SYDNEY: The students, from Kindergarten-Reception to Year 12, of Hamazkaine – Arshak & Sophie Galstaun College presented a very impressive Armenian and English performances under the theme of From Avarayr to Artsakh to mark the 30^th Anniversary of the establishment of the College at the Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall.

These included moving poetry recitals, historical narrations, musical performances, drama and dance marking key points in Armenia ancestral history over millennia as well as its interconnection with our adopted homeland of Australia. (CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS)

During the concert, a number of video presentations highlighting the past, present and future of Galstaun College were screened.

Addressing the audience, Principal Edward Demirdjian noted the significant increase in College’s students numbers with over 80 new students over last two years and added:- “In recent years the College has been recognised for its achievements for both HSC and NAPLAN and it is this commitment and dedication towards results, towards excellence which will be the basis for this College moving forward. In 2014, the College was ranked eighth out of 641 schools in the state for HSC Mathematics which for a non-selective school is unheard of. Earlier this year, Galstaun College was recognised for achieving significant gains for both numeracy and literacy in the 2015 NAPLAN, only one of a handful of schools in the state to do so.

Mr Demirdjian also outlined the College’s expanded extra and co-curricular program to ensure that students have every opportunity to contribute to the life of the College. He went on to note: - “While you can measure and evaluate results and student numbers, not everything is tangible, not everything can be measured through numbers. The individual care and attention provided at Galstaun College is unique and something every student over the last thirty years can attest to. Galstaun College is like a family where students are like brothers and sisters.”

On behalf of the Galstaun College Board, Chairperson Harry Boghossian remarked during his address: - “You can’t reach a milestone like this without everyone coming together. We would like to thank all past and present principals, teachers and College staff that have been part of this 30 year journey in providing a safe, nurturing and unique educational environment for our students.  We would also like to acknowledge and thank the countless volunteers, committees, P&F Associations and Boards over the past 30 years that have given their time and effort to help maintaining and developing the College into what it is today.  We want to thank you, the parents. Your support and dedication to your child’s education through our College is greatly appreciated.  You are the driving force behind the College’s success over this journey.”

The Benefactors of the College, including the Founding Benefactors Arshak & Sophie Galstaun, who help establish the College 30 years ago as well those who had become Benefactors since then were honoured during the performance, including a special tribute video clip.

Mr Boghossian also made a number of special announcements during his address looking towards the next 30 years of the College.  Noting their support over many years of various sporting, cultural, educational and public affairs organisations throughout our Community and acknowledging their generous and vital financial assistance with respect to the College’s recent Recapitalisation Program of the College, Mr Boghossian announced: “On the occasion of the 30^th Anniversary we are very pleased to recognise and honour Mr and Mrs Michael & Nyree Abolakian and Family as new Benefactors of Galstaun College.”



Mr Boghossian added: “Also on this important milestone, we are very pleased to recognise and honour one of our very own College Alumni, Mr Shant Kradjian, as a new Benefactor of our College for his on-going generous support. Shant is a Galstaun College graduate of 2004, who has proceeded to become very successful in business as well as serving and supporting our Community. Among many others, Arshak and Sophie Galstaun would be very proud of this first Alumni Benefactor who now follows in their footsteps. We are confident others will join him.  We are indeed indebted to all our Benefactors past and present without whom the establishment and continuation of our College would not be possible.”



The College Board Chairperson also announced the establishment of the Hamazkaine – Arshak & Sophie Galstaun College Foundation Limited.  The Foundation will set up endowments, scholarships, bursaries and other fundraising for the long-term financial needs of the College and its students.  More information about the Galstaun College Foundation and further announcements will follow in the weeks ahead.

Commenting on the 30^th Anniversary performance, Board member Harmick Hacobian, who co-ordinated and oversaw the organisation and production of the special performance together with fellow Board member Ara Vartoukian, Principal Edward Demirdjian and the dedicated teachers and staff of Galstaun College noted – “The teachers and students have down an outstanding job in putting and presenting this impressive performance!  This very special 30^th Anniversary performance was dedicated to, and was a fitting tribute for, all the Benefactors of the College, in particular to the memory of those Benefactors who are no longer with us.”