As we reflect on another rewarding term at AGBU Alexander Primary School, I am filled with gratitude and pride as I consider the many ways our students, staff, families and wider community have brought our school values to life.

Our theme for 2026, “In God’s Light, We Learn & Serve,” reminds us that education extends beyond academic achievement. It is about nurturing young people who grow in knowledge and understanding, develop strong character, cherish their heritage, and recognise their responsibility to serve others with compassion, humility and faith.

Throughout Term 3, we have seen these values reflected in so many meaningful ways.

Learning with curiosity, creativity and perseverance

From our Science Week investigations and hands-on STEM activities to our excursions exploring Earth's systems and the importance of our waterways, our students have embraced opportunities to question, investigate, experiment and discover. Our celebrations of Book Week, the joy of reading in our new Library, and the strategic thinking encouraged through chess have further demonstrated that learning flourishes when curiosity is encouraged, and every child is given the opportunity to grow.

Our senior students’ Canberra excursion was another wonderful example of learning beyond the classroom. Exploring Parliament House, engaging with Australia's democratic processes, visiting national institutions and reflecting on our history helped our students develop a deeper understanding of their responsibilities as informed and active citizens.

Growing in faith, identity and belonging

As a bilingual Christian school, we have a special responsibility to nurture both the hearts and minds of our students. Our celebration of Armenian Independence Day, participation in the Armenia Day Festival, and attendance at the Armenian Film Festival provided opportunities for our children to connect with their language, culture, history and traditions.

Our representation at the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Lecture at NSW Parliament House also reminded us of the importance of remembering our history, honouring those who came before us, and educating future generations with integrity and respect.

We were equally privileged to welcome the delegation from Shirakatsy Lyceum in Armenia, continuing a valued relationship built on education, friendship and service. Such connections strengthen our shared commitment to preserving Armenian identity and preparing young people to contribute positively to the world.

Serving others with kindness and compassion

Some of the most powerful lessons our children learn are not found in textbooks. They are learned through acts of kindness, generosity and service. Our students’ assistance to parishioners at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection on Father's Day, and their participation in fundraising initiatives demonstrate how compassion becomes meaningful when translated into action.

Our R U OK? Day activities also reinforced the importance of friendship, listening and looking out for one another. These simple gestures remind us that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported, and that each of us has the ability to make a positive difference in another person's life.

Caring for God's creation and our shared future

The planting of trees by our Year 6 students on Schools Tree Day was a particularly meaningful expression of our theme. As they prepare to graduate, they have left a living legacy for future generations of Alexander students. Their actions remind us that service is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it is about planting a tree, caring for our environment or making our school a better place for those who will follow.

A community united by faith, family and service

Our school is strengthened by the dedication of our teachers, the commitment of our Board, the generosity of our families and the support of our wider Armenian community. The return of former Head Teacher Mrs Gloria Harris was a beautiful reminder that while our school has grown and developed over the years, the warmth, relationships and sense of belonging that define Alexander remain at its heart.

Events such as our Fathers' Night In further demonstrated the importance of bringing families together, nurturing friendships and strengthening the bonds that make our school community special.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our teachers and staff for their professionalism, creativity and care. To our parents and families for their continued trust and partnership. To our Board for its leadership and commitment. To our community supporters for the many ways they enrich the lives of our students.

Most importantly, I congratulate our students for the enthusiasm, kindness, resilience and pride they continue to demonstrate in their learning and in their relationships with others.

As we look ahead to Term 4 and the end of another academic year, may we continue to remember that our purpose is not simply to help children succeed, but to help them become thoughtful, compassionate and capable young people who understand that their gifts and opportunities carry a responsibility to others.

At AGBU Alexander Primary School, we are privileged to share in this important journey of growth. Together, let us continue to nurture minds, strengthen hearts, preserve our heritage and serve our community, guided by our Christian faith and the light of God.

May we continue to grow in wisdom, flourish in faith and find joy in serving others.

Mr Manoug Demirjian
Principal

Book Week | Character Parade 📚

What a wonderful celebration of books, imagination and storytelling at our 2026 Book Week Character Parade! 🎭📖

Our school came alive with colour and creativity as students proudly transformed into their favourite book characters. Each child had the opportunity to share a short speech about their chosen character, explaining why they love them and telling us about a favourite part of their story.

From beloved classics to exciting adventures, our parade was a wonderful reminder of the joy that books can bring and the importance of nurturing a lifelong love of reading. 📚

Adding to the excitement, our students performed bilingual Book Week songs, celebrating both literature and the richness of our English and Armenian languages. Their enthusiasm, confidence and creativity made the afternoon truly special!

A special highlight this year was welcoming our families into our beautiful new Library. Families had the opportunity to choose a book, sit and enjoy some precious reading time in our new learning space. It was wonderful to see our Library filled with students, parents and the joy of reading together. 📖

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parents and families for joining us, supporting our Book Week celebrations and visiting the Book Fair, with its wonderful selection of English and Armenian books.

Your support helps us continue to inspire curiosity, imagination and a genuine love of reading in every child. 📚

Movies | Celebrating Armenian Heritage Through Film! 🎬

As part of the 10th Anniversary of the Armenian Film Festival Australia (AFFA), a group of AGBU Alexander Primary School students attended a special screening of Փոքր Մհեր | Poqr Mher (Little Mher) on 21 September 2026.

Inspired by the legendary Armenian epic Daredevils of Sassoun (Sasuntsi Davit), this captivating animated film introduced our students to Little Mher, a symbol of courage, justice, resilience and hope.

Through an exciting adventure that blends Armenian mythology with the modern world, our students explored the richness of Armenian folklore, history, and cultural heritage.

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Armenian identity, connect with the stories of our ancestors and experience the power of storytelling through film.

Sport | 2026 Sports Carnival 🏆

What a fantastic day of energy, enthusiasm and healthy competition at our 2026 Sports Carnival!

Our students competed in a variety of individual events, with students across different age groups challenging themselves, striving for personal bests and cheering one another on.

The excitement continued as our four Houses: 💚Ararat, ❤️Massis, 💙Sevan and💛 Yerevan battled it out in team events, demonstrating teamwork, determination and incredible House spirit!

From running and skipping to team challenges and relays, the field was full of smiles, encouragement, and memorable moments.

One school, four Houses, one great day of sport!

Book Week | Something Special! - A Symphony of Stories! 🎶

What a wonderful way to celebrate "Children’s Book Week 2026!" Our students were treated to the fantastic live literacy musical "Something Special!" - an interactive and energetic adventure that brought books, music and storytelling to life!

Following this year’s Children’s Book Week theme, “Symphony of Stories,” students joined Shelly and Tom as they discovered that although they may love different things, working together, being kind and embracing creativity can help create something truly special.

The production featured a selection of the 2026 CBCA Shortlisted Books, allowing our students to experience these wonderful stories in a fun and engaging new way.

A huge thank you to Noah and Abby for entertaining, inspiring and involving our students throughout the show! It was a wonderful celebration of books, imagination, creativity, perseverance and the joy of reading.

Every story has a rhythm. Every child has a story. And together, they can create SOMETHING SPECIAL!

STEM | Science Week 🧪

2026 Science Week.mp4

Environment | Celebrating Schools Tree Day 🌳

Our Year 6 students proudly celebrated Schools Tree Day by planting trees around our school grounds, creating a meaningful legacy as they approach the end of their primary school journey and prepare to become our 2026 Graduates.

With only a short time left before they leave AGBU Alexander Primary School, this special activity provided our Year 6 students with an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the school environment - one that will continue to grow and flourish for many years to come.

The rest of our students gathered to witness and support this important occasion, learning from our Year 6 students about the importance of caring for our environment and appreciating the many benefits that trees provide.

Trees are essential to our world. They provide clean air, offer shade and shelter, support wildlife, improve our surroundings, and create peaceful spaces where we can connect with nature. As a wonderful reminder of this, some students later enjoyed sitting beneath the shade of a tree while reading their favourite books - a beautiful example of how nature enhances our learning spaces.

At AGBU Alexander Primary School, we continue to encourage our students to be responsible stewards of God’s creation, understanding that even small actions can make a significant difference.

🌱 Planting trees today… growing a greener future tomorrow! 💚

Health | Dental Health Week🦷

We had a wonderful visit from Dr Linda Roberts from Terrey Hills Dental, who taught our students some very important lessons about looking after their smiles! 😁

Students learned:

🦷 How to brush correctly and make sure all areas of their teeth are cleaned

🦷 Why good dental hygiene is so important

🍬 How much sugar can be found in some of our favourite drinks - and why it’s best to avoid too much of it!

A big thank you to Dr Roberts for making dental health fun, practical and engaging for our students. 💚

Here’s to healthy teeth, healthy habits and plenty of happy smiles! 😃🦷

2026 Dental Health Week.mp4

Kindergarten | Our 100 Day of School! 💯

An exciting milestone to celebrate! Students came to school dressed as 100-year-old senior citizens, and they certainly looked the part! We read the story Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten before spending the day completing a range of fun activities centred around the number 100.

The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and lots of learning. We are incredibly proud of our Kindergarten students for reaching such a special milestone in their learning journey. They are 100 days smarter, kinder, braver, stronger, and more confident than when they first walked through the classroom door. Most importantly, they have spent 100 days trying their very best, and that is something truly worth celebrating. A big thank you to all our parents for helping the students come so wonderfully prepared for our 100th Day celebrations.

Sport | International Chess Day! ♙

On the first day of Term 3, we celebrated the timeless game of chess. A game that has inspired generations through its focus on strategy, patience, creativity and thoughtful decision-making.

At AGBU Alexander Primary School, chess is more than just a game. It provides our students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, resilience and confidence as they learn to plan ahead, consider different possibilities and adapt to new challenges.

Each move on the chessboard is a reminder that learning takes patience, persistence and a willingness to keep trying. These are the qualities we strive to nurture in our students as they “Grow and Serve” in God’s light.

We celebrate our young thinkers, strategists and future leaders - one move at a time!

By designing and constructing their own circuits, students gained a practical understanding of how electricity flows and how different components work together. They successfully created circuits to light bulbs, power fans and motors, and even produce sounds and music. These authentic learning experiences encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity while bringing scientific concepts to life.

Excursion | Exploring Earth's Systems 🌏

Our students took their learning outdoors with an exciting excursion to Fisherman’s Beach and the Long Reef headlands, where they explored Earth’s systems and discovered how our environment is constantly changing. 🌊

Students investigated the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, observing how air, land, water and living things work together to support life.🌱

They also explored how wind, water and living things weather rocks, and how moving water causes erosion and shapes the landscape. From examining the rock pools platform and climbing to the lookout to walking across the beach to investigate sediments, rock formations, and landforms, students saw these scientific concepts in action.

A wonderful day of exploring, experimenting, questioning and discovering beyond the classroom! 🔬

R U OK? | A Little Bracelet, A Big Message! 💛

Our Alexander students celebrated R U OK? Day by making special friendship bracelets as a simple reminder of the importance of kindness, friendship and looking out for one another. Once their bracelets were made, students selected a name and gifted their bracelet to that person - spreading a little friendship and letting someone know they are cared for.

The activity continued during lunch, when students discovered a special message tucked inside their lunch packs - another little reminder that everyone deserves to feel supported, heard and cared for. Being a good friend, checking in, listening and showing kindness are things we can do every day.

R U OK? 💛 Because a simple question can make a big difference.

Excursion | Learning about Water in our World🌊

Before the end of term, our junior students enjoyed an engaging, hands-on excursion to the Coastal Environment Centre at Narrabeen, where they explored the fascinating world of our local waterways, beaches, and coastal environments.

Through a day of experiential learning, students explored marine specimens, touch tables and animal enclosures, while discovering fascinating facts about the creatures that call our coastal environments home. They also enjoyed birdwatching around the lagoon, learning about its importance as a habitat, shelter, nursery, and natural filter.

The adventure continued at Narrabeen Beach, where students explored the rock platform and discovered the incredible variety of marine life and algae living along our coastline. With educators guiding their investigations, students observed, questioned and connected their classroom learning with the natural world around them.

🐟 From examining marine specimens and encountering local animals to investigating rock pools and observing birds, the excursion provided wonderful opportunities for students to understand how people are connected to places and, importantly, how we can care for and responsibly use our precious water environments.

A wonderful day of exploring, discovering and learning beyond the classroom! 💧

Fundraising | Cake Stall & Games Day 🧁

Our Year 5 & 6 students put their learning about "Government" into action by fundraising for their Canberra excursion!

A wonderful opportunity to learn, contribute and work together towards an exciting educational experience.

Excursion | Exploring the Nation's Capital - Canberra! 🏛️

Our senior students enjoyed an exciting, educational three-day excursion to Canberra toward the end of last term, exploring Australia’s capital and learning more about our nation’s history, democracy, and identity.

The adventure began at the Museum of Australian Democracy, followed by an interactive experience at Questacon and some fun at the National Arboretum’s POD Playground.

Day Two was filled with memorable learning experiences, including a visit to the Australian War Memorial, where students participated in the 'We Will Remember Them' program, and a visit to Mount Ainslie Lookout.

A special highlight was our visit to Parliament House, where our local Member for Mackellar, The Hon. Dr Sophie Scamps MP, was joined by the Member for Bennelong, The Hon. Jerome Laxale MP, to warmly welcome our students. The students then took part in a guided tour of Parliament House and an engaging parliamentary role-play with the Parliamentary Education Office, gaining valuable insights into how Australian democracy works.

The day continued with a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport, where students had further opportunities to explore Australia's sporting achievements.

On their final day, students discovered more about the planning and development of our capital at the National Capital Exhibition, learned how Australian coins are made during a guided program at the Royal Australian Mint, and explored Australia’s electoral system at the National Electoral Education Centre.

Beyond the classroom, this excursion gave students valuable opportunities to connect their learning with real-world experiences, deepen their understanding of Australian history and civics, and strengthen friendships through shared adventures.

A wonderful three days and two nights of discovery, learning and lasting memories!

Independence Day | Celebrating Armenian Independence Day 2026! ❤️💙🧡

AGBU Alexander Primary School proudly celebrated Armenian Independence Day with our students at a special assembly, learning about Armenia’s history, national symbols, culture, and the significance of 21st September.

Surrounded by the colours of the Armenian tricolour ❤️ red, 💙 blue and 🧡 orange, our students reflected on our heritage, our identity and our hopes for the future.

The celebration finished with a lively Armenian dance, bringing everyone together in the joy of our culture and traditions.

A special day to remember where we come from, celebrate who we are, and continue To Grow & Serve.

Շնորհաւոր Անկախութեան Օր | Happy Armenian Independence Day! ❤️💙🧡

Visitors | Building Bridges through Education, Friendship & Service 🤝

AGBU Alexander Primary School was delighted to welcome a delegation from Shirakatsy Lyceum (Շիրակացու ճեմարան) in Armenia, headed by its President & General Director, Mr Ashot Alikhanyan, together with five high school students.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by AGBU Alexander Primary School Principal Mr Manoug Demirjian and Armenian Language Teacher Mrs Seta Keoshgerian, continuing a meaningful relationship between our two schools that has developed over the past several years.

Our collaboration has included a number of initiatives that have brought our school communities closer together, including fundraising efforts to support displaced students from Artsakh who are now studying at Shirakatsy Lyceum. These initiatives have given our students the opportunity to put our shared values of compassion, service and solidarity into action.

This year, the five students travelled to Australia to participate in the "Round Square International Conference" held at Barker College, providing a wonderful opportunity for them to experience an international educational program while also strengthening their connection with our school community.

Their visit to Alexander was another special chapter in this growing partnership. Students and educators had the opportunity to meet, share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate the strong connections that unite our Armenian educational communities across continents.

While separated by thousands of kilometres, AGBU Alexander Primary School and Shirakatsy Lyceum share a commitment to education, Armenian heritage, culture, faith, service and the development of young people who are ready to learn, lead and serve.

We are grateful to our friends at Shirakatsy Lyceum for their continued friendship and collaboration, and we look forward to many more opportunities to "learn together, grow together and serve together".

From Armenia to Australia - building bridges through education, friendship and service.

Visitors | A Very Special Visit to Alexander 💐

We had the wonderful privilege of welcoming back Mrs Gloria Harris, who served as Head Teacher of AGBU Alexander Primary School from 1998 to 2006.

Twenty years after her farewell, Mrs Harris returned to the school with her partner, Bob, and it was a truly special occasion for our Alexander family.

Mrs Harris was warmly welcomed at a special Assembly, where students and staff had the opportunity to hear about her connection to the school and watch a pictorial presentation celebrating her years at Alexander. The photographs brought back many wonderful memories and highlighted just how much our school has changed since 2006!

From our new Library and Multipurpose Centre, STEM facilities and COLA, to our flourishing garden and even our resident chooks, Mrs Harris was amazed by the growth and development of the school. Yet, as she beautifully observed, the warmth of the welcome had not changed.

There was also a wonderful surprise for our students: Mrs Harris is the author of NSW Targeting Maths - Year 6, a book she worked on while she was at Alexander! Some of the activities in the book even feature the names of Armenian children who were students at our school at the time - a beautiful and lasting connection between her work and the Alexander community.

Mrs Harris was deeply touched by the welcome, the presentation, the beautiful flowers and the special handmade “Gloria” sign in Armenian manuscript writing, which was presented to her. In her message following the visit, she described being moved to tears during the Assembly and proudly declared:

“Alexander School is the best school ever!”

She also expressed how impressed she was by the commitment of our leadership, teachers, Board and parents in taking the school to a new level of success.

Mrs Harris, thank you for returning to your school and for sharing your memories with us. Your contribution is an important part of the history of AGBU Alexander Primary School, and it was a privilege to welcome you home.

And, as you promised twenty years ago, we're very glad you came back and we're even happier to hear that it won't be so long until your next visit!

Community | Celebrating Culture at "Armenia Day Festival" ֎

Congratulations to our wonderful AGBU Alexander Primary School students on their fantastic performance at the Armenia Day Festival on Sunday, 30 August in Chatswood! 🇦🇲

Our students represented our school and Armenian heritage with such pride, enthusiasm and joy, and we couldn’t be prouder! 🎶

A heartfelt thank you to the organisers of Armenia Day Festival and to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this wonderful celebration possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate our Armenian culture and traditions, and give our young people a chance to shine.

Community | “Educational Mission of Preserving the Armenian Identity”🕯️

Australian Armenian Teachers’ Conference

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, as well as to the Organising Committee, on the occasion of the highly successful Armenian Teachers’ Conference held on Saturday, 18 July, at AGBU Alexander Primary School.

This valuable initiative provided an inspiring platform for strengthening Armenian educational culture, pedagogical experience, and collaboration. The Conference brought together dedicated educators who, through their knowledge, experience and vision, reaffirmed the vital mission of Armenian schools: to educate and nurture generations grounded in high national, spiritual and educational values.

We wish for this initiative to continue and to provide renewed momentum for the development of Armenian education, the professional growth of teachers, and the united efforts of our community.

Wishing you continued progress and ever-greater success in support of Armenian education and the enlightened future of our nation.

«ՀԱՅԱՊԱՀՊԱՆՈՒԹԵԱՆ ԿՐԹԱԿԱՆ ԱՌԱՔԵԼՈՒԹԻՒՆ»
ՀԱՅ ՈՒՍՈՒՑԻՉՆԵՐՈՒ ՀԱՄԱԳՈՒՄԱՐ

Սրտագին շնորհաւորութիւններ կը յղենք Աւստրալիոյ եւ Նոր Զելանտայի Հայոց Թեմի Առաջնորդ Գերշ. Տ. Վարդան Եպս. Նաւասարդեանին, ինչպէս նաեւ կազմակերպիչ յանձնախումբին՝ Շաբաթ, 18 Յուլիսին, ՀԲԸՄ Ալեքսանտր Վարժարանին մէջ մեծ յաջողութեամբ կազմակերպուած Հայ Ուսուցիչներու Համագումարին առիթով։

Այս արժէքաւոր նախաձեռնութիւնը դարձաւ ոգեշնչող հարթակ՝ հայ կրթական մշակոյթի, մանկավարժական փորձառութեան եւ համագործակցութեան ամրապնդման համար։ Համագումարը մէկտեղեց նուիրեալ կրթական մշակներ, որոնք իրենց գիտելիքով, փորձառութեամբ եւ տեսլականով վերահաստատեցին հայ դպրոցի կենսական առաքելութիւնը՝ սերունդներ դաստիարակելու ազգային, հոգեւոր եւ կրթական բարձր արժէքներով։

Մաղթենք, որ այս նախաձեռնութիւնը շարունակական ըլլայ եւ նոր թափ հաղորդէ հայ կրթութեան զարգացման, ուսուցիչներու մասնագիտական աճին եւ մեր համայնքի միասնական ճիգերուն։

Բարի երթ եւ նորանոր յաջողութիւններ՝ ի նպաստ հայ դպրոցի եւ մեր ազգի լուսաւոր ապագային։

Photo Gallery (Facebook) | Australian Armenian Teachers’ Conference

Community | Father's Day - Faith . Family . Service 💙

On Father’s Day, our students celebrated the spirit of service and community, assisting at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection Sydney Australia by offering parishioners tea, coffee and sweets after church.

A beautiful reminder that the values we learn from our fathers - kindness, generosity and service to others - help shape us into caring members of our community.

“In God’s Light, We Learn & Serve.”

Happy Father’s Day to all our wonderful fathers and father figures!

Community | Remembering . Honouring . Educating 🌺

AGBU Alexander Primary School was honoured to be represented at the "2026 Armenian Genocide Commemorative Lecture" at NSW Parliament House, organised by the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (AIHGS).

School Captain Sarkis Demirjian, together with Principal Mr Manoug Demirjian, attended this significant occasion and participated in the solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Khatchkar in the 'Peace Garden', paying tribute to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide.

The delegation then attended the lecture “Anzac Bread”, presented by distinguished scholar Dr Panayiotis Diamadis, highlighting an important development in Australian education: the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides will be included in the NSW Stage 5 History Syllabus.

This is a significant step toward ensuring these histories are taught appropriately to future generations. For our students, remembering our history is not only about looking to the past, but also about learning, preserving truth, and ensuring that the stories of those who suffered are not forgotten.

AGBU Alexander Primary School is proud to nurture students who value their heritage, honour the memory of those who came before them, and carry this responsibility into the future.

We remember. We honour. We will never forget.

Community | "Fathers' Night In" 🔥

AGBU Alexander Primary School was delighted to host a special "Fathers’ Night In", bringing together the fathers and father figures of our school community for an evening of fellowship, faith and friendship.

We were deeply honoured by the presence of His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand, accompanied by Reverend Fathers Avetis Hambardzumyan, Ashot Abrahamyan and Nshan Tovmasyan, whose presence added a special spiritual dimension to the occasion.

The evening gave our fathers and father figures a wonderful opportunity to step away from their busy routines, strengthen friendships, and enjoy each other's company in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With heartfelt conversations, shared food and a gathering around the warmth of the bonfire, the night was a celebration of fellowship and the strong bonds that unite our school community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to His Grace Bishop Vardan, the Reverend Fathers and all the fathers and father figures who joined us and contributed to making the evening so memorable.

At AGBU Alexander Primary School, we recognise and celebrate the important role fathers and father figures play in nurturing our children, strengthening families and shaping the values of our community.

Together, we continue to grow in faith, friendship and service.