Year 2 - Arkana College

Issue 7/2011
ARKANA COLLEGE LTD
INDEPENDENT PRIMARY SCHOOL
344-346 Stoney Creek Rd, Kingsgrove, NSW, 2208.
Phone 9502 3655
Fax 9554 9403
www.arkana.nsw.edu.au
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Parents/Guardians
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmutallah wa Barakatuhu
The end of term has come so quickly. The last several weeks have been extremely busy with end of term assessments, our
Islamic Art Expo, our Anasheed Concert, interfaith sessions and an array of other incursions and excursions.
Alhumidillah, we have had another successful term. To begin, the interfaith sessions at Arkana College are a valued part of
our curriculum. The upper primary students had their second visit to Mount Sinai Jewish School in Maroubra. The primary
students also had a chess tournament with the Italian Bilingual School from Leichardt, St Mary and St Mina’s Coptic
Orthodox College and Bexley Public School. The students represented the school with pride and dignity. Well done to all
those students involved.
I would like to thank the entire Parent Committee for their fundraising efforts and their support. They have been extremely
organised and their scheduled meetings have encouraged more parents to attend. The BBQ and the new prayer mats
donated via the parent committee look fabulous. We managed to purchase seventy new mats and we will have a plentiful
supply for Taraweeh prayers at the school during Ramadan.
The Islamic Art Expo and Anasheed Concert this term was exhilarating and the students enjoyed both experiences. The
creativity expressed in their art was inspiring and showcased many of their artistic talents. There was an enormous effort
put in by the students. Five of the best pieces were chosen and those students will be awarded a trophy at the beginning of
next term. The Anasheed Concert was also extraordinary. The children sang to their hearts content and the props and
costumes looked fabulous. The parent support was also greatly appreciated. The number of parents and visitors that
attended and supported the students and the school was remarkable.
Inshallah, we have a number of activities in the lead up to Ramadan and during Ramadan. The parent committee will begin
by collecting non perishable food items from our students in the first and second week of next term. The food collected will
be made up into food hampers to be distributed to Muslim families in need at the commencement of Ramadan. The children
will also be participating in a Quran recital competition during Ramadan. Children will be given a surat or surats to learn
and they will be judged according to their ability to memorise and tajweed. Inshallah, it will be a great way to encourage our
students to read Quran.
Next term will be busy. The calendar attached to this newsletter showcases some of the activities already planned for
Term 3. Inshallah, it will be a productive and fruitful term.
Wassalam
Mr Sam Halbouni
PRINCIPAL
TERM THREE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WEEK ONE
Ramadan Food parcel collection begins
Let it Shine Drama Workshops begin
WEEK TWO
Ramadan Food parcel collection concludes
Let it Shine Drama Workshops
Jump Rope For Heart
ASISSA West Athletics Carnival
WEEK THREE
RAMADAN begins
Let it Shine Drama Workshops
Jeans for Jeans Fundraiser
ICAS English Y3-6
WEEK FOUR
Let it Shine Drama Workshops
Quran Recital Competition begins
WEEK FIVE
Let it Shine Drama Workshops conclude
Quran Recital Competition concludes
ICAS Mathematics Y3-6
WEEK SIX
Book Week & ‘Meet the Author’ session
ASISSA Athletics Carnival
WEEK SEVEN
Eid al Fitr
WEEK EIGHT
Swim School K-6
Interfaith Session with Mount Sinai
National ISAA Conference at Arkana College
WEEK NINE
Swim School K-6
WEEK TEN
CIS Athletics Carnival
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School
Holidays
Kindy
With Ms Ibrahim
Assalam alaykum
An enormous thank you to all the parents for their
contribution to the Anasheed Concert and the
Islamic Art Expo. The Kindergarten students
looked beautiful and they sang brilliantly during
the Anasheed Concert. All the Islamic art looks
fantastic. I am so proud of all the work
kindergarten has produced this term.
Wow! Term 2 is finished and it has been such a
busy term both inside and outside the classroom.
In Mathematics, the students have been learning
the difference between a three dimensional shape
and a two dimensional shape. In addition, the
interactive whiteboard has been used to
consolidate the students’ learning of 3D shapes in
a fun yet engaging way. Furthermore, in English,
the students are beginning to read books and write
sentences independently. The students thoroughly
enjoyed the ‘Joey League’ program where they
learnt how to pass and catch a football. Enormous
progress is evident from all the kindergarten
children and inshallah this progress will continue
in term 3.
Wassalam
Mrs Ibrahim
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A
AW
Year 1
With Ms Omar
Assalam alaykum wa Rahmutallah wa Barakatuhu
Alhamdulillah another successful term has
passed and all our children have worked very
hard. Alongside the classroom activities,
students have participated in several incursions
this term. The ‘Power of One’ anti-bullying
workshop was brilliant as it complemented our
PD/H unit of work on relationships. The actors
were fantastic and Year 1 thoroughly enjoyed
participating in the show. The Year 1 also had a
friendly visit from a NSW Police officer who
spoke to
us
about their
roles
and
responsibilities in our community. Child safety
was the key topic discussed and children got
the opportunity to get up close and personal
with the police equipment and uniform (we made
sure the Police gun was strapped tight into the
belt).
Within our classroom, students have covered
various grammar concepts and they have
enjoyed the various hands-on games and
activities to help enrich their learning. To
develop their skills and knowledge in the
mathematics strands, students have been using
every day concrete materials and they have
been placed into mixed ability groups to build
their confidence.
All students have progressed well this term and
I pray that you all have a fantastic holiday and
remain under His protection. I look forward to
seeing you all again next term inshallah.
Wassalam
Mrs Omar
Year 2
With Ms Rizk
Assalamu alaykum
WOW! Alhumidillah we have finished term 2 and
it has crept up on us faster than a blink of an eye.
Students have had an exhausting term and by far it
has been the most exciting. Students really enjoyed
the ‘Power of One’ bullying workshop, taking
away with them a dramatic learning experience
that taught them a valuable lesson when dealing
with all types of bullying.
Year 2 have been introduced to multiplication this
term. Students engaged in mathematical activities
and were happy to demonstrate their wonderful
achievements to Year 6 during a buddy up session.
Year 6 were very kind to come to our class during
mathematics and buddy up with a Year 2 student
and help demonstrate multiplication.
Year 2 also had the opportunity to play the role of
a responsible school leader when we buddied up
with kindergarten to plant our seeds. Year 2 did a
magnificent job assisting kindergarten to plant
their seedlings and the scientific knowledge behind
how a seed grows.
During the past few weeks students have been
busy learning and practicing the song ‘Ramadan
Moon’. Alhumidillah the Year 2 children enjoyed
this delightful experience.
Inshallah term 3 brings another busy and exciting
term for Year 2. For now, I think it’s fair to say that
we all deserve a nice and relaxing holiday. I hope
everyone has a safe and happy holiday and I will
be looking forward to seeing all my Year 2
students back after the break.
Ms Rizk
Year 2 Teacher
Year 3
With Ms Rosanella
Dear Parents
Assalamu alaykum
Year 3 have had an extremely busy, yet productive term. The
growth that I have seen in your children both academically and
socially has been a very positive and encouraging experience.
As part of the Science and Technology ‘Stuck on You’ (Electricity)
unit of work, the incursion proved to be effective in
complementing and consolidating the work that had been
previously taught in class. The presentation as well as the
experiments were fun and innovative and most importantly the
students thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Students also had the opportunity to be part of a drama trial for
the upcoming ‘Let It Shine’ program. In the hour session,
students completed a range of activities covering movement,
miming, script reading and acting activities. The program will
commence in week 1 of Term 3.
As part of the Islamic Art Expo, students completed a range of
artwork including the creation of Fanoos Lanterns, painting
Islamic geometric patterns on plates and a calligraphy session.
Although the activities proved very challenging for some of the
students, the activities were still enjoyed by all.
The students sang wonderfully during the Anasheed concert.
Thank you to the parents for your efforts in providing suitable
attire and assisting your child in learning the lyrics of the song.
I hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday.
Kind Regards
Belinda Rosanella.
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Year 4
With Ms Pratt
This is the last of our newsletter items for the first half of the
year. It has been a great first half with so much achieved in
such a short time.
Along with the academics we have been able to squeeze in
some of the more fun and hands-on aspects of learning. The
interactive white board proved to be a useful tool for our
Maths lesson on tessellations. We were able to make some excellent patterns.
At time of writing, we had taken 728 photos for our Claymation movie-making project and we are only half way there.
It is a very slow process and the students have shown an
amazingly high degree of patience in order to have our project
progress this far.
It was a very active term with a focus on health and fitness. Tri
-Skills was a huge success, as usual, with the final class being
the most popular.
Backyard NRL was enjoyed by all and we are looking forward
to another session at the beginning of Term 3. While we were
at Peter Low Reserve we took the opportunity to use the activity equipment provided there. Students are able to practice a
range of skills on the equipment and I highly recommend it
for after school or weekend visits.
Recorder lessons haven’t progressed as well as I had hoped.
So, I will be sending the recorders home in order to allow students to practise each day. You will receive a note about this
as the beginning of Term 3.
Our singing lessons went very well with all students happy to
participate. They did an excellent job singing Roses Are Red.
Be sure to ask your child to sing it to you.
Do take the time to look at the USBs which have been updated
with the term’s work and some excellent photos.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and
relaxing holiday.
Ms Pratt
Year 5
With Ms Helmy
Assalamu alaykum wa Rahmutallah wa Barakatuhu
Firstly, I should say Alhamdulillah, term two with
Year five has been great! This term has flown by,
however it is increasingly clear that the 17 girls and
boys in this class have matured immensely
masha’Allah. I am very proud of them!
The last few weeks of term have been nothing short
of busy. Year 5 put their artistic caps on for the
Islamic Art Expo, and tried to think ‘outside the
square’ to come up with an idea which incorporated
Islam and Art for our school’s spectacular display.
Choosing a beautiful design from a mosque door in
Morocco, students were hard at work using all sorts
of drawing techniques; tracing, shading, emphasising
and shadowing. They worked individually as well as
together; reflecting on their art and what was done,
supporting one another, lending constructive
criticisms and giving other students encouraging
comments which was fantastic to see and hear. In art,
the process is at times, more important that the
product, I truly believe that in both stages, Year 5
succeeded Alhamdulillah.
Year 5 have also been given a great opportunity this
term to participate in the NRL Backyard League
Program. It is so great to see both boys and girls so
enthusiastic about sport. They have learnt new skills
Masha’Allah, and more importantly, some very
helpful tactics needed to play NRL. Students have
thoroughly benefited from the program and are
looking forward to their final session next term.
I am very much looking forward to Term 3
insha’Allah. It will be jam-packed with work, but
with Ramadan gracing us during the weeks of term
3, I have faith that it will be a most pleasant and
productive term insha’Allah Ta’aala.
Be safe and enjoy the holidays!
Mrs Helmy.
ASSEMBLY AWARDS
Year 6
With Mr Ahmed
Assalam alaykum
The Year Six students presented their HSIE
Projects. It was great to see the diverse
creativity in their HSIE Antarctica Projects.
The Year Six students utilised the resources
provided in class to plot ideas and then
proceed to produce and present their projects
with confidence and enthusiasm. The content
covered enabled students to appreciate the
uniqueness of Antarctica, while at the same
time developing an in depth understanding of
the environmental issues concerned.
Once again congratulations to our Year Six
girls’ soccer team for winning the ASISSA
West ‘Soccer Tournament’ at ‘Whitlam Square’
in Liverpool.
Wassalam
Mr. Ahmed
Year Six Teacher
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EXTRA CURRICULAR
Extra Curricular
Programs
Support & Multilit
We are proud of what the students have achieved in Term 2. There has been significant
progress in the students’ reading ability, especially with their decoding and blending skills.
There has been a strong emphasis on phonemic awareness and phonics which the students
have responded well to. We will look to continue to provide practical and hands on assistance
to aid the learning and thus the progress of the students.
Mr Puglisi & Ms Issa
Support Teachers
Choir
Thank you to all the members of the Arkana School Choir for your endless enthusiasm, energy and effort.
You have put in lots of hard practice and you have been rewarded by producing excellent performances. Well done.
Mr Halloum and Mr Puglisi
Choir Coordinators
Sport
After School Sport
Afternoon Sport will resume on the first day of Term 3, and continue on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, from 3:45pm
to 4:45pm, for the duration of 7 weeks. All students, K-6, are welcome to participate. Simply ask for a registration form from Mr
Puglisi, fill it out, and return it to Mr Puglisi, in order to be part of some healthy active fun.
Wednesday Morning Soccer
The weather has played havoc with our Wednesday Morning Soccer games. Hopefully next
term the weather will be kinder to us. We have enjoyed the few games we have actually got to play.
Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Puglisi
Sports Gurus
Arabic, Quran & Islamic
Studies Department
Ms Nabila
Dear Parents,
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmutallah Wa barakatuhu
This term has been successful for the Arabic department. Half yearly exams were completed.
Students from Year 4 performed anasheed in the Islamic Concert. Year 6 were involved in the
successful presentation of an ‘Arabian Restaurant’ in which some students dressed up as waiters/
waitresses and bought different Arabic dishes. I would like to thank all the parents that contributed
to the success of this event and for the wonderful food they prepared. Inshallah, next term will be as
fun and exciting as this one and I hope everyone enjoys the holidays.
Wassalam
Mrs Nabila Alhaffar,
Arabic and Quran Teacher
Ms Asmaa
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmutallah Wa Barakatuhu,
This term has been another exciting and eventful one. Yet, we have also
been busy with the many tasks. The children completed their half-yearly
assessments and many students achieved excellent results. Well done.
I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe holiday. I am looking forward to
term 3 which will be filled with more excitement, learning, discovery and
fun.
Wassalam
Mrs Asmaa Mousa
Arabic/Quran Teacher
Mr Halloum
Dear Parents,
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmutallah Wa barakatuhu
Alhamdulillah, we’re coming to the end of our first semester. Our test results have been
excellent. All classes have done well in both Quran and Islamic Studies.
On Wednesday of Week Eight, our Year Five and Six students visited Mount Sinai
College as part of our interfaith program. The aim of the program is to promote
religious tolerance and respect, by respecting all people regardless of faith, culture or
race in the light of humanity. These programs not only give our children an
opportunity to improve their social skills, but also gives them an opportunity to be proud
of who they are and what they believe. May Allah (swt) make all our children role
models for future generations. Ameen.
Wassalam
Mr Halloum,
Quran and Islamic Studies Teacher
Arkana College had their first Islamic Art Expo. To complement our Anasheed Concert and the Islamic ethos of the school, the students
participated in the expo and created an array of artwork. The work was displayed in the hall and looked extremely effective. It was
evident that it was successful when all the parents had smiles on their faces when they saw the work. The array of artwork was
impressive and Mash Allah each and everyone of them was beautiful. All of the students that participated, should be proud and
commended on the standard of work that was produced. The best five pieces will be awarded a trophy at the beginning of Term 3.
Congratulations to those students.
Shakeela Martin
School Vice Captain
On the 29th June, Arkana College students participated in an Anasheed concert. The school auditorium was filled with parents, staff,
visitors and school students. The concert started off with selected students from Year 5 and 6 who were singing ‘Light of Dawn’ by Talib
Al Habib. It was a wonderful opening to the concert.
Following that performance, the infants began their performances. Kindergarten sang the song ‘Months of Islam’ by Zain Bhikha. They
were very cute in their outfits and managed to design posters to use during their performance, sing and move at the same time! Year One
sang ‘Your Mother’ by Yusuf Islam. The PowerPoint presentation included photos of the children with their mothers. It was a very
powerful and moving performance. Year Two sang ‘Ramadan Moon’ by Yusuf Islam. They acted out sections of the song, which
exemplified the meaning behind the song, whilst keeping the interest of the children and parents.
Year Three sang ‘Bismillah I am Muslim’ by Yusuf Islam. Their voices were impressive and they had an extremely eye catching
PowerPoint presentation. Year Four followed with ‘Flowers are Red’ by Zain Bhikha. It was very impressive with students taking turns to
sing and the PowerPoint complementing the meaning behind the song. The students also sang about the Journey to Hajj with
Ms Nabila. The students looked very effective on stage with the girls and boys all being coordinated in bright colours. Mr Halloum then
explained the meaning behind the song ‘Talazlbadruzlayna’ and discussed the importance of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Year Five
then sang ‘The Chosen One’ by Maher Zain and Year Six ‘Give Thanks to Allah’ by Zain Bhikha. The concluding song ‘God is the Light’
was sung by the School Choir. It was a nice ending to the concert and a memory Arkana will cherish and remember. The Anasheed
concert, I believe, was a huge success, with many thanks to all those involved and thank to all who attended.
Shakeela Martin
School Vice Captain
INTERFAITH SESSIONS
Chess with St Mary and St Mina
On 14th June Arkana College hosted a Chess tournament. Four schools
including Arkana College, the Italian Bilingual School from Leichardt,
St Mary and St Mina’s Coptic Orthodox College and Bexley Public School all
battled it out for supremacy. It was an extremely competitive, but enjoyable
experience with all students demonstrating a range strategies and skills. The
tournament was won by the Italian Bilingual School. Overall, it was an
enjoyable morning for all the students involved.
Mohamad Zogheib
School Vice Captain
‘Together For Humanity’ Mount Sinai Visit
Originally, we were supposed to go to Georges River to plant trees with our interfaith partners, but due to the inclement weather, we
went to Mt Sinai College. The school was extremely welcoming, generous and accommodating. They organised a number of set
activities for both schools to play. We had fun interacting with the other students. Another great experience.
Tasnim Nash
School Captain
POWER OF ONE
Bullying Incursion
On 7th June we had an Anti- Bullying Incursion. The actors introduced us to ‘Bullying’ and the different ways a person can
be bullied. They acted out several scenarios that reflected the different types of bullying that can occur including the act of
cyber bullying and emotional, verbal and physical bullying. They also addressed the bystander that can be just as bad as
the bully if they remained silent. The main moral behind the plays was that we must not bully people and that we must be
proactive and assist others in need.
Tasnim Nash
School Captain
ASISSA WEST SPORT
2011 Girls Futsal Champions
In the ASISSA West Sports Program, the Arkana College Girls Indoor Soccer team won the championship two-zero. It was an
extremely victorious season for Arkana. For the girls there were tough times especially in the last game. Our bus ran late for
that final and as a result, the game only lasted for one half. Alhumidillah we won the final and the trophy.
Layla Abrahams Patel
School Prefect
1
NRL BACKYARD LEAGUE
Years 3-6
Arkana College students (Years 3-6) participated in an NRL backyard league program, a rugby league program that taught children
how to play rugby. We learnt how to pass, kick and play the ball. Rocky (the coach) was very informative and helped the kids
master the football skills. Throughout the progression of the course we also learnt the importance of team work and sportsmanship.
We all had a great time and we hope that we can do it again so that all of us can continue to refine our skills and learn how to play
the challenging game of rugby league.
Abbas Mc Ewan
School Captain
ASISSA CROSS COUNTRY
On the 2nd June, eight of the Year 6 students attended the ASSISA Cross Country at Queens Park in Bondi Junction.
Unfortunately no-one from Arkana College qualified in the top 10 places. Hanna Hijazi only just missed out. I was very proud and
happy to be part of the ASSISA cross country and believe that the Arkana students demonstrated great inspiration and
sportsmanship.
Mohamad Zogheib
School Vice Captain
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