“Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Inspiring the Future”
Under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand, and in the presence of Mr Sam Simonian, President of the AGBU Central Board, the AGBU Alexander Primary School community came together on Sunday, 7 September 2025, at The Concourse Concert Hall to celebrate the school’s 35th Anniversary.
Mr & Mrs Sam and Sylva Simonian were invited as the guests of honour to celebrate this special milestone in the life of the Australian-Armenian community. Joining the delegation from New York were Mr & Mrs Elie and Ela Akilian (AGBU Board of Trustees), and Natalie Gabrelian (Director of Chapters and Central Board Administration).
The evening’s theme, “Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Inspiring the Future,” perfectly captured the spirit of the celebration. It was a heartfelt tribute to three and a half decades of dedication to Armenian education, culture, and identity under the banner of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
A CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE & EXCELLENCE
The concert opened with the singing of the national, AGBU and school anthems by the students, followed by welcoming words from graduates and School Captains of 2009 & 2010, Ilda Zorlu-Amirghan and Sevag Keoshgerian, setting the tone for an evening that was both reflective and inspiring.
The “Honouring the Past” segment featured a touching play, “AGBU Alexander School in Our Heart,” presented by the Year 6 students. In this heartfelt and educational performance, students portrayed two new classmates who had just joined AGBU Alexander School and were warmly welcomed by their peers. Through lively dialogue, humour, and pride, the children guided the newcomers (and the audience) through the story of AGBU’s founding in Cairo in 1906, its mission to preserve Armenian heritage worldwide, and the origins of AGBU Alexander Primary School in Sydney.
The students beautifully recounted how, in the 1980s, the AGBU Sydney Committee, led by Chairman Mr Zaven Tchetchenian, presented the vision of establishing an Armenian day school to lifelong AGBU President Mr Alex Manoogian, whose support, along with the community’s benefactors Dr Alex and Mrs Isabelle Alexander, made the school’s founding possible. The play concluded with a moving affirmation of Armenian identity and language, as the students proudly declared that to learn Armenian is to preserve one’s roots, culture, and pride as heirs of a great nation. The performance was warmly received by the audience for its authenticity, clarity, and the confidence with which the students expressed their love for their heritage and school.
The play was followed by an impressive series of Armenian dances, including Kochari, Hayasdan, Armenian Highlands, and Ethnographic Dance. These performances showcased the students’ discipline, pride, and deep connection to their cultural heritage. All dances were beautifully choreographed by Mrs Angineh Karabedian, whose artistry and dedication brought the spirit of Armenia vividly to life on stage.
The audience was then treated to beautifully performed songs, “Under the Southern Skies” and a wonderful Armenian medley called “Moush”, which reflected both the school’s Australian-Armenian identity and its connection to the homeland through melody and emotion.
Following these, a lively instrumental performance with percussion captivated the audience with its rhythm and precision, showcasing the students’ musical talent and teamwork.
All items were supported by the outstanding musical direction of Mrs Zela Margossian and Mrs Seta Keoshgerian, who for 35 years has been the creative and linguistic pillar of the school, shaping generations with her passion and dedication.
EMBRACING THE PRESENT – Voices of the Graduates
The “Embracing the Present” segment brought the voices of graduates to the stage. Reflections from Natasha Aslanian, Garren Pezikian, Lucy Amirzaian-Setrakian, Krikor Demirjian, Silvy Giragosian, and Taniel Betchakjian offered heartfelt memories and gratitude for the solid educational and cultural foundation the school provided.
Adding a special moment to the program, inaugural graduate Mrs Nora Aprahamian-Matvosian delivered an inspiring speech reflecting on the school’s humble beginnings and its steady growth into a thriving centre for Armenian education in Sydney.
INSPIRING THE FUTURE – A Vision Forward
Principal Mr Manoug Demirjian, who was given a very warm welcome, delivered a moving address that celebrated the achievements of the school community while reaffirming the ongoing commitment to nurture students who are confident, compassionate, and connected to their Armenian roots.
In a beautiful symbolic gesture, former students and graduates took part in the “Ceremonial Walk of Lights,” representing the passing of knowledge and inspiration from one generation to the next. The audience was deeply moved by the original song, “Happy 35th Anniversary, AGBU Alexander School,” written by Seta Keoshgerian, composed by Zela Margossian, and arranged by Khachik Sahakyan.
The heartfelt words of the School Board Chair, Mrs Sossie Giragosian, and the address by Mr Vahe Boyadjian highlighted the collective effort, vision, and unity that have sustained the school over the decades.
In his speech, AGBU President Mr Sam Simonian expressed sincere thanks for the warmth and hospitality shown to his wife and the delegation. Reflecting on his own experience as a graduate of the Vahan Tekeyan School (Lebanon), he highlighted the lifelong impact of Armenian education. He commended the concert as a shining example of excellence and joy, emphasising that schools like AGBU Alexander are founded on the dedication of benefactors, volunteers, and educators – the true pillars of community life.
Mr Simonian also reminded the audience that the world is constantly evolving, and that AGBU’s Central Board continues to closely follow and encourage new developments in education and technology to ensure that Armenian schools remain innovative and relevant. He warmly congratulated the school’s founders, benefactors, and staff on the remarkable anniversary, expressing hope that the next generation of AGBU leaders, perhaps even a future president, may one day emerge from the students of AGBU Alexander School.
BLESSINGS & REFLECTIONS
In his closing address, His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan praised the school’s inspiring, high-quality, and culturally rich performance, noting the pride with which the students expressed their identity and heritage. He remarked that the greatest reward comes when former students, now parents, bring their own children to the same school that nurtured them – a living testament to faith and continuity.
He extended his heartfelt congratulations not only to AGBU Alexander Primary School but to all Armenian institutions in the community, encouraging them to remain progressive, steadfast, and united in their mission. On the occasion of Father’s Day, he also extended his special congratulations to all fathers, and particularly to Principal Mr Manoug Demirjian, the “father” of the school, wishing him continued strength in leading AGBU Alexander under the enduring care of the Union.
HONOURING DEDICATION & SERVICE
During the evening, AGBU Central Board Director Natalie Gabrielian presented a special recognition to Mr Vahe Boyadjian for his longstanding service as a member of the AGBU Sydney Chapter and the AGBU Alexander Primary School Board, as well as his contribution to the school’s building projects.
The School Board also honoured Principal Mr Manoug Demirjian with a commemorative plaque for his years of devoted leadership. In recognition of the school’s dedication to faith and culture, The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand presented a beautifully crafted icon of the Holy Mother of God to the school and its principal.
The 35th Anniversary Celebration Concert was not only an evening of nostalgia and pride but also a declaration of ongoing commitment. Through the unity of its staff, students, parents, and alumni, AGBU Alexander Primary School remains a cornerstone of Armenian identity and education in Australia.
As the candles were carried across the stage during the Walk of Lights, it became clear that the flame of Armenian education burns brightly and will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.
