177 students in the year level participates. We believe it is essential for our young men to learn the true meaning of “service” to the vulnerable during their time here. I am delighted to report that staff at different institutions to which our students were assigned have written to us to express their gratitude for providing such excellent ambassadors from the school. Here are just a few extracts from letters received from grateful hosts: “At all times he was punctual, courteous, respectful and willing to do any task asked of him. He was a pleasure to have and was very much liked by residents and staff alike.” “I am writing to sing the praises of the Lasallian Service program. I hope this program will always continue, despite many other programs competing for students’ time.” “Our residents definitely gained by having young students in their midst but I believe the students also gain. They come in touch with a much older generation who have much to offer in regard to their own life experiences.” “I have participated in similar programs over many years, in different locations and involving many schools and I have to say these boys were quite exceptional.” “It is just lovely to see our Residents reaction. Their smiles when the boys refer to them by name – yes the boys have taken the time to get to know as many individuals as possible by name – together with the participation rate in activities where the boys are participating and indeed leading, I know there will be some sadness when they leave us on Thursday.” “From the moment the boys turned up on Monday, perfectly presented, they totally embraced the program.” It is interesting to read the reflections of students on their experience, too: “Working there has given me more confidence and has made me less shy. I can now speak to strangers without feeling nervous. It has also taught me to be more understanding of old people. You’re not too old to have fun. Many of them have been through a lot but are wise.” My thanks to Mr Chris Fleming for preparing the boys so well. The spirit of St John Baptist de La Salle is clearly impacting on many students at our College.
A day of fun and fraternizing
With students in Years 7-11 about to enter a more serious phase in 2013 in the coming weeks, it was timely for us all to come together for a fun day of swimming, barracking and socialising at the annual De La Salle Swimming Carnival held at the local Harold Holt Pool. There was a very festive spirit evident and, interspersed with some serious and not-so-serious swimming events, students and staff fully enjoyed the day together in the warm sunshine. Certainly it was another way of engendering the wonderful school spirit for which De La Salle is renowned. My thanks to the Director of Sport, Mr Peter Harte, to his assistants and all the staff for providing such an enjoyable and well organised program for everyone concerned.
Congratulations to James Delaney, Year 11D, who has been selected to compete for Australia in the Youth Weightlifting Team in Malaysia in late November – an exceptional achievement. Brendan Ellis Acting Principal
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 12 page 2