Religious Education De La Salle College, like all Lasallian schools, was set up for the human and Christian education of youth, especially the poor. Therefore, religious education is at the heart of the Lasallian school. Each person is made in the image and likeness of God and so we are called to reflect the life of God who, as Trinity, lives to love. We live out the fullness of our human nature when we go out to others in self-sacrificing love. These high sounding words are begun in a very real way in the relationships between students and teachers. John Baptist De La Salle wanted the Brothers to foster relationships which “are a letter which Christ dictates to you, which you write each day in their hearts, not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God”. As teachers, we have our mission — to help young people realise the goodness that is inside them and the fullness of life to which they are called. Part of that fullness of Christian life is in helping those in need — in the classroom, in the yard, by donating money or goods to Sacred Heart Mission and the like. The reason that De La Salle has such a fabulous reputation for being generous, such as on Mission Action Day, is due to the corporate effort of all staff. There were different courses offered in R.E. at Years 11 and 12 this year. Year 11 VCE students undertook Unit 1 Texts and Traditions and VCAL students undertook Unit 1 Religion and Society. Most Year 12 VCE students undertook Unit 2 Ethics and the VCAL students undertook a school-based program. I am grateful for the creativity, energy and teamwork displayed
by the staff involved. Being a religious educator has its moments of grace and challenge, not all of them being in a classroom. In a very real sense, religious education is the backdrop of the life of the College, be it in the yard, in class, in an assembly, on the sporting field or in one of our whole College liturgies. In writing this report, I acknowledge the work of the previous RE Coordinator, Mr Ian Smith, who resigned at the end of Term 2. The hours that he put into the job made it much easier for me to take up the reins. As Coordinator, I would like to thank all the R.E. staff for the way they give of themselves in caring for our young men, and the hours of hard work they put into providing creative and engaging lessons. I look forward to continuing this challenging role in 2008. Mr Patrick Jurd
World Youth Day 2008 De La Salle is preparing for World Youth Day 2008, to be held in Sydney, as well as the International Gathering of Young Lasallians, which will take place at De La Salle, Malvern in July 2008. World Youth Day promises to be a big part of 2008, with all students being invited to make the pilgrimage to Sydney for the event. The formation program for World Youth Day participants will take pilgrims on a faith journey which will prepare them for liturgy, prayer, meeting fellow young people from around the world and of course the visit of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI. The International Gathering of Young Lasallians, a five day event in Melbourne, will bring an estimated 500 participants from around the world to experience a uniquely Lasallian preparation for World Youth Day. De La Salle staff and students will be involved in the community events and liturgies. Mr Tom McIlroy
Camp La Salle 2007 was another strong year for the popular Camp La Salle program. Led by De La Salle Old Boys Craig Almeida and Mark Farrell, the Summer Camp took place at the De La Salle Youth Camp in Kincumber NSW. five days of fun and adventure was enjoyed by the participants from De La Salle, St Bede’s and St James in Melbourne, as well as members of the La Salle Queensland group. The coastal setting and warm weather provided a perfect change for fun, fresh air and a chance to make new friends. Camp La Salle offers a holiday to students who might not otherwise get a chance to go away during the school holidays. Campers participated in surfing, fishing, raft making, bush walking, mountain bike riding and many other fun events. Outside of the school setting, participants make friends with other Lasallian young people in a relaxed setting, enjoying themselves and finding positive role models in the older people they meet. Mr Tom McIlroy
