Faith and Mission

College Theme 2020

Lasallian’ describes a person who is fulfilling the mission set forth by St John Baptist de La Salle. Being Lasallian is based on Five Core Principles; 

  • Faith in the Presence of God
  • Concern for the Poor and Social Justice 
  • Quality Education
  • Respect for all Persons 
  • Inclusive Community

These Five Lasallian Principles help us to find expression in our everyday work, they help us to find expression in learning and teaching and demonstrate for us the importance of student wellbeing. It provides also us with a way to live out our faith and brings to life our faith in action. 

At De la Salle College, we are a community of faith and our faith is what underpins all that we do in the living presence of God. We believe in our students, our community and our world. Just as St John Baptist de La Salle lived out his faith in Christ by applying the call to discipleship to his own life, a Lasallian is committed to the respect and reverence of others, seeing all as valuable and important in the eyes of God. This leads us to understand that educating the individual in the Lasallian tradition is something supremely valuable and worthwhile, and not just for the convenience of society.

In 2020, the Lasallian Principle of ‘Respect’ has been chosen as our College theme. 

Have great respect for each person you are with” 

St John Baptist de La Salle
Part 1, Chapter 2, of The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility 

A theme that is most fitting, as it recognises the deep aspirations that St John Baptist de La Salle had for his communities, and also recognises that at De La Salle College we value respect in every interaction between students, staff, families and the community.

De La Salle College is committed to the Respectful Relationships initiative and 2020 will be a year of growth in this area. As a Catholic College in the Lasallian tradition, we aim to uphold the dignity and worth of all and recognise the value of positive relationships because “we are all created in the image and likeness of God”.

Year 12 Retreat — 2020

Recently, the Year 12 cohort travelled to Rawson for the annual Year 12 Retreat. The Retreat assists students in recognising the importance of understanding and developing fullness of life, nurturing their God-given gifts. The activities are designed to open students to their spiritual dimension as well as fostering a sense of community and a heightened awareness of their own giftedness and that of others.

Throughout the Retreat, the process of spiritual formation and development is ongoing. As a Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition, providing an environment for our students to get away for a few nights to reflect and “retreat” from the pressures of everyday home and school life is foundational. 

Students reflect on relationships, family and themselves, nurture friendships, think about the year ahead, reflect on the man they want to become and grow towards a faith maturity.

I would like to thank the following staff who attended the retreat for their support of our Year 12 students and the program;

  • St Austin’s House — Ms Angela Runci, Mr Shane McIntosh, Ms Liz O’Connell Ms Marta Webster;
  • St Edwin’s House — Ms Jess Stevenson, Ms Clare Kennedy, Ms Eliza Meallin; 
  • St Leo’s House — Mr Michael Watty, Ms Jess Alger, Ms Emma Fairclough, Mr Anthony Freeman; 
  • St Mark’s House — Mr Andrew Wozencroft, Mr Andrew Devlin Ms Janet Holden, Mr Peter Houlihan, Ms Joan Ferguson;
  • Lasallian Youth Ministers — Luca Almiento and James Biviano;

To all of the Old Collegians who gave up their time to join us and be involved in the running of sessions and sharing their personal stories and experiences, I extend my thanks; Charlie Ahearn, Jack Barnard, Liam Jenkins, Taine Krogh, Joe Lloyd, Joel May and Kristoff Soliven. 

And finally, thank you to Mr Rob Bonnici who supported the day to day running and logistics of the retreat as Site Manager. 

College Opening and Welcome Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral 

On Thursday 5 March, all students new to the College in Years 5 and 7, will be welcomed with a special gift of induction, formally marking their entry into the College community. 

All families will shortly receive a formal letter, co-signed by College Principal Mr Peter Houlihan and myself as Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission outlining the details and expectations of the celebration evening at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Parents are asked to please arrive at the Cathedral no later than 6:00pm to ensure a prompt start to the Mass. 

All 2020 College Leaders (Year 12 College Leaders, Holy Eucharist Captains, Tiverton Captains and Primary Captains), will be commissioned into their respective roles and are required to be dressed in full winter uniform.

All other new students to the College (those in Years 5 and 7), are required to be dressed in full summer uniform.

Ms Rana Brogan
Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission 

Back to The Duce Issue 2020 01 - 13 February 2020