Islamic college of Melbourne

newsletter

16 SEPTEMBER 2015 TERM 3, ISSUE 6

Al-Salam Alaikum Warahmatu Allah

Wabarakatuhu

Dear Parents,

What a busy term we had at ICOM this

term: Literacy and numeracy week,

character day, footy day and the Bach-

ar Houli Cup just to name a few.

However, the highlight of the term

was the participation of 4 of our stu-

dents in the Youth Parliamentary Con-

vention. I was so proud to see

Shafneen from Year 5B, standing up

confidently as a proud young Australi-

an Muslim in a room with politicians

and journalists to deliver a well-

articulated and powerful speech. Such

performances are indeed what gives

us hope that the future will be better

through these young men and wom-

en, who have taken it upon themselves

to be active citizens and have a say

about the things around them.

The college captains and vice captains

further developed their leadership

skills by attending the second round

of the Student Representative Forum

held by local MP, Joanne Ryan. In

addition to that, our college Captain

Aisha El-Kheir from Year 9A was ex-

posed to a great opportunity by being

the Principal of the Day for one day.

On that day, Aisha briefed the staff

during the morning briefing, led the

morning assembly and genuinely par-

ticipated in the running of the college.

Message from the Principal

Dr. Abdul M. Kamareddine

IMPORTANT DATES

Last Day for Students

18/09/2015

Parent/Teacher Interviews

18/09/2015

Eid-ul Adha (tbc)

24/09/2015

Students Commence Term 4

06/10/2015

Swimming Classes Begin

13/10/2015

Melbourne Cup (Public Holiday)

03/11/2015

I am so proud of Aisha and the leader-

ship skills she shows. Inshallah, the

college plans to work on the leader-

ship skills of all students to prepare

them to be our future leaders.

The morning and afternoon Quran

programs continue to be very benefi-

cial, attracting students thirsty for

knowledge to recite and understand

the book of Allah (SWT).

The Arabic department organised a

calligraphy incursion, where many

students discovered their excitement

for calligraphy.

The Ramadan Quran competition

awards were awarded this term. More

than 50 students throughout the col-

lege were awarded certificates and

prizes. It was a beautiful atmosphere

with the students competing to mem-

orize Surah’s of the Quran. It was

made clear to all the participants that

they are all winners, as no one loses

by reading and memorising the book

of Allah.

As we are approaching the end of

this term and about to start the last

term of the year, I would like to as-

sure you that the college has almost

completed the planning for 2016.

I look forward to seeing you in the

parent/teacher interviews this Friday.

Dr. Abdul M. Kamareddine

Parent Teacher Interviews for Term 3 will be on Friday 18 September. This is also the last

day of term for students. Therefore students will finish early on Friday and parents are

expected to collect their students at 11.50am.

Term 3 fees were due on Monday 10 August 2015. Please ensure your school fees are up

to date.

If students will be returning in 2016, please ensure you complete the re-enrolment form

which was given to all parents earlier in Term 3. If your child is not returning, please en-

sure you submit a withdrawal form to the office at least one term prior.

It is a concern that parents are dropping their children off at school very early. Teachers

are not on yard duty until 8:30am every morning, so it is in the best interest and welfare

of your child that they arrive no earlier than 8.25am.

If parents are planning on taking long leave, a long leave form must be completed and

submitted to the Administration Office at least two weeks prior to going on your leave.

The college has been discussing a new uniform for Secondary students since the begin-

ning of the year. After consultation with a representative from the Parents Committee,

staff members and PSW, a new design has been decided and voted upon by parents,

staff and the students from SRC. Insha Allah the new Secondary Uniform will be intro-

duced in 2016.

REMINDERS

Page 2 TERM 3, ISSUE 6

The Principles and Practice of

Australian Democracy

As is the case with any other Aus-

tralian School, the Islamic College of

Melbourne is established in line

with and operates consistently

within the principles of Australian

democracy. This was clearly stated

in our school's governance, vision

and mission documents as well as in

our constitution and publica-

tions. Our school's programs and

teaching practices support and

promote the principles and practic-

es of Australian democracy, includ-

ing a commitment to:

elected government

the rule of law

equal rights for all before the

law

freedom of religion

freedom of speech and asso-

ciation

the values of openness and

tolerance.

ICOM's Philosophical Statement

Education, a life-long journey,

is Learning to Know, to Do, to Be and

to Live Together. The values

of Openness and Tolerance as ex-

pressed in the Teachings of Islam

and the Australian Democratic

Principles are integral to this defini-

tion of learning.

At the Islamic College of Melbourne

we believe learning occurs through

collaboration and interaction within

the family unit and within the

school, local, wider Australian and

global communities. The social,

emotional, physical, spiritual, aca-

demic and aesthetic development

of our students is pivotal to their

success at school, within their fami-

lies and the communities to which

they belong. Respectful relation-

ships are foundational to the learn-

ing and living culture of the school

and promote the values

of openness and tolerance.

We want our children to be Australi-

an:

• people who understand and

value Islamic Teaching and Prayer

and their relevance to their lives in

contemporary society

• community members who con-

tribute socially, economically and

culturally to society

• responsible individuals capable

of relating to family, friends and

colleagues

• life-long learners who are able to

make sense of the world in which

they live

• informed citizens who under-

stand and contribute to civil and

community relations at a local,

national and global level.

With a lot of excitement and enthusiasm the Primary

students have been learning Quran at the “Before

School Quran Program” since the beginning of Term 3.

They have been learning the last three versus from Su-

rat Al-Baqarah with the meaning and understanding.

Using team building activities such as sorting the words

of the ayah in the correct order, they show their under-

standing of the ayah.

Each Friday, the students gather at an assembly to have

an activity related to Islamic topics. Some of the activi-

ties include, learning the importance of making Salah,

videos, discussions and competitions.

The teachers are always happy and satisfied when they

see students attending the program with smiles on

their faces and having a motivation to learn. When the

students arrive, they sit with their teachers in small

groups to learn Quran with Tajweed and correct

pronunciation.

Due to the success of the program this term, the

program will continue in Term 4, insha Allah

teaching students some versus from Surat Al-

Hujarat. A form will be sent home with students.

Spaces are limited so please re-enrol as soon as

you receive the forms.

Ms Asma (Arabic Teacher)

Morning Quran Program

Qur’anic Arabic is a new curriculum introduced at the college. Year 1 students have experienced

this amazing opportunity to learn pure Arabic through the Quran, using the technique used in

the IQRA books. Students' reading and writing skills were enhanced and this brought the stu-

dents' to the next level in learning the Arabic language.

They know how to write days of the week in Arabic and are

able to recognise differences between different Arabic let-

ters.

Our students have also practiced new words, learnt the cor-

rect pronunciation and learnt the meaning behind the sto-

ries of the Quran.

I would like congratulate my

students for their hard work

and motivation. I would also

like to send special thanks to

their fantastic parents and fam-

ilies for helping and supporting

their children and insha Allah

this will lead them to big

achievements and future suc-

cess.

Ms Lamia (Quran & Art

Teacher)

Page 3 TERM 3, ISSUE 6

Year 1 Quranic Arabic ICOM's Vision

Our vision is to ensure excellence, in

both academic and Islamic develop-

ment, with continuous progress to

produce a new generation of Muslims,

who are committed Australians, em-

bracing the Australian values of care

and compassion, doing your best,

freedom, honesty and trustworthiness,

integrity, respect, responsibility, open-

ness, tolerance and inclusion.

The diverse programs to be implement-

ed will foster a love of learning, a sense

of achievement and a respect for, and

understanding and tolerance of oth-

ers. Students will feel a strong school

spirit coming from a sense of belonging

to our multicultural school community

and the building of community partner-

ships.

Teaching and Learning practices in our

school accommodate the diverse needs

of our students as teachers seek out

best practice and embrace educational

initiatives for continuous improvement

to occur. Learning through a variety of

programs enables students to become

literate, numerate, self-directed, skilled

in creative thinking and reasoning and

technologically proficient. Students,

parents and teachers are required

to work together as active learners to

ensure that all experience success.

Our students will develop an awareness

of their responsibilities to the commu-

nity and their environment and be

prepared to contribute positively to the

local and national community and the

wider world. The realization of this

vision will ensure that the school com-

munity can face the local, national and

global challenges of the 21st century

with confidence.

ICOM's Mission

This school provides a positive learning

environment where staff and students

work co-operatively to achieve their

best and to develop a commitment to

continuous learning and effective

participation within their wider commu-

nity. We are committed to fostering a

community of learners, and to provide

an academic curriculum that develops a

broad knowledge base, while promot-

ing the skills of critical and creative

thinking. We seek to do this within a

challenging and supportive Islamic

environment which develops individuals

as both independent and collaborative

learners.

Objectives for Students:

To foster the development of

Islamic manners and love of

learning in students:

To promote the physical, spiritu-

al, academic, social, emotional

and moral development of each

student

To provide adequate and appro-

priate educational facilities

To provide a safe and violence -

free school

To encourage the highest level

of community and parental

involvement

To provide a positive, caring and

supportive climate

To work as a team to accomplish

our mission

Year 6 has been offered a new subject, Visual Art. Students explore creative thinking by

using their own imagination to create amazing art work; expressing themselves

through feelings and emotions using different colour techniques and styles. This is

a method for better learning by using Islamic culture and inspirations.

The topic “Our Inspirational World” gave the students inspiration in Allah's creation

using Day and Night as a theme. This taught them the

use of light/dark colours, warm/cold colours and depth,

creating beautiful and colourful art work. I believe that

we should teach the new generation how to engage,

connect, appreciate and find inspiration in the world

from an art perspective.

Ms Lamia (Quran & Art Teacher)

Year 6 Visual Arts

TERM 3, ISSUE 6 Page 4

During Term 2, the Year four students learnt about "Australia".

Students were able to learn about famous Australian landmarks,

Australian animals, state flags, Australia in the past and geo-

graphical terms used to describe different landscapes in Austral-

ia. An important part of this topic was learning about the past and

present in Australia.

The students in year 4 had an exciting and fun-filled day at

‘Rippon Lea Mansion’, where they participated in a range of activi-

ties and were able to learn about the past in Australia. The activi-

ties included ‘Olden Day Chores’, ‘Creature Catcher’, ‘Life in the

Lake’ and ‘Olden Day Games’. The students had a great day!

Miss Khateeb (4A), Miss Sarah (4B) & Miss Maria (4C)

Rippon Lea MansionRippon Lea MansionRippon Lea Mansion

Throughout this term, the year 4 students have been learning

about “Force and motion”. Through this topic students have

explored many interesting topics such as Types of Forces and

Simple Machines.

To explore these topics further students went on an excursion to

Scienceworks where they experienced wonderful and engaging

scientific activities. Students had a fantastic time watching the

lightening show, learning about the different seasons and the

forces needed to fly a rocket.

Miss Sarah (4B)

TERM 3, ISSUE 6 Page 5

TERM 3, ISSUE 6 Page 6

Year 8 & 9’s Ecolinc Excursion On Thursday 30 July, the Year 8s and 9s visited the Ecolinc Science and Technology Innovation centre in Bacchus Marsh.

The Year 8s studied about sustainability – The Sustainability Trail. Students were involved in onsite programs such as Saving energy, Bright

ideas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and How real is climate change?

The Year 9s studied about Exploring Ecosystems, where they were able to

compare the stormwater wetland and grassy woodland ecosystems. They

were able to investigate the habitat, interactions between species and

ecosystem management strategies. This enabled the students to imple-

ment their theoretical knowledge in everyday life.

Mrs Sahrina Shafiz

Secondary coordinator

SRC Forum Round 2 Our college captains, Aisha Elkheir and Asaad Houli,

and the vice-captains Baker Abdalhamid and Khadija

Elkheir represented the Islamic College of Melbourne at

the 2nd round of the Student Representative forum. This

forum is held bi-annually by the local MP Joanne Ryan

and was held at St James Apostle Primary School on

Wednesday 26 August. Students had the opportunity

to work in groups with students from neighbouring

schools. They were able to identify issues that students

face within their school and devise strategies to solve

these issues.

Mrs Sahrina Shafiz

Secondary coordinator

“At the forum at St James Apostle, the college captains

had the opportunity to share ideas with other leaders of

different schools. This has given us great ideas to use to

improve our school.”

Aisha Elkheir

College Captain

In Food Technology, the Year 9 students de-

signed then produced a Pancake dessert.

The students chose various fruit

and sweet fillings, toppings and sauces for their

pancakes.

Well done to all students for their efforts

and, the impressive creative plating of their des-

serts.

Ms Sultana

Home Eco. Teacher

News from the kitchen

Page 7

Quran Competition Congratulations to all students who won the Quran competition and to all those who participated. Mashallah many of our students

have not only memorised the Surah they were assigned, but had excellent fluency, pronunciation, Tajweed and performance.

TERM 3, ISSUE 6

Buddies This term, Year 2A and 4C have participated in a range of ‘Buddies’ sessions. The aim of the buddies program is for students to devel-

op responsibility, self-confidence and leadership qualities. The focus for 2A and 4C in the past few weeks has been ‘Bullying’. Stu-

dents got together with their buddies and had a discussion about what bullying is and ways we can prevent it from happening in our

school. The students wrote their ideas on the leaves, and they were all then stuck on the tree to create the sense that together we can

stop bullying! The students did an amazing job and had a lot of fun.

Miss. Maria (4C) and Mrs. Culjak (2A)

Principal for the Day Being Principal for the Day was exciting. I was exposed to the every

day duties of a principal. I had the privilege to lead the teachers

and staff in a meeting and also got to host the morning assembly.

This opportunity has given me a unique and valuable experience.

Aisha Elkheir 9A

College Captain

Page 8

Bachar Houli Cup On Wednesday 29 July and Wednesday 9 September 2015, the Year 7s and 8s made history at ICOM by being the first

ever team to represent the college at the Bachar Houli Cup. The 7s and 8s trained for many weeks to get ready for this

competition and definitely looked the part when they finally took to the field.

In total the boys played 6 games over the 2 days with a great showing by all students involved . We all learned heaps

and had a lot of fun in the process (as you can see from the photo).

Bachar Houli (Richmond Tigers Football Club) addressed all the boys before their first game, to the amazement of the

star-gazing boys. The Richmond footballer explained to them all how it is not only important to possess talent in life, but

also to demonstrate hard work and dedication in what it is you do. I think this is an important message the 7s and 8s

really embraced and will implement into their studies.

We all made a promise that for next years Bachar Houli Cup we

intend to be better prepared, wiser and work harder. We will once

again do the college proud. Go ICOM!

Mark Roca

Humanities Teacher

TERM 3, ISSUE 6

Arabic Calligraphy Workshop On Tuesday 25 August, students from Year 4 to 6 participated in an Arabic Calligraphy

workshop. The workshop was run by Sheikh Soleiman Abu Baker, a reknowned master

calligrapher with decades of experience in the field.

The workshop started by introducing Arabic calligraphy and its central role in Islamic

Art and Architecture. Sheikh Soleiman showed the different fonts of Arabic Calligraphy,

using samples from his Art work. He also explained about the tools of the trade; taking

the students on a journey from the traditional calligraphy pen, handmade from bam-

boo trees and handmade ink; to modern pens with different thickness.

He demonstrated the writing methods and how precise the Art of calligraphy is; as each

letter is measured using little dots, across and along the letter. He showed the students

how, with the stroke of a pen you can transform one letter into another. The students

thought it was magical to see this invisible thread which connects all the letters of the

Alphabet.

Finally, the students could not wait to try these skills for themselves. So the Sheikh

showed them how they can hold two or even three pencils together, to write their

names in bubble letters. They were very thrilled to use the special calligraphy pens, spe-

cially ordered and delivered from the UK for this workshop.

In conclusion, the workshop helped the students to achieve the following learning out-

comes:

Develop an understanding of the significance of calligraphy to the Arabic language

and Islamic culture

Appreciate changes in Islamic calligraphy over time

Identify examples of calligraphy in other cultures

Explore art as a medium for expressing spirituality in Islam. As through calligraphy,

students learn patience, persever-

ance and Allah (SWT)’s miracle of

teaching man to write. As Allah

(S.W.T) says: “Nun. By the Pen and

by the (Record) which (men)

write.” (68:1)

Ms Halima Mussa

Arabic Teacher

Page 9

On Friday 11 September 2015, four of our Year 5/6 students were part

of a select group chosen to attend The 2015 Youth Parliamentary

Convention. The topic discussed and debated this year was:

‘Are young people’s voices heard in Australian Politics?’

There were a number of subtopics discussed under this theme.

Shafneen Rahman from Year 5B was chosen to prepare a 2 minute

speech to give her point of view. A brilliant effort by all the partici-

pants, Well done!

Miss Vella (6B) and Mrs Yacine (5B)

Shafneen giving her speech.

TERM 3, ISSUE 6

The Year 5 & 6 2015 Youth Parliamentary Convention

Good morning ladies and gentleman,

Today I would like to give my opinion on the burning question “Are young people’s voices heard in Australian poli-

tics?”

Australian politics can be defined as a federal constitutional parliamentary democracy based on supporting citizen’s

rights and wellbeing. At times young people’s voices are heard in the Australian politics, especially in the aspect of ed-

ucation. If you noticed the recent development in youth education especially in primary and secondary schools, you

can see more opportunities to enjoy learning. Much is done to entertain students at school and not disturbing the se-

ries of informative lessons.

Nevertheless, I have specifically looked into the issue of youth getting a say on environmental issues that will affect us

as stakeholders now and in the future. I firmly believe that Australian politics need to address this issue with more con-

cern and awareness. As a youth we need to have a vested interest in the environment as it provides us with a home,

life resources and education. Evidence from the 2006 World Health Organization has clearly stated that environmental

factors are guilty of causing 24% of global diseases. We are the future citizens of this modern country so we certainly

should have the opportunity to speak our minds. I believe this could be achieved by giving interested youth groups

across Australia environmental responsibilities, so ideas are innovative and attractive.

Therefore, in conclusion and in response to the convention topic ‘Are young people’s voices heard in Australian poli-

tics?’ I strongly agree that government can do a little more to involve us in our future.

Shafneen Rahman 5B Youth Convention Speech

Sharaf 5A, Saad 6A, Miss Vella, Eshal 6B

and Shafneen 5B

Sharaf 5A, Saad 6A, Mrs Yacine, Eshal 6B

and Shafneen 5B

Would you like to leave some feedback about this newsletter? If so please let us know by emailing to:

k.khairul@icom.vic.edu.au

Postal Address: PO Box 8153 Tarneit VIC 3029

Ph: 8742 1739 Fax: 8742 1959 E: admin@icom.vic.edu.au Web: www.icom.vic.edu.au ABN: 44 127 774 298

TERM 3, ISSUE 6 Page 10

From Heart to Heart

Secondary students had a red hot go at Emergency First Aid. Students

learnt how to stabilise a casualty and follow the DRSABCD Action plan

for assessing danger and managing a person who is unconscious, has

physical injury or is experiencing breathing difficulties. Well done eve-

ryone!

Ms Angela (PE Teacher)

When we want to improve ourselves we need to plan, because without planning we just waste ours and others’ time, energy

and maybe even wealth. The planning should be according to scientific and professional methods; otherwise we will lose and

will not achieve success.

Let me be clearer about what I am talking about by using an example from my specialty. If we want develop our school’s

Quranic curriculum, we need to consider the teachers experience, parents views and management’s views. As well, if we are

to improve our students’ skills in reciting Quran; we need to be interested in improving our Quranic staff’s skills in reading

and teaching Quran and its sciences, more than just expanding the Quran teaching. Just imagine with me; could we construct

a high building without a good base? I think most of you agree with me that we should build the base according to best

practise and then construct the building as high as we want.

Quran, like any other school subject needs specialists, and not everyone can teach it

in a proper and useful way. Due to this, Muslims in this country send their kids to

Islamic schools mainly to provide them with knowledge of the Islamic Sciences; we

should place greater importance on teaching the Quran, because the Quran is the

head of Islamic sciences, and because (As you sow, so shall you reap)... If you are

not a good trainer you cannot produce good players even if you spend all your

time trying.

Dr. Mohammad Aamir Hameed (Islamic Studies Support)

Library News

First Aid Training

In August, the library had the Scholastic Book Fair. Ms Haifa dressed up as the book character

Thea Stilton from the Geronimo Stilton book series welcoming all the students to the fair. We

hope everyone is happy with their purchases and the books purchased will increase their inter-

est in reading. In September, during Literacy and Numeracy Week 2015, the library hosted sto-

rytelling incursion sessions. Our students enjoyed listening to the captivating stories told by the

storytellers. From the incursion, we are confident that our students will be motivated to know

more by reading more books.

Lastly, ICOM has participated in the Woolworth’s Earn & Learn Stickers Program. The promo-

tional period ended on 8 September 2015. We would like thank all students and parents for all

the stickers collected. Your support was amazing! Insha Allah we will start counting the stickers

collected and start ordering valuable resources for our school with the points earned by the

first week of October 2015. That’s all from the library this issue!