from our leaders
Dear parents and guardians,
On Wednesday March 22nd we were delighted to welcome back as many of our 2022 history making Year 12 class who were available at our Secondary gathering.
During this time we:
- Celebrated the hard work and dedication of our first Year 12 class
- Thanked the parents and extended family for their support
- Acknowledged the commitment and expertise of our exceptional teaching and support staff
- Appreciated a Qu’ran recitation by Amir Ali
- Enjoyed a reflection by Sister Sadaf Mirza and prayer by Abrahim Al- Zubeidi
Head of Secondary, Fiona Thompson, introduced the class of 2022 one by one and explained that all students had achieved their SACE and mentioned their future pathways with study, training and work. She had many delightful things to say about each student and congratulated each of them on their wonderful achievement.
During the gathering we welcomed Dr Abood who presented gifts to Ula Falfaly, Dux for 2022, and runner up Sograh Hussaini, in memory of his late father. Dr Abood runs the mobile dental device which is appreciated by our College community.
We were privileged to be addressed by overseas scholar, Sister Sadaf Mirza, who spoke to our students and reminded everyone that they are a unique creation of Allah and should celebrate their identity and their sense of belonging within the faith community.
Our Secondary school students and staff have commenced 2023 strongly and we congratulated all at the assembly.
HEAD of Primary school
Assalamu alaikum dear students, parents and staff of Playford College,
We have started Term 1 at Playford College for the year 2023 with full enthusiasm. Our teachers and students including the Head of Primary set some SMART goals for term 1 and we are going beautifully with our goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. These have helped us to specifically set goals in Literacy, Numeracy, Well Being, Professional Development and many other areas in teaching and learning. These goals are measured and discussed so that we will all try our best to achieve them within a realistic time frame, which is the end of Term 1.
One more exciting thing in Primary, especially this week, is the selection of our Student Representative Council (SRC) members from the years 3, 4 and 5. These are our first Primary leaders who are going to have some roles to achieve and show their responsibilities.
We look forward to electing our Illumination/Values Captains next week. Our students have been great at stepping up to apply for the roles and in supporting those who have been elected. We will keep you updated on all that is going on with the Primary group. Thank you always for your support.
Head of Secondary school
The first four weeks have been very full for Secondary School. As our Year 7s and all new students across all years have settled in, we have celebrated the year ahead, the year gone by, and got going on our main goal, the students’ learning journeys.
Students quickly settled into the routines of classes, and the learning has been full steam ahead from the start. In Week 2, we had the parent information sessions for each of the year levels. We had the opportunity to mix with parents and inform them of some of the expectations and opportunities in the classroom before their children. As we outlined homework expectations and upcoming exams for all year levels, parent and student reactions were a little different, with some of the expressions on the faces of the students priceless as they watched their parents respond to our expectations. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the parents who are working with us to support homework completion, the wearing of the correct uniform, and punctuality to school.
In Week 3, assessment tasks began in many classes, and the students have taken up the challenge and are working well. Teachers are using the portal to post homework and summative tasks, and we encourage all parents to use the portal to see how their children are going.
Week 4 had the highlight of our assembly to celebrate the amazing accomplishment of our inaugural Year 12 cohort of 2022. Not only was this an opportunity to celebrate these past students, but guest speakers spoke to the current students, from Year 7 to Year 12, on how to approach their studies and how to connect their efforts with their connection to Allah; that their efforts in their study were continuing the traditions taught by the Prophet and the Imams and that putting effort into their studies was a devotion in its own right.
As we begin Week 5, the pressure is increasing for the senior students, and the Secondary School community looks forward to Sports Day at the end of the week. We will appoint our House Captains who will support the running of the day. We look forward to the energy and excitement of the day.
our new business manager
Playford College is delighted to have a full time Business Manager for the first time and the successful candidate, Mrs Fiona Evans, has started very strongly.
Fiona is a Certified Practicing Accountant with over ten years of experience in a similar role within the independent school sector. She has also worked in the corporate and private sector and held several board positions. Fiona has extensive experience in all facets of financial operations, strategic planning, risk management and corporate governance.
As the business manager, Fiona's significant responsibilities include:
- Managing current and future projects, especially the front Administration building, new offices, Stages 3 &4 of Secondary and more.
- Managing all Non-teaching staff.
- Liaising with federal and state governments regarding funding, grants, compliance and other matters.
- Working with the Principal, Deputy and Heads of Schools as the Leadership team.
During the last 4 weeks Fiona’s relational manner, friendly disposition, ethical nature, financial and administrative skills and understanding of schools has been celebrated.
year level updates
We would like to congratulate our Primary team for consistently using Class Dojo to communicate with our families!
Students from FC have been enjoying their PE lessons. This week, they had free time with hoops to finish off their lesson.
Guided Reading
In week 3, FC students accomplished their first reading session. Students have learnt their first 6 sounds, which they are able to now read. Students worked in small groups with a Decodable book, where they were able to read the story through sounding it out.
1j
In Science, 1J students are exploring the physical sciences of light and sound. Students have been listening out for soft and loud sounds both outside and inside the classroom. Students have visualised their learning through creating tables of data where they have listed their soft and loud sounds.
Our Family Tree
As part of the HASS curriculum, 1A students are learning about different types of families, their similarities and differences. Students worked diligently to create a picture for 'Our Family Tree' display.
It has been a very exciting start to the year for 3M. They have been enjoying the Soccer Clinic with Emma and have been practising spelling and mental maths skills daily. Students are looking forward to what the rest of the term brings.
“All living things have a life cycle,” is the foundation for Science this term for the Year 4s.
Students have planted a variety of vegetables in our school’s veggie garden and will be making observations as they grow. We hope to harvest our tomatoes, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, silver beet and carrots by the end of the term.
5m
5M have been very fortunate to be involved with a soccer program this term where they are learning from Football Australia coaches. The skills they are learning are based around Futsal.
The students have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the world game and have shown streaks of competitiveness when playing together. It is great to see the positive participation from both boys and girls in 5M.
5M would like to thank Mr Chris Caruana for arranging this soccer clinic for our Year 5 students.
5h
In Art, 5H have been exploring different art mediums. Students made monsters out of magic clay.
5H have also been researching and learning fascinating facts about our solar system!
Year 6 Camp
On Wednesday of week 3, the students in Year 6 went to Glenhaven Park for their camp. The camp was full of activities that pushed students outside of their comfort zones, like High Ropes, the Leap of Faith and the Giant Swing. The camp and its activities gave students an excellent opportunity to build their problem solving skills, build confidence in themselves and build upon their leadership skills. Students showed courage and continuously encouraged one another to do their best. It was great to see our Year 6s achieve so much outside of the classrooms. They should be all commended for their excellent behaviour.
Our eager students on the high ropes, with awesome views.
Our camp activities were interactive as it ignited problem solving, creativity, and team building. The camp was also fun, and it gave students the opportunity to make new friends, build confidence, and foster independence. We hope our students had exciting adventures that will leave lasting childhood memories.
secondary school
Year 8 Science
The Year 8s are learning about energy in Science. By using an interactive board game, they have learnt and applied their understanding of how energy can be transferred between different objects as well as how it can be transformed to different forms.
Food and Hospitality
The Year 10 students conducted their first assessment for Food and Hospitality. They successfully applied proper knife management and safety. They then demonstrated a number of different cuts across meat and vegetables, and combined them all into a delicious chicken Caesar salad!
All students did well and provided a good set up for future cooking lessons.
Stage 2 Chemistry
As part of their topic on Stoichometry, Stage 2 Chemistry students have been conducting titration practicals.
Their first summative assessment is underway!
MULTILIT
Primary students at Playford College are given additional support with their literacy through our Multilit Program. Trained intervention support staff work with small groups on their literacy goals.
faith in the college
With the Name of Allah, the Infinitely Merciful, the Extremely Merciful,
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Salam Alaykom,
We find ourselves entering the holy Month of Shaban, which is, according to some of our narrations, known as the Prophet’s month. The Prophet is narrated to have said “Allah’s mercy be upon the one who helps me in regard to my month”. What does it mean to help the Prophet in this way? One way to think about this is with our actions and intentions and how they aid in our spiritual development. Previously we had introduced the Flower of Faith as our whole school approach, and we continue to invite all those involved in nurturing the lives of the learners to be responsive to the wholistic needs of the learner while maintaining a God centric approach to development.
For our primary students we have reintroduced the Journey to Simurgh program. This program is based on Attar’s Mantiq al Tayr, a Persian poem that discusses birds seeking their king. Upon the end of their journey, they come to realise that God is what they have been seeking all along. Each grade has a specific bird with set qualities we are looking to nurture in the students alongside the Flower of Faith.
For our secondary students we have been continuing to engage in halaqas (spiritual circles), to provide spaces for critical discussions and reflections to aid in nurturing their faith and beliefs.
With peace, love and light,
Abrahim Al-Zubeidi
The community hub
Our hub has been bustling on Mondays as we have introduced the Morella Community Centre. They are running sessions with ladies who would like to enter the children services industry. We are at capacity now, with 15 ladies joining to attend. We are looking into running the same session in Term 3.
COUNSELLOR'S CORNER
Recognising our children's challenges
Studies show that 45% of children in Australia are from refugee or migrant backgrounds, who all share common issues, putting them at high risk of anxiety, depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, it is essential to know and understand their challenges and learn ways to help them overcome such obstacles.
Common issues that affect these young individuals include:
- Conflicts with parents, due to growing up with two different cultures, with different languages.
- Going through grief and loss, relating to separation from significant others, whilst missing previous environments.
- Stressing about building new peer relationships.
- Facing unfamiliar education environments.
- Finding their identity and a sense of belonging in unfamiliar culture.
- Experiences of racism and discrimination.
- Isolation and lack of social networks.
- Dealing with their own past trauma or living with parents who are still grieving for their loss or who are experiencing mental illness.
- Navigating their developmental stages of their childhood and adolescents.
- Responsible for additional roles in supporting their families in their settlement, such as helping their parents with interpreting.
It is important to recognise these challenges that our children may experience in order to best support them in their journey of growth. Communication is a significant step in doing so, as regular open conversations with your children will ultimately strengthen your bond and connection.
canteen
We are thrilled to have introduced chicken curry with rice to our canteen menu, as a Wednesday special!
Students can now order chicken curry with rice every second Wednesday, whereby biryani is available one week, and curry is available the following Wednesday.
Upcoming Secondary Sports Day
On Friday 3rd of March, Playford College will hold its Sports Day for Secondary students. A note on further details has been given to all Secondary students.
Here is a snapshot of last year's Sports Day!
We are all looking forward to this year's upcoming Secondary Sports Day!
Parents are also encouraged to join in the spirit of Sports Day by coming to watch the events and wear colours to support their child’s team.
Whole school Fundraiser for syria and turkey
Two of the strongest, deadliest earthquakes of the century have hit Syria and Turkey, as thousands have been injured and killed, whilst others are left homeless in freezing cold temperatures.
Playford College is dedicated to supporting the victims of the recent events in Syria and Turkey. There will be a whole school fundraiser on the 8th of March, where secondary students will be holding stalls with a BBQ and games. There will be a note coming to parents in the next few days.
Mobile Dentist
kung fu classes
INFORMATION EVENING – KUNG FU CLASSES – WEDNESDAY 1ST MARCH AT 3.45PM
The College has agreed to accommodate Kung Fu classes for students wishing to learn the art of Kung Fu. Classes will be run by Shair Yaqoobi and Taj Mohammad Khudadadi both Accredited Instructors with Martial Arts Australia (MAA). Shair is a parent here at Playford College and Taj is also a parent and valued employee.
Please see the two attached flyers below for more information.
CRICKET
Adelaide Strikers and SACA are collaborating on a cricket program, whereby Playford College can take part in once forming a team. If you would like your child to participate, please contact Primary PE teacher, Chris Caruana.
Our first Fortnightly features
In each newsletter, there will be a 'fortnight feature', which will include some of the highlights of the fortnight!
TERM DATES
03/03/2023 - Secondary Sports Day
08/03/2023 Whole school Fundraiser for Earthquakes
13/03/2023 - Adelaide Cup (Public Holiday)
17/03/2023 - NAPLAN starts
21/03/2023 - Harmony Day
23/03/2023 - First of Ramadan
31/03/2023 - Primary Iftar Dinner
01/04/2023 - Secondary Iftar Dinner
06/04/2023 - Photo Day
07/04/2023 - Good Friday (Public Holiday)
10/04/2023 - Easter Monday (Public Holiday)
14/04/2023 - End of Term 1
24 Durrington Road Elizabeth SA 5108
Phone: (08) 8252 3044
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