YEREVAN and SYDNEY: The 2010 "Pilgrimage to Armenia" excursion for the year 12 students at Galstaun College came to an end with the safe return of the group on Wednesday 13 October.

As part of the college curriculum students completing their Preliminary HSC year are given an opportunity to travel to Armenia and through an intensive 18 day program are immersed in the culture, language, history and the sights and sounds that Armenia has to offer.

The excursion program has now been on offer to the students for nine years and has become the most anticipated event in the schooling life of students at Galstaun College.

As students in primary school become aware of the program they begin planning their "trip to Armenia in year 11".

This year's trip, despite the unusually wet weather encountered, was in the words of the students "an unbelievably amazing experience".

In a brief survey conducted after the students had returned, nearly all wanted a longer trip and the opportunity to see a number of other areas in Armenia.

Arpy Tavitian, a senior Armenian language teacher who accompanied the students on this year's excursion, summed up the true value of the excursion.

She said: "We work for 12 years to instill within our students the knowledge and spirit of Armenia, this two-week excursion turns our work into concrete reality for them. Its significance must not be underestimated."

It was fitting that the "Pilgrimage to Armenia" excursion ended with the students being granted an audience with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians.

The Pontiff encouraged the students to remain true to the faith of their forefathers and to work hard in order to achieve their goals and aspirations. He recounted his two memorable visits to Galstaun College and told the students that he continued to follow the progress of the College with great interest.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness blessed the students and gave each a special gift. They were then shown the treasures and artifacts held at Holy Etchmiadzin.