Fortnightly

NewsletterWeeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018

Save the Dates

Monday 29th October Year 3 Space Excursion

Monday 29th October to Thursday 29th November Swimming Program (Kindergarten and Years 2, 4 and 6)

Wednesday 31 October Kidpreneur Market Day

Thursday 1 November GAT Exhibition

Monday 26th November Kindergarten Teddy Bears Picnic Excursion

Wednesday 5 December Year 4 The Rocks Excursion

Friday 7 December Year 6 Graduation/Formal

ONLY 14 DAYS TO GO UNTIL THE UNITY GRAMMAR EVENT OF THE DECADE!Secure your tickets NOW as they are selling out FAST. Join us on Saturday 10 November to celebrate Ten Years of Unity Grammar in our exclusive Reach for the Stars Gala Evening.

Enjoy canapes and mocktails in a giant marquee under the stars with entertainment, a live charity auction and a spectacular fireworks display.

Don’t miss out! Book your tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/YORB

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

UNITY GRAMMAR REACH FOR THE STARS GALA EVENING10 November 2018, 6.30pm

Dress: Black tieTickets: $50ADULTS ONLY

OPEN DAYSATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER10.30am – 3pmUnity Grammar College70 Fourth Avenue, Austral

UNITY GRAMMARNOWENROLLING FOR 2019

Spiritual MessageIn the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

Bismillaahi wassalaatu wassalaamu alaa Rasoolillaah Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh,

You’ve heard of lucky last, well Islamically there’s some truth to that, for indeed:The best of books, is the last of them (al-Qur’an)The best of Prophets, is the last of them (Muhammad saw)The best of nations, is the last of them (this Ummah)The best of part of Jannah, is the last level (al-Firdaus)

The best part of Ramadan, is its last 10 nights Teaching us, we should always finish on a high. So in light of this, we advise our students that it’s never too late to make the most of their academic year here at Unity. If they haven’t achieved the results they had hoped for in previous terms, it’s never too late to turn things around this term, for the most important part of a race is how you finish. The great scholar, Ibn Taimiyyah (ra) said, “never despair, for it’s about great endings, not flawed beginnings.” May Allah grant our students much success, both in this world and the next, ameen.Mouhammad El BizryIslamic Studies

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

Message from CEO

Assalamu Alaikum,

Last week I read an interesting survey about parenting from The Royal Children’s Hospital. The 2018 survey of 2044 parents Australia-wide found that:• The vast majority (95%) of parents use positive tactics to promote good behaviour in their children, such as attention, praise and reward• One in four parents (27%) report feeling stressed by their child’s behaviour every day• Many parents reflect critically on their own parenting strategies. Almost half (48%) said they become impatient too quickly, while one in three (36%) said they often lost their temper and later felt guilty

• A third (32%) said they often feel overwhelmed by managing their child’s behaviourThe survey reveals that parents spend a lot of time thinking about how to manage their child’s behaviour, yet many are critical of their own strategies. However, almost all parents try positive techniques to encourage good behaviour at least some of the time. These include:• Giving their child praise or attention when they behave well (95%)• Rewarding good behaviour with an activity together (84%)• Talking with their child about the type of behaviour they expect (93%)• Talking with their child about their feelings when they misbehave (85%)• Non-physical consequences such as time out or withdrawal of privileges (84%)Paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes states, “Children behave in different ways depending on their age, temperament, developmental stage and the situation. It is normal for children to push boundaries and to have difficulty regulating their emotions. Children’s brains are hardwired for attention. The best type of attention for a child to receive is a positive response to desired behaviour. If you see your child behaving well praise them.”I found the full set of survey results to be very interesting and many of the results can be directly linked to how we teach and how students learn at Unity Grammar. If we reward our students for positive behaviour there is no doubt that we will get the best from them. Aaron BoydChief Executive Officer (CEO)

UNITY GRAMMAR INFORMATION SESSIONSWe run regular morning and evening Information Sessions for families who are thinking of enrolling their child at our wonderful College. Why not tell your friends and family to come along to discover the breadth of academic, sport and extracurricular opportunities on offer at Unity Grammar. For session times and to book visit unitygrammar.com.au/enrol

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Message from Junior School

Assalamu Alaykum, Welcome to the last term for 2018. I hope everyone had a wonderful break spending time with family and friends. Year 4 students have come back very excited and happily engaged in all tasks. We are all geared up for a busy and jam-packed term with revision, yearly exams, The Rocks excursion and the End of Year Assembly around the corner.Creative and Practical Arts experiences have been skilfully planned by enthusiastic teachers

to incorporate exciting opportunities for students to develop their expressive and creative potential. Across Years K-6, students will be chanting the Aboriginal song ‘Inanay’, performing Waltzing Matilda, dramatising Wombat Stew, analysing Anasheed structures and indulging in a wealth of other exciting experiences, many of which will culminate in End of Year Assembly performances. In PDH, programs have continued to focus on developing students’ knowledge and skills needed to enhance their interactions and interpersonal relationships. Students explore issues that are meaningful to them and that are likely to impact upon their own health and wellbeing such as water safety, nutrition, drug use, growth and development, sun protection and more. Students contributed exceptionally to PDH values last term and this will continue in Term 4 where students lead, sharing their learning and advising us all of the significant values which circumscribe us as Muslims. Keep a lookout for the PDH Values section in the Newsletter. Faten OstaJunior School Coordinator

JUNIOR SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTStage 3 Canberra ExcursionStage 3 students went on an educational excursion to our National Capital as part of their Civic and Citizenship unit of study last Friday.Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The venues visited included Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the High Court of Australia. This experience not only provided academic consolidation of work undertaken in the classroom but also helped develop social and life skills.The visit was partially subsidised by the Australian Government scheme in recognising the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the National Capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. This subsidy of $20.00 per student made the event an affordable one for families. Students certainly had a wonderful time visiting the venues and getting insight into how the federal level of government works. The visit to the High Court of Australia allowed students to experience the judicial component of governance in Australia.The photos (right) capture some of the wonderful moments.Your ongoing support and assistance in enriching our children’s learning outside the classroom is appreciated. Stage 3 Teachers

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

NAPLAN High Achievers Assembly On Tuesday 23rd October Junior and Senior students came together to celebrate the notable achievements of students who performed exceptionally well in NAPLAN 2018. The assembly showcased the remarkable results achieved by the Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 cohorts across writing, spelling, numeracy and reading as well as grammar and punctuation. The special assembly was rounded off by a lovely morning tea with the students and their families. The College acknowledges and values the talents of its students and the dedication, efforts and sacrifices of the wonderful families. A huge congratulations to the Junior and Senior teachers on the results. We anticipate even greater gains in years to come.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Year 2 went back in time to explore how people lived in the past at Vaucluse House.

Kindergarten students participated in writing and visual arts learning experiences.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

Personal Development PresentationsTheme: RelationshipsAssalamu Alaikum, Year 4 students prepared an engaging and valuable presentation on the topic of Relationships.A ‘Relationship’ is the way we connect and communicate with each other. The healthiest relationship is a positive relationship. It requires us to care for each other, help each other, listen to each other and show kindness and respect for each other. It’s simply practising being a Muslim.We have relationships with different people such as our parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, siblings, cousins, friends, teachers and so on. Many of which become our support network. These people are always here for us and make us feel happy, comfortable, relaxed, safe and enthusiastic. It is absolutely crucial that we treat them with kindness and respect.Khadija Alam, Kabir Bennett, Ali Hafda , Asiyah Kanj, Bilaal Yusuf Moallim and Ziad Ykmour

Year One have been learning about money and exploring artistic techniques from ‘Where the forest meets the sea’.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Year 3 are learning to draw portraits as part of their learning in Creative Arts.

Year 4 students use play money to calculate change and round money to the nearest 5c.

Year 6 have commenced weekly coding sessions with external coaches from PIEX Education.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

Students are engaged in the Year 5 STEM initiative: The Art of Coding.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Message from Senior School

Assalamu Alaikum,

Welcome back to all students and parents. The final term of the 2018 Academic Calendar is always a term rich in a range of experiences.

We ask students to plan and revise well for their Yearly Examinations so that they finish knowing they have applied themselves well. We want students to work towards their potential.

Year 11 students have started Year 12 extremely well. We wish them all the best for their final year of secondary education. The college and staff are ready to support you on this amazing journey towards success.

Year 10 students complete their yearly examination by Week 6. There a comprehensive final 3 weeks planned for them. Students will participate in wellbeing activities, engage in HSC skills/workshops and partake in the Work Experience Program.

There is a range of excursions, sport activities and extra curricular experiences that will wrap up an amazing 2018 journey.

Wassim ZoabiHead of Senior School

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

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SENIOR SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTYear 9 Canberra Site Study DayThe History and Geography Department undertook a day long trip to our nation’s capital on Friday 28th September 2018. While on our mandatory Stage 5 site study, all students participated in a variety of engaging educational activities focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, democratic values and scientific progress. The venues we attended included the Australian War Memorial which contains a wide variety of memorabilia from all wars Australians have engaged in, Parliament House where students had the opportunity to see where the decisions of government are made and the High Court of Australia. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians to be able to visit their National Capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist our students and parents in meeting the cost of this excursion the Australian Government contributed $20 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program toward the travel expenses incurred. The contribution will be paid directly to the College upon completion of the excursion and the subsidy will go towards the students who attended and cover the cost of the Telford’s Tour’s Educational Tours. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this very beneficial program.

Senior School

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

At Parent & Teacher Interviews parents collected Term 3 Reports and received feedback on the performance of their child. Unity Grammar is passionate about the positive relationships we have with the parents and we look forward to meeting the parents at events in the future.

Students in Year 11 Business Studies tested their skills and knowledge in the areas of management and engineering as part of a hands on activity to consolidate what they had learned in the past year.

Year 11 Business Studies student Serene Khalaf represented Unity Grammar at the State and National finals of the Plan Your Own Enterprise competition. Serene missed out on the final prize but did exceptionally well, beating the majority of the 774 entrants across NSW and many more across Australia. Well done Serene.

Senior School

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior School

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

WHEN: 6 x Fridays (2 Nov to 7 Dec)

TIME: 9.30am-11am

WHERE: Unity Grammar Fourth Avenue Austral

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

TERM 4

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018 Senior School

Message from Community Engagement

Assalamu Alaikum,Unity Grammar, along with 28 leaders representing Islamic schools from around the country met at the Islamic Schools Association of Australia AGM and conference in Melbourne. Student initiatives and leadership modules were discussed. Mr Karolia was nominated and elected as Vice Chairman of

the Association for the next two years.

Unity Grammar recently visited the LMA to learn of their schools programs covering writing, leadership, the environment, Jobskills, sporting programs and much more. We look forward to having our students participate in these programs along with schools from the public, Catholic and Islamic sectors.

Representatives also met with the CEO of AFLNSW to explore more AFL initiatives in schools and some of our Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8) students were enrolled in an exciting mathematics enrichment program being facilitated by Western Sydney University

Osman KaroliaHead of Community Engagement

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Cyberbullying

With increasing time spent online, you might be worried about your child and cyberbullying.Understanding cyberbullying can help you to support them to stay safe online. Conflict between young people is a normal part of growing up, cyberbullying is NOT. Cyberbullying is bullying that uses electronic means like the internet or mobile phones to aggressively and intentionally harm someone. Cyberbullying can include name calling, abusive comments, spreading rumors, threats of physical harm, being ignored or excluded and more.

Here are some things you might notice your child doing if they’re being cyberbullied:

• Socialising less with friends and family• Reducing time online or being jumpy when getting text or emails

• Losing self-esteem or confidence• Feeling anxious, sad, embarrassed, angry or physically unwell

What can parents do?

• Take the time to talk to your child. Be open to listening and understanding theirexperience of cyberbullying.

• Find out details about the cyberbullying• Reassure them that they’re loved.

• Create opportunties to expand their support friendships.• Support them to speak to another trusted adult or welfare coordinator.

For more information, visit the following websites: • www.kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/cyberbullying

• https://headspace.org.au/• https://about.au.reachout.com/what-we-do/

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

INVITATIONUnity Grammar invites students, families, local businesses and entrepreneurs to attend our 2018 KIDPRENEUR MARKET DAY

Young entrepreneurs from Years 5 and 6 have been busy learning about product development, branding, merchandising, finance and other operating aspects of running their own business. As such, students will be showcasing and selling the amazing products they have developed on Wednesday 31 October. Among these products our young entrepreneurs have created hand carved soaps, childrens toys, book tabs, phone cases, shiny slime, moulded crayons and interactive shirts to name a few.

We hope to see you there!

KIDPRENEUR MARKET DAYWEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 20181pm – 4pm

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 4 2018

GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENT EXHIBITIONTHURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER 20189.00am – 10.30am

70 Fourth Ave, Austral NSW 2179 www.unitygrammar.com.au

Unity Grammar invites families and special guests to attend our 2018 GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENT EXHIBITION

In 2018 fourteen students in the Junior and Senior School devoted their energy, time and knowledge to develop a personal project as part of the Unity Grammar Gifted and Talented Program. The Gifted and Talented Student Exhibition is an opportunity for these students to showcase their prototypes, products and programs to the community.

Come along and enjoy student presentations followed by light refreshments. We hope to see you there!