College Leaders

For all of us, there are many definitive moments about our time at school — like meeting our first Homeroom teacher and realising that he or she is more interested in us as a person, than as a student to whom curriculum must be taught. We all remember the first new mate we made and the first time we met with new friends. Since these early years, we have enjoyed classes, camps, socials, the move to Kinnoull and, more recently, the Year 12 Formal and Valedictory dinner. Through these events, our friendship groups have grown both larger and closer. These bonds are what we will cherish well into the future. For me, 2008 has been golden. Our high level of cooperation and friendliness has made De La a welcoming and fun environment. Our contributions to MAD day helped raise over 70 thousand dollars, and our Year 12 school representatives in music, drama and sport were exemplary — the skill of our footballers and basketballers led to their winning their respective ACC premierships. Hopefully our VCE results will reflect the high level of motivation and diligence of our students. Year level members have given generously of their time, as shown through their commitment in PNG, the soup kitchen, World Youth Day and the Coolies trip to India. Last week our Director of Sport, Mr Edgar said that this is a group of young men who, when asked a question, would always reply: ‘Yes’. This is what De La stands for: willingness, commitment and mateship. Now we look to the future past the big green gates of De La Salle. Some of us will go on to further education or travel, or join the workforce. For many, however, the future is an uncertain and intimidating thought. Robert Kennedy once said to a group of young students: ‘Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control. Neither fate nor nature, but the work of our own hands will determine our destiny.’ Whatever as individuals we choose to do after school, may we always remember and act upon the Lasallian foundations we have been taught.

I thank our parents for their support throughout our school years, supporting our studies, being the ‘designated driver’, or just simply putting up with the volatile mood swings of teenage boys. To the teachers, coordinators and office staff — we have relied upon you for our education and wellbeing in our time at De La Salle. The efforts of our teachers have prepared us well for the challenges of future exams, and our future lives. To the other Year Levels who will follow us I say: work together. Work together in the classroom, the various artistic stages, and on the sporting field, because De La is all about reaching our potential, together. To my boys, the class of ’08, we part to create our own futures, but may we always share the friendships that were created in our time together. It was a great honour leading a group of mates who possess such dedication and enthusiasm and have made De La such a great place to be. Ben Nethersole College Captain

College Leaders 2008

Back Row (left to right): Jack Hubbard, Gabriel Montalban, Adam Bonaddio, Xavier O’Shannessy, Mitchell Robertson Middle Row: Mr Peter Riordan, Ms Sally Buick, Julian Balthazaar, Michael Raymond, Jack Peterson, Mr Stephen Young, Br Bill Seated: Kieran Ellis, Joshua Scipione, Ben Nethersole, Mark Breda, Shane Griffin