30 years ago, dedicated members and supporters of the Armenian General Benevolent Union – Sydney Chapter, were able to witness for the first time the opening of the main entrance door to AGBU Alexander Primary School. As a result, the Armenian community of Sydney could send their children to a new bilingual school, situated in the tranquil bush setting of Duffys Forest. A year earlier or during the initial year of the school, the first classes were located at Belrose public school, as the school grounds were still being built, thanks to our beloved benefactors Dr Alex and Mrs Isabelle Alexander. Their vision to preserve the Armenian language, culture and identity was made possible thanks to the support of the AGBU Central Board and the great generosity of its Honorary Life President Mr Alex Manoogian.
Today, on our 30th Year of Schooling at Duffys Forest, we reflect on our past achievements, successes and challenges and look forward with renewed commitment to our service to the community. Service that has stayed focused on its mission and proudly produced many fine, well rounded and well educated youngsters. It is even more gratifying to see these graduates, now as young adults, are taking an active role in the community. In the true sense of our motto ‘To Grow & Serve’ – they have grown and are ready to serve the larger Australian community as well as being ambassadors for their Armenian heritage.
Over the past three decades AGBU Alexander Primary School has set the foundation in educating future leaders. This is not only evident in the community but also in the current School Board where two of its graduates have already taken leadership, and I’m happy to state that these soon to be fathers are ready to direct their school to the next generation. With your continued support and dedication, their task and that of the School Board, is to ensure that this magnificent educational institution, situated on 5-acres of beautiful bush land in Duffys Forest, is able to serve the needs of the Armenian community for the next 30 years.
