From the Principal

It is a pleasure to be writing to you, the College community, as we commence the final term for 2019. For our Year 12 students, this is likely to be a “roller-coaster” few weeks of memorable moments and a considerable amount of stress. 

The end of Year 12 brings to fruition six years of secondary schooling and the De La Salle community is there to support and encourage the Graduating Class of 2019 over this time. A number of significant events are planned over the next two weeks, including a Year 12 Breakfast, final House and College Assemblies on 18 October, a Celebration Day at Sidetracked, South Oakleigh on 21 October and the Valedictory Mass and Dinner on 23 October.

There are heightened expectations on all Year 12 students at this time. Throughout the year we have reminded our Year 12 students that each one is a leader at the College and therefore has a responsibility to lead through their positive actions and academic endeavours. 

Staff at the College have accompanied the graduands at each level of their journey and are to be commended for their outstanding commitment and diligence in preparing the young men not only for the rigours of the exam period, but a successful transition to their future lives. 

In the second week of the school holidays, all Unit 3 and 4 students undertook trial VCE exams. Thank you to VCE Coordinator Ms Liz O’Connell and the staff who gave of their time to be at the College to supervise and support the students each day.

On behalf of the College community, I wish the Year 12 cohort every success for the exams ahead and thank the parents and guardians for their support in making our educational partnership a successful one.

Over the September holidays, a number of significant works were completed on the Tiverton Campus, including the removal of trees and the completion of the refurbishment of the Tower Building. This heritage building dates to 1929 and while the façade looks as elegant as ever, the learning spaces have been renewed, transforming them into fresh contemporary learning environments. In the near future, a plan will be finalised for the next phase of refurbishment at Tiverton and arrangements made for the utilisation of the Tower Building for 2020.

From 15 September to 3 October, a group of Italian Language students, accompanied by Mrs Lil Russo, Mrs Marta Webster and Mr David Happ, participated in a very successful trip to Italy. Students were able to attend school in Orvieto and undertake a range of wonderful cultural and sight-seeing activities, as well as enhancing their confidence in their language skills. Click here to view the Photo Gallery.

The start of Term 4 also brings new ACC seasons in cricket, volleyball and tennis, as well as debating, chess and public speaking competitions. There are also two Performing Arts productions underway. Year 7 and 8 students are currently rehearsing for Mink and Sam with Sacré Cœur, to be performed on 31 October and 1 November. Senior students are also working hard on the 2020 Senior Production with OLSH Typhoid Mary. Both of these productions continue our fine tradition of giving students the opportunity to be involved in quality Performing Arts events.

Finally, a reminder to all students that Term 4 brings a chance for a “fresh start” to consolidate and implement the learning that has already occurred throughout the year. In many ways, Term 4 is the most exciting term of the year as it brings the opportunity to complete so many tasks and it culminates with Headstart and transition programs where all students will move to their 2020 classes. All is set for the learning and challenges that the last term of the school year always brings.

Mr Tom Ryan
Acting Principal

From Boys to Men

Rites of Passage

Throughout 2019, our Year 9 students have been privileged to attend workshops run by the Rites of Passage Institute. These workshops have been deliberately designed around our campus themes; Identity, Stewardship, Futures and Legacy — themes we believe are incredibly important at Year 9 as we support students in their transition from boys to young men. 

These workshops have provided Year 9 students with a vehicle to open up about issues that are important to them and connect with families, friends and community who can provide vital support in these formative years.

De La Salle College has been fortunate to have the Rites of Passage Institute lead two successful evenings in the Year 9 calendar. The Institute was founded by Arne Rubinstein, an expert in adolescent development who has personally overseen our events. The programs, seminars and workshops have been attended by well over 100,000 people globally and were well received by our parents and students. 

I am the father of two beautiful, young, mischievous boys — Billy, 5 and Lenny, 3. They are at an age where they are still, universally referred to as beautiful… just. 

I am a proud Dad but hardly positioned to give adolescent-parenting advice. I’m struggling enough with the patience required and anxieties associated with toilet training! However, if you are seeking advice, in Arne’s book “The Making of Men”, he writes that one of the most important things you can teach your son is that privileges come with responsibilities. Whilst parents should decide what is fair and reasonable for sons my Billy and Lenny’s age, wherever possible, adolescent men must be involved in the decision-making process. 

As your son grows older these decisions will become more serious. Borrowing your car when he gets his licence, for example. Again, as the privilege increases so too should the responsibility. When they are made to feel like they are owning the decision process within a framework they have helped construct, this empowers young men.

Relationships with your son will invariably change as he grows older. In some cases, it may appear to happen overnight. Research suggests that maintaining a relationship with your son through his early teens will be the most challenging. Gradually giving more responsibility to your son is an important part of transitioning to adulthood. Done constructively, it will also go a long way to strengthening your relationship with him.

We all have much to learn and understand about relationships and the complex dynamic that exists between young men and their communities; but what we do know is that there is infinite power in a listening ear, a robust conversation and the sharing of responsibility.

Mr David Alexander
Head of Year 9 Campus

Students

Transitions and Growth

This is a busy time of year at De La Salle, as students start to look forward to the end of 2019 and toward 2020. 

We will welcome incoming Year 7 students as they transition to secondary school and become the leaders of Tiverton campus while Year 8 students begin the move to our Holy Eucharist campus. The Year 9 cohort will be welcomed at Kinnoull campus, and the Year 10 and 11 students will focus on the next year of their VCE and VCAL. 

As the College goes through this cycle of growth and renewal, we also farewell the Year 12 class of 2019. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with these young men in my first year at De La Salle. They have been welcoming, enthusiastic, warm, funny and caring, and I know that they will continue to grow into wonderful men who will make their mark on the world.

I wish them all the best in whatever adventures lie in store for them. 

Ms Jessica Alger
Deputy Principal — Students

Year 10 Industry and Enterprise

Students get a bird’s eye view of Port of Melbourne

Year 10 Industry and Enterprise students recently got a close look at the workings of the Port of Melbourne in Lorimer St, Port Melbourne as part of their work experience preparation unit. A highlight of the visit to the Port was a tour of the 300-metre high control tower, which dominates the port’s skyline. 

After the walk outside the Tower, students were privileged to go into the Control Tower and meet the Harbour Master, who explained how Australia’s biggest container port operates. Students were introduced to the numerous career opportunities in the port which moves more than 7,000 containers a year and is worth more than $102 Billion to the Victorian economy.

Mrs Kerry Martin
Classroom Teacher — Year 10 Industry and Enterprise 

Tiverton Campus News

Year 5 and 6

Year 5 and 6 students recently went on an excursion to Taskworks as part of the inquiry unit at the end of Term 3 to explore the following characteristics:

• motor skills (coordination)
• problem-solving
• teamwork
• communication
• leadership
• initiative
• creativity
• competition

It was terrific to see the students get out of their comfort zone and develop important physical and intellectual capabilities throughout the excursion. We look forward to developing this intellectual inquiry further in Term 4 through the APSMO Maths Olympiad and Games and ICAS English Competitions, and the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Primary Regionals.

The students also compete in the Hoop Time regional tournament and the Dendy Sports Cricket competition this Term to challenge them physically and emotionally.

Year 7

The Year 7 students will complete their 12-week Braingrow study in their DLS DNA classes over the next fortnight. The focus has been encouraging the students to use the thinking part of their brain (pre-frontal cortex) rather than the emotional part of their brain (amygdala) and to undertake activities that are positive, purposeful and aligned with their key values. This will allow them to be more grateful, to make better decisions, and hopefully to become more optimistic and resilient. These students are currently completing their own individual reflection journals and these findings will be presented to the Year level in Weeks 3 and 4 of this Term.

Year 8

As at the first Tiverton assembly this Term, Year 8 Coordinator Mr Stephen Brick reminded the Year 8 cohort that they had only seven weeks before going onto their next educational journey at the Year 9 Holy Eucharist Campus in East Malvern.

It is an exciting time for these students — the key focus for this Term is to leave a legacy at this campus and continue to be the best versions of themselves. They soon will be undertaking a Year 9 Headstart program. Students will be expected to complete all set classroom tasks and assignments, continue to progress academically in all their subjects, to ensure a confident and competent start to the independent and collaborative learning culture at Holy Eucharist in 2020.

Mr Martin Gibbs
Director of Students Tiverton Campus 

Chaplain’s Notes

First Communion

The Sacrament will be celebrated on the 27 October, 11:00am at St Anthony’s Parish Glen Huntly. We wish the students well as they prepare.

Confirmation Presentation

Students gathered in the Chapel and participated in a liturgy of thanksgiving for their recent Confirmation. Acting Principal Mr Tom Ryan spoke to the students about being active members of the Church, using the gifts of the Spirit to respond to the needs of others. Mr Ryan presented each of the students with a Certificate after which the assembled enjoyed a celebration lunch.

Mrs Joan Ferguson
College Chaplain

Sport News

Hockey

Congratulations to James Hillemacher, 7 Jerome, who has been selected in the U13 State Hockey Team. James represented Victoria in the Australian U13 Hockey Carnival in Hobart between 2 and 8 October 2019. Congratulations, James. 

Soccer

Daniel Graskoski, 7 Dunstan, represented Victoria at the National Football Federation Australia (FFA) Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour, NSW over the Term 3 break. The U13 boys Victoria team was crowned the U13 boys FFA National Youth Champions and Daniel was awarded the FFA Goalkeeper of the Youth Championships in that category. At the Championships Daniel was also selected to participate in the FFA Youth development camp in the ACT. Congratulations, Daniel.

Weightlifting

Matthew Damches, Year 12, Leos 2, Captain of the De La Salle Weightlifting team, represented De La Salle in the sport on Friday 13 September. This was Matthew’s last competition representing the College, capping off an outstanding array of personal and team achievements and successes. 

Matthew put on a solid performance at Round 3 of the 2019 School Championships and Sport and Recreation Cup, breaking an impressive number of records on the day: 

• Victorian Junior snatch – (103kg)
• Victorian Junior total – (223kg)
• Australian Junior snatch – (103kg)
• Australian Junior total – (223kg)
• Australian Under 23 snatch – (103kg)
• Australian Under 23 total – (223kg)

Matthew also took out the award of “Best Male Lifter”, honouring the dedication of the athlete that he is. 

The De La Salle tradition of elite weightlifters is upheld with the support of teachers and individual weightlifters partaking in this wonderful Olympic sport. Congratulations, Matthew!

Mr Michael Watty
St Leo’s House Coordinator

Parent Network News

Parent Network General Meeting 

A reminder of the annual Parent Network General Meeting is being held on Monday 21 October at 7:30pm in the Tiverton Boardroom. All De La Salle College parents and carers are invited to attend. 

During the General Meeting the Parent Network Committee for 2020 will be elected, so if you are interested in joining, please come along! 

For a nomination form or any enquiries please email parentnetwork@delasalle.vic.edu.au

The Parent Network’s aim is to encourage a sense of community throughout the College by providing regular opportunities for parents to socialise, connect and participate in College activities.  The Committee meets approximately twice a term and being a member provides a great opportunity to be involved in the College community.

Upcoming Events

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mrs Meagan Selkirk
President, De La Salle College Parent Network

Important Notices

Fee Payment

2019 Tuition Fees

Families paying 2019 tuition fees are required to pay them in full by 30 November 2019, as per the College Fee policy. To review your current balance, please refer to the parent portal. If you have not provided a payment option form for the payment of your College annual tuition fees, please do so by 30 November 2019 to ensure that you are on an approved payment plan for 2020.

2020 Tuition Fees

The College Board will be ratifying a new College Fee Policy applicable from 2020 so please note billings for 2020 tuition fees will now take place in January 2020. The major change within the policy is the timing of the billings and any discount for payment in full by the end of December is no longer applicable. All families are required to be on a payment plan if they choose not to pay their account in full by 28 February 2020 (discount applies per student). The 2020 annual tuition fees and the updated College Fee Policy will be published on the College website by mid-November 2020.

For any enquires or further assistance, please contact Ms Ellenor Harris in Family Accounts or email familyaccounts@delasalle.vic.edu.au.

Mink and Sam

Mink and Sam is a rollicking good, fun show featuring Year 7 and 8 students of De La Salle College and Sacré Cœur. 

Two young beings find themselves adrift in their lives and need some help. They meet each other under strange circumstances and the rest… you’ll have to come along and find out!

Come and be awed by the fabulous choreography, amazing costumes and marvellous performers! 

Two shows only! Thursday 31 October, 7:30pm and Friday 1 November, 7:30pm. Book now at TryBooking.com/BFRPF.

Mr Andrew Murrell
Drama Coordinator

Important Dates

Important upcoming dates in the College calendar.