Senior School Spotlight: Term 1 2025

Reflecting on a Term of Growth and Achievement: Message from the Heads of School

Assalāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh

As we wrap up an eventful term, our Years 10–12 students can take pride in all they have accomplished. From welcoming new students and teachers into our school community to a fantastic camp at Woodhouse, this term has been one of growth, discovery, and collaboration. We have also made great use of our new on-site spaces, enhancing both learning and teamwork. Throughout all these experiences, our students have continued to push themselves academically, demonstrating resilience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence.

As part of our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with parents for student success, we organized a SACE workshop to guide parents on how they can support their children with subject selection and the resources available at school. In addition, we hosted an Elevate Education workshop for parents, equipping them with strategies to help students develop effective study habits and time management skills.

Beyond the classroom, our senior students have embraced leadership opportunities both within the school and the wider community. We are incredibly proud that two of our senior students were selected for the Youth Environment Council, demonstrating their passion for sustainability and civic engagement. Additionally, we were delighted by the overwhelming number of expressions of interest from senior students to volunteer at the Grand Iftar hosted at IQRA College. Their dedication to service reflects the strong values and leadership skills we aim to nurture in our students.

Looking ahead, we are excited for what 2025 will bring and are confident that our senior students will continue to thrive. As always, we are here to support our students and families. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Afroza Sultana

Head of Senior School

Ms. Cassandra Domingo

Senior School Coordinator

Welcoming Our New Teachers

This term, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming several new teachers to our school community. Their passion, experience, and fresh perspectives have already made a positive impact in classrooms and beyond. Whether guiding students through challenging subjects, supporting extracurricular activities, or bringing new ideas to our learning spaces, they have quickly become valued members of our team. We look forward to seeing their contributions continue to enrich our school. 

Jamie Harding

Mr Harding comes to IQRA as a seasoned educator in all things Drama and English. Whilst he fits firmly in our Senior School as the House Group Teacher of year 10-12 Abu Bakr, he also currently teaches Year 7, 8 and 9 English to budding young writers.  

Mr Harding’s resume is one to behold; he has worked as a professional actor in television, film and theatre, directed and produced a range of productions, and even lectured at NIDA!  

Above all of this, however, we are so grateful Mr Harding is currently calling IQRA home – his love for storytelling and fantastic sense of humour have really made him a class favourite. 

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background. 

I’m Jamie, an educator and innovator at the intersection of English, drama, creative arts, and technology. I hold two degrees: a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting) with Honors from Flinders University, and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from Charles Sturt University. My experience spans both the creative industries and education. I’ve worked as an actor, producer, and lecturer at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts) and have founded and led award-winning professional arts companies. Currently, I teach Year 7, 8, and 9 English at IQRA College while building the drama program. My goal is to inspire students who are confident, creative, and critical thinkers with global perspectives. 

2. What do you love about teaching? 
I love watching students transform into confident leaders, relentlessly pursuing knowledge. Teaching is about sharing stories, strategies, and successes—it’s a liberating, transformative experience. It’s an art that requires balance, adaptability, and trust in the process. The moments when ideas come alive and students grow are the most exciting for me. The challenge and joy of teaching are what I cherish most, thriving on the connections and stories that unfold in the classroom. 

3. What are you liking most about IQRA College? 
At IQRA College, I love the students’ eagerness to learn and their dedication to excellence. The staff embodies a family spirit, creating a supportive and nurturing environment that aligns with our values. Together, we ensure each student is not only academically successful but also grows in faith and character. 

4. What’s your most interesting character trait and why? 
My most interesting character trait is my adaptability. Whether in the classroom, on a production set, or in my previous entrepreneurial ventures, I thrive in environments that require flexibility. I’m always seeking new ways to overcome challenges and bring this mindset into my teaching, helping students navigate their creative journeys and grow into confident, adaptable individuals. 

5. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? 
From an early age, I was drawn to the arts. Over time, this passion evolved into a desire to teach and inspire the next generation, which led me to where I am now. 

6. What do you wish your students knew about you, that they would never guess? 
Something my students might not guess is that I’m a big tech enthusiast. Outside the classroom, I’ve been involved in ground- breaking virtual reality projects in live theatre and have worked with international companies. I’m always exploring new technologies and encourage my students to embrace them in all areas of learning. 

Erin Strong

Strong by name, strong by nature, Ms Erin has brought extra enthusiasm to IQRA’s Salamah Stadium. Having taught in several schools both in SA and interstate, she comes to us as our new Health & PE Faculty Coordinator. Thanks to Ms Erin, we are now offering Stage 2 PE to our wonderful Year 12 students and the class has begun with a bang.  

Already, Ms Erin’s passion for physical education has tested some of her pupils, engaging them in a range of exercises to strengthen their core, speed and agility. Watching Ms Erin’s students leave the gym after the beep test was certainly a sight to behold! 

Ms Erin’s classes have commented on her ability to create a strong bond with her students; she clearly works very hard to create interesting, accessible lessons which demonstrates her care for their learning and results. Her confident and adaptable nature has helped her settle into IQRA’s staff easily, and we all appreciate her pop-ins to the staff room upstairs. 

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background. 

I have a Bachelor of Education and Health Sciences, as well as Diploma in Sports, Recreation and Development. I have been teaching for 7.5 years and started my career teaching in Darwin. I have experience teaching Research Project, Workplace Practices, English, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, as well as Judo as an elective.  

I have done Judo for 23 years, and hold a 2nd level black belt. I currently play Beach Handball, and my husband and I are both part of the Australian Beach Handball team. We travelled to China last year for the Beach Handball World Championships.  

1. What do you love about teaching? 

I enjoy the 'lightbulb' moments for students when they understand a concept, and teaching students something that I feel passionate about.  

2. What are you liking most about IQRA College? 

That everyone is friendly and approachable. Students want to learn and aren't afraid to ask for help whenever they become stuck.   

3. What’s your most interesting character trait and why? 

Versatility. I'm as happy sitting reading a good book, as I am working on a knitting project, as I am playing Beach Handball.  

4. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up 

I wanted to be a forensic scientist - looking at crime scenes to determine how people died.  

5. What do you wish your students knew about you, that they would never guess? 

I have represented Australia and Britain in Judo; and Australia in Beach Handball. I came 2nd in the Junior US Judo Open when I was 18. 

Ridwan Hasibuan

Brother Ridwan is not a new face to IQRA, having provided support to a range of students and teachers in the past. Currently, he is teaching HASS to Middle School but also taking our Year 10 HASS and  Stage 1 Modern History classes. At present, this masterful new HASS Faculty Coordinator is teaching his Year 11s about the history of Palestine.  

Brother Ridwan’s students have enjoyed the interactive and academic nature of his classes, but above all his banter and genuine interest in current affairs. His love for the 3.30PM coffee machine has made him a regular visitor in the High School staff room where his fun-loving personality has won over even the most serious of our colleagues. 

 1.  Tell us a little about yourself and your background. 

I was born and grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia. I spent a good part of my teenage years in Singapore and then Melbourne. I moved to SA and lived in the Riverlands for a few years before coming back to the amber streetlights of Adelaide. There seems to be a trend. Every new place is quieter than the last.  

2. What do you love about teaching? 

That lightbulb moment when a student makes a connection or discover something cool or interesting during lesson is actually very satisfying. They should do that more often. 

3. What are you liking most about IQRA College? 

The People. And the Brand design is top-notch. 

4. What’s your most interesting character trait and why? 

Other IQRA College Teachers are much more interesting. I am more interested in a good nap. 

5. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

A Storyteller.  

6. What do you wish your students knew about you, that they would never guess? 

They can keep on guessing. 

Excursion

The Year 12 Fashion Design & Technology Class participated in an excursion to the Radical Textiles Exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia during February. During this time we gained a better understanding of the evolution of fabrics and textiles over the years and the impact that technology has had on the Fashion Industry. Students were encouraged to generate ideas and collect resources about implementing sustainability in the Fashion Industry. The exhibition also linked to how the use of textiles and designs have long been associated with profound social change and political rupture.   

Above all, the students had a fantastic learning experience at the Art Gallery, and will utilise this new knowledge in classes to come. 

Elevate Education at IQRA College: Empowering Students & Parents for Academic Success

IQRA College recently had the pleasure of hosting Australia’s #1 study skills provider, Elevate Education! Their engaging and research-backed workshops have given our students the tools they need to enhance their study techniques, boost motivation, and build confidence in their learning journey.

Our senior students (Year 11) participated in the Study Sensei and Student Elevation workshops, gaining valuable insights into effective study habits and strategies for academic success. In addition, we were delighted to host a Parent Workshop, equipping parents with techniques to support their children’s learning at home and reinforce the skills taught in class.

A huge thank you to Jack and Adele for their professionalism and dedication in delivering these sessions! Their expertise and enthusiasm made a lasting impact on both students and parents.

My New Gallery

Drama Workshop

As part of IQRA’s new Year 12 Literature Studies class, students must engage with a dramatic text. Enter, stage left: Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie! Whilst the students have had a thought-provoking academic start to the text, it was time to get physical with Scene 3: the first argument between a mother and son, whilst a very introverted daughter looks on. Mr Harding joined Ms Cassandra’s class in the College’s hall – which they learned has a traditional proscenium theatre setup – to act out this iconic scene. Under his direction, the class were able to demonstrate their Oscar-worthy skills! 

My New Gallery

Remaking Childhood Stories

Our Year 12 EAL students have been exploring the art of storytelling by rewriting familiar childhood tales from different perspectives. As an introduction to their assessment task, students were given a selection of classic stories and challenged to adapt them for an older audience, offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on well-known narratives.

Can you guess which childhood stories they reimagined?