ISSUE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OCTOber 2015 02

ANZPPNG Think highly “of your work - Meditations for the Feast” of Saint Matthew

wide crisis involving increasing num- David Hawke’s bers of refugees, migrants and asylum Message seekers is a phenomenon that we Lasal- lians cannot ignore and challenges us in terms of our priorities as stated in “Deeply moved by the human and spir- As we move into the latter quarter of the District Plan. This crisis is one of the In this issue itual distress “of the children of artisans 2015, Lasallians across the District are “new forms of poverty” that demands 2 a response from Lasallians. and of the poor”, and in response to the invited to respond to the question; Prominent Theologian call of God, John Baptist de La Salle and “Where is the in my Lasal- The above being said, across the Dis- joins Lasallian his first Brothers made a lifelong com- lian ministry today” or collectively trict Lasallian schools and other works Formation Team mitment to him to provide these children as communities of Lasallians we could have for years enrolled migrants, wel- 3 with a human and Christian education, ask; “Where is the Reims in our comed them and offered them schol- and so extend the glory of God on earth. work today?” arships and other resources to assist New International Leader for Young They reformed the kind of schooling The District Chapter of January 2015 them with their education. available at the time to make it accessible Lasallians called for a review of the District Plan Pope Francis in his recent address to to the poor, and to offer it to all as a sign 2013-2016 and requested that the Dis- the United States of America Congress 4 of the Reign of God and as a means of trict Council and Lasallian Mission urged people “not to be afraid of Volunteer programs salvation” (Rule of the Brothers of the Council undertake the review. Focus migrants but to welcome them as fellow thriving at Balgo Christian Schools 1). 1 of the District Plan; Association for human beings, not things that can be 6 The above quote from the recently Holy Mission in its second strategic priority discarded just because they are trouble- A Champion for See approved Revised Rule of the Broth- states: some.” He proposed a response which Catholic Education ers of the Christian Schools takes us Setting specific annual goals directed is “always humane, just and fraternal.” back to the origins of the Institute in to the service of the poor, vulnerable Let us all reflect upon“Where is the 8 Reims, France where John Baptist de La and marginalized young people. Reims in our work today?”. Q&A Salle and his first Brothers responded Asking the question; “Where is the to the needs of children at the time. Reims in our work today?” reminds us Education then and is today the tool of the District’s strategic priority in David Hawke FSC which “touches hearts, teaches minds favour of the poor. The current world- Visitor and transforms lives.”

New Mission Action Plans for PNG The Lasallian Mission Council has “The new committee will help us focus helped convene a new Mission Action our efforts on training new teachers Committee aimed at strengthening in the country and stay in regular con- teacher training and youth programs tact with them as part of their forma- in remote parts of Papua New Guinea. tion as Lasallians”. The new committee, which met for the The move comes after the launch ear- first time this month, will bring together lier this year of a Lasallian Remote representatives from across the four Schools Project in PNG. main regions of PNG: Momase, High- The Lasallian Foundation has been work- Province said he was appalled over the In a country with a marked teacher lands, New Guinea Islands and South- ing alongside the to poor conditions in many schools there. shortage, especially in secondary math- ern Region. strengthen support services for teachers “Some of the schools are built out of ematics and science, it’s hoped the In a country marked by poor telecom- in rural and remote parts of the country. bush material, roofs are in need of twinning arrangements could also in munications with little or no access to Through the project, a new support repair and the walls are rotting”, he said. time lead more Australian or New telephones and internet in some remote Zealand teachers to travel over to worker, Schola Manembe has been “In one of the schools, some of the areas, the new committee will help PNG and strengthen the schools there. employed in Wewak who sends work- classrooms couldn’t be used because ensure all Lasallians in PNG can have sheets and classroom resources to “The biggest resource we have in a say on key programs in the country. the floorboards were rotting away and teachers in the field. if you walked across the floor, you’d PNG are our teachers”, said one of There are currently four Lasallian Uptil recently, these teachers had to fall straight through it.” the De La Salle Brothers in Mount schools, two teachers colleges and a do their day to day jobs with no text- Hagen. youth development centre in Papua The Lasallian Mission Council is work- books, forcing them to rely solely on ing to help broker twinning arrange- “But they have to work in extremely New Guinea, all of which struggle a curriculum manual issued by the difficult circumstances and if we can with poor resources. ments whereby an Australian school PNG Government, explaining what could form a partnership with a num- help to better resource and upskill “It’s a bold and creative way of rethink- they had to teach. ber of schools in a PNG province to them, then we are making an enor- ing the way we work in PNG”, one of One of the PNG Brothers who recently try and improve their facilities and mous contribution to the future of the Brothers in Mount Hagen explained. returned from a visit to New Ireland teaching resources. education in Papua New Guinea”. Journal La Salle ISSUE 2

BoysTown hosts Lasallian Leadership Conference

BoysTown’s CEO Tracy Adams to ensure all aspects of the networking and group discussions has urged Lasallian leaders to mission, whether it be through around what makes a good inspire their colleagues to live by schools or welfare programs were Lasallian leader. the values of honesty, trust and united in a shared vision for the The Principal of St Michael’s Prominent Theologian accountability as part of their future. College at Henley Beach in mission to reach out to the joins Lasallian “I think the purpose of the Adelaide, John Foley told the marginalised and the Lasallian mission is integrated and gathering, Lasallian schools need Formation Team disadvantaged. we need to work really hard to to be student-centered, inclusive Distinguished New Zealand-born Ms Adams delivered the opening make sure that it is lived out that and respectful of human theologian Shane Dwyer has been address at a two day Lasallian way through the models that we differences. appointed Assistant Director of Leadership Conference at the have in place”, Ms Adams said. “It is a rich legacy where teachers Formation and took up his new position BoysTown centre in Brisbane in Lasallian Mission Services’ work in supportive environments earlier this month. September. Director of Formation Brother where they can get the best Shane is a highly respected figure in The conference brought together John Cantwell led a discussion at possible outcomes for their adult faith education and spirituality over 20 school middle managers the conference on the leadership students”, Mr Foley said. and has held senior positions in a and BoysTown staff from style of St John Baptist De La He said all Lasallian schools have a number of dioceses and tertiary Queensland, New South Wales Salle. distinctive mission to reach out to institutions across Australia and New and Victoria. He said modern Lasallians should the vulnerable and the Zealand. It included subject and year continue to draw inspiration from marginalised in their communities He comes into the new role after working coordinators, telephone the Founder and his highly and around the world. for the past five years as Adult Faith counsellors and social workers. consultative leadership style and Education and Spirituality Formator with Year 7 Coordinator at De La Salle emphasis on accountability. the Archdiocese of Canberra and Ms Adams told the gathering, College Revesby, Chris Leonardi Goulburn and the Diocese of good leaders foster strong working “St John Baptist De La Salle wrote said the conference was an Wollongong. relationships with their employees regularly to the Brothers, seeking invaluable opportunity to based on a culture of openness their feedback and following their exchange ideas and learn from Shane was also Academic Dean of the and trust. progress and he didn’t hold back fellow Lasallian managers. Broken Bay Institute and a Director of if he had any concerns”, Br John Academic Resources at the Sydney “It’s all about authenticity and “I’ve learned a lot more about the said. College of Divinity. putting the Lasallian mission into work of Boys Town and it’s given action. We don’t accept that social “He also set out a clear succession me a fresh perspective on the Lasallian Mission Services Director of disadvantage has to be entrenched plan so future leaders could build Lasallian mission and how it is Formation, Brother John Cantwell said and we are firmly focused on upon his legacy”. playing out in our schools”, he Shane’s appointment would greatly achieving positive outcomes for said. enhance Lasallian programs in the years All conference participants children and young people”, Ms ahead. presented reports on their work in “There were some great ideas Adams said. “It’s wonderful to be able to welcome schools and on welfare projects shared at the conference around Shane to our team”, Br John said. The BoysTown CEO said the and there was time set aside for fundraising and mission outreach challenge ahead for Lasallians was work and we learned so much “Every aspect of his background and from each other”. experience will enrich our programs of professional development and formation”. Shane began his theological work in New Zealand as a Faith Educator and Spiritual Director at the Marist Seminary and the Good Shepherd Theological College in Auckland. He holds postgraduate qualifications in theology from the Gregorian University in and has had extensive experience in the delivery of distance and online education through the Broken Bay Conference participants Institute in Sydney. Br John said Shane’s experience in this field will be invaluable. “We are expecting to use the Broken Bay Institute’s online platform to allow participants in our programs to follow up face-to-face meetings and to extend their accreditation hours”, Br John explained. BoysTown CEO “Having Shane now involved in our Tracy Adams planning with the institute will be a bonus”. 2 OCTOber 2015

New International Leader for Young Lasallians Canadian-born growth of the Lasallian Educational Mission. This upcoming conference, Antoine Mission among young people. So along with the excitement that surrounds Beland took when I was asked if I was interested in it, is a great example of the vision which up his position applying for the job, I immediately said moves your district forward. Your district as the new yes, and after a long selection process, I plays and has to continue to play an St Mary’s International had the honor of being chosen. important role in the broader Lasallian Coordinator Family as a model to follow. University of the Young One of your first tasks in the new Lasallians last role has been to promote the One of the challenges for the Young offering Masters month. International Lasallian Days of Lasallians has been reaching the in Lasallian He took over Peace from 21st September through 18-35 age group who may have from the to 21st October. How significant an attended Lasallian schools, but may Leadership movement’s first coordinator, event is this for Young Lasallians? have lost contact with the Lasallian St Mary’s University of Malta-born Joseph Gilson who This event is gaining more and more family. What strategies do you believe Minnesota is offering a Master served in the role for six years. momentum every year, and there is no are needed to reach this group? of Arts in Lasallian Leadership coincidence here. The world needs That’s a challenge that I take very through its Institute of How did you get involved in the peace, now more than ever, especially seriously, because there is a great need Lasallian Studies. Young Lasallians? the youth, as they are bombarded all across the Institute to come up My journey is not a typical one. Where everyday by news of wars, human with creative initiatives to tackle this The 32 credit point course I come from (Québec, the French- crises and terrorism. The International challenge. Coming from a includes coursework in speaking part of Canada), the Brothers Lasallian Days for Peace are an background where we didn’t have any Lasallian formation and are not involved in schools anymore. opportunity to remind us that, despite captive audience at all, and therefore leadership communication. all this, peace is possible, that every were always forced to be creative to They run retreat centres, summer It is available through a action counts, and that every single find new ways to connect with the camps and after-school programs. So I combination of face to face person has the power to do something, young, I am aware that it’s not always was a volunteer at Camp De-La-Salle classes and independent study to the extent of his or her means. I easy. It is a complex issue. First, I when I was young and then gradually or online learning and covers a think that’s very significant. think that we have to approach it a took up leadership roles at the camps. broad range of electives different way. If this transition is After my first summer there, I was including educational You’ll be coming to Australia in prepared appropriately while those invited to a District event, and from administration, theology and November to attend the Young young people are in the schools, we that point I was hooked. spirituality and curriculum and Lasallians inaugural district can fix the problem before it even assessment. What led you to take up the position conference. What are your hopes for appears. When students graduate, of International Coordinator? our district of Australia New Zealand their schedule changes, their needs For more information, please In February 2014 I had the amazing Pakistan and Papua New Guinea in change, their life changes! We have to contact the Director of the opportunity to participate in the 3rd the broader Lasallian family? not only be aware of that, but fully Institute for Lasallian Studies, International Symposium of Young First I hope that I will be able to learn as embrace it and know exactly what are Dr Roxanne Eubank- email: Lasallians at the Generalate, in Rome. I much as possible about your district and these other needs to which we will [email protected] suppose I did well, because the from those who are a part of the have to respond. If we have St Mary’s University of following summer I was invited to Lasallian Family in Australia, New something to offer them, not only will Minnesota was founded in become a member of the International Zealand Pakistan and Papua New- they keep contact, but they will go 1912 and has been guided by Council of Young Lasallians (ICYL), Guinea. ANZPPNG has been a pioneer even further on their Lasallian the De La Salle Brothers since which coordinates the Young in investing for the future, developing journey. Moreover, some schools and 1933. More information on its Lasallians movement throughout the programs which are creative and an institutions are doing a terrific job at courses is available on its Institute. Working in this Council answer to the needs of today and keeping their alumni in the Lasallian website-www.smumn.edu convinced me that I wanted to get involving youth at every level and in Family. Let’s share the success stories involved as much as possible in the every area of the Lasallian Educational and tackle this together!

3 Journal La Salle ISSUE 2

She says there will be some subtle curriculum changes introduced at La Salle College from next year. “For example, in Technology and Ap- plied Studies, Year 7 students will be La Salle College St James Walkathon Bankstown Goes able to make a jewelry box rather than Coeducational simply a tool box”, Ms Dowd said. for PNG “In science, they will be able to learn about At their Mission Action Day, stu- After a long history as a largely all-boys female role models like Marie Curie and dents from St James College East school, La Salle College Bankstown is there’ll be a broader range of novels stud- Bentleigh have pitched in to raise accepting girls into its Year 7 class next ied in English classes”, she added. thousands of dollars for a train- year, with plans to become a co-educa- ing centre in Papua New Guinea Principal Michael Egan believes the tional school by 2021. through a seven kilometre walk- shift towards coeducation will help athon. The shift has been driven by concerns raise the academic standards of the from local parents in an area with a school as well as it broadens the range Students were asked to raise a min- shortage of Catholic secondary schools. of subjects on offer. imum of 30 dollars each in spon- La Salle College Principal Michael Egan The move is expected to more than and Director of Transition Leonie Dowd The school is also introducing a Solomon sorship as part of their fundraising double the student numbers at La Sal- Opportunity Class in Year 7 next year to efforts for the Hohola Youth De- le College from 500 to 1100 students The shift towards co-education will cater for intellectually gifted students. velopment Centre in PNG. over the next six years. broaden the range of subjects on of- The Lasallian run centre provides fer to Year 7 students, including dance Mr Egan says the expansion of the The school’s principal Michael Egan and drama. school will help it cater more effec- vocational training for senior stu- says he believes the shift towards co-ed- tively for a growing Catholic popula- dents to help them break out of ucation is long overdue. The school has appointed a Director tion in Sydney’s south-west. the cycle of poverty and unem- of Transition, Leonie Dowd to help “It’s been at the behest of the parents ployment in Port Moresby. oversee the changes. “In actual numbers, there are more because the largest all girls school is a Catholics in this area than there have The school has set itself a target long drive away in Milperra. Parents Ms Dowd has had extensive experi- been before. So we’re looking forward of 20 thousand dollars this year ence in girls education as a former will find it a lot more convenient to to having a facility that will meet the to help the training centre. drop their children off at one school”, Assistant Principal at Mary MacKillop needs of that growing community in Mr Egan said. College, Wakeley. the years ahead”, he said. The Principal of St James Col- lege, Stephen Pooley said he was ers and Brother Paul Rogers from the lian school at Balgo Hills in Western proud to see some students raise Caringbah marks Karlaminda community at Kensington Australia’s Kimberley region. as much as 700 dollars towards such a worthy cause. Founder’s Day delivered an address to the school Youth Minister Ruby Crowe said a Students and staff from a number of community on what it means to be a number of graduates from De La Sal- “Alongside the walkathon, stu- Lasallian. Lasallian schools in Sydney have joined le Caringbah have undertaken volun- dents also organised a Hohola in the celebrations and fundraising to He called on the students at the Year teer programs at Balgo during their Cup Indoor Soccer tournament, mark Founder’s Day at De La Salle 7-10 boys’ school to draw upon the senior years at De La Salle Cronulla. raffles and sausage sizzles”, Mr College in Caringbah. inspiration of St John Baptist De La As part of their fundraising efforts, Poole said. The day began with a mass at Our Salle and reach out to the marginalised the students helped set up cake and In previous years, the money St Lady of Fatima church which brought and the disadvantaged. popcorn stalls in the playground and James College has raised has been together De La Salle Brothers from Br Paul, a former Principal of De La jumping castles in the college oval. directed towards purchasing a bus across the city together with members Salle College Malvern, urged the Sydney to help students get to the Hoho- of the local parish community. students to reject today’s disposable la Centre safely for their classes. Senior students from De La Salle Col- society and to contribute generously to lege Revesby and their Principal Tim the school’s Mission Action Day. The Melbourne school has also Logue were also at the mass and the De La Salle Caringbah Principal Chris helped fund new computers and morning’s celebrations. Agnew said the school expected to sporting equipment for the PNG 13 students from the Caringbah school raise at least 10 thousand dollars which centre. were sworn in as Lasallian youth lead- would be directed towards the Lasal-

thriving at Balgo ing and appreciation of everyday life in Volunteer programs a remote community. Senior students from Lasallian schools an immersion program, reaching out “It has helped to forge an ongoing bond in Western Australia, South Australia and to their fellow Lasallians there. between students from our school and Victoria have been giving up some of The Perth and Adelaide students have the community at Balgo Hills”, Ms Mur- their spring holidays to help volunteer been involved in a variety of communi- phy said. in the remote Indigenous community ty service projects in the remote Indig- of Balgo Hills. “We have a long standing connection to enous community, including handywork, Balgo with around 20 students current- The town in W-A’s Kimberley region cleaning, mowing the lawns and sports ly from that community who are board- is home to Luurnpa Catholic primary programs with the local students. ers in our Indigenous boarding house school which educates around 120 A group of Year 10 students from St at La Salle College”, she added. students from the local Kututja com- James College in East Bentleigh were munity. “It’s an important part of our social also involved in a similar program at justice program as Lasallians to reach Around 20 students and eight staff Balgo last month. out to the community at Balgo and it’s members from La Salle College in La Salle College Middle Swan Coordi- great to see so many schools from Perth and St Michael’s College Henley nator, Shonnie Murphy said it has given around the country pitching in to help 4 Beach have travelled to Balgo Hills in the students a much deeper understand- those in need”. OCTOber 2015

New Plymouth students pitch in for Cancer Charity Students from Francis Douglas Memo- than 1000 random acts of kindness rial College in New Plymouth have when she was in hospital and her char- raised over 18 thousand dollars for a ity has grown to reach out to sick charity which gives hope to children children across the country. suffering from cancer. Student leaders at Francis Douglas Starlit Hope was started in 2014 by Memorial College nominated Star- 13 year old Gabby Devine who was lit Hope as their charity this year Former diagnosed with a rare form of bone and have held fundraising dinners, cancer and sadly passed away in May raffles and auctions to support the St Michael’s this year. worthy cause. Student

Gabby started the charity to help Senior students presented a cheque “It was so amazing to see the gener- honoured cheer up sick children in oncology for $18,023.10 to Gabby Devine’s osity of the students and how Gab- at the Vatican wards at Starship and Taranaki Base parents, Sarah and Roland at a school by’s work inspired them to perform St Michael’s College Hospital by giving presents to them assembly in late September. random acts of kindness for others”, and their parents. Henley Beach alumni Fr School Captain Louis Poole said he Louis said. Michael Trainor was Gabby has inspired many New Zea- was proud by the fundraising efforts “It is always a good feeling when among those personally landers through carrying out more of the all boys Lasallian school. you know that by putting in a bit of recognised by Pope work for others, you can dramati- Francis recently for their cally improve their situation and work in interfaith bring them happiness”. dialogue. More information on Starlit Hope and its fundraising projects is avail- Dr Trainor is the 2nd able on its website- Vice President and an http://starlithope.org.nz/get-involved/ Executive Board Member of the International Council of Christians and Br Colin has decades of experience Philippines had been highly success- Jews (ICCJ) in schools and youth ministry in ful in this area and our district could The Adelaide priest was Australia and New Zealand and was learn a lot from them. the Founding Principal of Casimir granted a Papal Audience “Tertiary institutions are where voca- College in Marrickville. at the conclusion of the tions are going to come from in the ICCJ conference in Rome He was also Principal of De La Salle long run”, he said. in July. College Mangere East and a Mentor “We don’t have a strong presence to the Signum Fidei group in Rotorua. Fr Trainor joined fellow there, so we need to keep sowing Vice President of the Creating a Culture of Educated by the De La Salle Broth- seeds for potential vocations in Vocations ers himself, he believes Lasallian Lasallian schools”. ICCJ, Liliane Apotheker, schools need to be at the forefront in presenting a Kiddush In a letter sent to Brothers and Lasal- Brother Colin said the current Year of promoting vocations to religious Cup (Jewish cup of lian Partners earlier this year, Provin- of Consecrated Life had helped to life. blessing) to the Holy cial David Hawke appealed for a raise greater awareness around the Father. renewed effort on promoting the “The Brothers at my school in Mar- need for religious vocations. vocation of the De La Salle Brother rickville had a very big impact on Dr Trainor is also a He said there were some encourag- to young men in our district. me”, Brother Colin explained. ing signs within our district. Member of the Australian That effort is expected to grow over “It was a time when you’d go into a Catholic Bishops “In Pakistan, we’re certainly getting coming years in the lead up to 2019, school and all the teachers literally Commission for vocations and there are two young which has been declared the Year were Brothers and I was impressed Ecumenism and men there who are going into the of Lasallian Vocations. how they cared for us and showed Inter-religious Relations postulancy”, Brother Colin explained. an interest in us as individuals”, he This coincides with the 300th anni- and a Senior Lecturer in said. “They’re going to the Philippines versary of the death of St John Bap- Biblical Studies at the and have been doing an aspirancy tist De La Salle. Through his work in vocations min- Australian Catholic in Pakistan in their last few years of istry, Brother Colin has been encour- University. At the forefront of vocations min- high school”. aging fellow De La Salle Brothers istry is a team of sector directors to regularly visit Lasallian schools, Brother Colin said there were also across Australia, New Zealand, Paki- particularly for important events like some aspirants in Papua New Guinea, stan and Papua New Guinea who Mission Action Days. New Zealand and Australia. are working through schools and youth ministry teams to promote But he also believes there is great “But our youth ministers need to this mission. potential to promote vocations through keep promoting vocations for young the Young Lasallians and through uni- people in their first few years after Among them is Brother Colin Grif- versity chaplaincies. leaving high school. That is the time fin who chairs the Formation/Voca- with the greatest potential to draw tion Commission at the De La Salle Brother Colin said Lasallian univer- them in”. Provincial Office in Sydney. sities in the United States and the 5 Journal La Salle ISSUE 2

A Champion for Catholic Education - Br Sir Patrick Lynch

over recent decades to ensure that nationalist view on education and Catholic schools got the financial has served on UNESCO education support they needed from succes- committees for over twenty years, sive New Zealand governments. involving frequent meetings in Bang- kok and Paris to discuss the direction “Sectarianism and suspicion of Cath- Touching hearts of global education. olics was present in the bureaucracy and transforming lives and it took a while for us to convince “You realise that nobody has a monop- in Pakistan them that the laws that were passed in oly on enlightenment”, he explained. The CEO of the Catholic Education the mid 1970s were clear and we should Auxiliary Visitor and Principal of La “To be able to interact with people Office in New Zealand, Brother Sir be treated as equals”, he explained. Salle High School in Faisalabad, Br from countries such as Mozam- Pat Lynch will leave very big shoes Shahzad Gill has urged all Lasallians to The veteran De La Salle Brother and bique, Brazil and Russia is really a to fill when he retires after 20 years reach out to people of different religious former President of the Secondary great gift and it’s been a great net- of transforming the face of Catholic faiths during a visit to Australia. Principals Association of New Zea- working forum for people at the schools in the country later this year. land said Catholic schools were now forefront of education around the Br Shahzad visited a number of Br Sir Pat was made a Knight Com- publicly lauded for their strong com- globe”. Lasallian schools during a visit to panion of the New Zealand Order mitment to academic achievement and Sydney in September. While retiring from his current role of Merit for his 50 years of services values-based education. later this year, Br Sir Pat will con- The Pakistani Brother said he was to education both in his home coun- “Our schools had always felt like tinue to hold board positions at four overwhelmed by the warm welcome he try and internationally through the Cinderella schools and we had to De La Salle schools across Australia received at De La Salle Colleges in United Nations’ body, UNESCO. overcome that image by convincing and New Zealand. Ashfield and Caringbah and Casimir The veteran educator attended De La a whole group of people that we College in Marrickville. He takes special pride in the prog- Salle College Mangere East and has had evolved”, Br Sir Pat said. ress the three Lasallian schools in He has played a pivotal role over many drawn heavily on the inspiration of St “The former Labour Prime Minister New Zealand have made in promot- years in promoting interfaith harmony John Baptist De La Salle throughout Helen Clark asked me ten years ago, ing Maori and Pacific Islander edu- between Christians and Muslims in his work. why do kids come from the same cation and is hopeful about the Pakistan through a network of Lasallian “He was a revolutionary educator”, street and similar homes but go to future for Catholic education. schools and youth organisations. Br Pat explains. your Catholic schools and simply “What I’ve always believed in strongly “We don’t try to convert people, but our achieve at a higher level?” “He believed in the training of teach- is that education is a passport to a suc- motto is to touch the hearts, to teach the ers and teachers visiting childrens’ “I told her, Prime Minister, we believe cessful life and if you don’t believe that, minds and transform their lives”, Br homes and finding out why they in a spiritual dimension to educa- then you shouldn’t be in education”. Shahzad said. weren’t at school and when you think tion, we have high expectations for “We’ve been able to open 16 new “That’s what Lasallian values are all about.” of that vision four hundred years ago, our students and we don’t back away Catholic schools in New Zealand in he was incredibly ahead of his time.” from excellence in achievement”, Br Br Shahzad has also helped expand girls’ the past 15 years and governments Pat said. access to secondary education in the Br Sir Pat said he drew upon the are now realising that we’re all in this country, giving many Pakistani women an Founder’s example of reshaping the Speaking from his Wellington office, together”. opportunity to pursue university studies. status quo through his campaign Br Sir Pat has always taken an inter- With financial support from the Lasallian Foundation and other lay partners, the De La Salle Brothers have established a The Lasallian Foundation teams up with Shopnate number of secondary girls high schools in Pakistan. As growing numbers of consumers which is then passed on directly to You then choose your online shop turn to online shopping, the Lasallian the Lasallian Foundation. of choice through the Shopnate “In Faisalabad alone, there are three girls Foundation has found a novel way to site. www.shopnate.com.au/ high schools we’re running and we also Hundreds of big name retailers have capitalise on this trend and promote charity/lasallian-foundation run a girls high school in Multan”, Br signed up to Shopnate including worthy foreign aid projects. Shahzad explained. David Jones, Coles, Booktopia, Happy Shopnate shopping! It’s called Shopnate and allows you Interflora and Dan Murphys. “There is a real focus on encouraging the to direct a commission from your girls to pursue science subjects and later All you need to do is go to online purchases with major retailers enter universities”, he said. www.shopnate.com.au/charity/ towards your nominated charity. lasallian-foundation and register Br Shahzad said while there are security And you don’t pay a cent more with “Lasallian Foundation“ as your challenges for Lasallians in Pakistan, he the retailer paying the commission favourite charity. remains optimistic about the future. “As we look ahead to our first Lasallian Youth Gathering this year, we are reaching out across religious differences in Pakistan, so that we live together as 6 one Lasallian family”. OCTOber 2015

De La Salle learns from the Notre-Dame sisters By Br Gerard Rummery fsc It is important to realize that leading a contemplative life. The De La Salle and his Brothers are be passed on with respect for the innovator as he was, St Jean Baptist names of some 15 Maillefers, La rightly honoured as the developers individual and personal freedom. All De La Salle’s success in establishing Salles, Lespagnols and Moets, all of the ‘simultaneous method’ of of these attitudes find their expression an enduring system of good schools related, could be found in this teaching, especially as set out in in the evolution of the final form of came from his willingness to take convent where Rose-Marie de La The Conduct of the Christian Schools, the Brothers’ Rule in 1718. good educational practices wherever Salle entered after the death of her compiled by De La Salle himself after In contrast to the situation he found them. From this point of parents. John Baptist, as we know extensive consultation and practical described by Blain above, the view, he was obviously influenced from his account books, kept close suggestions from the Brothers Brothers would eventually in by his contact with the Notre-Dame touch with his second sister and between 1706 and 1717. This classic their Rule of 1718 prescribe that Congregation1 founded in Lorraine probably adopted and adapted the of western education, printed in ‘corporal punishment is absolutely following aspects of their teaching 1720, extended what Fourier’s Sisters forbidden in this Institute.’ Pupils methods which we assume he would had done by extending the class would ‘always be addressed by have seen: method to the teaching not just of their first name’ – not surname – reading but of the whole elementary • teaching gratuitously, rich and poor; and it would be forbidden to use curriculum – teaching in French ‘unsuitable expressions’ or call them • teaching a whole class with all instead of , reading, writing, by any other name. The virtue of following the same lesson at the spelling, arithmetic, catechism – by ‘gentleness’ would have the longest same time e.g. reading; grouping pupils according to their development, almost one third in ability – not age – and coordinating • teaching both reading and writing; length, in the later development various activities under the one of De La Salle’s list of the ‘Twelve • teaching in French and not teacher in the same classroom. The Virtues of a Good Teacher’ by his initially through Latin as was the largely silent Brother supervised 5th successor, Brother Agathon, just custom. and controlled multiple activities by before the French Revolution. Saint Pierre the pupils in what was a remarkably Fourier We need to remember that silent classroom. De La Salle’s De La Salle’s close contact with elementary teaching had always historical heritage and his founding Françoise Duval and the four schools been done as pupils came in turn of the Brothers, as acknowledged in which the founding women of this individually to recite their lesson to

Source: Archives de Notre-Dame Congrégation – Montreal by historians, was his insistence on convent taught, and his awareness the teacher. De La Salle was certainly the initial training of teachers and of the Notre-Dame principles of not the first to try and teach in by Saint Pierre Fourier and Blessed their careful apprenticeship under education were evidently important separate classes according to ability, Alix Le Clerc in 1618 to provide experienced teachers for the first influences in developing his own but we don’t know whether it was free schools for girls, poor or rich, three years of their teaching. principles of training his Brothers. Nyel, from his own experience, or De Catholic or Protestant. As their We can speculate at least, that in the La Salle who first tried to implement In the principles of education, derived convent and school were almost correspondence of which we have this teaching of a whole class as he from Alix Le Clerc and set out on opposite the house where he went copies, De La Salle has written eight would have seen in the school of almost every day to say Mass and letters of spiritual direction to women the Notre-Dame Sisters. Blain, De meet with the Superior, Françoise who were religious. As there are usually La Salle’s first biographer, devotes Duval, we can assume that he would no names given, we don’t know who many pages of his biography2 to have gone there also occasionally to these women were, but it seems at the difficulties these first, largely see his sister, Rosette. least possible that some of these untrained teachers encountered: women were from the Convent of the The Notre-Dame convent and It is not difficult to understand, therefore, Child Jesus or from the Notre-Dame school in Rheims, opened in that these young Brothers – brash convent. We do have one such letter 1634, would, in De La Salle’s and hotheaded even though fervent written to his niece, Jeanne-Remiette, lifetime, have 58 , 12 of them Blessed and sincerely pious – …soon made Alix Le Clerc daughter of his brother Pierre, from running a school for about 200 mistakes which lead to more disorder the Notre-Dame convent. We can girls, four nuns looking after a their Congregational website today, and trouble… Parents came to complain be sure that De La Salle was grateful small boarding school within the we read that the pupils should feel bitterly to De La Salle about the for what he had learned from many convent enclosure and the others themselves loved, understood and punishments inflicted by the Brothers. different women as the direction of his given confidence, that the teachers 1 Known today as the Canonesses life changed unexpectedly from that should be gentle, patient and of Saint-Augustine first encounter with Adrien Nyel. 2 Book 2, pp.193-194 respectful, and that values should

appreciation to As a district-wide event, the There will also be a keynote Insurance which has agreed generous offer of sponsorship presentation from the CEO of the to sponsor participants from from CCI will allow a group of Lasallian Foundation Miranda Chow Pakistan and Papua New Guinea teachers from Pakistan and PNG and a presentation by BoysTown to attend the Lasallian Educators to attend next year’s conference. staff member John Dalgeish on Conference in Perth next year. easing the school to work transition. Br Antony Swamy will deliver a CCI to sponsor The conference from 17-20 April presentation on Lasallian works The LMC is looking for further Lasallian Educators will be held at La Salle College in in Papua New Guinea and Br sponsorship for the event and Middle Swan and will feature a Shahzad Gill from Pakistan will if you are interested, please Conference keynote address by the Superior speak about the challenges and contact Operations Manager The Lasallian Mission Council General of the De La Salle joys in operating Lasallian schools Julie Alibrandi via email- would like to express its great Brothers, Br Robert Schieler. within a Muslim society. [email protected] 7 Journal La Salle ISSUE 2 Q & A Modern Lasallian Leaders Marie Dorrington After a distinguished career as a school principal, Marie is currently a Director of the Lasallian Mission Council Board and chairs its Formation Committee. She is also the first Lay Chair of St Michael’s College at Henley Beach in Adelaide.

Q What led you to pursue a career in I was in. Fortunately not long after succeeding. Once they take up Q What is your vision for Lasallian education? that, those arrangements were leadership roles, women also need formation? changed through the feminist ongoing support in their workplaces A For as long as I can remember, revolution. because they tend to have a greater A I recently completed a course in I wanted to be a teacher. Both Rome on Animating Lasallian But I still find today that women face fear of rejection than men. my parents were teachers and my Communities. I think the more obstacles than men in entering Q What does being a Lasallian mean two sisters went into teaching as understanding that teachers and leadership roles, especially as they to you personally? well. Two of us have been school school staff have of being a Lasallian tend to face more pressure balancing A This is the third charism I’ve is critical to the success of the school principals. I’ve always had a love work and family life. of learning and an appreciation of worked in through my career in as a Lasallian school. The deeper how it can change peoples’ lives, Q What changes do you believe are education. I was Principal of a their understanding is of this, then so teaching seemed to be the right needed then to the workplace culture to Dominican school and then I worked the better the school will be. career for me. help encourage more women into in a for five years. My dream now would be for all the leadership roles? What stands out with the LasallianSEP2015 people working in schools and in Q You worked as a school principal charism is the really practical support NAL A I’ve been inspired by the work of other areas such as BoysTown should for 18 years and then as a senior advisor it gives to who you are as a person JOUR see themselves as Lasallians and not in Catholic education. What are some Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief and your spirituality. So the simply as someone who works in a of the key challenges you see for Operating Officer of Facebook, who commitment to education takes on a Lasallian school or on a Lasallian women in leadership roles? has written a number of books on female leadership. In her book, new and different focus and while project and to have a commitment A When I went into teaching in the “Lean In”, she calls on highly we’ve always had a focus in Catholic and love for the role they have. late 1960s, women weren’t paid as education on the poor, I think there successful men to sponsor talented We may make different choices in highly as men in education. Not long is so much wonderful modelling women into leadership roles. Women how we want to live our lives, but we after that, I got married and I then from St John Baptist De La Salle and are generally less likely than men to are all united as Lasallians, inspired was made a temporary employee of the Lasallians and that then easily take risks. They are less likely than by the work of St John Baptist De the South Australian Department of becomes part of who you are as an men to put themselves forward for a La Salle. Education. At that time, I didn’t promotion unless they’re really sure educator. appreciate what a precarious position they’ve got a strong chance of

UPCOMING EVENTS In next month’s issue: ISSUE Australia Pakistan Papua New Guinea New Zealand 03 2015 2015 2015 2016

General Councillor Br Youth Gathering- Recollection and NZ Heritage Programme ANZPPNG Ricky Laguda’s visit to Faisalabad Walkathon- Jubilee April 26-28 Australia October 29-November 1 Catholic Secondary October 28-November 10 Audience: Lasallian School Boroko Buttimer 2016 Students and Alumni October 16-17 June 26 – July 8 Our Lasallian Heritage: • General Councillor Br Ricky Laguda’s Visit to Australia Then and Now. Formation Formation Program for Retreat- Lasallian NZMAC program, Brisbane School Middle Managers- Leaders-Hohola Youth March 19 @ De La Salle Lasallian Youth Gathering in 22-24 November Faisalbad and Multan Development Centre College • December 7-8-Faisalabad November 6-8 Pakistan Young Lasallians December 10-Multan Nov 5 @ Francis Douglas Conference, Melbourne De La Salle End of Year Around Kensington: Q&A with Mass- De La Salle Memorial College • November 20-22 Recollection Day-all Br Michael Johnson Audience: Ages 18-35 schools Secondary School-Boroko December 12 November 21 Annual NZ Lasallian Women in the life of De La Australian Catholic Youth Audience: Lasallian teachers Gathering • Festival, Adelaide September 17 Salle-Br Gerard Rummery December 3-5 2016 Audience: Ages 16-25 Principals Retreat-Multan To contribute to the newsletter, please February 6 2016 contact, Michael Kenny Audience: All Lasallian LMC Communications Officer Lasallian Leaders’ school principals in [email protected] Gathering, Melbourne Faisalabad February 14-16 De La Salle Brothers Induction Program- Audience: Principals and Provincial Office Leaders Faisalabad and Multan March 26 P O Box 3485, Bankstown Square, Lasallian Educators’ Audience: Newly NSW 2200, Australia Conference, Perth appointed teachers in all E: [email protected] April 17-20 Lasallian schools T: +61 2 9795 6400 8 Audience: All Educators

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