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 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:
Postal Address: PO Box 8153 Tarneit VIC 3029
Ph: 8742 1739 Fax: 8742 1959 E: [email protected] 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!