Newsletter – Term 1 – Kewdale Campus

1A – Sr. Shamin: “Assalamualaikum! I have been in this school for the last five years and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

I have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.

I strongly believe that early education is not about didactic instruction and information. It is about hands-on experience with the world of people, things, concepts and mentoring adults who help children understand how the world works and all that they are capable of. It is about discovering skills and knowledge, challenge and mastery.

May Allah make this year a total success for all of us In Sha Allah!”

1B – Sr. Sera: “I am passionate about the importance of early years learning and I am a big advocate for equal learning opportunities and play-based learning. I am excited to get to know your family and anything you would like to share about your goals and aspirations for your child. I look forward to learning and teaching with the class.”

1C – Sr. Ashley: “I am an early childhood teacher in my fourth year of teaching, this is my second year of teaching at AIC Kewdale. I strongly believe in the importance of early childhood education and firmly believe that all young children are unique and capable individuals. It is my mission to instil a deep-grounded love for learning in all my students. I diligently attempt to teach with passion every day so that my students may develop a desire to become ‘lifelong’ learners. I’m very much looking forward to getting to know your child and getting this year started!”

One of our primary goals at the beginning of the school year was to get to know our students. This is important for several reasons. The better we know our children, and the more they know we know them, the more invested they will become in school. 

Then gradually we delved into studies. Let us take a sneak peek on what we have learnt this term:

In literacy we mainly focused on reading and writing. When you read it fires up your imagination and stimulates the memory centres of your mind. It helps recall information as well as stabilize your emotions. The importance of a reading habit is that it strengthens mental muscles. In writing we followed the seven steps programme for narrative writing. They gradually gained confidence in writing a narrative. Apart from that we also put a lot of focus to develop their speaking skills as well as their spellings, grammar and comprehension skills.

Students in year 1 have been working very hard in Maths. We have been practicing our addition and subtraction.  Playing with shapes seems to be our favourite activity at the moment! In order to learn how shapes are different from one another, they’ll learnt to pay attention to the little details that distinguish shapes.

In history we had a great time exploring past and present-day family life while in geography we were learning about constructed, managed and natural resources. We went for walks, observed and discussed about our opinions and thoughts about different kinds of features.

Ma Sha Allah! Our little scientists are learning all about ‘Earth’s Resources’ and how they play a very important role for life on earth. We firmly that they form the basis of everything humans need to survive and that it is our duty to conserve them. We learnt about different types of clouds and rain and did an experiment called ‘Cloud in a Jar’. It was a great way of demonstrating how water moves out of clouds and produces rainy weather.

In art we have been learning about the famous artist called Jimmy Pike and did the ‘Rainbow Serpent’ artwork. We also used our creativity to create illusions called ‘Web of Lines’.  I would like to inform you that the teachers were greatly impressed by their students’ artwork and that we have some great future artists amongst us Alhamdullilah!

In Health we have been learning about how to give compliments to others, how to stay safe and all about team work. They also expressed their feelings on what makes them happy, sad, excited, annoyed and so on.

The little Year 1s learnt about the importance to eat something nutritious each morning to re-fuel for the busy day ahead. The ‘Healthy Breakfast’ was an ideal opportunity for the teachers to talk to their students about never skipping the first morning of the day and to always have a healthy breakfast.

The children took pride in showing their waste free lunch boxes to their peers contained packaging that could be composted or recycled, and nothing that could go into garbage bins and landfills. They said “It is our duty to keep our country clean and keep our world clean.”

This was a great way to inspire our students to learn about the impact of rubbish on their local environment while playing an active role in their community. It was a very special day when students and teachers worked together to clean up the school which is special to us all.

We celebrated Harmony Day in our own classes by holding discussions about the cultural diversity and how we might improve the world to make it more harmonious and a beautiful place. We also expressed our opinions by writing and making pretty posters! 

Alhumduliliah we have had a busy and productive term in Year 2, despite these trying times and many challenges.

This term in Literacy, we learned about the features of a narrative text exploring the structure of a narrative text while developing our imaginative skills. In grammar, we developed our fluency in proper nouns, capital letters and conjunctions. We covered a range of reading comprehension strategies such as finding word meaning in context and drawing conclusions to make inferences.

In Numeracy, we developed a range of skills in addition and subtraction strategies, place value, arrays, division, halves and quarters, 2D shapes, half past and quarter to time language, measurement and capacity and number sequences. Students used hands on manipulatives and prime resources to develop their number fluency and understanding of concepts.

This term in HASS, we explored about the Past & Present taking a closer look at history learning about timelines and past events, we also dived in to learning about famous Australians from the past. In geography, we discovered oceans and continents while learning about important lines like the tropic of Cancer, tropic of Capricorn and equator!

In science, we explored the concept of Earth and Space taking a closer look at our solar system and the world around us. We also developed our understanding of the water cycle engaging in hands on experiments and investigations to further develop a secure understanding of the concepts.

This term in Health, we developed our fluency in  learning about strategies to identify feelings, identify safe places, introduce warning signs, look for clues about risks, personal emergencies, strengths and identity, achievements and success and physical activity in the community.

In Art, we explored patterns and had a tremendous amount of fun crafting mosaic masks using shapes, we also enthusiastically developed our drawing skills by drawing landscapes like city landscapes.

Sharp Reading

Sharp Reading is a teaching and learning framework that provides direction for students and equips them to be SHARP (efficient, cutting edge) in their understanding of reading. Sharp Reading allows students to THINK while reading in order to unpack and understand text. This is our daily morning routine since the beginning of term 1 with the year 3 students.

Persuasive & Narrative Writing

Narrative writing allows students to discuss how language is used to describe the settings in texts, and explore how the settings shape the events and influence the mood of a narrative. Students also drew connections between personal experiences and the worlds of texts, and share responses with others through narrative writing.

Persuasive Writing aims to present an idea to a reader and persuade them to agree with the writer’s point of view. Learning to write persuasively is a crucial ‘real life’ skill for students. Some examples of persuasive texts include: arguments, expositions, discussions, and letters to the editor, debates, reviews and advertisements. The year 3 students have been focusing on specific structures when writing persuasive texts. Some of the structures we have been following include: sizzling starts, global statements, connectives, high modal verbs and ending with an impact.

Reading Comprehension

The students used comprehension strategies to build literal and inferred meaning and began to evaluate texts by drawing on a growing knowledge of context, text structures and language features.

Grammar & Spelling

The students learned a range of grammar concepts including that verbs represent different processes, for example doing, thinking, saying, and relating and that these processes are anchored in time through tense.

Year 3 students have been focusing on NAPLAN words as well as a spelling skill weekly for term 1.

Numeracy

Number and Algebra

The students have count to and from 10 000. They have classified numbers as either odd or even. Students have recalled addition and multiplication facts for single-digit numbers. They have recognised the connection between addition and subtraction and solve problems using efficient strategies for multiplication. Students have modelled and represented unit fractions. They have represent money values in various ways. Students have correctly counted out change from financial transactions. They have continued presenting number patterns involving addition and subtraction.

Measurement and Geometry

Students have identified symmetry in the environment. They have matched positions on maps with given information. Students have recognised angles in real situations. They have interpreted and compared data displays. Students have used metric units for length, mass and capacity. They told time to the nearest minute. Students made models of three-dimensional objects.

Statistics and Probability

Students have conducted chance experiments and listed possible outcomes. They have conducted simple data investigations for categorical variables. Students have interpreted and compared data displays.

Science

Earth & Space Science

Students have been reading about Earth’s rotation. They understood that the rotation on Earth allows time to change from day to night and vice versa. Students understand that successful cooperation with others depends on shared use of social conventions, including turn-taking patterns, and forms of address that vary according to the degree of formality in social situations.

HASS

The year 3 students have studied about the importance of fossils to our history. Students have learnt that Australia has six states and territories which can be represented on a map. Each state and territory has a capital city. They have understood that Australia has regional centres in each state and these can be represented on a map. They have become aware that Australia has many important and unique natural features in different states and territories including rock formation and reefs. Students have also identified who lived in Australia first.

Visual Art

In Year 3, students extend their understanding of the visual elements as they reflect on their use to create artwork using different mediums. They experiment with varying techniques and explore the different properties and qualities of materials that can be used creatively. Students explore art from other cultures and consider where and how artwork is presented to an audience. As they make and respond to artwork, students are introduced to the use of visual art terminology. They use the terminology to reflect on how the elements are used in the artwork they view and make

Health & Physical Education

The students worked on range of health subjects including: understanding the importance of a healthy and balanced diet in maintaining general wellbeing; recognising the importance of being physically active to improvement health and wellbeing; and describing situations and events that happen to them that lead to different emotions.

Alhamdulillah, we have had a successful start to the year, meeting many new and familiar faces who were excited to return to school after the long break. We settled down into our routines and set goals for us to kick throughout the year!

As the term progressed, many things became a little different for us, as we implemented many safety measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 and keep us safe. Our students have continued to adopt many hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and sanitising after using the toilet, before and after eating and when entering a classroom.  We are so proud of how all our students have embraced mask-wearing and continued to achieve and go beyond their learning goals despite the rapid changes.

This term the Year Four students have become Geologists! We have been exploring “what’s beneath our feet”, looking at different soil types, rock types and asking many questions and discovering many answers along the way. We did a soil investigation looking at the effects of the different types of weathering and erosion that happen in our environment and how this changes our environment. The 4D clan have grown plants, which they will eventually be planting into the veggie garden, as part of the AIC Landcare Australia project. Overall, we have gotten our hands messy this term and uncovered many wonders!

Our creative minds have been blossoming this term with students working on visual art and its elements. We have explored and created artwork using organic and geometric shapes, using real life objects to help us. Students discovered the influence that line and colour have on their own emotions, and they explored how the elements of visual art can be combined to deliver a message. We then used our knowledge of the elements of Visual Art to design Harmony Day posters to celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of Australia!

Our writing this term has taken us to magical places full of wonder. Students in Year 4 are learning about narrative writing with a focus on ‘Showing Not Telling’ our readers what the character is feeling and doing. To help students in this endeavour we have explored onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance as well as superlative adjectives and adverbs.

Year 4’s are being exposed to progressively more challenging maths subjects such as angles, map reading, parallel lines and multiplication facts to 10 x 10 and related division facts.  Students are also solving multi-step addition and subtraction word problems and building their confidence working with 5 and 6-digit numbers.

In our numeracy investigations students have applied their skills in practical ways. Students have used compass and followed directions to reach places on maps. They have learnt the skill of using a key/legend on a map and devise their own too. Students are dealing with real world situations in numeracy to help prepare them for the future.

Overall, this term in HASS students have understood and explored the contribution Indigenous people had towards Australia.

Students have discovered the Connection Indigenous people have with Australia since colonisation. They have researched and studies the Indigenous past, creation stories and Arts. Students were involved in inquiry-based learning and worked in groups to explore the Aboriginal culture and uncover the history and contributions of Eddie Mabo to the Aboriginal community.

It was amazing to usher old and new students into our classes this term. We also welcomed Sr Safia, into Year 5!

It has been an interesting term with new rules and routines. Nevertheless, our Year 5 students are resilient students! They took on the challenge of wearing the mask throughout the day and taking initiative to maintain social distance.

This is what we’ve been up to in Term 4:

Our daily literacy block includes guided reading activity, spelling and writing. This term we focus on two genres: Narrative and Persuasive. It has been lovely to read creative and thought-provoking masterpieces written by our own students.

This term we review all strands of numeracy and applied multi-step problem solving strategies in operations.

We focused on Earth Science this term. We explored the sun and moon, as well as terrestrial and gas planets. We created a simple model of the sun, moon and Earth, and we learned the order of the solar system. Apart from that, we had a ‘yummy’ time learning the different moon phases.

This term we learned about the economic, political and social reasons for the establishment of British colonies in Australia. We also studied the colonial development and settlement features, as well as their impact upon the native Australian environment and the daily lives of the different inhabitants.

In Health, we learned about setting short and long term goals. We also differentiated safe and unsafe places, and we learned to identify physical indicators that we might experience when we are in an unsafe place or situation. Lastly, we studied how a healthy diet can affect an individual’s overall general health.

This term we focused on the visual art. We learned the different elements of art and we created art pieces by applying these elements. Apart from that, we also designed Harmony Day poster during our Art lessons

The Year 5 students were given the opportunity to put their name in to be elected deputy head boy and girl. Each representative presented a speech in front of the cohort and votes were casted by the Year 5 students.

Assalamu Alaykum Dear Parents

What an eventful term that came along with its own set of challenges and difficulties. Alhamduillah, we have managed to persevere and tackle the challenges head on. In year 6 we focus on preparing students for high school and providing them with the necessary skills that will enable to thrive and succeed in all subject areas.

The Warm-Up 10mins:

Its short, its sweet, it most certainly is effective. What is now a part of our every morning routine. Students start off the morning with literacy warmups that helps develop students’ comprehension skills, vocabulary, creativity and phonics knowledge.

Rotations 15mins:

It’s a smooth transition from the warm-ups to the rotations activity.  students know exactly where to go and what to do and are immediately on task. Students are divided up into 5 groups each group doing a separate activity with the tasks being rotated everyday. Each week the groups rotate between guided reading, ReadingEggs, complex sentence writing, text exercises and task cards. Each of the activities develop students literacy skills and provides students with a strong foundational knowledge of literature and literacy.

Spelling Mastery 15mins

No game can be played without understanding the rules. A well develop textbook that breaks down the most complex rules of the English language into bite size, easy to understand activities. The Spelling Mastery text is an all-in-one pack that focuses on English rules, vocabulary building and phonics knowledge.

Writing 20 mins.

They’re warm, they know the rules they got the tools now its time to play the game. The first half of the term students put their reporter hats on and focused on writing a recount for a news report. Whether they had to develop a problem for a story or sizzling start that got a reader engaged. The second half of the term students had their creative synapses firing with narrative writing. Students were given a picture prompt that set their foundation for their writing piece. No doubt will have a future author in the making!

Every lesson begins with a warm-up that cover past mathematical knowledge. We are putting Prime Math to the test. At the Australian Islamic College, we are always looking for the best text for our students. Prime is new to the school but not the world of Mathematics. The students dabbled with BODMAS, measured angles and are breaking down fractions. This year we have also incorporated a lesson with rotations that incorporate word-problems, Mathletics and games to demonstrate how math’s is found in all areas of life.

Science is all about the Earth shaking, ground-breaking, tsunamis roaring and tornados blowing! Disasters come in many forms and natural disasters are the most dangerous of them all. Students now have a sound understanding of the relatively large, ball of rock that we call Earth. We explored the science of tectonic plates, the layers of the Earth and how they contribute to the Earths natural disasters. Volcanos, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes drought and flooding formed the bases of our science investigation.

A topic that covers more than diet and fitness. This term we looked at protective behaviors and self-image. Its important for students to understand their surrounding environment and be aware of dangers. More importantly students must also know how to deal and what to do in those situations. The second half of the term focused on taking risks, per-pressure, self-acceptance and motivation and how they contribute to mental and emotional health and wellbeing

Some say there is no future in History that does not mean we cannot learn from it. Federation, governmental structure and laws, elections, Aboriginal history, human rights and Australia’s involvement in the war. These are some of the topics we looked at in class. Students had a deep look into Australia’s history and to the path that led us hear today.

A picture paints thousand words. In other words, no novel series can complete with the level of art work produced by our students. Different themes, different topics, lines and shapes, harmony day and aboriginal art that’s where our students drew inspiration from. The talented work have bought light, colour and creativity into our classroom which are on display.