SIGNUM FIDEI Spring 2018
There are two new years- one in January and one in September, the ninth month, which delivers for students another fresh beginning, new adventures in academia and beyond, and for De La Salle, a new principal; Mr. Robert Lundy. Obviously he is new to the office but not to the school. We are delighted and gratified to have had him for his 22 years of experience here a DEL. He is very familiar with every nook and cranny of our entire operation. He is no stranger to the arena, the football field, the hallways, cafeteria, and the classroom. He is connected with the administration, the alumni, and has managed the tours and paperwork necessary for the infusion of new students into the school at all levels.
The Perenial Mr. Lundy By: John Hunt
He knows everyone, all of our varied staff, from the cafeteria to accounting, and everyone knows him well enough to claim with certainty there exists mutual respect as well as mutual Continued a f f a b i l i t y. on
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This issue is brought to you by... Joseph Pupo Director of Alumni Affairs and Development Department Nick Cipriani Co-ordinator of special events John Hunt Advancement and Development Associate Michael Chachura Alumni and Development Associate Jessica Minervini Communications Officer
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property over the summer season. These are just some of the things that go on during the summer time in addition to the regular maintenance and renovations required around the buildings and property. There will no doubt be a fair number of meetings relating to the new gymnasium project and finalizing aspects of the developments on the lower campus. Much work is done over this time by those working in our facilities Brother Domenic, fsc and information technology departments, the business President and development offices, as Summer holidays provide us well as, the secretarial staff. with time to reconnect with Happily the school is at family and friends. We look full enrolment. I am personally forward to warm weather which we know will only too quickly looking forward to working with disappear when the new school Mr. Lundy as he begins his term year begins in September. as the new principal. We pray We also look forward to for God‘s blessing on him and opportunities to travel to the rest of the administration see new and exciting things. as they refocus on the mission and well-tested traditions of During the summer the school. I know you will lend though the school is really quite them your support as well. a busy place. There are summer Thank you to all who courses offered until late July. were able to attend the The DelActive Summer Camp functions, reunions, is in full swing and will not wrap many tournaments and other events up until mid -August. This year we are hosting a computer this past school year. Your camp and conferences for AP presence is always welcome teachers. Seventy students and appreciated greatly. Thank left this week for Rome to do you to everyone - former the Grade 12 English program. students, - former parents In the next few days all of and friends of the school for the windows in the Heritage your generous support for the House will be replaced with mission of De La Salle College. new ones. In the evenings the May the good Lord and his playing field is rented out to Blessed Mother watch over you various soccer leagues. And, of and keep you safe this summer. course, there will be a couple of commercials shot on the
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Continued from page 1 Mr. Lundy began here in the classroom 22 years ago, and, as noted above, worked his way through every facet of the school, including 5 years as Vice-Principal.
solid, grounded through well aware of the difference the years at DEL. between the worthwhile and the worthless, for apart In school he is from incidentals, there is noted for being generous “nothing new under the with his time, giving sun,” nor can there be unless students extra help in tutorials, there is another creation. coaching numerous sports In summary, he is a teams and enthusiastically assisting in any activity reliable guardian of our values. that needs him. He values So, come September the role of our cherished alumni which he sees as the we will weigh anchor, set “crucial instrument to link sail again into the deep together our past, present blue sea, comfortably, with and future. It will ensure that a seasoned veteran at the the mission of the school helm. Bon voyage, Mr. Lundy! continues for years to come.”
With proven leadership ability, diverse experience and a known streak of humility he is nicely positioned to realize his ambition, as he stated, “to guide DEL carefully along as it continues At the helm, in rough to thrive and excel.” seas or smooth waters he Mr. Lundy however is has a good grasp of our not just a sweet agreeable chosen destiny having seen co-worker He has remained it unfold for so long. He is
StayTuned
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The 167th Graduating Class By: Jessica Minervini
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On Thursday, June 7th, 2018 the Class of 2018 entered the DEL Auditorium one last time to receive their high school diplomas. On behalf of all of the alumni, we want to congratulate the 167th graduating class on all that they have achieved during their time at DEL, and wish them good luck on their future endeavors. A special congratulations also goes out to all of the students who received subject awards, special awards and scholarships. To read the 2018 Graduate Profiles, click here. w w w. d e l a s a l l e . c a / a l u m n i
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Graduate Spotlight: Meet Two of Our New Alumni Important Lessons: The most
important lesson I have learned through my duration at Del was the difficult truth that growth does not come easy. A person’s experiences and beliefs shape their character. In my opinion, major growth only occurs in periods of trials and tribulations. While De La Salle was undoubtedly the best experience of my life, I can safely profess that my time attending the school was not easy whatsoever. Furthermore, my growth as a person can be solely attributed to the amount of times I have achieved success through the necessary dedication and hard work needed.
Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry -Yale University
Years at Del: Grade 5 Survivor Special Programs: AP English, AP
Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calculus
Teams: Cross Country, Track and Field Extra-curriculars: De La Salle Wind Ensemble, Math Peer Tutoring,
Lucus Dato
Volunteering at Good Shepherd Ministries, Altar Serving, Track at University of Toronto Track Club, Piano Lessons
Years at Del: Grade 7-12
Scholarships: Yale Gift Aid,
Business Administration -Schulich School of Business, York University
Teams: Grade 9 and 10 Basketball Extra-curriculars: Link Crew,
Oakleaves Writer, Lasallian Youth Team, Economics/Accounting Tutor
Scholarships: Automatic Entry Scholarship and Student Life Scholarship
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Jocelyn Chau
Summer 2018
University of Toronto Scholar Award
Important Lessons: The most
important lesson I learned at Del is to love God with all your heart and to love others as yourself. This lesson was taught not just by all our religion classes, service days, and class Masses, but also by the estimable examples of my teachers and the inspiring selflessness of my peers.
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Old and New Gyms By: John Hunt
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What have we seen in the old gym filled with youthful, precious memories? Decades of delight, joy, exhilaration in a new school, a high school. Generations of growing teamwork, practice and more practice, of learning and drills. Often frustration and pounding hearts. And then, more often than not, sweet victory. These are some of the strong youthful emotions that burst from growing ambitions in DEL’s gym over the rolling years.
The gym was small but the feelings were big, as were the ambitions of young athletes to be competitive combatants, learning how to win, how to turn dreams into reality by means of drill, drill, and more drill. Obviously, some obstacles get in the way to be overcome, defeated a crucial learning experience, transportable, perhaps invaluable, able to
be applied to many new. The addition will aspects of private and boast a sparkling new public life in good time. gym of college size, with mobile dividers The gym, to allow multi-purpose like a dear old reliable functions, including supportive friend, was fitness and yoga. The a versatile facility for current gym will be sure, accommodating re-purposed to give us drum corps drills, valuable needed space basketball champions, for dressing rooms and badminton hopefuls, various other activities. volleyball competitors, To view the soccer practice, fitness drills and social attractive architectural functions (dinners, drawings, visit the dances, graduations, foyer of the Heritage celebrations). Indeed, House. Please come by the gym had a rich and enjoy a preview. and comforting past. Brother Domenic, our President and patient But time passes. negotiator of official Bigger and more channels, hopes and opulent facilities began even believed that the to sprout across the project should pass evolving city as our through all the stages old gym appeared of bureaucracy without more and more dated. very many unwelcome However, thankfully, complications. If so, ambitious plans are in with the building motion to improve the finished in 2020, let the situation- a beautiful games begin. Let us new building is on welcome a new age of the way. With flow competition. And with and grace, it will be a new facility to boost integrated in the south skills, perseverance end of the school, and desire, let us also making a smooth, welcome a new age of seamless transition winners. Stay Tuned from the old to the
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Founder’s Day of Giving
On May 15th, Lasallians just a few hours, and suraround the world cele- pased more than two-fold brate Founder’s Day; a day by the end of the day. to commemorate St. John Baptise De La Salle, the founder of the Brothers Click Here of the Christian Schools. This year, the DEL community rallied together for the inaugural Founder’s Day of Giving.
By: Michael Chachura
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To Donate
This was a 24-hour Due solely to the comdonation campaign aimed munity’s unwavering supat raising $15,000 for bur- port we were able to raise saries and scholarships. $36,240. Almost $29,000 was raised online and the re This was the first mainder by way of cheques. year that the Development Department All proceeds will be used crowdfunding. directed to our Scholarship and Bursary Programmes It was incredible to which are used to help young see our goal reached in people access a human and
Christian education at De La Salle College “Oaklands.” This coming September over 110 students will be receiving financial assistance with an average award of over $10,000 per student. We want to thake this oppertunity to thank everyone for their continued support of the College and its mission. We look forward to your support on Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. If you would like to contribute to De La Salle College “Oaklands” click the green box above.
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Recent Alumni Events
Annual Alumni Soccer Tournament A competitive day filled with fun and excitement. As Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United fought for the De La Salle Cup. In a shocking turn of events, Juventus was knocked out of the semi-finals. After a tough day of fierce competition, Real Madrid and Manchester United were left standing. Of course, and as always, Real Madrid maintained its reputation as a quick, creative and dominating team as they were victorious.
Please check out the alumni site, under the “Alumni Soccer
Annual Father Michael Luchka Memorial Golf Tournament
The day began with a 9 a.m. shotgun start and featured a continnental breakfast and a deluxe barbeque lunched capped off with a raffle.
The Golf Tournament took place on June, 20th 2018 in King City. Over 110 alumni, parents and friends of the school drove out to Cardinal golf course. At the end of the day, approximately $20,000.00 was raised for scholarships and bursaries. We want to thank all of our participants and especially our sponsors for a truly succesful day of golf, delicious food, and fun with members of our community.
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What is Truth? By: John Hunt
One DEL alumnus takes on journalism, theatre, education and becoming a published author
A gifted and popular student, valedictorian for his class, Andrew Borkowski DEL ’75 enjoyed a diverse, happy and colourful career at De La Salle. His talents pulled him towards arts and letters as his favourite pursuits in school giving him leading roles in our musicals Brigadoon, Oaklahoma, Mane and Damn Yankees. In a slightly different mode, drama, he acted in Julius Ceaser, Arsenic and Old Lace. In addition, in his last two years here, he was the editor of Oak Leaves- a busy schedule to be sure! Editing and keeping busy became permenant aspects of his future life as he studied journalism and English Literature at Carelton University, which led to more acting and more editing. After graduation, during the 1970s and 1980s as an actor in Toronto and Ottawa he immersed himself in professional and semi-pro companies as well as apprenticeships in acting and directing at Toronto Workshop Productions. To complete the picture, he wrote, directed and produced fringe theatre productions. All
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this
variety
does not encompass his career. His next venture is freelance journalism, which, is indeed a venture for it is an uncertain leap into the dark, akin to falling into a jungle. Not for the faint of heart, it is precarious and unpredictable. Undaunted, he wrote about the arts, travel, human interest stories and much more for such varied publications as the Los Angeles Times, the Globe and Mail, Flare and Chatelaine. During ten years as an editor (198998) he guided SCAN, a magazine for journalists and creative personnel at C.B.C. For the next ten years, he wrote articles for a variety of popular Canadian Magazines. Still undaunted he charged into freelance editing, another field with no abundance of low hanging fruit, and for 15 years worked for publishers such as Macmillan, John Wylie and Sons and McGraw Hill. In addition to all the above, Borkowski was busy with his literary fiction. In 2012 he won the Toronto Book Award ( no small feat in a crowded field) for Copernicus Avenue, his superior short story
collection. His fiction has also appeared in many literary magazines: The New Quarterly, Grain, and Storyteller. Another of his stories was nominated for the Writer’s Trust Award. The Arts council of Toronto, Ontario and Canada have also supported his writing.
To this rich and varied career, we must add his musical inspirations, as he co-founded a “swinging blues” and R+B ensemble, “The Grayceful Daddies” that plays at clubs in Toronto. He remains true to the declaration he made when he finished Carelton, that he would “live a life of unrepentant grittiness.” Happily, he continues to do so, sharing his artistic inclinations by teaching younger generations of new talent in English and Sociology classes at George Brown College as well as creative writing at U of T. So, Andrew is rich in experience accumulated by a forest of editorials, articles on countless topics, celebrity interviews, investigative reports, travel features ( he has lived Continued abroad) art on and book page 16
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reviews and drama criticism. This is a highly edited, condensed summary of course, but it leads to a topic of another kind, a note of timely concern.
We are all aware of the uncertainty of our news sources (crowdsourcing, fake news and the ephemeral social media) and how this impinges on the integrity of democratic process. Andrew’s wide experience is of value here, as he has been in the front lines of journalism for decades. This “wealth” cannot go for naught, nor does it. He tells us plainly in a quote here, and on his website, that the current state of journalism is not on a solid footing, as we hear daily. He should know. Fake news, unreliable, statisticly biased research and warped versions of reality, are all multiplied dangerously, in confusion, by the immense power of social media. Everyone is a journalist, poet, artist. This is a cultural disaster Andrew claims, as it creates a cultural swamp, an intellectual wasteland of crowdsourced nonsense and relativism, which eventually becomes “the last refuge
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of scoundrels.“ There are mislead the reader. In the implications for the health era of ‘fake news,’ you of a democratic society. get what you pay for.” He writes, “Movies like the post are reminders of the important part journalism has played in safeguarding our democracies and our society at large. Here in Canada, newspapers have played a key role in exposing corrupt practices such as in the Vancouver real estate market, but their ability to play that role is getting weaker by the year. Investigative journalism needs the resources that large, well-funded media organizations can provide and, as small newspapers die off, we are losing training grounds for the investigative reporters of the future. As subscription rates and ad revenues have dropped, so has the newspaper’s ability to fund reporters to spend long hours in the field getting the tough story. Online advertising only pays a fraction of what print advertising once did, but people want their content free from the internet. Much of that free content is either written by amateurs who aren’t properly trained or resourced by professionals with an agenda to
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Clearly money is an issue in “the larger broadcasting arena during a time of tumultuous change wrought by cutbacks and the onset of the digital revolution.”
Andrew’s words show he still persists, surviving and thriving, still writing “in all directions.” Yes, he is one of many voices, but one with rich experience and perspective, well worth attending to. His news is from the front lines. It is a timely insight, priveleged and precious, into the truth of what we read and hear today. After all “What is truth, said jesting Pilate, who would not wait for an answer.”
5, 10, 45!
By: Michael Chachura
Since our last newsletter in March, the Alumni and Development department has been involved in a number of class events. Specifically the 5-year, 10-year and 45-year reunions. The department is commited to hosting the 5-year and 10-year reunions. Begining this past June we hosted the class of 2008 and 2013.
The class of ‘13 reconnected in the Heritage House for their 5-year reunion in early June. After dinner prepared by Catering by Nikos, they celebrated their classmate Daniel’s birthday with an ice cream cake and toured the school. A legacy fund was established in honour of the Class of 2013.
For more, read Andrew’s delightful bio at
h t t p : / / w w w . andrewjborkowski. com/AndyJBorkowski/ h o m e . h t m l S t a y T u n e d .
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‘73’s 45-year The class of 1973 celebrated their 45-year reunion. Always a model for organization, the class orchestrated the event and George Cugini was gracious enough to host it at his Mississauga home. Around 50 grads gathered.
The event was kicked into high gear when some teachers like Mr. Hunt, Mr. Tintanelli, Mr. O’Flaharty and Mr. Paolini. Many of the alums were whipped together by Phil Giroday. Two classmates even flew over from Winnipeg.
The event was a blast and a legacy fund has been established. Coincedentally, the daughter of a member of the class of ‘73 celebrated her 10-year reunion the day before at DEL.
Class of ‘08 Reunion
Class of 2008 10-year
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The Class of ‘08 celebrated their 10-year reunion in the heritage house in mid June. Over 30 alumni came to the event, some as far as
New York City. Though a decade had passed since they were all at DEL, the Lasallian spirit and friendship was very much intact.
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The Sentinel
By: John Hunt
“In my Father’s house their belief in spirituality, are many mansions” in a heavenly life after the material life here on earth. Advances in Their certainty is echoed cosmology reveal the by the convictions of the astonishing, endless vistas convinced, those who, like of space, allowing us to be T. de Chardin see an open forgiven for puzzling over, wide highway to heaven, or fearing, the destiny without equivocation or of human life on this hesitations. He believes tiny planet. Hard science “we are not human asks if our existence beings having a spiritual can have any eventual experience, rather, we are meaning. Is it more spiritual beings having significant than an insect a human experience.” whose life spans a few This journey has minutes or hours? These are troubling questions, the sweet and easy especially in an age of flow of Shakespeare’s advancing secularism and interplay of day and materialism in which the night, the miraculous coconvictions of religion are existence of two streams ceaselessly undermined. of creation, separate but together and seamless. In the upheaval, As well, we see the duality we may wonder at times of all of nature, and of if we are on a spiritual our own nature, a duality journey after all. If not, that trumpets, to those then our fragile existence not too unwilling to hear is pointless, leaving of the magnificence of evolutionary trends to creation and the wisdom descend to more and of the creator. This gentle more primal urges, to flow of day into night mere physical evolution at and night into day again the mercy of a multitude suggests the almost of gratuitous climactic invisible daily alternation, events. But people of or contrast between our faith, however, must and weaker instincts and do cling to and cherish
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our brighter “better angels.” For in this cosmic confrontation we will find the elusive meaning of our “better efforts” “There’s a race to be run. There’s a victory to be won.” Aware of this, the faithful are not inclined to surrender the field of conflict in the modern world to the nihilists, materialists and secularists, to the swirling whirlwind of straws blowing about us, which the unwitting followers of relativism grasp in crowd-sourced confusion and desperation. This relativism is, indeed, “the last refuge of the scoundrel.” Will Durant, the astute chronicler of our history and our foibles has an apt summary of the dilemma. “Our culture is superficial today and our knowledge dangerous, because we are rich in mechanisms and poor in purpose.”
So, the complexity of the age is problematic, leaving us at a tipping point. And, De La Salle “Oaklands” is also caught at this tipping point, as the times would have it, on the sharp cutting knife edge of rapid cultural change. Note here that DEL is counter-cultural, as we quietly manage, and as our grads will confirm, to oppose the easy lures of relativism by maintaining classical rigour in academics, deportment industry, generosity and spirituality. Though we make no small effort to be assured that our goals are legalistic, the effort is not a walk in the park. Sadly, we are the last Lasallian school in Canada, a crucial development. Is our future to point the way to a resurrection from the shambles of a fragmented culture from the example of a sound path to a confused society. Or, are we the last vestige, the last sentinel in a decrepit, selfcentered ultra-narcissistic crowd-sourced nest of tribal “communities.”
unique today. But unique is a blanket term that every “good” schools claim. The claim is universal and since most, if not all schools broadcast their exclusive grandeur ( in an age of vital “persuasion”) everyone must do so to keep peace. However, an array of quiet statistics and a tidal wave of complaining books (such as Ivory Tower Blues) believe the soothing fantasies infesting the entire educational system from top to bottom. Such a decayed situation must produce more and more screaming headlines, as DEL carries on quietly. How can academia be so “problematic” while so many schools publically claim to be superior managing somehow to appear to not only escape the general malaise in their delusions, but, to attain superiority in spite of it. This, of course, is a paradox, and no secret. WE will come through it, for we see DEL as a source of resurrection, refreshing to add to the decay. Our values are classical, timeless- our graduates go forth to prove it. They are truly inspirational and exceptionally successful.
It depends. It depends on who we think we are and what we believe to be our destiny. Our belief is a spiritual destiny that makes us by
But they are buffed strong head-winds,
as the school is in its work. They are the lonely fighters on the ramparts. Please dear DEL alumni, consider becoming a supporter of this saving endeavor. DEL must not be the last of its kind in Canada. Make a donation to DEL to preserve this crucial school. Help it endure, help the country, and, also help the donor by reaping the spiritual rewards of helping others. We have over 100 of 600 students on bursaries, a truly Christian, saving and democratic work. This is our quiet worthy task, to serve and save the needy as well as serving heaven and ourselves by being “heavenly.” If we are worthy. He walks with us “if we live in the spirit.” So, please give hope and life, a donation to DEL by remembering us in your will. Thank you. Amen. “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
-Winston
Churchill
Stay Tuned.
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DEL ‘07
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John Lyons DEL ‘40s
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