The Assyrian Schools 2010 Graduations Highlight Achievements

Following a year of many accomplishments, Sydney’s St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School and Mar Narsai Assyrian College students have graduated with marvelous results in comparison to the state.

The graduation for Mar Narsai Assyrian College’s year 7 to year 11 students took place on 13 December at the Assyrian Australian Social Centre’s Nineveh Lounge.

His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon, blessed the congregation, warmly welcoming students and their families, and giving parents advise on supporting and nurturing their children to work to their highest abilities.

His Beatitude also announced that 2011 will welcome Mar Narsai Assyrian College’s first group of students entering their HSC year and commencing their final year of school studies before entering tertiary education.

Mar Narsai Assyrian College Principal Mr John Haskal gave an informative speech, covering the school’s activities, events and achievements throughout the year. Students that excelled in their class were honoured by Mr Haskal, and outstanding students in various disciplines were awarded with certificates.

New school captains were chosen and formerly welcomed by all the school, and previous captains were thanked and awarded.

The following day, parents and family members of St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School gathered once more at Edessa Hall for student graduations.

Announcements on the students’ exceptional results of the state NAPLAN test were explained to the parents, showing the respectable reputation of the school and the high quality of the teaching system.

Students and families were greeted by His Beatitude Mar Meelis, who thanked parents for their continued help in supporting their children.

His Beatitude said that even though St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School is a young school, it is showing great results and this is a very excellent starting point for the school and a indication of the successful years to come.

Future growth was also addressed by His Beatitude, with a focus on plans for another primary school to be built in the area. This will cater for the high demand of families wishing to enroll their children in The Assyrian Schools.

A farewell for the year 6 students was organised where tears dripped down the faces of most students.

As students of The Assyrian Schools move from one stage of their schooling to the next, the love and friendships that have grown among them throughout the years is evident.

Nevertheless, maturation and social improvements among the students are essential factors in the holistic approach to their education.

Both schools build great love of religion and nationalism, along with providing support for creativity and sporting activities.

Other clergy members also attended the graduation ceremonies, including: Chor-bishop Ashoor lazar, St Hurmizd Cathedral Parish Priest; Reverend Younan Dawood, parish priest of St George Parish; Reverend John Kushaba, parish priest of St Peter & Paul Parish and school chaplain for Mar Narsai Assyrian College; Reverend Moshe Barkho; and Reverend Narsai Youkhanis, assistant priest to all parishes and school chaplain for St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School, Preschool and Grace Childcare.

Also in attendance were Mr Ninos Khoshaba, member of the Australian Parliament; Mrs Carmen Lazar, Principal of the Assyrian Diqlat School and other distinguished guests.

His Beatitude Mar Meelis, the clergy and all staff of both schools would like to congratulate all the students and their families for this year’s graduates. The prayers of the school community are with them for the years to come.