Leadership Team
Mr Mustafa Ayvaz - Principal
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.
Ms Jena Yalcinkaya - Deputy Principal
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 Deputy Principal 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.
Mr Mohamad Al Hariri - Business Manager
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 is also a certified BAS Agent.
In his downtime, Mohamad enjoys playing sports, spending time with family and donating his time to community work.
Ms Sameema Ali - Head of Policy and Compliance
Sameema has 33 years of experience as a Teacher, Head of Commerce Department, HSIE Coordinator, Curriculum 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 the implementation of the curriculum and quality teaching and learning to see students’ academic progress.
Sameema began at Irfan College from Term 4 2016. She has been responsible for the teaching, learning and curriculum development at Irfan College and has worked towards the establishment of the secondary school.
Currently, Sameema oversees the implementation of the policies, procedures and ensures an ongoing compliance to NESA requirements for Registration and Accreditation. She provides leadership support and assists staff to achieve their Teacher Accreditation. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge through teaching and learning.
Ms Samah Taki - Faith and Service Coordinator
Samah Taki has over twelve years of teaching experience and has been a part of the Irfan community since 2016. Currently, Samah is serving as the Faith and Service Coordinator, overseeing Islamic Studies, Qur’an, LOTE and the Islamic Integration Committee.
Samah Taki has completed a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and a master’s degree in primary teaching. Samah has also completed her Graduate Certificate in Education (Islamic Education) and the Islamic Teacher Education Program (ITEP).
The aspiration to provide traditional Islamic knowledge to our youth has led Samah to collaborate with various scholars and organisations on a global scale. Samah Taki also presents at various community events in Sydney.