Fortnightly

NewsletterWeeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018

Save the Dates

15 – 17 MayNAPLAN

Tuesday 22 May NSW General Assessment Test (open to years 4 – 8 students)

Friday 25 May Years 10-12 Annual Iftar

Saturday 2 JuneQuran Competition

13 – 19 JuneYears K – 6 Exams

Tuesday 26 JulySchool Photo Day

9 June – 5 JulyYears 7 – 11 Exams

Thursday 21 JuneUnity Grammar EID Festival

Friday 6 JulyEnd of Term 2

The following school hours will apply during the month of Ramadan - we will confirm dates closer to Ramadan and parents will be notified via Skoolbag APP and Class Dojo

School Hours 8.25am to 2.45pm

Office Hours 8.00am to 3.00pm

Uniform Shop Hours - Tuesday and Wednesday 8.30am to 10.00am

Due to changes in school hours during Ramadan, Interline Buses will not be able to provide their services at earlier times. We request that you make alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up from the school if they use Interline Buses.

There will be no student supervision after 3.00pm; please ensure your child is picked up from school no later than 3.00pm.

Message from CEOAssalamu AlaikumI hope you enjoyed your holidays and the opportunity to spend quality time with your family. During the holiday period the Chairman of the Unity Grammar Board, Mr Khalil Hafza and I, attended the Independent School Governance Symposium. One of the guest speakers was Will Dobbie, a researcher from Princeton University in the United States. He presented his research on effective Charter Schools in New York, specifically the key common elements seen across all schools regarded as

delivering quality education. Dobbie indicated the five key elements of effective schools included:1. Regular teacher feedback (positive and constructive)2. Evidence-based instruction (using student data from a range of sources)3. Small group work (ability level groups within the classroom) 4. Increasing instructional time between staff and students5. High teacher expectations where the term ‘no excuses’ was used for all students.At Unity Grammar, we are looking to continually improve our teaching and learning strategies and this research reinforces that the direction we are heading in is very positive. We are now addressing elements 1, 4 and 5, with a view to investigating how we can further develop data gathering and small group work. We have now published the criteria for 2019 Scholarships. All scholarships are offered for one calendar year and students must earn their scholarship based on their latest performances and results. The academic criteria requirements have been raised in line with our vision to raise student academic performance. We have also replaced Islamic Studies with a more specific criteria directly related to our new Quran Recitation Competition. Sport and Visual Arts scholarships also continue to be available.I’m looking forward to experiencing Ramadan for the first time. I hope all our families enjoy the opportunity to give and share the blessings of the month.

Aaron BoydChief Executive Officer (CEO)

Spiritual MessageIn the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most MercifulThe greatest and most blessed days of the year are about to befall us, the days of the blessed month of Ramadan - a time for worship and spiritual purification and elevation. Ramadan is an opportunity for us to re-examine our spiritual state and weight our deeds; it is a school which teaches the true meanings of righteousness, compassion, forgiveness, perseverance and patience.

Ramadan ultimately ends with results: success or failure. To be successful, we must understand the purpose of our fast and strive to achieve it. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran the objective of fasting: “So that you may attain Taqwa” (2:183). If we really want to attain ‘Taqwah’ (righteousness and spiritual purification) and reap the benefits of Ramadan, our preparation for Ramadan should include:1. A pure and sincere intention. This is not simply an intention to abstain from food and drink during

the days of Ramadan, as this may result in obtaining only the hunger and thirst. Our sincere intention must be accompanied by the determination to achieve the objectives of fasting through abstaining from all prohibited acts and performing all your obligations for the sake of Allah’s reward.

2. Increase your knowledge and understanding of the rules of fasting and the related acts of worship, such as Zakaat al-Fitr, Taraweeh prayer, and reading The Quran with tajweed.

3. Firm and sincere determination to increase your good deeds in Ramadan, not only through worship but also by improving your relationships with others, particularly parents.

4. Prepare a plan with a practical daily program which includes specific good deeds.

Dr. Louay AbdulbakiHead of Islamic Studies and Arabic

Weeks 1-2 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

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

Rides • Showbags • Food Stalls • Face Painting • Markets • Kids Carnival • Petting Zoo

21 June 2018

EARLY BIRD OFFER

$25 UNLIMITED RIDES

Via Skoolbag APPMonday 14 May

2018 EID

FESTIVAL

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Message from Junior SchoolAssalamualaikum Parents/Caregivers, The second term of the 2018 academic year is shaping up to be one of the best. We are blessed to have Ramadan starting next week. This year, students have taken part in a variety of meaningful learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Last term, Year 2 visited the Riverside Theatre to watch the production of George’s Marvellous Medicine, which was an experience like no other. All students also took part in our Anti-bullying week and Harmony Day. This term we look forward to visiting Warragamba Dam as part of our Science program as well as taking part in a gymnastics program as part of PE. Also, we can’t forget our annual Eid Celebration and are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the College’s Ten Year Anniversary. On the academic side, students will be busy working hard and preparing for their mid-year exams as well as the UGC Book Fair.

We look forward to spending a blessed Term 2 working hard and supporting the Junior School children both academically and spiritually. Ms Aysheh AliJunior School Coordinator

JUNIOR SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTKindergarten Field Trip

Kindergarten students explored Sydney’s largest outdoor classroom to learn about plants and animals that live at Sydney Olympic Park.

On this field trip students gained firsthand insight into the animals and plants that inhabit the parklands and learned about caring for these animals and plants, as well as the parklands themselves. They were able to compare natural and built environments.

Students were shown how and why Sydney Olympic Park recycles its rubbish and water. They actively explored the special features of the park and developed an understanding of the term ‘environment’. They also looked at past and present uses of the park and how these sites are utilised by the public.

Students assessed safety features of the park and critiqued the rules and regulations in regards to their safe play. As part of the excursion students also looked at ways in which the park is promoting recycling.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Kindergarten students participating in guided reading activities.

Year 1 have been on a ‘Schoolyard Safari’ and enjoyed PE activities.

Alongside meaningful learning experiences, Year 2 students have engaged in civic responsibilities by donating sleeping bags for the homeless.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Junior School

Year 3 had a great time making portraits of their friends using different media.

Year 5 have been studying celebrations and festivities this term. They have been busy making bracelets for Eid celebrations.

Year 6 have been learning about built environments. They used the picture book ‘Window’ by Jeanie Baker to look at how a view through a window changes each year. They went on a tour of their school and devised an aerial view map.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

Year 4 students use use formal written algorithms to solve addition and subtraction calculations.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Message from Middle SchoolI was honoured to accompany Mr Karolia and the boys who went on Umrah. It was a blessed trip indeed. I want to thank the families and the School Executives for allowing such opportunities to exist.

Certainly, the work does not finish here. The school has a program in place to ensure the Umrah boys continue to use their energy and skills in positive ways, both for themselves and their community.

This is helped by the arrival of the beloved month of Ramadan. The Wellbeing and Islamic Studies departments have a range of Iftar activities, community and service initiatives such as the feeding the homeless campaign and supporting the less privileged drive.

I ask all students and our families to embrace the beloved holy month and know that school expectations and standards with application and behaviour are even higher in Ramadan.

Mr MerhabDeputy Head of Middle School

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT2018 Bachar Houli Cup

It was with great honour that the GWS GIANTS invited our school to participate in the 2018 Bachar Houli cup. The Bachar Houli Cup is a national program, played in Victoria, NSW and Western Australia, targeted at secondary students in Years 9 and 10. The program provides Islamic based schools and students with an opportunity to participate in an AFL 9’s competition. The objectives are to:• Provide an AFL opportunity for Islamic students• Provide an AFL and cultural role model in Bachar Houli• Celebrate cultural diversity• Identify AFL talent

Unity Grammar students made it through to finals undefeated and beat Granville boys in the Grand Final in the last 40 seconds 20-18, trailing 14-8 at half time. They showed great courage, enthusiasm, passion and leadership. They came up against some fierce competition aginst boys who were bigger and stronger than them. However, the Unity Grammar boys wore their hearts on their sleeve and placed first out of 13 Independent and Public schools. Results to the FinalRound 1: 44-12 defeated Punchbowl boysRound 2: 36-2 defeated Belfield CollegeRound 3: 20-10 defeated Strathfield High SchoolSemi Final: 20-10 defeated Malek FahadFinal: 20-18 defeated Granville Boys Player of the tournament: Mehdi El Chami

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

YCalendar Ramadan

2018 1439H

The Prophet (ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." Narrated Abu Huraira Q

This Ramadan Calendar was designed using both watercolour paint and Adobe Illustrator by Batool El Hallak of 8G in Technology (Mandatory).

70 Fourth Ave

Ph: 1800 4 UNITY (86489)www.unitygrammar.com.au

This calendar features the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2018. It is called Ultra Violet. The PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet is a rich purple hue that communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.?Did

you

know?

Tip: Use your phone camera app to scan the QR code to learn more about the Pantone colour system.

Did you

know?

DAYS MAY-JUNE

RAMADAN EMSAK FAJR SUNRISE DUHR ASR MAGHRIB ISHAA

Thur 17-May 1 5:06 AM 5:16 AM 6:41 PM 11:56 AM 2:50 PM 5:03 PM 6:33 PM

Friday 18-May 2 5:06 AM 5:16 AM 6:42 PM 11:56 AM 2:50 PM 5:02 PM 6:32 PM

Sat 19-May 3 5:07 AM 5:17 AM 6:43 PM 11:56 AM 2:50 PM 5:01 PM 6:31PM

Sun 20-May 4 5:07 AM 5:17 AM 6:43 PM 11:56 AM 2:49 PM 5:01 PM 6:31 PM

Mon 21-May 5 5:08 AM 5:18 AM 6:44 PM 11:56 AM 2:49 PM 5:00 PM 6:30 PM

Tues 22-May 6 5:09 AM 5:19 AM 6:45 PM 11:57 AM 2:49 PM 5:00 PM 6:30 PM

Wed 23-May 7 5:09 AM 5:19 AM 6:46 PM 11:57 AM 2:48 PM 4:59 PM 6:29 PM

Thur 24-May 8 5:10 AM 5:20 AM 6:46 PM 11:57 AM 2:48 PM 4:59 PM 6:29 PM

Friday 25-May 9 5:10 AM 5:20 AM 6:47 PM 11:57 AM 2:48 PM 4:58 PM 6:28 PM

Sat 26-May 10 5:11 AM 5:21 AM 6:48 PM 11:57 AM 2:47 PM 4:58 PM 6:28 PM

Sun 27-May 11 5:11 AM 5:21 AM 6:48 PM 11:57 AM 2:47 PM 4:57 PM 6:27 PM

Mon 28-May 12 5:12 AM 5:22 AM 6:49 PM 11:57 AM 2:47 PM 4:57 PM 6:27 PM

Tues 29-May 13 5:12 AM 5:22 AM 6:50 PM 11:58 AM 2:46 PM 4:56 PM 6:26 PM

Wed 30-May 14 5:13 AM 5:23 AM 6:50 PM 11:58 AM 2:46 PM 4:56 PM 6:26 PM

Thur 31-May 15 5:13 AM 5:23 AM 6:50 PM 11:58 AM 2:46 PM 4:56 PM 6:26 PM

Friday 1-Jun 16 5:14 AM 5:24 AM 6:51 PM 11:58 AM 2:45 PM 4:55 PM 6:25 PM

Sat 2-Jun 17 5:14 AM 5:24 AM 6:51 PM 11:58 AM 2:45 PM 4:55 PM 6:25 PM

Sun 3-Jun 18 5:15 AM 5:25 AM 6:52 PM 11:58 AM 2:45 PM 4:55 PM 6:25 PM

Mon 4-Jun 19 5:15 AM 5:25 AM 6:52 PM 11:58 AM 2:45 PM 4:55 PM 6:25 PM

Tues 5-Jun 20 5:16 AM 5:26 AM 6:53 PM 11:58 AM 2:45 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Wed 6-Jun 21 5:16 AM 5:26 AM 6:54 PM 11:59 AM 2:45 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Thur 7-Jun 22 5:17 AM 5:27 AM 6:54 PM 11:59 AM 2:45 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Friday 8-Jun 23 5:17 AM 5:27 AM 6:55 PM 11:59 AM 2:45 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Sat 9-Jun 24 5:17 AM 5:27 AM 6:55 PM 11:59 AM 2:44 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Sun 10-Jun 25 5:18 AM 5:28 AM 6:56 PM 11:59 AM 2:44 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Mon 11-Jun 26 5:18 AM 5:28 AM 6:56 PM 11:59 AM 2:44 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Tues 12-Jun 27 5:19 AM 5:29 AM 6:57 PM 11:59 AM 2:35 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Wed 13-Jun 28 5:19 AM 5:29 AM 6:57 PM 12:00 PM 2:35 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM

Thur 14-Jun 29 5:19 AM 5:29 AM 6:58 PM 12:00 PM 2:35 PM 4:54 PM 6:24 PM 18th Ba�le of Badr 20th - Conquest of Makkah 26th - Eve of Al Qadr 11th June - Public holiday (School is closed)

Austral NSW 2179, Australia

CONTACT

Year 7 students presenting their Prezi Presentations on the topic ‘Who Am I’.

Year 8 Technology have been illustrating their talents in the design of unique Ramadan Calendars for 2018. The winning Calendars are shown above. Click on the left image for a pdf that you can print or save.

Year 8 girls starting on their training to be “doctors” as they perform dissections and discover what is in the body.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

Year 8 working hard in mastering Geometry.

Year 7 Girls making a density tower.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Middle School

Year 8 students observing onion cells through a microscope.

Our first Secondary School Chess team to compete in the NSW Chess League Competition have been training hard.

Year 9 girls enjoyed playing soccer this week and are excited about the upcoming soccer World Cup.

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

All cohorts have a designated Welfare Teacher to assist them with wellbeing and academic affairs.

Year 10 Girls making a paper model of DNA

As we approach Ramadan, students are encouraged to bring an Islamic Book and a Quran to read during Roll Call.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior School

Message from Senior School

Assalamu AlaikumAs we start Term 2, students and teachers alike are busy with assessments and Year 12 will no doubt be reflecting on their Half Yearly results. In the Senior School, students need to be well prepared for assessments through regular revision, attending all classes and preparing drafts for their teachers to review prior to final submission of assignments. It is important to submit all work on time to avoid penalty and students must ensure that they comply with

the school assessment policy. With Half Yearly exams completed it is important to not fall into complacency and continue good study habits into the next semester. Students are discouraged to pack all their study into marathon sessions the night prior to an exam; this yields little in terms of results but does contribute toward anxiety, exhaustion and poor exam technique.

Mr Merheb and I recently returned from Umrah with a number of secondary students. It was an incredible experience which we envisage will make us stronger in our faith and better individuals.

Recently students led a drive to provide sleeping bags to the homeless and in coming days will be preparing Ramadan Iftar hampers for the needy.

I wish you all the very best for Ramadan and pray it is a blessed month for all. Ramadan Kareem!Mr. Osman Karolia Head of Senior School

Weeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

Selected year 11 English Advanced students were invited to attend the Sydney Writers’ Festival where students listened to various writers share their experiences and ideas of how to use their ‘Power’ as a writer.

Year 11 Business Studies students were put to work learning about the features of different management styles in groups.

Year 11 Visual Arts students showcased their amazing talent in ‘Still Life’ drawing, painting and photography.

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018

ENTER NOW - PLACES ARE LIMITEDDivision 1: Years 5 & 6 Division 2: Years 7 & 8 Division 3: Years 9 & 10

To enter visit www.unitygrammar.com.au/qurancompetitionCut off date for entries: Friday 25 May 2018

Unity Grammar presents its inaugural

QURAN COMPETITIONSaturday 2 June 2018 | 10:30am - 3pm

Unity Grammar Scholarships (Male & Female) on offer for all divisions

Visit Us:70 Fourth Ave, Austral NSW 2179

Visit Us on the Web:www.unitygrammar.com.au

Call Us:1800 4 UNITY

Fortnightly

Newsletter Weeks 8 - 9 Term 1 2018 Senior SchoolWeeks 1 - 2 Term 2 2018