NEWSLETTER JUNE 2015

TERM 2: JUNE 2015
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday
Monday
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Last Day of Term 2 (students finish at 1:30pm)
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Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) –
26 June
13 July
School Closed – Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th July
Friday
Monday
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Eidul Fitr (In Sha Allah) – School Closed
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First Day of Term 3 – finishes at 3:35pm (Normal Time)
17 July
20 July
(Canteen re-opens following Ramadan)
Wednesday
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12 August
Curriculum Day (School closed for students)
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
I pray to Allah (SWT) that this message finds you and your family in good health and high Islamic spirit.
The Holy month of Ramadan commenced on Thursday 18th June. We are privileged this year that the holy month
Ramadan falls within the three weeks of holidays (two weeks of school term break and one week of Eid holidays).
Alhamdulillah, therefore this year we will be able to devote more time for Ibadah and Salah. Our school Imam
Sheikh Mostafa Hassan is conducting Taraweeh prayers in our Multi-Purpose Hall at Springvale Campus. At
Officer Campus, Taraweeh prayers are also being conducted. These are being led by Imam Khalilur Rahman
Hamid and Imam Mogamat Majidih Essa. Please see more details about the Ramadan program later in this
Newsletter.
To celebrate the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, ‘Welcome Ramadan Presentation Night’ was held on
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Tuesday 16 June. It was a whole school program where students from different year levels presented items. We
were thrilled that a significant number of parents & well-wishers attended this event.
A whole school Al-Quran memorization competition will
occur before the end of term. ‘Zakathul Fitr’ will be
collected by the school and distributed amongst the
orphans & needy throughout our community. Similar
programs are also planned for Officer Campus.
On behalf of the management of Minaret College, I
wish all our staff, students and the Muslim Community
a blessed month of Ramadan and Eid Mubarak. May
Allah (swt) accept our prayers, fasting, duas and good
deeds.
May Allah (SWT) guide
us to serve our children to
be successful in this
world and in the hereafter.
Welcome Ramadan Presentation Night
Mr Mohamed Hassan OAM, welcomes everyone
to a night of celebration
Mr Mohamed Hassan
OAM
Director/Founder
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From the Office
NOTICES & INFORMATION
School Fees
We have noticed that some parents still have
outstanding school fees for Term 2. We urge
parents to kindly settle their account now, as Term 2
is ending shortly.
Calendar Events
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26
June
Last Day of Term 2
(students finish at 1:30pm)
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13
July
Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power)
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School Closed – Monday 13 &
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Tuesday 14 July
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17 -19
July
Eidul Fitr
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(School Closed – Friday 17 July)
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20
July
First Day of Term 3 – finishes at
3:35pm (Normal Time)
(Canteen re-opens following Ramadan)
rd
23
July
Bus fares must be paid “in full” within the first week
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of the term, by 24 July. Failure to pay bus fares by
the due date will result in your bus service being
suspended without further notice. Please cooperate
with us so that bus services are provided to your
children without hindrance.
Parent / Teacher Interviews
4:00pm – 7:00pm
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12
August
The school incurs many expenses in running its
services; therefore, we request you pay your school
fees immediately. If you are finding it difficult to
make a lump sum payment, we can arrange for you
to pay on an installment basis. Please feel free to
come and discuss this matter as soon as possible,
so that easy-payment terms can be arranged for
settling the outstanding balance early. We look
forward to your cooperation.
Curriculum Day
(School closed for students)
Message from Head of Secondary
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatu Allahi Wabarakatuh
Officer Campus – Head of Campus
Thank you to all parents who came and shared our
Welcome Ramadan Presentation Night celebration.
The turn out to the event was very high and students’
participation was high as well. We had over 400
students participating and over 100 teachers
involved in the preparation.
Students and teachers at Officer Campus have had
a very productive and exciting Semester One.
Primary students have completed their summative
assessments and secondary students have finished
their mid-year examinations.
Teachers are busy with exams correction and report
writing as our parent/teacher interviews will take
place the first week after we come back from
rd
holidays on Thursday 23 July. Semester reports
will be available for parents on that day. We
encourage parents to attend, as these reports are
comprehensive and provide a good indication as to
whether the student is performing at the required
level or not.
Ramdan Kareem to you all. I hope to see you in the
Taraweeh prayers, either at Officer or Springvale
Campus.
Dr Samir Dorhmi
Head of Secondary School & SF SS Team Leader
Office Hours – Holidays
9.00 am - 3.00 pm
The Office will be closed
on the following days:
Monday 13th July
Tuesday 14th July
Friday 17th July
We are extremely proud to have continued our
strong support of student wellbeing by building a
positive learning culture. This was achieved by
providing challenging, interactive and engaging
learning
experiences,
while
also
nurturing
relationships with families and the community at
large. We recognise that students can play a
powerful role in this effort, which is both encouraged
and supported.
By instilling this philosophy of taking ownership in
each other’s safety and wellbeing, students have
developed a strong sense of connectedness, that is,
finding meaning and purpose in their lives.
Officer students have continued their strong work
ethic in preparing a number of items for Welcome
Ramadan Presentation Night, while also displaying
outstanding performances for the ‘Welcome
Ramadan’ assembly.
On a final note, Officer Campus is pleased to
announce that we have organized Taraweeh
prayers for our community during the month of
Ramadan. I wish all students, teachers and families
a wonderful break and the very best during this
blessed month.
Ranjith Dediwalage
Head of Officer Campus
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Message from Head of Primary
As
Salamualaikum
Barakatuh.
Wa
Rahmathullahi
HIGHLIGHTS
Wa
Building Bridges Interfaith Program
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Alhamdulillah, we have completed half of the
academic year, 2015, filled with many successful
events and activities in the Primary School.
Using a holistic approach, our committed team of
teaching staff works with great dedication to help
students make continued progress. Extra support is
provided by our caring staff to meet any additional
needs of students.
Students are expected to show responsibility for their
learning and behavior as they prepare for life ahead
of them. We encourage them to be responsible
citizens by guiding them to make right choices. Our
intention is to enable them to portray a culture of
self-discipline and good manners by following the
Hadith, “The best of you in Islam are those with the
best of manners.”
We appreciate parents’ active involvement in their
children’s
education.
Insha
Allah,
working
collaboratively, our aim is to give your child the best
in academic and Islamic education. Many thanks to
all families who attended the Welcome Ramadan
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Presentation Night at Springvale Campus on 16
June.
On Tuesday 26 May, Minaret hosted the Building
Bridges Interfaith Program, this program is based on
schools from various areas of the Eastern sector
that speak about the Abrahamic faiths. Our students
presented on the Islamic faith and what it means to
be a Muslim.
Some of the schools that attended were, Mt.Scopus,
Luther College, Avila College, Emmaus College,
Donvale Christian College and Aquinas College.
The feedback we received from teachers of the
various schools was that they were so impressed at
our presentation; that it was informative and gave a
great perspective on the Islamic faith. One teacher
remarked that it was refreshing to see students
practice and behave in the manner of the teachings
in the Quran. Two of the Christian schools would
like Minaret to perform at their schools; Donvale
Christian College and Emmaus College. All in all,
we were so proud of our Interfaith students. They
researched, compiled and edited their presentation
all on their own.
On behalf of the Primary Team, I take this
opportunity to extend our greetings and best wishes
for the holy month of Ramadan. Narrated Abu
Huraira(R): The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“
whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere
faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his
past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
May this special month bring abundant blessings,
mercy and forgiveness from Allah (SWT). May Allah
(SWT) accept our fasting and all other Ibaadah.
Aameen!
All are welcome to join the Taraweeh Prayers and
Eid prayers at Minaret College. In advance, we
would also like to wish all families a safe and
cheerful term break and a joyous Eid- Ul- Fitr!
Ayesha Farooq
Head of Primary School
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Don’t be surprised if you see one of our Middle
School students with their nose in a book. Students
have been participating in the Victorian Premier’s
Reading Challenge and will continue to do so for the
next few months.
a
Here’s one recommendation
from Year 7 student
m
Venisa Korcari:
e
d
“Going solo’ by Roald
Dahl is an enjoyable and
a
adventurous book on
s this year’s list. It talks about
his life and interesting
s
things he did, such as
travelling around the world. I think everyone should
read this book, as Roald Dahl writes down the things
he thought to himself in the book.”
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Analysis of Earthquakes
Incursion: Hands-On Science
This term Grade 6 has been focusing on
Earthquakes in Science. As an in-class assessment,
we had to create projects pertaining to earthquakes.
Many had fun working on their tasks, however for
some, it was a challenge working in groups, but
nevertheless it all went well.
The Grade 5 students had an incursion on matter
(solid, liquid and gases) last week. It was nice
seeing all students engaged, excited and
participating in various science activities.
We created projects in the form of posters, diagrams
and models using recycled materials. And then, had
to present it to the class as a form of speaking task.
All in all, students thoroughly enjoyed working on
their projects and some were really innovative.
Yusuf Elshenawy 6D
Changes in the Community
Recently, Grade 3’s went on an excursion to Rippon
Lea Estate as part of our unit on ‘Changes in the
Community’. We got to participate in several
activities that demonstrated the differences between
life in 1890 and 2015.
Variables and Fair Tests
As part of developing our science skills, 4D was
introduced to the concept of a fair test. We were not
at all amused when nothing seemed fair about our
‘Relay Race’.
The students even experienced some old fashioned
games and ways of doing chores including washing
and pressing clothes, beating carpets and coring an
apple. It was great fun and we learnt a lot.
We suggested to our teacher all the factors which
would have made our ‘Relay race’ fair. It was then
that she introduced the term ‘variables’ for the
factors which influenced the results of a test, and
explained about the role variables play in conducting
‘Fair tests’ as part of our science investigations.
We have planned our scientific investigations and
are all set to investigate weathering and erosion.
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Practicing for Presentation Night
Year 2 is a Bully Free Zone
Our Grade 1 students have been finishing off the
term by practicing with great enthusiasm for their
performance at Presentation Night.
This term, students in Year 2 have been learning
about the importance and seriousness of bullying.
They have been able to understand the many forms
bullying takes, how to avoid it & handle it if it takes
place.
Watch out for our team and all their hard work.
Students were able to express their understandings
through posters, performances and many other
interactive activities.
Excursion into the City
Recently Year 9 students were fortunate enough to
go on excursion into the city of Melbourne to visit
some historic sites, including Parliament House and
Cook's Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens.
The cottage from North Yorkshire, originally built in
1755 by Captain James Cook's parents, was bought
by Russell Grimwade, a notable Australian
businessman and philanthropist, who donated the
house to the people of Victoria for the centenary
anniversary of the settlement of Melbourne in
October 1934. The cottage was deconstructed brick
by brick and packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels
for shipping on board the Port Dunedin from Hull.
Year 9 students were complimented on their
excellent behaviour and manners by several of the
tour guides.
They thoroughly enjoyed the tours of both Parliament
House and Cook's Cottage which will enhance their
studies of different subjects at school, including
Humanities and Commerce
Making Handmade Brochures
Wow! What fun we had making these colorful
dazzling handmade brochures. The idea was
initiated in hope that we could raise some funds for
Senior Primary SRC’s future projects.
The girls worked tediously but also very
enthusiastically crafting their brochures. For some it
was also a great opportunity to display their talents.
It was indeed a fun-fill experience!
Hosnia Sama Saadzadah SRC Captain
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Vegetable Gardening
Food for the Soul: English Projects
As part of Outdoor Play, the children in Foundation
have been spending time in the Vegetable Garden.
The children have had the opportunity to plant snowpeas, beetroot and lettuce. Over the weeks they
have visited the garden observing how the plants
have been growing and have discussed what plants
need for growth: WSS being Water, Sun, Soil.
Students of Year 8 gathered on Monday, the 25th of
May, in the theatrette to host a big feast for teachers
and students alike.
This week they could finally enjoy all of their hard
work, by harvesting some vegetables and eating
them. Yum!
Students were to choose the dishes they would like
to prepare, describe the ethnic background the
dishes were based upon, and advertise their
restaurant through different forms of media, such as
flyers and brochures. This was to teach the art of
persuasion to the students by learning how to
advertise their very own venue.
The function was a process of the ‘World Cuisines:
Food for the Soul’ English task that required all
students in Year 8 to set up a restaurant.
Each class was split into groups and worked
together to produce an amazing end result that was
show cased during recess.
Judges were requested to make the tough decision
and declare the winner based on the dishes
presented as well the table lay-out. Although all
classes were winners for their effort and
enthusiasm, Year 8D girls had the best restaurant in
terms of presentation, but the overall winner of the
contest were the 8B boys.
Interaction with VCAL Students
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On Tuesday May 26 , VCAL students from Berwick
Secondary College visited Minaret College and had
a very interactive session with students of Year 11.
The activity was held in the Theatrette.
Having come from a school not as multiculturally
diverse as our school, they were interested to know
more about our culture, especially our religion. They
came prepared with fascinating questions that
related to the foods we consume, our prayers and
their respective timings and our concept of respect
and modesty.
Our students enjoyed answering these questions
and also participated in asking a variety of questions
of their own. The experience was very inspiring and
it was surprising to see how little of each other’s
culture both groups knew. Our students learnt a lot
and everyone thought the experience was invaluable
and definitely worthwhile.
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Minaret Stands Tall
Students from Junior Primary
excitedly participated in the
‘Budding Artists’ competition
held by ‘Twins of Faith’
Mercy Mission organisation.
BUDDING ARTISTS COMPETITION AWARDS
The selected entries of nine
students displaying ‘The
Garden of Abu Darda’ and
‘Madina at the time of
Prophet Muhammed(S)’ were
exhibited.
st
Students Umeza Kashif (Yr 7) & Jamila Zarghoon (Yr 8) won 1 and 2
respectively, in the Budding Artists Competition
nd
prize,
Year 7 Soccer Team – Qualified for the State Finals
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On Wednesday 10 June, a selected group of Year 7 boys competed in the annual Greater Dandenong Division
Soccer tournament. With 8 teams competing for only one qualifying spot into the State Finals, along with the
level of talent, the task to qualify was always going to be a difficult one.
It comes with great pleasure, from the Physical Education Department, to announce that the Minaret College
Year 7 Boys soccer team have qualified for the first time since joining the Dandenong Division.
A stellar all-round performance by every individual has resulted in an over-powering dominant display to steam
roll into the play-offs. Not a single goal was conceded throughout the day, with over 20 goals scored in only 4
games played.
Big congratulations to these individuals who have worked hard to achieve this goal.
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SPRINGVALE CAMPUS
OFFICER CAMPUS
Minaret Preschool children showed lots of
enthusiasm in welcoming the holy month of
Ramadan. They are learning about the importance of
the holy month and created Eid Cards, decorated the
preschool, made lanterns and will be baking
basbusa.
Ahlan Wasahlan Ya Ramadan!
At Minaret Preschool we believe that culture is the
fundamental building block of identity. Through
cultural learning children gain: a feeling of belonging,
a sense of personal history, and security in knowing
who they are, where they come from and their
religion.
Minaret Preschool wishes you and your family
“Ramadan Kareem”
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On Wednesday the 17 of June our ELC children
invited their families and friends over to welcome the
holy month of Ramadan. It was an afternoon filled
with celebration, a short performance, Quran
recitations and also sweet treats. We’d like to
congratulate Aisha Ali from our 3 year old group for
memorising the Ayatul Kursi and reciting in front of a
big audience! Mashaa’Allah, well done Aisha!
The children have been extremely busy these few
weeks to prepare for the arrival of this blessed
month. Our Hasanah tree is quickly filling up with all
the children’s good deeds. The children now know
twenty of Allah’s beautiful names and best of all, we
have been learning to make wudhu and praying
Salatul Zuhri in congregation.
We’d like to wish all our ELC families a Ramadan
Kareem and may Allah shower his blessings and
accept all our ibadaah Inshaa’Allah.
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Morning Assembly Presentation
Ramadan Activities
Ramadan is the month of great blessing and
rewards from Allah (swt).
Officer Campus welcomes Ramadan this year
with a host of interesting activities and
competitions lined-up which we hope will bring
to life the significance of this Blessed Month of
Islam.
Grade 3B students welcomed the month of
Ramadan in the morning assembly. They did
a role play on Ramadan Do’s and Don’ts. They
participated enthusiastically and did a fantastic
job.
To celebrate the Month of Ramadan, Officer
Campus is involved in the annual Quran
competition. The students have undergone
several rounds of rigorous selection which began
in Week 8 to unearth the top 3 Quran reciters
from each level. These students will be
competing in the Grand Finals at Springvale
Campus on a later date, God Willing. Next, the
preliminary rounds of the Adhan Competition
were also begun and these are held just before
each day's Dhuhr prayers. Here again, the top 3
most accurate and melodious Adhan callers are
selected for the Final round which be held at our
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newly opened Oval on Friday, June19 .
The students were really busy throughout the
term learning, exploring and investigating about
the term topic ‘Change’. During the Incursion by
Hands on Science, they used models to
investigate changes caused by the movement of
the Earth and moon.
"Whoever observes fast during the month
of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and
hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all
his past sins will be forgiven."
With these vibrant activities, it is hoped that the
students will be able to get into the spirit of this
amazing month and hopefully, work towards
making this Ramadan their 'Best Ramadan Ever'!
Ramadan Mubarak to All!
The True Meaning of Ramadan
With Ramadan around the corner, Year 9
students have been anticipating its arrival. For
many, Ramadan is a time to recharge our Iman
and to further strengthen our relationship with
Allah (SWT).
Laila Mirzad, a Year 9 student, has written a
poem about Ramadan called ‘The true meaning
of Ramadan’ in which she deciphers what the
true meaning of Ramadan is. The following is an
extract from her poem.
‘Blessed be he Allah who gave us the opportunity
To fast in this blissful month of Ramadan
For Allah, Our breath is as sweet as musk
Don’t you remember the story of Prophet Musa?
Our nights are full of prayer and the
remembrance of Allah
Anticipating and waiting for him to shower us with
his mercy’
Laila Mirzad Year 9
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