AGBU Alexander Primary School

💚💛 GREEN & GOLD DAY – GO SOCCEROOS! 💛💚
What a fantastic day of school spirit at AGBU Alexander Primary School as our students and staff proudly came together to celebrate Green & Gold Day in support of the Australian Socceroos competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026!
The school was transformed into a sea of green and gold, with students proudly wearing Australian colours, Socceroos jerseys, scarves and flags. During the day, students enjoyed a range of themed activities, including soccer-inspired games and team challenges.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were delicious green and gold treats, refreshing jelly cups and sausage sizzle to support the Year 5 & 6 Canberra Fundraiser. There were plenty of opportunities for students to celebrate together. Smiles, laughter and school spirit were on full display as students shared in the excitement of one of the world's greatest sporting events.
A special thank you to our staff and families for helping make the day such a success.
⚽🇦🇺 Good luck to the Socceroos as they continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign! We are cheering you on all the way from AGBU Alexander Primary School! 🇦🇺⚽
💚💛⚽

AGBU Alexander Primary School welcomes prospective parents and their children to attend an Orientation / Open Day on Tuesday, 23 June & Friday, 26 June, to see and learn about the opportunities and programs available in our safe environment and caring community.
You can also arrange a private tour at a time convenient for you and your family. To do this, please complete the form or contact the School Office - 9486 3266.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8gmBnSZbKIuP4CHQVxoS4d708pPcbyi1MBpnVNnJ206K8JQ/viewform?usp=header

Orientation & Open Days - Private Tour Booking AGBU Alexander Primary School welcomes prospective parents to attend an Open Day - Private Tour to see and learn about the opportunities and programs available in our safe environment and caring community. It is a great way to see our school in action and speak to the executive and staff. For us, .....

AGBU Alexander Primary School welcomes prospective parents and their children to attend an Orientation / Open Day on Tuesday, 23 June & Friday, 26 June, to see and learn about the opportunities and programs available in our safe environment and caring community. It is a great way to see our school in action and speak to the executive and staff. For us, ‘Every Day is an Open Day’!

You can also arrange a private tour at a time convenient for you and your family. To do this, please complete the form or contact the School Office - 9486 3266.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8gmBnSZbKIuP4CHQVxoS4d708pPcbyi1MBpnVNnJ206K8JQ/viewform?usp=header

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY – LIBRARY & MULTIPURPOSE CENTRE
AGBU Alexander Primary School community proudly celebrated the official opening of its new Library & Multipurpose Centre on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, with a special ceremony at 1.00pm attended by clergy, benefactors, dignitaries, parents, staff, students, and members of the Armenian community.
The event commenced with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by School Captain Sarkis Demirjian. Guests were then welcomed by MC and School Board Secretary Serop Aslanian, who reflected on the school’s history, community spirit, and the significance of the occasion.
Mr Aslanian, a graduate of Alexander School, acknowledged the role of the Armenian General Benevolent Union in supporting Armenian education and highlighted the longstanding dedication of parents, volunteers, and community members who have contributed to the school’s development over the past 36 years.
Principal Manoug Demirjian delivered the keynote address, outlining the educational vision behind the project and the evolving needs of contemporary learning environments. He described the centre as “the missing puzzle piece” of the school, symbolically and physically connecting the campus while supporting the future growth of the school community.
Mr Demirjian spoke about the changing role of libraries in education, explaining that modern school libraries are collaborative learning hubs where students develop critical thinking, research, creativity, and communication skills.
He also introduced the school’s expanding STEM program, which will provide students with hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, engineering design, and 3D printing technology. He noted that the new spaces would prepare students for future pathways while continuing to strengthen the Armenian language, heritage, and identity. He described the new centre as “a bridge between tradition and innovation,” highlighting the role the facility will play in strengthening both academic and cultural education.
The project was completed in two stages between late 2024 and October 2025 at a total cost exceeding $2.615 million.
Following the Principal’s address, His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand, led the dedication and blessing of the new centre. He was joined by Very Reverend Monsignor Basil Sousanian, Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Catholic Church and Reverend Hagop Sarkissian of the Armenian Evangelical Church, together with Archpriest Father Norayr Patanian, Father Avetis Hambardzumyan and Father Ashot Abrahamyan from the Armenian Apostolic Church.
After the blessing of the new centre, His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan addressed the gathering and congratulated the school community on the project's completion. He described the new Library & Multipurpose Centre as a visible sign of the school’s continued growth, vision, and commitment to educational excellence. His Grace praised the efforts of the School Board, Principal, staff, parents, benefactors, and supporters whose dedication made the project possible. Reflecting on the importance of education, he noted that a library is far more than a building filled with books; it is a place where curiosity is nurtured, knowledge is discovered, and the future is shaped. He also expressed gratitude for the support provided to education in Australia and concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the school, that it may prepare future generations with wisdom, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose for the benefit of both the Armenian community and Australian society.
A congratulatory message from Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare MP was read during the ceremony, recognising the significance of the project and congratulating the school community on the successful completion of the development.
The official unveiling of the commemorative plaque then took place, led by School Board Chairperson Sossie Giragosian and Principal Manoug Demirjian, joined by clergy representatives. The plaque commemorated the official opening of the Library & Multipurpose Centre and acknowledged the joint funding contribution of the Australian Government and the school community.
Mrs Giragosian later delivered the School Board Address, reflecting on the vision, faith, perseverance, and collective effort that brought the project to completion. She described the new Library & Multipurpose Centre as the fulfilment of a long-held vision and an “answer to prayer,” acknowledging the dedication of past and present community members, benefactors, and volunteers who contributed to the school’s growth over the past 35 years. She emphasised that the building represented far more than bricks and mortar, but rather the community’s shared commitment to providing students with inspiring learning opportunities grounded in faith, education, and Armenian heritage. Mrs Giragosian concluded by thanking all supporters and praising the Lord for His guidance and blessings throughout the journey.
A special moment of the afternoon followed with the unveiling of an appreciation plaque dedicated to Vahe Boyadjian, recognising his dedication, volunteer service, and contribution toward the successful delivery of the project in collaboration with the Principal.
The ceremony concluded with the Australian and Armenian National Anthems, after which guests were invited to tour the new facility and attend a light luncheon.
The opening of the Library & Multipurpose Centre marks a major milestone in the history of AGBU Alexander Primary School and reflects the school’s continuing commitment to educational excellence, innovation, community, and Armenian heritage.

On Monday, Years 3 & 4 enjoyed a sunny excursion to the Quarantine Station in Manly, where they became historical researchers, exploring artefacts from the early 1900s and discovering what life was like for passengers arriving in Australia.
Highlights of the day included:
* Dressing up in clothing similar to what passengers would have worn on board ships 🚢
* Stepping into the lives of patients during the Spanish Flu pandemic 🦠
* Enjoying lunch on the beach while building sandcastles in the sunshine 🏖️
A special thank you to our Q Station guide, Jill, for providing such an engaging and informative experience. It was a wonderful day of hands-on learning and historical discovery!

AGBU Alexander Primary School was honoured to be invited to the Unveiling and Blessing of an Armenian "Khachkar" (Cross Stone) at the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation, erected on the grounds of the Uniting Church, Ashfield.
His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan presided over the blessing of the Khachkar donated by the Chairman of the Diocesan Council, Mr & Mrs Sarkis and Alice Der Bedrossian, in memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Representing our school community at this meaningful occasion was School Captain, Sarkis Demirjian. The event was attended by clergy from different churches and members of the wider community, who celebrated faith, heritage, and the enduring presence of Armenian culture in Australia.

FEAST OF THE HOLY ASCENSION (Hambardzum)
ՀԱՄԲԱՐՁՄԱՆ ՏՕՆ
The Feast of the Holy Ascension commemorates the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day following His glorious Resurrection. As described in the Acts of the Apostles, Christ appeared to His disciples for forty days after His Resurrection, speaking to them about the Kingdom of God before ascending into heaven. Celebrated each year on the 40th day after Easter, the feast always falls on a Thursday.
To mark this special occasion, students participated in a meaningful assembly where they learned about the Armenian traditions associated with Hambardzum. They discovered the custom of reading fortunes by drawing a “Vijag” from a pot filled with water and flowers, sang traditional songs, and enjoyed celebrating together outdoors through Armenian dance and “Shourchbar.”

Համբարձման Տօնը կը յիշատակէ մեր Տէր Յիսուս Քրիստոսի երկինք համբառնալը՝ Իր փառաւոր Յարութենէն քառասուն օր ետք։ Ինչպէս կը կարդանք Գործք Առաքելոցին մէջ, Քրիստոս Իր Յարութենէն ետք քառասուն օր երեւցաւ Իր աշակերտներուն՝ խօսելով Աստուծոյ Արքայութեան մասին, ապա համբարձաւ երկինք։ Տօնը ամէն տարի կը նշուի Զատիկէն քառասուն օր ետք եւ միշտ կը հանդիպի Հինգշաբթի օրուան։
Օրը նշելու համար, աշակերտները մասնակցեցան յատուկ հաւաքի մը, ուր սորվեցան Համբարձման հայկական աւանդութիւններուն մասին։ Անոնք ծանօթացան վիճակ հանելու սովորութեան՝ ջուրով եւ ծաղիկներով լեցուն կուժէն «վիճակ» քաշելով, երգեցին աւանդական երգեր եւ ապա բակին մէջ միասին պարեցին հայկական պարեր ու շուրջպար։