Western Diocese Saturday School Executive Committee Meets With St. Sarkis School Leadership

The Saturday School Executive Committe of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America held an online meeting with the leadership of the Saturday School of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in San Diego on September 22, 2026, focusing on the school’s educational mission, ongoing programs, and future priorities.

The meeting brought together Deacon Hovhannes Gumruyan, Deacon-in-Charge of the Western Diocese Saturday Schools; Dr. Ellie Antreassian, Chair of the Educational Committee; former St. Sarks Saturday School Principal Tatiana Carlson; newly appointed Principal Maral Semerjian; Vice-Principal Romina Zarian; and St. Sarkis Parish Council member Claudia Der-Martirosian.

Following the Lord’s Prayer, the participants reviewed a range of educational and organizational matters, including curriculum, classroom placement, instructional materials, student retention, school programming, and cooperation between the school and parish leadership.

Dr. Ellie Antreassian and Deacon Hovhannes Gumruyan expressed their appreciation to Principal Carlson for her years of dedicated service and contribution to the school’s educational mission, while extending their best wishes to Principal Semerjian and Vice-Principal Zarian as they assume their new leadership responsibilities.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the school’s temporary relocation due to ongoing construction at St. Sarkis Church. Classes are currently being held at a nearby Christian church, whose leadership has generously made classrooms available without charge, enabling the school to continue its educational program without interruption. The St. Sarkis Parish Council has also committed to contributing toward the facility’s ongoing operating expenses in recognition of the hospitality extended to the school.

Educational priorities were also reviewed, including the school’s curriculum, age- and proficiency-based classroom placement, textbooks, and teaching materials. The Diocese will provide the school with new textbook samples and curricula currently used throughout the Western Diocese Saturday School network for consideration and implementation as appropriate.

Particular emphasis was placed on student continuity and the importance of encouraging children and young people to remain enrolled in the Saturday School for as many years as possible. Participants highlighted the role of Armenian-language education in strengthening students’ connection to their history, culture, Christian faith, and national heritage.

The meeting also highlighted the WASC accreditation of the Western Diocese Saturday School network, noting its significance in maintaining educational standards and promoting the continuous improvement of instruction. The accreditation also serves to strengthen parental confidence in the quality and continuity of the schools’ Armenian educational programs.

The importance of close cooperation between the Saturday School and St. Sarkis Church was further underscored. Der-Martirosian was encouraged to communicate the school’s needs and concerns to the Parish Council, while the Council’s recommendations could be conveyed to the school leadership. Regular communication and collaboration were identified as essential to addressing challenges effectively and supporting the school’s long-term development.

Participants also discussed coordination of the school’s annual calendar, recommending that major programs and activities be shared with the parish pastor at the beginning of each academic year to ensure coordination with other church organizations and avoid scheduling conflicts.

The school’s financial sustainability was another topic of discussion. The participants encouraged the continuation of educational, cultural, and community programs that enrich students’ experiences while also generating additional support for the school’s operational needs and future initiatives.

The meeting concluded in a constructive spirit, reaffirming the shared commitment of the Western Diocese, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, and the school leadership to strengthening the educational and spiritual formation of San Diego’s younger generation and ensuring the continued growth of the Saturday School’s important mission.