Amity College Leppington eNewsletter

Principal’s Message

As we wrap up a successful year at our school, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and reiterate some personal news I recently shared with you.

After serving as the first Principal of our Leppington campus for the past year, I will be returning to the main campus to resume my original role as Human Resources & Compliance Manager.

The past year has been an incredible journey. Together, we have worked to establish the foundation of a vibrant school community, one that supports and nurtures our students academically, socially, and emotionally. It has been a privilege to lead such a dedicated team of teachers and staff and to partner with you, our wonderful families, in shaping the future of our students.

Although my time here as Principal has been brief, the experience has been immensely rewarding. I am proud of what we have accomplished together in this first year, and I am confident that the school will continue to grow and thrive under the leadership of the new Principal, who will be introduced to you early next year.

Thank you for your trust, collaboration, and support during this foundational year. While I will miss the daily interactions with the students and the unique sense of community at Leppington, I look forward to continuing to support Amity College in my HR role and staying connected to the broader school network.

Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a bright future ahead.

Alpaslan Cem Sancili
Campus Principal

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Keeping Your Child's Mind Busy and Active During the School Holidays

The school holidays are a time for fun, relaxation, and making memories, but they can also be an opportunity to keep your child’s mind active in engaging and enjoyable ways. Here are some creative and practical ideas to ensure your child’s break is both productive and entertaining.

Encourage Reading Adventures
Books are portals to new worlds. Encourage your child to explore different genres—adventure, mystery, or even biographies of inspiring figures. Visit your local library or bookstore together and let them choose titles that spark their interest. Setting a fun reading challenge can make it even more exciting!
Explore Nature and Science
Holiday breaks are perfect for hands-on learning. Head outside for nature walks, bird watching, or star gazing. Create simple science experiments at home, like making slime or building a volcano. These activities ignite curiosity and keep their minds active.
Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
Drawing, painting, or even sculpting are great ways to stimulate creativity. You can also explore holiday-themed crafts, like making decorations or personalised gifts. These activities allow children to express themselves while developing fine motor skills.
Embrace Puzzles and Games
Puzzles, board games, and brain teasers are excellent for developing problem-solving skills. Choose games that challenge their thinking while being fun for the whole family.
Cook Up Some Fun
Cooking and baking together is a fantastic way to teach kids about math, science, and nutrition. Let them measure ingredients, follow recipes, and experiment with flavours. Bonus: you’ll get to enjoy the delicious results together!
Enrol in a Holiday Program
Many community centres, museums, and schools offer holiday workshops or camps focused on art, science, sports, or coding. These programs are a great way for kids to learn new skills while socialising with peers.
Keep a Journal
Encourage your child to document their holiday adventures through writing, drawing, or even creating videos. This not only nurtures their creative expression but also helps improve their communication skills.
Take on DIY Projects
From building a birdhouse to creating a herb garden, DIY projects teach kids to plan, solve problems, and work with their hands. Look for projects that match their interests and skill levels.
Introduce New Hobbies
Holidays are the perfect time for your child to try something new. Whether it’s learning a musical instrument, trying their hand at photography, or exploring coding, a new hobby can keep them engaged and curious.
Make Time for Family Bonding
Lastly, use this time to create memories together. Play games, watch documentaries, or have deep discussions about topics they’re interested in. Quality time with family nurtures emotional well-being and creates a supportive learning environment.
Avoid Technology
While it might seem challenging, staying firm will help your child understand that holidays aren't meant to be spent isolated in front of a screen. Encourage alternative activities that foster engagement and connection. With a little planning and creativity, the school holidays can be a period of growth and exploration. The key is to strike a balance between relaxation and stimulating activities to keep your child’s mind busy and happy.

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

Learning Support

Helping Struggling Readers: A Guide for Families

Learning to read can be challenging for some children, but with patience, support, and the right strategies, every child can develop strong reading skills. Here are practical tips to help struggling readers gain confidence and improve their abilities.

Identify the Root of the Struggle
Understanding why your child is struggling is the first step. Some common issues include:
- Difficulty recognising letters or sounds (phonics)
- Trouble understanding the meaning of what they read (comprehension)
- Lack of focus or motivation
Consider consulting your child’s teacher or a reading specialist for insights and advice tailored to their needs.
Make Reading a Stress-Free Activity
Reading should feel enjoyable, not overwhelming. Choose materials at your child’s comfort level and avoid pushing them to read too quickly or for too long. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to keep their confidence high.
Focus on Phonics and Word Recognition
If your child struggles with decoding words, spend time practicing phonics. Use flashcards, apps, or games that teach letter sounds and blends. Rhyming books and songs are also excellent for reinforcing patterns in language.
Read Aloud Together
Partner reading—where you and your child take turns reading aloud—can help them build fluency. It also allows you to model proper pronunciation, pacing, and expression.
Encourage Repeated Reading
Have your child read their favourite books multiple times. Repetition builds familiarity with words, improving fluency and confidence. Start with short passages to avoid frustration.
Break Down the Text
Help your child tackle challenging texts by breaking them into smaller, manageable sections. Discuss unfamiliar words or ideas before they read to give them context.
Build Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary supports better reading comprehension. Talk about new words in daily conversations, play word games, and use visuals or real-world examples to explain meanings.
Use Multisensory Approaches
Engage your child’s senses to reinforce learning:
Visual: Highlight words in different colours or use picture books.
Auditory: Listen to audiobooks together and follow along with the text.
Kinaesthetic: Use magnetic letters, trace words in sand, or write letters with finger paints.
Choose Engaging, Relatable Materials
Pick books that align with your child’s interests—whether it’s dinosaurs, sports, or superheroes. High-interest materials make reading more enjoyable and motivating.
Set Realistic Goals
Work on one specific skill at a time, such as recognising sight words or improving fluency. Celebrate each milestone to keep your child motivated.
Be Patient and Positive
Reading struggles can be frustrating for children, so it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude. Offer encouragement, avoid criticism, and remind them that everyone learns at their own pace.
Seek Professional Support if Needed
If your child continues to struggle, don’t hesitate to seek additional help. A reading specialist, tutor, or speech-language therapist can provide tailored interventions to address their unique challenges.

Remember: Progress Takes Time
Helping a struggling reader requires patience and consistency. By offering encouragement and creating a supportive learning environment, you’re setting the stage for your child to become a confident and successful reader.
With your guidance and care, your child will develop the skills and love for reading that will last a lifetime.

Mrs. Bilgen Abdioglu
Lead Coordinator

A Year of Growth, Joy, and Gratitude in KA!

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared in our kindergarten classroom. What a year it has been! Watching your children grow, learn, and blossom into confident, curious learners has been an absolute joy.

From mastering their reading to discovering the magic of numbers, your little ones have achieved so much. They've embraced challenges, explored their creativity, and built friendships that will be cherished for years to come. Whether it was learning how to write their names or performing in class projects, their growth has been remarkable and inspiring.

None of this would have been possible without you—our amazing parents and caregivers. Your support, dedication, and encouragement have been the backbone of your child's success. Thank you for your countless hours spent helping with homework, practicing sight words, and cheering them on through every small victory. Your commitment to their education makes all the difference, and we are so grateful for the partnership we share in shaping their bright futures.

As we look ahead, we are filled with excitement for all that is to come in the next chapter of their learning journey. This year has laid a strong foundation, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and shine.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s early learning experience—it has been an honour and a privilege.

As the school year ends, it’s time to reflect on the wonderful moments we’ve shared in KB. It has been an incredible journey watching these amazing children learn, grow, and achieve so much. Each of them has brought unique energy and joy to our classroom, making every day special.

A special highlight this term was our recent assembly, where KB showcased their talents and hard work. Enjoy the snaps.

Thank you for an amazing year, KB! Wishing everyone a restful and joyful holiday break!

As we approach the end of an incredible year, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together. Class 1A has grown so much this year, not just academically, but also in kindness, teamwork, and confidence. I am beyond proud of each and every one of you!

From mastering new reading skills to solving tricky math problems, each student has shown dedication and perseverance. But it's not just about the lessons learned from books, it's about the friendships made, the challenges overcome, and the little moments of joy that made this year unforgettable.

We’ve celebrated many achievements together, big and small, and I am so grateful for the hard work, enthusiasm, and positive spirit that each of you has brought to our classroom every day. As your teacher, watching you grow and succeed has been one of my greatest joys.

Thank you to all the parents for your continued support throughout the year. As we wrap up this journey, I want to remind you that all of you—students and families alike, are an important part of this success. I am excited for all that the future holds for each of you!

Wishing everyone a wonderful and restful break. Enjoy the well-deserved time off, and I look forward to seeing you in the next chapter of your journey!

An Incredible Year in Year 2!

As we wrap up this incredible school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the amazing journey we’ve shared. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to teach your children. They are a remarkable group full of curiosity, creativity, and kindness.

I am incredibly proud of the growth each child has shown, both academically and personally. Watching their confidence blossom and their skills develop has been truly inspiring. Whether tackling challenging problems, expressing themselves through art and writing, or supporting their peers, they have proven time and again how bright and capable they are.

Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. Your children are a credit to you! I wish them every success and happiness as they step into Year 3. They are destined for great things, and I can’t wait to see all they will achieve.

Term 4: A Wonderful Year in 3A!

What an incredible year it has been with Year Three in 3A! From start to finish, we’ve shared so many wonderful moments that made this year truly special. Whether it was diving into new topics, tackling challenges together, or celebrating our successes, it has been amazing to watch each of you grow and thrive. We’ve had so much fun along the way—laughing, creating, exploring, and supporting one another through every step. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness have made this class a joy to be part of every single day.

This year wasn’t just about learning new skills and knowledge—it was also about building friendships, discovering your unique strengths, and growing as individuals. Whether it was working on creative projects, exploring exciting lessons, or sharing fun stories, you made each day an adventure. It has been inspiring to see how much effort and heart you put into everything you do, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far you’ve come.

As the year comes to an end, I want to thank you for making 3A such a special place. I hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday with your loved ones—take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy yourselves. Best of luck next year as you continue to shine brightly and achieve amazing things. Keep believing in yourselves—you’re capable of so much!

News from RV and Language Classes

As we reach the end of the school year, we reflect on the wonderful memories and achievements we’ve shared with our students in Religion and Values (RV) and Language classes. It has been a year filled with learning, creativity, and growth, all blessed by Allah’s guidance.

In our RV classes, Year 1 and Year 2 students engaged in Allah’s Blessings activities, discovering gratitude for the countless blessings in their lives. We also practiced Surahs and Duas, helping students strengthen their understanding of Islamic teachings.

Our end-of-year ceremonies were a highlight! Students proudly displayed their Islamic artwork during the assembly, showcasing their creativity and dedication. Another memorable moment was the Turkish folk-dance performance by our Year 3 girls, who performed beautifully for their parents, celebrating the richness of their cultural heritage.

We hope our students will return next year with refreshed minds, ready to embark on another exciting journey of learning and discovery.

Thank you to all our parents for your continued support and encouragement throughout the year. We wish you and your families a joyous and peaceful holiday season. May Allah bless you with health, happiness, and success in the coming year.

On 7 November 2024, Amity College proudly marked the official opening of Amity College Leppington Campus, a milestone in the school's journey of growth and innovation. This cutting-edge facility, home to 95 students, represents Stage 1 of a visionary development that will continue to enhance educational opportunities in the region.

The project was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Amity College and the NSW Government, whose joint funding made the construction possible. The campus was officially inaugurated by Nathan Hagarty, Member for Leppington, who commended the initiative as a transformative step for education in the area.

The ceremony brought together parents, staff, students, and members of the local community to celebrate this momentous occasion. Attendees were treated to captivating performances, including an enchanting choir and an energetic display of folk dancing by the talented students of both Prestons and Leppington Campus.