7th Annual Australian Islamic Schooling Conference (AAISC7)

 Mahmoud Alazhari

"Islamic Principles and Their Role in Shaping Holistic Educational Environments in Australian Islamic Schools."

Drawing upon my background in religious leadership, community engagement, and youth development, my primary focus lies in enhancing Islamic educational systems. With experience as a former teacher of Islamic Studies and Arabic, and as the Founder & President of Rahilah Educational Organisation, I am deeply committed to infusing Islamic values into educational curricula and pedagogies. My hands-on experience in education informs the development of practices that foster holistic growth, preparing students to navigate both academic challenges and ethical dilemmas. Serving as an Executive Committee Member at The Australian National Imams Council (NSW), I collaborate closely with stakeholders to create nurturing environments that support spiritual, intellectual, and emotional development. This collaborative effort is driven by my overarching goal to contribute to the continuous renewal of Islamic educational practices, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in promoting the wellbeing and comprehensive development of students and staff within Islamic educational settings. Through these endeavours, I aim to cultivate educational environments that empower individuals to thrive academically, morally, and spiritually, fostering a generation of informed and ethical leaders.

Emneh Ali

"Empowering Educators: Islamic Pedagogy and Holistic Assessment."

Emneh has accrued over 13 years of extensive educational experience, undertaking diverse leadership roles including Head of Curriculum and Instructional Leader. Her academic achievements are underscored by a Masters in Instructional Leadership from the University of Newcastle, specialising in Pedagogy and Assessment. Additionally, she holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Sydney. Emneh’s experience and expertise has been demonstrated through presentations at events such as the Anita Chin Mathematics Conference (2017) and the AUF Empowering Learning Education Convention (2022). Currently, she serves as the Dean of Curriculum at Malek Fahd Islamic School.

Dr. Jan Ali

"A Sociological Analysis of Islamic Worldview in Education."

Jan A. Ali is Senior Lecturer in Islam and Modernity in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University, Australia. He was the Convenor of Islamic Studies in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts and Community and Research Analyst in the Religion and Society Research Centre at the Western Sydney University. Jan is the Founding Convenor of the WSU Postgraduate Islamic Studies Network. He is a religious sociologist who specialises in Islam. His main sociological focus is the study of existential Islam. His published books are Islamic Revivalism and Social Transformation in the Modern (2023);Organ Transplantation in Islam: Perspectives and Challenges (2022); A Sociological Study of Tabligh Jama’at: Working for Allah (2022); Islam and Muslims in Australia: Settlement, Integration, Shariah, Education and Terrorism (2020); Islam in the West: Perceptions and Reactions (2018, co-editor) and Islamic Revivalism Encounters the Modern World: A Study of the Tabligh Jama’at (2012).

Dr Ozan Angin & Fatima Jalloul

"Transformation and Redesign: Teaching Stage 6 English through an Islamic Worldview."

Dr Ozan Angin has a wide interest area of engaging young Muslims. He is a secondary English educator with 9 years of teaching experience. He is the founder and director of the Islamic Schools Debating Association. Having recently been conferred his PhD in Islamic Studies, he is currently pursuing research opportunities within Islamic Pedagogy as well as the religiosity of Muslim youth in Sydney.

Fatima Jalloul

Fatima Jalloul is a secondary English educator who has spent over a decade teaching English in Islamic Schools and is currently the Head of English at Malek Fahd Islamic School, Greenacre campus. In her role, she shares her experience and insight with a dynamic team of English educators who are passionate about teaching literature and committed to creating positive learning environments for students. Fatima holds a Bachelor of Education (Humanities and Social Sciences) from the University of Sydney and has recently completed the Graduate Certificate in Education (Islamic Education) at the University of South Australia.

Abrahim Al-Zubeidi

"Prophetic Paradigm: A renewed look at curriculum, pedagogy and assessment,"

Abrahim Al-Zubeidi is the Head of Religious Studies and Faith at Playford College. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University, and a Master of Teaching majoring in Islamic Pedagogy and Science Education and a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Education from the University of South Australia. Abrahim is a PhD Candidate in Islamic Education from the University of South Australia and is studying Islamic sciences, holding a diploma in Islamic theology and studying a Bachelor in Islamic sciences. He lectures and conducts workshops on contemporary faith issues and has published an anthology of poetry, “Tears from Heaven’s Flowers.” In his spare time, Abrahim enjoys camping, reading, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, board games and running a podcast "Educere" which explores renewal in education.

 Ali Arabaci

"Tazkiyah (Self-purification) as a Means for Cultivating Holistic Educator Development."

Ali is a father to five children and resides in Sydney, New South Wales. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Literature and Islamic Studies, and a Master of Teaching qualified in Secondary English and Society and Culture. Ali has had extensive senior leadership experience within the Islamic Education sector and is currently serving as the Head of Campus for Greenacre Primary at Malek Fahd Islamic School.

Ali has a strong interest in Classical Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh and Tazkiyah. He is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Education program at the University of South Australia and is researching the topic, ‘Character Development in the Islamic Tradition and Its Implementation in Australian Islamic Schools’.  He is also serving as an Executive Council member for the Islamic Schools Association of Australia, a peak representative body for Islamic schools in Australia with over 20 schools in its membership, engaging in advocacy and networking for member schools.

Moodi Dennaoui & Dr Syed Farook

"Prophetic Nutrition for Faith Based Educational Systems."

Moodi Dennaoui has spent several years as a Health Executive across Australia for leading allied health service companies. His roles have involved working, training, and educating in the fields of Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. He deals daily with patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and a variety of moderate to severe injuries. This hands-on experience has been his most rewarding endeavour to date.

In addition to his work with elite athletes and entertainers, Moodi is transitioning his expertise to an online platform, aiming to make a broader impact in the Health and Wellness sector beyond traditional brick-and-mortar services. His approach integrates his cumulative knowledge in sports science and nutrition with his studies in Islamic sciences including Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh.

Dr. Sayd Farook

Dr Farook is the Chief Executive of Unity Grammar - an independent Islamic college established with the intention to nurture pioneers of the future. Sayd is also a Board Member and Senior Partner for the global strategy consulting firm, Dinar Standard. Immediately prior, Dr Sayd Farook was responsible for Group strategy at Crescent Group which comprises Crescent Wealth, Crescent Finance, Crescent Institute and Crescent Foundation.

From 2015 to 2020, Sayd was Strategy Advisor at The Executive Office of the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for 5 years. Prior to that from 2010 to 2015, Sayd oversaw & executed the global Islamic markets strategy at Thomson Reuters (now London Stock Exchange Group) for five years as Global Head – Islamic Markets.

In addition to his executive roles, Sayd founded & sits on the Board of Trustees as Vice Chair, for the Responsible Finance & Investment (RFI) Foundation. He also sits on the board of Australia for UNHCR.
Sayd has a Ph.D at the intersection of Behavioral Economics and ethical banking (UTS), a 1st class Honors in Business (BBus) and a Degree in Law (LLB) from the University of Technology Sydney.

 Eman Aweida

"Inculcating ‘ صِلةَ الرَّحِ م ’ (Family Kinship) through a study of indigenous family structures and reflection of our own."

Ms Eman is a valued middle leader at Irfan College, a K-12 Islamic school in Sydney. She was recognised as the inaugural graduate of the Graduate Diploma in Education (Islamic Education) at the Centre for Islamic Thought & Education, University of South Australia after joining the program in its first year, as an experienced mid-career educator. Through her learning journey in the program, and her grounding in Islamic Pedagogy as a foundation for practice, she has gone on to play a key role in innovative educational projects at her College around curriculum, assessment and pedagogy. Irfan College has been recognised among several leading Islamic schools internationally for outstanding projects aligned with Islamic Pedagogy.

Mohammed Azim

"Share innovative teaching approaches rooted in the Islamic worldview that are inspiring Islamic schools’ classrooms."

Mohammed Azim, an esteemed educator, holds the prestigious AITSL national certification as a lead teacher. Currently serving as the Head of English and Teacher Mentor and Coach at Al Siraat College, he brings a wealth of 36 years of teaching experience to his role. Mohammed Azim's expertise extends beyond the classroom as he has presented at various state, national, and international conferences. His dedication to education has garnered significant recognition over the years. In 2009, Azim was honoured with the Teacher Leadership Award by AITSL. Following this, in 2011, he emerged as the victor in the State and Territory Teacher Awards Competition, subsequently clinching the esteemed National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA), backed by the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG). Mohammed Azim's commitment to excellence transcends boundaries, as evidenced by his inclusion in the 'Top 50 Australian Educators' list in 2017, where he stood as the sole representative from an Islamic School across Australia.

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Najma Reusch

Najma Reusch exemplifies excellence as an experienced Foundation Years teacher at Al Siraat College. With a steadfast commitment to early childhood education, she stands as a dedicated and qualified practitioner, driven by a profound passion for nurturing the holistic wellbeing of young children. Reusch's teaching approach is enriched by her integration of renowned educational philosophies such as Montessori and Reggio, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful learning experience for her students.

Najma Reusch embodies versatility as an educator, boasting a deep understanding of early years learning theories and practices. With nearly two decades of experience spanning across preschools and schools in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, she brings a wealth of insight to her role. Previous positions have equipped her with a keen understanding of the pivotal process of 'transitioning to school,' empowering her to support children and their families in navigating this significant journey with ease. Driven by enthusiasm for early years education, Najma's aim is to contribute to Al Siraat College by fostering a nurturing Islamic learning environment. Her vision is to create a space that caters to the diverse needs of young learners through meaningful and captivating educational experiences.

Adam El Zanaty

"Integrating Financial Literacy into Islamic Education: A Pathway to Ethical Financial Empowerment."

A professional with over 13 years of experience in the banking and finance sector. He currently serves as the Business Development Manager and manages Strategic Partners at MCCA, Australia's largest and first Islamic finance and investments company. In his role, Adam plays a crucial part in expanding MCCA's reach and fostering key partnerships that drive the organization's mission of providing Sharia-compliant financial solutions.

Before joining MCCA, Adam honed his skills and expertise at the National Australia Bank, where he held various management roles for over seven years. His extensive background in conventional banking, combined with his specialized knowledge in Islamic finance and investments, enables him to navigate and bridge both financial worlds effectively.

Adam holds a degree in banking and finance, supplemented by further studies in Islamic finance and investments. His comprehensive education and hands-on experience equip him with the insights and skills necessary to lead and innovate in the evolving landscape of Islamic finance.

At 35 years of age, Adam continues to contribute significantly to the growth and success of MCCA, leveraging his strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry to make a lasting impact.

Esra Boz

"Exploration of the Islamic worldview from a Sporting Lens."

Esra is currently the Learning and Development Manager at the Islamic College of Sport. She has almost 30 years of teaching experience and 24 years of educational leadership experience. Her areas of passion are curriculum development, student engagement, instructional coaching, staff development and team leadership training.

Esra strongly believes that great teachers identify student strengths and interests and use them as scaffolding for increased learning; she applies the same approach with teachers. She is a firm believer that teachers who have a sense of efficacy and job satisfaction are most likely to successfully engage in innovative practice. Esra also believes in student centred and holistic teaching methods, which foster higher-order thinking, metacognition and constructivism. She always emphasises that big sustainable change grows from small changes.

 Tulin Bragg

"The need for an indigenous Teaching and Learning Framework."

Currently the DP Teaching and Learning, Tulin also worked as Head of Mathematics, Wellbeing Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinator. Her passion lies in curriculum and assessment, having decades of experience in HSC Marking, including Senior Marker for Advanced Mathematics. Development of a range of assessments also includes HSC Trial Papers for NEAP and ICAS Item Writer for UNSW.
Tulin was also delegated the role of Teacher Accreditation Authority, supporting teachers to work through the mandatory Proficient Teacher Accreditation process as well as a panellist for the AISNSW Experienced Teacher Assessment, both requiring a mechanical focus on descriptors without consideration to societal transformation or context.

Master’s in educational leadership (2019) inspired her to think more deeply about leading learning but it was the Graduate Certificate of Education – Islamic Education (2023) through UNISA that the critical importance of pedagogy was realised. The powerful shift in mindset and higher purpose has inspired her to transform curriculum at MFIS to revolutionise educational practice and outcomes. Requiring substantial time and buy-in, staff needed to be empowered to see themselves as architects of curriculum. A collaborative effort throughout 2023 led to the release of the indigenous Teaching and Learning Framework V1.0.

Faruq Bin Buchari

"Knee to knee, Heart to Heart and the Metaphysics of Learning. V2."

Born in 1995 and raised in Australia from parents (Azmi and Zulkarnain) who migrated from West Sumatra, Indonesia. Attended Malek Fahd Islamic school from kindergarten until completing HSC there in 2013. I am forever indebted to all my teachers including Ms Yolbir who gave me my pen license to Mr Faruk who role modelled organisational skills and prioritisation.
Proceeded to complete a Bachelors .App Sci (Physiotherapy) from USYD in 2017 while working at KFC, Top Juice and Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. After graduating, worked in the private sector in nursing homes, medical centres and community. During COVID, work hours were cut, got married and picked up a job as a support worker in disability for over 2 years. Learned many skills such as wound management, diabetes care, giving an enema and a memorable full day workshop called “The Art of Communication”.
Within the last 18 months, I joined The Three Rivers Ensemble and mainly contribute vocally and with percussion, commenced studies of a post grad diploma of Islamic Psychology at Cambridge Muslim College, under the tutelage of luminaries of our time including Dr Abdullah Rothman, Dr Rania Awaad, Dr Najah Nadi, Dr Samir Mahmoud, Dr Yusuf Jha and Dr Mariam Sheibani, have been teaching the daff (frame drum) and beginner nasheed singing, and began my employment at Irfan College from Term 3 2023

Almir Colan

"Islamic Financial Literacy in Australian Schools: Framework Grounded in Islamic Worldview."

Almir Colan is an educator and consultant specializing in Islamic finance, economy, and management. He is the founder of Muslim Money Matters and advises various institutions in the field of Islamic finance. Almir is also a member of a working group at the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), an international standard-setting body for the Islamic finance industry. Prior to this, he served as a consultant lecturer for the Master of Islamic Banking and Finance Course at La Trobe University.

Merjem Colan

"Restorative Quranic Pedagogies."

Ustadha Merjem Colan is a 2023 graduate of the Graduate Certificate of Education (Islamic Education) program at UniSA. She also holds a Masters in Education (P-12) from Deakin University and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from Monash University. Merjem also completed the Ijazah Preparation course from Al Fajr Institute – Tarteel branch in Melbourne.

She currently works are a year 7-10 Quran teacher and Stage 6 Studies of Religion Teacher at Irfan College. In her free time, she is often hiking or swimming in the Blue Mountains, contemplating on the miraculous nature of Allah’s creation which inspired much of her teaching practice.

Vaseem Dilshad

"Innovative Pedagogical Approaches: Share innovative teaching approaches rooted in the Islamic worldview that are inspiring Islamic schools’ classrooms."

Vaseem Dilshad, an accomplished educator, pursued her academic journey in Hyderabad, India, at Osmania University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education degree. In 2012, Vaseem migrated to Adelaide, Australia, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. Over the past 14 years, she has worked extensively with children in both the Indian and Australian educational sectors, consistently striving to make the learning process engaging and innovative.

Vaseem's dedication to education is evident in her dynamic approach to teaching, where she integrates creative methods to foster a love for learning among her students. Her enthusiasm for the teaching-learning process is matched by her commitment to personal growth and continuous learning. She enjoys reading, cooking, and studying Quranic Arabic.
In Adelaide, Vaseem has continued to make a significant impact in the classroom, inspiring students with her teaching of Islamic Studies integrated with science around them.

Dr Nada Ghamra-oui

"The place of critical thinking as an underlying tenet of Islamic education and the quintessential skill for navigating complex times."

Dr Nada Ghamra-oui is an educational consultant, researcher and active community member in Sydney, Australia. With over thirty years of teaching and leadership experience, she harnesses this knowledge to support educational and charity organisations to impact practice. Her research focuses on the cultural politics of education, the intersections of leadership and racialized constituencies. Nada is passionate about community engagement, currently serving as the Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC) Senior Education Advisor, as well as a member of its Women’s Advisory Committee (AWAC). Nada’s most recent publication (2023) is entitled: Constructing the Informal Curriculum of Islamic Schools in Australia: Contribution of Contextual Factors and Stakeholder Experiences.

Wadud Hasan

"Reviving a Prophetic Model of Tarbiyah: A HEART-centered Framework to Empower Educators to Transform their Students."

Wadud Hassan is a veteran Head of School in the Dallas area (Texas, USA) having co-founded three Islamic schools with his wife Leiya Hasan and serving as an Assistant Head and later Head of School with 20+yrs of teaching experience.

Wadud & Leiya are the Co Founders of Define 360 www.define360.online, home of the Muslim Character Coach certification reviving a Prophetic HEART-centered model of Tarbiyah, and the first global Muslim Mindfulness Masterclass at Muraqaba.  Wadud completed his Masters of Education from Vanderbilt University Peabody College of Education in Leadership & Organizational Performance, his Principals Training from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and is a certified Mindful & Emotional Intelligence teacher through the Google-born Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute.

Among his notable projects, Wadud led the re-accreditation of Good Tree Academy in Dallas as the Head of School, led Islamic Schools League of America’s Leadership retreat, as well as the national Principals’ bootcamp.  Certified in Mental Health First Aid, Wadud most recently presented a Prophetic framework of wellness based on the Prophet’s response post Taif and Mental Health Strategies for Educators based on the 9th Century Physician Balkhi’s pioneering work: Sustenance of the Soul at the 25th Annual Islamic Society of North America’s 25th Education Forum.

Inas Hassan

"Cosmic Education: A Foundation for Tawhid in an Integrated, Inquiry based curriculum."

Inas spent a number of years home-schooling her eldest daughter before working on establishing Manarat el Mostaqbal International School in Cairo in 2002. In 2011 she was instrumental in founding the first Montessori program for both Early Years and Primary stages in an Egyptian school. It was there where she began developing a unique curriculum and delivered Montessori’s Cosmic education from an Islamic lens. Following her return to Australia in 2015 she contributed to Research and Development at Minaret College and directed the Minaret Early Learning Centres. Inas is a member of the Muslim Montessori Network created by Nusaibah Macadam of Rumi Montessori, Malaysia, which provides a forum for Muslim Montessori educators to share their knowledge and experience. She is currently working on creating Quran centred curriculum materials which would benefit schools and home-schooling parents Insha Allah.

Asma Herzalla

"Integrating Islamic Worldview into Primary Arabic Language Curriculum."

Asma Herzalla is an accomplished Arabic educator with over two decades of experience in teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies. Currently serving as an Arabic Teacher and Coordinator at ICOM, Asma oversees curriculum development and provides invaluable support to staff since 2014. She has recently been appointed as a reviewer and co-writer for the 2024 Victorian Curriculum F-10 Reference Panel - Language: Arabic.

With a diverse professional background, Asma's journey in education spans various roles and settings. She has served as an Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Teacher at Al-Taqwa School for a decade. Asma's dedication to Arabic education extends beyond her professional roles; she has volunteered as an Arabic coordinator in AIM schools in Victoria and co-founded Assalam Weekend School in Auckland, New Zealand.

Equipped with a Bachelor of Computer Science from Jordan University and a Postgraduate Diploma of Education from Victoria University, Asma has contributed significantly to the development of Arabic language learning materials for second language learners and authored the Sanabil Series Arabic Books. Her innovative curriculum approaches have led to remarkable improvements in student engagement. Asma's commitment to excellence and her profound impact on Arabic language education make her a highly respected educator in her field.

Silma Ihram (on behalf of Zeynep Alp, Leila H. Shatar & Isa Craig Stewart)

"Constructing a Palestine Curriculum through an Islamic Lens: Challenges and Lessons from the Islamic Curriculum Initiative."

Islam has often been imposed as a solely ritualistic religion, overshadowing its comprehensive approach to justice, truth, and resistance against oppression. The events of October 7, 2023, challenged this colonialist view, as Muslim educators faced the daunting task of addressing a plethora of fragmented and misleading information about the devastation and history of Masjid  al-Aqsa and Palestine via social media. In response to this need, the Islamic Curriculum Initiative (ICI) was established with the objective of developing curricula that are firmly rooted in an Islamic worldview and that address the complexities and misconceptions inherent in teaching a truthful Palestinian narrative.

Creating a decolonized curriculum based on truth and justice from an unbiased perspective is crucial yet challenging in a world dominated by the Zionist narrative. Existing Islamic and social studies curricula often lack factual accuracy and fail to explain contemporary global affairs from an unbiased perspective. The ICI curriculum emphasizes the fundamental importance of justice
in the context of iman, promoting informed resistance to disinformation and challenging the notion that Islam is solely concerned with ritualistic practices.

ICI advocates for research to review and improve the representation of Al-Aqsa and Palestine in existing curricula, emphasizing the need to incorporate these issues into Islamic schools and broader educational contexts. The initiative presents a framework for implementing decolonized curricula, fostering a comprehensive understanding of global affairs and identity formation.

This presentation will provide background on ICI's experience in developing a curriculum on Palestine from an Islamic perspective, focusing on the social, cultural, political, and religious implications. It will address the challenges of producing a curriculum for a global community and the need to adapt to an ever-changing legal landscape. The goal is to establish a model for others to follow, empowering educators to guide students in adopting an Islamic worldview and recognizing the importance of individual and collective responsibilities in confronting injustice and countering propaganda.

Kathryn Jone

"Fitrah Focused: Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum of the Soul."

Kathryn Jones transitioned into the realm of education in 2009 following a 13-year career in IT. As the CEO and Founder of the Back To The Fitrah Mentoring Academy, she is committed to empowering Muslim adults and children to unlock their full potential by delving into their innate resilience and mental well-being. Kathryn's approach is rooted in a framework based on Taqwa (consciousness of Allah), Tarbiyyah (nurturing souls towards Allah), and Tawakkul (trusting in Allah).

Kathryn has developed an online certification program, now in its 6th year and with participants from 16 countries, which trains Muslims worldwide to educate, mentor, and coach the Muslim Ummah, enabling them to develop emotional and spiritual resilience. She  founded the annual We R all OK Conference, which effectively reaches over 70 countries. This influential conference addresses pressing issues faced by Muslims today, providing a platform for critical discussions and meaningful solutions.

Her educational background includes a BSc in Information Science and Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from Charles Darwin University, and a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Pedagogy from the Centre of Islamic Thought and Education at the University of South Australia. She has completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education with ISRA, is a certified parent educator, certified business coach and certified Inside Out Psychological Paradigm coach.

Seri Qadijah Kamir

"Cultivating Future Generations - A Focus on Curriculum, Teachers, and Community in Singapore's aLIVE Programme."

Seri's educational journey is marked by passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beginning with her studies in Comparative Religion and Islamic Revealed Knowledge Studies, she found her calling in education through a year spent as an assistant teacher at a mosque-based kindergarten. This experience ignited her passion for crafting engaging lesson resources and fostering vibrant learning environments for children.

Her expertise expanded over the years, with roles focusing on youth development and curriculum design. As head of education at a prominent centre, she gained insights into administration, parent engagement, and curriculum design. Further studies in educational management enhanced her leadership skills.

Currently serving as a Superintendent with the Islamic Learning Hub and Management Office (ILHAM), Seri oversees the implementation of the aLIVE Curriculum, ensuring a holistic educational experience for each child. Her commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning has left a lasting impact, inspiring countless individuals to reach their full potential. Seri's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the profound influence of passionate educators.

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Salman Faruqi Mohammed Khalid

Salman Faruqi is a Lead Centre Manager who combines his expertise in community engagement and data analytics to drive positive change. Throughout his career, Faruqi has navigated diverse social service organisations, tackling the specific needs of each community. He has a proven track record of successfully managing staff, volunteers, and programs, and demonstrating strong leadership and organisational skills.
Faruqi excels at leading teams, a skill honed through experience planning and executing programs, workshops, and outreach events. He is adept at building relationships with stakeholders and fostering collaboration to ensure programs achieve their desired outcomes. This ability to unite diverse groups towards a common goal is central to Faruqi's success as a Lead Centre Manager.

Thamina Kassar

"Inspiring Science Education in the classroom through an Islamic Worldview."

Thamina Kassar is a secondary Science educator and a Wellbeing coordinator who strives to ensure that her learners are supported in all domains. With ten years of teaching across all stages of the secondary Science, she is passionate about working collegially in teams with a focus on theory to practice. Thamina has previously served as a Year Advisor for 4 years before currently taking up the role of a Wellbeing Coordinator for the Malek Fahd Islamic Schools (MFIS), Greenacre Campus. Social-emotional wellbeing within an Islamic Worldview is something she is passionate about including the impact it has on learners’ education. Thamina is dedicated to promoting a holistic approach (mind-body-soul) to behaviour education with a strong belief in the long-lasting impact of nurturing wellbeing. Thamina strives to empower students, guide teachers, and foster positive connections, ultimately contributing to the overall wellbeing and success of the school community. Thamina holds a Master in Teaching and has completed a post-graduate course in Islamic Pedagogy at the University of South Australia. She always strives to help those who need it.

 Dr. Zachariah Matthews

"Developing the MFIS Educational Philosophy Inspired by the Stimulus Paper."

Dr Zachariah Matthews studied Quranic and Islamic sciences from a young age. He transitioned from an extensive career in hospital pharmacy which included lecturing at university, working in intensive care, and managing a hospital pharmacy department, to a career in Islamic schooling. A passion since university of working with young Muslims motivated this change. His service at three Islamic schools in Sydney included the roles of Head of Islamic Studies and Leadership, followed by Deputy Principal and currently as Principal.

 Mozynah Nofal

"Educational Leadership as practiced by Islamic school Principals in Ontario."

Mozynah is currently completing a PhD in Education Leadership and Policy focusing on Islamic Leadership at the University of Toronto. She graduated in 2012 from Carleton University’s Public Affairs and Policy Management Program where she was part of her local MSA and served as the VP Canada on the MSA National Board of North America and was the Youth Representative for Islamic Society of North America - Canada. Mozynah studied at Alharam's Quran school in Madina, Islamic Studies at Ibn Khaldun University in Istanbul, and with local teachers in Cairo. She has worked as an Islamic School teacher at Abraar School in Ottawa and was the principal of SNMC Saturday Islamic school. She is currently a research assistant at the Center for Islamic Thought in Education CITE.

Rizwan Sahib

"School as an Islamic Place."

Rizwan Sahib is a tutor and doctoral candidate in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. His research focuses on Islam and Muslims in the West, based on sociological study of these phenomena.

Mahmoud Sammak

"Innovative Teaching Approaches Towards Teaching Mathematics Rooted in the Islamic Worldview."

Mahmoud Sammak has devoted the last 16 years to nurturing the mathematical skills of secondary students from Year 7 to Year 12 at Islamic schools. He has effectively utilised his engineering background to enhance his teaching methods and curriculum development as a Maths Teacher. His educational career has been significantly shaped by his roles at the Australian International Academy (AIA) starting as a Maths Teacher and later advancing to the Head of the Maths Faculty and then to the IB Diploma Coordinator. In 2022, Mahmoud assumed the role of Deputy Head of the campus, significantly expanding his leadership within the educational community.
Throughout his time at AIA, Mahmoud has also served in pivotal positions such as the Students Management Coordinator and Students Leadership Coordinator. In these roles, he has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and overseeing its implementation to ensure educational excellence. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mahmoud is a dedicated Islamic Dawah and social justice activist, well-known in Melbourne. He actively advocates for equitable opportunities and works tirelessly to foster a spirit of community and understanding across diverse groups. His efforts are driven by a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.

Dr Nadia Selim

"Adopting a whole-school approach to Arabic language education in Islamic schools."

Dr Nadia Selim is an associate lecturer in the discipline of Arabic Language and Cultures at The University of Sydney. She has coordinated various units of study and supervised student research aligned with her research interests. Nadia's primary research revolves around Arabic language acquisition, exploring effective teaching methodologies, and investigating the factors that drive students' motivation in language learning. She also has a special interest in the context of Islamic schooling. Her academic contributions are reflected in multiple published papers and chapters, key issue papers, and presentations at local and international conferences. Nadia was awarded a commendation for teaching and excellence in 2023, and her most recent publication, "Reimagining Arabic in Islamic Schools", was published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. 

Dr. Ayda Succarie

"Islamic worldview, teacher education and professional learning: towards the renewal of professional identity in Islamic schools."

Dr. Ayda Succarie is a lecturer in Human Resources and Management (HRM), Academic Program Advisor for first year undergraduate and students at-risk and an International Academic Lead for the Middle East and Gulf. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Research Studies from Western Sydney University (WSU). Her expertise is in governance, management, leadership, social entrepreneurship, organisational behaviour, identity studies, Islamic studies, and education systems. Ayda’s doctoral research examined the connection between professional identity and governance in Australian Islamic schools and her research extends nationally and internationally on the effectiveness of faith-based governance frameworks, governance renewal, methodologies in governance research and board-member well-being and professional identity studies. Ayda is also conducting research on student retention and progression, and social entrepreneurship teaching and practice.

 Toltu Tufa

"Navigating Tradition: Reimagining collaborative sexual education between
Islamic schools and Muslim parents."

Toltu Tufa, a Muslim psychologist based in Melbourne, Australia, specializes in culturally empowered sexual education for both parents and schools. Her expertise extends to providing psychological treatment for victims/survivors and perpetrators of sex crimes. Toltu has garnered recognition for her work, including the development of award-winning programs tailored for schools in the field of sexual education. She is widely acknowledged as a TED speaker and educator, known for her impactful contributions to the field.

In her portfolio, Toltu has successfully designed and implemented effective sexual assault prevention programs for both state and private high schools across Victoria. Additionally, she addresses the complexities of cultural intersectionality through her globally
recognized podcast, "Coded Switch," which she co-hosts. Toltu leverages her expertise in Islamic schools as an educational consultant and psychologist to provide culturally relevant advice. She offers guidance, strategies, and educational programs on sex education, as well as addressing sexualized behaviours, from a holistic, faith-based perspective.
www.shurapsychology.com www.toltu.com

Nazneen Wajid

Fostering Islamic Worldview Through Hands-On Islamic Art Workshop

Nazneen Wajid is an experienced educator with a career spanning over 15 years in diverse educational environments. She holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Visual Arts and Guidance Counselling from the University of Toronto, Canada. Nazneen has enriched her teaching practice through international experiences in Canada, Morocco, UAE, and Australia, where she has contributed significantly to student development and academic programs.

Currently based at Playford College in Adelaide, South Australia, Nazneen serves as a Visual Arts Educator and Student Advisor. Her work at Playford College is marked by a commitment to leveraging Islamic arts to engage Muslim learners and foster a deeper connection with their religious and cultural identities.

Complementing her role in education, Nazneen is the founder of 'Art for Afiya,' a platform that organizes art workshops tailored for both adults and children within the Muslim community through school, masjids, and community centres. The workshops are designed to provide participants with opportunities to explore, for well-being and strengthen their faith and identity through creative expression.