Islamic College of Melbourne in Tarneit has been in a celebratory mood.
Staff, students and guests last week celebrated a multicultural day, the opening of a new gymnasium and a bright future after achieving compliance with the Department of Education requirements.
The school was issued with a non-compliance notice last year after an audit found issues in the school’s governance, financial and accountability arrangements.
College principal Abdul Kamareddine said the assured future of the school was worth celebrating.
“The cloud above us has been lifted,” Dr Kamareddine said.
For the multicultural day, students dressed up in traditional costumes from different countries, celebrating multiculturalism and family heritages.
“It is great to see costumes from all different countries and cultures,” Dr Kamareddine said. “Nobody can claim that Australia belongs to one background – we are all Australian.”
Dr Kamareddine told students: “It is you, with your peers from other schools, that will shape this country into the future.”
Federal Lalor MP Joanne Ryan, wearing a sari, said the day was a great opportunity to celebrate the students’ family backgrounds.
“It’s a real joy to hear you all sing the [Australian] national anthem with such gusto,” she said.
