Parents’ Network

De La Salle Parents’ Network

The Parents of De La Salle have again shown terrific spirit with their willingness to answer the call for help whenever it goes out. The year began with the usual mailouts, social get togethers such as New Parents Welcome morning tea and of course the Easter Raffle before the year felt like it had really started. A new initiative suggested by Br Bill was the new jacket. In order to keep costs down, the Parents’ Network were asked to implement the sale of the jackets. The jackets were received by the boys with much enthusiasm and the parents responded in kind. I am very grateful for those mothers who offered to help out with the distribution. Some weeks eighty jackets needed to be processed and packaged all before the Friday morning recess bell. Not a mean feat! All this was done with humour, efficiency and a great deal of generosity of time. Unsung (heroes!) workers have been those on the Friday night Basketball club committee. These people do a sterling job collecting registrations forms, organizing teams, distributing uniforms and then following up with getting the boys registered with Oakleigh Recreation Centre twice a year. Members of the committee also are a presence on Friday evenings to make sure all is in order for our boys to enjoy themselves socially whilst running around a basketball court. I would recommend any parent to encourage their son to join a team, as it has been a great way over the years to meet my sons’ friends and their parents, not to mention the fun the boys have playing with and against their mates. The De La mums have enjoyed two weekends down at Jan Juc this year. Heading to Jan Juc is great, not only for the rest and relaxation on the agenda, but a terrific way of making some ‘new best friends’. In October, some Year 12 mums who had never made it before came and thoroughly enjoyed themselves left wondering what took them so long to make it. Put next year’s dates in your calendar as soon as the school calendar arrives. The main social and fundraising event for 2009 was held in August when 340 parents and friends came together for some “silly dancing”, some amazing karaoke and a bit of Trivia. Martin O’Connor, the Quiz King, praised the school highly as he said running an event with that many people as smoothly as it was run is not easy. I can only thank and praise the efforts of the committee and those who helped beforehand, on the night or after. Many people helped the night to be both a financial and social success. Parents were generous with donations of money and time in collecting auction items, wrapping hampers, setting up the silent auction and the gym to set the scene for the fun night it was. Sadly this was also Br Bill’s last function at the school. He was farewelled in the way he wished and I am sure enjoyed the evening. He was heard to comment that he was looking at De La Salle Malvern parents in a new light after the karaoke and “ silly dancing”. During the year, the second hand book stall had 50 parents who, over a few days, processed and sold books to parents and boys. This is another valuable service which helps reduce the costs of educating our sons. Parents also helped with Kids Help-Line, the Year 12 final Breakfast and organizing the Valedictory dinner (approx 900 people), not to mention assisting with numerous reunions for past students throughout the year. I wish to thank the Parents’ Network committee particularly, as through the natural attrition of leaving the school, work or family commitments, we are losing a number of you this year. It has been wonderful working with you. I know the College and in turn our sons’ education is in a better place because of your efforts. Thank you to all parents who joined in the school’s activities this year. The Lasallian spirit is very much alive and kicking if the efforts and activities of this year are any indication.

Marita Torrisi President of the Parents Network