SYDNEY: Kaylar Michaelian, the longest-serving Principal in Galstaun College history, was farewelled at a barbeque organised by the Sydney Armenian school's Alumni Association at the Ingleside campus.

Over 300 community members braved the rain, including over 100 members of the Galstaun College Alumni Association, to honour Michaelian for his 13 years of service to the school which celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2011. Current and former teachers were also represented, as were representatives of community organisations.

Michaelian's tenure ended last year but he declared at his farewell that he will always hold the school close to his heart, and referred to the campus as "holy" for Sydney Armenians as it represented "a piece of homeland" in faraway Australia.

Michaelian said: "This is an emotional day for me but I leave with the comforting knowledge that I have done everything in my power to help carry the dreams of this school's founders and benefactors."

"This school is a unique place where we produce model Australian citizens, who are always aware of their heritage and history as Armenians."

Garen Bomoushakian of the current Galstaun College Year 12 class delivered a farewell address to Michaelian in Armenian, while Alumni Danna Manoukian, Anita Alexanian and Melanie Khashadourian also spoke. All recalled memories of their time as students under Michaelian's leadership, and thanked their former Principal for guiding them in their life choices during school years and after.

Michaelian added: "Seeing so many of my former students in attendance today, some of them with kids, speaking Armenian and respecting their school, is especially heartening and pleasing."