Roll Call - September 2011

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

In reading the latest edition of Roll Call I noticed the photograph from the archives on page 22 where I recognised a number of faces. This is the Proficiency Blue of 1962, however I was in Proficiency Green of the same year so you will not see me in the photograph. Whilst some of these students were good friends of mine, I am unable to advise where they are located now except for Chris Brickhill who I still believe resides in Canterbury. I did meet up with him at a De La reunion a few years back. Brian Fish who became a music teacher moved to Sydney in the mid 1970’s but I have lost contact with him. It was great to see the photograph, which brings back many memories. Many of the students in the photograph commenced with me in Grade 5 in 1958 at Kinnoull. I left De La in 1965 after finishing my Leaving Certificate. I have lived in Geelong for the past 34 years and have recently retired after spending 30 years working in the Commonwealth Government and more recently working in Ballarat for a not-for-profit community services organisation. Congratulations on the high quality magazine, which I look forward to receiving.

John Farrell (1965)

Rest in Peace

Welcome to the second in our Centenary Countdown issues of Roll Call. In this issue there is news of the opening by Senator Jacinta Collins of the newly refurbished Tiverton Library as well as news of recent events at the College. Also in this issue, the last for our 99th year, we feature more fascinating tales from our Old Collegians, including an interview with Andrew McKenna who was recently appointed to the Victorian Magistrate’s Court. Thank you to everyone who responded to our From the Archives photo in the last issue, the response was overwhelming. I can confidently report the photo was of Proficiency Blue 1962. Thanks especially to John Farrell, Ian Gillespie and Stefan Mystkowski, who supplied all but one of the names of the class of 1962. (Ian and Stefan were both in the photo). An annotated version of the photo is printed right. We feature another archival photograph on page 23. This one will be even more of a challenge I am sure. Make sure you save the Centenary Celebration Events Calendar in your 2012 diary (centre pages). 2012 is shaping up to be a very memorable year.

Dear Editor,

Regarding the photo printed in the May issue of the Roll Call. I studied with those pupils until 1961 and I think the photo was taken of one of the Proficiency classes of 1962. Proficiency would be the equivalent of today’s Year 10, if I am correct.

Fr Egregyi (1965)

Proficiency Blue 1962 Teacher: Br Anthony

Left Row: Back to Front, Ian Gillespie, L. Cohen, Robert Baldwin, Peter Heggie, M Dalton, Michael Radich, Paul Davis, Chris Brickhill, Trevor Andrews, Peter Moore, David Garrett, Steve Maccora, Stefan Mystkowski.

Middle Row: Back to front: Dominic Tesoriero, Denis Loft, Kevin Quigley, M. Smee, (unknown), Paul Moloney, K. Delaney, J. Brennan, John Ellis.

Far Row (window side) Back to front, Brian Fish, James Spithill, B. Rosewarne, Roger Wilson, Peter Ward, Michael Cunningham, Michael Cooney, Brendan Cleary.

The Vincentian Connection

The 5th February 2012 marks exactly 100 years from the date of the first classes in De La Salle College. Much of our early history is now forgotten. As we approach our College Centenary, it is good to recall what is significant in that history, without which we would not be where we are. One significant relationship has been the De La Salle Brothers and the Vincentian Priests. It is those priests who helped shape the early De La Salle College and brought us to where we are 100 years on. Let us take a look.

Relationships between the Vincentians and the De La Salle Brothers date back more than 300 years. The founders of both Congregations were French saints of the 17th century. Vincent de Paul died just a few years before John Baptist de La Salle was born. Both shared a concern for the poor, that was a feature of French saints of that century; both supported efforts for the reform of the French church in accord with the decrees of the Council of Trent. Vincent addressed the immediate needs of the poor for food, shelter and clothing whilst De La Salle’s efforts enabled the poor boys in his schools to break the terrible cycle of poverty in a rigid classridden society. Both kinds of assistance are needed in every age. De La Salle certainly knew of Vincent’s efforts and admired him. When, in 1702, John Baptist de La Salle sent Brother Gabriel Drolin to Rome, it was a Vincentian priest who found him lodgings with a French trader, and a livelihood teaching the merchant’s children.

In mid-1911, the parish priest, Fr Simon Hegarty CM, visited the Brothers at their new school in Surrey Hills, Sydney. He then wrote to the Provincial of the Irish Province requesting a community of Brothers for his boys’ school. His negotiations resulted in the arrival of Brothers Dunstan Drumm, Leopold Loughran and Jerome Foley on the German ship Frederick der Grosse on 4th February, 1912. They started classes the next day with a school population of 54 students. It had grown to 147 students by mid July, 1913.

Among them were the four Morgan brothers, one of whose great grandsons is currently a student in De La Salle in 2011.

Sometime the previous year, Fr Hegarty CM had started construction of what was to become the first De La Salle College. At the west end of Stanhope Street the parish purchased both land and a residence, “Coldblo”, at one time the home of Peter Lalor of Eureka Stockade fame, and who was later to earn a distinguished place in the history of the Australian Commonwealth. His descendants attended De La Salle College, and in the 1970’s a grandson, who carried his name. The College was not complete when the school year started so, until Easter, classes were held in the parish hall, divided by hessian curtains into three teaching spaces. After Easter the College moved to the new building, which was described at the time in The Age: “The total cost including the furnishings etc is estimated at 2,500 pounds”. At the opening ceremony 800 pounds was received in donations.

From the beginning, the parish priest was keen on establishing a secondary level at the school and paid the expenses of one of the Brothers to attend the University to secure the necessary qualifications. The secondary level started in 1918 when Brother Patrick Cawley became the Director, and was an immediate success. By this time, accommodation at the College had become inadequate to meet the growing needs of the parish, and two new classrooms were added to the building as well as a club room for the use of the Old Boys.

The original residence of the Brothers, “Coldblo” was deteriorating rapidly, so the parish purchased “Tiverton”, a property on the corner of Stanhope and Irving Streets; the Brothers transferred there in 1926. It was becoming apparent that the original school was also inadequate for the growing number of students wishing to attend. The parish priest, Fr Meenagh CM, solved the problem by selling the existing school to the Tramways Board for 7,000 pounds. They bought “Manresa”, a property on the corner of Stanhope and Dalny Street for 4,500 pounds and in 1929 built what is now known as the Tower Block for 10,000 pounds.

The strong association with the Vincentian Fathers continued until September 1940, when the Brothers purchased the school builings and residence from the Vincentian Fathers for 8,000 pounds. From that day De La Salle College was owned and operated by the De La Salle Brothers.

The Vincentian connection did not finish there. Fr Les Troy CM, an Old Collegian of De La Salle College, who was formerly a Chaplain at Ashfield (Sydney), was appointed to the Malvern parish in 1969 with a part-time responsibility to De La Salle College as Chaplain. (See Obituary page 21)

In 1972 he was appointed full time Chaplain and remained at the College until he retired from priestly duties in 1996. He remained in the Malvern parish until his death in April, 2011.

The College records its appreciation to the Vincentian congregation, and the parish of Malvern, who gave us so much in our early years and assisted De La Salle to establish itself as a signature Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Brother Paul fsc Principal

Many thanks to Br Julian Watson fsc, who taught at De La Salle in the 1940s, and to Hilary Hayes (1941) for the well researched script of the early history of De La Salle.

New beginnings for Tiverton Library

Recently De La Salle College’s newly refurbished Br Jerome Foley Library was officially opened by Senator The Honourable Jacinta Collins before an audience including the College Board, government and Catholic Education Office representatives, the community, parents and students

Senator Collins, who is the Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, congratulated De La Salle for its achievements.

“De La Salle is achieving great outcomes and these new facilities will further enhance those outcomes.”

The Senator said the new library facility at De La Salle was part of the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution which had significantly increased funding to all schools.

“The Federal Government has almost doubled funding to schools in the last four years.”

“The Catholic education system in particular has done enormously well in attracting new resources into the sector.”

It was the Senator’s first visit to the College since her brother Michael was at the College in the 1970s.

The Principal of De La Salle, Br Paul Rogers welcomed the Senator and distinguished guests including Mr John Conlon, Senior Advisor to Senator Collins and the father of

three Old Collegians, Kieran (2007), Rohan (2005), Darra (2002), The Hon Michael O’Brien, Member for Malvern, members of the College Board, Br Chris Gorringe (Chair), Mr Damien Nolan and Mr Sean Curtin. Other invited guests included Mrs Virginia Fairchild, President of the Parents’ Network, Mr Nick Marino and Ms Georgina Hoade (+Architecture), Mr Craig Bergin and representatives of the CEO, Ms Megan Ioannou and Mr Matt Pirrie.

Br Paul said the $1 million grant had allowed the College to develop the library into a thoroughly up-to-date facility.

The refurbishment, funded by the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution, will provide students with

state of the art facilities including online learning pods, new computers, and an increased capacity for 15,000 books. A feature of the new library will be a purpose-built reading area designed to engage younger students.

Br Paul said the new library facility would further enhance the educational opportunities for the College’s next generation of students.

“The opening of the new library will complement the College’s new online teaching and learning program, introduced this year to deliver curriculum materials to students online via Netbook computers,” Br Paul said.

“The new library includes learning materials in a range of mediums including digital television and online resources, as well as conventional library resources such as newspapers, books and journals.”

The refurbishment also includes a new multi-purpose room which will be used for drama lessons, public speaking, debating and small group work.

“At De La Salle College we educate young men for the real world and that means providing them with the latest developments in teaching and learning.”

“The library project has been completed with as little interruption to College life as possible, taking only one term to complete.”

Facing page: (bottom left) the blessing of the new Tiverton library. (top right) Br Chris Goringe, Senator Collins, Br Paul Rogers and Mr Michael O’Brien. This page: (bottom left and top right) students at the learning pods. (middle) Senator Collins is interviewed by Year 11 Media students. (below) Senator Collins reads a story to Primary students.

Freedom at last

Old Collegian and former De La Salle College Principal, Br Bill Firman, is currently based in Southern Sudan, which following the recent elections is now a new independent country. He filed this report for Roll Call.

The newest country on earth, South Sudan, is now formally in existence. The celebrations in July were joyful but orderly and took place in every major South Sudan city. Naturally, the focus was on the capital, Juba, where many foreign dignataries flew in for South Sudan Independence Day. It is hard to capture the spirit and excitement of such an occasion. Perhaps one banner carried in Juba, ‘Free at Last’, sums up what independence means to the South Sudanese people. Ninety-nine percent voted for independence from the Arab-controlled, Muslim-dominated north and that has now been delivered.

There is optimism that the years of war are finally behind South Sudan and the people feel liberated, free at last to be able to create their own Christian, African nation. There are many challenges ahead as this newest, but potentially resource-rich, country endeavours to establish independent infrastructures for service delivery with the top priorites being better educational opportunity and improved health care. There are now shortages of goods and price hikes; but all here would say the short term problems are worth it for the long term gain of self-determination. I know I never thought much about Sudan until I was invited to come here. Nor did Brother Denis. But here we are in South Sudan and it is a good place for us to be, not always a comfortable place but one where our efforts are making a tangible difference. Just over 1,100 people have participated so far in our in-service teacher training programmes and we are soon to begin pre-service training in our recently completed facilities in Yambio and Malakal. We have received generous support from De La Salle. Thank you. You are helping the people of this new nation find new dignity and hope.

Br Bill Firman (1961)

A Social

Andrew McKenna graduated from De la Salle in 1971 and was recently appointed to the Victorian Magistrates Court following a distinguished career as a criminal lawyer. He spoke to Roll Call about his memories of College life.

Can you recall some of your memories of your school days at De la Salle?

I remember going to Cadet Camps at Trentham and Puckapunyal; they were scary, and challenging but ultimately rewarding. Brother Damian Harvey was a great leader, motivator and educator and along with several of my teachers including Brian Donovan, Ray Hamilton and Brian Flynn, really made an impression on me. I also recall with great pride our absolute dominance in ACC athletics and football.

What were your interests at the College?

I was determined to study as hard as I could, recognizing the advantages good marks could provide for tertiary entry and later in life. I worked hard and made the most of all the College had to offer. I was active in golf and debating, but generally concentrated most on academic studies.

What was your career path after leaving De La Salle? After leaving De La I started studying architecture at the University of Melbourne in 1972 but quickly realized I was not suited to it. I worked with an insurance company for a short time and in 1973 began studying law at Monash. I completed my law degrees in 1978. Immediately prior to being appointed a state magistrate in May 2011, I was appearing as a criminal barrister, usually for the defence, very often for police officers alleged to have committed criminal offences. The most widely reported of these cases involved the police officer Paul Dale who was charged with the murder of a police informer, Terrence Hodson. This case was dropped by the prosecution in April 2010 but is still being investigated. I expect to preside as a magistrate until compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

Justice

Who inspires you?

My greatest inspiration is Nelson Mandela — a man of great understanding, compassion and forgiveness; John Paul II for the same reasons; and last but certainly not least, Collingwood Ruck Rover, Dane Swan.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about Justice and fairness and giving young people the opportunity to realize their full potential; and last but not least the Collingwood football team.

If you could change three things in the world what would they be? That the first world countries truly commit to improving the lives of people in third world countries; that all people be treated as equal and have equal opportunity, and that real democracy and freedom would prevail everywhere.

(above) Mr Andrew McKenna in his chambers (below right) with his sons Tim, left, and David, right.

(below left) Mr Andrew McKenna is sworn into the Victorian Magistrates’ Court by Marilyn Warren, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

ACC Debating Award

Tiverton

were the overall winners in the recent annual ACC Public Speaking/Debating Competition and Drama Workshops at Parade College. Mrs Carmel Dwyer, congratulated the students. “All the boys displayed good manners, good sportsmenship and skill representing the College over the day’s competition.” Each speaker had to perform two speeches of four minutes in length. “Our students showed excellent preparation in the structure of their material and in their engaging delivery,” Mrs Dwyer said. The team included Christian Di Denato, Alec Young, Marcus Cozzi and Dimetri Coustos, all showing great skill in their presentations.

Clockwise this page from top: Science students at work in the Science Lab. Year 7 Camp at Jan Juc. Victorian Police band on song. ACC Chess Championship Year 9 Camp Bishop Elliott presides over Confirmation

Opposite Page: Founders Day Mass and activities at Kinnoull

Kinnoull

Awards

Founders Day

Daniel King (Year 11) has won the 2011 National Geographic Channel Geography Competition as the top student in Geography for his year level.

Liam Sharp (Year 12) received a special commendation in the Australian Catholic Young Journalists’ Award.

Phillip Stevens (Year 12) was awarded the 2011 Defence Technical Scholarship worth $ 3,000.

New start for an Old Boy

After 18 years in senior management, twelve as the Managing Director for Tobin Brothers, Martin Tobin (1983) has decided to go it alone and set up his own private consulting firm.

Starting his professional life as a solicitor after graduating from Monash University, Martin spent four and a half years in a Melbourne law firm before joining the family business, established more than 70 years ago by his grandfather.

OutLore Consulting is Martin’s first time in his own business and he admits the change is challenging.

“Going from 190 employees to a sole trader is daunting but I see my new role as something of a rebirth.”

Based in Malvern, OutLore Consulting will provide professional services and advice for small to medium-sized businesses, and Martin’s resume confirms he is well placed for the role. Under his time as managing Director of Tobin Brothers, the company increased its market share from 17 per cent to 24 per cent, doubling its annual profitability.

Martin’s philosophy is simple, “The key to success is deciding what you want to be famous for.” “If you keep doing the same sorts of things you will get the same results.”

“I love my new career as it enables me to draw on my experience of running a successful business, to help others maximise the performance of theirs.”

Martin commenced his life at De La Salle in Year 4 and fondly remembers the colour and excitement of ACC swimming carnivals at the old Olympic Pool.

“I loved the rousing versions of the famous De La war cry when we would win.”

“I remember the passion and wisdom of legendary educators like Barry Dyball, Br Mark and Br Paschal.” “At De La Salle I forged lifelong friendships with a great bunch of blokes.”

Martin is inspired by people who bounce back after experiencing adversity. “I have led a very blessed life so far, and really admire people who achieve great things after major setbacks.....people like Stevie Wonder, Nelson Mandela and Kurt Furnley (disabled athlete).”

His new business is keeping him busy, as Martin doesn’t like being idle. “Being busy and active and getting involved in sport and social activities is very important in life...I hate sitting around for too long.”

“Great things happen when you get out there, meet people and live.”

99 not out De La Salle making easy runs

Liam Sharp (Year 12H) recently received a Special Commendation for his entry into The Australian Catholics Young Journalist Award.

You don’t have to be a cricket fan to know that achieving a century is a feat worth celebrating. In less than six months, De La Salle College Malvern will raise the bat for its 100th year of educating boys in Melbourne, and it will indeed be a year worth celebrating.

In what began in 1912 when three Irish brothers started primary classes in an old house in Malvern, the spirit of the College, and the community it has developed since those first years, appears to have been the glue holding the De La Salle innings together.

The current Principal Br Paul Rogers said that De La is much bigger than De La Malvern. “The spirit is beyond the walls.”

“De La is all the students who have passed through its gates over the years. De La is all about these young men whose own children, grand children and now great-grand children are part of the College.”

Since it opened, De La Salle has graduated more than 14,000 students and these days the College comprises some 1200 students and 150 staff spread across the Tiverton and Kinnoull Campuses.

And in what has become a De La Salle tradition over the last 100 years, a number of former students find themselves involved with the College after graduating. Whether it be former students enrolling their sons, or past students becoming teachers at the College; Br Paul himself is a former De La Salle teacher, along with previous Principals Br Bill Firman and Br Damien Morgan. Br Damien was a student at the College in 1912.

De La Salle Malvern also has a close relationship with St John’s, Dandenong, St Bede’s Mentone and St James in East Bentliegh, and many staff move between the schools. Deputy Principal Peter Riordan, who in many ways embodies the Lasallian spirit, was educated at St Bede’s. He said it is a privilege to teach at a school such as De La Salle.

Mr Riordan said the College has come a long way since its humble beginnings. “Nobody would have thought the school

would expand the way it has and developed the stellar reputation that it’s had in those hundred years.”

“It’s a school with a wonderful tradition and one which will serve it well into the future,” Mr Riordan said.

The De La Salle spirit extends beyond the College grounds, with strong support for the De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club each weekend, not to mention the regular Old Collegian Reunions which attract hundreds of Old Collegians every year.

Some of the Brothers who were students or teachers are still in Melbourne. Br Julian Watson, who will be turning 90 in 2012 is almost as old as the College itself. He will also be present for the Centenary next year, and has experienced the De La spirit since his first involvement with the College early in 1940. “There is a distinct spirit in De La.” he said. “There is always a spirit that doesn’t change.”

Even though the College’s physical amenities have changed significantly over the years to keep up with the advances in education and enrolments, many of the original features remain. The old Tower Building, which opened on Tiverton in 1929, is still being used today, adding to the history of the environment.

As De La prepares to raise its bat to the pavilion next year, all associated with the College will think back on the spirit of the last 100 years and look forward to the next century of educating boys in the same Lasallian spirit with high hopes and expectations.

By Liam Sharp

De La Salle Sport

Term 2 proved to be a rather successful period for De La in the ACC Competition. We “came out swinging” early in the term with our second consecutive victory in the Open Golf Championships at Northern Golf Club. With the title up for grabs right up until the final hole, we managed to record a thrilling two stroke victory over St Bernard’s. Congratulations to the members of the Premiership Team and the very proud and passionate coach, Mr Norm Stewart. The Primaries were victorious in taking out the trophy in the football finals. We then moved on to a great season from our Year 10 ACC soccer team. Despite losing our earlier match to CBC St Kilda, we got the opportunity for revenge in the final match of the season to decide the ACC Premier. After trailing 2–nil early in the match, De La clawed their way back into the contest and leveled the scores at 2–all with ten minutes remaining. With just two minutes left on the referee’s watch, Anthony Ianchello found the back of the net to record a memorable 3–2 victory and the ACC flag. Congratulations to all 22 players who represented the College in Year 10 ACC soccer throughout the season and to the co-coaches, Mr Paul Harrup and Mr Peter Larsen. Our final Term 2 success came in the last week of term with our history-making Year 7 ACC Football Team. Despite

losing one match throughout the season, the team finished on top of the ladder and hosted Whitefriars in the Grand Final at DW Lucas Reserve. With a superb five goal opening quarter, the De La boys were never really challenged for the remainder of the match and recorded an emphatic 40 point win. The Year 7 2011 Team have now etched their names in the De La Archives forever as our first ever Year 7 ACC Football Premiership Team. Congratulations to all players who represented De La in Year 7 Football throughout the season and to the co-coaches, Mr Russell Bryant and Mr Shaun Buckley.

Mr Peter Harte Director of Sport

De La Salle Music

Thank you to those students who put themselves on the stage, putting it all on the line, taking the wonderful risk in music performance. It takes a brave soul to perform and our music students are ‘nailing it’.

Cindy Frost Director of Music

Performing can be a daunting activity for any musician. Students invest hours in learning their instrument, practising repertoire and refining their stagecraft. In an ideal world, all that preparation comes together and every performance is perfect. Any musician regardless of age or experience can tell you a list of what can go wrong in performance. It is this list that can become a psychological barrier to successful performance.

So how do we manage this? We perform as often as possible in the hope that we reign it in and master our nerves. During this year students have participated in a range of performances including ACC Music workshops, large scale concerts, small intimate studio concerts, Primary Showcase, Year 7 Band Night, Masses, Founders Day, VCE recitals and our flagship event the Music Tour.

This year we travelled to the Grampians, performing for eight schools over four days. This performance experience is outstanding. Each musician plays a role in the logistics including the set up and pack up of equipment, bringing a wider understanding of what it is to be a musician. With each show our ensembles grew in confidence. Touring is a true bonding experience for any band and our trip to the Grampians this year was no exception.

the Blue and Gold Ball

20+ REUNION

As De La Salle counts down to its centenary celebrations next year, the focus of the College’s ongoing reunions has been on the College’s 99 year-old legacy. Recently 130 Old Collegians who graduated between 1972 to 1991 attended the De La Salle College 99th year dinner in the Melbourne Racing Club Committee Room.

College Principal Br Paul Rogers spoke about the changes that have occurred since he first commenced teaching at De La in the 1970’s, and those since coming back as Principal in 2010. One pertinent change he said has been in the number of classes. “When I first started there were four classes in Year 7 and three classes in Year 12. Now there are eight classes in Years 7 and 12. His address was a chance for all of us to sit back and reflect upon not just those changes, but also what we enjoyed about De La as a school and as a community. I was able to look around the room and see people reflecting on the good times and the friendships they made and then have maintained across the years.

Br Paul said that there are those things that just don’t change.

“You can take the boy out of De La, but in many ways you cannot take De La out of the boy.” Never a truer word was spoken. The night was punctuated with numerous stories and introductions heard across the night with “remember when...,” or “I remember when…” or “how about when...” and then there were either wry grins, shared laughter and a sense of belonging between men who will always be De La boys with that unique De La spirit. There was John Mitchell and Bernie Flynn from 1972, Steve McCarthy from 1977, Michael Mitzie, Brendan Byrne and Simon Compton from 1980, John O’Callaghan from 1986, Scott Tucker and Glenn Curran from 1987 and Michael Bolt, John Montgomerie, Andre Catrice, Michael Hegan and Marty Hirons from 1981, along with many others in a room filled with laughter and shared camaraderie.

It was also fantastic to be able to catch up ever so briefly with Br Pat McCarthy who was Principal of De La in the 1980’s and whose brother Brian was part of my year. I was amazed to see him looking remarkably like he did 30 years ago. He immediately recognised us and said hello, even though we had left the College so many years ago.

The night allowed us Old Collegians an awareness of what we had achieved since we had graduated and left the College. In an eclectic group there were doctors, accountants, marketers, financiers, small business owners, partners in large multi-national corporations and tradespeople; but we all had a deep and abiding respect for each other and revelled in this chance to celebrate each others’ successes.

The night’s success was due in no small part to the efforts of the Old Collegians’ Association stalwart John Bolt, who received a well-deserved round of applause along with Br Paul and Trish Woodman from the College and those willing workers from each year level who organised tables for their peers.

By the end of the evening we resolved not to miss out on the Centenary Celebrations next year. The diaries have been marked and events planned, and no doubt 2012 will be remembered as the year De La turned 100 years young!

Marty Kelliher (1981)

(left) More than 50 young men from De La Salle and their partners were presented at this year’s Blue and Gold Ball.

Year 12 Revisited REUNION

Recently, the Class of 2010 reunited almost one year on from our departure from De La. Despite feeling as though we hadn’t even finished our time as students, before we knew it we were returning through the gates of Tiverton and into the PAC as Old Collegians. Although many of us have remained close friends, it was good to be together as a group with fellow classmates and former teachers, including Mr Ford, Mr Lawler, Ms Martin, Mrs Thompson, Mr Riordan, Ms Burke and, of course, the ubiquitous Mr Hewett. We shared laughs and stories, reminiscing over what has passed us by so quickly, and looking to what the future has in store for us. It was also a relief to know that the teachers

were surviving without us. It was a great night. A big thanks to Ms Woodman, Br Paul and the team for their efforts in organising the event. No one left hungry either thanks to the pizzas prepared by Smokin’ Doughs.

No doubt the next few years will fly by as fast as has our transition from students to Old Collegians. Learning of others’ goals and plans for the next few years was exciting.

I wish everyone all the best as they embark on their journey into the ‘real world’ and look forward to meeting them once again in four years’ time.

David De Fazio (2010)

Approximately 150 past students returned to the Tiverton Campus for the Classes of ’92 to ’01 School Reunion. The night provided a great opportunity to catch up with former class mates and reminisce on times spent at the College. Following a welcome by Mr Peter Riordan, Br Paul provided a brief overview of the celebrations planned for next year as De La Salle commemorates its centenary. The boys then spent the next couple of hours discussing current pursuits and reliving days of the old school yard. It was extremely interesting to hear what everyone had been up to since graduating including past and upcoming weddings,

the arrival of children, travel adventures, career paths and various business ventures. Amongst us were engineers, police officers, mining experts, project managers, teachers and lawyers. We had all come a long way since our high school days. Those in attendance appreciated the large cohort of past and present teachers who made the effort to attend, particularly Br Gerry and Br Tim who travelled down from Sydney. A special thanks to those involved in organising the night. It was a great success.

Chris Mitchell (2001)

Finals calling for the Old Coll’s Footy Club

As Roll Call goes to print the business end of the footy season is fast approaching. It looks as if the Old Collegians will be represented by four of our six teams in finals action, a terrific outcome given the extended injury list that the club has endured in season 2011. This season the senior team has used 47 players, whereas in season 2009 we used 33 and last year 32. When you consider that teams in the AFL average 33 players used in premiership winning seasons, it is a case of ‘what if’ for our footballers and their coaches and support staff. However, every cloud has a silver lining and at the time of writing the reserves and 3rds are well entrenched in the top 4 and will again play finals.

The Under 19’s, the reigning premiers, are on top and on course for more September glory, and the Club XVIII team has made the finals for the first time in three years. It’s a great outcome for the players and coaches after all the hard work they put in.

Highlights in season 2011 have included Old Collegians Mark Collins, Jacob Gotch and Sam Williams listing in the Victorian Under 23’s, and Tom Humphrey, Mark Todd and Brendan Close in the Under 19’s. Mark Collins was selected in the All-Australian team and was part of the senior VAFA team which defeated the combined Victorian Country Football League, the first time in 10 years.

The seniors under Greg McLoughlin have secured a place in Premier grade next year and will play a major part in shaping finals and relegation for other clubs, but all associated with the club are no doubt hoping for a better year injury-wise. That said Greg’s positive attitude has been a key in keeping the club knocking on the door of finals, despite the horrendous injury list.

The reserves under Dom McInerney are pushing to reverse the outcome of last year’s 1 point Grand final loss and with so many of his players having played seniors, it helps give their finals campaign momentum.

The thirds under the leadership of Old Collegian Liam O’Donnell have also battled with injuries. However, Liam found players to help cover injuries and his positive nature and coaching skills secured a finals berth again. The Club XVIII under Tom Kovarik will play finals and he, like Liam, has battled numbers and it is a terrific outcome for his work to be there battling away to bring back the first Clubbies flag since ’91.

The Under 19’s under Michael Brown have been able to provide some ready made replacements for the seniors, but also have kept their proud record as the benchmark of Under 19 footy. They enter September as the team to beat as they seek their third premiership in a row and the sixth in eight years.

All information about the footy club can be found on our website at www.deafootball.com.au. Our hard-working volunteers, led by Simon Humphrey, who contributes match reports and John Jennings, photography, update the site regularly.

Marty Kelliher President De La Salle OCA Football Club

Centenary Fundraisers

Next year the College will be conducting a number of fundraisers to complement the Centenary Celebrations. We are seeking support from the De La Salle Community for donation of goods and services to support our fundraising efforts.

Contact: Virginia Fairchild mob: 0408 947

email: vfairchild@iinet.net.au

Vale Father Les Troy

The following Eulogy was delivered by Br Julian at the funeral of Fr Les Troy, De La’s beloved College Chaplain. I first meet Father Les Troy in 1988 and have been privileged to enjoy his friendship ever since. Today I shall speak about him as school Chaplain at De La Salle College, a ministry he started about 1970 and exercised zealously for more than quarter of a century — a big slice of anyone’s life. My hope is that it will put some flesh on the excellent description of him in the parish bulletin. “(Fr Troy) has been a faith-filled priest, our friend, our mentor, always ready with a word of encouragement and laughter”.

He came to his task at De la Salle with some experience of what makes for a successful school from his time on the staff at the Vincentian College in Bendigo, and from being school Chaplain at De la Salle, Ashfield.

By temperament he was very much a persons’ person and understood the value of personal relationships. So, the first task he set himself was to come to know the names and faces of every student in the College, no mean feat in a school of more than 1000 students! In particular, early each year, he made it his business to speak informally with every new student in Year 4 (about 30 boys) and in Year 7 (approximately 200). He sought to establish a bond before any of these students fell foul of the disciplinary system of the school.

Every school needs someone who is seen as being somehow outside that system, who is neutral and respected by both the students and the school authorities. Fr Troy was that person. Of course, this does not imply in any way that he disagreed with discipline or that he opposed authority. Far from it! His ministry also extended to the staff, both Brothers and lay teachers, all the others needed to run a college, as well as the parents and sometimes the grandparents. There in no doubt that students, staff and parents all looked on him as a friend. He was always ready to give and never sought personal gain. What was the secret of this success? I believe it was Respect. He respected each person for his human dignity and his spiritual potential. And that respect was returned by the students, staff and parents. The students felt very secure with him, realising that he was there for them, not himself. He gave not just a service but his whole being. He began with respect for himself, evident in his dress, his demeanour and the way he used language. There was nothing cheap in his expressions of friendship. Fr Troy was interested in every aspect of College life, and was present, whenever possible, at all kinds of functions.

Often classes would invite him to accompany them on their Outdoor Education Camps. He sometimes went with the Year 4’s and Year 7’s, where activities such as caving and abseiling challenged students to move outside their comfort zones.

One time the Year 4’s returned from a camp in the Wesburn area, bursting to tell their story of “How we saved Fr Troy”. It seems that the young lads told him they were fearful about entering dark, damp caves, and admitted “We’re scared”. His response was, “I’m coming with you, and I’m scared, too.” With a sigh of relief, the boys immediately changed their tune, to “We’ll look after you Fr Troy”. True to his word, he donned the overalls supplied and they all went into the cave. In trying to squeeze through a narrow opening, he became stuck. The young lads tried to assist by pushing, but to no avail. Then they grabbed him by the legs and succeeded in pulling him out. Fr Troy freely agreed that their story was true. In many ways, that summed up Fr Troy. He was always encouraging, helpful, humble and truthful.

The good he did is immeasurable. As a token of our appreciation, the Brothers conferred on him the honour of becoming an Affiliated Member of our Institute. That means that in return for what he has done for us, he shares equally with our members in the prayers and other spiritual treasures of the Brothers throughout the world, during life and after death. I can think of no one more deserving than Father Troy! I always think of Les Troy whenever I hear the hymn, “Come as you are, that’s how I want you”. I also think we might well say of him what the people of Jerusalem said of Jesus on Palm Sunday, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the

Where Are They Now?

David McKenna (2005) graduated from Law degree at Deakin in 2010.

Timothy McKenna (2005) finished a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) at RMIT and works at the National Australia Bank.

Anthony Hayes (1996) is the Customer Services Manager for Acushnet Australia.

Lucas Hall (1995) is Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Maths at St Joseph’s Primary School in Malvern.

Peter Bourke (1984) completed a Bachelor of Education at The University of Melbourne and taught Mathematics and Science. He married a Kildara girl, Michelle Gibson.

Alan Johnston (1953) is retired and is actively involved in the East Malvern RSL Club where he organizes the “Tuesday Gardening Gang”.

Michael Crosbie (2009) is training in Europe in preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Michael was recently chosen for the Australian Mountain Bike Cycling Developmental Squad. He will be based in Austria training for the World Championships in Switzerland in September.

Angelo Krizmanic (1988) is working as a corporate risk manager in China.

Lorenzo Montesini (1974) is travelling in Europe.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I’ve just received the latest issue of Roll Call and was sad to read that Br Stanislaus had passed away. He was my first Principal when I arrived at De La in 1962 and I can still recall his fine qualities. May he rest in peace.

I also have some information about the photo, which appeared in “From The Archives”. It was taken in 1962 and Br Anthony is teaching a Latin class in Form 3 Blue. Unfortunately I can’t identify any of the boys in the photo as they were several years ahead of me — I was just a very new boy in Grade 6 in 1962. I still have in my library the Blue and Gold from 1962 to 1968. I hope to attend the College’s Centenary Celebrations in 2012 as I can still recall the Jubilee Mass at St Joseph’s in May 1962 and I also have vague memories of the High Tea at Malvern Town Hall. Oh, I was in the same classes as Chris Loft, one of Br Denis Loft’s elder brothers. I think the oldest was Michael who would have been in Form 4 in 1962. My late mother and the Lofts’ mother spent many enjoyable hours together in the Mothers’ Auxiliary.

Bob Coppinger (1968) Bull Creek W.A.

Dear Editor,

The photo “From the Archives” in the May edition of Roll Call was taken in 1962 and is of Latin class in III Blue”. I recognise some faces. The boy on the far right front row is John Ellis. I was in Second Year Gold at the time.

Dear Editor

Dear Editor,

“ From The Archives” photo is Proficiency Blue – 1962. There are interesting people in this photo including Roger Wilson and Steven Prior who I see walking his dog in Ocean Grove.

Bernie Phelan Proficiency Green (1962)

John Acott (1966)

The photo in “From the Archives” in the issue of Roll Call that I received today, and enjoyed enormously, appeared in the 1962 Blue and Gold, and was captioned “Model Latin class in III Blue”. It was in a montage of photos that followed Brother Stan’s Annual Report.

David Dethridge (1962)

Dear Editor,

I believe the photo in “From the Archives” was taken in 1962 and is of the Proficiency Blue class. I have looked at my class photo for 1962 and marked up a copy of your photo to show many of the names — including mine. Interestingly, if I’m right, the photo dates from the Golden Jubilee year. Unfortunately I cannot help you with any whereabouts now. As for me I am still living at Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast. Hopefully I will get down to Melbourne for the Centenary Gala Dinner.

Ian Gillespie (1965)

Dear Editor,

Yesterday I received my copy of the May edition of the Roll Call and to my surprise found my face staring out at me in the “From the Archives” photo on page 22. The photo originally appeared in the 1962 Golden Jubilee edition of the Blue and Gold annual magazine as part of a composite page of school life photographs. The caption reads: “Model Latin class in III Blue”. I’m not in contact with any of my classmates in the photo, but can help with the names, some from memory, others from the class picture.

Stefan Mystkowski (1965)

Dear Editor,

Thanks for my May Roll Call. As always it makes interesting reading about current and past times at De La. The photograph featured in the “From the Archives” article was taken in 1962 and was Brother Anthony’s Form III Blue Latin Class! Keep up the good work.

Paul Parer (1966)

Rest in Peace

for their wonderful support towards

and their

who live in some of the poorest communities in the world. You have helped us to continue

such as teaching skills, education, providing homes for orphaned children, clean

and much more. www.lasallianfoundation.org.

YEARS OF LASALLIAN EDUCATION