ALEXANDER
NEWSLETTER

Stage 2 will see the addition of two new adjoining learning spaces or General Learning Areas (GLAs) on either side of the new Library building. These versatile, modern spaces are designed to enhance student engagement, creativity, and collaboration. Thanks to the Federal Government’s generous support and the school’s own committed funding, this $2.7 million project is quickly becoming a reality.

The growth in our student numbers has made these new facilities not just an aspiration, but a necessity. The construction of the Library and Multipurpose Centre represents the most significant investment in our school since it opened its doors in 1990. This new development is a testament to our commitment to providing an environment that nurtures academic excellence and holistic development for every child.

As the building progresses, we look forward to celebrating these achievements with our students, families, and the wider community throughout the year. Together, we are building a future filled with opportunity, innovation, and continued success.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this remarkable journey.

Mr Manoug Demirjian
Principal

110th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

AGBU Alexander Primary School student representatives joined the Divine Liturgy at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection Sydney Australia this morning on the 110th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. After receiving communion, they joined the community procession to the Armenian Genocide Memorial - "Khachkar", at Beauchamp Park, where they participated in the wreath-laying ceremony.

WE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER & DEMAND!

ՀԲԸՄ Ալեքսանտր Վարժարանի խումբ մը աշակերտներ այս առաւօտ մասնակցեցան Հայ Առաքելական Սուրբ Յարութիւն Եկեղեցւոյ՝ Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան 110-Ամեայ նուիրուած պատարագին։ Սուրբ Հաղորդութիւն ստանալէ ետք, աշակերտները միացան համայնքի երթին դէպի Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան Յուշարձանը՝ «Խաչքարը», ուր մասնակցեցան ծաղկեպսակներու զետեղման արարողութեան։

ԿԸ ՇԱՐՈՒՆԱԿԵՆՔ ՅԻՇԵԼ ՈՒ ՊԱՀԱՆՋԵԼ

AGBU Alexander Primary School representatives joined the ANZAC Day Service organised by the Terrey Hills Progress and Duffys Forest Residents Associations.

They laid a wreath at the Terrey Hills War Memorial, Frank Beckman Reserve. School Captain Harout Kassis participated in the commemoration by delivering a speech on behalf of the school.

The text of his speech is published below:

“Distinguished guests, community members and residents of Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest,

As we gather today on this solemn occasion of ANZAC Day, we pause to remember and honour the brave soldiers who fought for our freedom and made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and justice.

The students of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Alexander Primary School join our broader community in commemorating and paying tribute to all those who journeyed to distant and unfamiliar lands in the hope of securing a better future for the generations to come.

One hundred and ten years ago, the Gallipoli Landing marked a significant chapter in Australia’s history. As thousands of ANZAC soldiers stepped onto the shores of Gallipoli, they also entered the history of the Armenian people - at a time when our nation was facing the horrors of extermination at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.

Remarkably, ANZAC soldiers were among the first to witness and assist Christian minorities suffering within the Empire. Armenians, alongside Assyrians and Greeks, were subjected to what is now known as the first genocide of the 20th century. Between 1915 and 1918, over 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives in a campaign of ethnic and religious persecution. Families were torn apart, communities destroyed, and a rich cultural heritage was nearly lost.

I recently learned of a moving moment during the British advance into Ottoman Palestine. As the Australian Light Horse moved north, they encountered thousands of Armenian refugees. Among those offering help was Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Mills of the 4th (ANZAC) Battalion of the Imperial Camel Corps. In a powerful act of compassion amidst the chaos of war, he carried a four-year-old Armenian girl asleep in his arms while riding his camel to the safety of Jerusalem. Through acts like this, Australian soldiers came face-to-face with the suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians.

This shared history between the ANZAC legacy and the Armenian experience during World War I is a powerful reminder of the far-reaching and devastating consequences of war.

My family and I have experienced this pain firsthand. When I was a young child, we were forced to flee our home in Aleppo, Syria, to escape the persecution of Christians during the recent civil war. That journey eventually brought us to Australia as refugees.

Today, as we honour the ANZACs and their bravery, let us also remember the strength and resilience of those in our own community who have endured suffering because of war.

Let us reflect not only on the sacrifices of the past but also renew our commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and equality. Through remembrance and understanding, we can truly honour those who came before us - and work together toward a more compassionate and peaceful future. Lest We Forget!”

25 April, 2025

On Sunday, 6 April - Alexander School was filled with joy and celebration as our annual Easter Concert brought together students, teachers, parents, alumni, families, and friends for a truly memorable event.

This year’s theme, “The Miracles of Our Lord Jesus Christ”, set a meaningful and reflective tone for the day. Thanks to the dedicated planning and preparation by the P&F Committee and school staff, the celebration unfolded beautifully under the Covered Outdoor Learning Area. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, filled with laughter, love, and the delicious aroma of homemade food, all beautifully presented sweets, adding to the festive spirit.

A highlight of the day was the children’s performance and the vibrant Hat Parade. The children looked delightful in their themed outfits and captivated the audience with their performances. They sang heartfelt songs of praise, recited poems and readings, and brought to life biblical miracles through moving reenactments. These included the Wedding at Cana, Healing of the Blind Man, The Woman Healed by Her Faith, The Girl Who Lived Twice, Feeding the 5,000, and finally The Blessing of the Children. Each performance was a testament to the quality, depth, and diversity of the education provided at our school.

The guests described the day as “amazing and fantastic”- a sentiment echoed by the many in attendance. Among our guests was Fr Norayr Patanian, Fr Avetis Hambardzumyan and Fr Ashot Abrahamyan, the newly appointed Parish Priest of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection. Attending his first concert at the school, Father Ashot spoke beautifully about the importance of children through the teachings of Jesus, highlighting the school's vital role in our community's life.

Judging by the smiles and heartfelt reactions throughout the day, it was clear that this Easter Celebration was a success and a cherished memory in the making.

As part of our cultural activities during the final week of the school term and in the lead up to Easter, students participated in a hands-on activity to prepare Choreg, a traditional Armenian Easter pastry.

Students learned about the historical and cultural significance of Choreg, especially its association with Easter and Armenian family traditions. Guided by our parent volunteer Mrs Svetlana Khachatourian, students worked in small groups to mix, knead, and shape the sweet, braided dough, infusing it with aromatic spices like mahlab and anise.

The activity fostered collaboration and creativity, with students taking pride in braiding the dough and shaping their pastries before baking. The school was filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Choreg, and the final tasting session was a highlight for all involved.

Once again, this was another activity to deepen the students' understanding and appreciation of their Armenian heritage.