Principal's Message
Assalaamu Alaykum WRWB,
Alḥamdulillāh, in Term 3, we have continued to see encouraging progress across our School — in academic achievement, professional learning, Islamic education, student leadership, inclusion and service. These achievements are a reflection of the collective efforts of our students, educators, staff and families and, ultimately, of the shared commitment that makes MFIS such a special community.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
This year marks the fifth and final year of our current Strategic Plan of Renewal. Over the past five years, we have worked together to strengthen our School, enhance teaching and learning, develop our people and deepen our commitment to excellence in Islamic education.
As we now begin shaping our next five-year strategic plan for 2027–2031 of Distinction, we have an opportunity to reflect honestly on where we have come from, recognise where we need to improve and establish an ambitious vision for the future.
Our aspiration is not simply to be a larger school or one measured by conventional markers of success. We seek to be a school distinguished by the quality of its education, the strength of its Islamic identity, the character of its people, and the opportunities it provides for every learner to thrive.
Excellence in Learning
We were particularly proud to announce our 2026 NAPLAN results, which represent our strongest results in recent years.
Between 2025 and 2026, cohort averages increased across 18 of the 20 assessed NAPLAN domains, while the number of cohorts performing above the NSW state average doubled.
These results are encouraging because they demonstrate the impact of sustained effort. They reflect the dedication of our learners, the expertise and commitment of our educators, the use of data-informed teaching practices and the support of our families.
However, while we celebrate academic achievement, we must always remember that education is about more than measurable outcomes. Our responsibility is to develop the whole person — students who are knowledgeable and capable, but also principled, compassionate, resilient and conscious of their responsibility to Allah and to society.
This remains at the heart of our values of Faith, Excellence and Service.
Tarbiyah and the Formation of Our Educators
A particularly significant focus this term has been the continued development of our understanding of tarbiyah — the holistic formation of the human being.
I was proud to see 39 MFIS educators participate in the 9th Annual Australian Islamic Schooling Conference in Adelaide, themed Islamic School Renewal: Tarbiyah of the Educator and the Inward Turn Toward Outward Impact.
The conference provided an important opportunity to reflect on the role of educators not simply as transmitters of knowledge, but as murabbīn (holistic nurturers) whose character, convictions and spiritual orientation influence the students entrusted to their care.
I would like to congratulate 20 of our MFIS educators who presented their action research and renewal experiences during the conference. Their willingness to share practice and contribute to the broader Islamic education sector is something we should be proud of.
MFIS also participated in the ISAA Conference & AGM 2026, under the theme The Divine Blueprint: Reclaiming Tarbiyah, Leading with Purpose, and Shaping the Future of Islamic Education, further strengthened this reflection. Leaders from Islamic schools across Australia came together to consider the future of Islamic education, including leadership, artificial intelligence, student faith and identity, social cohesion and the changing educational landscape.
These experiences reinforce an important principle: meaningful educational renewal begins with the formation of the people entrusted with education.
Creating More Inclusive Opportunities
Another important development is our partnership with Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) to establish an Aspect satellite classroom at our Greenacre Primary Campus from Term 1, 2027.
The program will provide autism-specific education for learners from Kindergarten to Year 4 within a mainstream school environment. Students will benefit from specialist educators, a structured learning environment and personalised, evidence-informed teaching, while also having opportunities to participate in the wider life of MFIS.
This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that every learner is recognised for their individual strengths and supported to reach their potential.
It is an exciting development for MFIS and for the broader community, and we look forward to welcoming our first learners in 2027, inshā’Allāh.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the term, our students have continued to demonstrate that meaningful learning takes place well beyond the classroom.
Our cross-campus sporting competitions brought students together through football and futsal, developing teamwork, resilience, healthy habits and sportsmanship. Our Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation students also demonstrated leadership by taking on coaching, refereeing and event-management responsibilities.
Our Beaumont Hills School Captains, Haadiya and Mahenoor, represented MFIS at a leadership workshop at NSW Parliament House, where they explored parliamentary processes, civic responsibility and public service.
Our students have also benefited from rich Islamic learning experiences, including the powerful presentation on the story of Prophet Musa (AS) for our Greenacre Primary students and a special Qur’anic workshop with Dr Shaykha Haifaa Younis for our Greenacre Secondary girls.
We were also privileged to welcome Sheikh Hamza Karamali from Basira Education, whose public lecture explored Making Sense of Religion in the Modern World and provided our wider community with an opportunity to engage thoughtfully with questions of faith, reason and Islamic belief.
These experiences contribute to the formation of students who are not only academically capable, but confident, reflective, principled and purposeful.
Faith in Action: Service to Others
Our community has once again demonstrated the meaning of service. Through our Qurbān fundraiser, the MFIS community raised $23,889.50, with generous contributions from our campuses and online supporters.
We have also partnered with AusReliefthrough the Winter Relief Campaign, supporting individuals and families experiencing hardship in our communities.
These initiatives remind us that our responsibility extends beyond ourselves. The values of Faith, Excellence and Service are most meaningful when they translate into action — when our knowledge leads to compassion and our blessings lead us to serve others.
I thank our students, families and staff for their generosity and commitment to these important initiatives.
Recognising a Lifetime of Service
As part of our Staff Development Day in Term 3, we were pleased to recognise members of our MFIS community who have demonstrated more than 15 years of dedicated service to the School.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Ms Firoza Ahmed and Mrs Athar Selbokh for their many years of commitment and contribution to MFIS. Their longstanding service reflects the dedication and loyalty of staff who have played an important role in the growth and development of our School community.
I would also like to acknowledge Ms Chris Blackall, who is concluding her tenure as Dean of Learning Support and commencing a new chapter within MFIS.
Ms Blackall has been a valued member of our School community for more than 35 years and has made a significant contribution to generations of students, families and colleagues. Through her work in Learning Support, she has demonstrated care, dedication and a genuine commitment to ensuring that students are known, supported and provided with opportunities to succeed.
We are pleased that Ms Blackall will continue her journey with MFIS, allowing us to benefit from her experience, institutional knowledge and longstanding commitment to our community.
To Firoza, Athar and Chris, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your years of service and contribution to Malek Fahd Islamic School. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly for your efforts, place barakah in your continued journey and grant you ongoing success, good health and fulfilment.
Looking Towards the Future
As we approach the end of Term 3, I am grateful for the many ways in which our community has continued to grow.
Yet, as our prophetic leadership focus reminds us, we must remain humble. We should celebrate progress without becoming complacent, and recognise achievement while continuing to ask how we can do better.
Our responsibility is an amānah. We are entrusted with the education and formation of young people who will shape the future of our community and society.
May Allah (SWT) guide us to fulfil this responsibility with sincerity, wisdom and excellence. May He bless our students, educators, staff and families, unite our community upon goodness and place barakah in all that we do.
I thank you, as always, for your continued trust, partnership and support.
May we continue to live our motto: Knowledge is Light.
Jazakumullahu khayran, and may Allah (SWT) bless you and your families.
Dr Zachariah Matthews, Principal
