8 November 2024

Principal’s Message

Term 4 has been an exciting and enriching time for our primary students, packed with hands-on learning, heartwarming celebrations, and opportunities to give back to the community. Across all year levels, students explored a variety of subjects in fun and creative ways. In science, they engaged in fascinating experiments, from making ice cream in a bag to exploring the concept of force, sparking curiosity and a love for discovery. Math lessons were equally engaging, with activities involving fractions, shapes, and measurements, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.

Beyond academics, our students embraced important values such as kindness, cooperation, and compassion. A standout experience was the visit to Kids Giving Back, where students worked together to prepare meals for those in need, learning the importance of community service. Grandparents Day was another highlight, as students shared songs, stories, and handmade gifts with their beloved grandparents, creating lasting memories and celebrating the importance of family.

Throughout the term, our students also had the chance to focus on health and wellbeing, with the visit from Healthy Harold teaching them about nutrition, hygiene, and staying active in a fun, interactive way. These diverse experiences not only enhanced their learning but also fostered a strong sense of community and personal growth.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the teachers and support staff who worked tirelessly to make these events and activities possible. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to our students' success are truly appreciated. Term 4 has been a wonderful blend of learning, laughter, and growth, thanks to their efforts!

Alpaslan Cem Sancili
Campus Principal

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Understanding Assessment and A-E Grading in NSW Schools

Assessment is an essential part of learning, helping teachers understand how well students grasp the concepts and skills covered in class. In NSW primary schools, assessments come in various forms, from classroom tasks to projects and quizzes. Each assessment provides a snapshot of where a child is on their learning journey, allowing teachers to tailor their support and teaching methods to meet each student's needs.

What is Assessment?

Assessment in NSW schools involve gathering evidence of students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding. Teachers use both formal and informal assessments to measure how well students are achieving curriculum outcomes. These assessments give valuable insights into each child’s strengths and areas where they may need extra help, helping to guide personalised learning goals.

Assessments are not only about scores or grades; they are a tool for growth, building students’ self-awareness of their learning and encouraging them to set goals for improvement.

Understanding the A-E Grading Scale

In NSW, the A-E grading scale provides a standardised way to report students’ performance in relation to the curriculum standards. Here’s a breakdown of what each grade represents:

A (Outstanding Achievement): The student has an excellent understanding and can apply their skills and knowledge well beyond the expected standard for their year level. They often complete advanced tasks and think critically and creatively.

B (High Achievement): The student demonstrates a high level of understanding, often working at a level above the standard expected for their year level. They are skilled and show independence in completing complex tasks.

C (Sound Achievement): The student meets the expected standard for their year level. This grade indicates that they understand the material taught and are progressing well within the curriculum.

D (Basic Achievement): The student is developing in their understanding and may need additional support to fully meet the year-level expectations. They may need more practice or guidance in some areas.

E (Limited Achievement): The student has a limited understanding of the material and may benefit from significant support to develop core skills and knowledge.

It’s essential to note that a “C” SOUND grade indicates a solid understanding of the expected standard, which is a positive outcome. Grades of “D” and “E” highlight areas where additional support may be needed to help the child reach the expected standard.

How to Support Your Child Based on Their Grades

Focus on Effort and Progress: Celebrate the effort your child has put into their learning, regardless of the letter grade. Growth is often a gradual process, and recognising effort encourages a positive attitude toward learning.

Set Achievable Goals Together: If your child wants to improve, work with them to set specific learning goals rather than focusing solely on the grade. This might involve extra practice on particular skills, working with their teacher for support, or exploring new ways to approach challenging topics.

Communicate with Teachers: Teachers are here to support you in understanding your child’s progress and in setting realistic goals. Feel free to reach out for more information on your child’s assessment or for ideas on how to support their learning at home.

Remember, grades are just one aspect of your child’s learning. They offer insights into where your child currently stands within the curriculum, but they don’t capture their full potential, interests, or unique strengths.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education. Together, we can create an enriching learning experience for every student!

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Learning Support

Disconnecting for Better Learning: Helping Your Child Take Breaks from Technology

In today’s world, technology has become a constant presence in our children’s lives, from tablets and phones to computers and gaming consoles. While digital tools are great for learning and play, research shows that regular breaks from screens are essential to support children’s growth, learning, and well-being.

The Value of Disconnecting

Taking time away from technology helps children develop focus, critical thinking, and creativity. When children step away from screens, they have the chance to explore their own ideas, build social skills, and engage in hands-on activities that enrich their learning in ways that screens simply can’t.

Simple Tips for Reducing Screen Time

Here are a few ways to encourage breaks from technology at home:

Create a Routine with Tech-Free Time: Set specific times for screen-free activities, like reading, outdoor play, or family time. Consistency will make this new habit easier to maintain.

Introduce New Hobbies: Encourage children to explore new interests like drawing, puzzles, reading, or gardening. These activities spark creativity and give children a sense of accomplishment.

Prioritise Face-to-Face Interaction: Set aside time each day for meaningful conversations with your child, which helps them learn communication skills and strengthens your connection with them.

Encourage Outdoor Play: Time outdoors has many benefits—fresh air, physical activity, and sensory experiences are great for children’s physical and mental health. Consider going for a family walk, playing in the yard, or visiting a park.

Set a Positive Example: Children often model what they see. Show them you also value tech-free time by setting down your phone or computer and engaging in screen-free activities.

Supporting Learning with Screen Breaks

Screen breaks aren’t just good for social and physical health; they also improve concentration, problem-solving, and academic performance. These benefits build a foundation that supports success at school and beyond.

Let’s work together to create balance. By setting boundaries with technology, we can help our children develop healthy habits and create room for deeper, richer learning experiences.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our students thrive!

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Term 4 Class Captains and Vice-Captains

Final Term in KA!

Welcome back to our final term of kindergarten! This month, KA has been embracing math through exciting, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and build important skills! With a focus on numbers and shapes, the children have been having a wonderful time learning through play. One of our favourite activities has been a math scavenger hunt! Each child was given a set of numbers and was challenged to find a matching number of objects around the classroom. Students had so much fun moving around to match the numbers to the collections around the room.

Another exciting activity has been using toothpicks to create 2D shapes. With toothpicks as their building tools, children are guided to make simple shapes like triangles, squares, and rectangles, learning to recognize and name each one. These activities are helping our learners build a strong foundation in math while having a great time!

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Term 4 at KB!

Welcome to Term 4! We are excited to dive into a term filled with new learning adventures. This term, students are exploring different materials and discovering what things are made of. KB has also been learning about 2D shapes and their features through hands-on activities, making learning both interactive and fun.

In sports, we are fortunate to have a special visitor from Sport Australia, who will be teaching our students new skills and games. We also had the privilege of welcoming our amazing grandparents into our classes, as well as a visit from Healthy Harold, where students learned all about their bodies and how to take care of them. It’s going to be a fantastic term of growth and fun!

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An Exciting Term for 1A!

Class 1A had a memorable Term 4 so far, marked by a visit from Healthy Harold and a joyful Grandparents Day celebration. Healthy Harold, the Life Education mascot, taught students about nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of staying active through fun activities and interactive discussions. The kids were captivated by Harold’s friendly, engaging approach, and they eagerly absorbed his lessons on making healthy choices.

The class has also welcomed grandparents for a special celebration, where students performed songs, shared stories, and presented handmade gifts. It was a heartwarming morning filled with laughter, hugs, and smiles, as grandparents enjoyed the chance to connect with their young, loved ones in the classroom setting.

These events highlighted the importance of family and community while encouraging 1A students to embrace healthy, happy lifestyles.

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Year 2’s First Half of Term 4 Highlights at Amity College!

This term has been an exciting journey for Year 2 at Amity College! In science, students have been diving into the world of materials and natural resources, discovering how these elements impact our daily lives. A particular highlight was a hands-on project where the students made their own ice cream in a bag! This fun experiment taught them about states of matter while giving them a delicious reward at the end. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they shook, mixed, and enjoyed the fruits of their learning.

Beyond academics, our Year 2 students have also been focusing on building friendships and creating lasting memories. Through collaborative activities, they’re learning the importance of teamwork, kindness, and cooperation. It’s been a joy to watch these young learners support one another and grow together, building a classroom environment filled with positivity and excitement.

We look forward to sharing more of their achievements and adventures as we continue through the term!

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Term 4: Already off to a Fabulous Start with 3A!

Term 4 has been nothing short of amazing in our Year 3 classroom! We kicked off the term with some fabulous experiments exploring the concept of force. Students engaged with hands-on activities that sparked their curiosity and creativity. It was incredible to see their excitement as they conducted experiments and shared their findings with one another.

In addition to our science adventures, we dove into some great maths lessons. We tackled various concepts, from fractions and multiplication to understanding fractions and measurements. The students really embraced these challenges, often collaborating in groups to solve problems. The lively discussions and teamwork not only enhanced their understanding but also fostered a supportive learning environment where everyone felt valued.

One of the highlights of Term 4 was our fantastic excursion, where we had the opportunity to give back to the community. We visited Kids Giving Back and worked together to prepare meals for those in need. This experience was not only rewarding but also taught the students the importance of compassion and community service. They learned firsthand how their efforts could make a difference in someone else's life, and their enthusiasm was truly inspiring.

Overall, Term 4 has been a wonderful blend of learning, exploration, and giving back. The experiences we've shared have not only enriched our academic journey but have also fostered a sense of community and responsibility among our students. I’m so proud of their growth and can't wait to see what the future holds!

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News from RV and Language Classes

We are delighted to share the success of Religion and Values Week, celebrated in Week 3! Our students participated in a range of meaningful activities that fostered creativity, spirituality, and kindness. Here`s a look at the highlights:

Kindergarten and Year 1: Our youngest students delighted in an art and craft activity with beads, where they created beautiful tasbeeh (prayer beads). This hands-on activity taught them patience and focus, and it was lovely to see their enthusiasm and creativity shine!

Year 2 and Year 3: Students dived into the world of Islamic calligraphy art. They practiced forming intricate letters and patterns, celebrating the elegance of calligraphy. The students took pride in their work, and the results were both meaningful and beautiful.

Good Deed Tree: Throughout the week, students contributed to our Good Deed Tree. For each good deed they performed, they added a leaf to the tree, filling it with kindness and positivity. This visual representation of their efforts encouraged them to make a difference, one good deed at a time.

The students truly enjoyed these activities, and we’re proud of their creativity and engagement. Thank you for your support in making RV Week a memorable experience for all! 

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Celebrating Teacher`s Day – Honouring the Heart of Our School

This Teachers’ Day, we celebrated the incredible dedication, patience, and hard work that our teachers bring into our school every day. It was a heartfelt occasion where our students got to express their appreciation for the teachers who support, guide, and inspire them in countless ways. The school was filled with gratitude, smiles, and special messages that made the day unforgettable!

A Day of Appreciation and Celebration

In honour of Teachers’ Day, our students made beautiful cards, wrote heartfelt messages, and crafted small gifts to show their appreciation. From simple “Thank you” notes to touching words about how their teachers have impacted their lives, the gestures were a reminder of the deep connection between students and teachers. Seeing the joy on our teachers’ faces as they read each card was a testament to how much these small acts of kindness mean to them.

The Important Role of Teachers

Teachers play a profound role in a child’s development, serving not only as educators but also as mentors, role models, and sources of inspiration. They are there to guide students through challenges, celebrate their achievements, and help them discover their strengths and passions. Beyond academics, teachers foster a love of learning, instil values, and encourage confidence and resilience that children carry with them for life.

Their work extends far beyond the classroom, often going unseen, as they spend hours preparing lessons, finding new ways to engage their students, and supporting each child’s unique needs. Teachers truly are the heart of our school, shaping the future one lesson, one conversation, and one smile at a time.

A Heartwarming Grandparents Day at Our School

We recently celebrated Grandparents Day at school, and it was a truly memorable event! The joy and excitement were felt everywhere as students welcomed their grandparents into the classrooms, eager to share a day filled with activities, stories, and lots of smiles. Thank you to all the wonderful grandparents who attended and made the day so special!

Thank You for Making the Day So Special

We’re grateful to everyone who made this Grandparents Day possible. The joy and connections that filled the school were a reminder of the deep impact that family has on a child’s growth and happiness. Seeing grandparents and grandchildren together was a testament to the loving support that helps our students thrive.

We look forward to making Grandparents Day a continuing tradition at our school, as we celebrate the wonderful role grandparents play in our community. Thank you to our amazing grandparents for the love, guidance, and joy you bring into our students' lives every day!

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Important Dates