School History

The Armenian community in Sydney, present in relatively large numbers by the late 1960’s, began teaching the Armenian heritage to its young in small Saturday schools that operated for several hours each week. As the number of schools proliferated through the 1970’s, it became clear to many people that a Day school was necessary – but how to do this successfully? The initial funds raised for a School were inadequate and no further funds were forthcoming; it appeared that a “good thought” would languish.

As the times often suit the man, the man of that time was Father Anton – the Catholic Armenian Chaplain. He returned to Australia in 1982 and realized that Community expertise to carry off a major undertaking, such as a School, was sadly lacking. He mobilized the goodwill of the Community and sought out able members who not only shared the same vision, but had the necessary perseverance to see a long term project to maturity.

Father Anton started an Armenian Day school on a property at Lidcombe, bought with funds raised, initially, solely from overseas Armenian benefactors: the first demountables were partly-funded from monies raised by the Community over several years. The School started with a Kindergarten class full of children whose parents had the faith and ambition to see their children educated in being Armenian as well as fulfilling the Curricular requirements of their adopted land.

The next phase of growth occurred when, with the help of several Armenian benefactors (devoted to the cause of educating young Armenians to take their rightful place amongst the successfully assimilating Armenians in Australian society) an idea was born to expand the School. Funds were raised directly between these interested Armenians for the “seeding capital” and land was bought at Rouse Hill. As the School developed, many Armenians came forth to lend a hand: some with monies; most with abundant goodwill; some with the efforts of their voluntary work. So it was, that in the “middle of nowhere” (the far North-West of Sydney, populated more by chicken farms than people), far away from Armenia, an Armenian School was built.

Many people made the building of the school possible

Since its inception in 1985, the School has burgeoned, growing to Year 11 in 2007. Many graduates of the School have gone on to Tertiary education and have joined the professional ranks. For the Armenian community in general, it has formed a nidus of intellectual activity and enterprise and continues to enthuse and excite those who see its role in the education of the whole Armenian individual.

Yet the School is much more than an educational institution. It is a Community Resource – in all its attributes: whether attending the compulsory functions or attending the Armenian Book / Music / Film shop, the broader Armenian community has always been involved with the School in one way or another. The approach of the School to an “International” education also lays evidence of its Community origins and enrichment: consequently, our stakeholders are many.