News College
25 February 2016
Asalamu Alaikum Dear Parents and Friends
Today we celebrated Al Siraat’s 7th Anniversary after having opened its doors on 25 February 2009. It does not seem like a very long time but we have so much to be thankful for, alhamdulillah.
We are certainly blessed in our staff and community support, the facilities and the space that we enjoy today:
Starting with just one portable building which is now predominantly used for staff work spaces, it originally housed 4 classrooms, 5 staff and all 75 of our first lot of students those seven years ago.
This year, we have almost 40 classrooms, 80 staff and around 650 students!
For those of you who have been with us on the journey from the start, I thank you for your continued support and faith in us, and for all those who joined afterwards: We wouldn't be here without you.
Whilst it is with fond memories that we look back, it is important not to lose focus of what we want to achieve, how we should go about in striving for it, and why it is so important that we invest our time and efforts productively. The inaugural Australian Islamic Schools Conference that we hosted last weekend was testament to the fact that we are determined to press ahead with vigour and a strong vision for our future inshaAllah. The conference was attended by more than 200 delegates from schools around Australia and even overseas.
I pray that Allah be pleased with our efforts and makes our College a place where the whole community can come together. A place that invests in the process of education and learning that develops complete human beings able to fulfil their purpose ... a place that is accepted by Allah for the positive transformation of not only our children, but also ourselves. Ameen.
Wasalam
BEd (Macquarie), BEng (Civil) (UNSW)
Rahat started her career as a Civil Engineer. Realising the importance of education in the lives of children, she completed a degree in Teaching and embarked on a teaching career. She is dedicated to ensuring that each child can realise their potential and develop both spiritually and academically.
As co-founder and founding Principal of Al Siraat College from 2009-2017, Rahat has been passionately involved in the set up of this College right from the grassroots. With a passion for Islamic education, she teamed up with her husband to establish the first Islamic school in the City of Whittlesea.
Prior to her involvement in Al Siraat College, Rahat has had a number of years of experience in other local Islamic schools, public schools, after hours madrassas, and has also been involved in Home Schooling whilst searching for the best way of educating her own children. Being in positions of teaching, leadership, and community service for the last 15 years has helped shape her motivation for contributing to the education of the Muslim community.
Rahat was appointed as Director of Student Learning and is determined to lead the way in helping the Al Siraat Community flourish as positive Muslims and citizens of Australia.