Malek Fahd Islamic School Beaumont Hills’ plans to increase student intake

The largest Islamic school in Australia is set to get even bigger, with plans released to increase student numbers. It comes as the school looks set to welcome a new principal.

Australia’s largest Islamic school Malek Fahd is set to become even bigger after plans were submitted to increase numbers at its Hills campus.

Malek Fahd Islamic School wants to increase student capacity at its Beaumont Hills campus from 450 to 525 students by the start of the 2022 school year.

Malek Fahd Islamic School in Beaumont Hills

Malek Fahd Islamic School

Fifty of the 75 new students will be kindergarten children.

A Hills Council officer said more learning spaces and staff might be required, according to the pre-lodgement documents.

“I would assume that at least three additional spaces plus one space per additional employee would be required,” the council staff said.

But the school has not made any plans to increase its staff numbers as part of the proposal.

It comes a year after the school’s approval to increase enrolment from 390 to 450 students.

Malek Fahd Islamic School in Greenacre

Malek Fahd has almost 3000 students across sites at Greenacre, Hoxton Park and Beaumont Hills.

As part of its application the school said the proposed increase was in line with the forecasted future enrolments at the school.

The school said there would not need to be an increase in staff numbers, with the documents stating: “Notwithstanding, no increase in staff is proposed under this DA. Furthermore, the

total number of staff on-roll at the school at 41 is considered sufficient for the proposed increase to 525 students.”

The school currently has a total of 41 staff members at the Beaumont Hills campus.

The plans came as a new principal prepares to take the helm at Malek Fahd.

Dr Zachariah Matthews will replace Bruce Rixon in the top job in January.

Dr Matthews, who is the school’s current Director of Faith and Australian Islamic Identity, was previously Deputy Principal of Western Grammar School in Plumpton.

“Dr Matthews demonstrates a collaborative, considered and holistic approach to leadership,” the school board said in a letter to parents.

“He values the need to consult broadly with parents, students, staff and community to ensure priorities and results are aligned.

“His career experience is strongly supported by his Masters of Leadership and Management studies, along with a completed Master of Islamic Studies.”

The school was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.