Teaching, connection
& belonging.
My work in education brings together Arabic teaching, language instruction, multicultural liaison, student support and collaborative projects.
Learning through connection.
Arabic language teaching
I have taught Foundation to Year 2 (F–2) Arabic at the Victorian School of Languages, Shepparton Centre since 24 February 2023. My teaching supports young learners as they develop language skills and connect with culture.
Teaching day: every Saturday.
Arabic language and curriculum leadership.
- Victorian Arabic Curriculum Reviewer
- Victorian Arabic Faculty Coordinator
- Shepparton Arabic Language Representative
A new chapter in language education.
I announced that I had commenced a Language Instructor role with the Victorian School of Languages School Council, working within the Department of Education. This sits alongside my work as an Arabic Teacher at VSL and as Multicultural Liaison Leader at Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
Across these roles, I support language learning, cultural identity and the connections between students, families and schools.
Leading the Arabic station.
I led the Arabic station at the first Cultural & Languages Expo hosted by the Victorian School of Languages – Shepparton Centre, held at Greater Shepparton Secondary College on 25 October 2025.
Our station brought together Arabic alphabet resources, photographs of landmarks, flags, cultural displays and activities for young visitors. It was a chance to connect language learning with curiosity, identity and a sense of belonging.
Across the wider Expo, students, families, educators and community members explored language and cultural stations, performances, workshops and creative displays. We also celebrated the achievements of VCE students completing their language studies.
Arabic · العربية
قيادة المحطة العربية في أول معرض للثقافات واللغات في VSL
تولّيتُ قيادة المحطة العربية في أول معرض للثقافات واللغات الذي نظّمته المدرسة الفيكتورية للغات — مركز شيبارتون، واستضافته كلية شيبارتون الثانوية الكبرى يوم ٢٥ أكتوبر ٢٠٢٥.
جمعت المحطة موارد لتعلّم الحروف العربية، وصورًا للمعالم، وأعلامًا وعروضًا ثقافية وأنشطة للزوار الصغار، لربط تعلّم اللغة بالفضول والهوية والانتماء. وشارك الطلاب والعائلات والمعلمون وأفراد المجتمع في محطات المعرض وعروضه وأنشطته، مع الاحتفاء بإنجازات خريجي دراسات اللغة في VCE.
Explore all 48 Expo images → · Safa Zahir’s language studies in the press →
Multicultural liaison
I worked as a Multicultural Liaison Officer at Greater Shepparton Secondary College from March 2020 to August 2025, before becoming Multicultural Liaison Leader in August 2025. My work brings students, families and the school together through cultural understanding and practical support.
Work days: Monday to Friday.
Supporting families at GSSC
The college lists me as Hussam (Samy) Saraf in its Arabic-speaking multicultural liaison team. The team supports culturally and linguistically diverse students and families through:
- Cultural guidance and advocacy;
- Classroom assistance and cultural perspectives in learning;
- Translation and support at school meetings and activities;
- Contact with families and wider community engagement;
- Case-management meetings with school leadership, wellbeing and other staff;
- Events celebrating diversity, including Harmony Week and Refugee Week.
The people behind multicultural support.
GSSC’s “Hats off to GSSC staff” series features the Multicultural Liaison team and its work with multicultural students. I am included as Hussam (Samy) Saraf.
My contribution sits within a collective approach. Alongside my colleagues, I help connect families with teachers and school support, contribute cultural understanding and encourage participation in learning and school activities. The team works with leadership, wellbeing and other staff to respond to students’ needs.
Supporting faith, culture and participation.
Understanding a student’s cultural background helps a school respond with care. In Caitlin Cassidy’s Shepparton News profile of 23 May 2021, I spoke about preparing information on Ramadan for staff and the wider school community. Teachers contacted me and adapted activities involving food or water to be considerate of students who were fasting.
The article also described prayer spaces open to different faiths across GSSC’s campuses at that time. Multicultural information nights, community meetings and Harmony Week offered further opportunities for students, families and staff to learn from one another.
I valued the willingness of teachers and education support staff to spend their own time listening to young people. For me, cultural liaison involves both sharing knowledge and working alongside colleagues to make inclusion part of everyday school life.
GSSC cultural officer brings own heritage to the job · Shepparton News ↗
Building a school culture together.
In “GSSC cultural officer pleads for support for school”, published by Shepparton News on 23 May 2021, I spoke about the need for parents and the wider community to stand alongside students and staff during a difficult period of change. The report appeared before GSSC’s new campus opened in 2022.
I emphasised that the culture we build inside a school needs support beyond its gates. Reassuring families, recognising staff effort and maintaining constructive community relationships are all part of helping young people feel connected to their education.
Read Caitlin Cassidy’s report ↗ · View the newspaper’s Facebook post ↗
Inclusion in everyday learning
With more than a decade of experience in education, I bring patience, creativity and cultural insight to student support. I value learning environments where students can express themselves, share their cultures and knowledge, and work towards their potential.
My commitment is to Shepparton and the surrounding rural communities, helping future generations connect with education and develop confidence in their own learning paths.
I work with teachers to understand students’ individual needs and adapt learning experiences and educational tools to support their progress. Connecting curriculum expectations with the ways students learn helps make support purposeful and personal.
Clear communication, active listening, interpreting and collaboration guide my approach. By working with teachers, families and students, I help build an environment where people feel safe to express their needs and where support extends beyond the classroom. I bring energy, flexibility and a willingness to learn to this shared work.
Experience across school communities
- Aug 2025–presentMulticultural Liaison Leader
- Mar 2020–Aug 2025Multicultural Liaison Officer
- Oct 2019–Mar 2020Community Liaison Officer
Wilmot Road Primary School, Shepparton.
- Oct–Dec 2015Teacher’s aide
McGuire College, Shepparton.
- Current roleFoundation–Year 2 Arabic Teacher
Victorian School of Languages (VSL), Shepparton Centre.
These roles form part of the wider experience I bring to language teaching and multicultural liaison.
Supporting student voice and belonging.
From newcomer to youth leader
In a February 2026 Shepparton News profile of student leader Safa Zahir, I reflected on his determination to make a difference and the importance of giving back to the community. The story explores Safa’s own leadership journey and includes my perspective as GSSC’s Multicultural Liaison Leader.
Read Bree Harding’s profile of Safa ↗ · View the archive entry →
In 2026, Safa is a Year 12 Multicultural Student Leader. Our work includes Harmony Week, where he joined the Flag March and Fashion Parade and worked as assistant stage manager for the concert.
Every Day Counts
In a message shared by GSSC, I spoke as a father, volunteer and community member about balancing family life and work through strong habits around attendance and punctuality. Consistent routines help children stay connected to school and ready to learn.
Open original video ↗ · YouTube
Pride in culture. A place to belong.
I originated the idea for GSSC’s first-ever Cultural and Language Expo and led its delivery as Multicultural Liaison Leader (MLL). The inaugural Expo and Family CALD Night on 18 June 2026 brought students and families together through cultural displays and conversations about school support. In Shepparton News coverage, I spoke about students wanting to feel proud of their cultures and included in their school community.
Read Ashley Darling’s article and photo gallery ↗
Student leadership: sharing culture with pride
Safa Zahir, one of the students I mentor, joined fellow students at the Afghan cultural stall. This moment reflects the connection between our multicultural leadership work and opportunities for students to share their languages and heritage with the school community.
شارك صفا ظاهر، أحد الطلاب الذين أعمل معهم في الإرشاد والقيادة متعددة الثقافات، مع زملائه في الجناح الأفغاني. ويجسد هذا الحضور فرص الطلاب لمشاركة لغاتهم وتراثهم مع المجتمع المدرسي.
Read Safa’s profile and our work together → · View the Expo album →
Community connections: the Ethnic Council
The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District hosted an information stall at the Expo. In its 26 June 2026 public post, the Council described connecting with students, staff and the wider school community, sharing its work and celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity.
شارك المجلس الإثني لشيبارتون والمنطقة بجناح تعريفي في المعرض، وأشاد في منشوره بتاريخ ٢٦ يونيو ٢٠٢٦ بالتواصل مع الطلاب والكادر والمجتمع المدرسي والاحتفاء بالتنوّع الثقافي واللغوي.
View the three photographs shared by the Council → · Read the Council’s original post ↗
Learning in the garden
In November 2022, I welcomed GSSC Year 11 VCE Agriculture students for a garden tour and practical learning about plant propagation. We explored grafting and budding, bringing my gardening experience into their studies.
Practical learning in The Patch · 2023
GSSC’s appreciation plaque, dated 5 September 2023, recognises my commitment to the school’s horticulture program and The Patch. Photographs and the gardening story →
Helping students take part in leadership camp.
Caitlin Cassidy’s “Learn to lead” report describes GSSC Year 9 students learning leadership skills at an Alpine camp. The article credits my conversations with Muslim families in helping their children attend, and includes me in the group photograph.
Student voices on screen: on 30 May 2025 I shared the festival selection of The Way to Freedom, created with more than 350 GSSC students and staff. Read the film announcement →
Writing about inclusion: my forthcoming book Embarrassing Diversity in Education: A Call to Redefine Our Future extends my reflections on learning, diversity and participation. Book announcement and cover →
Supporting Hammood’s ideas and community contribution.
I have worked with Hammood AL-Badry since his move from SELC to GSSC in early 2024, supporting him at school and through the Iraqi Community Centre. His 2026–2025 contributions connect multicultural activities, student learning and practical volunteering with his creative interests.
Hammood, Diya Ali BANGASH and Kadir SUT also participated in the Story Seekers Book Project Club. The project brought together 38 students as writers and interviewers, sharing stories of the GSSC school family: its leadership team, teachers, educators and students.
Arabic · العربية
أعمل مع حمّود البدري منذ انتقاله من SELC إلى GSSC في مطلع ٢٠٢٤، وأدعمه في المدرسة وفي المركز العراقي المجتمعي. وشملت مساهماته في ٢٠٢٦–٢٠٢٥ الأنشطة الثقافية والتعلّم والتطوع. كما شارك مع ضياء علي بانغاش وقادر SUT في مشروع Story Seekers الذي ضمّ ٣٨ طالبًا شاركوا في تأليف الكتاب وإجراء المقابلات لتوثيق قصص أسرة المدرسة.
Walking alongside the Class of 2025.
I first worked with this cohort in Year 7 as a Multicultural Liaison Officer and celebrated their final school milestones as Multicultural Liaison Leader. Watching their confidence, resilience and care for one another grow has been a privilege.
At the farewell breakfast and assembly on 22 October 2025, I thanked the students for their leadership, kindness and contribution to our school community. At their formal graduation on 21 November 2025, I celebrated their achievements with pride in the young adults they had become.
My group-photo reflection, shared on 6 December 2025, celebrated the power of togetherness: friendships built over six school years, mutual support, cultural diversity and a shared sense of belonging.
Arabic · العربية
رحلة مع دفعة ٢٠٢٥ من السنة السابعة إلى التخرّج
رافقتُ هذه الدفعة منذ السنة السابعة بصفتي مسؤول التواصل متعدد الثقافات، واحتفلتُ بمحطاتها المدرسية الأخيرة بصفتي قائد التواصل متعدد الثقافات. في إفطار الوداع والتجمع المدرسي يوم ٢٢ أكتوبر ٢٠٢٥، شكرتُ الطلاب على قيادتهم ولطفهم وأثرهم في مجتمع المدرسة، ثم احتفلتُ بإنجازاتهم في حفل التخرّج الرسمي يوم ٢١ نوفمبر.
وفي رسالتي مع الصور الجماعية المنشورة في ٦ ديسمبر، احتفيتُ بالصداقة والتنوّع الثقافي والدعم المتبادل والانتماء الذي جمعهم خلال ست سنوات دراسية.
Kadir SUT’s graduation and farewell memories are part of this wider cohort story.
My reflections: Farewell · 12 November 2025 ↗ · Formal graduation · 22 November 2025 ↗ · Togetherness · 6 December 2025 ↗
Safa and Monawara: courage, kindness and a proud teacher.
At GSSC’s 2025 Awards Night on 16 December 2025, I celebrated the achievements of Safa Zahir and his sister, Monawara Zahir. Working alongside young people like them is one of the most meaningful parts of my role in education.
Safa, then in Year 11, received the Brian Birrell Advocacy Award, named in memory of Brian Birrell and recognising courage, fairness and standing up against injustice. His contribution to youth advocacy and inclusive leadership made this a proud moment in our work together.
Monawara, then in Year 10, received the Bella Ainsworth Award for Kindness and Compassion. Her empathy and respect for others reflect the everyday acts of care that help a school community thrive.
In my reflection shared on 20 December 2025, I spoke about the character, perseverance and purpose behind these achievements. Supporting students means encouraging them to speak up, care for others and carry that confidence beyond the classroom.
Arabic · العربية
في حفل جوائز كلية شيبارتون الثانوية الكبرى يوم ١٦ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٥، احتفلتُ بإنجازات صفا وأخته Monawara Zahir. والعمل إلى جانب هؤلاء الشباب من أكثر جوانب عملي في التعليم قيمةً ومعنى.
حصل صفا، وكان في الصف الحادي عشر، على جائزة Brian Birrell Advocacy Award، التي تحمل اسم الراحل Brian Birrell وتقدّر الشجاعة والإنصاف والوقوف في وجه الظلم. وكان تكريمه محطة فخر في مسيرته القيادية وعملنا معًا.
وحصلت Monawara، وكانت في الصف العاشر، على جائزة Bella Ainsworth Award for Kindness and Compassion تقديرًا للطيبة والتعاطف. وتُجسّد أفعالها الاحترام والاهتمام بالآخرين.
وفي منشوري بتاريخ ٢٠ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٥، عبّرتُ عن فخري بما وراء هذه الإنجازات من أخلاق ومثابرة وقيادة وهدف. فدعم الطلاب يشمل تشجيعهم على التعبير عن أصواتهم ومساندة الآخرين وحمل ثقتهم إلى ما بعد الصف الدراسي.
A student voice reaching beyond the classroom.
In my post of 27 July 2025, I celebrated Safa’s participation in the 2025 YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament. He was a Year 11 student at GSSC, representing our region and speaking about issues that mattered to young people.
The post also recognised his work as Youth Advisor and Youth Engagement Officer with Kim O’Keeffe MP. This role was already part of his leadership journey in 2025.
Seeing Safa back at school gave us a chance to share these photographs and celebrate his growing confidence, communication and commitment to others. As his mentor, I was proud to see him put his voice into action.
“I truly believe that youth voices are important and can make real change.”
Safa Zahir · quoted in my 27 July 2025 post
Arabic · العربية
في منشوري بتاريخ ٢٧ يوليو ٢٠٢٥، احتفيتُ بمشاركة صفا في برلمان شباب فيكتوريا لعام ٢٠٢٥ التابع لـ YMCA. كان حينها طالبًا في الصف الحادي عشر في GSSC، ومثّل منطقتنا وتحدّث عن قضايا تهم الشباب.
ووثّق المنشور أيضًا عمله مستشارًا للشباب ومسؤولًا للتواصل الشبابي مع النائبة Kim O’Keeffe؛ أي أن هذا الدور كان قائمًا في مسيرته خلال عام ٢٠٢٥.
سعدتُ بلقائه مجددًا في المدرسة والتقاط هذه الصور معه، وبمشاهدة تطوّر ثقته وقدرته على التعبير والتزامه بخدمة الآخرين. وقال صفا، كما نقلتُ في المنشور: «أؤمن حقًا بأن أصوات الشباب مهمة ويمكنها إحداث تغيير حقيقي».
Celebrating the achievements of fellow students.
On 8 September 2025, Safa presented a congratulatory letter to Charlotte Drinnan and GSSC’s agriculture and horticulture students, celebrating the team’s success in the 2025 Victorian Merino Wether Challenge.
He took part as a Youth Adviser and Youth Community Engagement Officer in Kim O’Keeffe MP’s office. I was proud to stand alongside Safa and Charlotte as this school achievement was recognised, and to see Safa using his growing confidence to celebrate the work of other students.
My post, shared on 4 November 2025, thanked Charlotte for her leadership and the students for their dedication, teamwork and commitment to learning.
Arabic · العربية
في ٨ سبتمبر ٢٠٢٥، قدّم صفا رسالة تهنئة إلى المعلمة Charlotte Drinnan وطلاب الزراعة والبستنة في الكلية، احتفاءً بنجاح الفريق في Victorian Merino Wether Challenge لعام ٢٠٢٥.
شارك بصفته مستشارًا للشباب ومسؤولًا للتواصل المجتمعي الشبابي في مكتب النائبة Kim O’Keeffe. وكنتُ فخورًا بالوقوف إلى جانبه وإلى جانب Charlotte، وبمشاهدته يستخدم ثقته المتنامية للاحتفاء بإنجازات زملائه.
نشرتُ توثيق هذه المناسبة في ٤ نوفمبر ٢٠٢٥، مشيدًا بقيادة Charlotte وتفاني الطلاب وعملهم الجماعي.
Helping younger learners imagine what comes next.
On Friday 12 December 2025, I joined student and community volunteers at GSSC’s Aspiration Day, welcoming Year 5 students from across Shepparton as they explored future pathways and possibilities. Safa Zahir worked alongside me as part of the volunteer team.
The day brought together the college, volunteers and our community partners. I thanked the Rotary Club of Mooroopna – Satellite Club in Shepparton and the Rotary Club of Shepparton South for their continued support, partnership and generosity.
Working beside student volunteers connects mentoring with practical service. Together, we helped make the day welcoming for younger learners taking their first steps towards secondary school.
Arabic · العربية
في يوم الجمعة ١٢ كانون الأول ٢٠٢٥، شاركتُ مع صفا (Safa Zahir) ومتطوعين من الطلاب والمجتمع في يوم الطموحات بكلية شيبارتون الثانوية الكبرى، لاستقبال تلاميذ الصف الخامس من أنحاء شيبارتون وتشجيعهم على استكشاف مساراتهم وفرصهم المستقبلية. وشكرتُ نادي روتاري موروبنا — النادي الفرعي في شيبارتون، ونادي روتاري شيبارتون ساوث، على دعمهما وشراكتهما وكرمهما، وكل المتطوعين على وقتهم وجهدهم. نُشر توثيقي للفعالية في ١٤ كانون الأول ٢٠٢٥.
Safa’s volunteering story → · Aspiration Day photographs → · My work with Rotary → · Aspiration Day · 2023 →
Working with Rotary to support Aspirations Day.
At the Year 5 Aspirations Day at Greater Shepparton Secondary College in December 2023, I joined student and community volunteers to help with the barbecue and food service. Students including Kadir SUT worked alongside us, contributing to the day through practical service and teamwork.
In my public posts, I thanked the Rotary Club of Mooroopna – Satellite Club in Shepparton and the Rotary Club of Shepparton South Inc. for their support and partnership with GSSC. These connections brought school and community volunteers together to support the visiting Year 5 students.
My 10 December 2023 posts shared “Picture Group 1” and “Picture Group 2”; a further post on 11 December thanked our Rotary partners. The posts describe the event as taking place the previous week.
Also shared on my public Facebook page: Aspirations Day photo post 1 ↗ · Aspirations Day photo post 2 ↗
Arabic · العربية
العمل مع روتاري في يوم الطموحات
في يوم الطموحات لتلاميذ الصف الخامس في كلية شيبارتون الثانوية الكبرى خلال ديسمبر ٢٠٢٣، شاركتُ مع متطوعين من الطلاب والمجتمع في إعداد الشواء وتقديم الطعام. وعمل معنا طلاب، منهم قادر SUT، وساهموا في دعم الفعالية من خلال الخدمة العملية والعمل الجماعي.
شكرتُ في منشوراتي العامة نادي روتاري موروبنا – النادي الفرعي في شيبارتون ونادي روتاري شيبارتون ساوث على دعمهما وشراكتهما مع الكلية. وقد جمعت هذه الروابط متطوعي المدرسة والمجتمع لدعم تلاميذ الصف الخامس الزائرين.
تتضمن المنشورات مجموعتَي الصور ١ و٢ بتاريخ ١٠ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٣، ومنشور شكر بتاريخ ١١ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٣. وتذكر النصوص أن الفعالية أقيمت في الأسبوع السابق؛ فهذه تواريخ النشر وليست تاريخًا محددًا للفعالية.
Education and belonging on screen
The Way to Freedom, which I wrote and co-directed with Darryl McConnell, features students and staff from Greater Shepparton Secondary College and explores refugee experiences and belonging.
Read the festival programme ↗GSSC’s account describes a collaboration involving over 350 students and staff. Sharing experiences and contributing to the production connected creative learning with conversations about identity and belonging.
Read the school’s project story ↗ · Explore the film and viewing links →
Recognition for work with young learners
I received two nominations in the 2025 Victorian Early Years Awards for my work as an Arabic language teacher with the Victorian School of Languages: Educator of the Year (CNOM9) and Early Childhood Teacher of the Year (CNOM6). The certificate below records the Educator of the Year nomination.
Educator of the Year nomination
Open certificate (PDF) ↗
Language learning with a sense of belonging.
Receiving the Educator of the Year nomination certificate was a meaningful moment in my journey with the Victorian School of Languages. My Arabic language teaching is grounded in connection: helping children build confidence, take pride in their identity and develop a love of learning.
I am deeply thankful to the parents and families who nominated me. Their trust and encouragement, and the knowledge that my teaching has made a positive difference in their children’s lives, are among the most meaningful forms of recognition an educator can receive.
My students inspire me through their curiosity and enthusiasm. I also thank my VSL colleagues for their ongoing support and the Victorian Department of Education for recognising the importance of early years education. This milestone belongs to the students, families and colleagues who make our learning community possible.
Arabic learning in action.
Books, shared reading, puzzles and playful activities give young learners opportunities to explore language together. These classroom moments, shared with my August 2025 nomination announcement, reflect the curiosity, connection and confidence at the heart of my teaching.
School life, connection and belonging.
Breaking barriers, building bridges
The 30 July 2021 Shepparton News page-five profile describes my work supporting students, families and staff across cultures.
A leadership opportunity put on hold
I appear in the group photograph accompanying Caitlin Cassidy’s 21 July 2021 Shepparton News report about a leadership camp postponed for GSSC students.
The learning behind my work.
Qualifications, training and continuing professional development have shaped my practice, including the IMPARO workshops.
