Assyrian Primary School Completed

The Assyrian Australian community in Fairfield reached an important milestone when the third and final stage of the St Hurmizd Primary School was officially opened on 9 June 2006. The primary school has represented an ongoing partnership between federal and state governments, local businesses and members of the Assyrian community, raising $4 million to complete the project.

Edessa Hall was filled to capacity as members of the Assyrian Australian community enjoyed performances by school children and listened to speeches from the school principal Wayne Pettiford, the Honourable Pat Farmer, Liberal Senator for NSW Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia. Distinguished guests included the former Mayor Mr Anwar Khoshaba (O.A.M.) and President of Fowler FEC Paul Azzo, as well as representatives from the Assyrian Australian Association, the Assyrian Australian National Federation, AUA, Zowaa and APP.

The Hon. Pat Farmer delivered a special message from the Prime Minister John Howard, who sent his best wishes to the school children, families and the Australian Assyrian community. Mr Farmer went on to give an inspiring message to the children about his experiences when he ran around Australia, completing the trip in 191 days. Mr Farmer retold of how at a particularly lonely and discouraging part of his journey, his prayer to God was answered when a busload of children from an Aboriginal school pulled up and then ran with him all the way into town. Unbeknownst to him, the Aboriginal children had been monitoring Mr Farmer’s progress across Australia and this had encouraged them to attend school every day in expectation of when he would arrive at their town. And so, Mr Farmer emphasised that even though we are at times discouraged, nonetheless, God has a special purpose for each and every one of us that brings transformation and a positive impact on others, such as the St Hurmizd primary school has also done.

In his speech, His Grace Mar Meelis thanked all who had helped make the Assyrian primary school a reality and highlighted the significant contribution of the Australian Federal Government. Communicating a progressive vision that impacts on the Assyrians of Australia, His Grace said “All these buildings and future developments have faith and life in them. Our culture and language are alive and the Assyrian Christian community is growing. There is a need for a variety of services; not only to teach faith through the Church, but to care for the elderly, to support our youth, to educate our future leaders, to more effectively instil in our children Assyrian and Australian values so that they become exceptional members of our society and are able to carry our culture and language into the future. This is the responsibility that comes with the blessings we have received in Australia.”

The completed school building now caters to over 400 students and is tiered to feed the Mar Narsai Assyrian high school whose construction in Hoxton Park will begin in 2007. The Assyrian Church of the East has utilised its experience with the primary school to assist the setup of other schools in New Zealand and USA.

Article courtesy of the Assyrian Church of the East (Australian and New Zealand Diocese: http://www.assyrianchurch.com.au/). For further information on the St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School, visit the school's website at http://shaps.nsw.edu.au/.

Mr Paul Azzo, President of Fowler FEC, is an active member of the Liberal party and can be contacted by email at amapl@optusnet.com.au.

Article posted: 16/06/2006