Admin
Historic Collaboration Launches Parliamentary Friends of Religious Schools & Faith Communities
Canberra, Australia: In a remarkable display of unity and collaboration, the Islamic Schools
Association of Australia has joined forces with Christian Schools Australia and the Australian
Association of Christian Schools (AACS) to establish the Parliamentary Friends of Religious
Schools & Faith Communities in the Australian Parliament in Canberra. The official launch
of this groundbreaking initiative took place where Br Abdullah Khan, Chair of the Islamic
Schools Association of Australia, delivered a powerful speech.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed members of Parliament and Senators including the honorable Senator Fatima Payman. The group is co-chaired by Senator Deborah O’Neill and Mr Julian Lesse MP.
Br Abdullah Khan’s speech emphasized the pivotal role of faith-based schools in Australia’s educational landscape. He highlighted the remarkable growth of Islamic schools, a testament to the trust and confidence parents place in these institutions. The growth reflects a strong demand for education that integrates faith, culture, and academic excellence.
The Chair underscored the importance of parental choice in education, advocating for the freedom of parents to choose educational settings that align with their values. He expressed gratitude to the members of the Parliamentary Friends of Religious Schools & Faith Communities for recognizing the significance of faith-based education in Australian society.
Br Abdullah Khan conveyed the commitment of Islamic schools to providing high-quality
education while nurturing a strong sense of community and belonging. He emphasized the
empowerment of students with skills and knowledge, coupled with the instillation of values
such as empathy, kindness, and integrity.
The establishment of the Parliamentary Friends group marks a monumental achievement,
providing faith-based schools with a vital platform to advocate and lobby for shared interests
within the Australian Parliament. The collaboration aims to ensure that every child in
Australia, regardless of their faith or background, has access to high-quality education that
nurtures their mind, body, and spirit.
As the Parliamentary Friends of Religious Schools & Faith Communities takes its first steps,
the collaboration between Islamic and Christian schools signals a commitment to building a
future where diversity is celebrated, understanding is fostered, and respect for one another
prevails.
This historic initiative is poised to contribute significantly to the dialogue surrounding
education, faith, and harmony in Australia, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive
future for all.
ISAA Media Statement on Palestine
28th October 2023: Amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the Islamic Schools Association of Australia strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We firmly support peace, adherence to international law, and the protection of civilian lives.
The recent events have deeply saddened us. Since October 7, more than 8,000 people have been killed, including over 3,000 children and this number keeps increasing on a daily basis. This dire situation is profoundly affecting our school communities, a significant number of whom have relatives and cherished ones residing in Gaza and the Occupied Territories. The continuous targeting of numerous hospitals, places of worship such as mosques and churches, schools, shelters, and designated safe zones has had a devastating impact.
We stand in solidarity with the global community in condemning the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilians, including innocent children, women, and the elderly. We also condemn the inhumane occupation of Palestine and the blockade of Gaza’s 2 million residents.
The pain and distress caused by these events extend far beyond the Middle East. Australian Muslims, along with all individuals who value peace, are deeply affected by this violence.
We are very concerned about the recent rise in Islamophobia, and anti[1]Palestinian racism that has infiltrated public discourse. Racism and discrimination is extremely damaging and serves to fracture communities.
We call upon the Australian Government, as well as faith leaders, organisations, and the global community, to demand an immediate ceasefire and the permanent end to the occupation of the Palestinian people. The path to peace is challenging, but it must be pursued with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to justice.
We pray for a future where the suffering of the Palestinian people is alleviated, and where the calls for peace and justice drown out the sounds of violence and hatred.
Successful Conclusion of the ISAA Annual Conference & AGM 2023: Fostering Excellence in Islamic Education
Perth, 18th August 2023 – The Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISAA) marked another milestone in advancing the cause of Islamic education with its Annual Conference & Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 17th and 18th, 2023. The event brought together educators, administrators, and stakeholders from across the nation to discuss pertinent issues in Islamic education and chart the path for its future growth.
The two-day event was graced by the presence of esteemed leaders in the field. Notably, Br. Abdullah Khan, the Chair of ISAA, played a pivotal role in steering the conference’s proceedings. Alongside him was Br. Mohammad Taksim, the Executive Principal of Minaret College, who also had the honor of hosting this significant gathering.
A highlight of the event was the participation of over 40 Principals from various Islamic schools across the country. This diverse group of education leaders engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing insights, experiences, and best practices to further elevate the standard of Islamic education in Australia. The conference provided a platform for these professionals to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Topics covered during the conference spanned a wide spectrum, from innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development to addressing challenges faced by Islamic schools. Participants explored ways to promote cultural understanding, enhance students’ character development, and leverage technology to create a holistic learning environment.
Br. Abdullah Khan, in his opening address, emphasized the importance of nurturing a generation of informed, empathetic, and conscientious individuals through Islamic education. He highlighted that the collective efforts of the ISAA community are instrumental in achieving this vision.
The event’s success can be attributed to the dedication of the organizers, participants, and the supportive educational community. The ISAA Annual Conference & AGM 2023 not only reflected the commitment to educational excellence but also showcased the unity and shared values within the Islamic education sector.
As the conference concluded, participants left with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper sense of purpose to continue shaping the future of Islamic education in Australia. The event served as a reminder that through collaboration and continuous learning, the path to excellence in education remains illuminated.