27 May 2025
Message from Mr Moustafa Elakkoumi
Asalaamu alaikum parents and guardians,
The commencement of the new MultiLit program across the school has been received positively by teachers as they begin to see the benefits. MultiLit is an evidence-based program that has examined how to best improve reading practices. There is a strong correlation between reading and academic success, especially if reading levels are established early. We ask all parents to encourage students to read for pleasure at home to help enhance reading skills.
FOUNDATION INTERVIEWS:
We are excited to announce that the preparation for admission interviews for the 2026 academic year has commenced. This is an important step in securing a position for your child at our school.
Siblings of current students will be given priority in the admission process. However, if all positions are filled, siblings will be placed on a waiting list.
To ensure your child's application is considered, we encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible. Early applications will have a better chance of securing a position for the upcoming academic year.
DISMISSAL CHANGES:
Thank you for your patience with the drop off procedure. We believe it has been a great success and traffic has improved immensely. Please familiarise yourself with the dismissal procedure. InshaAllah it will be as successful as the drop off.
Foundation students and their siblings will only be dismissed from gate 9 on Rogers Street (next to the main office).
Years 1 - 5 will be in designated areas for pick up. Please be aware of the locations to have quick and easy access to your child. Year 1 - 5 parents will enter through gate 2 on Ross Street and wait in the basketball area.
All meetings with teachers must be arranged through the front office.
Gates will be open from 3:05 PM.
There will be no ball games after dismissal.
Late pick-up can still be accessed through the front office.
In addition, due to disruptions in class, no early dismissals will be permitted after 2:30 PM.
Students need to be signed out on compass and parents must arrive before 2:30 PM.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
We also wanted to highlight some upcoming events:
1. National Simultaneous Storytime 2025: For the last 25 years a storybook from an Australian author has been chosen to be read simultaneously all over Australia. Over 2.3 million participants in over 21,000 locations took part in the National Simultaneous Storytime 2024.
2. Biggest Morning Tea: Help us raise funds for cancer research by joining our Biggest Morning Tea event. Dignitaries from the local setting will be invited to share the day with us. The biggest morning tea will be on Thursday 22 nd of May.
3. Hajj Simulation Day: Experience the journey of Hajj through our interactive simulation day. This event provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about the significance of Hajj for Muslims. Hajj simulation will be on Wednesday 28 th of May.
CONTACT PERSONS FOR STUDENT CONCERNS:
Office Manager & Assistants at the Main Office - Phone 9354 0833
Classroom Teacher of the student.
Team leaders:
Foundation – Ms Hannah Mina
Year 1 – Ms Sarah El Nemar
Year 2 – Ms Mona Atyabi
Year 3 – Ms Nadia Mohamed
Year 4 – Ms Tugba Demirkaya
Year 5 – Ms Amanda Dessmann
Head of Infants – Ms Filiz Cansiz
Head of Uppers – Ms Yurdagul Talic
School Counsellor – Ms Hadiya Taleb
– Ms Rahma (Hani) Mohamed
School Nurse – Ms Deniz Yilmaz
– Ms Michelle Richardson
Wa alaikum asalaam,
Mr Moustafa Elakkoumi
Arabic
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We’re excited to share some wonderful updates from our Arabic LOTE classes this term!
Foundation and Year 2 – Emotions
Students are learning about emotions in Arabic. They are exploring words such as happy, sad, angry, and scared. Through stories, songs, and fun activities, they are learning to recognise and express their feelings in Arabic.
Grade 1 – Learning Through Play
Our Grade 1 students have been exploring the Arabic alphabet in a fun and interactive way.
Recently, they’ve been using play dough to create different shapes of Arabic letters, helping them understand how letters change depending on their position in a word. This hands-on activity keeps them engaged and makes learning both meaningful and memorable!
Grade 3 – Life at School (in Arabic!)
Students have been learning about school-related vocabulary and activities. They are discovering how to talk about different places in the school and what they do during the day, all in Arabic! Students participated in group activities where they practiced using the new vocabulary in fun and interactive ways. Their collaboration and enthusiasm were fantastic to see!
Grade 4 – Professions
Students are learning to name and describe different jobs while practicing vocabulary through fun activities and role-plays. In addition, they will be learning how to conjugate verbs related to professions, helping them build complete and meaningful sentences in Arabic.
Grade 5 – Exploring Natural Phenomena through Language
In connection with their PYP unit “How the World Works,” Grade 5 students are learning about natural phenomena, focusing on earthquakes and volcanoes. In Arabic, they’ve been expanding their vocabulary around these topics.
They worked collaboratively in groups to match Arabic words with their English meanings, and took part in games and friendly competitions to reinforce learning.
The classroom was buzzing with excitement and active participation!
Students from Year 2 to Year 5 have been given their own copy of Juz’ Amma to use in class.
They enjoy reading from it and are becoming more confident in their Arabic reading skills.
It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and pride as they engage with the text.
Across all year levels, it’s wonderful to see students engaging so positively with Arabic. They are developing their language skills while making strong connections to their classroom learning. Thank you for your continued support at home.
Arabic Coordinator and Teacher
Ms. Nancy Koubeisi
Religion
Quran Era at AIA!
We are thrilled to share that our students at AIA have started using the Quran Era website to enhance their Quranic reading skills! This engaging digital platform is designed to make learning the Quran interactive, fun, and effective for children of all ages.
What is the Quran Era?
Quran Era is an innovative online program that helps students:
Improve their Quran reading fluency and tajweed.
Learn through gamified lessons and interactive exercises.
Track their progress with personalized dashboards.
Build confidence in reciting the Holy Quran.
How Are We Using It at AIA?
Each class visits the computer lab once a week to practice on the Quran Era under teacher supervision. Additionally, login details have been sent home so that students can continue their learning journey outside school hours. We encourage you to support your child by setting aside a few minutes daily for Quran Era practice at home.
How Can You Help?
Ensure your child logs in regularly at home.
Encourage them to complete lessons and celebrate their progress.
Monitor their dashboard to see their achievements.
We believe this program will greatly benefit our students in strengthening their connection with the Quran.
AIA Islamic Studies Department
ICT
Foundation Students Dive into Digital Learning
Assalamu Alaykum Parents/Carers,
Our Foundation students have been busy exploring the exciting world of technology as they begin learning to use computers and iPads in the classroom. With curious minds and eager hands, they are developing essential digital skills through fun and interactive activities. From using touchscreens to navigate educational apps to practicing mouse control and keyboard awareness, our youngest learners are quickly becoming confident users of technology.
These digital tools are supporting learning across all areas of the curriculum. Whether it’s reinforcing letter recognition, counting skills, or listening to stories, the iPads and computers are helping students engage in new and dynamic ways. Guided by their teachers, Foundation students are learning not only how to use the devices, but also how to be safe and respectful digital citizens. It’s been a wonderful start to their technology journey!
Kind regards,
Ms Mona (ICT-eLearning Coordinator)
Learn To Play
As your child grows, play is more than just fun—it’s essential for healthy development. Through play, children build social, emotional, physical, and thinking skills. Whether they’re stacking blocks, pretending, or kicking a ball, they’re learning how to problem-solve, communicate, and understand their bodies.
Children move through six stages of play by the age of 5:
- Unoccupied play (0–3 months)
- Solitary play (0–2 years)
- Onlooker play (around 2 years)
- Parallel play (2+ years)
- Associative play (3–4 years)
- Cooperative play (4+ years)
After these stages, they may explore more complex play like dramatic or team-based games.
In our weekly Learn to Play program, we focus on:
- Associative Play (Ages 3–4)
Children start to play alongside others, showing interest in their peers without working toward a shared goal. They may share materials or ideas, like coloring together or trading dress-up clothes. This helps build language, social skills, and problem-solving. - Cooperative Play (Ages 4–5+)
Now kids begin playing with each other toward a common goal—like building something together or playing a team game. It teaches teamwork, empathy, kindness, and compromise.
How to Support Cooperative Play at Home:
- Model taking turns and sharing during games
- Try activities that need teamwork, like building forts or cleaning up together
Play isn’t just fun—it’s how kids grow.
SRC
This term may have started slowly, but we are excited for the many meaningful ventures ahead.
One of the highlights so far has been Keffiyeh Week, where both students and teachers proudly wore the Palestinian Keffiyeh in recognition of the ongoing suffering endured by our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This simple but powerful act allowed us to stand in solidarity with them — a small gesture of awareness, unity, and support.
As part of this initiative, we held a bake sale, which was an overwhelming success! The generosity, creativity, and effort that went into the donated treats was truly heart-warming.
We are incredibly grateful to our students, families, and staff for their contributions. All funds raised went directly to support the Schools Orphanage Program.
We also continued our Mosque Speeches initiative, which began during Ramadan. Due to the students’ enthusiasm and commitment, we have extended this program to run weekly during Dhuhr prayer. Students from various year levels are given the opportunity to prepare and present speeches rooted in Islamic values and personal learning experiences.
We look forward to the continued growth of our young leaders and their positive impact on our school community.
School Captains Message
Badia Nasba
Fedy Assaad
Both myself and Fedy are incredibly honoured and excited to represent the school as the 2025 School Captains.
This role allows us to represent our fellow students and contribute positively to our school and our community. AIA has always been a place where we feel supported and inspired, thanks to the dedicated teachers and the vibrant and inclusive environment.
Being a part of this school has helped us grow both academically and personally, and we are eager to give back by leading with enthusiasm and integrity. I look forward to working with everyone to make our school an even better place for all, holding tight to our Islamic beliefs and principles in the process.
PSPE
Physical Education Update – Term 2
This term in Physical Education, our Prep, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students have been working hard to refine their catching and throwing skills through fun and engaging activities designed to build coordination and confidence. Meanwhile, our Grade 3, 4, and 5 students have been developing their basketball skills, with a focus on movement during both attack and defence.
A special congratulations to our Grade 5 girls’ futsal team, who finished third in the Bachar Houli Foundation - Aspire Futsal/Soccer Cup! The Grade 5 boys’ soccer team also impressed, securing a spot in the finals—good luck, boys!
Additionally, all Grade 5 students are currently participating in AFL sessions as part of the AIAE Sports Academy. These sessions are led by expert coaches who are helping students build their skills, teamwork, and game understanding.
We’re proud of our students' efforts and look forward to more great achievements in sport!
Visual Art
Salaam!
I hope that everyone has been enjoying our busy term so far!
Year Fours have been busy learning about bringing nature and natural resources in the art room as a study on First Nations art. We will be closely looking at the art work and processes of First Nation’s artist Jenna Lee this term and creating inspired artwork. Students have learned the process of making natural pigments using things like spinach, beetroot and charcoal to create paint. I was happy to hear students using the correct vocabulary when speaking about the pigments they created. We have explored using natural things such as twigs and leaves as brushes. We learned not to pick fresh leaves as we accidentally invited many little bugs into the art room. Next, we will explore the art of making paper! I am very much looking forward to it.
Year Twos have been investigating the process of weaving. We’ve discovered that weaving is an ancient art and is used in many cultures and traditions. We are looking closely at the Kente cloth from Ghana and using the different colours to paper weave our own Kente cloth inspired artwork. I was very impressed with their attention to detail and their determination to succeed even though it was a bit tricky.
Well done all!
Ms Iman
Performing Arts
The term has been full of creative vigour and creative expression. The Foundation, Year 2 and Year 4 students have been rehearsing for the Production of “A Journey Through Art,” which is based on students finding inspiration from paintings to express who they are and their identity or personality portrayed through a creative project. The Foundation students are exploring animal characteristics and habitats such as the African Savannah, the Arctic, a jungle, and under the sea/oceanic environment. This directly links to the UOI “Sharing the Planet.”
The Year Two students are exploring First Nations and Indigenous Cultures such as First Nations Australia, Africa, Polynesia, and Native American, and the cultures’ connection to nature, which are found in their instruments, housing, clothing, and stories (“Where We Are in Place and Time”).
The Year Fours are also exploring “Where We Are in Place and Time” but looking at the history of various paintings and cultures from across the globe such as Ancient Greece, France, Japan, Spain, and Ancient Arabia, which depicts and re-enacts a story from the Quran.
All year levels are also exploring First Nations Australia Dreamtime stories which reflect nature and creation and perspectives such as the 13 Seasons, Toys and Games in alignment with Reconciliation Week. The students reflect upon the similarities and differences to their own cultural stories.
Year One classes are exploring how Performing Arts changes over time throughout eras and history, such as dance and music styles, costumes and fashion, and the development of various characters and musicals. This directly links to their UOI “Where We Are in Place and Time.”
Year Threes are exploring Shadow Theatre, which derives from many Asian cultures that use a light source and a surface to reflect shadows. They will create their own mini shadow plays based on a Dreamtime Story with music accompaniment as their own composition of a soundscape using percussion instruments.
Year Fives are continuing on with Broadcast Media but additionally adding a TV show from the news reports, which are filmed and edited on iPads. This might come in the form of a comedy act, drama, sports scene, cooking show, talent show, etc.
Foundation
Foundation News – Term Update
This year, AIAE Coburg Primary Campus proudly introduced the InitiaLit–Foundation program, which is a research based literacy program designed to teach children how to read and spell through daily, structured lessons. Unlike learning to speak, which happens naturally, reading requires direct instruction. InitiaLit–F helps students understand that words are made up of sounds and that these sounds are represented by letters. The program is hands on, engaging and filled with a variety of activities that our Foundation students have thoroughly enjoyed. We look forward to seeing their growth and success by the end of the year, inshallah.
Another highlight of the program has been the reading component, where students explore a rich collection of quality storybooks. With each new book, they learn three new vocabulary words and engage in fun, meaningful activities that help them use these words in context. These sessions also deepen their comprehension skills, spark thoughtful conversations and encourage a love of reading by making connections to their own experiences.
In addition to their literacy journey, our Foundation students have also begun the Better Buddies Program with our Year Two students this term. Developed by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, this initiative aims to build friendly and caring school communities and reduce bullying.
Through Better Buddies, Foundation students are paired with older "buddies" and learn important values such as caring for others, respect, inclusiveness, and responsibility. These lessons are taught through both formal and informal activities, often with the help of Buddy Bear, the program’s friendly purple mascot.
Our students were thrilled to meet their Year Two buddies and have already begun bonding through fun and meaningful activities. Inshallah, they will continue building strong, supportive friendships throughout the year.
We’re also excited to share that students are participating in the Take-Home Bear Program! Each week, a different student takes home the class bear for a special adventure. They are encouraged to write about their experience in the class journal and include a few photos. When they return to school, students present their adventure to the class, helping build confidence in speaking, writing and sharing personal stories. It’s a wonderful way to connect school and home learning.The 2025 Foundation students are absolutely loving the program! We can’t wait for more fun and exciting activities in the near future for 2025 insha’allah
Year 1
The History Box Incursion – A Journey Through Time!
Last week, our students took a step back in time during an exciting incursion hosted by The History Box. The incursion centred around the big question: "How has life changed over time?" It was an engaging and interactive experience that allowed students to explore the many aspects of life in the past and compare them to how we live today.
Throughout the session, children had the opportunity to investigate a wide range of historical themes, including school life, fashion, music, games, and household items from decades gone by. They were fascinated to learn how children once dressed for school and play, and how everyday routines looked very different for families in the past.
A highlight of the incursion was the hands-on experience with historical artefacts. Students were thrilled to touch and explore real items from the past, including old telephones, cassette tapes, and radios. These objects sparked curiosity and lots of great discussion about how technology has evolved over time.
The incursion also gave students a chance to have fun the old-fashioned way! They were introduced to traditional games that children used to play before the age of screens and smartphones. It was wonderful to see their faces light up as they discovered the joy of simple games that have stood the test of time.
The History Box incursion was a fantastic learning experience that brought history to life in a meaningful and memorable way. It helped students develop a deeper understanding of how our lives today have been shaped by the past in a fun and interactive way.
Year 1 Team
Year 2
Buddy Bear Picnic Brings Smiles and Friendship to Our School Grounds Assalamu Alaykum Parents/Carers, The sun was shining and the laughter was contagious as our Year 2 students enjoyed a heart-warming Buddy Bear Picnic with their Prep buddies this term. The grassy area under the tree was transformed into a sea of picnic blankets, teddy bears, and excited chatter as students shared snacks, stories and games under the sunny sky. The event gave Year 2 students a chance to take on a leadership role, guiding their younger friends through fun-filled activities while strengthening bonds that go beyond the classroom.
The afternoon was filled with joy, cooperation and lots of smiles. Educators watching nearby were touched by the kindness and care shown by the older students, who clearly relished their role as mentors. Events like the Buddy Bear Picnic remind us how meaningful peer connections can be, creating memories and friendships that set the foundation for a positive school experience.
Kind regards,
Ms Mona (Year 2 Team Leader)
Year 3
Transdisciplinary Theme: How We Organise Ourselves
Unit of Inquiry: “Systems can support justice in communities”
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
This term, the Grade 3 cohort has been exploring the Unit of Inquiry, “Systems can support justice in communities,” under the transdisciplinary theme How We Organise Ourselves. Students have been learning how different systems—such as school rules, government laws, and community structures—help maintain fairness and support justice in our daily lives.
Through the key concepts of Causation, Function, and Responsibility, students have discovered how actions lead to consequences, how systems operate, and the importance of every person’s role in maintaining a just society.
A key highlight of the unit was our excursion to the Victorian Police Museum. During the visit, students explored the history and role of the police force in upholding laws and keeping communities safe. They made strong connections between the justice system and the responsibilities of leadership. Students had thoughtful discussions about responsibilities with members of the Federal Police during the day of the excursion.
At school, students have also been discussing the rights and responsibilities of citizens and writing persuasively about what laws they would create if they were in charge. These learning experiences are helping students become principled, thoughtful thinkers and responsible members of their communities.
We are proud of the engagement and deep thinking shown by all Grade 3 students throughout this unit. May Allah ﷻ continue to guide them in becoming just and caring citizens of our school and society.
Warm regards,
The Grade 3 Teaching Team
Year 4
Dear Year 4 Families,
We are excited to share that our students have successfully wrapped up their Unit of Inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme How We Organize Ourselves. Throughout this engaging unit, students explored the central idea:
“Local governments and organisations may alleviate stress in the community through access to services.”
This unit allowed our students to develop a range of important skills and understandings. Through inquiry, research, discussion, and creative expression, they examined the roles and responsibilities of local governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and how these bodies work to support individuals and improve community wellbeing.
Students honed their research skills by exploring real-world examples of services available in their community and identifying the differences between rules and laws. They investigated the structure and form of local governance, and considered how both government and non-governmental groups can create positive change.
Critical and reflective thinking skills were fostered as students questioned:
- Who helps our community when people feel stressed or unsafe?
- What is the role of local councils and NGOs?
- Why do NGOs exist alongside government services?
- How can individuals contribute to change in their communities?
Our young inquirers particularly enjoyed reading books like Dear Mr. President, which inspired rich conversations about injustice, needs, and cooperation. These stories gave them a window into how community members can use their voices to propose solutions and advocate for fairness and support.
Using the key concepts of form, change, and responsibility, students explored:
- How rules and laws differ and why they matter
- How local decisions can lead to community-wide improvements
- How individuals—including themselves—can take action on local issues
We were proud to see students take initiative and demonstrate communication and social skills as they shared their learning and suggestions for improving their own communities. Many expressed a deep understanding of how even small changes can have a big impact.
Looking ahead, Year 4 students have already begun working hard on their new unit of inquiry under the theme Where We Are in Place and Time. In this unit, they will explore how historical events, such as first contact and colonisation, have shaped people’s connections to the land and their identity.
Students will be showcasing their learning journey at the Year 4 Mini Exhibition in Term 3, where they will proudly present their research, perspectives, and creative responses. We can’t wait for you to see their growth and understanding on display as they bring history to life through storytelling, art, and inquiry.
Thank you for your continued support as our students grow as inquirers, thinkers, and responsible members of their communities.
Warm regards,
Tugba Demirkaya
Year 5
Year 5 Premier Visit with Jacinta Allan and Anthony Cianflone
On Tuesday 29th April, the year 5 students had the incredible opportunity to meet Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Merri-Bek, Anthony Cianflone, during an engaging visit that left a lasting impression. Demonstrating outstanding behaviour and maturity, the students made the most of this rare chance by asking thoughtful and inspiring questions that reflected their curiosity and learning.
This visit was particularly meaningful as it aligned perfectly with the students’ current Unit of Inquiry focused on government systems and social justice. Meeting real-life political leaders helped bring their classroom learning to life, offering a deeper understanding of how government works and how leaders advocate for their communities. The experience was not only educational but also empowering, showing students that their voices and questions matter in shaping society.
This was also part of a week long of learning about government systems, policy making and rules. With an incursion from Victorian Parliament that also allowed students to engage in a Mock Parliamentary session of making rules and passing them with a bill of voting. The children engaged in this enthusiastically and it was wonderful to see them implement all their learning during these visits.
Important Dates to Remember
Hajj Day | Wednesday 28th May |
Eid Al-Adha (TBC) | Friday 6th June |
King’s Birthday (Public Holiday) | Monday 9th June |
Report Writing Day | Friday 13th June |
Eid Festival | Friday 20th June |
Last Day of Term 2 | Friday 27th June |
Scholarship Applications Close | Friday 27th June |
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