Golden The

Generation

icu readwww.isikcollege.vic.edu.au

Upfield Campus I C USIK OLLEGE PFIELD CAMPUS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

There was an air of anticipation and excitement as teachers at Isik College found themselves making their way to “work” somewhat earlier than usual on the morning of 30 October 2009. They were in a joyous mood because today was World Teachers' Day and their alarm clocks had been set to ring 30 minutes earlier than usual because the Principal Mr Deniz Erdogan and the school's PFA had invited them all to a 'five star' Turkish breakfast to commence at 8.00 am.

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WORLD TEACHERS' DAY ContentsPages 1& 4World Teachers’ DayPage 2Principal’s MessagePage 3Opening of Year 12 Common RoomVCE Final ExaminationsPage 5Acknowledgement DayEbru Art ExhibitionPages 6 & 7Wrestling ChampionshipsPage 8National Futsul ChampionshipsHumanities & PE ExcursionPage 9Business Management ExcursionShakespeare IncursionPage 10Biology ExcursionExcursion to Mao’s Last DancerPage11Library NewsPage 12Qurban Aid Campaign

Upcoming Events

Fri 13 November End of Year CeremonyTue 17 NovemberGraduation nightMon 23 NovemberYr 10 & 11 Sem 2 Exams beginFri 27 NovemberKurban Bayrami(Eid-ul Adha)Mon 30 November2010 Yr 12 Orientation DayTue 1 December2010 Yr 12 Orientation DayTue 8 DecemberYr 7, 8 & 9 Sem 2 Exams beginFri 11 DecemberStudents finish Term 4Mon 14 December2010 Yr 7 Orientation Day

October 2009

Principal's MessageDear Parents and Students,

We are now in our 'last lap' of the term and there is no doubt that we will again witness the busiest time of the year. Thankfully, we have finalised the necessary changes and modifications to our 2010 curriculum. With increasing student enrolment, for the past two months we have had to focus on our staffing needs for 2010. On a personal note, I realised just how complex these arrangements have become as a result of our growing numbers. Of course, you wiIl not hear me complaining about this because the larger numbers will allow us to have four classes in year levels 7 to 9. Consequently, for the first time in our school's history, next year we will be allocating a coordinator to every year level. This has been one of my dream goals in terms of better monitoring student behaviour and academic progress. You will appreciate the scope of our new staffing structure once the 2010 year is underway and you experience the value of the seven (approximately) new staff members whom, I believe, will add to the already high quality of our school.We sent our VCAL boys to Tathra for an unwinding camp in week 1. Although the weather was not very conducive, they still enjoyed the camp, finding opportunities to strengthen their bonds with teachers and each other. Term 4 is usually a season of ceremonies and this was the case with Acknowledgement Day on 23 October celebrating the end of school for our Class of 2009. Following the light-hearted jocularity with which students greeted staff as they entered the school grounds that morning, teachers and students shared dinner that evening at a Brunswick restaurant. Later, the Year 12 boys played a friendly soccer matches with their teachers. In all seriousness, I wish the boys, their parents and their teachers a very successful VCE exam period. Following their graduation ceremony (17 November) around ten of them will be leaving for a European tour which includes a visit to Turkey. Bon Voyage!Our SRC has been very active with a very wide variety of activities. Their most recent humanitarian aid campaign involved raising funds for victims of the recent Indonesian earthquake. The SRC's efforts helped to raise around $1,400 to help heal the damage of this devastating earthquake. Thank you boys and Mr Kazanci for your ongoing commitment and inspiration. After having completed this campaign, the SRC, the Pastoral Care department and, in fact, the entire school, almost immediately began an intensive Kurban Campaign for people in need. Humanitarian campaigns like these help us equip our students with a sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate. The highlight of this month was definitely World Teachers' Day on 30 October. The day started with teachers being welcomed at the gate with a first class greeting by valued members of the SRC. They presented each teacher with a World Teachers’ Day badge, a red rose and a few words of appreciation. This was followed by a wonderful staff breakfast which was, again, graciously prepared by our PFA members. In my World Teachers' Day address to staff, I emphasised the significance to our community of inspirational teachers and reminded them that teaching, having originated with the prophets, is the oldest and most sacred profession in the world. At the end of the day, we enjoyed a delicious barbeque. We extend our deepest appreciation to both the SRC and the PFA for a memorable day.As a result of the year-long degree of enthusiasm and commitment, the PFA Ebru course yielded some very promising results which bode well for the future of the course. After having raised funds for the library at our sister school, PNG Paradise, parents and friends undertaking the Ebru course were invited to exhibit some of their finer Ebru works at the ceremony for the official opening of the Stardust Art Lounge in High St Prahran. These art works have been made available for public sale. Congratulations to all you who throughout the year have so wholeheartedly supported this course which bears such cultural significance.Dear parents and students, this is my last message for the year as I will be soon departing for my Hajj duty and a visit to Turkey. In Turkish we say 'Hakkınızı helal edin'. With regard to our 2010 school location, suffice to say that we will be operating from our current Upfield site for the first one or two terms at least

For now, have a wonderful school holiday.

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“... the larger numbers will allow us to have four classes in year levels 7 to 9 ... for the first time in our school's history, next year we will be allocating a coordinator to every year level.”

“Humanitarian campaigns... help us equip our students with a sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate.”

“... teaching, having originated with the prophets, is the oldest and most sacred profession in the world.”

“... the PFA Ebru course yielded some very promising results... Congratulations to all you who... have so wholeheartedly supported this course which bears such cultural significance.”

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VCE FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Weeks 3 to 6 of term 4 are definitely the most important weeks of the year for VCE year 11 and 12 students as they will be sitting their final exams. Exam revision began several weeks ago with many trial examinations having been given to allow students the best opportunity to achieve the highest results. Our teachers also arranged weekend and evening classes, study camps and motivational talks to help students deal with any stress and to help them feel more confident about their exams. The examination time table is shown below.

We wish each student every success with his exams.

VCE END OF YEAR EXAM TIME TABLE

Thursday, 20/10/2008 2:00– 5:00pm Turkish

Friday, 31/10/2008 9:00–12.15pm English

3:00–4:15pm Specialist Mathematics Exam 1

Monday, 2/11/2008

9:00– 10:45am Biology

11:45–1:30pm Further Mathematics Exam 1

3:00–5:15pm Specialist Mathematics Exam 2

Wednesday, 4/11/2008 11:45–1:30pm Further Mathematics, Exam 2

Thursday, 5/11/2008

11:45–1:30pm Accounting

3:00–5:15pm Literature

Friday, 6/11/2008 9:00–10:15am Maths Methods(CAS), Exam 1

Monday; 9/11/2008 11:45–2:00pm Maths Methods(CAS), Exam 2

Tuesday, 10/11/2008 11:45–1:30pm Visual Communication and Design

3:00–5:15pm Information Technology App.

Wednesday, 11/11/2008 11:45–1:30pm Physics

3:00–5:15pm Legal Studies

Thursday, 12/11/2008 9:00–10:45am Chemistry

Friday, 13/11/2008 11:45– 2:00pm Business Management

GRAND OPENING OF THE YEAR 12 COMMON ROOM

Although it was the year 12's last weeks of school, our principal, Mr Erdogan made every effort to ensure the cosy common room was officially opened on Monday, 19 October. Students knew that they would be using the room for just a couple of weeks but having a common room, especially during the examination period, would mean a lot to them.

Of course, the year 11s were just as excited to see the opening of the common room because they will be allowed access to the room before the end of the year when they become 'virtual' year 12s on orientation day.

“Students knew that they would be using the room for just a couple of weeks but having a common room, especially during the examination period, would mean a lot to them.”

“Our teachers also arranged weekend and evening classes, study camps and motivational talks to help students deal with any stress and to help them feel more confident about their exams.”

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HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS' DAY TO ALL TEACHERS AT ISIK COLLEGE AND TO TEACHERS ALL OVER THE WORLD

(from page 1)

As teachers and non-teaching staff drove, rode, or walked onto the school grounds, they were cordially greeted at the front gate by members of the SRC. Each teacher was presented with a single red rose, an official World Teachers' Day badge (which read “To teach is to touch lives forever”) and some words of appreciation by students. Inside, the breakfast tables had been decoratively prepared by members of the PFA who had also organised the delicious food and drinks - the aroma of which soon awoke anyone who may still have been half asleep. Two Semavers (traditional tea pot and urn) were also brewing while steaming black Turkish tea was being drunk from small glasses. After breakfast, the Principal introduced Mrs Ayfer Kocak (President of the PFA) and invited her to say a few words. Mrs Ayfer concluded her warm and sincere speech by reciting a poem dedicated to all the teachers at Isik College. Aside from the delicious breakfast, PFA members also presented staff with gifts of appreciation. The Principal thanked all those responsible for the event, adding that it appeared to be getting bigger and better each year. In his own inspirational speech, Mr Erdogan emphasised the importance and the sacredness of the teaching profession and wished everyone a happy World Teachers' Day. To help cap off the day's celebrations in traditional style, Mr Erdogan invited all staff to attend a barbeque to be held at the end of the teaching day.

“Teachers are like our parents, in a way. They care for us, help us with any

issues at school, and try to resolve them.” - Taner Saban, 10C

“Teachers give up their spare time to help increase our knowledge of the

world.” - Semih Sayan, 8C

“Besides teaching, teachers tolerate our sometimes troublesome behaviour.

They advise and support us, helping us to reach our goals.” - Mohamad Haydar, 9A

“Good teachers are those who get along well with the class. They make

learning interesting and encourage us to learn.” - Ahmed Soufi, 7A

“Each teacher was presented with a single red rose, an official World Teachers' Day badge... and some words of appreciation by students.”

“[The President of the PFA] concluded her warm and sincere speech by reciting a poem dedicated to all the teachers at Isik College.”

“The Principal thanked all those responsible for the event...”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT DAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009

It is hard to believe how quickly 2009 has come and gone. We are thrilled, excited and proud to see 37 blossoming graduates officially conclude their six years of high school.

To celebrate this accomplishment, Isik College Upfield graduates, together with their teachers, gathered for dinner at the Tiba restaurant. It was an opportunity to congratulate each student on his achievement on a day we traditionally call Acknowledgement Day.

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After dinner, teachers and students took part in a friendly soccer match at the Eastmeadows Campus gymnasium. Overall, it was another memorable and enjoyable evening in the Isik College annals.

No doubt our year 12s feel that having now put a stressful and difficult year behind them they deserve a big holiday. However, they must wait three more weeks for the conclusion of all remaining VCE examinations.

Isik College Upfield Campus sincerely wishes our boys every success for these coming exams.

EBRU ART EXHIBITION On Sunday the 1 November 2009, the Isik College PFA achieved another milestone with its Ebru course. Following a special request by PFA directors, eleven art pieces from past and present students were specially chosen and beautifully framed and mounted for displaying at the opening ceremony of the Stardust Art Lounge in High St Prahran.

Works by Oznur Ates, Leyla Gencer, Gurfan Furgan, Fatma Korkmaz and course coordinator Sukriye Tarakci were unveiled at the art gallery. An impressive list of distinguished guests witnessed the event including the state member of Prahran, Mr Tony Lupton; the mayor of the City of Stonington, Cr Claude Ullin; the mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, Cr Pinar Yesil and the Turkish consular general in Australia.

Mr Refik Arpaci warmly greeted the attendees and our Ebru art works were proudly nestled amongst twenty-nine others by local, interstate and international artists including works by notables such as Melanie Miller, William Beaugbran, Eric Ofanos, Racheal Kellonay and Elanie

Button. The primary reason behind our decision to exhibit our works was to further promote Isik College and its PFA Ebru course. The PFA would like to thank Mr Refik Arpaci for generously inviting us to be a part of his gallery and exhibition.

Ms Sukryie Tarakci (PFA)

“We are... proud to see 37 blossoming graduates officially conclude their six years of high school.”

“... it was another memorable and enjoyable evening in the Isik College annals.”

“An impressive list of distinguished guests witnessed the event...”

“... our... art works were proudly nestled amongst twenty-nine others by local, interstate and international artists...”

WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Number one again!

On 10 October, the National School Age Wrestling Championships were held in Perth. Close to 90 wrestlers competed in this prestigious event, all of whom wrestled in an honest and sportsman-like fashion. The nine wrestlers from Isik College were accompanied by Mehmet Yilmaz and Bunyamin Kazanci. Eight wrestlers returned with medals (four gold and four silver), with one wrestler having to withdraw due to a knee injury.

On the morning of 8 October, the Isik College wrestlers departed from Melbourne Airport. It was the first time the students had travelled to Perth. On arrival, they were welcomed by a teacher from Damla College, who invited them to another teacher's home for a wonderful breakfast. From there they were taken to the house (ders hane) where they would sleep and rest for the rest of the trip, before being shown around the city, beaches and parks of Perth. The Isik College team were very satisfied with the hospitality shown by the teachers from Damla.

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On day two of the trip there was no time to rest or muck around. Before the Cuma prayer, the boys went to the gym in the morning to train to reach their desired weight category. They travelled to the gym where the tournament would be held to practise some more before weighing in.

The next day the competition began early in the morning. Although Ersin Basol suffered a knee injury, he managed to win one of his wrestling matches. Trainers from other states congratulated the Isik College team on a successful campaign. After the competition they were taken to the Perth market, then to another teacher's home for their last delicious dinner in Perth before their flight back home. Students who received medals:

Kadir Altunbas, 57 kgs (Gold)Samil Atlihan, 55 kgs (Gold)Gorkem Tanrikulu, 41 kgs (Gold)Ridvan Altunbas, 36 kgs (Gold)Selahattin Ustalar, 63 kgs (Silver)Halis Erciyas, 63 kgs (Silver)Burak Ak, 57 kgs (Silver)Emre Tanrikulu, 36 kgs (Silver)

Halis Erciyas, 11A

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NATIONAL FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Our Year 8 boys have yet again made us proud coming third in the National School Futsal Championships in Sydney. Despite getting off to a bad start by losing their first game of the tournament 7-6, they were quick to recover, winning the second game 9-6 to finish the day with one win and one loss. The second day was a much better one, with two successive wins (8-7 and 19-1), putting us in first place momentarily. Unfortunately, we later lost in the semi final 6-2.

Even though they didn't make it to the final we can feel proud of them finishing in third place. We have one more tournament remaining this year, which is in the Gold Coast in November, so hopefully we can bring back the trophy this time. We would like to thank the boys who participated: Recep Demir, Burak Durnaoglu, Salih Sefil, Cemal Kaymakci, Baran Karagoz, Yasin Koroglu, Abdulkadir Colakoglu, Ibrahim Can, Seyhan Aslan and Ilhan Altuntas.

And also a special thanks to the parents that came and helped us out: Seckin Tekin, Yasar Sefil, Omer Gultekin, Omer Bol, Yavuz Kucuk and also the coach Mehmet Yilmaz.

Ilhan Eroglu and Ercan Sakarya, two past teachers of our campus send their best wishes to all students and teachers.

Ferhat GURKAN

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YEAR 7 HUMANITIES & PE EXCURSION

On Thursday 29 October, the year 7 students set off on an excursion to the city to develop their personal knowledge and experience of some of Melbourne's most significant locations and to develop their appreciation of Melbourne as a sport-loving city. The students enjoyed the fine weather and the beautiful scenery as they cruised on a ferry along the Yarra. Next, they strolled along the river bank to the MCG where they were given a tour of the stadium and a chance to take part in many different activities and learning experiences. In all, the students appreciated everything that had been organised for them.

Ms Susan Lombardo & Mr Ahmed Rajab

“The second day was a much better one, with two successive wins, ... putting us in first place momentarily.”

“... we can feel proud of them finishing in third place.”

“... to develop their personal knowledge and experience of some of Melbourne's most significant locations...”

YEAR 11 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT EXCURSION TO AUSTRALIA POST

Year 11 Business Management students visited Australia Post Dandenong on Friday 30 October 2009. Despite it being a long trip, it was well worth it! Students discovered that Australia Post Dandenong is in fact bigger than the MCG, and that some of the machinery being used is larger than a 747 aircraft! Over six million articles of mail are processed daily at this site alone. Thanks to Mr Wakefield and Mr Sevil for supervising students on this excursion. Mr TraikovskiYear 11 Business Management Teacher

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SHAKESPEARE INCURSION

On Friday 16 October, the Complete Works Theatre Company visited our school to perform Shakespeare’s Macbeth (the term 3 text) to the Year 11 students. Some students and I were asked to perform some of the minor roles in the play. Overall, it was a great experience and was definitely beneficial to our studies. Also the discussion at the end of the performance furthered our understanding of the themes and central ideas in Macbeth to a higher level. We would like to thank our teachers for organising the event and the Complete Works Theatre Company for its inspiring recital.

Hakan Tarakci 11A

Year 10 students were treated to a play of the Shakespeare classic, Romeo and Juliet. It was a good learning experience to see this masterpiece come to life after having studied the text in class. All the students had a wonderful time watching the play and are very thankful to our dedicated teachers in the English Department for organising this worthwhile performance. Amjad Khan 10A

“students...were asked to perform some of the minor roles in the play”

“the discussion...furthered our understanding of the themes and...ideas in Macbeth”

“students had a wonderful time watching the play”

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YEAR 10 BIOLOGY EXCURSION TO LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

On Monday 26 October, the year 10 biology students went on a half day excursion to La Trobe University, Bundoora. The excursion was primarily aimed at consolidating major concepts in molecular biology and genetics. In the laboratory, students worked in groups of five to complete various activities designed to emphasise the key concepts of:

(I) Plant breeding experiments. Understanding how breeders identify specific characteristics in an effort to develop plants that are either high-yielding, salt tolerant, drought tolerant, disease resistant or frost resistant. Students were askedto compare and contrast phenotypic variations among a group of plants that were provided.

(ii) DNA manipulation. Students were first exposed to introductory cell biology, leading to experimental procedures to extract, isolate and observe strands of DNA from wheat germ. (The pictures capture student excitement at being

successful in isolating and observing their first DNA in a test tube.)

(iii) Using hypothetical situations. Students used restriction enzymes and molecular markers to create DNA fingerprints that are not only used in plant breeding, but also in forensic science to identify criminals, paternity cases to identify the biological father as well as for medical diagnoses to determine whether someone is carrying a particular gene for an inherited disorder.

(iv) Gel electrophoresis: learning how to load the wells of electrophoresis equipment using micropipette. The students gained firsthand experience in handling and manipulating various aspects of the technique in order to obtain desirable outcomes.

At the end of the excursion, in recognition of their excellent behaviour, the staff at the university presented each student with a badge. We take this opportunity to thank the school administration and our teachers, Mr Addo and Mr Clayton for organising and supervising a wonderful excursion for us. It was such a fun day!

YEAR 8 EXCURSION TO MAO’S LAST DANCER

On Tuesday, October 27, the year 8s and VCE Literature classes went to see Mao's Last Dancer at the Broadmeadows Hoyts Cinema. Mao's Last Dancer is a true story about a boy growing up in communist China during the rule of Mao Zedong. The autobiographical work written by Li Cunxin is currently being studied by our year 8 students as part of their English curriculum. Earlier in the year, the VCE Literature classes also read the text as part of their studies. The movie version of the book gave students an opportunity to further their understanding of the text. The cinematic techniques helped students appreciate the hardships of living in communist China and Li Cunxin’s struggle to become a brilliant dancer. It also enabled them to understand the cultural clashes that occurred as Li Cunxin integrated into the western world. After having seen the film, it will give our students a greater appreciation of the qualities needed to succeed through hardships and struggle.Overall the excursion was a rich, educational experience for all. It was also good to see other cinema patrons complimenting the boys on their excellent behaviour.

Mr CapapasEnglish Teacher

“the excursion was aimed at consolidating major concepts”

“students gained first hand experience in handling and manipulating various aspects of the technique”

“the movie version of the book gave students an opportunity to further their understanding of the text”

“it will give our students a greater appreciation of the qualities needed to succeed through hardships and struggle”

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LIBRARY NEWS

A great opportunity for students to win prizes whilst enjoying great books from the library.

COMPETITION RULES:

²READ A MINIMUM OF 5 BOOKS²WRITE A BLURB FOR EACH BOOK²ALL BOOKS HAVE TO BE PASTORAL CARE BOOKS²HAND IN COMPLETED ENTRIES BY FRIDAY 4TH

DECEMBER 2009

READING COMPETITION

PASTORAL CARE

READ 5 OR MORE BOOKS TO SPEND A DAY AT

WINNER:

2ND PRIZE:

GOOD LUCK!

$200 GIFT VOUCHER

$100 GIFT VOUCHER

“GO KARTS”

ISIK College Upfield Campus

Address: King Street Upfield

VIC 3047

Tel: (03) 9359 2411

Fax: (03) 9357 2478

P.O. Box 739 Dallas VIC 3047

Upfield@isikcollege.vic.edu.au