Welcome
Welcome to De La Salle College, a Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition.
Recent statements by Australian Catholic Bishops remind us of the importance of the Catholic ethos of a College such as De La Salle. When it comes to the very existence of De La Salle as a Catholic College, however, it has to be recognised that although demand for places in the College is as strong as ever, fewer of the boys come from families in close contact with their local parish. Whereas once it could be assumed that education in the Christian tradition grew out of a strong partnership of parents with the parish and the Catholic school, the reality now is often quite different.
The consequence is that for many boys the Catholic School is now their prime exposure to the Catholic faith. For many boys, their time in primary school and at De La Salle College will be their principal time of formal contact with Christian teaching - although it is hoped that many can be led to make a stronger parish connection. Our College has adopted a clear policy of attempting to involve parents as much as possible in the life of the College which has the potential to lead to stronger connections with the wider Christian community and encouragement of the practice of the faith. At the same time we totally respect the freedom and rights of every member of the community to follow their personal faith convictions.
So what of the future for De La Salle College?
De La Salle must be, firstly, a school that delivers a quality education in all subjects, preparing students, and providing them with the skills, to be successful citizens in today's society. So we must provide, and utilise, the best of modern technology to assist the process of learning.
In practical terms, our determination to provide a quality education, which meets parental expectations, is demonstrated by the recent significant expansion of our computer and data projection facilities, updating of all photocopiers throughout the school, implementation of a new telephone system with increased capabilities, introduction of a new computer administration system, reshaping the timetable and the manner of providing co-curricular activities to ensure maximum academic focus, provision of expanded access to assistance for boys with learning needs through our Mary MacKillop Enhancement Centre, the addition of Materials Technology teaching space to the senior campus, expansion of the music and drama programme, the installation of reverse-cycle air-conditioning in all classrooms and redevelopment of the De La Salle primary facilities.
Secondly, De La Salle must be a community which provides a vibrant faith experience. To do this successfully, we must:
i. provide a nurturing environment which fosters faith, hope and love, in a caring, compassionate and just atmosphere where there is mutual respect for legitimate personal differences;
ii. deliver a quality religious education programme which provides comprehensive knowledge of the gospels, and all Christian teaching, and which encourages the students to think and to make sound judgements;
iii. educate the students in the value of being men for others, who know the importance of acting to help their neighbour by participation in a highly developed programme of social justice activities.
iv. encourage participation in the liturgical life of the Church through the experience of sacramental programmes, well-prepared rites of celebrations of key occasions during the year, with parental involvement where practicable, and an appropriate daily emphasis on prayer.
This two-fold focus on quality education and the place of values in our lives is summed up in the Latin words: Deus Dux, Doctrina Lux, “God is our leader, learning is our light.”
If you choose to send your son here, I am confident he will be educated in a respectful and encouraging environment where strong family values are reinforced. It is our Lasallian tradition to respect our students as just as important before God as we are as. We welcome the involvement of parents and value the partnership in educating their sons to confident manhood anchored in the Gospel ideals.
Br Bill Firman FSC
Principal
