Roll Call - May 2010

LasaLLian

Cover: St Baptist de La Salle depicted in stained glass in the Notre Dame de Liesse.

Welcome to the May issue of Roll Call . Once again, this issue celebrates the many and varied achievements of our alumni. We talk to Tim Stinear, who is part of an international team of experts advising the World Health Organisation. We spend some time with one of the College’s more colourful alumnus, Paul Stewart, and learn about his journey to the brink and back. We welcome Br Paul Rogers fsc, the College’s new Principal and pay tribute to Mr Peter Riordan, our outgoing Principal. In this issue we have an unprecedented number of entries in our Where Are They Now column, testimony to the number of our Old Collegians who are online. Keep those emails coming.

Roll Call is always looking for news of our Old Collegians. If you have a story please contact us on kmartin@delasalle.vic.edu.au

Kerry Martin

A statue of the Founder, St John Baptist de La Salle in Rouen, France. (see story page 9)

From The Principal

Dear members of the College family, Remembering the illustrious Brothers who have gone before me as Principals of De La Salle College, Malvern, I prepare myself with more than a little anxiety to take responsibility for this famous institution. I am grateful for the many people who have made my immersion into the College so pleasant. I pray that the years to come will enable us to consolidate and strengthen our educational enterprise as a place of great respect among the Catholic providers of boys schools in Melbourne.

Our Centenary of foundation will be celebrated just two years from now — 2012.

That will be a special event, because it will mark the presence of Brothers and associates on this same site for 100 years. Our first school building was at the western end of Stanhope Street from 1912. The Tower building was constructed in 1926 and has remained an integral part of the College since that year. What we are today is the fruit of much hard work by the Brothers and their associates in teaching, the Alumni, the Vincentian priests and the church of Melbourne.

Denis Loft fsc at Christmas.

Their venture is a remarkable act of self–giving to a people who have suffered the ravages of internal conflict for many years. Br Bill keeps us well informed via his daily blogs of what he is doing.

Another book is being written by the day. Thanks Peter and Stephen for making the changeover so seamless and positive — we appreciate what you have done. Going forward, the College has more challenges than just celebrating a Centenary. De La Salle must keep abreast of change and ensure that our boys always have the best provided to them that is possible at that time. Teachers at De La Salle have worked hard to bring us to where we are today. We respect that and must use that legacy to go forward in the spirit of hope and with the promise that where God is present, we are all on sure footing.

Memory is a wonderful thing. It enables us to appreciate how a society develops because schools are a reflection of the times in which they operate. There was no thought of computers in classrooms until the 21st century. We would be considered backward today if everyone did not have access to a computer. Progress always means change; and change is good, provided that it is well managed.

I wish to extend my appreciation to Mr Peter Riordan and Mr Stephen Young who have been Principal and Deputy since Br William Firman fsc left for the Sudan as a missionary in 2009. He was joined by Brother

Please remember the De La Salle community in your prayers. I look forward to meeting students, parents and alumni as the year unfolds. We need the support of the entire community to ensure that this College continues to develop and grow in the spirit of our Founder, St John Baptist de La Salle.

Deo Duce Br Paul Rogers fsc

“De La Salle must keep abreast of change and ensure that our boys always have the best provided to them that is possible at that time.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO

the class of 2009

Languages and Humanities were well represented among subject selections of De La Salle’s Top Five VCE achievers in 2009. Italian, French and Greek, as well as Politics, Legal Studies and History, were the most popular subjects, along with Maths and Sciences.

Hugh Brophy, 2009 Dux, with an ENTER of 96.7 is studying Media at RMIT University. At De La, Hugh showed an active interest in performance, especially comedy. In Year 9 he courageously performed a stand-up comedy routine in a College talent show, and from then on his reputation as a “gagster” was forged. Hugh was also a member of the ACC Table tennis team. In Year 12, Hugh’s highest mark was for Media. His other subjects were Legal Studies, Literature, Maths, and History Revolutions as well as English. Hugh hopes to pursue a career as a journalist.

Joseph Phillipos, 2009 Proxima

Assecit, with an ENTER of 96.55 is studying Science at the University of Melbourne. Joseph started at De La in Year 4 and discovered music soon after. He played cello and guitar and was a member of the College’s String Ensemble. Joseph was involved in Rock Eisteddfod from years 7–9 and still plays guitar in a band. He was also a member of the ACC swimming squad. In Year 12, Joseph studied History Revolutions, Psychology, Music Solo Performance, Biology and Maths Methods as well as English.

Jonathan Stamatelos received an ENTER of 96.4, and is studying Arts/Law at Deakin. He attended St Aloysius in Caulfield. During his time at De La, Jonathan played ACC soccer and tennis. Soccer is his preferred game, which he still plays. In Year 12, he studied Legal Studies, Politics, Renaissance History, Literature and Greek.

Jeremy Karitzis received an ENTER of 96.3 and is studying Arts/ Law at the University of Melbourne. He attended St Finbars, East Brighton and is a keen tennis player. At De La, he played ACC tennis and table tennis. In Year 11, he was part of the Italian exchange program. In Year 12, he studied Legal Studies, Politics, Greek and English.

Anthony Boghdadi received an ENTER of 96.1 and is studying Science with Honours at Monash. He attended Christ Our Holy Redeemer in Oakleigh. Anthony participated in Rock Eisteddfod from Year 8–12. He played ACC tennis and table tennis and still plays tennis for Mayfield Park. Having completed Units 3 and 4 French in Year 11, Anthony accelerated and in Year 12, completed Enhancement French at the University of Melbourne. His other subjects included Maths Methods, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English.

Congratulations to all students in the class of 2009. Of the 198 Year 12 boys who finished the year, 194 applied to VTAC for a tertiary placement.

Sixteen of our higher scoring students chose the new ‘Melbourne model’ at the University of Melbourne to begin their study. Many chose Science as a lead-in course to a medical degree and others chose Arts as a lead into Law.

Dux of 2009, Hugh Brophy, chose Media at RMIT and Proxima Jospeph Phillipos is studying Science at the University of Melbourne.

Our top Art student, Tom Parsons, chose Fine Art at Monash Universty and top Music students chose Music at Monash or Australian Catholic University.

One hundred and twenty four students were lucky enough to get their first or second preference. Monash was the most popular higher education destination, followed by Melbourne, Swinburne and Victoria University, largely reflecting the wide range of courses offered.

Most popular VET destinations were Holmesglen, RMIT and Swinburne. VCAL students also applied for VET courses and one student is doing further study in plumbing, five in building and construction, one in naturopathy and one in sports management. Others have chosen to go straight to work or travel and one has accepted an apprenticeship in engineering. All De la Salle students are placed in higher education, working, or are overseas.

Ms Carmel Smart

90+ ENTER SCORES 2009

Timothy East 90.2

Carlos Saliba 90.5

Jake Stewart 90.75 Miles Guggenheimer 90.8 Michael Sauer 90.95

Roger Madafferi 91.05

Thomas Miles 91.45 Damien Gould 91.5 Matthew Herbstreit 91.75

Sean Corcoran 92.2

Patrick Hogan 92.5

Brendan Close 92.85

Daniel Stow 93.2

Daniel East 93.3

Ryan Gallagher 93.5

Michael James 93.5 Michael Osekowski 93.5

Adrian Papamiltiades 93.5

James O’Donnell 93.75

James Chaplin 94.2

Xavier Fitzgerald 94.25

Stephen Mcconnell 94.65

Benjamin Ellul 94.75

Anthony Boghdadi 96.1 Jeremy Karitzis 96.3

Jonathan Stamatelos 96.4 Joseph Phillipos 96.55 Hugh Brophy 96.7

mission impossible

By Kerry Martin not!

When Br Denis Loft left Australia for Southern Sudan early this year, De La Salle Malvern lost one of its favourite sons. As Roll Call goes to print, Br Denis is settling into his new position alongside Br Bill Firman on a project in Malakal to establish a teachers training center, a teaching hospital and pastoral care services.

During his six-year stint at De La Salle, Br Denis initiated a variety of projects which will continue long after his departure. Of most significance is the Coolies project, which Br Denis set up in 2004. Coolies is an alternative to Schoolies Week and sends Year 12 graduates to India to work on social justice programs under the Lasallian Brothers’ umbrella. In the short time it has been running, Coolies has attracted much community interest, and each year more than a dozen boys take up the opportunity to go to India. Coolies is only one of Br Denis’ ideas that have been launched into successful projects. Br Denis Loft was baptised Terence Frank Loft. His mother was a pharmacist and his father, an engineer. His three siblings always called him Terry. He grew up in Burwood and went to school at St Michael’s, Ashburton, before starting at De La Salle in Grade 4, where he continued until

a Brother, and they agreed he could complete Years 11 and 12 at the Brothers’ Boarding School in Bowral, NSW. Once he became part of the community at Bowral, he never really left, taking his final vows when he was 28 years old.

“The community life of the Brothers appealed to me while I was at school,” he said. “In those days there was a large, young community of Brothers who were actively involved in sports after school and I knew that I wanted to be part of that community spirit.”

His sister Mary, who once attended De La when Kildara College could not offer Maths as a subject, spoke to Roll Call about growing up with Terry.

“Terry really hasn’t changed since he was a boy,” Mary said. “Early photos show his caring nature to all creatures great and small, as well as his enjoyment of life and the laughter and smiles he brings to others,” she said. “He and I have a particular bond as my other brothers tended to try and rile me (I am a redhead!) as a youngster and he was always there to smooth the waters and provide a helping hand. One of his main jobs as a youngster was to make sure I got to and from school safely. We were always a strong Catholic family, and after Terry joined the Brothers Mum went to early morning Mass every day.”

While Terry’s mother was alive she wrote him an aerogram every Sunday from the day he left home.

“I guess you could say that Terry has always been a bit of a dreamer. Mum used to say that if the toast was burning he would stand and fan the smoke away. As a child and even now he loves playing tricks on people. I remember once he took me to a staff function at De La and introduced me as the woman he used to live with before he joined the Brothers. Some people were quite shocked.”

Before Br Denis departed for Sudan in January this year, he took time out of his busy schedule for a photo shoot in the Tiverton photography studio.

Photo by Jonathan Hewett

“I was only seven when Terry went away to Bowral so I can hardly remember him as a child, but I do remember that we always had more food on our plates because Mum kept cooking the same quantities of food each night. Mum would serve gigantic meals because she couldn’t get used to the fact that there were only five for dinner and not six.”

“I also lost my dish washing partner when Terry left home, my older brothers were one team and we were the other.”

Br Denis says that his only misgiving in moving to Sudan is leaving his sister, Mary.

His kind-heartedness towards others was evident from an early age and he says he was interested in missionary work when he was very young. “When I was young I wanted to go to the Missions, I even tossed around the idea of joining the priesthood to pursue missionary work,” he said.

Naturally he was pleased to be offered a posting in New Guinea in 1979, where he stayed for 10 years. Later in 1986, he returned to New Guinea for another five years. While in New Guinea, Br Denis’ reputation as an accomplished educational leader was established. He was the Principal of Bomana High School and the Hohola Youth Development Centre, both of which thrived under his guidance.

Since returning to Melbourne in 1989, he was involved in various teaching and administrative positions. Being home in Melbourne also gave

him the opportunity to be close to Mary, who was his regular Bridge partner.

When I asked Mary about Denis leaving for Sudan her eyes filled with tears, “I was devastated when I heard he was leaving and I will really miss him,” she said.

Over the years, Br Denis’ fundraising schemes have become celebrated — he kept the staff supplied with chocolate year round, he attracted tens of thousands of dollars in donations for the Coolies Program, and his prowess at the blackjack table on Founder’s Day is legendary.

“When he was in PNG, he once bought a container load of honey that was going cheap and re-bottled it and sold it off.” He was known as the ‘Deal-and-Sell’ Brother. Mary said he has always been a schemer; “He loved the freedom of PNG in being able to initiate schemes. He gets very frustrated by red tape.”

As Roll Call goes to print, Sudan is conducting its national elections so our prayers go to Br Denis and Br Bill.

Deal or no deal, Br Denis at the gaming table, Founder’s Day 2009

Br Denis in his Maths class at Kinnoull Campus with 2009 VCE student, Dan East

THE FOUNDER’S FOOTSTEPS

Two young Lasallians have produced a documentary to help educate young men and women about the life and teachings of St John Baptist de La Salle.

Filmed at various locations in France and Italy, where the Founder grew up and eventually established the Lasallian Order, Beyond Statues and Doors was directed by Tom McIroy (2003) and David Collins.

Prior to the project, Tom and David coordinated the young Lasallian movement in Melbourne for three years, working at De La Salle, Malvern and St Bede’s, Mentone.

Tom, who is now completing a political reporting internship with the Hearst Media Group in Washington, said the film would be an invaluable resource for young Lasallians and educators.

“The aim of our project was to create a teaching resource that would be interesting and engaging, with a youthful feel,” Tom said.

“Often young people know some of the key moments in de La Salle’s life, like his giving away his inheritance in favour of a life of poverty, but they are excited to discover some of the less well-known events and characters in the story.”

Filmed on a shoe-string budget, Tom and David were fortunate to have access to the De La Salle Brothers’ historical artefacts and use of the extensive grounds of the Mother House in Rome.

The film makers also visited Parmenie, a retreat perched on top of a mountain outside Grenoble, and Reims, the birthplace of De La Salle and home of the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame and the winery where his grandparents lived. “The Founder’s image is everywhere, in stained-glass windows, statues and plaques dedicated to his memory,” Tom said. (see cover)

“On return to Australia we quickly began editing, fact checking and design work. We were assisted by a large number of friends, many Brothers and Lasallian contacts and have learnt a great deal about De La Salle and his legacy,” Tom said.

“Seeing the sites of the Founder’s life was a rare privilege for two people who had heard and spoken so much about de La Salle. Conscious that many others would not have had the experience we had, we put a lot of work into recreating it on screen.”

For more information on the documentary go to: www.beyondstatuesanddoors.com

Filming Director, Tom McIlroy, on location somewhere in France

KEEPING tropical disease IN CHECK

Tim Stinear (1985) is a senior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne and is part of a small group of researchers, clinicians and NGO representatives from around the world who advise the World Health Organisation (WHO) on a neglected tropical disease called Buruli ulcer. Tim spoke to Roll Call about his work since leaving De La Salle.

How would you sum up your school life at De La Salle?

It was a positive experience. I was an average student but I had great friends and we had a very healthy learning environment with some terrific teachers. What were your main interests at De La Salle?

I enjoyed (and still enjoy) music and sport. Where did the interest in Science come from?

I’m not sure really — my grandfather was an Antarctic explorer, but I really drifted into a Bachelor of Science at Monash University at the end of Year 12 without any clear idea of where I wanted to go. In fact, I almost failed to complete the course. Fortunately, I made it through with majors in geography and microbiology.

I think my interest in Science grew from watching my wife complete her PhD in microbiology and coming to understand the power of experimentation and the scientific method.

What is your current role at the University of Melbourne?

I’m a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Melbourne University and I lead a research team that includes research assistants, Post Docs, PhD students and honours students. I spend most of my time with research-related activities — mainly writing tasks — but I still manage to get to the bench in the lab and do some experiments. I also give lectures in microbiology and molecular biology to undergraduates.

What exactly is post-genomic mycobacterial research?

Put simply, a genome is the complete DNA sequence of an organism. Genomics is the study of genomes, and post-genomic research uses the information from complete genome sequences to help us understand aspects of an organism.

I study a group of bacteria called mycobacteria. Members of this group of bacteria cause several important human diseases including tuberculosis and leprosy. So, “post-genomic mycobacterial research” uses information from complete genome sequences of mycobacteria to understand how they cause disease in humans.

How will your research be applied in a day-to-day setting?

Some outcomes of my research have been: developing new diagnostic tests for rapid detection of diseasecausing bacteria in patients but also in the wider environment; discovering how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics so doctors can modify the way patients with particular infections are managed and antibiotics are used more effectively, and identifying novel enzymes in bacteria that can be targeted by new antibiotics.

What is your role as part of the WHO Technical Advisory Group?

This is a small group of approximately 20 scientists, clinicians and NGO representatives from around the world. We meet in Geneva once a year and advise the WHO on key issues surrounding the neglected tropical disease, Buruli ulcer. An example of a key issue would be identifying priorities for research. It was certainly a privilege to be a member of this group and I do feel an acute sense of obligation to make sure I provide useful and timely advice and that I make a positive contribution.

What are some of the “hot issues” in microbiology at the moment?

One of the biggest things in microbiology (and biology in general) is the massive technological advances that have been made in DNA sequencing in the last five years. In 1995, the first complete bacterial genome

sequence was completed and it took a team of scientists several years to complete. It is now possible for one researcher to sequence hundreds of bacterial genomes in just a few months. The impact of this advance is enormous and we are now learning so much more about how bacteria evolve and how they cause disease. We are entering another golden age of microbiology.

Where do you see your career heading in the future?

I’d like to stay in academia. Scientific research is an incredibly rewarding and privileged occupation and I plan to continue developing my research skills, as well as training other scientists, to help understand how bacteria cause disease.

For more information about Tim’s work for the WHO go to: http://www.who.int/buruli/en/

Divine INTERVENTION

By Kerry Martin

When Paul Stewart took up the trumpet in Year 4 at De La Salle, he never dreamt where it might take him. Years later, his trumpet playing landed him as the front man of the infamous Melbourne punk band the Painters and Dockers, waiting for a liver transplant and raising money for a group of nuns in East Timor. A ciruitous journey indeed.

Paul’s journey began as one of five children growing up in East St Kilda. His father went to De La Salle, so it was not surprising that Paul and his brothers came here also. His oldest brother, Greg, is a doctor and his brother Tony, as one of the “Balibo Five”, was tragically killed in East Timor when Paul was in Year 10. Last year Roll Call paid tribute to Tony Stewart on the release of the film Balibo.

Paul Stewart with Dili Allstars co-founder, Gill Santos in East Timor with the ALMA nuns.

At the time, Tony’s death had a profound impact on his little brother, Paul, who drew strength from the support of the Brothers, especially Fr Les Troy, the College Chaplain. “The Brothers were an enlightended group of people,” Paul said. “They helped me through a difficult time and taught me that I should think about someone other than just myself –— and share the love around. De La Salle is enlightened in that way.”

At De La, he was heavily into drama and starred in a play Moby Dick Rehearsed. He still stays in touch with his first drama teacher, Wilma Avery. He also loved his footy. “I was Captain of the Seconds, I was never good enough for the Firsts, and the Seconds were all rascals which was a lot more fun.”

When he finished Year 12, he was offered a job as a copy-boy at the Herald Sun, where he worked as a journalist for 30 years, mostly covering the music industry.

In 1973, he met four Melbourne boys at the Pope’s Eucharistic Congress at the MCG. These five young Melbourne Catholic boys formed a band which eventually morphed some time later into the Painters and Dockers. Divine Intervention?

In the early days, the band didn’t have a name or a permanent gig, it was just a group of guys, who loved music and getting together to have some fun.

“At one point, one of the the band had some outstanding parking fines so we organised a gig to raise the money to pay them off. The only pub that would have a bunch of unknown musicians was in Port Melbourne. The pub turned out to be the watering hole of the more colourful members of the Painters and Dockers Union,” he said. “At some point during the gig, the pub’s neighbour, annoyed by the noise, burst into the pub with an axe and broke up the mixing desk, which sparked a huge fight. Eventually someone called the police, and the Painters and Dockers was born.”

Seven albums and more than 1,000 international gigs later, the band was well and trully established as punk rock royalty. Their music is still loved by adoring fans and last year they were inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Sadly, after years of touring, the band finally folded.

“After the Painters folded I was at an East Timor rally in St Kilda Road and this East Timorese guy, Gill Santos

Paul Stewart gets up close and personal with his beloved trumpet

came up and introduced himself. He was a musician and recognised me. We got talking and ended up launching the Dili Allstars”. Since then they have released two albums and toured extensively.

“Since Tony was killed, East Timor has played a big part in my life — losing him when I was only 15 years old left some emotional scars. His death really freaked me out a bit.”

“Around the time of Tony’s death, my mum was a teacher in a Catholic school and I remember this nun came around to our house to visit. She berated me for being upset saying that Tony’s death was God’s wish. I suppose I got really angry and turned my back on any kind of religion from that time. I guess I rebelled and took it to the other extreme — sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll.

Paul admits that he experimented with drugs during his time with the band.

“Although I only ever tried intravenous drugs a couple of times, I was unlucky enough to contract Hepatitus C which damaged my liver.” After a prolonged illness he ended up in hospital on death’s bed.

“I was so sick, the priest had read me the ‘Last Rights’ and I was lying in a bed at the Austin Hospital ready to die,” he said. “I was in and out of sleep and I remember waking up and there was this little nun standing at the end of my bed. I didn’t even notice at first that she was dark skinned. I asked her where she was from and she said she was from East Timor. Of all the hospitals in all the world I thought, I couldn’t believe she had found me.”

“I explained I was with the Dili Allstars which, it turned out, had once played to raise money for her village. “When I told her I was waiting for a liver transplant she said she would get her village to pray for me.”

Amazingly, two days later the doctors told Paul that they had a liver for him. Divine intervention?

“Her order, the ALMA nuns, work with the lowest of the low, which somehow struck a chord with me. I remember a teacher once told me I ‘was the lowest of the low’ and I thought, well, these are my people, I had better go and see them.”

After his recovery, Paul visited the nuns in East Timor and his story was featured on the ABC’s Compass program last year. The nuns work mainly with disabled children and Paul discovered they didn’t have a car to transport them to school. “They would carry these kids around on their bicycles,” Paul said.

“All they wanted was a car.” Since then, Paul has raised over $80,000 for the nuns. Currently he is touring the country raising money for their work.

The Jesuit Mission P.O. Box 193 Nth Sydney 2059

Donations to ALMA Nuns, East Timor

Mission Action Day 2010

Another successful Mission Action Day was held recently, organised by the hardworking MAD Committee, led, as always, by Ian Oliver. This year’s new donation record will go towards the Brothers’ Missions in the region.

passing the candle

A TRIBUTE TO PETER RIORDAN

The 2009 Blue and shows a photo of a uncharacteristically grim-faced Peter Riordan carrying the College Candle as he left the College assembly. The photo was taken at the farewell assembly for former Principal, Br Bill Firman, who had just ceremonially passed the light of leadership to

One can but speculate that Peter’s expression at that moment reflected some apprehension at the enormity of the role he was about to assume, not just as Principal but as the first

So now, nine months or three school terms later, we reflect on Peter’s Principalship. I am sure most would readily agree that Peter’s term was marked by much more than the unique status of being the first lay Principal.

Peter often reminds students at all levels that they are “the custodians of the tremendous spirit and tradition within De La Salle College”. Peter’s leadership style has always been focused on the person and his leadership of the community has been a personal embodiment of that spirit and tradition that he has urged the students to uphold.

Finding Peter in his office became somewhat of an art form as he was constantly out with staff and students. Whether it was ensuring he was able to be at virtually every single gathering of Year levels or chatting with individual students, Peter continued to communicate the importance and uniqueness of each individual in the community. Peter could be found in the Grade 4 classroom asking boys what was the best thing about

De La, on the tram stop after school asking a Year 9 how his cricket final had gone at the weekend or in the Peppercorn Cafe congratulating a Year 12 student on a recent achievement.

Staff too experienced Peter’s cheerful and knowledgeable support in all areas of the College’s operations, whether it be academic, sporting, spiritual or cultural. A recent staff climate survey conducted by the Catholic Education Office showed an extremely high staff score for the item of Supportive Leadership. Not that Peter was restricted to just chatting to people.

administrative tasks, not least of which was working with the newly formed College Board as it brought down its first annual budget. The significant growth in enrolment applications, particularly at Years 4 and 7 was a major achievement.

A further major task of the period for Peter was the preparation of the whole community for the first External Review of the school under the School Improvement Framework. When the external reviewers arrive in May, we are convinced that they will find an excellent school that has continued to thrive and achieve excellence as well as build a vision for the future. Peter’s leadership has been one of the major keys to this.

By Steve Young

together and by association

Asking students at De La Salle what they know about the life of the Brothers can be an educational experience.

Despite their founding and stewardship of our school, students understand very little about what goes on in the Brothers’ Community.

However, one thing almost all Lasallian students know is that the Brothers live by vows which they take and renew, just as 300 years of followers of St John Baptist De La Salle have done before them.

The Brothers’ vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are similar to many other religious orders, but it is one additional vow which distinguishes their order. They promise to work together and by association to bring education and faith to the poor.

The first Brothers took this same vow as De La Salle struggled against many hardships to establish the Lasallian community.

The men who worked alongside him sometimes found it difficult to match his devotion to God. His writings and instructions were filled with rules and guidance on how to conduct their lives and on the importance of prayer and reflection.

In May 1684, like at other critical times in the development of the Institute, the Founder called the Brothers together for a retreat. The 12 men were asked to pray and reflect, in preparation for the decision to form a community and take vows together.

Their prayers led them to follow the Founder’s plan, and they gathered on Sunday May 28th to pronounce the vows of chastity and obedience for the first time.

Later that day the thirteen men became pilgrims, and walked nearly 50 kilometres through the night from Reims in the Champagne region to Liesse, home to a famous shrine to Mary. Inside the church, no doubt

and one that would influence the lives of millions for hundreds of years.

The church is now home to a side chapel dedicated to De La Salle, with a stained glass depiction of the events of 1684. The image shows De La Salle leading the cloaked men in prayer, explaining the importance of providing example to their students and living their lives in commitment to God — a task which the Brothers have continued at De La Salle Malvern since 1912. (see cover)

While De La Salle succeeded in the foundation of his community and saw the rocky years of its early life. The Brothers today have continued his work faithfully because of the vows their preselectors took at Liesse all those years ago.

The image in the window serves as an example to them, and an example to us all about the importance of our Lasallian community.

By Tom McIlroy

50+ Year Reunion

Ah…how the memories flowed. And what intriguing nuggets of information surfaced amongst memories! Take the fellow sitting next to me at the most recent De La 50+ luncheon at Kooyong. I didn’t recognise him at first, which was excusable. He is a little thinner on top and a mite stouter below than when I last broke bread with him fifty years ago. He turned out to be Bernie Slattery, Captain of the College in 1953 and in those days a formidable

Well fancy that! Bernie Slattery, a giant in my schoolboy memories and a fellow even then distinguished by his democratic inclination, too shy to talk to John Landy.

“Then did you ever run against Clarke?” I inquired. Bernie smiled, “I did. Ran against him twice in the Schoolboy Championships. Beat him both times too.” Well fancy that, again! That’s not a bad claim with which to impress

footballer and distance runner. Memories welled up and I could see again “Slats” winning the mile as the dusk closed in on the College sports at the Malvern Cricket Ground.

It was the era when Australia was a real power in middle distance running. John Landy was threatening the fourminute barrier. A Melbourne High School boy called Ron Clarke seemed to be winning everything and across in Perth a 15 year-old prodigy called Herb Elliot was clocking astonishing times for the mile.

“Did you ever run against Landy?”, I asked Slats as we tucked into a splendid roast beef lunch. “No, but I often used to watch him training at Central Park, just down the road from where I lived in Burke Road. I would loved to have talked to him … but I was too shy.”

your grandchildren. Ran against a multiple world record holder twice — and beat him both times.

And talking of formidable athletes and surprises, Fr Barry Tobin was another most welcome guest at the 50+ luncheon. As I watched him take his seat at an adjoining table, memories surfaced again. As a strongly built, auburn-haired teenager, Barry was not only a brilliant footballer but a star sprinter as well. If memory serves me well, at one point in the 1950s he held every underage sprint record in the Associated Catholic Colleges program.

But then came the surprise. Instead of winning the Stawell Gift, or going on to play in the centre for his beloved North Melbourne — which he was well capable of doing — he entered the seminary instead. He’s now a parish priest in the Hughesdale area which is, if I may

venture an opinion, a more useful way to spend your mature years than being a burnt out footballer. Surprises of the non-athletic variety? Yes, there were plenty of those at Kooyong too. Brian Bird, one of the numerous Caulfield gang from the 1950s, turned up. Brian used to ride trackwork at Caulfield during his schooldays but took up squash afterwards and is still an official of the Australian Squash Association. Michael Cogan, looking distinguished as befits a retired

diplomat, came down from Canberra for the lunch. Gerry Mercer was there, looking much the same, if not a little more silvered, as he did when he was College captain in 1955. Gerald Larratt, Kevin Davies, Michael Priddle, Bob Hamilton, Rene Gehrig, Dick Reardon were all there. And many more.

That’s what’s good and not so good about College reunions. So many familiar faces. So many stories to catch up on, so little time.

Mr Tom Duggan

10 Year Reunion

1999, the year the Euro currency was born, when $1.50 could buy you a chip roll at the tuck shop and the year when the class of ’99 completed the final stage of their secondary education. Fast forward to 2009 and what paths had our Collegians charted in the intervening ten years? The 10 year reunion revealed all, as the class of ’99 enthusiastically reunited over a few ‘bevvies’ at the Malvern Vale to relive those glorious and memorable moments shared in the schoolyard 10 years ago and to indulge in the stories of what has transpired since. Where we’ve been, what we’ve achieved and experienced. The

myriad of anecdotes revealed that plenty had changed, but also that some things remained constant and common to us all. The good hearty humour, the mateship, the strong positive aura, those intangible qualities that were born and cemented in the grounds of De La over 10 years ago. The vibe, the Lasallian spirit, the gold was still shining brightly. It was an immense pleasure for the Old Cols of 1999 to see each others’ faces and share each others’ company, with plenty of smiles, a few hugs and no shortage of laughter. It was a great evening for all who attended!

Mr Liwa Becker

Where are they now?

Gerald Murnane (1956) one of Australia’s most influential experimental fiction writers has published his latest book Barley Patch. Gerald was nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature in 2006. In 2007, he won the NSW Premiers Awards and, along with Christopher Koch, won the 2008 Writers’ Emeritus Award from the Australia Council. Another of his works, Words and Silk, won Best Documentary prizes at the San Francisco and Houston Film Festivals of 1991. Gerald won the Patrick White Award in November 1999.

John Barry (1971) is working as an accountant and director of a music import business. He lives in Malvern and has four sons.

Richard Barry (1974) is a disability support worker in Melbourne and has two children, a boy and a girl.

Matthew Barry (1975) lives in Adelaide with one son.

Peter Barry (1979) manages the Sandy Point Caravan Park and has three children, two girls and a boy.

Adrian Barry (1982) is a builder in Kyneton and has four children.

Patrick Barry (1984) is a priest working in community development in Asia. Fr Barry has previously worked in Africa, Europe and South America.

Peter Martin (1959) is retired and a keen cyclist. He belongs to Audax Australia, an endurance cycling club and has on four occasions participated in the 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race.

Greg Martin (1960) is retired and, like his older brother, is also a keen cyclist who has participated in the ParisBrest-Paris cycling race on two occasions. Greg was an Accounting/Commerce teacher and Campus Head at De La in the 1970s. He was the founding principal of McAuley Catholic College at St Arnaud. Greg’s son Luke, also taught at De La until 2005.

Gerard Martin (1967) teaches at Mary McKillop, Leongatha.

Nicholas Martin (1970) works for the Victorian Department of Transport.

Anthony Cormack (2009) is working with the “Wirrimanu” community at Balgo Hills as part of the Brothers’ Sharing the Mission program.

Paul Gelsumini (2004) has been performing in the Puccini Festival in Lucca, Tuscany. Paul graduated in Classical Music from Monash University. Since then he has appeared in numerous international productions, including Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Dr Michael Hammer (2003) is practising Chinese Medicine at the East Meets West Medical Clinic in Malvern.

Rick Shedden (1983) is undertaking a PhD at ANU in Canberra. After graduating from De La, Rick settled in Vancouver to pursue a career in music, but ended up in anthropology.

Stephen Wall (2006) graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Geophysics) and is working in the mining industry in Mackay.

Kevin Horrigan (1951) recently retired from his business Horrigan’s Auto-Repairs on Malvern Rd after fifty years.

Harrison Murray (2005) runs a film production company called Drop Bear. This year one of his films was selected for this year’s Tropfest (the world’s largest short film festival).

Sam Ayre (2009) Sam’s VCE film, Every Day I Dream About Sneakers, was selected by VCAA as one of the State’s best and is featured in this years 2010 Top Screen Season of Excellence.

James Joo (2009) James’ VCE film Broken Wishes was the “Runner Up” in the 2009 Bond University Best Film Awards.

Paul Culliver (2008) is the Host and Executive Producer of The Inquiry, a TV program which features comedic news coverage, interviews with politicians, youth leaders and media experts.

Nick Davies (2006) is studying tourism at Box Hill TAFE, and will be undertaking an internship in Event Management at The Falls Festival.

Cameron Van De Laarschot (2006) is doing an apprenticeship in carpentry in the Australian Army.

Raphael Chalvacian (1978) is working as a Trainer in the finance sector in the US. He and his wife live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Br Bill Firman (1960) is working in southern Sudan. “I look and see the sea, but am grateful for the stones. Yet the stones themselves will never satisfy me, or anyone else, except as part of the rolling glory of God’s movement in this world.”

— Br Bill

Br Denis Loft (1965) is working in southern Sudan to establish a teachers training college and teaching hospital.

Dear Roll Call,

Letter To the Editor

Andrew Carrazzo (2001) captained the Carlton football team’s victory over Richmond in the opening game of the 2010 AFL season.

Frank Duyker (1973) and his wife Linda recently welcomed their first child, a daughter Rosa lie.

Ed Duyker (1972) has been appointed Adjunct Professor at

Adjunct Professor Edward Duyker (left) and Associate Professor Tim O’Hearn (right) in Sydney recently. Tim O’Hearn taught for ten years at De La Salle, Malvern (mid-1960s to the mid-1970s). Always smiling, he was a very popular teacher. Tim recently retired as Dean of Students at the Australian Catholic University.

Herman Pipito (1964) runs Malvern Auto Repairs in Stanhope St, Malvern. His son David graduated from De La in 1997.

I am writing to tell you about an extraordinary woman who is truly a part of the De La Salle community. Her name is Domenica Demaio and she was born in Reggio, Calabria, Italy in 1909. She married in 1924 when she was just 15 years old and had six children.

As living conditions were very hard in Italy, Domenica and her husband wanted to provide a better life for their children, so in 1948 the family boarded a very rickety plane bound for Australia.

They initially worked the land for many years in Swan Hill but in 1965, they purchased a home on Wattletree Road, Malvern, which they called their “little castle”. Domenica Demaio is the matriarch of 13 descendants educated at De La Salle College, Malvern: her son, Peter (1966); grandsons: Joe (1976), Ben Lolicato (1977), Frank (1980) and Nick (1990); and great grandsons: Nino Lolicato (2000), Tony Lolicato (2005), Anthony Lolicato (2005),Gianfranco Lolicato (2009), Sebastian Lolicato (Year 12) and James Lolicato (Year 12).

In 2009, aged 100 years and one week, Domenica Demaio died peacefully.

Anyone interested in reading the story of this remarkable woman and her family called “A woman of the Land”, written by her granddaughter, Domenica Davies, should contact Roll Call.

Keep in Touch

Roll Call would like to hear news from our Old Collegians. If you have some news and photographs you would like to have included in

Where Are The Now? send to kmartin@delasalle.vic.edu.au

Catherine Loft Glen Iris

Old Cols’ footy team

De La Salle Old Collegian’s Amateur Football Club is primed to start the season after a stellar year in 2009.

Led once again by Senior Coach, Mr David Madigan, the Club has had a positive start to the year with an excellent turnout at training.

Mr Madigan said the off-season established goals for the playing group and the Club.

“If we can achieve the goals we did last year, it will be another good year for the team. We have recruited well and will be looking to the more experienced guys again to lead the club positively.”

Despite losing two influential players last year, Matthew Fieldsend and Michael Davidson, the team has a strong line-up. De La has been lucky enough to pick up prominent Port Melbourne back man, Justin Baxter from the VFL, John Nicolopoulos, a Williamstown and midfielder and Michael Stinear, former St Kilda City player and De La Salle College Captain.

Since the pre-season opened, the club has been playing practice matches in the lead-up to the first game of the season on April 10. Although not being able to field a full side, De La has been more than competitive in both games so far, winning their first match against Old Trinity and narrowly losing to fellow ‘A’ section team, University Blues. Due to players being unavailable, the chance for some of the current Under 19’s to play senior football has arisen. Players such as Jordan Pollard (’08), Xavier Murphy (’09), and Mark Collins (’08) have been playing and showing they are more than capable of holding down senior positions.

“It is fantastic to see the strength of our club, with Under 19’s, such as Jordan Pollard, being able to come up and have no trouble fitting straight into the team and contributing. Jordan was probably best on ground for us against University Blues” Mr Madigan said.

De La Salle would like to welcome Chris Matherson, who will be Director of under 19’s, and working with all the coaches to promote Under 19’s into Senior Football ranks. Another new face to the club this year will be Dimitri Damianos, who will work as a scribe in 2010. Waverley Reserve is in the final stages of its resurfacing and the ground is looking in fantastic shape, which is great news for the players and the club.

for

Mr Alex Hay

College Captains

A.

J.

B. Nethersole

M. Windley

J. Gotch

P. Davis

M. Stinear

Clancy

G. Cochrane

S. Ngu

D. Livera

J. Lathleiff

J. Masterson

McAvaney

P. Colosimo

D. Hickey

N. Dabbs

P. Mackintosh

B. Scantlebury

D. Roberts

A. MacKintosh

P. Brasher

P. Borg

C. Green

A. Klarica

G. Martin

A. O’Shea

D. Casalaz

J. O’Meara

G. Ingham

G. Mullaly

G. Connolly

G. Fletcher

W. Thomas

C. Martin

P. Barker

P. Ball

M. Shaw

B. Dunn

S. Wright

M. May

N. Blake

I. Gillespie

M. Sargeant

D. Hearney

R. Tormey

J. Will

W. Firman

A. Reed

K. Boundy

B. Best

B. Chamberlain

J. Kelly

G. Mercer

B. Teague

B. Slattery

P. Allan

J. Hawkins

M. Cash

J. Murphy

K. Green

J. Gill

J. Strickland

R. Watt

F. Russo

K. Black

J. Dalton

E. D’Arcy

J. McCarthy