The Principal's Report
This has been a challenging Term in many ways, with so many students and staff absent through COVID-19, but I have been very proud of the efficient and professional manner our staff have dealt with the situation. This has required flexibility, resilience and adaptability – all key characteristics we endeavour to instill in our young men as they journey through Year 5 – 12. Our students have progressed through Term 1 very well via the many and varied academic, wellbeing, spiritual and co-curricular pursuits provided.
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As we close in on Mission Action Day concluding the Term on Friday 8 April, I remind all students and families of the critical works our fundraising can support in Lasallian schools in Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The MyCause platform certainly makes donating very straightforward, so I urge parents to please get behind your sons’ initiative in this area.
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On Monday evening at the First XVIII Jumper Presentation Dinner, I announced the launch of a new initiative for De La Salle. View the photo gallery. We have been working in concert with Old Collegians Football Club to build a genuine football program for Year 5 – 12, which has as its central goals:
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- Improve and enhance the experience for our students of playing Australian Rules at De La Salle
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- Develop a genuine, structured football program / pathway for Years 5 – 12
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- Restore the tradition and standard of DLS football
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- Build connection with Old Collegians and pathways for senior students to join Old Collegians Football Club
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More details are forthcoming, but in the short term, we are thrilled to advise Michael Barlow (ex-Fremantle and Gold Coast star) will be the Head Coach, coaching the First XVIII and developing a genuine Australian Rules program and pathways for our Year 5 – 12s. Michael will also be looking after the Kennedy Club for Year 7 – 9 footballers, as part of the fledgling High Performing Sports Program. In another coup for the College, Richmond and GWS legend, Brett Deledio, will be assisting Michael.
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This is the first stage in a longer-term plan to promote and enhance a broad range of sports and other co-curricular pursuits at De La Salle. The popularity of Australian Rules, the number of students who participate, parental support / aspirations and the significant input / support from the Old Colls have been key factors in setting up football as the first stage of the plan.
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Wishing you a safe, happy and Holy Easter break.
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