ISAA inaugural executive leadership retreat 2023

The Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISAA) hosted the Inaugural Executive Leadership Retreat in an intense two days of workshops, keynote speeches, networking and collaboration on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 March at Al Siraat College in Melbourne.

The retreat was attended by principals and executive leadership teams from over 20 Islamic schools across Australia.

Mr. Abdullah Khan – ISAA President & Executive Principal of Australian Islamic College WA.

The program began with a Qur’an recitation followed by a welcome speech by Mr Abdullah Khan, ISAA President and the Executive Principal of Australian Islamic Colleges in Perth.

Mr Khan stated that, “The ISAA Executive Leadership Retreat was developed so member and non-member schools could join together and come up with new and innovative ideas, share ideas for improving the Islamic schooling sector in Australia, for strategic planning and to build capacity in terms of leadership.”

Mr Fazeel Arain, Co-founder and Principal at Al Siraat College, gave a welcome speech for  guests, many who flew in that morning, stating, “It’s a humbling experience to have you all here.  This retreat was once just a thought in someone’s mind.  Allah SWT has given the human being two very powerful faculties; one is the power to think and the other is the power to act. It’s our thoughts that allow our actions to happen.  This is a forum of thought leadership and unlocking our schools potentials to work more closely with each other.”

The first keynote speaker was Professor Jim Watterston, Dean and Enterprise Professor of Education Systems at University of Melbourne who gave a very insightful speech on the proactive reforms necessary in preparation for School Education in 2030 and beyond.

Professor Watterston challenged the executive leaders to consider, “If we’re going to solve education issues within your schools and within Australia then we need to think about how do we change the paradigm? How do we change what is embedded in Australian education?”

President of Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), Mr Adel Salman, the second keynote speaker, presented on the topic of Upholding the Religious Ethos Challenge for Islamic schools, focusing on the Australian Law Reform Commission’s recommendations and the review of exemptions affecting religious institutions.

Mr Salman presented on what Islamic schools in Australia can do and what practical steps they can take to mitigate these laws. He discussed the importance of coordinating efforts with other Islamic and faith based schools in collaboration with ISAA, raising concerns with authorities, applying holistic recruitment strategies and educating the school community.

Mr Salman stated that, “It is vital that schools incorporate Islamic pedagogy into their entire curriculum.”

Mr Abdullah Elleissy – Head of School – Darul Ulum VIC.

During the Table Talk sessions, facilitated by Mr Don Walkley, Manager of People & Culture at Al Siraat College, executive leaders had an opportunity to discuss what is currently on the agenda for their schools.

This session uncovered a range of opportunities for collaboration.

The group prayed Jumuah together.

Abdulsalam from ASC Media team with Ms. Gafiah Dickinson – Executive Principal – Australian International Academy, VIC.

Ms Zainab Rida, College Co-Captain at Al Siraat College made a speech. Mr Fazeel then presented on the topic of Leadership from an Islamic Perspective, Influence of Leadership and Measuring our Impact.

Day two featured a panel discussion with Mr Osama Akkad, College Co-Captain Al Siraat College, Ms Rahat Arain, Co-Founder & Director Curriculum Learning & Innovation ASC, and Ms Aynur Simsirel, Principal Consultant at Independent Schools Victoria. Mr Abdullah Khan asked provoking questions from the panel on leadership in Islamic schools.

Prof Jim Watterston – Dean, Melbourne University.

Topics including post-COVID staff recruitment and retention strategies, leadership essentials for Islamic school leaders, and current projects were also discussed.

The plenary speech was made by Mr Mohamed Elbotaty, Head of Primary Years at Al Siraat College, while Mr Abdullah Khan, sought feedback from attendees and delivered a closing speech. Shaikh Waseem made the closing Duaa.

Al Siraat College Media students Zayn and Abdulsalam captured the event highlights for media coverage.

The Annual ISAA Executive Leadership Retreat  is hosted at a different Islamic school each year.  Principals and executive leadership teams from all Islamic schools in Australia are welcome to participate.