Australia’s Only Assyrian School Supports Refugee Children’s Education and Integration

Australia’s only Assyrian school has become a vital sanctuary for refugee children, offering them a space to learn, heal and thrive. Founded 15 years ago in Western Sydney, St Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School has grown from a small group of 85 students to over 700, with nearly 200 of them being recent refugee arrivals. The school serves as a unique institution in the Western world, providing Assyrian faith and language education, which has contributed to its rapid expansion.

The Assyrian Apostolic community in Australia has seen a significant increase, with 13,863 members reported in the 2016 Census — a 69 per cent rise from a decade earlier. This growth is largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has displaced many Assyrians from their homeland in Iraq and Syria. As followers of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, Assyrians often face persecution in their native countries, making Australia a place of refuge for many.

Rowena Daniel, the school’s Christian studies coordinator, has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by students, particularly those who have experienced trauma from war or missed out on education while living in refugee camps. She emphasizes the importance of addressing students’ emotional needs before focusing on academic instruction. “There are a lot of students who need one-on-one attention, and not to be forgotten,” she says. “Some of them have lost education for four or five years, and this is their first contact with schooling.”

The school’s approach includes not only academic support but also a commitment to the spiritual and cultural well-being of its students. Principal Brian Kennelly, who leads both St Hurmizd and its sister high school St Narsai, advocates for a multi-faceted strategy to support the community. This includes providing a safe environment where students can rebuild their lives and reconnect with their heritage.

The Assyrian Church of the East, to which the school’s students belong, has a long history of resilience and adaptation. Its members have often been at the forefront of efforts to preserve their faith and culture in the face of adversity. The growth of St Hurmizd reflects the broader strength of the Assyrian community in Australia, which continues to support one another through education, faith and mutual care.

The school’s role extends beyond academic instruction, serving as a beacon of hope for refugee children. By offering a space where they can learn their language, practice their faith and receive emotional support, St Hurmizd embodies the values of compassion and community. This aligns with the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and care for those in need, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9.

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