New School at Kellyville
A new school will be opening in Kellyville next year, starting with Kindergarten to Year 2, and is inspired by the principles of the Bahá’í Faith which teaches that every individual is a noble and spiritual being.
The principal at Esslemont College is Judy Navidi who has a 40-year career in education, spanning primary and secondary education, adult training and English as a second language. She has worked in both public and independent primary schools in Victoria and NSW as well as schools in The Kingdom of Tonga, Japan, and Tanzania.
She said she was looking forward to welcoming students in K-2 in February 2023 at the school at 13 President Road, Kellyville (the former M.E.T Independent School site).
“At Esslemont College we aim to empower each child to develop a desire for the attainment of knowledge, realise their inherent potential and make a positive impact on the world,” she said. “Our whole child educational approach is focused on the cultivation of intellectual, physical, emotional, moral, spiritual, psychological and social attributes in each child.”
A school spokesperson said a team of people had been working on the plans for the school since January 2021 “however the vision for a Baha’i inspired school in Sydney has been a long term goal “for those financially backing the school.
‘Funding has come from a couple of individuals who are passionate about education and in particular to offer a holistic educational program, aimed at educating the child to fulfill their inherent potential in order for them to serve and contribute to the betterment of society,” they said.
Chairman of the Esslemont College Board, Badi Mahabat said: “The founding values of Knowledge, Volition and Action, which are the hallmark of Esslemont College, will make learning a journey that is intrinsically rewarding and provide the foundation for the students to achieve their full potential.”
The college held a community open day recently and staff and board members were officially welcomed by Hills Shire Mayor Peter Gangemi.
“The Hills Shire is growing and there is a real need for additional educational resources in the area, particularly a primary school,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see Esslemont College opening in 2023 to students. It will be an important addition to the area’s educational and cultural life, and also for the Baháʼí community.
“ The college website says the objective at Esslemont College is to provide an educational environment in which every individual is considered a noble and spiritual being, and where excellence in all things is aimed for.
“We will deliver a holistic educational program focused on the cultivation of intellectual, physical, emotional, moral, spiritual, psychological and social attributes in each child. We aim to inspire each child to fulfil their inherent potential and to contribute to the betterment of society.”
“We are committed to the principle of diversity and seek to enroll students from a broad range of backgrounds, welcoming all children and their families from within the local area.” For more details visit https://esslemont.nsw.edu.au
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