Principal's Message
Assalaamu Alaykum WRWB,
Alhamdulillah, we have now reached the heart of Term 3, and I am delighted to share with you some of the inspiring moments and achievements from across our campuses over the past weeks. At Malek Fahd Islamic School, our mission is to empower every learner to reach their full potential through an education deeply rooted in faith, excellence, and service.
This term has been filled with remarkable milestones—celebrating student success, uplifting community service, enhancing staff professional growth, and strengthening connections with national and international educators. Each of these moments reflects our collective effort to be the leading school for Islamic education in Australia.
Professional Development
As Term 3 commenced, staff engaged in a series of professional learning opportunities centred on faith, leadership, and growth. Our Executive Development Day brought leaders together for reflection on the theme of Prophetic Leadership, and we were honoured by the presence of the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, who inspired us with his reflections on the Islamic worldview in education. This was followed by the Curriculum Leaders Development Day, where staff from all campuses collaborated on strategic planning and curriculum development guided by Islamic values. To further enrich the start of the term, our whole staff united for a cross-campus Staff Development Day, during which we were privileged to host visiting scholar Sheikh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith. His session on Prophetic Emotional Intelligence reminded us of the importance of empathy, resilience, and spiritual grounding in our roles as educators.
The 8th Annual Australian Islamic Schooling Conference brought together educators from across the country to reflect on the theme of Islamic Schooling Renewal: A Focus on Assessment - Why, What and How We Assess in Australian Islamic Schools. The conference highlighted the need to look beyond test scores and focus on nurturing students’ character, faith, and humanity.
We are proud of the thirty-one MFIS educators who attended, with several presenting their research on integrating the Islamic worldview into curriculum and assessment:
Mr Ali Arabaci & Ms Zena Maarbani (Muhasabah and the Missing Measure)
Ms Thamina Kassar (Science assessment case study)
Ms Maisaa Kassar (English assessment)
Dr Ozan Angin (Palestine-themed poetry slam)
Ms Sofia Begam (assessing moral, spiritual, and ethical development)
Their contributions showcased MFIS as a leader in shaping Islamic education nationally and provided valuable strategies to strengthen both academic growth and spiritual development in our learners.
Alhamdulillah, Malek Fahd Islamic School was honoured to host the Islamic Schools Education Forum at our Hoxton Park campus, in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) and the Islamic Schools Association of Australia (NSW Branch). The forum welcomed educators from nine Islamic schools and was facilitated by Aunty Elma Harder, Program Specialist from Sakinah Circle, Canada.
The theme, “Curriculum Integration through the Quranic Worldview”, invited participants to explore how curriculum renewal can be grounded in the Quranic worldview. Key discussions highlighted the value of thematic learning as a means to integrate rather than silo subject areas, the planning and design of units of work, and developing assessment practices that focus on meaningful educator observation and student self-reflection. This inspiring forum provided valuable insights into nurturing learners through a holistic and faith-centred educational approach.
Staff Achievements
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms Thamina Kassar, Girls’ Wellbeing Coordinator and Science teacher at our Greenacre Campus, on achieving Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) Accreditation. This prestigious recognition reflects her outstanding teaching practice, leadership, and commitment to student wellbeing. HALT accreditation is one of the highest professional standards for teachers in Australia, and Ms Kassar’s achievement is a testament to her dedication to excellence and her passion for nurturing both the academic and personal growth of her students. She is a role model for her colleagues and a source of pride for the MFIS community.
We also celebrate the achievements of Mr Ali Dib (Teaching and Learning Development Coordinator), Mr Mohammed Shameem (Deputy Head of Campus, Beaumont Hills), Mr Mohammed Faruk (Dean of Secondary Curriculum), and Ms Rhonda Sabouni (PDHPE Teacher, Greenacre Campus), who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate of Education - Islamic Education with the University of South Australia. Their accomplishment adds to our growing cohort of educators who are not only highly skilled in their fields, but also deeply committed to grounding the Islamic worldview within teaching and learning. By pursuing this specialised qualification, they are helping to strengthen our collective vision to position MFIS as the leading school for Islamic education in Australia, Insha’Allah.
Annual Charity Ride/Walk Fundraiser Update
Although our Annual Charity Ride/Walk was unfortunately cancelled due to forecasted heavy rain, the MFIS community came together with remarkable generosity, raising a total of $17,438 for humanitarian relief in Gaza and Sudan. This achievement reflects the compassion and commitment of our staff, learners, and families, who continue to embody the values of service and empathy, even when circumstances prevent us from gathering in person.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed—your kindness and support will help ease the suffering of those most in need.
Independent Schools Save Taxpayers and Boost the Economy
Did you know the contribution of Independent schools to the Australian economy is comparable to that of the entire Gold Coast? A recent national report by the Independent Schools Australia (ISA) Economic Contribution of the Independent School Sector – ISA revealed that Independent schools generated $45.7 billion in economic activity during 2023–24, while also saving governments more than $12.5 billion. In New South Wales alone, Independent schools contributed $14.9 billion to the economy, created 33,760 full-time equivalent jobs—more than Telstra or Qantas nationally—and supported an additional 43,182 jobs through flow-on employment, while saving taxpayers $4.92 billion in operating and construction costs.
At Malek Fahd Islamic School, we are honoured to be part of a sector that provides such wide-reaching benefits to the community, while also serving the educational and spiritual growth of our students. May Allah (SWT) continue to guide our efforts and accept our service to education as a form of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity).
Looking Ahead
As we move through the remainder of Term 3, let us continue to nurture our learners with the values of Faith, Excellence, and Service, ensuring that every experience—whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the community—is an opportunity to grow in knowledge and character.
We extend our best wishes to our Year 12 students for their HSC Trial Examinations. This final term of secondary schooling is both a challenging and memorable milestone, and we pray that Allah (SWT) grants them clarity, confidence, and success as they prepare for the HSC. Year 12 parents and carers are warmly reminded that the Year 12 Graduation Dinners will be held on Wednesday, 24 September—a special occasion to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our graduating learners. Detailed information regarding the ceremonies and dinners will be sent out shortly.
I thank our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and committed learners for your ongoing efforts and contributions. Together, we are building not only a school of academic distinction, but also one that shines with the light of faith and service to humanity. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless our school community and guide us in our mission.
Dr Zachariah Matthews, Principal
