AGC Secretary-General Praises Assyrian Schools

The Secretary-General of the Assyrian General Conference, Eshaya Esho, has praised the efforts of the Metropolitan See of Sydney during a visit to the Assyrian Schools.

The official visit, on 3 May, highlighted the quality of educational facilities and services under the leadership of His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon.

Arriving at Mar Narsai Assyrian College (MNAC), Mr Esho was warmly welcomed by Principal John Haskal and Deputy Principal Edwar Dinkha.

The staff of the school thoroughly explained the aims and improvements that the school anticipates from its graduating students, who are given guidance to grow into good citizens for the country as well as our Assyrian community.

“Belonging and working for the Assyrian Schools reminds me of the homeland through the environment of the national and religious activities, along with the aid to the communities’ needs as a school,” said Mr Haskal.

Mr Haskal said he has worked in many Australian High Schools throughout the state of NSW. His experience has been invaluable to helping establish and open schools for the Assyrian community.

“Schools as such are important in maintaining our Assyrian language, heritage and religion,” said Mr Haskal.

MNAC has taken the first step in its building project, purchasing land in Horsley Park for the future premises of the school, which plans to accommodate 1000 students.

Mr Esho praised His Beatitude Mar Meelis for the continuous hard effort and work he puts towards the community and its future in western countries.

After the meeting, a tour of the school was given where the laboratories and facilities of the school were shown and talents of the students were portrayed.

The guests then proceeded to visit St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School (SHAPS) and the Retirement Village in Smithfield – two additional facilities proving successful in meeting social and educational needs of the Metropolitan See of Sydney.