20 September 2024

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we near the end of another exciting term at Amity College, I want to take a moment to recognize the dedication and creativity of our teachers. Their efforts to create enriching and hands-on learning experiences for our students have truly made this term unforgettable.

From zoo incursions that brought students face-to-face with fascinating wildlife, to imaginative Book Week celebrations where characters leapt off the pages and into our classrooms, the term has been filled with both educational and joyful moments. These experiences have not only sparked curiosity about the natural world but have also deepened students’ love for reading and storytelling.

Creative projects, like designing and building toys, coding lessons, and exploring Australian art through dot painting, have allowed students to engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation. Teachers have fostered an environment where students can apply their learning in authentic, hands-on ways, making their education more meaningful and memorable.

In addition, collaborative initiatives like buddy reading and group projects have strengthened relationships among students, with older students taking pride in mentoring younger ones, and everyone working together to achieve shared goals.

We’ve also celebrated cultural and religious activities, from Turkish Language Week to meaningful Religion and Values projects. These experiences have helped our students develop a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and spiritual growth, supported by the passion of our teachers.

This term has been a true testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our teaching staff. Their commitment to nurturing not only the academic but also the social and emotional development of our students is the foundation of our school’s success.

To our teachers: Thank you for your unwavering passion and for making this term so impactful. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to many more exciting and enriching learning adventures in the future.

Alpaslan Cem Sancili
Campus Principal

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Benefits of Engaging Your Child in a Conversation at Home

As parents, you play a vital role in shaping your child’s development. One of the simplest yet most powerful tools at your disposal is regular conversation. Talking with your child at home has numerous benefits that go beyond just strengthening your bond. Here’s why engaging your child in meaningful conversation can make a big difference:

1. Boosts Language Skills
   Every conversation helps your child expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to express ideas clearly. Whether it’s discussing their day or asking open-ended questions, these interactions build strong communication skills that benefit them in school and beyond.
   
2. Encourages Critical Thinking
   When you engage your child in discussions, especially about topics that require them to explain their thoughts, it helps develop critical thinking. Asking “Why do you think that happened?” or “What would you do in that situation?” encourages them to reflect, reason, and consider different perspectives.
3. Strengthens Emotional Intelligence
   Talking about feelings helps children understand and manage their emotions better. By discussing their experiences, they learn how to name their emotions, identify how others feel, and develop empathy. This emotional awareness is key to building positive relationships with peers and adults alike.
4. Builds Confidence
   When children are encouraged to express their opinions and ideas in a supportive environment, it boosts their self-esteem. Knowing their voice is valued helps them feel confident in sharing their thoughts, not only at home but also in the classroom.
5. Supports Academic Success
   Conversations at home can enhance your child's learning. Whether you’re talking about a story they read, a topic they’re studying in school, or simply exploring new ideas together, these discussions can deepen their understanding and foster a love for learning.
6. Creates a Stronger Bond
   Spending time talking with your child strengthens your relationship. It shows them that you care about their thoughts, experiences, and feelings. Regular conversations can create a trusting and open communication channel that lasts into the teenage years and beyond.

How to Get Started

Ask open-ended questions: Instead of “Did you have a good day?” try “What was the best part of your day?”
Be curious: Show genuine interest in what they have to say.
Listen actively: Give them your full attention and avoid interrupting.
Encourage storytelling: Ask them to describe something they experienced in detail.

By making conversation a regular part of your family’s routine, you’re giving your child the opportunity to develop crucial life skills in a fun, informal way. So, take the time to talk—it’s one of the best ways to support their growth and learning.

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Learning Support

Why It’s Vital for Parents to Get Their Child’s Hearing and Vision Tested

As your child grows, their ability to see and hear the world around them plays a crucial role in their learning and development. Regular vision and hearing checks are essential, not just for their health, but also for their academic success and overall well-being. Here’s why it’s important to prioritise these tests:

1. Early Detection Prevents Long-Term Issues
   Many hearing and vision problems can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular testing can detect issues early before they significantly impact your child’s ability to learn and interact. Early intervention means that problems like near-sightedness or hearing loss can be addressed before they affect your child’s progress in school.
2. Vision and Hearing Are Key to Learning
   Children rely heavily on their sight and hearing to absorb information, whether it’s reading from a board, listening to instructions, or participating in group discussions. Even mild vision or hearing difficulties can cause them to miss important details, which can lead to frustration, misbehaviour, or falling behind in their studies.
3. Impact on Social Skills and Confidence
   Clear sight and sound are not only vital for academic success but also for social development. Children with uncorrected vision or hearing problems may struggle to engage fully in conversations or group activities, which can affect their confidence and ability to form friendships. Addressing these issues early helps ensure they can interact confidently with their peers.
4. Behavioural and Attention Problems May Be Linked to Vision or Hearing Issues
   Sometimes, children with untreated vision or hearing problems may appear distracted, unmotivated, or even disruptive. What may look like behavioural issues can actually be signs that your child is struggling to see or hear clearly. Getting their hearing and sight tested can help rule out these possibilities and ensure they’re not facing unnecessary challenges.
5. Learning to Cope with Corrective Measures
   If your child does need glasses, hearing aids, or other corrective measures, the earlier they start using them, the easier it is for them to adapt. Introducing these solutions at a young age can help your child feel comfortable and confident and prevent them from associating correction with any negative stigma.

When Should You Have Your Child Tested?

It’s recommended to have your child’s hearing and sight checked:

Vision: Before starting school and regularly every two years, or sooner if you notice any signs of difficulty (squinting, sitting too close to screens, rubbing eyes).

Hearing: If your child has never had a full hearing test, it’s worth scheduling one, especially if they struggle to follow conversations, ask for things to be repeated often, or show signs of inattentiveness.

By making sure your child’s hearing and vision are regularly tested, you’re setting them up for success, both academically and socially. Detecting and addressing issues early can prevent unnecessary challenges and help your child thrive in every area of their life.

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

KA's Exciting Science Project: Designing Push & Pull Toys!

The students in KA have been busy with an exciting science project-designing and building their very own push and pull toys! This hands-on activity allowed them to explore the concepts of force and motion while engaging in creative problem-solving.

Throughout the project, students brainstormed ideas, sketched designs, and used various materials to bring their toys to life. They tackled challenges with enthusiasm, working together to find solutions and improve their designs. From figuring out how to make their toys move smoothly to adding personal touches, the students showed incredible perseverance and teamwork.

Not only did the students learn about the mechanics of push and pull, but they also discovered the joy of turning their ideas into real, functioning toys. This project was a fantastic way for them to apply their science knowledge in a fun and meaningful way, and it was clear that they learned so much from this experience. 

Great job, KA!

KB’s Busy Term of Learning and Fun!

This term, KB has been buzzing with excitement and creativity! Each week, we’ve dived into our Scope It coding lessons, where students have been learning the basics of coding and problem-solving through engaging activities.

In art, we’ve been exploring the beauty of Australian landmarks, with a special focus on dot painting. Our budding artists have been immersing themselves in this traditional technique, creating stunning pieces that celebrate our country’s rich cultural heritage.

To top it all off, we had an exciting incursion from Taronga Zoo, where we got to meet and learn about some incredible animals up close. It’s been an action-packed term, and we can’t wait for more adventures ahead!

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Adventurous Experiences in 1A!

Class 1A has been buzzing with excitement this month, taking part in two unforgettable experiences that combined education with fun.

The highlight of their month was the thrilling Zoo Incursion, where the students had the opportunity to get up close with a range of exotic animals. From majestic reptiles to vibrant birds, the incursion brought a touch of the wild into the classroom. Students eagerly learned about the habitats, diets, and unique characteristics of these fascinating creatures, sparking their curiosity about the natural world.

In addition to their animal adventures, 1A celebrated Book Week with enthusiasm. Dressed as their favourite book characters, the students turned their classroom into a vibrant literary landscape. Whether channelling beloved heroes or whimsical creatures, their creative costumes reflected their passion for reading and storytelling.

These activities not only enriched 1A's learning experience but also fostered a sense of wonder and imagination among the students. It’s been a memorable month for them, filled with discovery and creativity.

Epic Explorations in 2A!

As we approach the end of Term 3, we are excited to share some of the wonderful adventures and learning experiences Year 2 students have had! This term, our students have become fantastic role models through their participation in buddy reading with kindergarten. It has been heartwarming to see them building fluency and confidence while fostering a love of reading in our younger students.

One of the highlights of this term was the zoo incursion. The students had an incredible opportunity to meet a variety of Australian animals and learn about the importance of protecting these unique creatures. It was an unforgettable hands-on experience that sparked their curiosity and deepened their understanding of wildlife conservation.

In the classroom, Year 2 have been working hard on mastering digraphs and trigraphs. Their progress has been remarkable, and we are so proud of how far they have come. The enthusiasm and dedication they have shown in their learning are truly commendable.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this term. We look forward to sharing more exciting adventures with you next term!

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The Endless Adventures of 3A!

The second half of term 3 has been a wild ride for 3A. From zoo encounters to worm friends, invigorating Maths lessons and stimulating Science investigations, 3A have surpassed themselves in their learning.

We have been doing a lot of hands-on student-centered learning, focusing on ensuring that our learning takes place in authentic contexts. In Science, we have been learning about weathering and erosion. To support our learning, students modeled erosion and weathering by creating a real-life model of this process.

Similarly in Mathematics, we have been exploring concepts such as Area, 3D objects and chance through different interactive lessons that have given us the perspective of how Mathematicians utilize various skill sets in everyday life. We even had the opportunity to learn from our very special Maths whizz Ms Abdioglu, who did a fabulous lesson on Area that we have not been able to stop talking about. We could not be more excited for our final term and all the fun, unique and exhilarating learning that will take place. 

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News from RV and Language Classes

We are delighted to share some wonderful updates from our Religion and Values class. This term has been filled with meaningful learning and enthusiastic participation from our students, and we are excited to highlight their progress and achievements.

Surahs and Duas Practice

Throughout the term, our students have been diligently practicing their surahs and duas. Their dedication and hard work have been truly commendable, and we are pleased to see their growing confidence and understanding. We deeply appreciate the support and encouragement from parents at home, which has played a crucial role in their progress. Your involvement has made a significant difference, and we thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing their spiritual growth.

Year 1 Project: Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Our Year 1 students have shown remarkable enthusiasm and dedication in their project about the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). From preparation to presentation, their excitement and commitment were evident. The projects were filled with creativity and heartfelt expressions of their understanding of the Prophet's life and teachings. We were genuinely impressed by their efforts and the support they received from their families.

Year 3 Class Project

Our Year 3 students are currently working on an exciting class project, and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing their final product. They have been engaged in researching and creating their project with great enthusiasm. The process has been a valuable learning experience, and we are confident that the end result will be both impressive and insightful. 

Thank you once again to all our parents for your invaluable support and involvement. It has been a pleasure to witness our students' growth and achievements in Religion and Values this term. We look forward to more enriching experiences and learning opportunities in coming terms.

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Celebrating Turkish Language Week!

We are thrilled to share the exciting events and activities that took place during our vibrant Turkish Language Week at school. This special week was dedicated to exploring and celebrating Turkish culture and language, and our students had an amazing time participating in a variety of enriching experiences.

Cultural Costumes and Instant Photos

One of the highlights of the week was the opportunity for students to wear traditional Turkish cultural costumes. The joy on their faces as they dressed up was truly heartwarming! To capture these wonderful moments, instant photos were taken of each student in their cultural attire. Each child received their photo to take home, serving as a cherished memento of their participation in Turkish Language Week.

Customized Badges by Ms. Yavuz

To make the week even more memorable, Ms. Yavuz created customized badges for each student. These unique badges featured designs that celebrated Turkish culture and language, and students proudly wore them throughout the day. At the end of the week, each student received their badge as a special keepsake to remember their experiences.

Turkish Marbling Art (EBRU) Incursion

A truly captivating part of our Turkish Language Week was the Turkish Marbling Art (EBRU) incursion. EBRU is a traditional and unique art technique where designs are created on water and then transferred to paper. Our students had the chance to learn about this fascinating art form from the talented instructor, Ms. Sema Ertan. Ms. Ertan guided the students through the intricate process of EBRU, and every child had the opportunity to create their own marbling art masterpiece. The results were stunning, and the experience was both educational and inspiring.

We hope that the students enjoyed these activities as much as we enjoyed organizing them. Turkish Language Week was a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in Turkish culture and language, and we are grateful to all the teachers and staff who made this week so special.

Thank you for your support in making Turkish Language Week a memorable experience for our students!

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Father’s Day Stall Success: Celebrating the Importance of Dads in Our Children's Lives

On 29 August, we hosted a Father’s Day Stall, giving students the opportunity to buy thoughtful gifts for the special dads, grandfathers, and father figures in their lives. It was wonderful to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they chose gifts to show their love and appreciation.

Fathers play an irreplaceable role in their children’s lives. Whether through a reassuring word, a shared activity, or simply by being there, dads provide guidance, support, and love that shape their children’s growth. Celebrating Father’s Day is a reminder of how important these connections are, and how much children treasure the moments they share with their fathers and father figures.

We are also thrilled to announce that through the stall, we raised $395! This amount will be donated to a local charity organisation, continuing the spirit of giving by helping families in need. Thank you to all who supported this initiative and helped make it a success.

A Magical Book Week Celebration!

Book Week 2024 was an outstanding success at Amity College Leppington. The week was filled with exciting activities that ignited a love of reading across the school. 

One of the highlights was our Book Character Parade, where students and staff dressed up as their favourite book characters. The creativity and effort put into the costumes were astounding, and the parade brought so much joy to everyone involved!

Another standout moment was the visit from the bestselling author Ashleigh Barton. Her engaging talks and storytelling sessions left students inspired and eager to dive deeper into the world of writing. She shared valuable insights about her creative journey, answered questions, and motivated budding writers to explore their own imaginations.

A big thank you to our students, parents, and staff for making this week such a success! The energy and creativity displayed throughout Book Week will surely carry forward as we continue to foster a love for reading. We look forward to more literary adventures!

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Taronga Zoo Incursion: Wildlife Comes to Our Classrooms!

In week six, Amity College Leppington had the immense privilege of hosting some of Taronga Zoo’s special creatures. This was such a fantastic learning experience as all stages from early stage one to stage two had the opportunity to engage in and have an up close and personal encounter with a few of Australia’s special native animals.

Through several curriculum related sessions, our students learned so much about these creatures, their life cycles and how they interact with their environment. We got to see stick insects, tree frogs, a blue tongue lizard, a possum and our all-time favourite, the spotted python. This incursion might have been our all-time favourite of the year, and we learnt so much in the process!

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Learning Support Assistant Appreciation Week

Last week was National Learning Support Recognition Week, a time dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of our Learning Support Assistants (LSAs). Their role in supporting our students is equally as important as that of any other staff member.

To show our appreciation and make them feel truly valued, we took this opportunity to present them with a small gift as a token of gratitude from our school community

Important Dates