Mission Action Day

De La Salle College, along with other Lasallian schools, has a long tradition of generous support of the Missions. Mission Action Day is the College’s major student fundraising project for the year and now has over a twenty-year tradition associated with it. It is one of the few times throughout the school year that the whole school community works together to achieve a common goal. This year over $60,000 was raised and, over the last five years, in excess of $260,000. Some year levels have raised in excess of $12,000 within one year, with the not-uncommon total of $2,000 being reached in some classes. The College has been able to send a significant donation to the LaSallian Foundation, the Sacred Heart Mission, as well as contributing to various Aboriginal projects and other charitable organisations. Students walk a distance of approximately 12 kilometres on the last day of the school term, or on Holy Thursday, whichever is the more appropriate day. The walk commences near Kooyong tennis courts, winds its way through to T.H.King oval in Glen Iris and returns to Kooyong. Over 50 staff are scattered along the path to greet and guide the students. Most students complete the course inside 2 hours. Over 1300 students from Years 4 to 12 (aged 8 to 18) and 140 staff are involved. The atmosphere on the day is relaxed and low-key, and the interaction between the staff and students is positive. It has been a wonderful way for everybody to complete the first term and commence their holidays. Mission Action Day gives us all the opportunity to think of the needs of others and to then, as a community, do something practical to help that situation. Mr Ian Oliver