SYDNEY: A meeting of Armenian-Australian community leaders endorsed the Galstaun College Board's three-year (2010-2012) Strategic Plan.

The Plan aims to provide and deliver the best possible environment for the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development of our community students.

"The Board's plan is to make Galstaun College the focal point of our community, therefore this meeting's endorsement is key to the realisation of our goals," said Galstaun College Chairperson Ara Vartoukian.

The meeting was held last weekend, and included representatives from:

• the Armenian Revolutionary Federation;
• the Armenian Relief Society;
• the Armenian National Committee of Australia;
• Hamazkaine Cultural and Educational Society;
• Homenetmen Scouting and Sporting; and
• the Armenian Youth Federation of Australia.

The above organisations represent 34 organisations and chapters operating in the Armenian-Australian community. Also present was Dr. Mgrdich Mgrdichian; Chairperson of the Central Committee of Hamazkaine.

The Galstaun College Board and Principal Kaylar Michaelian presented their detailed Strategic Plan, covering their vision for the next three years, which details improvements for the College in the following areas: Teaching, Learning and Curriculum; Student Welfare; Community; Professional Development of Staff; and Environment and Resources.

Meeting Chairperson Greg Soghomonian said: "The community leaders were able to hear the Board's plans and contributed to it with their valuable suggestions.

"The overwhelming spirit to strongly support Galstaun College into the future speaks volumes about the community's long-term commitment to this institution."

The Galstaun College Board also presented their financials and budget forecast for the three-year period, as well as its marketing plan, which has contributed to the increase in students numbers in 2010.

All organisations present at the meeting endorsed the three-year Strategic Plan, pledging their support to further boost student numbers at Galstaun College.

Hamazkaine's international head Dr. Mgrdichian said Galstaun College was central to the long-term viability of the entire Armenian-Australian community, and was pleased this sentiment was shared by all present at the meeting.

"This school will develop the future leaders of this community and I am delighted our sister organisations will be enriched by their contribution," said Dr. Mgrdichian.

The meeting commmenced with one minute's silence to honour the legacy of Galstaun College benefactor Arshak Galstaun. The meeting also acknowledged the contribution of all College benefactors, as well as past and present members of the Board and staff.