The all new academic program for the Saturday school of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York, began last Saturday to a rousing welcome by students and parents. The school, which meets every Saturday from 9:45 am to 1 pm, will continue through May 18. Classes are held at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York.
Armenian music, laughter, and balloons filled the halls and classrooms of the school as the organizing committee registered students and showed them the renovated classrooms. Parents and children filled the school’s main hall, to hear Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral and acting principal of the school, offer an opening prayer and words of welcome.
Following a reception for students and parents, the children were introduced to the teachers and then participated in special opening day activities that had been planned by the organizing committee.
The classrooms and hallways of the school were refurbished and the committee’s goal is to provide the students with a safe and happy place to learn and grow with their Armenian friends. Part of the opening day activities included the students leaving their handprints on the wall near the entrance. The children were given a choice of paint color in which they dipped their hands and with great joy left their imprint on the wall.
Students enjoyed first day activities in their classrooms and then the older students invited the younger students to watch their presentation of a short skit in Armenian about a little turtle that helps his friends when they need help.
Der Mesrob expressed thanks to the organizing committee and the parents for an inspiring opening day and the beginning of a successful academic year.
Registration is still open. Forms can be obtained at satarmenianschool@gmail.com or at www.stilluminators.org. Copies are also available at the Cathedral office.
