Roll Call - September 2006

A PublicAtion for the De lA SAlle college community — mAlvern

A DAy in the Life of De LA SALLe CoLLege

From the Principal

The celebration of the centenary of the De La Salle Brothers’ presence in Australia which took place on 9th August in St Peter’s East Bentleigh was a gala occasion which brought together many old boys of the Brothers as well as many present and former staff members as well as past and present parents and friends. The current Provincial, Brother Ambrose Payne, presented Lasallian Centenary Awards to several very worthy recipients, including Brother Julian Watson (shown below), to thank all for their extraordinary contribution to the mission of the Brothers in Melbourne. There were many others present who would also have been very worthy recipients of such an award. I was struck by the wonderful loyalty and gratitude expressed by so many former students.

Yet it is also a fact that I meet many former students, who express great gratitude for the quality of the education they received at De La Salle, whose sons are attending elsewhere, often as the recipient of a scholarship to another school where the fees are far higher than at De La Salle. The number of scholarships now offered in the competitive environment of independent schools is quite extraordinary. Each year we lose some of our brightest young students to other schools which offer free, or greatly subsidised, places. In many instances, a principle of upward socio-economic mobility would seem to be coming into effect.

It is not for me to make any kind of judgement on the wisdom of this but rather to express the determination that we shall look after every boy who comes here with the traditional care and enthusiasm that has marked De La Salle College, ensuring that the words of our mission statement are applied to every student. We accept boys of all levels of ability. No matter what the level of ability of each individual, we try to help each to reach a level of achievement that is commensurate with his ability. So our focus is on strong pastoral support in a Catholic environment where a love of learning is nourished. Each boy is encouraged to strive for excellence, be he the most gifted student or one who would not count academic ability as among his most obvious gifts. It is extraordinary what can be achieved when a child, with the encouragement of good teachers, grows in confidence.

We proclaim Deus Dux, Doctrina Lux, God is our leader, learning is our light. What initiatives are we taking to achieve this? This year we have l significantly increased teaching time for Years 11 and 12 classes.

l made it a requirement for all boys from Year 12

down to be here for Home Room at 8:40am each day, l reduced time wasted in crossing from campus to campus

l added 150 new computers to the school.

l upgraded all computer chairs on the senior campus to more comfortable padded chairs, l added air-conditioning to several Kinnoull classrooms in 2005 and, through the good work of the Parents Association, installed new curtains this year upgraded the air conditioning system in both libraries and the Mary McKillop Enhancement Centre installed reverse cycle air-conditioning in the Year 7 building and the Year 9 “Tower” building equipped all De La Salle computer rooms and science laboratories and almost twenty classrooms with data projectors and computers

invested heavily in professional development to ensure staff are able to deliver the curriculum most effectively in the upgraded facilities

renovated our primary area including the erection of the “Dela Dome”, a canopy over the resurfaced primary (Dalny St) yard

introduced the option of small group instrumental tuition in Year 8, making it easier for parents to encourage their sons to continue to learn an instrument

installed retractable seating in the Performing Arts Centre

increased our cooperative involvement with other school in dramatic productions

developed an outdoor amphitheatre at Kinnoull

upgraded staff common room facilities

taken social justice activity to a new level by the “Coolies Project” in which senior boys will be working in India to help the needy

introduced VELs (Victorian Education Learning Standards) and the new reporting requirements

implemented a new digital phone system

upgraded the administration information technology system

produced our first electronic prospectus

regrassed the Kinnoull playing field

opened up new recreation space at Kinnoull on the “St George” site

implemented a major emphasis on improved appearance for boys and conduct in travelling to and from school

formulated a draft strategic plan

In 2007 we shall be

further expanding the scope of assistance offered by the Mary McKillop Enhancement Centre in Years 9, 10 and 11

l offering more acceleration options to Year 10 in both VCE courses and a range of VCAL and VET options

l taking the group music option through to Year 9

increasing the time given to Religious Education form three periods per week to four in Years 7, 8 and 9

l making VCE Religious Education, rather than school-based, the norm in Year 12

introducing study of a second foreign language in primary classes

l expanding the Associated Catholic Colleges sporting opportunities into Year 8

l offering quality opportunities in Outdoor Education

l redeveloping playground space in front of the administration building

l launching a major fundraising drive to provide an iconic De La Salle chapel, a theatrette on each campus, more technology equipment and underground parking at Tiverton

l renovating the Tower so that it can be accessed safely

l painting much of the exterior of the school

developing further key performance indicators for assessing progress in the implentation of the goals expressed in our Strategic Plan

l employing consultants to compare our clarity of vision with our consistency and our commitment

Our normal class size in Years 7 to 10 is 25 with a few classes slightly larger and many much smaller. The average size is just on 22 students per class in years 7 to 10.

The average class size in Year 11 is 16.3 and in Year 12 it is 15.7. Our pupil teacher ratio across the whole school is 12.1/1. The Catholic Education Office funds us on the basis of 1 teacher for every 15.5 pupils up to Year 10 and 1 teacher for every 14.5 in Years 11 & 12. Instead of 85.67 teachers as allowed for by the Catholic Education Ratios, we have 106 full-time equivalent teachers. Our extra staff means we can offer tuition in smaller classes, with stronger pastoral care structures and more extensive extracurricular activities than is the case in most Catholic Colleges. Is all of this making a difference? Yes, very much so, but it must be acknowledged that in any process of change there is some pain when major gains are on the agenda. The re-shaping of curriculum in accord with VELS and the needs of individual students is a special challenge. We don’t have a large school property. What we have we are determined to bring to an excellent standard with the latest in technology to facilitate the learning process. We are confident a fundraising appeal will allow us to achieve this without imposing major fee increases on parents. It is a fact that we are the Catholic College for boys with the third highest fees in Melbourne. We are determined to deliver the quality of education which our parents expect.

Following the Centenary edition in May, we hope this edition of Roll Call – A Day in the Life of De La Salle – gives the reader a snap shot of the College as it is today. My thanks to Kerry Martin, Paul Fegan, Tom Parsons (9 Miguel), and Jonathan Hewett for their leading roles in preparing this edition for publication.

Br Bill

8am

A Day

In this issue of Roll Call we feature a special 18-page pictorial, entitled A Day in the Life of De La Salle. feature starts at 8am with hundreds of De La students arriving at Malvern Station from all over Melbourne. On nearby High Street the trams are crammed with hundreds more students who come from as far afield as Williamstown, Berwick, Endeavour Hills and Werribee. Every morning, Jan, the Lollipop Lady, ensures they make it safely across the busy street and into the College grounds as another De La Day starts.

The photos show how much the College has changed and how varied and fascinating a day in the life of the College is now, compared to its beginnings more than 90 years ago. Many of our readers will remember their old school with blackboards and textbooks. The textbooks are still here, but the blackboards are cer tainly long gone. Technology, media, multimedia, computer animation, photography, drama, music, outdoor education are all part of the stable of new subjects which are offered at the College, alongside the traditional subjects of English, mathematics, science, languages, sport and art.

Today’s De La Salle is fully networked and has dedicated computer suites where computers have Internet ac cess, which students use to research and share information from around the world. Whyteboards double as projection screens for data projectors to link class rooms to the World Wide Web. In Eng lish classes, teachers may use the data projectors in a lesson on Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Similarly, a history teacher can play footage of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, available through the History Channel. Technology has revolutionised the way students learn.

In Year 12 Physics, Mr Kevin Hunter uses computers to illustrate Newton’s Theory of Motion, “I use a soft ware program called Applet which allows me to model the effect of varying forces on different masses.” He also uses a sound recording software program called Sound Blaster to capture sound waves and illustrate various wave features.

In Year 7 Geography, Mr Sean Buckley teaches mapping skills directing students to simulate a scenario in which they have to rescue two crashed helicopters from a jungle. Using topographical images from the movie, Black Hawk Down, and a simple contour map of Mogadi shu, the boys interpret symbols to help save the helicopters.

Australian teenagers are among the highest users of new technology in the world. Today’s De La student comes to school with knowledge of a digital world that moves across physical boundaries. They communicate and access information in a range of ways, which were not even thought possible even ten years ago, much less 1912, when De La Salle was founded. We hope you enjoy this walk through a day in the life of De La Salle College, 2006.

in the life of

De La Salle

In the Tiverton staffroom, Ms Sandra Troise introduces the prayer as part of the daily staff briefing. The first bell sounds at De La Salle, signalling the start of another school day. On the front lawn at the Tiverton Campus, Mr Tim Ford, the Year 8 Coordinator, and Br Gerry are talking to the Year 8 level. Over in the Year 8 building, Mr Mackintosh is leading his Homeroom in the day’s prayer. Another day is under way.

9am

At 9am the smiling faces of the De La Salle front office staff meet parents and guests as they arrive at the College. At Tiverton, Pat Phelan, the happy face with the friendly voice, answers the phones and meets and greets the never end ing parade of passing students. Across the road at Kinnoull, Maria Giacomantonio’s bright smile greets the boys as they come in each morning.

exploring

While in the Cathedral Ranges it is also 9am, and a group of Year 9 boys are roped up for a day of abseiling and mountaneering, as part of their four-day Outdoor Education Camp.

In the Technology Department, Year 9 Claymation students are gearing up for a double period of filming. Sets, props and characters, developed and constructed over the past semester, are ready to be brought to life in a 30 second stop-motion animated film. The students have written a story about a boy named Bob who, after being bullied for years, stands up to his tormentor and they become friends. The animation of their plasticine characters is painstakingly slow, but the patience, teamwork and determination will be worth it in the end. Inch-by-inch, Bob springs to life and the story slowly unfolds. A whole semester’s work for just 30 seconds of film! Across the classroom, stories of brave adventure, bitter-sweet triumph and adrenaline-pumping speed, slowly come to life frame-by-frame. Watch out Oscar nominees and step aside Adam Elliot. Here come the De La Salle Year 9 Clay Animators!

The Year 7 students are finishing a puppet making session with Mr Bryan Smith, their drama teacher. They work with bits of fabric and whatever they can find from the recycle bin, to create a range of characters who come to life at the College’s Annual Drama Night.

Year 4 students (below) study flight with Mr A., the prize going to the craft which takes the longest time to come back to earth.

creating & enquiring

Playing the part of an army recon naissance operator, sent to retrieve two crashed helicopters, is part of a unit on mapping in Mr Buckley’s Year 7 Geography classes. 7 Miguel and Solomon completed a module in contour mapping using images from the movie Black Hawk Down. The boys are then given a simple contour map of Mogadishu, taken from the film and a sheet of symbols to help them save the helicopters. Technology allows the boys to establish a scenario and then provide a number of creative and rich ideas to assist their work, resulting in an engaging lesson.

Recess is over and the tennis balls have all been returned to Br Bill’s office.

VET Multimedia Certificate II students are making stop motion Lego film masterpieces. Five groups of students are making 3-minute films using Stop Motion Pro, Vegas Film Editor, and Photoshop software. Recording at 12 frames per second, they take more than 2000 individual shots of their Lego mini-figures and miniature sets. Animation develops creativity, self-motivation and industry level software skills.

imagining

In the Tiverton library, Mrs Betty Rudin, is reading with Year 8 Soloman, as part of their English Reading Program.

A group of boys are traversing a dirt path on their mountain bikes, as part of their Outdoor Education Camp....and down at Jan Juc students are taking on the waves.

designing

VCAL is a vocational hands-on pro gram which runs parrallel with VCE. The Year 11 VCAL students work on a range of projects including landscaping, building, repairs, and furniture making. The boys apply their skills to odd jobs around the College.

Language students are encouraged to use their language skills in a range of real-life settings. Here the students are on excursion to Lygon Street Carlton, visiting Il Gambero, a trattoria where they eat Italian and talk Italian.

interpreting

In one of the art rooms Year 7 students are designing and creating caricatures.

It’s the lesson before lunch, and in one of the music rooms, a string ensemble is practising with instrumental music teacher, Mr Val Railey.

inspiring

Senior Chemistry students here are measuring the amount of energy given out by a chemical reaction. The course these days is taught with an eye to finding ways to manufacture important substances with as little waste of energy as possible and with as little negative impact on the environment as can be managed. Students study the amount of energy which can efficiently be extracted from a fuel and the possible design of better battery cell reactions.

Photography students examine a 5 x 4 negative which they exposed in a traditional view camera. Mean while in the print room, students process their negatives into silver gelatin prints. (Digital time-lapse image courtesy Year 11 student Simon Pintado)

It’s Book Week, and the PAC comes to life as hundreds of enthusiastic boys don colourful head bands and stream ers in the annual literary quiz.

Ben Griffin, a Year 11 student, is shown completing his Unit 4 integrated electro/me chanical robot. Ben has drawn each part which makes up this complex model and then used the assembly tools in the CAD (computer aided design) package to visualise what his final outcome will look like before making it. ProDesktop has allowed Ben to even model the steering mechanism. This task alone would have taken Ben many hours to complete. Each part is then exported to a CAM (computer aided manufacturing) Package. The CAM software is then set up to drill holes and cut profiles and pockets. Before the machining process takes place we can visualise the 3D model being virtually machined on screen. This allows Ben to check if all regions are correctly routed.

At Kinnoull, Mr Carl Kruger conducts a VCE Physics class.

expressingIn Mr David Happ’s Art class, Year 11 students explore the medium of oil painting.

Lunch! playing

Morning classes are over and it’s lunchtime at De La Salle Malvern. Students take the time to chat and share stories or play cricket. While Rock Eisteddfod rehearsals continue in the PAC, a basketball match begins in the gym, whilst others prefer quiet time reading in the library.

Year 12 boys (below) in their new personalised final year jerseys, ready themselves for the afternoon lessons.

sharing

Outside the PAC Mrs Mary Finn choreographs a dance scene. Meanwhile skiing conditions are perfect for Environmental Studies students who are making the most of a day in the Nordic Bowl at Falls Creek.

Mr Michael Bazely gives advice to a student who is drafting the design for his technology project.

While Year 11 students take time out to reflect as part of their Religious Education retreat, elsewhere De La Boys represent their College in ACC football, ACC hockey and weightlifting. Several keen cyclists are part of the Victorian Schools Cycling Competition at Kilsyth.

The De La Salle music depart ment are in Horsham for their annual music camp. Here they play at a local primary school where they are warmly greeted by local students and the fami lies who hosted the boys during their four-day stay. The stu dents performed a number of pieces and received a tremen dous amount of energy from their audiences, especially from younger children. By the end of the concert everyone in the audience was grooving to the music – even the teachers.

Down at the Macalastair River, the Year 6 students are white-water rafting. At Tiver ton, former Old Boy and author Robert Newton has been talking to Year 7 students about his best-selling book Runner.

communicating

At Kinnoull, Year 12 Media students are busy in the editing suite finalising their Media Studies folios. At Tiverton, Year 9 Media students are producing a ‘morning radio program’ as part of their presentations. In the Visual Communication Studio a student sketches in his folio.

In the Weights Room two students are warming up for a class.

With the academic business over for another day, the ‘Lollipop Man’ ushers the last of the students across the street. Mr Troy Potter is putting the ACC hockey team through their paces in an after school training session in the ‘De La Dome’. Mr Steve Broughill is putting the rubbish bins out and the Kinnoull gates are about to close for the day. Even though the last bell for the day has gone, the De La day is far from over. As is typical of most days at De La, a variety of social and educational activities continue, sometimes until late into the evening.

School’s Out

Year 11 Theatre Studies students, under the watch ful eye of drama teacher, Mrs Marg McPhee, are rehearsing for Carlo Goldoni’s comedy,The Servant of Two Masters. This year’s senior drama production promises action, adventure, romance and dancing.

The Rock Edsteddfod piano is on the move for the last time. Parents and teachers meet in the library for Parent Teacher interviews. The Careers night is on in the gym, where Br Quentin chats with an Old Collegian. Else where at Mount Arapiles, Year 10 campers finish their meal and hook themselves into safety harnesses ready for lights out. Sleepwalking is not encouraged!

After Dark

It’s 7pm and the brass ensemble play a rendition of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nacht Musik at the Annual Music Concert.

And at 8 pm at Monash University’s Alexandra Theatre, a group of Year 10 Drama students have picked up an award for their play, Second Chance. Written by Year 10 student, Tristan Tiso (seated far right), the play traces the lives of two young inmates who, through a series of wrong choices, end up in prison. De La drama teacher Mr Bryan Smith directed the play, and also helped direct The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (below). The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe opens at St Martin’s Theatre featuring a cast of De La Salle and Sacre Coeur thespians.

performing

It’s Bollywood in the PAC as Year 12 students host a fundraiser for Coolies Week. The brainchild of Br Dennis, Coolies Week is a the De La alternative to Schoolies Week. Coolies Week has a more compassionate focus with De La students spending their holidays in India building accommodation for poor families rather than the usual end of year parties. By the end of the night, the boys had raised $17,500, enough to build 17 houses. Special guests in the PAC include Bobby Skilton, John Longmire, Terrey Daniher and Grubby from Gold 104.3.

Rhythm & Soul

Meanwhile at the Rod Laver Arena, De La Salle achieve their best-ever performance at the finals of the State Rock Eisteddfod. This year’s entry Rhythm and Soul was judged third best in the Premier Division in the State, also winning Choreography, Soundtrack, Entertainment, as well as the Maybelline Award (the spirit of Rock Eisteddfod) for the friendliest school.

The Centenary Mass

The Centenary Mass for the De La Salle Brothers was held at St Peter’s East Bentleigh in August. The procession of Brothers was a moving and appropriate beginning. Aside from Fr Michael Sierakowski, who did a wonderful job of leading the celebration, there were another 15 concelebrants, including Bishop Ron Mulkearns (DLS 1938-48), most of whom were Lasallian Old Collegians. The sight of that number of priests on the sanctuary was a powerful statement of the ministry and influence of the Brothers.

The singing and music was strong and truly uplifting — a group effort from staff and student musicians and singers from the three Colleges, co-ordinated by Mr Nicholas Cowall from St Bede’s. The music made one staff member comment that they “felt as though they were in a cathedral in Rome”. Br Ambrose’s homily was just right, typically. There was an excellent attendance and the Mass was also marked by the distribution of awards to Brothers and lay staff that had made significant contributions. The tireless efforts of Joan Ferguson ensured that the accompanying booklet looked professional. The supper was well organised, thanks to Mr Bruce Trappett, Mrs Trish Woodman and members of the Parents Association. Many people worked hard to ensure that the night went smoothly. The bottom line is that what was done was done for love, for the Founder, for the Brothers, who are the heroes to whom Br Ambrose referred, and for the ministry to youth and the poor. All in all, it was a moving celebration of an historic moment.

Mr Patrick Jurd

Mothers and grandmothers gathered at the Caulfield Race course recently for the annual MOFS (Mothers of Former Students) dinner. The evening was full of laughter and fun as women swapped stories about their sons and grand sons. The evening started with a casual drink followed by a delicious dinner. There were stories of success, sadness, dream jobs, home renovations and life in general. Br Bill was there to document the event on camera and Br Gabriel was on hand to assist with anyone who wished to purchase College merchandise. It was a wonderful evening and we look forward to seeing all the mothers and grandmothers again next year.

Mrs Nerida Quin

Rest In Peace

John McDonald 1931 Daniel McCarthy Ley 1936 John Patrick McInerney 1937 Bartley Robert Dinsmore 1937 Frederick John Cutler 1948 Bryan Johnston 1996 Paul Brudenell 1966 Peg Newton wife of Bert Newton 1931 (dec.)

Old Collegians’ Athletics Club

Open to current and past students

Season runs November – March 2007 Sports Include: Sprinting, jumping, distance running, throwing Under 14s, 16s,18s, and Open

All welcome

Enquiries to President Jack Di Giantomasso on 9857 9354, 0438 579 345

Where Are They Now?

Joseph Chew (1997) attended Graduate School in San Diego and has recently been appointed to Microsoft in Washington as a software engineer in its anti-spam team.

Anthony Hartin (1979) who received his PhD from the University of London, has recently been appointed to Oxford University as a Research Physicist.

Michael Foulds (2001) has moved to Qatar to take up a position as Logistics Coordinator for the Asian Games.

the fitzgerald foundation more than a witness...

In 2006, Ben Fitzgerald lost his battle with brain cancer. In his honour the fitgerald foundation has been estab lished to fund research into brain cancer.

All donations can be sent by mail to: Fitgerald Foundation PO Box 1191 South Melbourne, Victoria, 3205.

Good Sports Breakfast 7am Wednesday, 11 October at De La Salle College

Featuring special guests: Tamsyn Lewis (Olympic and Comm. Games athlete) Andrew Carrazzo (Carlton player and Old Collegian) Tom Murphy (Hawthorn player and Old Collegian) Hosted by Gerard Whateley (ABC Sports reporter)

Tickets: Adult $30 & Students $20 Call Trish Woodman on 9508 2138 or email twoodman@delasalle.melb.catholic.edu.au Proudly Presented by the Parents’ Association De La Salle College

Five Year Reunion

Year 12 Revisited

The half-year reuinion came around much quicker than many anticipated. How time flies! It was good to be together again as a group to reminisce on the good times, (and pay out on those on the bottom of the footy league). It was great to catch up with our teachers and to see how they were holding up without us around the school. We look forward to doing it again in 5 years’ time.

Ben Shipperd

Vale Daniel Lagastes

This is an edited version of the Eulogy given at the funeral of Daniel Lagastes, 8 Benilde, by his long-time friend, Luke Frazetto. (8 Jerome)

I first met Daniel in prep at St Cecilia’s. He was a happy boy with a big smile who had great confidence in his abilities, yet still had the modesty to appreciate other people’s values and to make many friends.

During Prep it was common for us to play a game of ‘tiggy’. Due to Daniel’s natural running ability, he was rarely caught. The only time that he seemed to chase us was after he lost the ‘dib-dib’ at the start of the game. He was very passionate about his footy, especially his much-loved Bombers. We participated in Auskick together. Even at junior level his passion and desire to win were evident. He continued his footy career and became a devoted and valued member of the ‘Ashy Redbacks’. While most of us were all quite hesitant to dive into packs to get the ball out, Daniel wasn’t. Without thinking twice, he would go in hard for the ball, despite the opponents sometimes being twice his size. This determination to win followed through to the 2006 De La Salle Lightning Premiership.

Daniel was given the nickname ‘Pipper.’ At De La, Pipper became one of the most athletic boys in the year level, achieving multiple first-place ribbons in Athletics. He also performed superbly in short and long distance running, with aspirations to make this year’s Under 14 Cross-Country Squad.

Although he had so many other great talents and goals, Daniel always knew that it was important to do

your best at school. However, Daniel didn’t take school for granted. Each day he was determined to achieve his best.

It was at De La Salle that Daniel truly became a high achiever. Whatever the task at hand, Daniel openly embraced it and did everything in his power to achieve his best. He was proud of his many achievements, following up our congratulatory comments with the usual catchphrase “Well, what can I say?” He scored highly in tests and projects in all subjects, and received academic awards, and the admiration of his classmates. ‘Pipper’ was a brilliant all-rounder who excelled at anything he put his mind to – whether it be sport, academic tasks, or friendships. He was a true friend, always interested in our welfare, and always keen to help. He thought highly of people around him and never criticised or teased anyone. His optimism and friendly smile was always there, not just to his friends and family, but to his classmates, team mates, coaches and teachers. Daniel’s energy and enthusiasm was contagious, to everyone around him.

Daniel was an inspirational son, brother, student and, especially, a friend, who has left us all with many special, happy memories. Although his 14 years with us has not been enough, Daniel has truly enriched each and every one of us with his friendly and loving presence. We’ll all miss you Daniel.

By Luke Frazetto 8 Solomon (pictured below)

No Regrets

Some people, if they had the chance, would relive a certain part of their lives

This is a regret

Some people wished they had worked harder at school

This is a regret

Some people wished they had not committed that crime

This is a regret

Some people wished they had taken up an offer that had been too hard at the time

This is a regret

Some people wished they had chosen a different profession

This is a regret

Some people wished they hadn’t bet

This is a regret

Everyone has regrets of some sort

That is why my motto for the year is: NO REGRETS

By Daniel Lagastes July 2006