Amity College Leppington eNewsletter

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This term at our school has been nothing short of incredible, filled with fun activities, new experiences, and significant milestones.

Our Science Week was a major highlight, transforming our school into a hub of enthusiastic "mad scientists" eager to explore the wonders of science. From fascinating experiments like walking water and elephant’s toothpaste to starting our own compost initiative, students dove deep into hands-on learning, making this year's Science Week a resounding success.

Term Three also marked 100 days of school for our kindergarteners, a milestone celebrated with enthusiasm and creative activities. The excitement did not stop there—our kindergarten students had an adventurous start to the term with a memorable excursion to Calmsley Hill Farm, where they enjoyed hands-on learning outside the classroom.

This term has been a whirlwind of learning and growth, with students embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm. With so much already achieved, we cannot wait to see what the rest of the term brings!

We are also excited to share that we are in the process of enrolling new students and recruiting passionate new teachers for the upcoming year. These fresh faces will bring even more joy and energy to our school, ensuring that our community continues to thrive and inspire.

Enjoy reading our latest newsletter.

Till next time.

Alpaslan Cem Sancili
Campus Principal

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

How to Choose the Right Book to Read with Your Child

Reading with your child is one of the most valuable activities you can share. Not only does it strengthen your bond, but it also fosters a love for reading, boosts language skills, and ignites their imagination. However, with so many books available, choosing the right one can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect book to read with your child.

Consider Your Child’s Age and Reading Level
Books should be appropriate for your child’s age and reading ability. For younger children, look for books with simple language, repetitive phrases, and engaging illustrations. As your child grows, gradually introduce more complex stories with richer vocabulary and deeper themes. Always aim for a book that challenges your child just enough to keep them interested but not frustrated.
Match Their Interests
Pay attention to what excites your child. Are they fascinated by animals, outer space, or fairy tales? Choosing books that align with their interests makes reading more enjoyable and helps develop a lifelong passion for learning. If your child is reluctant to read, finding a book that matches their hobbies or current obsessions can spark their curiosity.
Look for Diverse Characters and Stories
Representation matters. Choose books that feature diverse characters, cultures, and experiences. This not only promotes empathy and understanding but also ensures that your child sees themselves reflected in the stories they read. Diversity in books can introduce children to new perspectives and help them understand the world better.
Choose Books with Positive Messages
Books have the power to shape your child’s values and beliefs. Look for stories with positive messages about kindness, friendship, perseverance, and other important life lessons. Books that tackle challenging topics like bullying or loss can also be helpful, providing a safe space for discussion and understanding.
Involve Your Child in the Selection Process
Let your child have a say in what they want to read. Take them to the library or bookstore and allow them to choose a few books that catch their eye. This not only gives them a sense of independence but also increases their enthusiasm for reading.
Revisit Old Favorites
Don’t be afraid to reread beloved books. Children often enjoy the familiarity of a favourite story, and repeated reading can enhance comprehension and language skills. Plus, each reading can bring new discoveries as your child’s understanding grows.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right book to read with your child can be a joyful experience. Remember, the goal is to create positive reading experiences that will inspire a lifelong love of books. Happy reading!

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Learning Support

HELPING YOUR CHILD WITH READING COMPREHENSION

WHAT IS READING COMPREHENSION?

Reading comprehension is our ability to understand what we read. This skill is very important as students must be able to understand what they read to succeed in school and life beyond school.

To help your child develop their reading comprehension skills, we encourage you to use the following strategies at home. For each strategy, a description is supplied which explains the strategy’s purpose, as well as a list of questions you can ask your child as they read.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Learners make personal connections with the text. These connections can involve:

something in their own life,
another text such as a book or movie,
something occurring in the world.

Example questions to use when reading with your child:

Does this remind you of something?
Has something like this ever happened to you?
Is this story similar to another text you have read?

PREDICTING

Learners use information from pictures, text and experiences to anticipate what will be read.

Looking at the cover, what do you expect this text to be about?
What do you think will happen next?
What words / images do you expect to see or hear next in the text?

QUESTIONING

Learners ask and answer questions that help them to clarify meaning and develop a deep understanding of the text. Questions can be created by the learner, a peer or an adult.

Why did the character do something?
How did it make them feel?
What is the author’s intended purpose when writing this text? To inform, to entertain or to persuade?

MONITORING

Learners stop and think about the text and know what to do when they do not understand what they read.

Is this making sense?
Do I need to re-read?
Does it now make sense?

VISUALISING

Learners create a mental picture when reading or listening to a text. This brings the text to life, engages the imagination and uses all the senses.

Can you describe a picture or image you made in your head when you read the text?

SUMMARISING

Learners identify and accumulate the most important ideas and restate them in their own words.

Can you retell the story? Who were the main characters, setting and sequence of events?
What did you learn from this informative text?
If you were to tell another person about the text, how would you describe it in a few sentences?

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Approach at Amity

Amity College is committed to the Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS) approach. This week, our PBIS committee participated in specialised training to enhance our implementation of this framework.

What Is PBIS?

PBIS is a proven framework that integrates data, systems, and practices to improve student outcomes on a daily basis. It is widely used in schools to foster positive behaviour and build a supportive educational environment.

Core Components of PBIS:

Tiered Support System

Tier 1: Universal Prevention: School-wide strategies are implemented to encourage positive behaviour and prevent issues. This includes setting clear behavioural expectations, teaching them to students, and reinforcing good behaviour.

Tier 2: Targeted Prevention: For students needing extra support, targeted interventions such as small group activities or specific skill-building are provided.

Tier 3: Intensive, Individualised Prevention: For students with ongoing or severe behavioural challenges, personalised interventions are created, often involving collaboration with educators, families, and mental health professionals.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Schools collect and analyse behavioural data to track progress and the effectiveness of interventions. This helps in identifying students who need additional support and refining strategies accordingly.

Consistent Implementation: PBIS relies on consistent practice across the entire school. This includes training staff, ongoing monitoring, and regular support to ensure effectiveness.

Positive Reinforcement: PBIS focuses on recognising and rewarding positive behaviour instead of just punishing negative actions. Rewards can range from verbal praise to tokens or other incentives.

Benefits of PBIS:

Reduces behavioural issues,
Enhances academic performance,
Improves school climate,
Fosters positive relationships between students and staff,
Lowers suspension and expulsion rates.

In summary, PBIS helps create a positive, safe, and productive learning environment where students can excel both behaviourally and academically.

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Term 3 Class Captains and Vice-Captains

Congratulations to the following students who have been chosen as the new class captains and vice-captains for Term 3. We hope you continue to display exemplary behaviour and enjoy the responsibilities of your role.

CLASS	CAPTAIN-TERM 3	VICE CAPTAIN-TERM 3
KA	Liya Serougi	Bilal Ahmed
KB	Samira Saddik	Alana Karim
1A	Jibryl Abas	Zara Lockwood
2A	Maryam Zahra	Yusuf Al Kanan
3A	Yusuf Hamid	Ayla Toor

A Busy and Exciting Term for KA!

What a fantastic term it has been so far for KA! Our students have been busy, engaged, and learning in so many wonderful ways. From celebrating a major milestone to exploring the world beyond the classroom and diving into technology, there has been no shortage of excitement.

We kicked off the term with a special celebration—100 Days of Kindergarten! This milestone was a wonderful opportunity for our students to reflect on all they have learned and accomplished so far. The day was filled with fun activities, from counting to 100 in various creative ways to sharing stories about their favourite moments of the year.

Our term also included an exciting excursion to Calmsley Hill Farm, where the children had the chance to explore and learn outside the classroom. The excursion was not just a change of scenery but a fantastic learning experience, filled with hands-on activities and new discoveries.

In addition to these special events, our students have also been participating in the Scope IT program, where they have been learning how to use a computer mouse confidently. This introduction to technology has been both fun and educational, with the children engaging in games and activities that help build their mouse-controlling skills. It’s been amazing to watch their confidence grow as they navigate through different challenges on the screen.

This term has been packed with learning, exploration, and fun, with many more exciting activities to come!

Welcome to Term 3, everyone! We are thrilled to kick off this busy and exciting term with a bang. We’ve just celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten, had a fantastic Science Week, and went on our first excursion.

As we dive into the term, we’re also excited to congratulate our new Captain, Samira Saddik, and Vice-Captain, Alana Karim , for Term 3.

This term promises to be full of new opportunities for growth and discovery, with exciting projects and events lined up. Let’s embrace every challenge and make the most of the learning experiences ahead. Here’s to a term full of fun, learning, and memorable moments!

We kicked off the term with some exciting events! We celebrated 100 days of school with great enthusiasm, marking this milestone with fun activities.

Science Week was a highlight, as students dove into a variety of engaging experiments, sparking curiosity and excitement about science.

In addition to these events, we have some delightful news: Class 1A has a new member, Snowflake the betta fish! Snowflake has quickly become a favourite in the classroom, bringing a splash of colour and cheer to our learning environment. We look forward to more fun and learning in the coming weeks!

We are thrilled to share some of the wonderful experiences Year 2 students have enjoyed during the first half of Term 3 at Amity College. Our young learners have been enthusiastically diving into new challenges and creating lasting memories along the way.

In IT, the students have been honing their coding skills. They have taken their first steps into the world of programming, learning how to sequence commands and solve problems creatively. It’s been amazing to watch their confidence grow as they master these foundational skills.

In Science, group work has been the focus, with students exploring push and pull concepts. They have engaged in hands-on projects that reinforce their understanding of these forces and encourage collaboration and teamwork. The excitement in the classroom is palpable as they discover the principles of motion together.

Beyond academics, Year 2 is all about building friendships and enjoying the journey. Whether it’s through play, shared projects, or class discussions, the bonds they’re forming are just as important as the lessons they’re learning.

We look forward to seeing what the rest of the term holds for our curious and kind Year 2 students!

Term Three in 3A has been off to a fantabulous start with tonnes of learning and fun taking place. We rocketed into this term with so many fun initiatives such as developing ideas on how to make our school a more environmentally friendly place. Students developed many creative and inventive ideas that are now being turned into persuasive texts as this is our English focus for the term.

In addition to this, we have been doing some wonderful work in learning all about maps, and how they are a crucial part of our daily lives. Students utilised their mathematical skills to develop their own maps which we integrated into our learning in Scope IT through creating codes that provide instructions for objects to travel from one place to another. We have been doing some amazing things in the classroom and cannot wait to keep showcasing our learning with you all.

This month, our Language and Religion and Values (RV) classes have been buzzing with excitement and discovery! Our students embarked on a fascinating journey through history and modern science, exploring the incredible contributions of Muslim scientists and their impact on the world.

Discovering the Past and Present of Muslim Science

In our RV classes, students delved into the rich history of Muslim scientists who have shaped the world with their ground-breaking inventions. From the astrolabe to revolutionary advancements in mathematics and medicine, our young learners were amazed by the achievements of these brilliant minds.

But the exploration did not stop there! We also introduced students to the remarkable achievements of contemporary Muslim scientists. One highlight was learning about Burcin Pakdil, a brilliant astrophysicist who discovered a galaxy now named the Burcin Galaxy. Her discovery sparked curiosity and excitement among the students, inspiring them with the idea that science is a field where anyone can make a significant impact.

Engaging Language Learning Activities

Our Turkish language classes have been brimming with energy and creativity. Students have enjoyed interactive games and engaging projects that make learning Turkish both fun and effective. These activities have not only enhanced their language skills but also fostered a love for learning.

Connecting with Faith Through Technology

In our RV classes, we have integrated technology to make learning about the Quran more interactive. Students are using Quran applications on their iPads to practice their surahs, which has made memorization and recitation more enjoyable. It’s been heart-warming to see how these tools have helped students connect with their faith and deepen their understanding.

A Joy to Watch Their Growth

As their teacher, I am thrilled to witness their enthusiasm and growth. Whether it’s uncovering the mysteries of the universe or mastering a new language, my students approach every lesson with curiosity and dedication. Their eagerness to learn and explore is truly inspiring.

Our Leppington campus recently reached a big milestone—100 days of school! To celebrate this special day, the children participated in a series of fun and creative activities centred around the number 100, making it a day to remember.

One of the highlights was the creation of unique photo frames. The students had a blast imagining themselves 100 years old, dressing up as "old people" and capturing the moment in playful photos. These photos were then placed in custom-made frames, each decorated with the number 100, creating a keepsake that families will cherish for years to come.

The day continued with an exciting scavenger hunt. The challenge? To find 100 ducks hidden throughout the school! The children eagerly searched high and low, counting each duck they discovered. Their teamwork and enthusiasm were on full display as they raced to find all 100 ducks, making the hunt a thrilling adventure.

The students also tried their hands at making the world’s longest drawing. Armed with markers, crayons, and endless creativity, they worked together to create a massive artwork that seemed to go on forever. The result was a colourful masterpiece that stretched across the room, showcasing the children's artistic talents and their ability to collaborate on a grand scale.

The 100th day of school was not just a celebration of time passing but a day filled with laughter, creativity, and learning. The students had a fantastic time, and it was wonderful to see them so engaged and excited. We are proud of all they’ve accomplished in these first 100 days and look forward to many more days of learning and fun ahead!

Amity College Leppington’s first science week was a huge success. We arrived to see a school full of the funkiest mad scientists, all so eager to learn all about science. The costumes were fabulous! The day was full of lots of new learning, with different teachers showcasing different experiments such as walking water, elephant’s toothpaste, oobleck and tornado in a jar. With Miss Adilah we also began our school’s very own compost initiative. This will ensure that all our fruit and vegetable scraps from our daily fruit breaks do not go to waste and are now utilised to help the gardens around our school flourish. Overall, this year’s science week was a massive success, and we are so keen to see what next year’s science week brings.

26 August & 2 September 2024	Sporting Australia
29 August 2024	Father`s Day Stall
2-6 September 2024	Languages Week
6 September 2024	Zoo Incursion
24-25 September 2024	Parent-Teacher Interviews
27 September 2024	Final Day of Term 3

27 August 2024