The official celebration to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Ararat Armenian School of Ottawa was held on June 10, 2012. On a magnificent sunny Sunday in the school auditorium of the Montfort Catholic School, the community members, old and new, came together to recall the reminiscences over the life of the school. Started in 1977, under the umbrella of the initiatives of the Cultural Association of Ottawa, a group of dedicated community members had recognized the need to establish an Armenian school in their small community. Through the years as the numbers have grown, the Association has kept its commitment and support; so that the children of the Armenian community of Ottawa may be provided with the opportunity for the introduction to the learning of our, alphabet, reading and writing, and history, and equally important, to create occasions to strengthen their Armenian identity, through creating lifelong lasting friendships. The school has proven to be a significant and valuable dynamic in the Armenian community of Ottawa by bringing students and their parents together to meet each Sunday. It was and still continues to be the custom that while the students are in class, many of the parents and members of the Ottawa Armenian community gather in an adjacent hall to meet and build sense of community and enrich their Armenian heritage.
To mark this special occasion the current students of the Ararat School had prepared their end of year, “hates” for the community to enjoy. The enthusiastic audience; filled with parents and special guests, former students and teachers and members of the community were treated to a full and rich performance, of poetry, song, dance, and drama. Each student had an individual part and performance in the programme. The high note of the day, which brought all the children on stage at the same time was a historical staging. The stage was full, with a painting of our beloved Ararat standing tall behind all the children who were all in beautiful costumed, together presenting the story of “Kach Nazar.” This theatrical play performance showcased all the talents of all the students. Bravo.
Mrs. Maria Yeganian, wife of the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia was a special guest of the day. She presented her kind words of congratulations and encouragement on the occasion of the 35th. Anniversary and graciously took part in the diploma ceremony following the hates. Also present for this event, and representing Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, was Deacon in Charge for Ottawa, Deacon Ivan Gyadayan, who traveled from Montreal, especially to mark this important anniversary. Deacon Ivan, conveyed the greetings of Bishop Bagrat, and added his own message of well wishes and words of praise for the school, the efforts of the teachers, and success for the students. He presented each student with a miniature wooden cross that he had brought expressly for the children, from the Armenian Seminary in Jerusalem. Mrs. Arakel Levonian, the first principal of the Ararat School of Ottawa, was present and shared her recollections and good wishes for the future of the school.
A sumptuous hospitality table was prepared, and all present were invited to take part. During this time, to the delight of the community, a slide show was shown, to give a picture of the life of the Ararat School over the years and allow opportunity to mingle and exchange memories. Thank you to all who made this special day possible, Mrs. Meline Petrosians, Principal of Ararat School, the teachers, and all the parents for all their hard work and support. Congratulations to all the former and current students of the Ararat Armenian School of Ottawa on this happy occasion.
