Leadership Team

Mustafa Ayvaz has been employed at Irfan College since 2016. Mustafa has been in various roles during the growth of the College. His roles over the years include Islamic studies teacher, Mathematics teacher, Information and Software Technology teacher, Wellbeing Coordinator and Deputy Principal prior to assuming the role of Principal in 2023.

Mustafa has completed a double degree in the Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Mathematics and a minor in Computing. He has also completed the Islamic Teacher Education Program (ITEP). This has led to his involvement in the College's Islamic Integration Project which focuses on integrating the Islamic Worldview into the Australian Curriculum.

Mustafa has a passion for community service, sports and studying Islamic sciences.

Before commencing at Irfan College in January 2022, Mohamad Al Hariri spent numerous years in the not-for-profit sector working for a reputable Islamic humanitarian aid organisation and a local Independent Islamic College. Mohamad’s desire to help others has made him very passionate about working for community organisations. Since his commencement, Mohamad has been developing financial systems, strategies and controls that significantly improve the short and long-term goal of the College. Mohamad works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure teaching staff can concentrate on improving student outcomes. 

Upon completion of his Bachelor of Business and Commerce, Mohamad started his CPA Accreditation and completed leadership and management courses. Mohamad Also is a certified BAS Agent.

In his downtime, Mohamad enjoys playing sports, spending time with family and donating his time to community work.

Sameema has 28 years of experience as a teacher, Head of Commerce Department, HSIE Coordinator, High School Coordinator and Deputy Principal (Secondary) in public and independent schools. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree and Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of The South Pacific.

As a Coordinator and later Deputy Principal, she led faculties in the development and integration of best practice in teaching and learning. She has been strongly committed to the planning, programming and theimplementation of the curriculum and quality teaching and learning in order to see students' academic progress.

Sameema began at Irfan College from Term 4 2016 and is part of the College Executive Team. She is responsible for the teaching, learning and curriculum development at Irfan College and has worked towards the establishment of the secondary school. Sameema is also working with the Islamic Studies Committee to develop Irfan College's own authentic infused curriculum model.

Jena Yalcinkaya began her teaching career at Irfan College in 2018 as the Learning and Support teacher working with primary and secondary students. She is currently serving as the Secondary Curriculum Coordinator overseeing the development, implementation and monitoring of high-quality teaching and learning practices.

Jena has completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Business Law and a Master of Teaching specialising in Secondary education. She has spent the last 6 years within special education services across a range of settings, with a focus on Gifted and Talented education, more recently working with students faced with learning difficulties.

Jena has a passion for youth work and a keen interest in Behavioural Science and the Health and Development of Children and Adolescents.

Sarah has 14 years of experience as a teacher. Her qualifications include a Masters in Primary Education and a degree in Bachelor of Welfare with a Major in Youth Work. 

This is her 7th year in a leadership position at an independent School. She has experience as Grade Coordinator, Stage Coordinator and Acting Deputy Principal. 

Her teaching experience goes well beyond the classroom environment. She has shown strong initiative in the field of curriculum review. She has worked closely with teachers in developing programs across curriculum areas. 

In addition to her welfare degree Sarah has worked in many youth centres and The NSW Department of Community Justice. Her passion is designing and developing innovative welfare programs to help empower young people.