PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia & New Zealand
10 Macquarie Street
Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Contact: Laura Artinian
Tel: (02) 9419-8056
Fax: (02) 9904-8446
Email: primate@armenian.com.au

22 October 08

INAUGURAL ARMENIAN LANGUAGE TEACHERS’ SYMPOSIUM IN AUSTRALIA

Sydney, Australia – On Sunday, 19 October, 2008 Armenian language teachers
from Sydney and Melbourne gathered in good number in the Edgarian Hall of
the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection for the first ever
symposium that brought together the educators of the children of our
community. It was by no coincidence that the conference was scheduled to
correspond with the period of celebration of the Holy Translators and the
founding of the Armenian alphabet held in October.

In collaboration with the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection,
the Hamazkaine Regional Committee and Armenian General Benevolent Union
engaged in this project under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Aghan
Baliozian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and
New Zealand. Principals of the Armenian Schools of Sydney initiated an
outline of what the project should embody which was then assigned to a
committee to undertake. The committee members appointed were highly
respected Armenian language teachers: Mrs Lilig Godoyan, Mrs Seta
Keoshgerian and Mrs Betty Marashlian.

Teachers attending the symposium represented the three Armenian day
schools – Hamazkaine Arshak & Sophie Galstaun College, AGBU Alexander
Primary School, St Gregory’s Armenian School – and Saturday Schools –
Hamazkaine Tarkmanchadz, Toumanian and Papazian Schools, AGBU Alec Manoogian
School, and Aginian School (Melbourne).

The program for the afternoon commenced with prayer followed by an opening
address by committee member Mrs Seta Keoshgerian. The first keynote speaker
of the day was Mr Sarkis Manoukian who spoke on "The Armenian Language as a
Second Language – Teaching Issues, Considerations and Method" after which
discussions took place. Mrs Lilig Godoyan presented an account of the Second
International Armenian Education Conference in Armenia and what it had to
offer Diasporan communities. The third speaker for the afternoon was Mrs
Zepur Mouradian who expressed a parent’s view on the role of parents in the
Armenian education of children.

A two-part film presentation was screened to get acquainted with Armenia
after which Archbishop Baliozian addressed the teachers with his closing
remarks. He was delighted and fulfilled this opportunity had come to
fruition and for so many Armenian teachers to come together in the sanctuary
of the church surrounds to learn, share, contribute and build a vital
network that connects the community through the education of our dear
children. As well as community unity and community pride, the occasion
brought personal reward for each teacher realising that each is not alone in
their endeavour but part of a wider community. Archbishop appreciated the
openness and honesty of discussions that took place during the forum which
pinpointed strengths and weaknesses in our community schools and education
system.

"It was our hope that this inaugural symposium would enlighten our community
teachers and judging by the reactions, the future of these forums is now
established. To develop our Armenian teachers to face challenges and equip
them with skills and confidence through learning opportunities like this and
workshops, to establish foundation principles for Armenian education in our
environment and to build a support network among teachers are fundamental
beliefs that will maintain the integrity and future of this undertaking."

Archbishop Baliozian also remarked on the role and responsibility of the
Church in upholding the framework of education in our communities.
"Regrettably, over the years our history shows the role of the church has
diminished somewhat in this area as community organisations have developed
and taken on the role of education provider. Today, the Church is committed
to supporting and bringing greater involvement in the education process and
will review ways in which it can bring its positive contribution in the
future."

All teachers attending the Symposium received Certificates of Participation.
Committee member, Mrs Betty Marashlian also presented a select group of
teachers with Certificates of Recognition for years of dedicated teaching
and service to their respective school communities. The successful
recipients had been nominated by their School Principals to receive the
Award.

The afternoon concluded with refreshments prepared by the Church Ladies
Auxiliary and the warm, casual atmosphere provided opportunity for teachers
to mingle freely with each other establishing new bonds and connecting with
colleagues.