Christian takes helm at Islamic school
Guiding principal: Dr Ray Barrett with some of the pupils at Malek Fahd in Greenacre. Photo: Peter Rae
(Sydney Morning Herald) – It is Australia’s largest, oldest, and best-known Muslim school, but for the first time in its 23-year history, Malek Fahd has appointed a Christian to take on the full-time role of headmaster.
A career educationist and experienced private school inspector, Ray Barrett is supposed to be in retirement, but he has agreed to take on the top job and help the Greenacre school get back on track.
And while the appointment of Dr Barrett was a surprise choice for some, a spokesman for the school board said he was chosen for his qualifications and experience, and his religion didn’t come into it.
When he first met parents, one asked Dr Barrett how he would deal with the issue of Islamic studies. He told the parents the same way he deals with HSC physics – another subject he knows nothing about – rely on the experts.
”This is a top-performing school and you will find graduates that are doctors, lawyers and dentists,” said Dr Barrett ”The parents are aspirational. They want their kids to achieve and take the next step in life.
”This school is no different to any other, they have universal values and I want to help the kids to be the best they can.”
Read more at: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/christian-takes-helm-at-islamic-school-20130601-2nig3.html#ixzz2V7r2IgYO
