Golden The

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Upfield Campus I C USIK OLLEGE PFIELD CAMPUS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ISIK College Alumni Association (ICAA) Iftar Dinner

A proliferation of old and new Isik College graduates gathered to share Iftar in a heartfelt night full of fervor and elation. It would be the first ever official Iftar dinner hosted by the ICAA.

The gathering provided the group with an opportunity to present guests with an idea about what the ICAA hopes to achieve through its future projects designed to cover a host of different events and activities.

(Continued on page 10)

ContentsPages 1& 10 ICAA Iftar DinnerPage 2 Principal’s MessagePage 3 Drug Awareness SeminarPage 4 Special Iftar DinnersPages 5 & 8 The Victorian Student Number (in Turkish)Pages 6 & 7 The Victorian Student Number (in English)Page 9 Y12 Bio excursion- LaTrobe Uni Y12 Legal Studies Supreme Court excursion.Page 11 Iftar at Furkan Sahin’s Home Year 12 Study Sessions with Iftar DinnersPage 12 Y10 Careers Day

Upcoming EventsMon 12 OctoberParent Teacher Interviews start

Fri 23 OctoberY12 Acknowledgement Day

Thu 29 OctoberTurkish Republic Independence Day

Fri 30 OctoberVCE Exams start

Fri 30 OctoberWorld Teachers’ Day

September 2009

Principal's Message

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“We have felt blessed and united with the prosperity of the Holy Month of Ramadan”

“we strive to do our best to maintain dynamic relationships with our past students”

“a great feeling...to share our stories of life’s experiences”

“our graduates have...taken on more responsibilities within their community”

“Year 12 students...will need to make sure they do not waver in their concentration or effort”

“deepest appreciation to...Ms Sukriye Tarakci, for her tireless effort”

“Year 10 students...recieved the wisdom and guidance of visiting role models”

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Dear Parents and Students,

Time passes swiftly and it is already Term 4. I believe this is the busiest term of the

year for all Victorian schools. We need to make sure all preparations for the

upcoming year are completed in a timely manner. One such preparation is the

employment of new teachers to cater for our increased enrolments. Other

preparations include VCE exams, annual ceremonies, promotion of students to upper

year levels, orientation days for Year 7 and VCE students and camps for VCAL and

Year 9 students.

I should say that our busy time began with Ramadan. We have had some

memorable Iftar dinners including those hosted by the PFA, Pastoral Care classes,

staff members, the Australian Federal Police and the ISIK College Alumni Association

(ICAA). We have felt blessed and united with the prosperity of the Holy Month of

Ramadan. Immediately following Eid (Bayram), during 28 September and 2 October,

teachers of specific departments held their annual curriculum meetings in Sydney.

These meetings were very insightful and productive.

As a school, we strive to do our best to maintain dynamic relationships with our past

students. The highlight of this month (and no prizes for guessing that was yet another

Iftar dinner), was the graduates’ reunion Iftar - a traditional annual dinner. It was a

great feeling as a teacher, to share our stories of life’s experiences and to catch up

with our graduates; I believe those who attended would agree with me. Each year, it

is also very promising to see that our graduates have become involved in and have

taken on more responsibilities within their community.

Also, as per usual, during the first week of the term break, the VCE study program

was held. Term 4 is the ‘last lap’ for our Year 12 students and they will need to make

sure they do not waver in their concentration or effort. Now that students have

finalised their first preferences for university courses, it is time for them to focus on

their commitment to study. Of course, the school will continue to support them with

extra classes and mentoring during this crucial time.

In other matters, our PFA will soon offer another Ebru (Art) course at beginners' level.

Upfield Campus’ PFA has distinguished itself as the most active school body this

year. Their Ebru courses have been a major attraction. Once again, I would like to

express my deepest appreciation to our PFA members; particularly to the course

coordinator, Ms Sukriye Tarakci, for her tireless effort.

ndSeptember the 2 was a very informative day for our Year 10 students. Through a

carefully tailored seminar, they received the wisdom and guidance of visiting role

models, professionals, trades people and university representatives regarding

careers and career choices. They were also given information regarding Year 11

subject preferences. This seminar was followed by an equally important Drug

Education seminar conducted by Victoria Police Officers. My sincere thanks go to

Senior Constables Mr Ali Gurdag and Mr Sahin Sahinkaya for making themselves

available for our students.

Please enjoy your newsletter.

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“This dinner was also attended by prominent members of Melbourne's Islamic community...”

“A ... particularly special invitation... to the home of our principal, Mr. Deniz Erdogan and his family... was a lovely opportunity to experience a more personal Iftar dinner...”

“All of these dinners have been enlightening experiences...”

SECIAL IFTAR DINNERS

I have been privileged to have been invited to four Iftar dinners over the month of Ramadan, whereas previously I had never been to one! It was very helpful when one of my Year 11 boys gave me an article explaining clearly the meaning of Ramadan.

Along with staff and students from the Dandenong campus, and Mr. Altundal and two Year 11 students from Isik College, I attended the Iftar dinner hosted by the Australian Federal Police at the Heidelberg Town Hall. This dinner was also attended by prominent members of Melbourne's Islamic community, politicians, sportspeople and religious leaders.

A second, particularly special invitation was issued to Ms Anne Mitchell and myself to the home of our principal, Mr. Deniz Erdogan and his family. This was a lovely opportunity to experience a more personal Iftar dinner within a family setting.

There were also the Isik College, Upfield, staff dinner and the Isik combined colleges dinner .

All of these dinners have been enlightening experiences, but what impressed me the most was the position held by family and friends within the communities, and the consistent messages of the value of peace and the importance of education.

On each occasion I was warmly welcomed and I feel very grateful that I had the opportunity to share these Iftar dinners.

Ms Eileen KeatingY11 English Teacher

“... Senior Constables Sahinkaya and Gurdag, who are also members of our Turkish community, educated our students about the damaging effects of drugs.”

“Their presentation was often confronting, but informative and effective in getting the message across.”

“... by talking to someone, they will get the required support to help them stop the vicious cycle of harm.”

DRUG AWARENESS SEMINAR

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The Drug Awareness Seminar was designed as a harm reduction strategy to equip our senior students with enough awareness about the harmful effects of drugs so as they will be strong enough to say "no" to drugs. A significant percentage of police work involves alcohol-related incidents. Members of our police force, Senior Constables Sahinkaya and Gurdag, who are also members of our Turkish community, educated our students about the damaging effects of drugs. Their seminar was designed as part of a preventative measure aimed at reducing the risk of any future self-harm and minimising the destructive effects on the wider community. Their presentation was often confronting, but informative and effective in getting the message across. Some of the topics covered included:

the links between cannabis and mental health (brain damage).² the debilitating effects of drugs on physical health.² the biological effects of drugs on babies and future generations. ² the close link between drugs/alcohol and suicide. ²

In the event that students are exposed to drugs, they are encouraged to speak to either the school counsellor, to their teachers or to any trusted adult. Students are reminded that by talking to someone, they will get the required support to help them stop the vicious cycle of harm. Talking about drugs and getting help doesn't mean that you will get someone into trouble; it is more likely that you will get the education and support you need to build a better life.

“VSN devlet ve özel okullarda okuyan tüm öğrencilere Eğitim Bakanlığı tarafından verilecek olan kişiye özel bir sicil numarasıdır”

“Bu numarayla öğrencilerin Viktorya’daki eğitim-öğretim durumları kolayca takip edilebilecek.”

“Bu numara öğrenciyle ilgili tüm kayıt işlemlerinde kullanılacaktır.”

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The Holy Month of Ramadan and Fasting in Islam

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The Holy Month of Ramadan and Fasting in Islam

“Topluma daha doğru bilgi verilmesi açısından bu numara çok önemlidir.”

“Bu numarayla isim doğum tarihi okula başlama/ayrılma gibi çok sıradan bilgiler toplanır. Ailenin özel durumu gibi hassas bilgileri içermez.”

“VSN ile veliler de bilgi takibi yapabilecek.”

“Eğitim Bakanlığı bu sistem için okullardan da ciddi destek aldı.”

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“We were engaged in a range of workshop activities which formed the basis for our school assessed coursework...”

“... we considered a range of social, environmental, ethical and political issues related to gene technology...”

“... the staff ... awarded each of us a badge in recognition of our excellent behaviour. It was such a fun day! “

“Much of the theory covered in class was recognised by students in the judge's summing up.”

YEAR 12 BIOLOGY EXCURSION TO LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

Year 12 Legal Studies Supreme Court Excursion

As part of our VCE Biology Unit 4 study on DNA Manipulation and Gene Technology, the Year 12 biology class went on a whole day excursion to La Trobe University, Bundoora. We were engaged in a range of workshop activities which formed the basis for our school assessed coursework (SAC) and the completion of Outcome 1: 'A summary report of a practical activity on a DNA manipulation technique.' The pictures here capture our excitement and success in isolating and observing our first DNA in a test tube.

A second workshop held during the afternoon session was used as the basis for VCE Biology Unit 4, Outcome 2 Task 2: 'A response to an issue related to an application of gene technologies'. In this workshop, we considered a range of social, environmental, ethical and political issues related to gene technology, and in particular genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We observed a range of media representations of gene technology and practice using graphic organisers to assist us in evaluating sources of information. We developed a rigorous understanding of the interrelationships between biological, cultural and technological evolution.

Being on our Ramadan fast, instead of heading off to the cafeteria, we took the opportunity to tour the University campus, to catch up with campus life and to familiarise ourselves with the library and other facilities.

At the end of the excursion, the staff at the University awarded each of us a badge in recognition of our excellent behaviour. It was such a fun day! We wish to take this opportunity to thank the school administration and our teacher, Mr. Opare-Addo, for organising such a wonderful excursion for us.

The Year 12 Legal Studies students experienced real life courtroom drama when they visited the Supreme Court on Friday 11 September 2009. After an informative tour of the premises, students entered the courtroom. Much of the theory covered in class was recognised by students in the judge's summing up. The behaviour of all students was commendable and the excursion provided much useful information for the forthcoming final examination.

Unfortunately, there are no photos of the excursion because photos are prohibited at the Supreme Court.

Mr TraikovskiYear 12 Legal Studies Teacher

ISIK COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (ICAA) IFTAR DINNER(Continued from Page 1)

As pointed out on the night, ICAA envisions

organising activities that are specifically

concerned with network building and personal

development as its cornerstone events. In the

future, the alumni organisation will be a rich

source of networks for both Isik College and its

graduates.

After breaking bread together, we had some

short speeches delivered by the Co-coordinating Principal of Isik Colleges, Mr. Tuncay

Terzi, and a farewell speech by the former Headmaster of Isik College Dandenong

Campus, Mr. Erdal Kocak. Both speakers urged our graduates to work collaboratively

and advised that, in between all their endeavours to construct a successful career, they

should generously spare some of their time to provide services back to the community.

Because Mr. Kocak was leaving for Los Angeles to

continue his educational services for the American

community, we presented a small gift to him as a token of

our appreciation for his commitment and dedication here

in Australia. He urged us to keep him posted on the

developments here in Melbourne as he still felt he was

part of the Isik College family.

Following each speaker’s words of wisdom, we viewed a short multimedia presentation

as our final segment of the night. Our selection was a video prepared for the Parliament

of England which presented some of the extraordinary work and contributions that some

of the Muslim schools overseas were undertaking. Overall, it was a night of colourful

people and another historical moment in the pages of Isik College.

Mr Guner Hussein

ICAA President

“In the future, the alumni organisation will be a rich source of networks for both Isik College and its graduates.”

“... our graduates... [were] advised that... to construct a successful career, they should generously spare some of their time to provide services back to the community.”

“... we presented a small gift to [Mr. Kocak] as a token of our appreciation for his commitment and dedication here in Australia. “

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IFTAR AT FURKAN SAHIN'S HOME

On the 29 August 2009, Muhammad Selman, Burak Pak, Ali Sahin, Oguz Ozkirbas, Laith Al-Moktar, Muhammad Ali Uguz and I, Baturay Ozcelik, were invited to Furkan Sahin's home for Iftar. With Mustafa Kabak hoca and Abdullah Sahin Abi there as well, we prepared to break our fast after a long and tiring day.

At exactly 6:03 we had Burak Pak sound the adhan to announce the time for breaking our fast. Thanks to the delights of Mrs. Sahin's delicious food, we were in full anticipation of having an opportunity to sample the variety of dishes presented to us. The delicious feast included chicken, salad, a variety of dips, Karadeniz Dolmasi and freshly prepared rice. For added pleasure, we shared some jokes and recounted many memorable scenes from classic Turkish films.

After the delicious meal, we prepared to pray the Maghrib (Night) prayer, but first of all we had to settle our stomachs before we could move anywhere. Once settled, Abdullah Abi led the prayer. Later, tea and cake was served and although we were all full, we could not get enough of the exquisite chocolate cake. When it was time to pray the Terawih Prayer, which was once again led by Abdullah Abi, we enthusiastically recited all twenty rakats.

After a long and tiresome day, we passed the rest of the evening away by watching a film and having a great time. Once again we realised the importance of Ramazan and how it has the ability to bring friends together.

Baturay Ozcelik, 10A

Y12 STUDY SESSIONS WITH IFTAR DINNERS

Once again throughout Ramadan, our dedicated VCE teachers held study sessions with our Year 12 students. Being one of these VCE teachers myself, I can truly say that these classes have been very productive for those who attended. I also believe that the commitment shown by our teachers and students is our strength and spirit here at ISIK College Upfield Campus.

Our students kindly volunteered to bring food from home, while some parents were all too eager to provide the best possible Iftar dinners for their hard working sons and teachers.

Mr Deniz Erdogan, Further Maths Teacher

“...we prepared to break our fast after a long and tiring day.”

“... we shared some jokes and recounted many memorable scenes from classic Turkish films.”

“... although we were all full, we could not get enough of the exquisite chocolate cake.”

“the commitment shown by our teachers and students is our strength”

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

YEAR 10 CAREERS DAY

On Wednesday, 2 September Isik College held a half day careers seminar as part of

the careers and guidance program for year 10 students. The topic covered matters to

do with the range of potential career paths and was designed to assist students with

choosing their right course (VCE or VCAL) and subjects for 2010. The program

involved guest speakers from various industries including

²Law Enforcement (Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers)

²Engineering

²Scientist (Geologist)

²Commerce/Accountant

²Builder/Carpenter

²Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) representative

²Education (Principal and Deputy Principal of Isik College Upfield Campus)

Students were presented with the realities that their prospective jobs and careers

would entail. Information about the different pathways (Universities, TAFE and or

apprenticeships) was also given, together with an overall view about the subject

prerequisites for each different industry - information designed to help students

identify the subjects and areas of study for which they either have the most interest or

the greatest ability.

One point was made most clear by all presenters: “The career you choose should be

one you believe you will enjoy because each different career has its own ups and

downs. Each involves hard work. Out there, in the work force, there is no one ‘holding

your hand’. You have to work hard to survive or you may be out of a job. Therefore,

while you are yet students, you should learn how to work hard; the skills you are

learning now will allow you to reach your career and personal goals.”

Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Louie Traikovski (Assistant Careers Coordinator) for

all his help leading up to and on the day.

Mr Ahmad Helou

VCAL and Careers Coordinator

“The topic... was designed to assist students with choosing their right course... and subjects for 2010.”

“Information about the different pathways (Universities, TAFE and or apprenticeships) was also given...”

“You have to work hard to survive or you may be out of a job. “