Our Team

Dr. Sayd Farook joined Unity Grammar after a global career spanning education, financial services and government, in roles that saw him educate financial services professionals in Bahrain, to leading a global information services company and advising at the highest level for the most dynamic governments in the world. Dr. Sayd has a Phd in Financial Economics / Business focusing on Islamic banking and finance from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He also has first class honours in Business and a degree in Law from UTS. He has completed the Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School. He has also undertaken and championed the 2 year Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP) for the Government of Dubai from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Sayd started his professional career as a lecturer at UTS, teaching undergraduates and MBA students about finance. He then went on to become a Business Development Manager and Lecturer at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance. After a stint in an Islamic Finance Advisory firm based in Oxford, he was then appointed as the Global Head Islamic Capital Markets for Thomson Reuters (now a part of the London Stock Exchange Group). He built a global team and business there, that spanned 5 continents. He was then offered a role as Advisor to the Executive Office of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Besides leading the transformation of Unity, towards a school that nurtures pioneers of the future, Dr. Sayd also performs multiple roles in service of his Creator, including serving on the board of Australia for UNHCR, board for Class/Room, board and senior partner for Dinar Standard, investing in impact oriented start-ups and mentoring young mission-oriented entrepreneurs.

Sam Halbouni is currently the Senior School Principal at Unity Grammar and has a Bachelor of Teaching, a Bachelor of Education (TESOL), and a Master of Educational Leadership (UNSW). He has specialised in education and has been employed within the Islamic Schooling sector for almost three decades. He has served in a myriad of leadership roles, is in his 3rd Principal’s role and his 14th year as a Principal. Sam has served on several committees and boards including the AISNSW Advisory Board, the AISNSW ISTAA Council, the Al-Siraat College Board, the Arkana College Board and as a Director for the Together for Humanity Foundation. Sam was the Vice Chairman of the Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISSA) and will be joining the University of South Australia’s CITE (Centre for Islamic Thought and Education) Advisory Board. Sam is also passionate about his humanitarian work, having participated in projects in Egypt, Malaysia and Cambodia. He recently completed his eighth expedition in rural Cambodia with the AusRelief team, an Australian NGO, during the last 10 days of Ramadan this year; which focused on food distribution initiatives, water sanitation projects, water wells and basic housing. Sam’s vision is to see Islamic schooling thrive; academically, spiritually and holistically in the Australian context. He wants to see his classroom educators collaborate, engage their students in critical and creative thinking, problem solving and purposeful learning and build robust relationships with the various stakeholders within the school community. Sam’s approach is to use qualitative and quantitative data to implement best practices, with a focus on data driven practices to deliver and shape the curriculum. He wants to see his students reach their full potential by achieving academic excellence and becoming successful members of Australian society, whilst still preserving the tenets of Islam.

Malik Mohammad proudly serves as the Online School Coordinator at Unity Grammar, bringing both passion and expertise to the forefront of digital education. A proud alumnus of Unity Grammar, graduating as part of the Class of 2019, Malik returned to give back to the very community that shaped his academic and personal journey.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Sydney University, where he majored in Modern History, Ancient History, and Criminology. Building on this strong foundation, Malik went on to complete his Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Curtin University, specialising in HSIE education.

Malik teaches a wide range of HSIE subjects including History, Geography, and Commerce, and also delivers the nationally recognised Certificate III in Business Services (BSB30120) as part of Unity Grammar’s VET program. At the senior level, he teaches Stage 6 Modern History, guiding students through rigorous historical inquiry and academic excellence.

In his current role as Online School Coordinator, Malik draws on his firsthand experience as both a student and educator to lead the development of Unity Online a program designed to deliver engaging, interactive, and syllabus-aligned education in a digital format. He actively integrates AI tools, project-based learning, and innovative digital platforms to ensure students are equipped with both 21st-century skills and a strong connection to Islamic values.

Malik’s leadership reflects his dedication to educational equity, technological innovation, and community service principles that continue to inspire students and staff alike at Unity Grammar.

I’ve been teaching in independent schools for over 15 years, mostly as an English teacher. I’ve also worked as a HSC marker, so I have a strong understanding of what’s expected in senior assessments and how to support students to meet those standards.

Over the years, I’ve developed a strong interest in student wellbeing, especially helping Stage 4 boys navigate the transition from junior to senior school. It’s a big shift—socially, emotionally, and academically—and I’ve worked closely with students during this time to build their confidence, help them stay connected, and support their overall growth.I believe that school is about more than just marks. It’s about feeling supported, being challenged, and having the chance to become the best version of yourself.

As the Girls’ Head of Wellbeing (Online) at Unity Grammar, I am passionate about creating a supportive, connected, and empowering environment for all our girls — even from a distance. My role involves guiding their social, emotional, and Islamic development in a way that meets their unique needs within an online setting, whilst also fostering accountability and positive attitudes towards learning.

Together with the School Psychologist and Boys’ Head of Wellbeing (Online), we work closely to foster a strong sense of community, care, and belonging for all our students, regardless of physical location.

At Unity Grammar Online, we aim to make sure every student feels valued and supported, and we’re proud to be a key part of their journey — helping them flourish both personally and academically in a virtual space.

As the School Psychologist at Unity Grammar, I provide psychological support and guidance to students across all year levels. My role focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing, managing mental health concerns, and supporting students with challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and learning difficulties. I work closely with students, parents, and teachers to develop strategies that foster resilience, healthy relationships, and academic success.

Using a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I tailor support to meet the unique needs of each student. Whether it’s through one-on-one counselling, wellbeing initiatives, or collaborative support plans, my aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Rukshana Nabi has been an integral part of Unity Grammar College since 2012, serving as the Head of Administration. With over 12 years of experience in this role, she has been a driving force behind the smooth functioning of the college’s administrative operations.

Her extensive background includes significant roles as a finance and administration manager in various industries such as corporate, retail, and service, which has equipped her with a broad and versatile skill set.

Rukshana holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in accounting and economics, and has recently enhanced her expertise by completing a mini-MBA. Her academic and professional background allows her to efficiently manage the college’s administrative responsibilities, particularly in student enrolments and overall administration.

Rukshana is also in charge of the delightful service, ensuring that every interaction within the college reflects the highest standards of care and excellence. She works closely with families to guarantee a seamless enrolment process, making sure that students and their families feel supported and welcomed from the very beginning.

In addition to her administrative duties, Rukshana collaborates with the Friends of Unity, the parent group dedicated to fostering a strong community spirit within the college.

Rukshana’s passion is to help shape the future pioneers of the community.

Dario Hawat, the Head of Community Experience at Unity Grammar, brings over 15 years of corporate experience to his role, where he is instrumental in enhancing the school’s connection with students, parents, and the broader community.

Dario’s strategic leadership is evident in his efforts to bring real-world experiences into the classroom and extend learning beyond the school’s walls. He leads the Community Experience team with a focus on organising impactful events, driving effective marketing initiatives, and building external partnerships that resonate with Unity Grammar’s values.

Beyond his professional expertise, Dario is also deeply committed to humanitarian work, actively contributing to causes that uplift and support those in need. This dual focus on corporate excellence and community service positions Dario as a dynamic leader who enriches the educational environment while fostering a culture of empathy and social responsibility at Unity Grammar.

Qualifications- BA, MIR, Mteach (Sec)

Ustaad Ali Assaad holds the position of Head of Islamic Faith and continually empowers our staff and students to strive to find balance in an ever-evolving world. An educator, leader, entrepreneur, community influencer, and author with a Bachelors degree in English literature, Masters of Teaching, and Masters of Islamic Studies, Ustaad Ali has also completed a Certificate in School Management and Leadership at Harvard Business School. As a member of the Australian National Imams Council, Ustaad Ali actively contributes to community-based projects and consults for non-profits on various strategic issues. Under his leadership and guidance, Unity Grammar has developed a contextualised Islamic Studies Curriculum, grounded in Quran, Sunnah, and academic works of our scholars. He has rejuvenated the Quranic Culture of the School and delivered on spiritually uplifting experiences, immersions, and community services during his tenure in the position.