Faith and Mission
Year 12 Valedictory Celebration
Our Valedictory for the Graduating Class of 2019 took place on the evening of Wednesday 23 October, with a breathtaking evening sun streaming through the stained glass windows of St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Nothing was more exceptional than the example of our fine Year 12 students having their graduation certificates presented as they made their way forward to the altar for the first time as Old Collegians of De La Salle College. The presence of De La Salle Brothers enhances our celebrations and certainly, having Br Visitor David Hawke FSC and Br Peter Smyth FSC enriched the occasion.
Reverend Fr John Sherman OMI, who we are fortunate to have as one of our regional College Chaplains and dedicated to celebrating our Valedictory Mass each year, reflected in his Homily on the deep meaning of Jesus’ Beatitudes. He spoke of the deep faith and love we are challenged and called to go out and have as Lasallians, and of the importance we ought to find in influencing and shaping the world as Christians as we embark on life after school.
My wish for the class of 2019 is that they flourish with the love and life God offers. May they live with the love of Jesus and the zeal of St John Baptist de La Salle in their hearts forever!
Year 12 Papua New Guinea Immersion
Earlier this year the decision was made to postpone the Yaluwo Immersion to Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday bombings. In light of security warnings from the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian High Commission in Colombo, Smart Traveller and College travel insurers, the College felt that it was in the best interest of student safety to put the Yaluwo Immersion on hold for 2019.
Through the support of the Brothers in Papua New Guinea at De La Salle College Bomana and we now have an alternative Immersion opportunity for the Year 12 group which is just as exciting. In 2019, will be venturing to Bomana, Papua New Guinea for the Year 12 Immersion Experience.
De La Salle Secondary School Bomana was originally established as a boys’ boarding school in 1964, and it is one of the oldest schools in the country. It became a boys’ day school in 2009. There are about 1200 male students attending De La Salle Bomana, which is situated on the outskirts of Port Moresby.
The Year 12 Group from De La Salle College Malvern has the opportunity to travel to Papua New Guinea to do some very worthwhile work for a community that is equally in need. Given that we already have a long-standing history and relationship with the community at Bomana from past travels and connections, this will enable us to further enhance the relationships and camaraderie.
Most of the students live in poor, nearby settlement communities which have no access to basic amenities such as electricity and running water. Many come from broken families and difficult circumstances. Over the years, the school has been working to improve student behaviour and morale. Their efforts have resulted in an increasing number of graduates continuing on to university and college courses.
Good luck to the 2019 Papua New Guinea Immersion Group who will be travelling to Bomana at the conclusion of the VCE Examinations in November.
Mrs Rana Brogan
Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission