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www.unitygrammar.com.au1800 4 UNITY
Weeks 5 - 6 Term 3 2020
NewsletterFortnightly
Message from CEOAssalamu Alaikum Warahmatu-Allahi Wabarakaatuh
Handwriting Still Matters!
A recent study in August 2020, con-ducted by Anabela Malpique and Deborah Pino-Pasternak, indicates that handwriting is becoming a thing of the past.
In today’s increasingly digital world, writing is changing as fast, as we ex-change emails and texts. The current pandemic has forced us to rely more on technology-based forms of com-munication as the means of teach-ing through computers, tablets and smart phones.
Though some may argue that the current changes may be encourag-ing younger generations to acquire the written communicative skills of the future, this research study shows that failing to recognise the value of handwriting in a child’s writing devel-opment may come at a cost for some learners later on in their education.
With the introduction of digital de-vices for learning and the increased reliance on a computer to support reading and writing development as early as preschool, the result has been a reduced amount of time prac-tising handwriting with paper and pen today.
Brain research shows that handwrit-ing plays a critical role in both read-ing and writing. Over the last decade
research has compared handwriting with pencil and paper with typing on a keyboard, and the effects of these different modes have on a child’s reading and writing performance.
The researchers examined children in Australian schools on their level of handwriting at the end of their pre-primary year and then one year later, in Year 1. The results indicated that a child’s ability to write quickly and effortlessly using paper and pen-cil in pre-primary actually predicted the child’s reading ability and the quality of the words they wrote one year later.
We, as parents and educators, need to ensure our children continue to practise handwriting in the classroom and at home. The reality is the more opportunities our students have to develop their writing skills, the more confident they will be when facing writing tasks now and in the future.
Kind regards
Aaron BoydCEO Unity Grammar
The Islamic calendar is of great importance in the Muslim world and is considerably different from other calendar formats used across the globe. The Is-
Spiritual Message
lamic calendar begins with one of the most iconic events in Islam-ic history; Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) ‘Hijra’- the day he emigrated from Makkah to Madina to set up a new society.
The month of Muharram marks the commencement of the new Islamic year. The Islamic calendar was in-troduced by Umar bin Al Khattab (may Allah have mercy upon him) in 638 CE “Muharram.” Before that, each province marked the years as the nth year in the reign of so-and-so or when a major event happened. Umar standardised the chronology, and it is significant that
he chose the Hijrah as the starting point. The Hijrah was the beginning of Islam as a complete way of life.
Fasting the 10th of Muharram is highly encouraged, as doing so will expiate your minor sins of the pre-vious year.
It is also recommended to fast the 9th of Muharram as advised by the Prophet (peace be upon him)
We ask Allah to bless everyone in this sacred month.
Sh Arshad KhanHead of Islamic Studies
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Junior School
Teaching and Learning Focus: Orderly Learning Environments
Dear Parents,
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatu,
Over the past two weeks, Junior School teachers have been focused on observing, creating and maintain-ing Orderly Learning Environments. What are “Orderly Learning Environ-ments”?
An orderly environment is a pre-con-dition for learning. Quality learning happens in spaces where:
1. There are high expectations of the teacher
2. There are high expectations for the students3. Every student is known well4. The focus is on what matters most
What do our current learning environ-ments in the Junior School look like?
All teachers have been attending Learning Walks, visiting other class-rooms within the school, to observe and discuss the learning environ-ments. Here’s what we noticed:
1. Our teachers are dynamic. We have observed a wide range of ef-fective teaching practices in Junior School classrooms and there is ongo-ing discussion about what is working and what can be improved.
2. Our students have a clear under-standing of our classroom standards: Being Respectful. Being Responsi-ble. Being a Learner.
They have the self-awareness and self-regulation skills necessary to act on these standards, with little need for teacher intervention.
3. While observing learning, it was clear that the learning was designed in a way
where there was equal regard for:
- Academics- Well-being- Islamic perspective- Student interest- Student learning needs- Student behavioural needs
Where to next?
JS teachers will continue this cycle of observation, discussion and reflection, ensuring their own practice is consist-ent with BEST practice. This continu-ous reviewing process allows teachers to make links between what works well in the classroom and what evidence we have that shows this, to maximise student achievement and progress. Some of these practices include:
1. Learning intentions2. Active walls3. Student choice and agency
Kind Regards,
Marwa LazkaniK-6 Teaching and Learning Coordinator
Assalamuailaikum Dear Parents
In Year 6 we LOVE football! We are so passionate about football that sometimes we become emotionally and attached to the game. This term our teachers have been kind enough to give us tips to play fair and enjoy the game. We have com-pleted a questionnaire to help our teachers to better understand our needs in the playground. We have also met with teachers to compile a list of rules we must abide by when playing football. This will help eliminate the clashes we experience whilst playing football. We are grateful that the teachers are there to guide us and help us attain the skills necessary to be fair players.We hope to develop strategies that will help us resolve our issues not only in football but all other areas of our lives.Abdulrahman Elmir - Vice Captain
Student Voice
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Quran Competition Unity Grammar held the much anticipated 2020 annual Quran Competition in week 5. Students demonstrated persistence and dedication as they recited and read from the Glorious Quran. We congratulate all our students for their effort and participation.
Junior School
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Junior School
PDH VALUESAssalamu Alaikum parents and guardians,
This term Year 4 have been learning about their emotions, rights, responsibilities, individualities and the things that affect them and those around them. We explored a variety of emotions and used these emotions to help us identify our needs, wants and even what we don’t want.
We also discovered how our emotions can help us talk about our feelings more openly, avoid and resolve con-flicts better. We learnt that we could either react without thinking and do something that you will regret later, or we could respond by first thinking about what happened and choosing to take a more positive path.
In the Quran the word Sabr or patience is mentioned fre-quently in the Quran. We are told time and again that patience has its rewards. In the Quran it says, “seek help through patience and prayer.” (2:153), reminding us that
Abraham Dadoun, Nadia Chahal, Salma Shady, Ali Abou Hus-sein, Tasneem Soltan, Abdulrahman Kanj.
being patient is the perfect solution when faced with neg-ative situations. The Quran encourages us to be silent and patient which allows us to be positive thinkers.
In Writing, Kindergarten have been learning how to plan and write Narratives by exploring a variety of textual features.
Year 1 students have been working with partners to work out half of a given number using blocks.
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In Comprehension and Guided reading, Year 2 students have been engaging in literacy-rich activities and learning how to summarise a text.
In Geography, Year 3 students have been learning about the natu-ral features of New Zealand.
Year 4 students have been combining 2D shapes to form other com-mon shapes.
During Creative Arts lessons, Year 6 have been developing their sketching skills using different techniques.
In Maths, Year 5 students discovered how to use protractors while exploring 2D Shapes.
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Kindergarten Orientation
Mascot - The Unity Lion
In the month of August we had the pleasure of hosting our wonderful Kindergarten class of 2021 for a series of orientation sessions. Our little ‘Future Leaders’ enjoyed class activities including building blocks, colouring and story times. The sessions also allowed students to build familiarity with their peers, some of our fantastic teaching team and Unity Grammar’s physical environment.
It was wonderful getting to know the children and the team
Assalamu Alaikum Dear Unity Community, Earlier this year we commenced the journey of designing our Unity Grammar Mascot. There was a huge level of interest and it was fantastic to get the involvement from our student body. Staff and students were involved in the voting for the winner from a list of finalists.
The voting overwhelmingly favoured the chosen design, and hence it is with great pleasure that I announce the newest addition to the Unity Grammar Family…. The Unity Lion.
The Unity Lion was unveiled to our students earlier this afternoon in what was nothing short of a festive celebration.
Mr Muhamed SaeedBusiness Development Manager
can’t wait to have them all return next year for their first day in BIG SCHOOL.
Unity Grammar still has a very small number of positions available, so if you or a family member has a school age child, feel free to contact the College to get the application process started. WAsalaam
Mr Muhamed Saeed - Business Development Manager
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Senior School
We are well and truly into Term 3. Year 12 students have just complet-ed their Trial HSC Examinations. We are looking forward to welcoming back to school next week to receive important feedback and plan well for the remaining weeks before the
Message from Senior SchoolHSC Examinations. The final weeks of preparation are crucial and there is a great opportunity to make all the necessary adjustments to improve and reach their potential.
We wish all the Year 11 students all the best for the Year 11 Yearly exam-inations starting on Monday 31st Au-gust. We want them to complete the final Assessment Task really well. This will enable them to commence Year 12 with confidence and momentum.
Senior School staff has been enforc-ing certain student behaviours and standards in Term 3. These standards relate to school uniform, punctuality
to class/school, student readiness to class (Stationary & books) and dis-ruptive class behavior. Students who have violated are issued with lunch a detention. Afternoon school deten-tions will be issued very soon to stu-dent who are repeat offenders and for students who have not attended their lunch detention.
We ask parents for their support in achieving high student standards.
Mr Wassim ZoabiHead of Senior School
Stage 4 Boys Wellbeing Event
Year 7 and 8 boys participated in wellbeing and sports activities on Friday 14th August from 4:00 – 6:00. Students enjoyed playing European handball, eating pizza and engaging with their teachers, stage Advisor, Mr Alomar, and Head of Islamic Studies, Sheik Arshad. They also prayed Maghreb prayer.
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Senior School
Year 7 Science
In the Lab
From 14/8 - 18/8, selected Year 7 students participated in a Science Week Hackathon organised by ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation). Students had to pick one problem out of 3 that were assigned and come up with a solution. This year’s challenge was to use the ocean resources to address climate change. Their work had to be submitted as a 3 min video. There were 35 schools from across Australia that participated, and most were Year 10/11s. Our Year 7s did a fantastic job over the 4 days researching the problem and coming up with a viable solution. Although they did not place, the experience was invaluable, and they had a great time working as a team. They also got to have some ANSTO scientists’ mentor them via video conferencing.
Year 7s have been learning about “ Energy” in Term 3. In the lab, students have been experimenting to determine the energy value in various food items!
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Senior School
Trial Exams
Our Year 12 students have been studying hard in preparation for their final internal HSC assessment – the Trial Examinations. The HSC trial exams are an ideal opportunity for students to get into good study habits and familiarise themselves with the exam format. Furthermore, decent results in these exams can prove valuable in helping our students achieve their dream ATAR result.
Boxing
The students across Years 7-10 participated in a boxing program which will be running throughout this term. The program is ran by brotherhood boxing club. The aim of the program is to get students physically active whilst learning the essential skills related to boxing. Students were highly engaged and were taught various boxing punching techniques along with putting the students through their paces through cardiovascular endurance training. We are looking forward for the weeks to come.
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Senior School
Year 9 Signs, symbols and street art.
Year 8 Lino printing
Year 9 students have been studying Street Art and signs and symbols this term including the work of Street artist Banksy. Students have been refining their painting skills by creating a painted symbol that communicates something about them.
This term, Year 8 students are completing a lino print artwork inspired by the natural environment and artists including Mar-garet Preston and Andy Goldsworthy. Students have begun the process by drawing and carving their own individual artwork.
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Senior School
Captaincy
2021 Captaincy has been the talk of the playground at Unity Grammar as our Year 11 students prepared to present their election speeches to their peers. The candidates highlighted the importance of leadership and their commitment to pro-viding the utmost care and support to their peers. A courageous effort by all candidates! Regardless of the outcome you are all future leaders in our eyes! Congratulations.
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Senior School
Year 10 Commerce
Students in Year 10 looked at how COVID -19 has impacted on the modern workplace and role played negotiations between unions and employees.
Year 9 Commerce
What an exciting two weeks students in Year 9 have had! Student have been learning about the Economic and Business Environment, understanding the five sector economic model, debating the whether it is better to have a booming economy and playing the International Trade Game created by The University of West England which has students simulate the world economy, teaching them about allocation of resources, supply and demand and how countries at various stages of econom-ic development trade. In addition to this we had two of our students Abdul Rahman Derbas and Malek Salem give a Khutbah to students on Environmental Issues as part of their Deep Learning project on Promoting and Selling.
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Senior School
Community EngagementAn amazing effort by the Unity Grammar Alumni who on an icy night supplied essential food and sanitary items that they themselves donated to well over a hundred homeless people in the Syd-ney CBD with Brothers In Need. We are extremely proud of our alumni who attended who also served so wonderfully on the Unity Grammar humanitarian mission to Cambodia.
Whilst we couldn’t take students, Unity Grammar and it’s sponsors from Brotherhood Boxn took Shai-ma from the My Home Disability Centre our school visits for community service, along with some of her family to the Bulldogs vs Tigers match at Bankwest Stadium for her birthday. Shaima was left paralysed for life in both legs and her right arm after a traffic accident and this was her first football match she attended since her accident. A big thank you to Hazem El Masri and Brotherhood Boxn for some additional treats including a video message and Bulldogs jersey.
We also visited the Rashays HQ to meet it’s found-ers, Rami and Shannon Ykmour and support their campaign to assist victims of the tragedy in Leba-non. Please lend some support with a contribution https://gf.me/u/ypvihh
Whether it’s the homeless in Sydney or rural com-munities in Cambodia - Unity Cares!
Mr Osman KaroliaHead of CommunityEngagement
www.unitygrammar.com.au1800 4 UNITY
70 Fourth Ave, Austral, NSW 2179
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