New Zealand School Celebrates 19th Anniversary

The Assyrian Church of the East in New Zealand has celebrated the 19th anniversary of its Assyrian language school.

The school (shotapota), called the Assyrian Cultural House, was established by Rev. Toma K Toma on 15 May, 1992.

A spokesperson for the school said the educational facility commenced lessons with only 15 students.

However, the number of students has steadily increased year by year and the school now boasts 70 enrolled students.

“Shotapota has been growing bigger and becoming stronger,” said the spokesperson.

“Assyrian Cultural House is the only Assyrian school in Auckland, New Zealand teaching our language, history and church faith.”

Anniversary celebrations attracted more than 60 past and present students as well as 30 volunteer helpers, including teachers.

Attendees enjoyed cake, drinks and some fun activities for students that were organised and run by the New Zealand Assyrian Youth Association.

Rev. Toma talked to students about the future for shotapota, saying he hopes the school will one day have its own building to teach the Assyrian language and history.

He expressed his pride and joy at seeing how strong and powerful the school has become.

The Assyrian Cultural House team consists of:

Principal; Mrs Jessie Youkhana.

Accountant; Mr Faeyoumi Marwan.

Teachers; Shamasha Younan Shelemon, Shamasha Rafael Lachen, Mrs Samira Nissan, Mrs Polait Kiyork, Mrs Maria Toma, Mrs Janet Yako, Mr Kais Toma, Mrs Layla Yako, Mrs Eva Sawa, and Mrs Amira Nissan.