AGBU Alexander Primary School had the great honour of welcoming the President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Mr Sam Simonian, and his wife, Mrs Sylva Simonian, as guests of honour to celebrate the school’s 35th Anniversary.
Joining the delegation from New York were Mr and Mrs Elie and Ela Akilian (AGBU Board of Trustees) and Ms Natalie Gabrelian (Director of Chapters and Central Board Administration). Mr Vicken Demirjian was also a special guest who was accompanying the delegation.
The distinguished guests were warmly received at the school on Thursday, 4 September 2025, by His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand, and Father Avetis Hambardzumyan, Parish Priest of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection Sydney Australia. Also present were AGBU Sydney Chapter Chairman Mr Mihran Lepejian and Mr Hovhaness Koyoumdjian from the Committee, Alexander School Board Chairperson Mrs Sossie Giragosian and Board members, school benefactors including Mr Varoujan Iskenderian, Mr and Mrs Varoujan and Sona Tchetchenian, as well as founding members, Mr & Mrs Vahe and Nora Artinian, Mrs Lucy Aroyan, parents and friends of the school community.
The visit began with a traditional salt-and-bread ceremony, symbolising hospitality and blessing, led by the School Captain. Students from Prep to Year 6 then presented a vibrant program of songs, poems, and recitations dedicated to the occasion. The program began with a heartfelt welcome by School Captain Harout Kassis, who spoke of the pride, history, and spirit of AGBU Alexander School and extended a warm welcome to the visiting dignitaries.
Following the student performances, School Principal Mr Manoug Demirjian addressed the assembly, describing the day as “a special moment in the life of our school.” In his speech, Mr Demirjian expressed the community’s pride in welcoming the AGBU President, saying:
“We are proud to say – welcome home, Mr Simonian! AGBU Alexander School is part of the big AGBU family, a family that you have dedicated your time to serving.”
He went on to describe Mr Simonian’s inspiring journey from a young AGBU student to a global leader, highlighting his humility, philanthropy, and dedication to education and community service:
“Mr Simonian shows us that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself, but about how you share it with others… He never forgot where he came from – the AGBU that gave him an education – and he gives back generously so that other young Armenians can have the same opportunities he had.”
The principal concluded his remarks by reciting the “Partsratsoum” poem by Vahan Tekeyan, the same verse engraved on the wall of the Vahan Tekeyan School in Beirut, which both he and Mr Simonian attended as children – symbolically linking their shared educational roots.
To commemorate the occasion, Mr Simonian unveiled a special plaque marking his visit, assisted by School Board Chairperson Mrs Sossie Giragosian. Mrs Giragosian then presented the visiting guests with a commemorative scarf specially designed for the 35th Anniversary, while students offered a beautifully crafted artwork featuring the guests’ names written in ancient Armenian manuscript style.
Expressing his appreciation, Mr Simonian thanked the school community for the warm welcome and spoke of his delight in witnessing the spirit and dedication of the students and staff. His Grace Bishop Navasardyan also extended his heartfelt words, reaffirming that “Alexander School is also my home, as it stands at the heart of our community.”
Following the ceremony, the delegation toured the school facilities, including the newly built Library and Multipurpose Centre, where morning tea and refreshments were served. In the afternoon, Mr Simonian and the Central Board delegation met with the School Board to discuss the Master Plan and future objectives presented by Mr Demirjian, focusing on continued growth and excellence in Armenian education.
The visit of AGBU President Sam Simonian was a memorable and inspiring moment in the history of AGBU Alexander Primary School. It was a reminder of the school’s enduring mission to “Grow and Serve” and of the global AGBU family’s shared commitment to education, heritage, and community.
