognising students for their contribution to community. Students are recognised for their effort outside of academic application or sporting achievement, and instead acknowledges students who demonstrate outstanding contributions within their school community. This month of March is focused on the Harmony Week events and recognising the inclusive and caring nature of students.

Grade

Award Recipient

Kindergarten – Year 2

Leen Alhashem 2A

Year 3- 6

Azia Keriwala 3B

 

IB SUPER STAR AWARDS

The IB Super Star awards are presented at every assembly. Students who are nominated display positive character in and out of the classroom based on IB Learner profiles. 

Congratulations to our Term 1 Week 6 IB Super Star award recipients:

 

 

WEEK 6

KA

Sama Gahit

Learner Profile

Thinker

KB

Hannah Kazi

Learner Profile

Principled

1A

Asma Maskati

Learner Profile

Balanced

1B

Maya Zaher

Learner Profile

Principled

1C

Dawood Noor

Learner Profile

Thinker

2A

Anyah Salman

Learner Profile

Principled

2B

Liliana Mouhajer

Learner Profile

Thinker

3A

Amna Al- Jaish

Learner Profile

Communicator

3B

Elias Dandan

Learner Profile

Inquirer

3C

Anaya Noor

Learner Profile

Knowledgeable

4A

Sophia Mohamed Tarshan

Learner Profile

Thinker

4B

Zayneb Khalil

Learner Profile

Caring

4C

Aizah Mehmood

Learner Profile

Thinker

5A

Yahya Ali

Learner Profile

knowledgeable

5B

Maham

Learner Profile

Caring

5C

Luca Eroglu

Learner Profile

Principled

6A

Ghazal Khalaf

Learner Profile

Communicator

6B

Ali Elkady

Learner Profile

Thinker

 RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

Our school focuses on restorative practices at school when handling conflict between students. The aim of the conflict resolution is to restore relationships and to assist students to move forward when interacting with one another. To assist with this process our students use the following questions to guide their thinking:

  • What happened?
  • What were you thinking about at the time?
  • What have your thoughts been since?
  • Who has been affected by what happened?
  • In what way have they/you been affected?
  • What do you think you need to do to make things right?
  • If the same thing happened again, what would you do differently?

 

Message from Head of Primary (Academic Affairs)

Ms Oznur Aydemir 


Assalamu alaikum ww.

A huge Ramadan Kareem to all AIAE Kellyville community! May Allah (SWT) accept your prayers and fasting. Ramadan is one of many occasions when we at AIA are reminded of how much of an immense privilege it is to be part of an Islamic school in Australia. We are truly blessed to be able to fast and pray together, modify school times and programmes, conduct Taraweeh prayers and celebrate Eid Ul Fitr together on school grounds. 

INTERIM REPORTS

Term 1 Interim Reports will be sent out to parents by the end of this term. Interim reports are a snapshot of a student's learning progress thus far in the school year. It is one of the ways our school communicates to parents and students where they are at generally for each of the subject areas. If you have any questions or have concerns regarding your child's progress please address these during Parent Teacher Interviews.  

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent Teacher Interview day will be at school on Friday the 12th of April, 2024. This is a great time for you to speak to your child’s teacher and discuss how your child has been progressing in their learning and responding to class tasks. Questions you may want to ask teachers are:

  • What can I do at home to help?
  • What are the successes we can build upon?
  • What other support can we provide?
  • What is the plan to follow up?

IB LEARNER PROFILE - RAMADAN edition

The spirit of Ramadan has truly spread in the primary department with spaces decorated and children gleaming with joy. The love and excitement of Ramadan has surely become contagious amongst the students! 

This is also a great time for us to reflect on our actions, behaviours and thoughts and wonder where we can improve and strengthen ourselves. Below are some probing questions to get you started.  As parents you may also want to practice, model and share your reflections to your children.

CARING: Do I help others in need?

KNOWLEDGEABLE: Do I research to find out more information?

THINKER: Do I try to find solutions to problems?

COMMUNICATOR: Do I express my ideas, thoughts and feelings clearly to others?

PRINCIPLED: Am I honest and fair with my decisions and interactions with others?

OPEN-MINDED: Am I interested in learning other perspectives?

INQUIRERS: Am I curious and in awe with the world around me?

COURAGE: Do I try to do things that are outside of my comfort zone?

BALANCED: Do I nurture my mind, body and spirit on a daily basis?

REFLECTIVE: Do I pay attention to my thinking and actions?

To go further, you may want to write down 2 areas you are content with and 1 area you would like to improve on. Stick it somewhere where you can easily be reminded of your strengths and areas you would like to improve.

Message from Middle Years Program (MYP) Coordinator

Mrs Ghada Mawas

Dear Parents, 

Assalamu Alaikum ww,

Ramadan Mubarak to you all.

Alhamdulilah our Year 7 students are transitioning well from PYP into the MYP. They have  been provided opportunities to develop and strengthen their brotherhood and sisterhood by attending the Year 7 camp. This camp is structured to build their Learner IB profile, to engage them in activities to build their self esteem and self confidence levels. Alhamdulilah our camp attendees enjoyed their time at camp with their fellow peers.

Year 7 and 9 students have finished sitting their NAPLAn tests. NAPLAN is a national assessment that tests students' ability in three domains of literacy—reading, writing and language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation)—and in numeracy. We look forward to hearing about their great achievements Insha Allah. 

Our Year 10 students will also commence their Personal project journey. MYP students in their final year explore an area of personal interest over an extended period. It provides them the opportunity to consolidate their learning and develop important skills they’ll need in both further education and life beyond the classroom. It also helps them develop confidence to become principled, lifelong learners. The personal project formally assesses students’ approaches to learning (ATL) skills for self-management, research, communication, critical and creative thinking, and collaboration.

A few friendly reminders to continue in supporting your child’s education by constantly checking in with the Managebac platform. Teachers use this platform in a number of ways such as uploading class resources, keeping results of formative tasks, links to learning activities, lesson plans and activities. It is widely used in class by both students and teachers. This is also the platform that teachers use to upload assessment notifications, enter marks and progressive reports. 

Also, a friendly reminder we have the Parent teacher interviews coming up. This is another great opportunity to check in on your child’s progress and an opportunity to check in with your child’s teacher/s. We look forward to seeing you all then.

We thank you all for your continued support and cooperation in your child’s education. 

Message from HSC Coordinator

Mrs Raghda Al-Shibly

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 Assalamu Alaikum ww

 As we approach the end of term, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that our year 12 students will be sitting their Half Yearly Examinations during the first week of the school holiday commencing on Monday 15th to Friday 19th April, 2024, for all subjects except English Advanced, English Standard and Mathematics Extension 

The English Advanced/Standard and Mathematics Extension exams will be held during the first Week of Term 2:

- Mathematics Extension - Tuesday 30/4/20204

- English Advanced/Standard: Wednesday 1/5/2024

 In order to support students in their preparation for exams and to maximise their learning opportunities, we encourage all students to ensure that they are following a scheduled and routine revision program and are seeking their teachers’ assistance whenever required. Students are also highly encouraged to refer to the following link Rules and Processes as set by NESA.

 As a high school student the HSC is a milestone in year 12 students’ education. Below are some tips to help our students in preparing for their exams be it the half yearly, mock exams or even the HSC.

Review these 6 tips so on the day you are all set to shine.

 

Tip #1: Read the paper properly

You've taken your seat and filled out your name and number. When the exam time starts, begin by going through the entire exam paper, including the important front page, during reading time.

Make sure there are no surprise hard questions that may require more attention/time.

Find compulsory questions.

Choose the alternative you prefer when a question has options.

Make sure you know how long to spend on each section – keep 5 to 10 minutes at the end to check over the whole paper. Allocate time wisely. Give yourself more time for the harder questions.

Tip #2: Make notes

Once you can start writing it’s a great idea to jot down everything filling your brain that you think you  might forget. Do this on a blank page of the exam paper. This will allow you to concentrate on one question at a time. It also gives you something to refer back to later, like your own reference material.

Tip #3: Start with an easy one

You don’t have to start the exam at Question 1 and move through in that order. It can be helpful to start with an ‘easy’ question first - yes, of course the idea of “easy” is all relative. But starting out with the question that you’re most sure of having a great answer, will calm your nerves and build your confidence. Leave the hardest questions for the middle of the exam time.

 Tip #4: Look for keywords

 Circle or highlight important words in questions worth 8 marks or more – these questions usually require multiple paragraphs.

For an extended response, planning is essential.

Tip #5: Make sure you really understand the question

This is obviously really important. Misinterpreting a question can really hurt. Focus on reading the question clearly and answer the question asked in the format required. It’s a good idea to re-read the question a few times and be absolutely sure you’re clear on the specific question before you start writing. No exam question will ask you to write down everything you know about a topic.

Use the marks allocated to understand the amount of time you should give to each answer (the higher the mark the greater importance) or number of lines given as an indicator as to how much you should write.

Don’t spend a lot of time on a 2 mark question at the expense of a 10 mark question, which will require planning and multiple paragraphs.

Don’t use dot points unless you are specifically asked to list them.

Tip #6: Think you've finished?

This is a bonus tip: Check, check and check again.

Before you are told to put your pens down, spend your time checking you have answered each question and looking over all your responses. This is why it’s really important to leave at least 5-10 mins at the end for checking time. Sometimes a review of multiple choice is useful because you trackled those first, before you were warmed up.

Read as a reader, not as a writer. Some questions to ask yourself include:

Have I followed the exam instructions regarding which questions to answer and have I used the answer booklets correctly?

Have I always answered the question asked?

Is my answer obvious and clear throughout my response?

Do extended responses flow logically, linking my ideas to my point of view or answer to the question?

If you’ve left anything crucial out, don’t panic, you can still add it in as an extra paragraph. Even if this means your answer is no longer as well structured, it's more important to have an answer that meets the question.

We wish all Year 12 students the best of luck with their exams!

Message from Kindergarten

Mrs Meenaksi and Ms Julieanne

Dear Parents,

We are so proud of the growth everyone has made so far in Kindergarten, they have settled into routines and are making great progress across all areas of learning.

In our Unit of Inquiry transdisciplinary theme ‘Who We Are’, students have been exploring how “Humans are similar but also different to each other”. We have been Finding Out and Sorting Out, asking each other questions, displaying our findings through tables and charts on our interactive UOI Walls. We looked at what the students' interests and likes, favourite sports, types of houses we live in, and the languages we speak. We also compared the height of students in the class to show the differences. We have started Going Further discussing our family units and the similarities/differences in the size of our families. We will next be looking further into our family backgrounds and cultures.

In InitiaLit we have been practising oral blending, segmenting, identifying the beginning sounds of words, and oral onset and rime ( s-un/r-ap/m-at). The students are grasping the concept of linking sounds to letters, the sounds they will be covering this term include m/s/t/p/a. In English we have been doing Recount writing, where we are writing about what we did on the weekend. We are working on writing a magic squiggle for each word in a sentence, and  trying to write beginning sounds that we hear. 

In Mathematics we have been learning different ways that we can represent numbers. We are deepening our understanding of counting, saying, writing, and making numbers in collections and ten frames. Through hands-on activities, we have gone further, looking at how smaller numbers make up bigger numbers, exploring  number lines; we are getting  good at putting numbers in order. Alongside UOI, we compared heights of each other, using vocabulary of ‘tall’ , ‘short’, ‘same’, ‘equal’. We will explore further into the different ways we can measure length as the term continues and other mathematical concepts.

In Creative Arts aligning with UOI, we have made our houses, working on creating self-portraits and drawing our friends to see how we are similar and different in terms of physical traits and our interests/skills. We explored different skin colours through mixing paints, and brought Storybooks to life through different creative art crafts where we are also building vocabulary and making connections to sounds learned. 

In Sports we have been improving the important skill of Balancing; while static and moving, exploring the different body parts we can balance on and holding our balances for longer, while exploring different games that incorporate coordination, catching, throwing and tag. 

Our heartfelt wishes for a Ramadan Mubarak to all our families. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support.

Message from Year 1

Ms Elliott, Ms Martinson and Mrs Shabnam

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This term has been filled with many exciting events and interactive learning engagements.

Our excursion to the Sea Life Aquarium was very exciting for all students and we all had lots of fun exploring the many sea animals at the aquarium. It has developed students' interest in ocean animals and the importance of ocean conservation. 

Throughout our English unit, students have explored facts about many sea animals via various approaches such as research and communication skills, which has allowed them to write great information reports. It is amazing to see how many facts they can recall from their lessons. Moreso, they are now able to express how human actions affect the ocean and identify responsible choices humans can make to protect ocean life.

In our unit of inquiry topic of sharing the planet, students created their ocean dioramas in class. Each student did an amazing job and they were all extremely creative and full of colour and vibrant sea life.

In our other unit of inquiry of Who we are, we have been learning about being balanced by engaging in various well-being activities such as hygiene, exercise, resting, praying, drinking water, and eating healthy daily. We also learned  about the five food groups and the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet.

As part of numeracy, we have looked at addition, subtraction and 2D shapes. Students  have  participated in activities to discover the properties of 2D shapes with many hands-on activities.

RAMADAN MUBARAK TO ALL!

Message from Year 2

Miss. Darwish and Mrs. DeKock

Dear Parents and Carers,

This term has been filled with enriching hands-on activities and learning experiences for our students. As part of our exploration into the transdisciplinary theme 'Who We Are,' students have been delving into various life stages, examining human capabilities, and understanding how needs and wants evolve throughout life. For the upcoming summative task, students will showcase their understanding through a drama performance and self-portraits in art, exploring the different stages of life. Additionally, in line with the theme 'Where We Are in Time and Place,' students will be conducting research into home features and designs, further enhancing their understanding of their surroundings.

In Literacy, students have made significant strides in their writing, implementing the seven steps of the writing framework to craft detailed narratives. They've honed their grammatical skills, incorporating speech marks, punctuation, and past tense effectively. Furthermore, they've learned to heighten tension and deepen character development through dialogue, enriching their storytelling abilities.

In Mathematics, our focus has been on place value, length, area, and addition and subtraction. Students have been introduced to various addition and subtraction strategies, including bar models, jump and split strategy. During the final weeks of Term 1, students will explore concepts of length, area, and 2D shapes through exciting challenges and hands on experiences.

As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a Ramadan Kareem to all our families

Message from Year 3

Ms Ma, Miss Khan, and Ms Hiba

Assalamu Alaikum

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah(swt) accept all our good deeds, our fasting, Quran, prayers and tarawih. It has been wonderful and exciting to watch our Year 3 students as they progressed throughout the term.

Our students showed great determination and perseverance as they embarked on their first journey through the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN. They displayed immense courage as they sat all three of their NAPLAN exams. We could not have been prouder of each and every one of them and the amazing skills they displayed. 

Throughout Unit of Inquiry, Year 3 explored the courage and determination of Sadako and how she never gave up hope, even during the darkest of times. This inspired our students to follow the same strength and determination for themselves. Our students extended their understanding of identity as they explore the different cultural practices and traditions around the world which define who they are. Year 3 is now inquiring into how early civilisations can be used to make connections to present-day societies. 

Our students explored the world of imagination this term and extended their skills and understanding on how to write an exciting narrative. They delved deeper into understanding how sentence structure and paragraphs can help create a cohesive text and further explored how figurative language such as similes, metaphors, personification and onomatopoeia can bring a narrative to life. They then carried their understanding of figurative language and applied their skills to persuasive writing.   

In Mathematics, our students worked hard to build their number sense through exploring whole numbers, addition and subtraction and the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction. Students have a deep understanding of addition properties like commutative property and associative property.

It has been a joy watching our students grow throughout the term and we cannot wait to see what else they will achieve throughout the year. 

Message from Year 4

Ms Mohamed, Ms Tamanna  & Miss Jalili


Assalamu Alaykum

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Ramadan Mubarak from the Year 4 teachers! May Allah (swt) accept all our good deeds, duas and fasts. It has been a wonderful journey seeing our year 4 students progress through the term. 

The first half of the term has been filled with exploring, learning and making connections both within and outside of the classroom.  

A few memorable events were:

Pocket City Farm Excursion 

As part of our transdisciplinary theme ‘Sharing the Planet’, Year 4 made their way to the city, to explore a pocket city farm. Students completed activities at each station and asked many thoughtful questions which were answered by the knowledgeable instructors. They delved into various topics including living things, life cycles, different farming methods, native species and many more. They also observed and discussed native bees, beneficial flowers, a range of vegetables and how these things are important for people and the environment. 

National Mother Day Tongue 2024

During National Mother Tongue Day, we explored all the different languages that students speak at home or their parents speak at home. Students also created beautiful posters that included a phrase, in their mother tongue. These creative posters are displayed in our classrooms.

‘Just Like You’ Incursion by Variety Australia 

We were privileged to participate in the 'Just Like You' incursion hosted by Variety Australia, which highlighted the importance of embracing diversity, particularly for students with disabilities. Students displayed beautiful manners when discussing and asking questions during the activities where we looked at what different disabilities are categorised as. 

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)

Year 4 students demonstrated their proficiency in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension during the Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs). These assessments serve not only to measure students' knowledge and skills but also to offer valuable insights into their educational progress. The results help us identify areas where students may benefit from additional enrichment or support.

Inshallah, your Ramadan is filled with blessings.

Message from Year 5

Ms. Alami, Mrs Ahmed and Mrs Kandil

Assalamualaikum Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Year 5 is currently deeply immersed in a variety of enriching learning experiences. Our initial excursion aligns with our Unit of Inquiry (UOI) titled "Who We Are," with the central idea being: "Humans connect with each other through their beliefs and values." Students recently visited the Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn and an aged care center, where they had the unique opportunity to delve deeper into our lines of inquiry (LOI), namely: 1. What are our beliefs and values? 2. How do human beliefs connect us with each other? This excursion proved to be both exhilarating and heartwarming for both the students and teachers.

In English, we are nearing the conclusion of our novel "Chinese Cinderella," which also ties into our UOI central idea of human connection through beliefs and values. Year 5 students have meticulously dissected the textual and linguistic elements of a finely crafted autobiography. They have been introduced to the disparities between narratives and autobiographies, and have actively participated in crafting their own narratives, focusing on the strategies outlined in the 7 Steps of Writing.

For their first formative task, students collaborated in groups to create, rehearse, and perform short skits / plays. This task proved to be a remarkable and enjoyable Endeavor for all involved.

In honor of International Mother Language Day, Year 5 students created vibrant and informative posters about themselves in their respective mother tongues. Celebrating this day serves to highlight the significance of preserving indigenous and local languages. This global observance encourages us all to take pride in our mother languages and to confidently utilize them within Australia's diverse and multicultural society.

In numeracy, it remains imperative for students to continue mastering their multiplication tables from 1X to 12X, as this proficiency will significantly aid them in long multiplication, long division, fractions, and various other mathematical concepts.

Lastly, it would be highly appreciated if all Year 5 students became members of their local library and dedicated at least 20-30 minutes each day to reading with comprehension.

Wishing you all A blessed Ramadan.

Message from Year 6

Mrs Yigit & Mrs Abdulkareem

Assalamualaikum Parents, Guardians, and Students,

As we journey through the third month of the year, it has been a time filled with activities, learning, and accomplishments at our school. Here's a roundup of some of the notable events that have taken place:

Random Acts of Kindness Week:

In February, we commenced a heartening celebration of 'Random Acts of Kindness Week,' highlighting the importance of fostering kindness in our everyday interactions. From small gestures to significant deeds, our school community united to recognize the profound influence of kindness on each other. Burak Caliskan delivered a remarkable speech titled 'Acts of Kindness are Acts of Worship' during the assembly, receiving praise for his outstanding performance!

National Mother Tongue Day 2024:

During National Mother Tongue Day, students participated in a morning circle where they greeted each other using their native languages. We created hand artworks that included personal information written in our mother tongues, celebrating the uniqueness and significance of speaking different languages. It was a way to honor the special connection to our native languages.

Congratulations to our Year 6 SRC Members:

A round of applause to our Year 6 Student Representative Council (SRC) members for their commendable efforts and leadership. Special congratulations to Donya, Riyam, Anaya, Zaki, Fatima, Qayse, Aziz, and Majdi for their roles as Prefects, Captains, and Vice Captains. Your dedication to our school community is truly appreciated. On the 27th of February, students had their first induction day, where Ms. Ahmed introduced them to their roles and what is expected of them as part of the SRC team.

Grade Meeting with Ms. Shehata:

Grade discussions are essential for fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment. During our recent meeting with Ms. Shehata, we addressed various important topics such as the correct use of social media, bullying prevention, uniform standards, BYOD guidelines, and grade expectations. Such discussions ensure clarity and cohesion within our grade. 

Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs) for Year 6:

On Wednesday, February 15th, our Year 6 students showcased their knowledge and skills in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension through the Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs). These tests not only gauge students' achievements but also provide valuable insights for their learning journey. This diagnostic assessment aids us in identifying enrichment and support for students. Kudos to our Year 6 students for their maturity and independence during this assessment!

'Just Like You' Incursion by Variety Australia:

Diversity and inclusion are integral aspects of our school ethos. We were privileged to participate in the 'Just Like You' incursion hosted by Variety Australia, which highlighted the importance of embracing diversity, particularly for students with disabilities. It was a day filled with valuable insights and meaningful discussions.

Mathematics and Visual Arts Update:

In the realm of academics, our Year 6 students have been diligently progressing through their curriculum. Mathematics diagnostics have been completed, with a focus on consolidating operations to advance to Year 6 level topics. Additionally, in Visual Arts, students have embarked on their summative assessment with self-portraits, showcasing their creativity and potential.

English and UOI Update:

During the initial five weeks of the semester, students have been actively engaged in studying the text types of exposition. We've been dissecting the format and persuasive techniques essential for honing our debating skills. This year, we're fortunate to have some remarkable talent among our sixth-grade students.

Students have been fully immersed in their novel study, "Little Brother," refining their comprehension and summarization abilities. It's been a fantastic beginning for our English curriculum this term.

Throughout the first term, our focus has been on learning about influential Indigenous Australians who have played significant roles in fostering a more harmonious community. As a class, we crafted impressive PowerPoint presentations highlighting individuals such as Eddie Mabo, Albert Namatjira, Cathy Freeman, Neville Bonner, David Unaipon, and many others. Our collaboration, information-literacy, critical-thinking, communication, and organization skills were all put to the test as we worked together to produce presentations worthy of applause! It's evident that Year 6 boasts exceptional talent in both ICT and public speaking.

Goodbye from Mrs. Abdulkareem:

As we conclude this month's newsletter, I, Ms. Abdulkareem, would like to extend my best wishes to all our Year 6 students. It has been a pleasure witnessing your enthusiasm and growth over the past few weeks. I will miss you all very much and thank you for 5 sweet short weeks.

As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to all our students and families. May you have a blessed month filled with peace, joy, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Mubarak.

PRIMARY SRC REPORT

Dear Parents and Students,

On Tuesday, 27th February 2024, the new SRC and Captaincy Leadership team gathered for an induction session in the school hall with Mrs. Shaheda Ahmed.

Throughout the session, the newly appointed 2024 SRC/Captaincy leadership team participated in various learning activities to develop their values and attitudes so they can lead and represent AIA in a wide range of events throughout the year in the school community. One of the primary objectives for the 2024 SRC team is to cultivate and enhance leadership proficiency among the SRC members.

They formulated an essential agreement and contributed ideas and opinions about the upcoming events such as International Mother Language Day, Harmony Day celebrations, Clean Up Australia Day, fundraising suggestions, Jersey Day, Walk Safely to School, especially the highly anticipated annual 3-6 School Iftar evening during the holy month of Ramadan! The Captaincy team will convene with Mr. Walid Ahmed to discuss plans and responsibilities for the Iftar. Insha’Allah, this year we hope to celebrate Grandparents' Day in late semester two! The newly appointed team exhibited high motivation toward this initiative.

Great leadership teams transform students and the school culture. Students are at the heart of any school, through influencing individuals—nurturing and challenging them, aiding in their growth and development, and fostering a culture of excellence in which we all learn, participate, and proactively engage!

A new initiative was announced at our 3-6  last assembly. There will be a creative and vibrant ‘Vocals Group’ run by Ms. Yigit and Ms. Ahmed very very soon! So stay ….. tuned!!! 

May Allah guide you in your endeavours in 2024, and we eagerly anticipate the initiatives and contributions the team will undoubtedly make to ensure the Australian International Academy, Kellyville, remains a remarkable place to be. Insha’Allah.

We anticipate collaborating as a school community to enhance AIAE, Insha’Allah.

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Shaheda Ahmed

2024 Primary SRC & Captaincy Leadership Team

4A

Eleena Zreika

Muhammad Bhojani

4B

Sara Sroor 

Mikael Moten

4C

Chantal Elsayed

Tariq Besiso 

5A

Aaleyah Mehmoud

Anas Rahman 

5B

Aiza Sunnivora

Moez Elmenyawy

5C

Mariam Mhamdi

Shayan Shamsi

YEAR 6

 

Captaincy Team 

Captain

·         Anaya Atif

Vice captain  

·         Fatima Aqib

Prefects

·         Riyam Jasim

·         Donya Azzawy

Captain 

·         Zaki Haq

Vice captain

·         Qayse Agha                     

 

Prefects

·         Majdi Abu-Atwah

·         Aziz Hakimi

Message from Pastoral Care

Imam Farhan Khalil   

It is Big ‘Salaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh’, Welcome back to school from the School Chaplain.

 

Alhamdulillah, we have been successful in organising the School Taraweeh for the second year. It is such a great sight to see the parents praying together with their children and enjoy the blessings of these blessed night of Ramadan. I encourage all parents and teachers who live locally to attend our Taraweeh nights with your family once to get a sense of belonging and praying with the community. This is such a great month and there so much we can all do to come closer to Allah SWT. My message to the entire community is lets work on the most important thing we have and that is our heart, Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

ألَا وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً إِذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ أَلَا وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ

Verily, in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the entire body is sound, and if corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.

 

As we all are aware the month of Ramadan is just started, This month which always comes with blessings and joy in our lives, O’ Allah us to witness many more Ramadans and never deprive us from its mercy, Ameen.

 

Allahumma We all Fasting, Praying, Reading Quran and gaving Charity to the Needy in this Blessed Month, Please accept it from us and allow us to keep practicing such great deeds throughout our lives. Ameen.

 

كل عام و أنتم بخير May you all be well throughout the year.

 

I wish the whole school community Eid Mubarak, Kul Aam wa Antum Bikhair, Taqabal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum, Greetings of Happines and Joy, May Allah Accept from all of us. Ameen

 

Message from English

Ms Basma Al Mohamad, Ms Iman Asad, Ms Khan and Ms Novosel

Asalamu’alaykum dear parents/caregivers,

In this month of Ramadan, the AIA Kellyville English Faculty extends our warm wishes for a blessed Ramadan filled with gratitude, blessings, and spiritual growth. Ramadan Kareem!

We would also like to excitedly welcome Ms Khan to the English Faculty. Her guidance as an experienced HSC and IB teacher has been appreciated by both the students and her fellow teachers, and we are very grateful to have her on our team. 

An update on our students’ progress through Term 1 so far:

Year 7: Students have taken to writing their own poems of belonging, and have used their personal experiences and world view to create a colourful collection of works.

Year 8: Students have immersed themselves in the environmental documentary 2040, and have been asking excellent questions in the classroom regarding harmful environmental habits and how they can inspire action for change.

Year 9: In the wake of watching In My Blood it Runs, students have begun to explore a new text type: discursive writing. Many students have really taken to this new writing form, and have crafted some very promising work.

Year 10: Students have been discussing themes of power and corruption in Animal Farm by George Orwell, and exploring the use of propaganda - both in the book and the real world. 

For our Stage 6 classes:

Year 11 English Standard: The students’ exploration of the Common Module has seen them apply what they’ve read to developing their own unique imaginative and analytical writing voices. 

Year 11 IBDP Language & Literature: Our students have been studying Emily Dickinson’s poetry, as well as the concept of what it means to learn literature at a senior level. 

Year 12 English Standard: Students have continued with their close analysis of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, and have begun to produce essays on the distinctive qualities of enduring texts. 

Year 12 English Advanced: As the old adage goes, Shakespeare is meant to be seen not read, and this term Year 12 expanded upon their studies of William Shakespeare by going to see a production of The Tempest at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta. Our students greatly appreciated getting to see the words of the play come alive before their eyes, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the excursion overall.

The 2024 Premiers’ Reading Challenge (PRC) has well and truly begun, and we highly encourage all Years 7 to 10 students to participate in the challenge this year. Reading is the key to growth in English - creatively, analytically, critically, and generally - so we lend our full support to initiatives such as these, that inspire our students towards achieving their full potential. 

On a similar note, our DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) sessions have shown to be very successful thus far, and we hope that its continued presence in our classrooms will foster a greater love and appreciation for reading. We would like to take a moment to remind all parents/caregivers to encourage students to bring in a novel of choice to all of their English classes.

Lastly, we are pleased to announce that debating has also started up again for the year. This year, we are looking to improve upon our existing skills through debating workshops and aim to prioritise growth in our debaters. Whilst we can’t reveal too much at this stage, we can say that debating will look a little different at AIAK this year. We ask you to watch this space for more updates and for all students who are interested to please register with Ms Novosel or Ms Al Mohamad to be added to the email list.

We anticipate even more excitement in the months ahead, filled with personal and academic growth, Insha’Allah!

Message from Individuals and Societies

Ms. Sumaia Elkadomi, Sheikh Farhan, Mr Tegnoor Singh, Shehzad Ali and Shereena Khan.


Assalam Wa alaikum

Alhumdullah the department has been successfully working through this term’s content with great student enthusiasm. The diversity of our department has seen a range of lessons from ancient human remains preserved in snow to the legal rights of young offenders according to the Australian legal system.    The Studies of Religion Students (year 11 and 12) as well as the DP World Religion Students (year 11)  had two visit from Rabbi Zalman Kastel. All three classes were able to experience and learn the ways Judaism is a living religion, focusing on ethics, marriage and core beliefs. Year 12 Society and Culture have been busy working on their Personal Interest Project and investigating the topic of their choice. Look out for the student led surveys that will be sent out throughout the term on managebac.The Year 7 Students had an opportunity to put their detective hats and created a mystery box containing clues (sources) about them and their lives. The mystery box contained at least ten clues (sources) about the student and their life. On the day of the detective work, every student was in the role of a detective and took someone's box to investigate.  The student who played the detective's part sorted through the clues in the box and reported on what he or she learned about the investigating person. The findings were very interesting, and our students fully enjoyed the project.A reminder that the 7-10 assessments will be on display as part of the AIA Museum during the last week of school. Please do visit and take a journey through the history artefacts created by our brilliant students. Some dates to look out for in the following months:

  • Australian History Competition : 27th to 31st May
  • Australian Geography Competition : 15th to 29th May

Please register for the above events through the link that will be sent on Audiri.  We wish you all a fruitful and blessed Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless you and accept your prayers and fast.

Message from Science

Mrs Sharma

Dear Parents,

As we embark on another exciting chapter together, we want to extend our warmest greetings to each and every one of you. Your unwavering support and dedication to your child's education are truly commendable, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us every day.

In this newsletter, we aim to keep you informed about the latest happenings, upcoming events, and important updates from our Science Faculty. 

Year 7

Our science classrooms have been buzzing with excitement as our Year 7 students began delving into the fascinating world of science. From discovering what science actually is to conducting hands-on experiments. 

One of the highlights so far has been the introduction to the school’s science laboratory, which provided the perfect setting for hands-on learning. Students were so excited to learn about lighting the Bunsen burner and then had the opportunity to observe how the temperature of water changes while it is heated over a Bunsen burner. 

Year 8

Year 8 students have embarked on a captivating journey into the realm of ecology, exploring the intricate connections that shape our natural world. Armed with curiosity and enthusiasm, these young minds are delving into the study of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of life on Earth. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and hands-on experiments, students are gaining a deeper understanding of the interdependence of living organisms and their environment. From dissecting food webs to investigating local habitats, each lesson is a step towards unraveling the mysteries of the natural world. 

Year 9

The Year 9 students had an exciting term so far. With the topic being ‘A Chemical Dilemma’, the students had an opportunity to visit ANSTO, where they learnt about Australia’s nuclear reactor facility, and the industry of nuclear chemistry. The girls of the cohort were also invited to participate in the Women in STEM Exhibition. There they were given the opportunity to discover different career options in STEM, as well as engage in education attractions and demonstrations. 

 

Year 10

Our eager students have started their voyage into the world of Genetics and are exploring concepts such as DNA structure, Cell Division and Mutation. Furthemore, as part of our teaching curriculum, students in year 10 visited the Museum of Human Diseases at the University of NSW, where they learnt about Genetic Diseases and Technologies and gained a deeper understanding through observing a collection of real samples of human organs.

 

Year 11-IB Chem

We are thrilled to share with you the exciting practical investigation that our Year 11 IB chemistry students recently conducted. They delved into the fascinating world of separation techniques, exploring how various methods can be employed to isolate and purify substances.

 

Moreover, our budding chemists also embarked on a captivating journey into the realm of spectroscopy during their flame test experiments. By observing the distinctive colours emitted when different elements are subjected to flame, they made connections to the underlying principles of spectroscopy.

 

Year 11 Prelim CHEM

The Year 11 Preliminary Chemistry class have been working hard completing Module 1, Properties and Structure of Matter. They were provided with the introduction of the basic differences in states of matter, encountering new terminology. The students conducted exciting experiments and delved deep into the world of chemistry, exploring a different perspective in viewing everyday things.

 

Year 11 IB Biology

Our keen DP students have begun their Biological exploration journey by exploring the world of cells through studying the topics of cell structure, membranes and Transport as well as delving into the idea of compartmentalisation of organelles and cell specialisation. They have explored movement of cells through first-hand investigations on Osmolarity and modelling cell membranes.

 

Year 11 -Prelim Biology

The Year 11 Preliminary Biology students have had a great start to the year. They began this term with module 1 of the Biology course and have quickly learned what distinguishes one cell from another and some of the processes used by cells. 

Students were excited to get into the science laboratory to conduct their own investigations. In the lab, they learned about the light microscope and prepared their own plant cell slides; they also conducted investigations to model the processes of diffusion and osmosis.

 Year 11 Prelim Physics

In an exciting start to their kinematics module, Year 11 physics students took their learning beyond the classroom walls with engaging outdoor experiments and field work. Venturing into the realm of motion, these budding scientists embarked on practical activities aimed at deepening their understanding of object movement. From analyzing the trajectory of projectiles to exploring the dynamics of acceleration, students immersed themselves in hands-on experiences that brought theoretical concepts to life. Under the open sky, they applied their knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper appreciation for the principles of physics. Such immersive learning experiences not only enhance academic understanding but also instill a sense of curiosity and discovery, setting the stage for future scientific endeavors. As they continue their journey through the realm of kinematics, these young physicists are poised to uncover the intricacies of motion through exploration, experimentation, and a thirst for knowledge.

Year 12 HSC CHEM

We are excited to inform you about the enriching learning experiences our Year 12 students are currently engaged in as they explore acid-base reactions in their chemistry studies.

As part of their coursework, our students have been focusing on titrations—a crucial technique utilized in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, to determine unknown concentrations of substances. By conducting titration experiments in the laboratory, our students are gaining practical experience and insight into the different titration techniques employed in real-world applications.

 

Through these investigations, our students are not only honing their laboratory skills but also developing a deeper appreciation for the importance of precision and accuracy in scientific analysis. They are learning to carefully measure and analyse data, draw conclusions, and communicate their findings effectively—a skill set that is invaluable in both academic and professional contexts.

 

For their summative assessment, our Year 12 students will have the opportunity to showcase their understanding of titration techniques and their applications in pharmaceutical settings. This assessment will challenge them to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

 

Year 12 HSC Biology

Year 12 Biology students have been working through their HSC modules and developing their understanding about Genetics and Mutation and Genetic Modification. They have also explored the world of Biotechnology and its implications in Agriculture, medicine and Industrial Science. Furthermore, as part of our teaching curriculum, year 12 visited the Museum of Human Diseases at the University of NSW, where they learnt about Genetic Diseases and Technologies and gained a deeper understanding through observing a collection of real samples of human organs.

 

Year 12 HSC Physics

We are excited to inform you about the engaging and hands-on learning experience our HSC Physics students are currently undertaking. In their exploration of electromagnetism, they are delving into the fascinating world of transformers, motors, and generators, and their practical applications.

As part of their summative task, our students will have the opportunity to apply their understanding of electromagnetism to real-world scenarios by designing and constructing a workable motor using household materials. This task not only reinforces theoretical concepts learned in the classroom but also encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

 

Through this project, our students will gain valuable insights into the principles of electromagnetic induction, the behaviour of magnetic fields, and the interplay between electricity and magnetism. By applying these concepts to the design and operation of their motors, they will deepen their understanding of how electromagnetism shapes the technological landscape around us.

 

We are incredibly proud of our Science students for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout these practical investigations. Their engagement and commitment exemplify the spirit of scientific inquiry that we strive to cultivate within our school community.

We value your feedback and encourage open communication, as we believe that together, we can create the best possible environment for your child to thrive.

Thank you for being such integral members of our school family. We look forward to continuing this journey together and making meaningful memories along the way.

 

Message from Islamic Studies

Mr. Walid Ahmed

Dear Parents,                                                                                                 

Assalamualikum wr wb,

 When the world pushes you to your knees, you are in the perfect position to pray and the worst of our fault is our interest in other people’s faults. People are of two types; they are either our brothers in faith (Islam) or our equals in humanity. {Ali Ibn Abi Talib-Rumi}

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏  ‏

{‏ إذا جاء رمضان فتحت أبواب الجنة، وغلقت أبواب النار، وصفدت الشياطين}

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”  {Al-Bukhari, 1989 and Muslim, 1079}

Happy Ramadan to everyone Insha’Allah 

Ramadan is already arrived & TAQWA is the ultimate goal of our Ramadan preparations, to be among the righteous for now and forever. Make this Ramadan the turning point in your life. Break free from the Distraction of this world and indulge in the sweetness of EEMAN because Ramadan is about breaking bad habits, not putting them on pause. Ramadan does not come to change our schedules but it comes to change our heart. For a true Muslim, end of Ramadan is not “The End” but start of a new journey leading towards Jannah

Throughout this term the Islamic Studies Department went through a process of preparing the students spiritually to receive Ramadan. The Academy is organising two Iftars for both Primary and High school as a part of the students Ramadan festivities and to keep them connected with the concept of gathering and Jammaah (congregation) the Unity of Muslims

  

In line with the spirit of Ramadan, all students received a donation box. Our students collected donations throughout the first week of Ramadan. The purpose of this donation collection is to assist the Orphans and to practise the Sunnah as displayed by our Prophet Muhammad, who was always generous and his generosity reached the maximum in Ramadan. Also Allah always accepting the Duaa (supplication) of those who are fasting specially in Ramadan, for that reason I am urging all of us to make Duaa for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, Gaza, and everywhere in the Muslim world, if you can keep reciting the next Duaa for them as much as you can

O Allah, we ask for safety, security, peace, and tranquillity for the entire world and all people. Preserve these blessings upon us, our children, and our homes, Lord of all the worlds.

O Allah, aid our vulnerable brothers and sisters in Gaza and Palestine (repeated three times) and in all places, O Most Merciful of the Merciful. Take them by their hand, protect them, be gentle with them, and suppress deceit. Grant them your protection against aggressors, and remove harm, oppression, and all adversity—both apparent and hidden. Be gentle with them, in safety and well-being, by your mercy, O Most Merciful.

O Allah, reward the victims, tend to the wounded, instil tranquillity in their hearts, allay their fears, and turn their sadness to happiness, Lord of all the worlds.

O Allah, intervene between them and their adversaries. Inspire them with your guidance and open the doors of wisdom, safety, pardon, and forgiveness. O Affectionate, Benefactor, Creator of the heavens and universe.

Good News

Islamic Affairs Committee

As advocates for nurturing students' agency, the Islamic Department is initiating the establishment of the 'Islamic Affairs Committee' comprising students from year 6. Numerous students have expressed their interest by submitting application letters, which are currently under review. The committee members will be announced by week 8, Insha’Allah. They will play a crucial role in organising various Islamic activities within the school, including daily Salah, Ramadan Iftar, and forthcoming events.  

Adhan & Iqama Training  

It is my pleasure to inform you that the AIA Religious Studies Department has already started an additional Adhan & Iqama (Call of prayer) class for interested and committed students. Classes are running every Monday during recess time, the aim behind establishing this class is to enhance the pronunciation of the Adhan and Iqamah as one of the greatest rituals in Islam, and producing our AIA Maudhin (Prayer Caller). The students will be offered Muadhin licence at the end of the training course, Insha’Allah. 

Wishing you and your family all the best on this happy occasion of Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr!", and happy school holiday, Ameen Ya Rabb

Message from Arabic (Primary)

Mrs. Faten Al-Yabroudi

كل عام وأنتم لله أقرب

رمَضان مبارك

Inshallah, every year you are closer to God.

Ramadan Mubarak

Assalamu Alaikum dear parents/ Caregiver,

    Welcome to the blessed month of Ramadan! We hope this month brings you and your families peace, joy, and countless blessings.

We are delighted to share some wonderful news about your children's progress in the Arabic classes. Alhamdulillah, the students are settling in well and are thriving in their school routines. Across all primary stages, we're pleased to inform you that they are making remarkable progress in learning the Arabic language.

In our Arabic classes, students are actively engaging in various enjoyable activities centered around our theme, "Who We Are." They are encouraged to utilise the four Arabic skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—both in class and at home. It's truly heart-warming to witness their enthusiasm and dedication reflected in their work.

Furthermore, students are not only learning the language but also embodying its cultural aspects. They are practicing greetings, distinguishing between feminine and masculine forms, and confidently conversing with each other both inside and outside the classroom.

At home, they've taken on the responsibility of becoming Arabic teachers, explaining their homework, and learning to family members. We're extremely proud of their initiative and dedication to their studies.

Also, we would like to share another wonderful activity that took place during the Arabic class this week. Our students have been actively engaged in creating various cards and crafts to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan and write different Arabic phrases to their family and friends. The students poured their hearts into these projects, expressing their excitement and love for their families. They eagerly anticipate sharing these heartfelt creations with you to express their affection and gratitude.

In the end, We would like to thank you for your continued support in encouraging their growth and development. Alhamdulillah, we're extremely pleased with their progress, and we hope you are too. We trust that you've noticed their achievements and growth at home, and we're confident that together, we can continue to support and nurture their learning journey.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very blessed and fulfilling month ahead.

Message from Arabic (Secondary)

Ms Alahmadi

 “The great remedy for ignorance ... is knowledge of languages”.

علاج عظيم للجهل ... هو معرفة اللغات

كل عام وأنتم بخير

رمضان مبارك

Assalamu Alaikum ww. Parents, Guardians and Students

Ramadan Mubarak to all. May Allah shower your path with light and knowledge? May this month be an enlightening celebration for all of us? May He accept all our deeds Insha’Allah?

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year in the Islamic culture. Prophet Mohammed preached, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained."

The Arabic faculty this term aimed to help students to improve their understanding of language acquisition concepts and develop their ability to apply learned processes and techniques to varied situations. 

Our Year 7 students have settled well into the new school year beautifully. It is wonderful to see them working so hard within their collaborative learning spaces. We are so proud of the growth already evident in most of our committed students.

We have already completed some initial assessments with our year 7-10 students. Some of the students are struggling with some basic Arabic content. All the assessments, topic tests, homework are uploaded online on the ManageBac platform. 

Please enjoy reading our wonderful years7 and 8 completed criteria A & B reading & listening related to the topic transport and family. Years 9 & 10 Arabic writings about the topics: animals and traveling, also completed criteria C & D writing & speaking. They have produced amazing texts after hard work put into completing numerous drafts, editing their work, and then finally writing them independently Masha Allah. As evident in the pictures, high school students are having fun in Arabic 

lessons whilst learning about different topics. 

Message from Art and Design

Dr Hanan Ismail,  Mr Cutting, Ms NovoselMrs Adel and Mrs Noha


Year 7 students have been exploring the diverse world of portraiture this term, investigating the Archibald portrait prize, and establishing a range of techniques to draw emotive and personable portraits of the people that inspire them. Students are just beginning their final expedition into the topic, beginning to create their A3, fully toned artworks are weeks of contemplative research, planning, and experimentation with a variety of drawing methods for eyes, noses, mouths, and other facial features / proportions. This unit is always a challenge, but one that the year 7’s have met with open arms.

This term, the Year 8 students have embarked on an inspiring artistic journey, delving into the captivating world of Cubism. As part of their curriculum, they have been studying the innovative art movement pioneered by iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Immersing themselves in the rich history and unique techniques of Cubism, the students have found inspiration in the ground breaking works of these two masterful artists. Drawing from Picasso's bold use of geometric shapes and Braque's innovative approach to fractured forms, the Year 8 students have translated their newfound knowledge into the creation of their own cubist artworks. This exploration not only showcases their artistic talents but also fosters a deeper appreciation of the transformative impact of cubism on the artworld

Each year, the grade 9 cohort engages in one of the most intellectually challenging yet creatively freeing units that we offer, that being Surrealism. Each class has explored marquee artists such as Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Yves Tanguy, and MC Escher to develop a deep understanding of the process and techniques involved in the development of Surrealist art. Utilizing exaggeration, substitution, Juxtaposition, and a wide range drawing and rendering techniques, the year 9’s continue to develop complex, creatively diverse A2 artworks from graphite. This unit challenges students to continuously think critically about the common world around them, and the distinctive ways that the mind can warp it.

Year 10 students have been actively engaged in a unit of work that explores the profound topic of the stolen generation. Drawing inspiration from influential artists like Lin Onus and Sally Morgan, they have embarked on creating contemporary dot paintings that reflect their understanding and perspectives on this important historical and societal issue. The fusion of artistic expression with historical and societal context has sparked insightful conversations and provided a unique platform for our students to explore and communicate their thoughts on the Stolen Generation. The collaboration between the two subjects has enriched their learning experience, fostering a multidimensional understanding of the topic.

As we progress further, we anticipate witnessing the development of meaningful and thought-provoking artworks that will not only showcase our students' creative talents but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the Stolen Generation within our school community.

Year 11 students continue to develop their ideas and techniques within a range of artistic mediums, mostly focused on graphite, watercolour, and fine liner. Each student is now well into the development of their first body of work, with most students nearing the completion of their largest piece, centred on the architectural concept of utopias. Each learner has also embarked on a comparative study of contemporary artists, finding connections between their artmaking practices, ideas, and concepts, and their own developing artwork and styles. This term is a largely explorative period for the year 11 cohort in their journey to grow their understanding of the world, and its near infinite set of moving parts, as well as how they can capture, clarify, personify, and criticise it.

y12 continue working on their creative ideas and making their body of work.

We have also restarted Photography Club this term, with a focus on short film and genre exploration. Club members will have the opportunity to watch and dissect a number of short films, developing an understanding of various shot types, filming techniques, and editing styles, before embarking on the exciting prospect of creating their own. New members will be given the opportunity to experiment with photography or short film, as both artforms share a number of similarities.

Dr Hanan Ismail, Mr Reece Cutting

Design

Year 7 Design Students Explore Self-Expression with Digital Mood Boards

Year 7 students have created digital mood boards based on "Me, Myself, and I." They'll present their projects to parents, eager for feedback. Using Canva's presentation tool, they've learned morph effects, video editing, and more to enhance their boards. Guided by teachers, students have delved into storytelling and self-expression through their boards. Each element reflects their personality and interests, marking a milestone in their design journey. As they share their creations with families, these young designers inspire with their creativity. The future of design looks bright in their hands.

Year 8 Weaving Workshop 

We believe in Design, we always like to share and give back knowledge we have learnt, by showcasing our skills and passing on knowledge to the younger generation/children in our school. 

In Year 8 Assessment  we have been working on a Textiles Design project, on the topic of ‘Weaving Wonders’ on the 28th February and 29th February we had Year 9 ‘s, who had completed the same project last year join a weaving workshop to help support our year 8’s with making their products. The year 9 students’ Imaan Asim, Angel Hussain, Hana Elsokkari, Mohammad Ghafoor, Rozana Faiz, Arwa Said, Shamoil Hassanali, Doha Mahmoud, Awin Rasoul, Maznah Abrar, Angel Hussain. The students attended a catch up session on refreshing their skills on weaving techniques at lunch time and were willing to put in extra time at home to practise before the workshop. They were an inspiration for the year 8’s as they had increased knowledge and experience in weaving different products using materials like Coil, Raffia and Loom.

All year 8 students had their design ideas ready and had to learn the basics to get started on their weaving journey. The Year 9’s who supported were coordinated and worked with individuals and small groups during a whole double period. Awin made a comment on how she felt about supporting the year 8’s and the workshop as a whole: 

 

“I feel it is such a great skill and craft to learn as a hobby. You can make products for others as gifts and for yourself”. 

She was clearly exhausted. Yes, they were all extremely tired at the end of each session, but all students showed great organisation and enterprising skills, whilst showing multiple students what to do. I am extremely proud of these students for stepping up and working hard to support our current Year 8’s with their learning. This is a great way to give back knowledge and share wisdom while learning a new skill.

Year 9 Students Write Stories for Kids

A Creative Journey In school, Year 9 students are busy writing storybooks for children aged 6 to 9. They're not just writing words but also planning how their books will look. Each student is creating characters and drawing illustrations for their books. They carefully plan where the text and pictures will go on each page, making sure it's easy to read and looks interesting. They think about what their characters will look like and what adventures they will have. It's not easy, but they're excited to see their stories come to life. These students aren't just making books – they're learning to tell stories and using their imagination. And they're having fun doing it!

Mrs Shahbana Adel 

Year 10

In the ongoing phase of the Design and Technology project, Year 10 students are deeply engrossed in thorough research, exploring diverse aspects to inform their website design. This investigative stage is crucial in understanding user needs, technological possibilities, and industry trends. Concurrently, students are actively engaged in the detailed process of ideation and planning, where every design element is thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless and user-friendly digital experience.

 

 

Mrs Noha Mohamed

Music 

 

This term, Year 7 classes have begun to explore a range of musical concepts and techniques that will deepen their understanding of the complexities of composition and lyricism. Technical components such as Tone Colour, Dynamics, Structure, etc. have given students a look into the moving parts that make, describe, and give life to musical pieces. Each class has also researched a range of instruments within a variety of contexts, from well known instruments like the Acoustic Guitar, to the obscure Stylophone and Otamatone. Students have now started their own individual investigation into an instrument family of their choice, uncovering its function, evolution, and forms of expression.

Year 8 learners have explored the diverse world of Australian music over the course of term 1. Investigating the role and meaning of contemporary and traditional Australian music from Indigenous and non Indigenous artists. They have also grown their perception of a range of genres from classical and modern musicians and bands. Classes have completed a number of aural analysis to identify the role and emotive value of various instruments, and the meaning behind lyrical and compositional choices from songs such as “We are Australian”, and “Brown Snake”. As the term continues, students will investigate and present information about an artist of their choice, using this research to inform the development of their own set of lyrics that fit within their own definition of the “Australian Aesthetic”.

Ms. Maryanne Novosel

Message from PD/H/ PE

Ms Mawas, Mr Darwish, Mr Abdul Galil

Dear Parents

Assalamu Alaykum 

Ramadan Mubarak! 

Our Stage 6 PDHPE students are on track with their Preliminary and HSC content. Our Years 7-10 students are on track with theory based and physical education lessons. Our Primary students are practicing their fundamental movement skills and our infant primary students are enjoying their PE lessons.

This term has been jammed packed with exciting extracurricular activities from the PDHPE Department.

The Academy has offered two After School Sports programs, KANO Football and the Uthman Khawaja Cricket Program. Our Kano Football program offers our students to develop and work on their soccer skills and teamwork skills through game-based play. Our cricket program aims at encouraging our students to develop their cricket skills and enjoy playing cricket. We have over 100 students registered for our After School Sports programs, such a great response from our school community. It is fantastic to see us all working together to instil the importance of active play in our students. 

Our Year 7 students have attended their Outdoor Recreation camp. The boys attended Berry Sport and Recreation Centre and the girls attended Milson island Sport and Recreation Centre. Alhamdulilah, they actively participated in the scheduled activities which provided opportunity to build their learner IB profile.  

We have had gala days and tournaments which were lined up for our students to showcase their natural sporting ability and for them to represent our school in a competitive manner. This term, our Secondary students and our Primary students represented our school in the Harmony cup Basketball tournament. All our selected students displayed amazing skill, effort and sportsmanship. 

A friendly reminder that all students need to be wearing full sport uniform, including proper sport shoes and a hat for their PE lessons.

We would like to thank you in advance for your continuous support. 

Message from the School Counselor

School Counsellor Corner: Embracing New Beginnings and Celebrating Growth

A we embrace the holy month of Ramadan we enter a time for growth, reflection, and community, values that resonate deeply with our school's ethos. To our new students and parents, welcome to our school family! Starting at a new school is a significant transition, and we're here to ensure that you feel supported and valued every step of the way. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step, and we're here to walk alongside you on this one.

Growing Friends: Nurturing Connections

Understanding the importance of friendship and belonging, we are delighted to introduce the "Growing Friends" group, facilitated by myself. This initiative is designed to assist new students in their transition and to foster the development of meaningful friendships. Through various activities and discussions, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels connected and valued.

Celebrating Our Brave Year 7s

A special shout-out to our students who are embarking on their journey into Year 7. This leap into secondary education is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of the courage and determination you've shown in taking this step. It was also fantastic to see students thrive and build resilience through Year 7 Wellbeing Camp! We are here to support you through this exciting phase of your educational journey.

Wishing you all blessed Ramadan,

Warm regards,

Ms Ruken Kaya 

Alumni News

Yasmine Shehata, an alumni from our first AIA graduating class has published her first book of poetry. 


Introducing 'Thoughtless' by Yasmine Shehata: A captivating collection of poetry that delves into the depths of emotion and thought.  From introspective musings to poignant reflections, each verse resonates with raw honesty and profound insight. Available now, immerse yourself in the world of 'Thoughtless' and discover the power of words to evoke feeling and provoke thought. Order your copy today! 

 https://www.booktopia.com.au/thoughtless-yasmine-shehata/book/9789358316872.html 


#Thoughtless #Poetry #NewRelease

Building Fund

Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,

Our school is embarking on a fundraising campaign to support our building fund.

The goal of this campaign is to raise enough money to fund an expansion of our school's infrastructure. This includes everything from new classrooms and equipment to upgraded technology and safety features. 

We are also thrilled to share with you that we are raising funds for the construction of a Musallah at our school. This initiative aims to promote and celebrate diversity, while also providing a space for our students and staff to practice their faith in a comfortable and welcoming environment. In addition, the space will also provide much-needed classroom space and event space for our school community. This will allow us to better meet the needs of our students and staff, and to host a wider variety of events and activities on our campus.

As a community that values inclusion and acceptance, we believe that this project will have a positive impact on the cultural and religious landscape of our school. We are excited to embark on this journey and we invite you to join us in making it a reality.

We are confident that our community can come together to make a significant impact on the future of our school. We ask that you consider making a donation to support this important cause. Every dollar counts, and even small donations can add up to make a big difference.

To make a donation, visit the link or electronic transfer into the AIA Building Fund account. You can also reach out to our school's administrative office for more information on how to make a donation.

Thank you for your support, and let's work together to create a better future for our school!

http://www.givenow.com.au/aia-kellyville-building-fund.

Office Reminders

Important reminders to all parents

  •  Term 1 and 2-2024 Fees are overdue. Term 3 fees are due on 8th April  Please contact the Accounts receivables department on 0288013100 or via email receivablesk@aia.nsw.edu if you have any queries regarding your invoice. 
  • Please be advised the school must be notified if there are any changes to your personal details, Mobile number, email address, emergency contact, or occupation status in order to have the most up to date information on our school systems for government requirements and emergency purposes.
  • Important APP Download: Please download our compulsory school-parent correspondence smartphone application  (Audiri  APP). All families are required to have this app downloaded on their phones to keep updated with all important notices and dates regarding school activities.
  • Summer Uniform is compulsory for all students Term 1. Please refer to your son/daughter’s diary for uniform specifications and adhere to them. School Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesdays form 8:00 AM - 9:30 pm 
  • Warm Weather: It is our school communities collective responsibility to keep our children safe and healthy in this warm weather. We have designated undercover areas including air conditioned areas available to students during hot days. However, it is a requirement for all students to wear school hats and have a water bottle for hydration with them.     

Important 2024 Dates:

  • Student Last Day for Term 1-2024                            Thursday, 11th April
  • Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews                           Friday, 12th April 2024
  • Student First Day for Term 2-2024                           Tuesday 30th April 2024


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 Thank you

Office Administration