Matters of Interest

Playford College

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:22): I rise to acknowledge and celebrate Playford College, South Australia's first Islamic school in our northern suburbs. My colleague the Hon. Connie Bonaros and I were fortunate enough to visit, just last week, this young and vibrant school located on the site of the old Elizabeth Special School at Elizabeth South and observe firsthand the inspirational success story that is Playford College.

Commencing with just 78 students in 2017, the school now boasts 450 students, supported by 76 staff working in various capacities. There were 100 new enrolments in this year alone. Its expansion in under five years is phenomenal, a true credit to the hard work of the school's pioneers, who have worked hard in laying its foundations. In 2022, Playford College will offer year 12 for the first time as it grows with the inaugural year 8 class.

Families have quickly caught on to the benefits of the school, with many relocating from other areas, attracted by its strong spiritual dimension. Faith is celebrated beautifully at the school. The prayer hall is used daily. Despite its Islamic focus, the doors are open and welcoming to children of all faiths and backgrounds, and the school hopes to welcome a diverse cohort of students as it reaches its capacity of 600 students in the next few years.

The school would have to be one of the most disadvantaged non-government schools in South Australia, but it operates and continues to grow with the support of commonwealth and state grants—and for this the school shows immense gratitude. It is an excellent use of funds. The site is transforming at a rapid pace. The old DEMAC buildings are being replaced with modern, fit-for-purpose classrooms and learning spaces. New outdoor play areas continue to be upgraded, with a real focus on green and garden spaces.

Construction is well underway on a very impressive new building, which will house the senior classrooms and fully equipped specialist rooms, including a much-needed science laboratory and home economics room fully equipped with cooking stations. We could sense the excitement of its impending opening in term 4.

Northern Adelaide Senior College currently shares its science labs with the school. The support from the local community is overwhelming. Northern Adelaide Senior College also provides English language development courses for parents. The Lions Club of Elizabeth Playford has donated in excess of 1,200 books to help set up the library. Social work students from Flinders University volunteer their time to assist students with language development, 99 per cent of whom come from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

A community hub also supports families with parenting, language and computer classes, as well as a playgroup, which assists pre-age children with their transition to school. This significantly helps reduce the financial, cultural and language barriers many refugee and migrant families feel. The local Playford council has been very obliging in leasing the adjacent soccer and sports fields for the school to use. I understand they are currently considering constructing a crossing for students to safely walk to and from the immensely popular soccer field during school lessons and during recess and lunch times.

Playford College is a true success story and we congratulate its principal, Chris Riemann, and deputy principal, Racha Makki, for creating such a supportive and nurturing learning environment for its students. Incidentally, Chris came out of retirement to take on what was initially going to be a temporary role, and everyone associated with the school is glad he did. It was obvious to us just why that is. There is no doubt the school will continue to flourish well into the future under the guidance of its inspirational leadership. The Hon. Connie Bonaros and I are looking forward to hosting its year 6 class next week in a mock parliamentary debate at Parliament House.