Australia’s First Islamic School to Partner with Aspect
Supporting Autistic learners through a new Aspect Satellite Classroom at Malek Fahd Islamic School, commencing Term 1, 2027
Australia’s First Islamic School to Partner with Aspect
Supporting Autistic learners through a new Aspect Satellite Classroom at Malek Fahd Islamic School, commencing Term 1, 2027
2027
Enrolments open for 2027 – Autism specific classroom (Yrs K-4)
New Aspect Satellite Classroom at Malek Fahd Islamic School
Malek Fahd Islamic School is pleased to partner with Aspect South East Sydney School to open a specialist satellite classroom for Autistic students in Kindergarten to Year 4 from Term 1, 2027.
As a leader in autism-specific education with more than 60 years of experience, Aspect brings specialist expertise together with the inclusive environment, Islamic values and strong community of Malek Fahd Islamic School to support every student to thrive.
Information sessions are now available for families interested to learn more.
Attend an information session
Families are invited to attend an upcoming online information session to meet members of the Aspect South East Sydney school team and learn more about the classroom and enrolment process.
Information session dates:
- Thursday 20 August, 1.00–2.00 pm
- Wednesday 2 September, 10.00–11.00 am
- Tuesday 15 September, 11.00 am–12.00 pm
Following the information session, families will be invited to attend an optional school tour to view the satellite classroom and meet the Aspect team in person.
Dr Zachariah Matthews
Principal, Malek Fahd Islamic School
“At Malek Fahd Islamic School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. This partnership with Aspect allows us to extend our mission by providing specialist educational support for autistic learners within an Islamic environment where faith, belonging and educational excellence go hand in hand.
“For many Muslim families, this initiative provides a pathway that has not previously existed in Australia. We are honoured to be leading the way and look forward to welcoming learners into a setting where they can grow academically, socially and spiritually while receiving the specialist support they deserve.”
How an Aspect satellite classroom works
An Aspect satellite classroom provides autism-specific education within a mainstream school community. Students learn in a small, structured classroom taught by Aspect staff while also having opportunities to participate in the wider life, culture and activities of Malek Fahd Islamic School.
The classroom is designed for Autistic students who require specialist support and may not yet be ready for a mainstream classroom.
Students will benefit from:
- small class sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio
- personalised, evidence-informed teaching and learning
- autism-specific support delivered by trained Aspect staff
- structured opportunities to build communication, social and independence skills
- close collaboration between families, educators and therapists
- opportunities to participate in the broader school community while learning within an environment that reflects the Islamic values and culture of Malek Fahd Islamic School.
With more than 60 years of autism-specific education expertise, Aspect delivers a person-centred approach that buildson each student’s strengths, interests, communication needs and individual learning goals.
Joanne Tisdell
Principal, Aspect South East Sydney School
Who may benefit?
The classroom may be suitable for students who:
- have an autism diagnosis and require specialist autism learning support
- can participate in structured classroom learning with appropriate support
- are not yet ready to learn full-time in a mainstream classroom
- would benefit from a small class and a high level of individual support
Each student’s individual needs and suitability for the program will be considered through Aspect’s enrolment and eligibility process.
Mr Ali Arabaci
Head of Campus Greenacre Primary
“At Greenacre Primary, we strive to create a learning environment where every child experiences a genuine sense of belonging. Welcoming Aspect Satellite Classes to our campus is an opportunity to extend that culture of care and inclusion to autistic learners and their families.
“We look forward to working alongside Aspect to provide specialist educational support while enabling learners to remain connected to an Islamic school community. We hope this partnership gives Muslim families greater confidence that their children can access both high-quality autism education and a faith-based environment where they are understood, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
