Fortnightly

NewsletterWeeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018

Save the Dates

Friday 25 May Years 10-12 Annual Iftar Tuesday 29 May NSW General Assessment Test(open to current Year 4 – 8 students)

Saturday 2 JuneQuran Competition

13 – 19 JuneYears K – 6 Exams

Thursday 21 JuneUnity Grammar EID Festival

Tuesday 26 JuneSchool Photo Day

29 June – 5 JulyYears 7 – 11 Exams

Friday 6 JulyEnd of Term 2

The following school hours apply during the month of Ramadan:

School Hours 8.25am to 2.45pm

Office Hours 8.00am to 3.00pm

Uniform Shop Hours - Tuesday and Wednesday 8.30am to 10.00am

Due to changes in school hours during Ramadan, Interline Buses will not be able to provide their services at earlier times. We request that you make alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up from the school if they use Interline Buses. There will be no student supervision after 3.00pm; please ensure your child is picked up from school no later than 3.00pm.

Message from CEO

Assalamu Alaikum

Well done to all our Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students who completed NAPLAN. We are proud of our students and know they performed to the best of their ability.

Another first for Unity Grammar was our first Cross Country Carnival. I witnessed a well run event by our PDHPE and Sport Staff. Students in Years 3 to 12 competed to see who will represent Unity Grammar at the next level of competition against other schools. Congratulations to all students who

completed the course and to those who are moving on to the next level, keep training!

This week we have been finalising plans for our Girls Robotics trip overseas to attend the International Robotics Championship in Tallinn, Estonia. I have been very fortunate to be involved with the planning for the trip with one of our staff members and girls’ coach, Ms Qadan, and I am certainly looking forward to cheering our girls on in Estonia. We look forward to sharing what will undoubtedly be an amazing opportunity while on tour and when we return.

We would particularly like to thank all our sponsors for supporting ‘Stem Cells X’ and have acknowledged our Gold, Silver and Bronze level sponsors later in this Newsletter.

Lastly, a very big thank you to our parents who attended the volunteer group meeting. I would like to thank the outgoing Parent Volunteer group coordinator Manal Muhieddine for her organisation and commitment to Unity Grammar. Manal has given many years’ service to the College and has decided to step down from the role but will continue to be a parent volunteer. I also would like to thank Ahlam Muhieddine for taking on the coordinator role, supported by Keti Dimceska for 2018, and I look forward to a continued strong partnership between our parents, staff and students.

Aaron BoydChief Executive Officer (CEO)

Spiritual MessageIn the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

Ramadan Mubarak to you all, may Allah (SWT) enable us all to experience the true spirit of this blessed month and successfully elevate our spiritual state by fasting during the days and praying during the nights, Imanan and Ihtisaban (with sincere faith and true expectation of Allah’s reward). Ramadan is a great opportunity for us to become good Muslims and better human beings. However, to achieve the full blessings and reap the fruits of Ramadan, we need to be mindful of why we fast, what we can achieve and what

blessings and rewards we may be able to gain by Allah’s Grace during this month. As we already know from the Quran (2:183), the objective of fasting is to “attain Taqwa”. But What is taqwah? And how can we attain this high state which brings true happiness and success in this life and the hereafter?Taqwa in essence means God consciousness; being conscious of Allah (SWT) in all our actions and affairs. It is a combination of and complex feelings of fear, hope and Love to Allah (SWT). Fear of arousing His anger, with the Hope of seeking His pleasure. When we have this awesome feeling we become constantly conscious of Allah.Ramadan is an opportunity to attain this condition of true Taqwa. It is another chance to purify our hearts and souls, to shed our sins and our evil deeds and draw closer to Allah. So, let us make firm and sincere intention that we will seize this chance and please Allah during this month and be worthy of His gifts, His forgiveness and His mercy. Let us strive and be determined, not end Ramadan in the same spiritual condition that we started it with. Dr. Louay AbdulbakiHead of Islamic Studies and Arabic

Weeks 3-4 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Rides • Showbags • Food Stalls • Face Painting • Markets • Kids Carnival • Petting Zoo

21 June 2018

UNLIMITED RIDES

$35 $25 EARLY BIRD OFFER ENDS 1 JUNE

Order NOWVia Skoolbag APP 2018

EID FESTIVAL

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

STALLS AVAILABLE

Contact Unity Grammar

Marketing Manager

(02) 9606 9960

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Message from Junior School Assalamualaikum Parents/Caregivers, Firstly, I would like to wish all of our College community a Ramadan Mubarak. Last week, Year 3 and Year 5 students sat the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). I would like to commend our students on their efforts and hard work and we wish them the best outcomes inshaa’Allah.

As part of our continued efforts to promote higher order thinking in mathematics, a great emphasis has been placed on the way in which the learning experiences are structured and implemented in the classroom. The Junior School teachers have been working hard to ensure that Numeracy lessons incorporate differentiated tasks that appropriately and effectively engage all students. A vast variety of hands on resources are also being used in the classroom to further reinforce students’ Mathematical knowledge. Our aim is to promote a positive approach towards learning mathematics in order for our students to develop lifelong mathematical skills and excel at primary school and beyond. Mrs Sahar Chaarani Junior School Coordinator

JUNIOR SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTGymnasticsOur Kindergarten and Year Two students have been receiving expert instruction in gymnastics as part of our efforts to promote active lifestyles and participation in sport. Partaking in organised sport provides a chance for young people to increase their activity and develop socially and physically.

Gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive lifestyle exercise programs available to children, incorporating strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power, and discipline.

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Kindergarten students had fun learning new skills in gymnastics.

Year One have been learning about worms, exploring family histories and getting creative during CAPA.

Year 2 identifyied the three different types of matter and how they change depending on the environment.

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Year 3 students have been exploring the properties of 3D objects as part of their mathematics learning experiences.

Our First Aid Officer has been visiting junior classes to discuss the topic “Who helps me when I am sick?”

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

As Ramadan begins this year, students in Year 4 have been busy preparing pleasant surprises for their parents to welcome the blessed month.

Year 5 students participated in Ramadan gift preparation as well as note-taking as part of their English learning through the Thematic Units.

Year 6 students got into the spirit of Ramadan creating decorations to hang in our classrooms and around the school.

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Message from Middle SchoolI would like to wish all our students, families, friends and staff a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan is a great opportunity to reflect and to address areas of improvement. Ramadan does not mean that we can delay or change our application towards our normal daily activities. The education of your child continues to be at the forefront. We ask all students to go one step further in Ramadan. To commit and apply at a level they never have before. Why? Because school and its requirements are a form of worship. School is a form of your application to your faith. Whilst your child strives for the pleasure of Allah (SWT) by fasting, praying and showing patience, they are also gaining the pleasure of Almighty through academic perseverance.

We are looking forward to working with Year 10 students and their parents in relation to the future. The subjects they want to select and the career paths they want to take are important. InshaAllah we will start some Career Paths activities and programs to help the students make better decisions about their future. Parents will also be invited in early Term 3 for Career Paths Information Sessions.

Students are engaging with a range of Assessment Tasks in Term 2. Our diverse Assessment Program provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge & understanding, skills acquisition and learning outcomes. Students will be also sitting major Half Yearly written examinations at the end of the Term.

Thank you to all the parents that attended Parent & Teacher Information Night. It is always a pleasure to meet with the parents. At Unity Grammar we encourage parental engagement and believe it is a huge ingredient for the growth of your children. Parents are always welcome to talk to me or any other of the Executives or staff. Feel free to contact the Administration Office to organise an interview. Mr ZoabiHead of Middle School

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTCross CountryOur first ever Cross Country Carnival marked another first for Unity Grammar and what a fantastic carnival it was. A huge thankyou to all of the teachers who stepped into their roles so smoothly and professionally, to the aides who supported students with such enthusiasm, to the parents who worked on course marshalling stations, to the First Aid team who treated the wounded, to the spectators who encouraged and to the people who helped with the logistics of set up and pack up.

To all of the students who completed the course, very well done! We saw some very impressive efforts. Year 11 student helpers showcased exactly the type of leaders we are producing at our school. A huge thank you to the PDHPE faculty who continue to deliver quality events and show great passion in putting Unity Grammar on the map!

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

FIRST® Lego® League ChampionshipOur talented girls’ Robotics team, STEM Cells X, will be flying to Estonia next week to compete in the First® Lego® League Estonian Open International . They will be the first all-girls, all Muslim team to represent Australia on an International scale.

We would like to thank our wonderful sponsors who have made this life-changing trip possible and wish the girls the best of luck in the competition.

TUNING INTO TEENSEmotionally Intelligent Parenting

Unity Grammar is offering a FREE 6-session program for parents of students in Years 7-9

REGISTER NOW - LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLEParenting can be a challenge at times, so would you like to learn how to: • Communicate more effectively with your teen? • Understand your teen better? • Help your teen to manage difficult emotions? • Help to prevent behavioural issues in your teen? • Teach your teen how to deal with conflict more effectively?

Tuning into Teens shows you how to help your teen to develop emotional intelligence. Research shows teens with higher emotional intelligence:• Have more stable and satisfying relationships as adults.• Are to deal with peer pressure better and be more assertive.• Are more able to cope positively when upset or angry.• Have fewer mental health issues and substance abuse difficulties.• Achieve higher academic and career success.

Fortnightly

NewsletterWeeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018

Save the Dates

15 – 17 MayNAPLAN

Tuesday 22 May NSW General Assessment Test (open to years 4 – 8 students)

Friday 25 MayYears 10-12 Annual Iftar

Saturday 2 JuneQuran Competition

13 – 19 JuneYears K – 6 Exams

Tuesday 26 JulySchool Photo Day

9 June – 5 JulyYears 7 – 11 Exams

Thursday 21 JuneUnity Grammar EID Festival

Friday 6 JulyEnd of Term 2

The following school hours will apply during the month of Ramadan - we will confi rm dates closer to Ramadan and parents will be notifi ed via Skoolbag APP and Class Dojo

School Hours 8.25am to 2.45pm

Offi ce Hours 8.00am to 3.00pm

Uniform Shop Hours - Tuesday and Wednesday 8.30am to 10.00am

Due to changes in school hours during Ramadan, Interline Buses will not be able to provide their services at earlier times. We request that you make alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up from the school if they use Interline Buses.

There will be no student supervision after 3.00pm; please ensure your child is picked up from school no later than 3.00pm.

Message from CEOAssalamu AlaikumI hope you enjoyed your holidays and the opportunity to spend quality time with your family. During the holiday period the Chairman of the Unity Grammar Board, Mr Khalil Hafza and I, attended the Independent School Governance Symposium. One of the guest speakers was Will Dobbie, a researcher from Princeton University in the United States. He presented his research on effective Charter Schools in New York, specifi cally the key common elements seen across all schools regarded as

delivering quality education. Dobbie indicated the fi ve key elements of effective schools included:1. Regular teacher feedback (positive and constructive)2. Evidence-based instruction (using student data from a range of sources)3. Small group work (ability level groups within the classroom) 4. Increasing instructional time between staff and students5. High teacher expectations where the term ‘no excuses’ was used for all students.At Unity Grammar, we are looking to continually improve our teaching and learning strategies and this research reinforces that the direction we are heading in is very positive. We are now addressing elements 1, 4 and 5, with a view to investigating how we can further develop data gathering and small group work. We have now published the criteria for 2019 Scholarships. All scholarships are offered for one calendar year and students must earn their scholarship based on their latest performances and results. The academic criteria requirements have been raised in line with our vision to raise student academic performance. We have also replaced Islamic Studies with a more specifi c criteria directly related to our new Quran Recitation Competition. Sport and Visual Arts scholarships also continue to be available.I’m looking forward to experiencing Ramadan for the fi rst time. I hope all our families enjoy the opportunity to give and share the blessings of the month.

Aaron BoydChief Executive Offi cer (CEO)

Spiritual MessageIn the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most MercifulThe greatest and most blessed days of the year are about to befall us, the days of the blessed month of Ramadan - a time for worship and spiritual purifi cation and elevation. Ramadan is an opportunity for us to re-examine our spiritual state and weight our deeds; it is a school which teaches the true meanings of righteousness, compassion, forgiveness, perseverance and patience.

Ramadan ultimately ends with results: success or failure. To be successful, we must understand the purpose of our fast and strive to achieve it. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran the objective of fasting: “So that you may attain Taqwa” (2:183). If we really want to attain ‘Taqwah’ (righteousness and spiritual purifi cation) and reap the benefi ts of Ramadan, our preparation for Ramadan should include:1. A pure and sincere intention. This is not simply an intention to abstain from food and drink during

the days of Ramadan, as this may result in obtaining only the hunger and thirst. Our sincere intention must be accompanied by the determination to achieve the objectives of fasting through abstaining from all prohibited acts and performing all your obligations for the sake of Allah’s reward.

2. Increase your knowledge and understanding of the rules of fasting and the related acts of worship, such as Zakaat al-Fitr, Taraweeh prayer, and reading The Quran with tajweed.

3. Firm and sincere determination to increase your good deeds in Ramadan, not only through worship but also by improving your relationships with others, particularly parents.

4. Prepare a plan with a practical daily program which includes specifi c good deeds.

Dr. Louay AbdulbakiHead of Islamic Studies and Arabic

Weeks 1-2 Term 2 2018

WHEN: 6 x Tuesdays (24 July to 28 August)

TIME: 9.30am-11am

WHERE: Unity Grammar Fourth Avenue Austral

REGISTER: Nisrin Kheir (Clinical Psychologist) (02) 9606 9826

TERM 3

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Parent and Teacher Interviews allowed parents to collect Term 1 reports and meet the teachers. There was an excellent turn out from parents and we encourage you to continue to partner with us to ensure growth is achieved for our children.

The girls now have their very own Outdoor Sports Court where they can stay active and play the sports they love. This court provides the girls, as well as all students during PDHPE, with courts for both soccer and basketball.

Year 7 and 8 students honing their scientific skills in the lab.

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Year 8 students enacted a scene relating to Colonisation and Contact with practicum teacher Ms Tehseldar who is with us from Sydney University. They used sources relating to contact with the American Indians.

The 2018 Secondary School Shura Council focussed on effective communication and teamwork. The SSC will embrace a visible and proactive approach this year, working closely with their peers, staff and the Unity Grammar community.

Year 10 and 11 students were given an opportunity to start thinking about career paths, subject choices and university. Students will participate in Career Paths workshops very soon and parents will be invited to be part of the process.

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior School

Message from Senior School

Assalamu AlaikumConsistent with the message of Ramadan is the act of giving and looking after those less fortunate, not only in far away places but also close to home. This also fits in with our Islamic and school values of Care and Compassion. Our senior students led a drive to provide sleeping bags for the homeless and Ramadan Iftar hampers for struggling families. The entire school showed how generous the Unity Grammar community by donating over

230 sleeping bags to be distributed by The Exodus Foundation and 200 food hampers to be distributed through CCK Community Kitchen and Giving Back Australia. Senior students assisted in the packing and distribution of some of these items. In addition to a rich and diverse curriculum at Unity we strive to produce well-rounded citizens and our community service and volunteering initiatives assist students to reach this outcome.

Mr. Osman Karolia Head of Senior School

Weeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

Year 11 Biology classes went to Botany Bay to explore the eco-systems there. Under the tutelage of Ms Rahman, Mr Darmanin and Mr Rihabe, they put their theories into practice as they examined the life found in the swamp and beaches.

Last week Year 12 held a BBQ fundraiser for their Valedictory dinner.

Year 12 Business Studies students worked hard learning about Equity and Debt finance.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior School

ENTER NOW - PLACES ARE LIMITEDDivision 1: Years 5 & 6 Division 2: Years 7 & 8 Division 3: Years 9 & 10

To enter visit www.unitygrammar.com.au/qurancompetitionCut off date for entries: Friday 25 May 2018

Unity Grammar presents its inaugural

QURAN COMPETITIONSaturday 2 June 2018 | 10:30am - 3pm

Unity Grammar Scholarships (Male & Female) on offer for all divisions

Visit Us:70 Fourth Ave, Austral NSW 2179

Visit Us on the Web:www.unitygrammar.com.au

Call Us:1800 4 UNITY

ENTRIES CLOSE TODAY (Friday 25 May)

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior SchoolWeeks 3 - 4 Term 2 2018

• An excellent private, Independent Islamic College for students from Kindergarten to Year 12

• Quality teaching through a challenging curriculum with proven academic results

• A nurturing and caring family-oriented school environment

•Cutting-edgeWellbeinginitiativesthatbuildconfidenceandresilienceinallstudents

• A meaningful Community Service program that encourages compassion and citizenship

• A structured and engaging sports program with local, state and national representation

• A unique Unity Grammar K-10 Arabic and Islamic Studies program

• International representation at Robotics and other STEM competitions

Our Children Today, Our Leaders Tomorrow

KINDERGARTEN 2019LIMITED SPACES - ENROL NOW

Visit Us:70 Fourth Ave, Austral NSW 2179

Book an Information Session:www.unitygrammar.com.au/enrol

Call Us:1800 4 UNITY

UG_KindergartenEnrolments_A3Poster_v3.indd 1 24/5/18 12:39 pm

DUE BY FRIDAY 1 JUNE