As Salaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakthu,

I am originally from the UK and graduated with my first degree in 1985. In 1990 I studied for a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification before moving to Jakarta, Indonesia as a newly wed. I taught ESL for 3 years before starting a family and spent another 5½ years living in Jakarta until we emigrated to Australia in 1998.

Prior to embarking on my formal teaching career, I was a stay at home mum to our 4 children. From this experience I gained an awareness of children’s needs and development; and entered early childhood teaching with a transformed idea of how children learn and the potential every child has. This breadth of experience led me to develop a strong belief that children learn best when they are having fun and are engaged in practical, real life activities. As an early childhood educator, it is the teacher’s primary responsibility to create an appropriate environment for learning and provide the spark that allows children to develop naturally.

I commenced teaching at the Australian International Islamic College in 2006 as the preschool teacher (3 days per week) and also as the ESL Coordinator (2 days per week). When the Preparatory year was introduced full-time in Queensland in 2007, I spearheaded the set up and development of the Prep curriculum which at that time followed the Early Years Curriculum Guidelines. I joined Independent Schools Queensland’s Prep network of teachers to enhance my knowledge and develop my practice.

Throughout my time at AIIC, I have been proactive in the development of College programs and taken on Positions of Additional Responsibility (PAR) including ESL Coordinator, Lower Primary Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator (P-6) and now my role as Head of Primary.

I am directly supported in my role by a strong team of dedicated teachers including the Lower Primary Coordinator, Upper Primary Coordinator, support staff, Imams, Administrators and the Principal. I believe that strong relationships with parents and the wider community are vital to the continued growth of our College and in the development of each and every student at AIIC.