Deputy Principal/ Tiverton Campus ’09

Deputy Principal

Taking over the Deputy Principal’s role after Brother Bill’s departure has given me further opportunities to appreciate the depth and breadth of talent and commitment in the De La Salle community. As Peter Riordan and I planned how we would operate together, it became clear that my role in the Deputy Principal position would have a particular focus on curriculum development. The Deputy Principal would also be the executive officer for the School Improvement Framework (SIF) which commenced in Term 3. The SIF is the process by which non-government schools undertake a review with the registration body (VRQA) once every four years. We are actually quite excited by the SIF, because we believe the process used will not only confirm what we are doing well, but provide the basis for improving what we can do even better. It aims to assist schools and teachers achieve improved student learning outcomes. It is focused on evidence of achievement of measurable aims and how these might be better achieved in the future. The SIF work in 2009 involved quite a lot of training for the Leadership Executive and staff of the school, as well as administering the school climate surveys to all staff, plus random samples of parents and students. We have also commenced gathering data to analyse the success of our programs and procedures. The actual review will be in terms one and two next year, during which time we will prepare our evaluations and plans to present to the externally appointed expert reviewers in May. Their report will provide the basis for the development of a four-year School Improvement Plan, as well as Annual Action Plans. One of the most rewarding parts of the Deputy role is to witness and engage with students in such a wide range of achievements. Our School and Campus Assemblies have continued to celebrate outstanding achievements across a huge range of activities including academic, cultural, sporting, and social justice achievements. One of the challenges for whole school assemblies and liturgies is not just fitting 1400 people into the gymnasium, but enabling all the audience to be engaged. An initiative to support this in 2009 was the improvement of the visual media by using camera vision onto the projection screens so all in the audience could see fine detail. My particular thanks must go to the Heads of Campus, Mr John McAlroy at Tiverton, and Mrs Sally Buick at Kinnoull, for their outstanding dedication and work for the students. Thanks also to the often unsung heroes, the various school officers working in the two campus offices and the Health Centre. They are often the first face of the school administration to students, parents and visitors. Their calmness, efficiency and friendliness is not always acknowledged although it is invariably appreciated. Mr Stephen Young Deputy Principal

Tiverton Campus ’09

One busy year draws to a close and a new year of continued challenge and opportunity beckons. Whilst it would be all too easy too focus on developing further the improvements and achievements of 2009, it is important that we stop to reflect on and celebrate the moment. The year began under the inspiring leadership of Brother Bill Firman, and ends with Mr Peter Riordan in the position of Principal. The year began with 200 Year 9 students enrolled for their final journeys at Tiverton: these same boys now find themselves preparing for the next important chapter of their formative years at Kinnoull, taking the knowledge, memories and experiences of Tiverton with them. We celebrate the senior students of our campus and wish them all the best of luck for the transition to senior school. De La Salle is all about getting involved, extending oneself in partnership with others, and having fun along the way. As you peruse this issue of Blue and Gold, it is difficult not to be impressed by the volume and variety of activity that has occurred throughout 2009. Then again, this is what one should expect from a Lasallian school. Last year the Tiverton students raised just under $40,000 for Mission Action Day — this year, in difficult times, it was just on $45,000. This is an incredible achievement, and all students and parents should be congratulated for

such a tremendous gesture of generosity. It is easy to speak of being “Lasallian” and to respect the work of the Brothers from afar, but efforts like this confirm a tangible support of their mission. With Br Bill in Sudan — and Br Denis joining him very soon — it is vital we continue to do all we can to support their endeavours. Tiverton Campus is defined by an incredible amount of enthusiasm and generosity. Whatever the cause in need of support, there are always students at hand willing to respond. This type of attitude and activity, the extreme generosity of staff members, and the support of parents, combine to develop a powerful body that can indeed make a difference to the plight of others less fortunate. What a wonderful community to be a part of! This year the “Breakfast Club” was established by Mr Rob Bonnici and the Year 9’s. Two mornings a week, Mr Bonnici and the student team sacrificed their time to be at school by 7.45am to supply a healthy breakfast for others. This gave an opportunity for all boys in all year levels to gather and meet. Acquaintances were made, and new friendships developed. Year 9 continued their commitment to Lasallian Service, wherein students are offered the opportunity to experience firsthand the hardship of others. The Sacred Heart Mission continued to be the focus of attention for the Year 8 level. They worked hard to raise awareness of, and give assistance to, the Mission, which they visited as part of their City Experience Program. This three-day program saw the boys tour many prominent precincts of Melbourne and culminated in a year level retreat. Mr Shane Mackintosh is to be congratulated for his initiative with the program, and I thank him for his wonderful efforts in overseeing the events of the three days. The tradition of welcome BBQs at Jan Juc continued for the new Year 7’s and their parents. It was heartening to see so many parents attend the concluding session of the camp and supporting their sons through the process of transition. I extend my thanks to them for their efforts; it is an important time in the life of a Year 7 boy, and to be able to share it with parents makes even more important. One needs to look no further than to the Primary students for a lesson in optimism and exuberance. A celebration of all things, large and small, characterises this section of Tiverton. The boys present each day with an abundance of enthusiasm, a love of life and a thirst to learn new things. We would all do well to remember the practice of such habits regularly as adults; they are easy ideals to forget, as we rush to comply with the demands of modern life. This atmosphere can be attributed to the wonderful efforts and work of the dedicated Primary Staff. Whilst it is easy for me to reminisce over a series of snapshots for the year, none of it would happen without the hard work of many people — the committed staff, the responsive students, and their supporting parents. It is appropriate at this point for me to conclude with sincere thanks to numerous people, especially to Br Bill Firman for his exceptional and dedicated leadership of the College over the years. I also extend thanks to Mr Peter Riordan, who has more than capably stepped into the Principal’s role. My sincerest thanks and gratitude to all of the Year Level Coordinators, Mr Rob Bonnici, Mr Shane Mackintosh, Mr Shaun Buckley and Mr Ray Leetham for their dedication and time they have given their students in their respective year levels. I also thank Ms Sandra Troise, who as the VELS Coordinator continues to raise the standards of learning at De La Salle. Many thanks and much appreciation to Ms Kathie Holmes in her role as the MMEC Coordinator, and to her dedicated staff for their commitment to enhancing the learning of their charges. To our Assistant Head of Campus, Mr Brian Long, thank you for your efforts to ensure the smooth running of Tiverton with such thorough organisation. I wish to also make mention of Mr Pascal Rohan who started at De La Salle this year in the role of Director of Counselling — his contribution this year cannot be understated. Last but certainly not least, I wish to thank the Tiverton Staff who, as Homeroom teachers and subject specialists, continue to be professional in their teaching, generous with their time, and unswerving in their commitment to the young people they teach. A staff united in endeavour has the best chance of succeeding in the all-important enterprise of effective education. It has been my privilege to lead such a staff this year, and I wish everyone a happy and holy Christmas and a safe and enjoyable vacation break.

Mr John McAlroy Head of Tiverton Campus