Ladies and gentlemen of the Sydney-Armenian community,

Galstaun College's latest announcement (Special Enrolment Drive - click here) signals it is time for us to objectively reassess it as the foremost schooling choice for our community's children.

The key word in the previous paragraph is 'objective'. That is right. It is time we cast our past opinions aside and give this institution a fair go, because it is now ready.

Allow me to break this down.

FACT 1: From over 320 students, Galstaun College (full name; Hamazkaine Arshak & Sophie Galstaun College) ends 2009 with 245 students.

FACT 2: This is despite the Sydney-Armenian community growing during that time.

There were many reasons that parents had when removing their children from Galstaun College and seeking different pastures. Others who sent their children to Galstaun College until graduation complained that those reasons were not valid.

For me, this is an argument that has no winner, as it is not an argument at all.

Allow me to explain.

For some, the choices in education and extras that a 1000-student school with 100 years of history provides their child is the greatest motivator when choosing an educational institution.

For others, being brought up in an Armenian environment is the greatest motivator.

These viewpoints can co-exist and should not encourage argument.

What these viewpoints mean is that the community needed Galstaun College to be an Armenian environment, which can also match the choices in education being provided by other schools.

As a graduate of Galstaun College (class of 2000) who went on to receive a Media degree at Macquarie University, I know that the level of education at Galstaun College was exceptional. The small classes and personal touch of a community school got me to where I am today.

But I also know that when I was a student, Galstaun College was not yet a polished product. How could it be when it had less than 20 years of educating experience?

There were complaints about discipine, bullying, education standards and compliance, facilities and extra-curricular opportunities.

These all needed to be assessed if Galstaun College was to become the school of choice for all Sydney-Armenians; regardless of their motivators.

This brings me to the now.

The current Galstaun College Board is made up professionals who are passionate about the school and its future direction. I have sat with these individuals and discussed their ideas and the community's concerns. In return, I have received nothing but adequate listening time and a genuine quest to action improvement in all the key complaint areas mentioned above.

In this Board, we have people in business, law, politics and accounting, and most are parents of Galstaun College students, and thus passionate about achieving perfection for the community's only K-12 educational institution.

What have they done?

A recent report card they published in Armenia Online shows that measures taken in the areas of leadership, curriculum, staffing and mentoring has led to an immediate improvement in independent education assessment results for Galstaun College. These are certain to improve further in 2010.

The report card further details the Discipline and Anti-bullying program currently being implemented on campus.

Finally, the report also confirms the Board's commitment to bettering extra-curricular and sporting opportunities at Galstaun College with the announcement that an $850,000 government grant will be used to erect an indoor Sports Gymnasium and Performance Centre on campus.

With these changes, Galstaun College addresses all concerns community parents had when deciding, with a heavy heart, to send their children to other schools.

It is now time for these numbers to return.

The Board is so confident in Galstaun College, that they have launched a Special Enrolment Drive (click here) that offers 50% off 2010 tuition fees for transferring students.

This, along with the changes they have implemented, means the ball is now in the court of parents.

Those who were upset and disgruntled; I would like take you back to the beginning of my Editorial.

It is time for fresh eyes and objectivity.

Think of the reasons you had to move away from the Galstaun College community, and ask yourselves if the current Board has listened and addressed your concerns.

I am sure, like me, you will find that they have.

Then, I trust you will encourage yourself, and parents you know, to enrol their children into Galstaun College for 2010.

The dream of this community was to have an Armenian-run educational institution of impeccable quality.

With 25 years of experience, trials and tribulations now behind it, Galstaun College now stands ready to greet your return with open arms.

By Haig Kayserian - armenia.com.au

*Those who wish to write a letter on this, or any topic, to the Editor, please email info@armenia.com.au.