Languages - Arabic

Throughout Semester 1, students have enjoyed learning the Arabic language as well as immersing themselves in the Arabic culture.

Photography

In their photography elective the Year 9 students experimented with using reflectors under the guidance of a professional visiting photographer, Gazi. It was a great, motivating session.

Science

On the 13 May our Year 10s went on an excursion to the University of Latrobe to visit the AgriBio research division. Students were exposed to the different aspects of biotechnology regarding methods of selective breeding in the growing agricultural industry. This insightful experience allowed students to explore the importance of the application of technology to artificial selection. This, coupled with the post-graduate students’ assistance, provided a much needed consolidation of our theoretical studies of DNA. Before beginning our experiments, the Latrobe organisers introduced the subject with an informative presentation, which gave students a solid understanding of the complex topic. This was followed by a series of four systemised learning workshops led by enthusiastic PhD students who, through a series of carefully prepared questions, clearly outlined the intricacies of artificial selection by providing relatable examples such as cows and dairy production.

Pairing the creative discussions with state-of-the-art lab technology allowed students to perform complex experiments ranging from DNA extraction to genome sequencing through the use of micro pipettes. This eye opening experience allowed students to fully comprehend their related bio-chemical studies and gave them the opportunity to consolidate their understanding of the subject.

This experience into the boundless world of biotechnology provided the class of Year 10 with an engaging experience which not only grounded our information on the topic, but it supplied us with an enjoyable, hands-on implementation of how scientists utilise the knowledge they have about DNA for an improved, biologically sustainable world.

We thank La Trobe for providing us with this informative experience. Moreover, this excursion would not be possible without the guidance of Mr Serhat Filiz. The Class of Year 10 thanks you both.

A further reflection from the Secondary School Captain, Shahani Asmi Kiyabdeen:

Another plus about the excursion was that the Sirius College Eastmeadows 10C girls also accompanied us. Together students made two groups, and this was particularly good for those of us who will be transferring to Eastmeadows next year – it was a way to make new friends and enjoy the excursion even more.

This was my first time visiting a university. The campus was really nice - it was spacious and quiet, a perfect environment. The outside areas were really nice as well; it is a perfect area for studying and learning.

In the workshop we discussed how genetically modified food is created and how the aim is to find a way to increase the efficiency of food and plants. We discussed the topic of natural versus original, as numerous organisms have been modified, for example, dogs were originally wolves and red oranges were just oranges exposed to radiation.

It was extremely interesting to learn about the topic because I have glossed over this topic a few times, but have never gone into it in detail. I wanted to know more about how much of the food we eat is genetically modified and how healthy or unhealthy it is, as a lot of us eat food without truly knowing what we are placing into our bodies and doing to our environment.

We later went to the agricultural lab where we met two of the scientists who worked on the research behind creating the most efficient product of plants and food. We completed a lot of hands-on experiments which helped us further understand the topic of genetics and artificial selection and genetically modified organisms.

It was an interesting experience.

Visual Arts

Please enjoy some samples of work produced by our secondary students under the guidance of their teacher, Ms Brittany Sullivan.

VicRoads Road Smart Program

Our Year 10s have been taking part this year in the VicRoads Road Smart program. It is a road safety education and training program designed to build on existing road knowledge, skills and behaviours of Year 10 students. The program aims to help lay down the foundations for safe driving among young drivers.

One of the components of the program is an off-road session by VicRoads approved driving instructors in a 5-star ANCAP safety-rated vehicle. Our Year 10s enjoyed their opportunity to practise driving for fifteen minutes. They began learning how to safely interact with other road users, practising a staged approach to learning to drive, and driving to the conditions - all in a secured environment.

Pastoral Care Activities

AFL Game

On the 21 April the boys’ pastoral care team organised for teachers and students to watch an AFL game between the Western Bulldogs and Carlton. It was a great day for both students and teachers as they really enjoyed themselves. The purpose of this excursion was to enhance students’ well-being and as a special reward for their immense effort and outstanding behaviour during pastoral care programs. Please enjoy the photos.

Inter-Campus Reading Competition

The Sirius College boys’ pastoral care team organised a Years 7-10 inter-campus reading competition, held at the Ibrahim Dellal Campus on Saturday, 25 May. The competition was organised to encourage our students to be good readers. Some of our boys were chosen to represent our campus at this competition. They competed with other students from across Victoria reading books on religious, spiritual and ethical topics.

Mother’s Day Iftar

Happy Mother, Happy Student

The key to happiness comes from food and what better way is there to celebrate Mother’s Day with parents than with an Iftar dinner. The ladies’ pastoral care team was delighted to host mothers of students in Years 5 -10 in the brand new cafeteria. It was a pleasure to see mothers come and share their time with us. It was just as pleasing to see many of their daughters helping to prepare and serve food to their own mothers and other guests.

We held competitions and games where mothers could display their talents and skills. We enjoyed an insightful presentation about the Ramadan Campaign by Ms Karaosmanoglu. She had herself visited Cambodia to personally deliver food packages. It was heart-warming to see where all of the effort of students and teachers ends up.

We finished the night with smiles and full tummies, and lots of happy mothers presented with gifts.

We would like to thank all the parents who had the chance to attend this Iftar and all of our students who helped us organise such an amazing night.