Deputy Principal’s Column
Faith and Mission
Let Us Remember… Christchurch
Nothing has shocked, saddened or upset us more than the news of the recent Christchurch shooting. An act of terror, of extraordinary and unprecedented violence that stole so many innocent lives and has affected so many families and members of the Christchurch community.
As a Christian, Lasallian community, let us all take some time to pray, to remember and reflect on this event and how it continues to affect so many people in so many different ways. As Lasallians, we pray for the repose of the souls of the 50 victims who lost their lives and in particular for those closest to the victims who will all be suffering greatly.
Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…
We pray for the 50 lives lost in the Christchurch terror attack. We pray also for their loved ones and members of the Christchurch community who are suffering a great deal at this time. May they all be assured that our Lasallian family will keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic, sad and difficult time.
As a Catholic community, we trust in our Lord, knowing that we have not been given a spirit of fear, but one of love and of a strong mind;
Allow the light of Your truth God, to shine and spread, and to illuminate pathways to heal hearts and humanity.We pray that the Lord’s spirit brings compassion, forgiveness and renewal to all, in our fragile world.
Amen.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle — Pray for us.
Live Jesus In Our Hearts – Forever.
Year 12 Retreat Day
Due to ongoing bushfires and hazards in the area surrounding our booked Year 12 Retreat site, the decision had to be made this year to not take Year 12 students offsite. As can be understood, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our absolute priority. To compensate to some extent, a Year 12 Retreat Day was scheduled for Monday 18h March.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the Year 12 students on the way they entered into the experience given the changed environment and slight amendment to the program.
The Retreat Day was an important opportunity for students to develop their relationships with staff and their fellow House members, to reflect on influences that have shaped them, their faith, family, relationships and journey so far. The day allowed them to question who they are called to become and to explore how our traditions can support us on our life journey. In true De La Salle tradition, our students accepted these challenges with integrity through their honest reflections on how they can grow to become the best versions of themselves.
I know that by continuing to support each other as they did during the Retreat Day our Year 12 cohort will ensure a positive final year.
Kinnoull Morning House Liturgies
This year, on Wednesday mornings, we have formally rostered House Morning Liturgies during mentor time in the Kinnoull Chapel. Each liturgy is written with a particular theme and incorporates the language of each House, their motto and House saint. These liturgies are an excellent way for our Senior House Mentor groups to come together once a week in prayer, and for our Lasallian Captains and House Captains to exercise their faith leadership by running the prayer liturgies for their peers.
Thank you to the House Coordinators for their support, recognising, as a Lasallian community, the importance of taking time out with our students to reflect in a prayerful and contemporary way. By providing an experience that is meaningful and student-facilitated, we take time to acknowledge that being “in the holy presence of God” is central to who we are at De La Salle College.
Mrs Rana Brogan
Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission
Students
National Day Of Action Against Violence And Bullying
On Friday 15 March, students across the College worked in their mentor groups to discuss how to deal with bullying, including learning skills to shut bullying down and support peers.
Together, the groups discussed topics such as:
- Most people don’t like to see bullying happening, but they can be unsure how, or scared to, say something. What can happen if bystanders just watch bullying happening?
- Why can it be difficult to show disapproval of bullying or take the side of vulnerable students?
- Why is it important to stay safe if you see bullying? What are some ways to stay safe?
- When should you get adult help immediately?
Mentor groups then worked through a range of possible solutions and strategies to use in particular situations. We hope that these empower students to navigate situations with confidence and courage. If you are concerned about your son in any way, please make contact with their mentor teacher so that we can support him and you in moving forward.
If parents would like further resources, please click here. Students are also welcome to come past Ms Alger’s office to collect student and parent advice cards.
School TV
A reminder that De La Salle College has partnered with SchoolTV in order to provide parents with an easy-to-access resource on a range of current issues. For example, SchoolTV has created a special report in regard to recent events in Christchurch.
Unfortunately, this event will impact on many kids throughout Australia and New Zealand. Some parents and caregivers may struggle to explain this tragedy to their young people, many of whom are already struggling with high levels of anxiety about the state of their world.
It is important to put this event into context for children of all ages. Although we cannot control what happens in our world, we can choose the way we respond. The distressing nature of this event will never be forgotten, but at the same time, we should not allow it to permanently disturb or destroy our future generations.
In this Special Report, parents and caregivers will be provided with practical strategies on how to talk their children in a reassuring manner. It will also highlight the necessity to be aware of the signs of trauma, should a child be adversely affected. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Ms Jessica Alger
Deputy Principal — Students
Staff and Operations
Mission Action Day (MAD)
Preparations are going very well for Mission Action Day to be held on 5 April. Students are asked to make a big, special effort over the next three weeks to increase their sponsorship.
Each student should be aiming for a minimum of $50 to help the College achieve this year’s target of $100,000 to assist Lasallian Missions both in Australia and Asia. Parents and students will receive more detailed information about the event next week.
Emergency Management
The first of our emergency drills for 2019 was held this week. This involved a “Lockdown Drill” on the Kinnoull Campus. Tiverton Campus undertook a similar drill today, and Holy Eucharist Campus will early next term. There will be a number of other drills throughout the year to ensure that as a College we are well placed to deal with an emergency situation should it arise.
Winter Uniform Term 2
Term 2 classes commence for students on Tuesday 23 April. A reminder to parents all students are required to wear full winter uniform from this date. This means students must wear a tie and winter shirt (long sleeve). All uniform requirements can be found in the College Diary, and by clicking here.
Lost Property
There are a number of lost items of uniform from this term at Reception areas on each campus. Students are asked to check at Reception for any missing items.
Parent / Teacher Interviews
The second round of Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Thursday 28 March from 2:00pm to 8:30pm. Bookings for these sessions open on Thursday 21 March at 12:00pm and close on Tuesday 26 March at 11:59pm.
Mr Tom Ryan
Deputy Principal — Staff and Operations