are all a part of. Parents, friends

and the community are wel-

comed to join the festivities

after 12pm that day.

On a final note, on behalf of all

staff at ICOM, I wish all stu-

dents, parents and the ICOM

community a happy Eid-ul Adha

and a safe holiday. I hope to see

everyone back fresh and ready

for Term 4 when we return.

Dr. Abdul M. Kamareddine

Principal

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatu

Allah Wabarakatuhu

Dear Parents,

As we are approaching the end

of this term, I look back and

reflect on some of the amazing

activities and events we held at

the college during Term 3.

Besides the incursions and ex-

cursions held during the term,

the annual ICOM Footy Day was

a great success at the college. As

with every year, students

dressed in their team colours

and participated in activities

related to AFL.

Another sporting event the col-

lege was involved in was the

annual Bachar Houli Cup. Being

the second year our students

competed in this event, they

proved that with the right atti-

tude and discipline, students can

accomplish great feats.

The morning Quran Program is

continuing to prove beneficial

and a success with just under 50

students enrolled for Term 3.

The second parent/teacher inter-

view for the year has been sched-

uled for Thursday, 8 September.

Parent teacher interviews are an

important opportunity for parents

to check up on the progress of

their children, as the cooperation

exercised between the school and

parents is the optimum way to

achieve what is in the best inter-

est of the students.

In previous years the Eid festival

has been a great success, alham-

dullilah. Insha’Allah this year it will

come with the same success, es-

pecially with the beautiful weath-

er. The ICOM Eid Festival will be

held on Friday, 7 October, 2016.

The festival is organised yearly to

provide a day for ICOM students

to enjoy and be excited about Eid-

ul Adha. The college will have

rides, food stalls and an atmos-

phere emphasised on what a

beautiful school community we

Principal’s Message

Islamic College of Melbourne

8 September 2016 Term 3, Issue 7

ICOM Newsletter

Important Dates

Parent/Teacher

Interviews

Thursday, 8 September

Last Day for Students

(Term 3)

Friday, 9 September

Eid-ul Adha

Monday, 12 September

Footy Grand Final

Day

(Public Holiday)

Friday, 30 September

Term 4 Starts

Tuesday, 4 October

Eid Festival

Friday, 7 October

Athletics Carnival

Tuesday, 11 October

Character Day

Friday, 14 October

Students participating in the Footy Day Clinic 2016

Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held on Thursday, 8 September, 2016. Inter-

views start at 2pm and will finish at 8pm.

Parents can view their child/ren’s school report via the Parent Portal. In order to

view your child/ren’s Term 3 Report, payment of school fee’s must be up to date.

Thank you to parents with students in Primary who have booked an interview

time through the portal, for parents who have not, you should have received an

allocated time from your child/ren’s teacher. Secondary interviews are on a first

come, first served basis.

Primary teachers will be in their classes, Specialist teachers will be in the Year

9A/9B classrooms and Secondary teachers will be located in the gymnasium.

Reminders

Term 3 Parent/Teacher Interviews

Page 2

Parents who want to collect students early are advised not to do so after

3.15pm, unless extremely necessary.

Parents are reminded that during Term 1 and Term 4, students are required

to wear the summer uniform.

Further to the summer uniform, students must have a hat to play outside. The

NO HAT, NO PLAY rule applies during the warmer months.

Parents are welcome to visit the Lost Property Basket to see if there are any

items their child might have misplaced. Make sure your child’s name is clearly

marked on their uniform and school items.

The college, along with the ICOM Parents Committee are in discussions re-

garding the Primary Uniform for 2017. As the college did this year with the

Secondary Uniform, the new Primary Uniform will have a one year transition

period. As of 2017, ALL Secondary students MUST be in the new school uni-

form.

Any medical conditions, including asthma and allergies must be disclosed to

the college immediately and any action plans and/or medications your child

may require must be provided to the Administration Office.

As you are aware, the college cannot provide medication to students unless

prescribed to them, this includes paracetamol. If your child requires medica-

tion, the medication with your child’s name and directions must be on the la-

bel.

ICOM Newsletter

Page 3

Term 3, Issue 7

Year One Students were lucky enough to go on excursion to the Planetarium. There they watched a show called ‘Tycho Goes

to the Moon’. It gave students an insight into what space looks like and provided students with a real life visual of the sun,

moon, stars and some of the planets. Students enjoyed learning about the night sky

and all it contains. It was a great day out, and students enjoyed their time greatly.

The Year 1 Team

Year 1 Excursion - Scienceworks/Planetarium

Prep’s 100th Day of School

On Tuesday 2 August, the Prep students celebrated the 100th day of school!

We were all very excited to wear our 100 day t-shirts that we designed at

home. Our day began with a parade in the gym. Every class was excited to

model their newly designed 100 day t-shirts. During the day, the prep stu-

dents participated in many 100 day activities such as making fruit loop neck-

laces containing 100 fruit loops, 100 day arts and crafts gumball machine and

a portrait of when I am 100 years old, I will… We all had loads and loads of

fun!

Mrs Michelle Culjak

Prep Team Leader

On Monday, 29 August, 2016, the Year One students

attended an amazing incursion called ‘The Real Toy

Story’. As part of our History unit on “Past and Pre-

sent”, the students learnt about the history of toys. It

was a fun and interactive show and the students

were able to participate in a variety of costumes

based on toys such as bears and superheroes. The

students enjoyed dancing and having fun. It was a

great afternoon!

The Year 1 Team

Year 1 Incursion - The Real Toy Story

On 29 August, the Year 3's went on an excursion to Scienceworks. We were joined by

our fantastic parent volunteers and ICOM's lovely support staff. It was a great opportunity

for the students to present what they learnt and to reflect on their learning during the

unit, Night and Day.

Students participated in the Earth, Moon, Sun Program in the Energy Lab. They explored the

sizes, shapes, positions and movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon. Stu-

dents investigated how shadows change throughout the day and linked these

changes to the Sun’s apparent movement across

the sky.

Some students were lucky enough to take part in role-

play to demonstrate the movements of the Earth in

relation to the Sun and Moon.

A highlight of the day was 'Super Future You', a Kinect

-based interactive, that allowed students to add 3D

body enhancements such as rocket boots, wings, re-

tractable hair and cybernetic brain implants to a real-

time video stream of themselves.

Ms Sabiha Sahin

Year 3 Team Leader

Year 3 Excursion - Scienceworks

Page 4

ICOM Newsletter

On Tuesday, 16 August 2016, Year 6A and 6B

attended the Melbourne Immigration Museum as

a part of the Humanities topic.

Students enjoyed learning about the journey of

immigrants and the purpose of a customs house.

Using their geography skills, students were able

to identify where different immigrants came from

and where they travelled to during different time

periods.

All students were engaged with the exhibition

and returned to school with interesting findings

about different immigrant stories that were ex-

pressed within their written reflection.

Ms Joanna Vella

Year 6B Teacher

Year 6 Excursion

Page 5

Term 3, Issue 7

Year 4 Sleepover On Friday, 12 August, the Year 4’s experienced ICOM’s first ever ‘Sleepover at School’. This event is an important part of our

school camping program which aims to help prepare the children for the following year’s off-site camp.

Boys and girls slept separately in their classrooms, which were converted to bedrooms. The children enjoyed early evening

sports activities followed by prayer and story-time led by Dr Abdul M. Kamareddine. Afterwards, students enjoyed dinner and

desert.

Their day ended watching a movie while eating popcorn. Saturday started off with prayer, then a hearty breakfast, and con-

cluded with outdoor sports activities.

Thanks to staff who assisted but, especially, those who stayed overnight – Ms Roula, Ms Mariam, Ms Amber, Ms Ibrahim, Ms

Asma, Ms Asra and Nasiba. This is a huge commitment on their part and one which, I’m sure, was appreciated by the girls and

boys as well as their families.

Ms Mariam Khodr

Year 4C Teacher

Islamic Calligraphy Incursion

In Term 3, students learnt about the Islamic Culture and Values in Art. Students learnt

about Illuminated Letters and Manuscripts. They also had the opportunity to participate

in the Big Idea of the Creative Arabic Hand Writing (Calligraphy) program. Students in

Year l4, 5 and 6 participated in this program and benefited their learning and skills by

enhancing and motivating students to learn about the Islamic Art Pattern, Design Ele-

ments and Principles.

Ms Lamia Al-asaly

Primary Art Teacher

Page 6

Year 8 Incursion - Chemistry Show

The year 8 students are learning all about Chemistry this term. They had the opportunity to be part of a school

organised incursion, where they witnessed firsthand a range of chemical concepts. Some of the activities included:

bubbling dry ice, colour changing chemical reactions, growing crystals, glow in the dark pigments, elephants’ tooth-

paste, stringy slimes and different coloured flames using various minerals. The students were amazed at how all of

these cool experiments were completed using a range of chemicals found in home kitchens.

Mrs Safa Osman

Secondary Science Teacher

ICOM Newsletter

ICOM went through to the Bachar Houli cup positive and supportive of each other.

Even though we came back with a loss we still came back the same way, positive and

supportive of each other. A big shout out towards the Year 7-8 ICOM team who made

it to the grand final which was pretty impressive to see, considering the teams they were

going up against. I was also impressed with the Year 9-10 team considering that half of

them don’t play footy and for some it was the first time.

We had two MVP players, one from the Year 7-8 team and one from the Year 9-10

team. These two most valuable players were Ali Houli from Year 8 who well and truly

deserved it by putting in his full commitment towards the game. He never backed down

and never gave up without a fight. Our other most valuable player from the Year 9-10

team was Bilal Hoblos. Bilal gave it everything he had, scoring the most goals in the team

and he also did a fantastic job in supporting his team as a captain. Bilal most definitely

deserved the MVP because he was of great value to us as a captain as well as out there

on the footy field.

Altogether the boys had a great time and played to the best of their abilities and hope-

fully most of us learnt a thing or two about the game.

Taha Taha (Year 10A)

Bachar Houli Cup

Page 7

Term 3, Issue 7

Year 10 Work Experience Information Session

With ICOM's first batch of Year 10's striving to achieve their best in order to have a better future, the college has seen fit to

provide them with the opportunity to see what the real world of work will be like. Staff and students have been diligently seek-

ing work placements in and around the local area to help students figure out what their futures might look like. This endeav-

our has not been in vain with students finding opportunities to experience work for charities, schools and construction indus-

tries just to name a few.

On Wednesday, 31 August, Year 10's had an information session on their rights and responsibilities in the work place. The

work experience dates will be from 26 September to 30 September, 2016. Should you see ICOM's Year 10 students out in the

work place sends your salaams and dua their way, because they will appreciate it.

Mr Mostafa Haroun

Student Welfare and Well-being Coordinator

On Friday,19 August, four other students and myself from Year 9 and 10 was selected to

attend the constitutional convention held at Mackillop Catholic Regional Collage. The con-

vention was about recognising indigenous people in the constitution. At the convention we

started the day with four guest speakers, Senator Janet Rice, Ms Joanne Ryan, Mr Tim Pallas

and Ms Sherry Balcome, former Aboriginal Catholic Minister. After the speeches, we were

separated into 8 groups and each group was given a topic to write and talk about. My group

was given the topic:

“Indigenous people of Australia not being already recognised in the constitution is a reflection

of a culture of discrimination in Australia”

This means indigenous people have been excluded from having a voice in the Australian

democracy. At the time, the constitution was being overlooked and citizens were racist

towards the indigenous people and making them second class citizens. After the group

chat we were served lunch. We went back into our groups to write a statement about:

“Injustice towards the indigenous people of Australia historically and currently demands

that their rights are enshrined by full constitutional recognition.” After presenting our

essays we were given a mic to talk about what we had learnt and if we had any questions

about the topic. It was an informative and enjoyable experience.

Nasser Elsouki (Year 10A)

Wyndham’s Student Constitution Convention

ICOM Library

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatu Allah Wabarakatuhu,

The Lamont Book Fair was an amazing success this year. Mrs Haifa

dressed up as Where’s Wally for the week to encourage students to

read his books. Alhamdulillah students and parents have purchased

many amazing books and items. Jazak’allah Kheiraan and thank you for

everyone’s contributions. From this event, we will be receiving more

English books for our library.

Students enjoy coming to the library to read books and research for

their projects. We need to remind our students to carefully look after

the books.

Tips:

We turn the pages carefully from the top corner.

We don’t write or draw on books.

We don’t eat and drink while reading books.

Return your books on time.

The end of term is approaching and we need to make sure all library

books are returned back to the ICOM library by Thursday, 8 Septem-

ber, 2016.

Mrs Haifa Atatreh & Mrs Zetty Latip

ICOM Library Department

Page 8

Secondary Food Technology

Week 7 in Food Technology involves developing students

kitchen skills by making Healthy Oat Pancakes.

Combined with healthy eating theory fragments, Year 9B stu-

dents excelled in creating great pancakes and also applied re-

sponsible health and safety routines.

Also, selected students from Year 9B, cooked healthy pan-

cakes for all their classmates. The boys unfortunately missed

the class due to their sports commitments. Warsame, for his

great effort, was rewarded with house points and delegated

to share the extra pancakes around with the rest of the 9B

boys.

It is indeed a rewarding subject to teach when you see your

students so happy

Ms Mihaela Ranga

Food Technology Teacher

ICOM Newsletter

As term 4 creeps upon us, the PE department is working hard to end the

year with a bang!!

We have been busy organising for the athletics carnival that will be happen-

ing during the second week of term 4. Students have been allocated into

their house colours and team captains have been chosen.

During PE lessons, students have been training for the big event. Students

have learned and trained for the 100 metre sprints.

The younger grades have been participating in the wacky Olympic themed games such as, the chicken relays where

they have to collect a squeaking chicken using chopsticks:

The older levels (secondary students) completed the beep test which is a test that indicates students level of fit-

ness.

This term, students are striving towards and focusing on:

Practicing and mastering appropriate motor skills and

movement.

Developing and maintaining lifelong, family – oriented,

health related fitness.

Being able to cooperate with others.

Being nice.

Being careful.

Being respectful.

Exhibiting good sportsmanship qualities.

ICOM PE Department

PE Department

Page 9

Term 3, Issue 7

“We are preparing our students to be 21st century learners” this sounds like a statement from the

past: our students are already 21st century learners! In an article on the World Economic Forum website

it has been noted that 90% of the world’s population will have access to the internet in the next ten

years. Research already shows that children are spending more time in front of the screen rather than

spending time with the people around them. This shows how ICT has penetrated all aspects of our life;

there is a greater demand and expectation from schools and teachers to ensure that their students are

digitally literate. It is time for us to reflect on the skills students require to engage and construct mean-

ing in a digital environment.

Literacy is not just about reading. It is about having the skills to interpret, analyse, think critically and

make informed decisions. Half a century ago, if you were able to read you may be considered literate.

In present times, to read critically is important but the ability to use ICT to find and interpret infor-

mation is becoming crucial in order to be literate. Digital literacy is becoming much more then han-

dling computers - just like Literacy and Numeracy, it encompasses basic skills such as retrieving rele-

vant information for creating, developing and sharing knowledge.

According to the working definition, agreed at the UNESCO June 2003 Expert Meeting in Paris,

“literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed

and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in

enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate

fully in their community and wider society.” (UNESCO, 2004)

As the definition of being literate and literacy is rapidly changing, so is the need to equip our students

with the skills they require to be digitally literate. The Islamic College of Melbourne is actively engaged

in providing students with the required digital environment. It is focusing on developing students’ abil-

ity to not just navigate and utilise technologies but to critically analyse information, interpret cultural

and commercial agendas in images and text and effectively communicate using various modes.

To be a step ahead, ICOM volunteered to participate in the NAPLAN online trial which was a suc-

cessful initiative. Provision of iPad sets for each year level is another step ICOM has taken to immerse

our students in digital literacy. It is not just the students that we focus on but through professional de-

velopment ICOM continually develops teachers’ knowledge of digital literacy, its place in the curricu-

lum and how to teach and assess it.

Alhamdollillah, we are confident that we are doing our best to keep pace with the changing nature of

education in the 21st century.

Mrs Bushra Khateeb

Primary Curriculum Coordinator

Page 10

Digital Literacy - A Growing Need

ICOM Newsletter

83 Wootten Road

TARNEIT VIC 3029

Phone: 03 8742 1739

Fax: 03 8742 1959

E-mail:

admin@icom.vic.edu.

au

Islamic College of Melbourne

Thank you, to all staff who helped out and participated

in the Footy Day. The program conducted by Seda and

Werribee Football club was a major success and all the

student’s gave it two thumbs up! What a great way to

end the last day of the week and to celebrate another

year of the AFL finals.

Our students, enjoyed themselves so much that time

was flew by. Students participated in AFL games, activi-

ties, skills and drills to further develop their fundamen-

tal motor skills.

Mrs Layla Beik

Primary PE Teacher

ICOM Footy Day

Would you like to

leave some

feedback about

this newsletter? If

so please let us

know by emailing

to:

k.khairul@icom.vic.

edu.au

Page 11