Al-Ameen Gazette Issue 3 | 2023

Reflecting back and Gearing ahead Principals Message

Rana Al-Baghdadi
PRINCIPAL

The recent weather has certainly reminded us that we have moved from winter to spring. At the time of writing this article, our Year 12 students have successfully completed their official days of schooling and are now embarking on the final stretch of their semester 2 exams. This remarkable group of students has undeniably brought charm and positive influence to our school environment, and their presence will be greatly missed.

I eagerly anticipate their upcoming Farewell assembly early next term, where we will have the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 12 students.

Al-Ameen Family Night

The night was filled with excitment and joy and it could not have been possible without the presence of hundreds of our parents, students, staff and the extended community. We are commited to fostering a strong sense of blonging with our community and what better way to do this than through a family lecture, entertainment with lots of fun and food.

We thank our parents for being a part of our event, you  support and commitment is valued.

Senior Cook OUT!

Sheikh Yahya graciously cooked for our 67 year 12 students and teaching staff to bid farewell to our beloved students. We all testified to Sh Yahya's great cooking skills and thank him for this wonderful gesture for our students and staff.

Year 6 and 12 Graduation Celebrations

We have two significant Graduation celebrations planned for the end of this Term.

First, we have the Year 12 Valedictory on Saturday, November 18th, starting at 4:30 pm. The following week, on Thursday, November 23rd, we will host the Year 6 Graduation Ceremony. Both of these events will feature academic prize-giving ceremonies.

Please note that due to seating capacity limits, these events are ticketed and available exclusively to Year 6 and Year 12 students and their four guests. I am excited to join in celebrating the remarkable Class of 2023 and extend my best wishes to our Year 12 students as they prepare for their ATAR exams.

Student Enrolment

Al-Ameen College currently has limited student enrolment vacancies. We are also introducing a new GATE program for Year 7 in 2024. For students currently in Year 6 who wish to enroll, they must complete a High Ability Selective Test (HAST) scheduled for Saturday 28 October 2023 and can register using the link provided at 7GATE registration.  Last day to register is Friday October 13 2023.

Re-enrolling for 2024?

To all our current families continuing with us in 2024, I urge you to initiate the re-enrolment process by completing and submitting the online form to secure your child's position. Equally important is informing us if your child will be leaving the College, as this information is crucial for planning purposes and for families waiting for positions on our waiting lists. You can visit this link to complete the Re-enrollment Form for 2024. This form must be completed by Friday 17 November 2023.

NEW 2024 School Calendar

In 2024, we are introducing some changes to our school holidays, including an extended end-of-year breal, providing our students and staff with an increased 8-week summer holiday. Consequently, the term 3 break for 2024 will be slightly reduced to accommodate the end-of-year holiday. Please refer to the 2024 school term calendar below for details.

In 2024:

• School commences Monday 29 January 2024 for all primary and year 7, 11 & 12  students
• School commences Tuesday 30 January 2024 for all remaining students
• Last day of the year Friday 29 November 2024

Back to school dates

Our Term 4 this year will commence on Tuesday, October 10th 2023., and we anticipate a busy and productive end to the year, with the last school day of school being Wednesday, December 13th, 2023.

Term 3 Key Dates/Events

Here are some of the key events and activities scheduled for Term 4. For a comprehensive list of events and excursions, please refer to our Term 4 Calendar on your SEQTA Dashboard.

• Year 5-6 Camp
• K-Year 2 Sports Carnival
• Year 12 Farewell Assembly
• Year 3-6 Sports Carnival
• Year 12 WACE Exams
• High School Sports Carnival
• High School Boys Games Night
• Year 11 Exams
• Year 12 Valedictory
• Year 6 Graduation Day
• Pre-primary Graduation Day
• Kindy Graduation Day
• Year 1-3 Awards Ceremony
• Year 4-5 Awards Ceremony
• Year 7-9 Awards Ceremony
• Year 10-11 Awards Ceremony
• High School Boys Camp
• Kindy Orientation
• High School Girls Gala

Year 12 ATAR Written Exam Timetable

The ATAR written exams are set to commence on Monday, October 30th, 2023. You can access the complete ATAR written Timetable, along with additional information, including the Exam Equipment List, through this link. Each Year 12 student will have access to their personal exam timetable via the https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au/. This timetable will list the students' written exams, as well as any other exams they are entered for, such as oral exams for languages, performance exams, and submitted works.

Year 6 SPARKS Program

Our Year 6 students are embarking on an exciting journey as they prepare to transition into high school in 2024. Al-Ameen College has designed an exciting program that will gradually prepare our Year 6 students for the changes they can anticipate in Year 7, 2024. Throughout Term 4, students will be involved in the following activities:

1. Joining the high school's daily assembly
2. SPARKS Orientation Day: Friday, October 13
3. Year 6/11 student mentorship initiatives
4. Year 6-7 team-building activities
5. A day in the life of a high school student

New Campus- Malaga

There have been unforseen delays to the intended start date of our much anticipated Al-Ameen College, Malaga Campus. Tthe new expected openning date will be January 2025. We look forward to planning ahead for a grand openning in 2025 inshaAllah.

Holy Quran Available

We are pleased to inform our parents that Arabic Quran with English translations are available exclusively for our Al-Ameen families. Each family can collect a maximum of 2 copies which can be accessed from our Office reception, collect your free Quran books before they run out.

We are eagerly looking forward to a productive term 4 ahead and appreciate your continued support and prayers. For any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me on principal@alameencollege.wa.edu.au.

Best wishes,

Rana Al-Baghdadi

Principal

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

Term 3 at Al-Ameen College was jam packed with educational experiences that enriched students’ knowledge and skills. Science expo started off with a drone show aligning perfectly with this year’s theme: Innovation powering future industries. This was followed by a science exhibition, project presentations including a Dobotic arm to showcase the influence of artificial Intelligence in day-to-day life. This was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of science and to engage in discussions about the role of innovation in shaping our future. Another highlight was Book Week. The English Learning Area together with library staff organised an array of activities for our students, including Prime Minister’s Spelling bee competition, a role play and, of course, the annual dress-up day to complete the week. It was a fabulous day with many students and most of the staff showing off their creativity and their                                                           willingness to have fun.

During Term 3, we successfully organised competitions such ICAS and AMC, which have proven to be invaluable platforms for nurturing talent, encouraging academic excellence, and promoting critical thinking among our students. In this term we also had a remarkable cultural exchange program, where our Year 11 and 12 visual arts students engaged in a collaborative project with students from Darling Range Sports College. This unique initiative provided our students with an incredible opportunity to establish meaningful connections and foster mutual understanding. Numerous sporting events took place during term 3, including Bachar Houli cup carnival and the Year 9-12 Girls’ Volleyball Tournament.

At this time of the year, our Year 12 students are moving through the last few weeks of their formal Secondary education. Information sessions for parents and students regarding TISC was conducted to assist students in making informed decisions about their preferences for university studies and navigating the application process. We have arranged after school tutoring sessions and practice exams to offer support to our students during their final lap. Both ATAR and General students have been occupied with numerous assessments to complete their school reports. My best wishes to all Year 12 students diligently preparing for their exams, and I encourage them to take a break from study and find a balance.

Dr Fincy Patrick
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Teaching and learning - High school

Assistant Principal -Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

"A Term of Wellness, Learning, and Fun at Al-Ameen College"

Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear Al-Ameen College Community,

As the term draws to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on the vibrant and enriching experiences that have unfolded within our school community over these past few months. From insightful workshops to joyful celebrations, it's been a term filled with growth, learning, and a whole lot of fun.

Year 12 Head Space Workshop: Transitioning out of High School

Our Year 12 students embarked on an exciting journey as they delved into a workshop packed with valuable tips and guidance. This workshop equipped our graduates with the tools they need for their next exciting chapter in life.

Bully Zero Workshops: Building Resilience and Empathy

For our students in Years 4 to 11, we hosted a series of Bully Zero workshops designed to foster resilience, self-worth, and empathy. These workshops covered an array of topics, including building resilience, interacting with others, understanding different types of bullying, and strategies to combat it.

WAVE Virtual Reality Workshops: Understanding the Impact of Drugs and Alcohol

The Department of Education treated our students to a mind-bending experience with Virtual Reality workshops. These preventive sessions focused on educating our students about the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and overall health.

R U OK Day: Bringing the Whole School Together

September 14th marked a remarkable day at Al-Ameen College as we came together to celebrate R U OK Day. This event was a true testament to our school community's commitment to mental health and emotional well-being. Activities ranged from class discussions to a whole-school assembly, photo booths, pledge walls, and special gifts for both staff and students. Not to forget, the highly-anticipated raffle, where students displaying empathy were awarded tickets for a chance to win fantastic prizes. We owe a huge shout-out to our dedicated student councillors who played a pivotal role in planning and executing this heartwarming day. The culture of support and togetherness at our school was on full display as even students who weren't councillors stepped up to make this day a resounding success.

Girls' Night: A Fun-Filled Extravaganza

At the end of Term 2, we celebrated the hard work and dedication of our students with the hugely successful Girls' Night. This event was a perfect blend of fun and building connections among our incredible students and staff. It was a night to remember, and we can't wait to create more cherished memories in the future.

As we wrap up this term, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing Al-Ameen College community. Your support, participation, and enthusiasm have made these events not just successful but truly meaningful. We look forward to more exciting experiences, growth, and fun in the terms to come.

Here's to a thriving school community that cares deeply about wellness, learning, and having a great time together!

Yours sincerely,

Manal Jneid
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: PASTORAL CARE

Primary School - Coordinator

Assalamu Alaykum  Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatu

Dear Parents

As we approach the end of another successful and productive term 3, 2023 ,it is time to reflect on the achievements of our students in the world of Mathematics , Science , Digital Technologies and Literacy. In this newsletter article we will be highlighting  the Australian Maths competition and the International Competitions and Assessments for schools (ICAS). In addition, we will also highlight other important events which took place over term 3 in this article.

Australian Maths Competition [AMC]

Primary students at our school adore mathematics as a subject. The Australian Maths competition this year had a strong interest with 117 primary students participating.

The Australian Maths competition is a national event that aims to encourage students to develop their problem – solving skills and mathematical knowledge. The competition is open to students from years 3-12 and covers a range of topics including algebra, geometry, measurement, numbers and patterns, and reasoning. Students will receive their certificates once received by our Admin Department. We are incredibly proud of all students and their dedication showing a strong participation in these assessments.

ICAS competitions

The ICAS series is a comprehensive assessment program that tests students’ abilities in Literacy , Mathematics and Science. We had a total of 293 Primary students who participated. The results for the ICAS series assessments are now available to parents online. Students as early as year 2 participated for the first time during this term. All certificates will be handed out to students once received from ICAS.

We are thrilled with the ICAS results over the years showing several students achieving high distinction awards. However, we are also proud of all the students who have participated and showing a commitment to have completed the online platform assessments. Hence, so to speak to ‘give it a go’. We always encourage students to participate in these external assessment online events , even if they don’t  necessarily have a talent for maths , writing or science. However, these experiences doing online platform activities can help shape the student to become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in whatever path they choose to pursue in the future

Importance of All Term 3 Events

While the ICAS and Australian maths competitions are certainly to celebrate, it is important to remember that the above events form just one part of a well-rounded education.

All term events, whether science and book weeks , Islamic and Arabic performances, crazy hair day fundraiser, sport competitions and swimming lessons ,play an essential role in developing life skills such as teamwork , communication , and resilience building including overall  wellbeing.

In conclusion, we encourage all our students to participate in these term events. We look forward to complete the semester 2 and the year 2023 and further nurturing them for  the future . As a college, we are committed and continuing to provide all our students with the support and resources to complete a well-rounded education.

A big thank you to all the Primary school staff who made the delivery of implementing a well -rounded curriculum and high impact teaching in our classrooms also showcasing the new writing program ’Talk for Writing’ motivating students to re-create their own texts.

Mrs Shaamillah Davis
Primary School Coordinator

It all started with a cooking Adventure...

Jannah Salehan
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Early Childhood Teacher

Carly Rusdu
HEAD OF PRIMARY - EARLY CHILDHOOD
ECE Line Leader/Primary School Teacher

Roar went the Dinosour!

Nabilah Hamkha
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Kindergarten

Carly Rusdu
HEAD OF PRIMARY - EARLY CHILDHOOD
ECE Line Leader/Primary School Teacher

Exploring our rich History

Charlotte Rodricks
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Year 1

Ikram Ali
HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS 1-2
Lower Primary Line Lead

Busy bee year 2 news

Year 2 Pics

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Beata Lisek
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Year 2

Ikram Ali
HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS 1-2
Lower Primary Line Lead

Smart bug catchers!

Islam Choueib
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Year 3

Diana Bromell
HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS 3-4
Upper Primary Line Lead

Creating flight and soaring into the future

Salma Arab
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Year 4

Diana Bromell
HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS 3-4
Upper Primary Line Lead

The Super Hero's

Adriana Debowski
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Year 5

Angela O’brien
HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS 5-6
Year 5

Seniors ... always lead the way!

Gillian Rankin
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Year 6

Angela O’brien
HEAD OF PRIMARY YEARS 5-6
Year 5

Visual Literacy through Story Boards

In today’s world, we are all surrounded by images and it is essential that we train our future generations to understand the tools and techniques of this mode of communication. We in the English department endeavour to incorporate the visual literacy element in our program in multiple ways. The aim is to enable our students to be more aware of the techniques and strategies of visual texts. Every year my year 7 students compose a narrative text in class and then transform it into a visual text, a picture book or story board, to demonstrate their understanding of visual and written modes. Attached are some exceptional submissions that prove our students’ deeper understanding of visual literacy and their ability to transform a text from one mode to another.

Saima Hammadi
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
English

Kholoud Swayd
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Head of Learning Area: English

Theatre, drama, poetry and so much more...

Kind Regards,  
Mrs Kholoud Swayd  
English HOLA  

Water wise & water smart Al-Ameen kids!

Nasreen Ahmed
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

Priyanka Don
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Head of Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences

Innovation like never before!

Al-Ameen College recently hosted an awe-inspiring Science Book Week Expo, and this year's theme was all about Innovation: Powering Future Industries. The event showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our students and educators, highlighting the importance of science and technology in our rapidly evolving world.

Primary School Exhibitions: A Showcase of Creativity

The primary school exhibitions were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our primary school teachers, educational assistants, and their young prodigies. Each year level had its own unique exhibit, captivating visitors with their creative projects. The students' enthusiasm and commitment to their work shone through, inspiring everyone who visited.

Br Adam's Thrilling Experiment Show

Br Adam's experiment show was a highlight of the expo, keeping students on the edge of their seats with his engaging and explosive experiments. His passion for science was infectious, and students left with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of science.

High School Exhibitions: Pushing the Boundaries

The high school exhibitions were equally impressive, showcasing the advanced scientific concepts and experiments conducted by our High School teachers and students. From 3D printing and precision farming to holograms and robotics, the high school exhibits demonstrated the depth of knowledge and talent among our older students.

Drone Show: Taking to the Skies

One of the most visually stunning aspects of the expo was the magnificent drone show organized by Sr Marwa. Drones took to the skies, choreographed to perform breathtaking aerial manoeuvres. It was a powerful reminder of the role technology plays in shaping our future.

IT Computer Station: The Future of Coding

Mr. Delport's IT computer station engaged students in the world of programming and coding. Students had the opportunity to explore the digital world and the limitless possibilities it offers, sparking their interest in technology and innovation.

The Al-Ameen College Science Book Week Expo was a resounding success, celebrating the spirit of innovation and scientific exploration that lies at the core of our school's mission. It was a testament to the dedication and passion of our educators and the boundless potential of our students. We look forward to future expos that will continue to inspire and amaze us with the wonders of science and technology.

Adam Suleiman Ali
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
HASS, Science, Health, PE
Acting HOLA

Efficient Housing for the future

This term, the Year 8 students are challenged to design an energy-efficient house for their research task that incorporates sustainable practices and technologies. Their design should aim to minimize energy consumption and maximize energy efficiency. Students applied their knowledge and understanding on the topic of Energy, which was the focus of our Science learning area. They designed a house incorporating energy-efficient features, such as insulation, renewable energy sources, efficient appliances, and water-saving devices and explained how each feature contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability. Overall, students and teachers had an insightful and meaningful experience.

Sherifah Baharudin
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
High School Teacher

Adam Suleiman Ali
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
HASS, Science, Health, PE
Acting HOLA

Precission farming - the new future is here

Integrating Humanities and Social Science Curriculum with Science: Precision Farming

Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture or smart farming, is a cutting-edge approach that utilizes technology and data analysis to optimize agricultural practices. This innovative method aims to increase productivity, reduce waste, and minimize the environmental impact of farming.

On Tuesday 15th August, (Week 5) the Y9 Blue class showcased what they have learnt in the geography curriculum at the College’s science week exhibition. This exhibit provided the students with an invaluable experience and new insights into this transformative and innovative way of farming. This project further explored the methods in which this is achieved by displaying various technologies such as GPS (Global Positioning System), GIS (Geographic Information System), remote sensing, Drone, Satellite, and the use of an automated tractor to enhance decision making in maximizing crop yield in agriculture with the least impact on the environment.

Collecting real time data on soil conditions, weather patterns, crop growth, and other relevant factors, farmers can make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, pest control and harvesting, turning the traditional farmhouse into a data center.

Some students and staff enjoyed themselves with our fresh produce: fresh fruit and vegetables of our precision farm at the exhibition.

Muhammad Agherdien
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
HASS

Priyanka Don
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Head of Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences

Preserving our WA Foreshore & Ecosystems

Priyanka Don
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Head of Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences

Stricking 'Gold' at State level!

Faliq Abu Bakar
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Health, PE, Economics, Politics & Law
HOLA: Physical Education

Action research ## Piaget’s theory of cognitive Development

As the Y12 Psychology ATAR students entered Term 3 for the final time, they completed yet another very interactive investigation. The students were assigned an assessment project by Ms Don, involving an investigation to observe cognitive development of children during their formative years. The project was grounded on characteristics featured in Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development. Students undertook a project representing various stages of development in groups to investigate, observing the Primary School students. It was completed in groups of 2-3, following which the findings and conclusions of the investigation were shared with the class via PowerPoint presentations. Below are short passages from each group recounting their respective investigations.

Compiled by Madeeha.

Priyanka Don
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
Head of Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences

Touring the future - Opportunities to connect and explore

Al-Ameen College has embarked on the UniReady in Schools Program offered by Curtin University for our Year 11 and 12 students since 2021. This endorsed program provides university entry opportunities to school students by offering them an alternative pathway to University.

The focus of this program is to prepare students academically for higher education. To prepare our students in finding out what campus life is like, we brought them on a campus tour to Curtin University in Bentley on 6 September 2023 (Wednesday).

We started off the morning with a meet-and-greet session by the Curtin Team followed by a Prospective Student Advisor Talk in the Lecture Theatre with two other schools.  Later, students took part in a campus trek with the Student Ambassador Panel, who also facilitated a Q&A session with our staff and students. The campus visit concluded with a Business and Law Faculty visit where students participated in a Marketing Activity which involved coming up with a sales pitch for a given product.

We would like to thank Ms Noura Hildeed (Year 11 UniReady Teacher) for accompanying us on this enriching and fun-filled day.

Jo-Anne Mathews
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
UniReady, Cert II Business & English