AL-TAQWA COLLEGE CONTACT DETAILS

[email protected] al-taqwa.vic.edu.au

tel (03) 9269 5000 fax (03) 9269 5070 AL-HIDAYAH 201 Sayers Rd Quality Education for Quality Life Truganina VIC 3029

OUR MISSION Al-Taqwa College aims to produce good reflective self-directed learners who have problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

It aims to be a place where the individuality of each person is recognised, and where that recognition is reflected in the College’s curriculum diversity and flexibility, diverse teaching strategies and student centered processes. The College aims to create a school environment that instills in students love and obedience to Allah (swt) in accordance with the sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and enables them to benefit from the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Important Dates NOVEMBER 13-22 Secondary Exam Period DECEMBER 30 Oct-15 Nov VCAA Exam Period 25-29 Y10-12 Orientation Program 2-6 Y7-9 Orientation Program 4 Curriculum Day 27 Y6 Graduation 6 Last Day of Term 4 5 Cup Day 10 Parent Teacher Interviews

up with the community. This event is getting larger every Principal’s Message year with more stalls and activities. I would personally extend my thanks to all staff and volunteers for their ASSALAMUALAIKUM WARAHMATULLAHI participation in this annual community event. WABARAKATU Welcome to Term 4! I hope everyone had a restful holiday YEAR 12 GRADUATION and are now ready to face the emerging challenges for the The Graduation – Class of 2019 was held on Thursday 24 end of 2019. October from 4.00-7.00pm. It was great to see our Year 12 students and parents witnessing the Graduation following ART EXHIBITION 13 years of nurturing and educating their kids. It was an “Diversity in Art” was our theme for this year’s Art enjoyable celebration for the 2019 Class! I also wish each Exhibition. The opening of the Exhibition was held on of my students the very best for their exams and chosen Friday 18 October in our Multipurpose Hall where we career paths. Our Heads and Level Coordinators including showcased many art pieces by our students and staff. teachers devoted their time for the Graduation Day – My The Exhibition was led by Behije Cura, Head of Arts heartfelt thanks to all involved! and was assisted by Christopher Diversity in Art Hayes Kossmann. Anne Smith from 2019 Al-Taqwa Annual Arts Exhibition NEW SPORTS HALL Independent Schools kindly I am happy to announce that our New Sports Hall project delivered a very inspiring speech will commence before end of the year, inshaAllah. The titled, “The Value of Art and Design in 7,260 SQM size additional facility will able to accommodate Our Lives”. Mohammad Hallak, Vice bigger sporting activities, exhibitions, graduations Principal followed with an insight of Arts in Islam. I highly appreciate and 4.30-6.00pm Junior MPH thank all involved in the Art Exhibition. 18-23 October

Open to the public on 19 October

SCHOOL FETE Alhamdullillah, the school fete on Saturday 19 October was a great success! I was overwhelmed and enjoyed catching

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 1 including other functions. We are hopeful that the project EXAMINATIONS will be complete in 6-7 months’ time, inshaAllah. I would Term 4 examinations for all levels are scheduled as follows: like to take this opportunity to thank the Board and Trustees Secondary: 13–22 November for their strong support towards this project. Primary: 18-26 November

COPYRIGHT SURVEY I would urge students to spend their time revising the Our College has been randomly selected to participate lessons and parents are to encourage to closely monitor in a Copyright Survey. Each year a total of 228 schools them to ensure they achieve remarkable results. from around are chosen. A training session was OMAR HALLAK provided to our staff. The collection exercise covers the Principal whole of Term 4 and I thank secondary staff Copyright Survey Coordinators team for fulfilling the requirements.

Student of the Month - Cooperation Cooperate in good and piety and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And fear Allah for Allah is strict in punishment. EMQ 5:2 FA Jannah Ali 1H Zikra Mubassar 3F Ayesha Mohamed 5B Yasmin Khalifa FB Maryam Ebrahim 1I Mohamad Bou’Khalil 3G Muhammad Yousaf 5C Wissam Abdou FC Hanzala Dar Nasir 5D Maheen Fatima FD Yara Ahmed 2A Dorri Rayann 3H Razan Alajarmeh 5E Kadiatu Konneh FE Mabeer Alam 2B Mehreen Syeda 5F Zayneb Hamouda FF Amarah Jehan 2C Madeehah 4A Mona Al Kantar 5G Hana Ahamed FG Ali Jamal Mohammed 4B Hafsa Syeda 5H Abdulla Mohammed FH Naba Mojumder 2D Ziyan Hassan 4C Firdaus Khan 5I Rabih Haouchar 2E Abdikhaliq Ahmed 4D Abdul Wasay 1A Zoha Omar 2F Fatima Rehman Muhammad 6A Biftu Dine 1B Kareem Al-Merehbi 2G Sabrina Yusuf 4E Feneti Ibrahim 6C Nur Eldeen 1C Mohamedamin 2H Raif Jarif 4F Insha Ismail 6D Sumeya Nour Abdulle 4G Subaita Haque 6E Manahil Fatima 1D Nusaybah Nadeem 3A Nadine Osman Taleb 4H Alina Khatija 6F Muhammad Bin- Mohammed 3B Ayaan Khan 4I Saadi Hussain Faisal 1E Ahmad Abdel Fatah 3C Jeziba Haddara 6G Elissa Saadeddine 1F Lubyna Hossain 3D Adam Nasser 6H Raisa Farzana 1G Khoder Abdou 3E Dani Tamrin 6I Rasul Muhammad

November/December Calendar

ALL SCHOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL 4 Nov PD/Curriculum Day 6 Nov Debating @ ICOM Selected students 5 Nov Melbourne Cup Public Holiday 7 Nov Serendip Sanctuary 3D, 3E & 3F 6 Dec Students Last Day of Term 4 11 Nov Animal Land Farm FB/F/E/G 10 Dec Parent/Teacher Interviews 12 Nov Animal Land Farm FA/C/D/H 13 Nov Debating @ ICOM Selected students SECONDARY SCHOOL 13 Nov Serendip Sanctuary 3A & 3H 1-20 Nov VCAA Exams 13 Nov Serendip Sanctuary 3B, 3C & 3G 12 Nov Secondary Exams Y10-11 Commence 18 Nov Primary Exams Commence 25 Nov-6 Dec Secondary Orientation Program 27 Nov No school for Y6 students 28 Nov VCAL parent Info session 27 Nov Y6 Graduation 3 Dec Foundation Orientation/Y6 transition 3 Dec RCH Sadaqa Program Sel Students

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 2 A Message from Admin

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM STUDENT APPOINTMENTS To avoid disruption to your child’s learning it is requested CARPARK that medical or other appointments for your children are The Administration carpark is closed each school day made outside of school hours. between 9.00am and 3.15pm, to allow our senior students more space during recess and lunch. Guests are still able SPARE CLOTHING to access the administration building during the day by We have many younger students presenting to the front parking in front of the mosque and walking through the office due to bathroom accidents. For parents with mosque gates. children in Foundation and Year 1, can you please provide an extra pair of pants, underwear and socks in their school Each day we see many parents speeding bags. in the car parks. As you can imagine this is extremely dangerous especially when LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY smaller children pop out between cars or DISMISSALS have cars stop in the middle of the We are still experiencing many students arriving late each driveways to let their children in/out of 5 day. School commences at 8.50am and all students are their cars. Please follow the direction of expected to arrive ontime. If you are finding heavy traffic our staff on duty and keep in line with the you can leave 10 minutes earlier each day, this will ensure speed on the school grounds at all times. an early arrival.

Many of our staff have also noted that parents are driving If your child is required to be collected early due to an without their children restrainined in their cars. Even in appointment, please advise the Administration Office the carpark, children must wear their seatbelts. Serious so they can have your child waiting for you in the foyer. accidents can happen at only 5km per hour so please Students who fall ill during the day will be contacted by the ensure your children are restrained correctly prior to you Nursing staff for collection from the First Aid Department. driving. Parents are also asked to be off the school grounds by LUNCHES / BOOKS / HOMEWORK ETC 8.45am as this poses an OH&S issue and conjestion in the We are being inundated with parents arriving at the front Administration foyer. office thorughout the entire day with their child’s lunch, forgotten homework, books, uniform etc. Please ensure VISITORS that your child has a healthy packed lunch in their school Any parent, guardian or visitor must report to the bag and all their required items before they leave home in Administration Office and sign in prior to entering the the morning to avoid being turned away when arriving at College grounds. This is necessary especially in the event the Administration Office. of an emergency and also for the safety of all our staff and students.

Pedestrian safety

Our Carpark staff are noticing more and more that parents are letting thier children out of the car on the roads withing the school grounds!

We ask that parents have patience and wait to park safely prior to allowing students exit cars. This is extemely dangerous as students are then walking between cars and not on the designated crossings.

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 3 First Aid News

WORLD DIABETES DAY of insulin production, it therefore requires regular insulin Every year on 14 November, the world celebrates World administration either by injection or by insulin pump. Diabetes Day. It is marked as the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Type 2 diabetes is characterised by the body being unable Best in 1922. Millions in the world live with this condition to metabolise glucose (a simple sugar). This leads to high daily and the number of students with diabetes in school levels of blood glucose which over time may damage the is rising. The primary aim of this day is to create an organs of the body. awareness of the effect of diabetes and the complication caused by this condition. How we can raise awareness and support? Diabetes is a chronic disease, you can’t remove it however What is Diabetes? as a school community, you can offer support, comfort and Diabetes is a chronic condition, in which the body cannot kindness for your love ones in a number of ways. maintain healthy levels of Glucose (a type of sugar) in the • Don’t nag! (Lecturing can upset them) bloodstream. It develops when your body can not make • Encourage healthy eating (Eating healthy can manage enough of a hormone called insulin or cannot use the their diabetes plus improve their health) insulin your body produces. An organ called pancreas • Attend a diabetes support group with them (To give produced insulin to help maintain blood glucose level when them an outlet to express themselves and vent) you eat and between meals. Without insulin, your cells are • Offer to attend doctor appointments (To show support) starved and will not function as per normal as such your • Be observant to drops in blood sugar (To be mindful and blood glucose level will remains high and unable to return speak up to alert them) to normal range without treatment. • Exercise together (Regular physical exercise is just as important as a healthy diet) There are 2 types of Diabetes • Be positive (Diabetes can be scary, offer positive Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes support not negative stories) the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas to be Below are also some fun activities for child to do. destroyed, preventing the body from being able to produce enough insulin to adequately regulate blood ROSLYN NASIR Senior Nurse glucose levels. Because type 1 diabetes causes the loss

References https://www.novonordisk.com.au/patients/diabetes-care/ what-is-diabetes.html http://www.lenny-diabetes.com/coloring-pages.html

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 4 Counsellors Corner

On 17 October cyber-safety sessions run by the Australian can increase motivation levels for some students. However, Federal Police were organised for our year 7-11 students. please be mindful that the stress and anxiety must still Students learnt about appropriate online conduct, online remain within a healthy range. If you notice that your child privacy, age requirements for the various social media is excessively overwhelmed please feel free to contact us. platforms, the harmful effects of and appropriate ways to respond to cyberbullying, as well as the laws about sharing Wishing our year 12’s all the best with their upcoming information and photos online. Furthermore, students were exams. given an opportunity to have their questions answered by members of the AFP. As always, if you have any concerns regarding your child’s wellbeing feel free to arrange for an appointment with one We recommend you take some time to follow up with your of our counsellors through the front office. We look forward children about what they have learnt during these important to continue working with you to support your children sessions and use the opportunity to generate dialogue on through the final term of 2019. safe online practices within your home.

With exams around the corner our counsellors have been busy meeting with many of our year 12 students.

We’d like to Congratulate both parents and students on making it this far.

Keep in mind that at this point of the year it is quite normal that students feel some level of stress and anxiety which

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 5 Just News

Thank you The College would like to take this opportunity to thank all the families who donated items to our Fete. Although the weather could have been warmer, everyone had a great day. Family time is such an important aspect of life that we often neglect. Family time helps children to build on their Without our generous families the fete would not be a self esteem, creates bonds, nurtures positive behaviours, success. This year we had our local Bunnings donate healthy lifestyles, relieves stress and most importantly some plants and also had a part sponsor with JJ creates a lifetime of memories for your children! Armstrong assisting for the day. This month with the weather getting warmer and longer, Thank you also to our wonderful staff members who why not try and schedule a regular family walk – this is volunteer for the day. It was a wonderful day, enjoyed by a great way to pass on healthy habits to your children or all. grandchildren, and to spend time together, while getting fit at the same time.

If you are walking with children, make sure the route and length of time spent walking are appropriate to their age.

Babies and toddlers enjoy long walks in the pram. Take the opportunity to point out items of interest to young ones, such as vehicles, flowers and other pedestrians.

This is also a great way to teach younger children on road safety.

Try and aim for 30 mins once a week but twice a week is much better!

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 6 Arabic, Religion & Quran Dept

The Primary Islamic Department would like to welcome you all back to a very busy and exciting Term 4! Students have received their awards and prizes for memorising the required verses of Surat Al-Isra and have done so well mashalah! This year has been our best year so far, with many of our students entering the competition and reaping the hasanat! May Allah continue to guide and protect our little champions and reward their teachers and parents for their on-going support. The surah for this term is Surat Al-Inaam and are students have already begun practising every day alhamdulilah.

This term, our hard working Hifz and Dawah students had the opportunity to attend an excursion to several Masajid around Melbourne. They visited the Australian Bosnian Islamic Centre in Deerpark, The Sunshine Turkish Mosque, Khalid Bin Walid Mosque in Albion and The Australian Islamic Centre in Newport. Students were welcomed by local Imams where they learnt about the backgrounds and history of the each of these beautiful Masjids. Alhamdulilah, all of our students and teachers enjoyed this enlightening experience.

During week 3, our department hosted one of the most highly anticipated events for the year, the Arabic Spelling Bee! Our students competed first against their class peers to be in the Year level spelling bee and then went head to head for the winning title! They truly impressed each and every one of us as they spelt some very difficult words. Congratulations to all of the participants and of course the winners from each year level for coming in first place– 1G, 2A, 3G, 4A. 5I and 6G! They were each presented with a class trophy and certificates to acknowledge this fantastic achievement.

For Arabic week, we also had our very first Arabic ‘Read to me’ Sessions! Students in upper primary read their Arabic Story books they studied during the year to their younger peers in lower primary. They showed poise and great intellect as they read these stories confidently and explained the moral as well as key words and characters. We are extremely proud of our Grade 4 and 6 students for their wonderful efforts to bond with Grades 2 and 3 over these Arabic story books, mashaAllah.

As our end of year assessments and Exams are drawing closer (Week 7), we will be revising many of the learnt Arabic concepts, Religion dua/Nasheeds and Surahs with our students. We encourage all parents to support their children at home by reminding them to also revise at home on a regular basis, inshallah. We look forward to a beneficial and fun final term for all.

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 7 Primary Sports Day

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 8 Year 3-5 News

YEAR 3 enthusiasm as they take on lots of activities, incursions and Welcome back to Term 4! We hope everyone had a much awaited camp. relaxing and enjoyable holiday and is ready for another exciting term. Our Year 3 students returned in high spirits Year 5 students were involved in “Cyber Safety: Think u and energy to participate in Year 2/3 Sports Day. It was all Know” incursion which they learned about protecting their about colours, chants, fun, competition and sportsmanship. digital reputation, staying safe with social networking and We look forward to a number of exciting events that will the harmful effects of cyber bullying. In conjunction with compliment the quality teaching/learning taking place in this important activity, they will also attend the “Sticks and our classrooms. Stones” incursion in Week 3. This will give Year 5 students a chance to watch a theatre production at the school about In line with the Science topic, Furs, Feathers and Leaves, assisting in reducing bullying in schools and online. the Year 3s will be visiting Serendip Sanctuary to explore and discover the diversity of plants and animals at the Another source of pride for Year 5 students was the Sanctuary. Students will view captive and wild animals to successful outcome of Star Debate Program presentation help cement their understanding of the diverse species that was held in the school boardroom. Parents and that live within and grassy . Teachers watched the students present their arguments and speech for the debate presentation. YEAR 4 Great 4s’ have kicked off the final term of the year with The most awaited excursion of the year was the four day excitement! As we begin our final term, we appreciate both camp for Year 5 students. The boys camp was all about the physical and mental strain students undergo during the learning and having fun. The girls camp will commence semester. We are establishing and encouraging healthy In weeks 4 and 6 this term and they can’t wait to have ways to deal with stress and anxiety in our children by that wonderful outdoor experience with their teachers and fostering their ability to focus their energy into reaching peers. their optimal academic excellence especially as we dive into our final term.

We are running ‘Circle Time’ sessions to foster positive engagement activities where students and teachers can share encouraging and uplifting ideas and words to each other to nurture and grow together. This term we are focusing a lot about a growth mindset and how our brains get stronger when we persist and don’t give up. These discussion sessions are to uncover the importance of mental wellbeing and positivity for the personal development of individuals.

We hope our children can use this tool to come to school and go home happier and healthier and more engaged over the final weeks of the school year and be more equipped to approach their future lives.

YEAR 5 Year 5 students welcomed the start of the term with lots of energy and ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 9 Y10 Girls Camp

Our Year 10 girls enjoyed a week at Camp Coorong strolling along the beach and experiencing yummy cooking sessions.

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 10 Art Exhibition

Our wonderful Arts Exhibition has come to an end. We SENIOR SCHOOL would like to thank all students ranging from upper Primary 1st place: Shayma ElHaouli 12D to Junior Secondary to Senior School who participated and displayed their creations.

We are extremely proud of all participants and delighted to see staff members participate and demonstrate their amazing skills. We had wonderful workshops throughout the exhibition and appreciate all those involved.

We have tallied up the votes and the winners are listed below. JUNIOR SCHOOL 1st place: Amnah Waqas 8D

2nd place: Emnah Hawli 12C

2nd place: Narjis Raza 8D

3rd place: Abdikalic Jama 10E

3rd place: Najifa Khan 7A

Well done to these amazing students!!! They will be receiving gorgeous prizes from the Arts team.

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 11 Kryal Castle

Our Year 8 students went to Kryal Castle in Leigh Creek. Both the students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and learnt many interesting facts about Medieval European life.

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 12 The Islamic Schools of Victoria (Werribee College) Trading as Al-Taqwa College ABN 32 079 146 958

Year 12 Graduation

Congratulations Y12 students on completing 13 years of education! All the very best with your upcoming exams and futures ahead of you.

ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL

Parent Liaison Officer Transport Coordinator Accounts Payable Malak El-Ashey Sameh Aghbash Emmy Eribsyantie

Enrolment Officers Accounts Receivable Enas Ali Malak El-Ashey Ibtissam Shahino Fadile Jeka

ISSUE 109 // OCTOBER // AL-HIDAYAH 13