Principal's Message
Assalaamu Alaykum WRWB,
Alhamdulillah, as we reach the midpoint of Term 2, we reflect with gratitude on the many opportunities for growth, learning, service, and leadership experienced across our four campuses of Malek Fahd Islamic School.
This term has continued to strengthen our shared vision of nurturing the holistic Muslim learner — one who is spiritually grounded, intellectually curious, morally reflective, and committed to serving others with integrity and compassion. As explored in our recent leadership and curriculum discussions, we recognise that education is not simply the pursuit of academic success, but a process of tarbiyah: the holistic formation of the learner through the development of the ruh (soul), qalb (heart), ‘aql (intellect), nafs (inner self) and fitrah (recognition of Allah SWT) .
At Malek Fahd Islamic School, we remain committed to cultivating graduates who are God-conscious, trustworthy, empathetic, collaborative, and capable of translating knowledge into ethical action.
Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Qur’an:
“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’”(Qur’an 20:114)
We thank our learners, families, and educators for their continued partnership and dedication as we work together to nurture confident young Muslims who strive for excellence in both this life and the Hereafter.
Strengthening Islamic Leadership, Vision and Curriculum Excellence
Malek Fahd Islamic School was honoured to host two significant events that brought together leaders and educators in Islamic education, reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence.
We welcomed the Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISAA) Annual Executive Leadership Retreat 2026 at our Hoxton Park Campus, where principals and leaders from across Australia and New Zealand engaged in discussions on prophetic leadership, governance, student wellbeing, Islamic curriculum, and strengthening faith-based school communities. These conversations reaffirmed our collective responsibility in shaping the future of Islamic education.
We were also privileged to host the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE), Adelaide University, across all our campuses as part of our ongoing curriculum transformation journey where educators engaged in focused discussions on curriculum frameworks, educator role modelling, professional growth, personal best practice, and the refinement of our Niyyah Subcommittees. The visiting team included Professor Mohamad Abdalla, Associate Professor Nadeem Memon, and Mr Dylan Chown.
A key highlight was the education forum “Toward Islamic Schools of Distinction – Case Studies of Renewal in Schools and Classrooms”, held at our Hoxton Park Campus. The forum brought together lead educators from Islamic schools across Sydney and interstate to explore what makes an Islamic school truly distinctive, featuring panel discussions, breakout sessions, and roundtable dialogues on curriculum, pedagogy, and school culture rooted in the Islamic worldview.
Together, these engagements continue to strengthen our commitment to authentic Islamic education that nurtures both excellence and character, insha’Allah.
Investing in Our Educators
Professional learning and staff development have remained a major focus throughout the term. Our executives, wellbeing, curriculum leaders and teaching staff participated in several development days and training programs across our campuses.
Key areas of focus included:
- Prophetic leadership and character development
Strategic planning and school improvement
Student wellbeing and child safety
Curriculum transformation
Differentiation and formative assessment
NESA updates and professional learning
Wellbeing systems and behaviour education
We also acknowledge the successful rollout of Clevertouch Pro 3 devices across the school and the ongoing training supporting educators in effectively integrating technology into teaching and learning.
These initiatives continue to strengthen collaboration, consistency, and excellence across all campuses.
Celebrating Staff Excellence
This term, we proudly recognised two dedicated staff members for more than 20 years of service to our school community:
Ms Rajeshni Ali — Head of Department HSIE
Mr Mohammed Faruk — Dean of Teaching & Learning (Secondary)
Their dedication, professionalism, and leadership have positively impacted generations of learners and staff alike.
We also congratulate Mr Arif Ali on completing a 12-month secondment as a Physics Teaching Fellow at the UNSW School of Physics. His experience reflects our ongoing commitment to educational excellence and professional growth.
Developing Future Leaders
Student Leadership at NSW Parliament
Our Greenacre Secondary School Captains recently attended the High School Captains’ Morning Tea at the Parliament of New South Wales.
The experience provided valuable insight into leadership, governance, and civic responsibility. Students also had the opportunity to meet The Hon. Jihad Dib MP and engage with student leaders from across the region.
We are proud of the maturity, confidence, and professionalism demonstrated by our learners throughout the visit.
Academy U Graduates - Western Sydney University
We also congratulate our Year 12 Academy U graduates:
Sara Hasan - Greenacre Campus
May Thandar Oo - Greenacre Campus
Maryam Kassar - Hoxton Park Campus
These learners were recognised at Western Sydney University after successfully completing the Leadership in Complexity course. Over the past four years, these learners have shown dedication, perseverance, and strong self-discipline to successfully complete the introductory university course. The subject explored leadership theories and styles across different disciplines, encouraging learners to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop as emerging creative leaders in a changing world. This course is recognised by universities and will provide credit points towards many bachelor’s degrees.
Their dedication and perseverance are a testament to the leadership potential we strive to nurture in all learners.
Learner Opportunities and Enrichment
Malek Fahd Islamic School continues to lead the Islamic Schools Debating Competition involving more than 100 learners from across the Islamic schooling network.
This program provides students with valuable opportunities to strengthen confidence, develop critical thinking, improve public speaking and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives.
We are pleased to see learners continue to grow in confidence, articulation, and leadership through these experiences.
Inspiring Our Learners and Educators
This term, we were honoured to welcome Dr Rehan Zaidi to our Greenacre campuses. Dr Zaidi delivered engaging sessions to our Year 12 learners, encouraging them to remain focused, purposeful, and confident as they prepare for their future pathways.
We also welcomed Sr. Uzma Ahmed, Director of Education and Training at 5D Thinking, along with Br Shazad Karim, who travelled from the UK. Their discussions with our educators centred on curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching through an Islamic worldview, particularly within Science education and reflective thinking practices.
Community Service and Compassion
2026 Annual Qurban Fundraiser
As we embrace the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, we remind our community about the 2026 Annual Qurban Fundraiser in collaboration with Human Appeal Australia.
This year’s campaign will support vulnerable families in Gaza and Sudan and reflects the values of compassion, sacrifice, and service that are central to our faith.
Feed the Fasting Initiative Update
Alhamdulillah, through the generosity of our school community, a total of $21,000 was raised through our Feed the Fasting initiative across all campuses.
We sincerely thank our families, learners, and staff for their continued generosity and support.
Eidul-Adha Reminders, School Closure and MFIS Eid Festival 2026
During these scared days of Dhul-Hijjah and the celebration of Eidul-Adha, we ask Allah (SWT) to shower our school community with mercy, guidance, and barakah and we also keep in our duas those experiencing hardship around the world, especially our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Sudan. May Allah (SWT) grant them relief, protection, justice, and peace. Ameen.
Please note that all campuses of Malek Fahd Islamic School will be closed from Wednesday 27 May to Friday 29 May 2026 in observance of Eidul-Adha, with classes resuming on Monday 1 June 2026, insha’Allah.
In the spirit of generosity and celebration, we are also delighted to invite our community to the MFIS 2026 Eid Festival, to be held on Saturday 30 May 2026 at Bankstown Showground from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This special event will bring together students and their immediate families for a day of joy, gratitude, and unity, featuring rides, activities, food stalls, entertainment, and our much-anticipated Eid show. We look forward to celebrating this blessed occasion together as a school community, insha’Allah.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through the remainder of Term 2, we encourage our learners to remain focused, resilient, and committed to personal excellence in all areas of life.
We thank our parents and carers for your ongoing partnership and trust. Your support remains vital in helping us nurture confident, compassionate, and capable young Muslims.
On the blessed occasion of Eidul-Adha, we extend our warmest Eid Mubarak wishes to all members of our school community. May Allah (SWT) accept your worship, sacrifices, and good deeds, and may He fill your homes with peace, joy, and barakah during these sacred days.
May Allah (SWT) accept our worship and good deeds, forgive our shortcomings, and continue to bless our learners, families, educators, and wider community with guidance, barakah, and success.
Dr Zachariah Matthews, Principal
