Policy Statement of Islamic Schools Association of Australia
The Islamic Schools Association of Australia or ISAA (formerly ACIES) is the peak body representing Islamic schools in Australia and Alhamdulillah a growing number of schools across Australia is on board. ISAA seeks to lobby and represent Islamic schools in particular and the Independent schools sector in general. ISAA sits on a number of state and federal consultative committees and we are a true voice in the decision making processes affecting education for not only Muslim children but all Australians. The Independent schools sector is the fastest growing schools sector in Australia and Islamic schools are amongst the fastest growing within that sector. If your child attends an Islamic school, urge your school to be a part of ISAA.
Chaplaincy Program
The National School Chaplaincy Program aims to support school communities that wish to access the services of a school chaplain or a religious figure in Islamic schools who assists school communities to support the wellbeing of their students, including strengthening values, providing greater pastoral care and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
Chaplains provide general personal and religious advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious denomination, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Parents and students are informed about the availability and non-compulsory nature of the chaplaincy services.
Islamic schools consider the availability of school chaplains as invaluable in assisting with values education as well as integrating Islamic values with those values described as being Australian values
The chaplaincy program has also been invaluable in terms of dialogue with other faith based schools and community organisations.
The chaplaincy program has been instrumental in contributing toward social cohesiveness by school chaplains preparing students to engage with broader society
The significant challenges endured by young people including the threat of drugs, alcohol, crime, unemployment, family breakdown, interpersonal relationships requires the presence of a chaplain to give guidance on essential matters thus further supporting the need for the chaplaincy program
The chaplaincy program is vital in providing a moderate balance to young people who may be exposed to radical/extremist thoughts or propaganda. This is not an assumption but is a very real threat supported with hard evidence.
Islamic schools are grateful that funding for the chaplaincy /pastoral care program was extended to the end of 2011, we would like to see funding extended beyond that so that chaplaincy is a service available to all schools in all sectors.
