Curriculum Update

Assalaamu Alaykum WRWB,

Global Association of Islamic Schools (GAIS) Conference

During the Term 3 break, the 4th Annual Global Association of Islamic Schools (GAIS) Conference was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Themed “Tajdīd: Inspiration to Impact”, it brought together over 350 educators from 27 countries including the US, Canada, UK and South Africa. Together with Ms Amira Kirsten and Dr. Ozan Angin, I had the opportunity to attend this landmark event, which called for a holistic renewal of Islamic education, which harmonises faith with pedagogy. Key sessions explored how tajdīd (renewal) can inspire curriculum reform, strengthen teacher capacity, and nurture students as ethical leaders and innovators. Workshops on governance, digital learning, and the Islamic worldview demonstrated how Islamic schools are redesigning all aspects of education, affirming that we do not have to choose between faith and academic excellence. 

This vision aligns strongly with our school’s ongoing journey of tajdīd. As a learning community, we are dedicated to empowering our students with a strong and confident Muslim identity while equipping them with the intellectual rigour and skills to thrive in an increasingly complex world. The conference reaffirmed that true educational excellence is achieved when faith and intellect work in harmony, producing graduates who lead with wisdom, compassion, and purpose. At Malek Fahd Islamic School, we remain deeply committed to nurturing both spiritual and academic growth, ensuring that our students embody the values of faith, excellence, and service in every sphere of life.

Wednesday Afternoon Professional Learning

The introduction of the Wednesday afternoon Professional Learning Program (PLP) this year provided teachers with much needed time to collaborate on curriculum programming, wellbeing initiatives, and to strengthen practice through the Instructional Practice domain of the Malek Fahd Islamic School Teaching and Learning Framework. Targeted professional learning ensures our staff are well-prepared for the rollout of the new NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabuses in 2026, including Science 7–10, Technology 7–8, English 11–12, and Mathematics 11–12. Through this continued focus, we are working to ensure that academic excellence and faith-based values remain at the heart of every classroom.

Highly Accomplished Teacher

Lifelong learning is one of our core Graduate Qualities, and it applies equally to our educators. As a learning community, we embrace the responsibility to continually upskill, nurture a growth mindset, and meet challenges with determination to ensure ongoing improvement. We are delighted to recognise Ms Thamina Kassar from Greenacre Secondary and Ms Maisaa Kassar from Hoxton Park, have achieved Highly Accomplished Teacher Accreditation. With this healthy sibling rivalry, they now join Ms Doha Adra as Highly Accomplished Teachers at Malek Fahd Islamic School, who have all demonstrated lifelong learning following the completion of their Graduate Certificate of Education – Islamic Education through the University of South Australia. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement that reflects genuine commitment to professional excellence with a focus on advancing Islamic education.

Class of 2025 

2025 marked the biggest ever HSC cohort graduating from Malek Fahd Islamic School. We are excited to share that our 222 Year 12 students will have successfully completed their Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations with Physics as the last exam on Friday 7 November. As they await their HSC exam results on Thursday 18 December 2025, we join them in looking forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Insha’Allah we will celebrate their accomplishments as recent alumni at our campus-based morning teas in the second week of 2026. To stay updated on alumni events, students are encouraged to share their details by emailing alumni@mfis.nsw.edu.au or registering online https://alumni.mfis.nsw.edu.au/

Academic Update

Year 11 students received their Yearly Reports in Week 2 of this term, reflecting their performance across the 12 Preliminary Units completed in Terms 1, 2, and 3. Summative grades for each course can be accessed through Students Online. These grades provide a benchmark for measuring growth as students commence their HSC courses this term. HSC Assessment Schedules for each subject have also been distributed to guide students through their studies.

Year 10 students have completed the selection of their 12 Preliminary Units for the upcoming academic year. This process allows students to pursue areas of personal interest and explore potential career pathways. Both ATAR and non-ATAR programs will be offered for the first time next year, providing a broader range of opportunities to cater to individual goals and aspirations. Families are reminded that certain courses have specific prerequisites, which have been previously communicated. Students will also undertake a period of Work Experience, which will provide valuable exposure to professional environments, develop practical skills, and enhance students’ confidence as they prepare for their future studies and career pursuits. 

Year 8 students have finalised their selection of two elective subjects, establishing their study patterns for Years 9 and 10 (2026 and 2027). Students have been notified of their allocated courses for the upcoming school year.

Year 6 students will participate in a comprehensive Year 7 Transition Program facilitated by secondary teachers and the Secondary Wellbeing Teams. Programs have been strategically designed to support students as they prepare for the move to secondary school. Families seeking further information are encouraged to contact their child’s classroom teacher.

Students in Years K–9 will complete their summative assessments in the coming weeks as outlined in the assessment schedules. Parents are encouraged to support their children by helping them revise key content and practise regularly at home. This term’s Whole-School Parent Webinar included a session on Preparing for Yearly Examinations, focusing on effective study habits, common pitfalls to avoid, and the important role parents play in supporting their child’s learning. You can now access the webinar recording via this newsletter or through the Sentral Parent Portal. 

Reading daily is one of the most powerful ways for children to strengthen their academic achievement. While primary students attend regular library sessions, we recognise that this alone is not sufficient to foster a strong reading habit. To encourage students to read a different book each night, every classroom is equipped with a collection of books available for daily borrowing. Parents are encouraged to support this initiative by setting aside time for reading each evening, even just 10 minutes, and engaging their child with questions that promote comprehension and critical thinking. Families who wish to recommend particular genres or book series are welcome to contact their child’s classroom teacher.

Enrichment Classes

The first Enrichment Class was introduced at the Greenacre campus this year for Year 7 students. In 2026, a second Enrichment Class will be established for the incoming Year 7 cohort. Each year, students will be selected for the program based on a range of holistic criteria, ensuring opportunities for those who demonstrate strong academic potential and heightened spiritual consciousness. The school is also working towards expanding the Enrichment Program across all campuses in the near future. Please reach out to the Head of Campus for further information.

The Enrichment Class offers an engaging and challenging learning experience for students who demonstrate high academic potential and enthusiasm for learning. Through differentiated and project-based activities, students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, collaborate with peers, and explore complex ideas beyond the standard curriculum. 

Recognition of Service

Malek Fahd Islamic School is proud to acknowledge the dedication and service of all our teachers, with special recognition given to those who have made significant contributions to the school over many decades. This year so far, we extend our congratulations to thirty-four staff members who have each served for more than 20 years.

Ms Tulin Bragg, Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning