Lasallian Service

Men For Others

De La Salle College offers a highly organised social service programme designed to develop the attitude of being “men for others”. By going out into the community to assist other people as “brothers” and “sisters” our students were able to recognise the dignity of all. Social service at De La Salle means getting out of your comfort zone and working with those who would benefit from your time, and it begins within our own community, beginning at Year 9. The students in Year 9, in alternate times of the year, head away from the classroom into areas of the community who greatly appreciate our care and support. This year more than 80 venues were visited and helped by De La students who showed themselves to be “men for others” Lasallian Service is about concern for others — the poor, the underprivileged, the less empowered, the unemployed, the disabled, the elderly, the sick and the lonely.

Mr Melo Conti

“During our time we’ve learnt a lot. Classes are arranged so that each child can get the attention and help they need. We’ve been given the privilege of working and interacting with children who immediately accepted us and made us part of the group. At lunchtimes we went out and played soccer with them. Whenever we walked past a classroom someone would ask if we would play soccer with him or her at lunchtime. We tried to make a difference for them, but they have created a bigger change in us. We’ve seen how willing they are to be involved. We leave you with this quote: “Influence not yourself, but others, and they in turn, will influence you”. This was an experience that will shape our lives, one we will never forget.

Michael Zbiegien, Cailin Rolfe and Jaime Cagorski Year 9 “To sum up, Lasallian service was a great, relaxing and enjoyable experience, which taught me a lot.” Michael McMahon Year 9 “I spent time with one of the residents and talked to her about her family background, which was very interesting. She gave me a list of her family members so I could do some research for her on the Internet. Her name was Elizabeth and she was very nice. She had an incredibly interesting family history. Most of her ancestors were wool traders and were some of the first settlers.”

Hans Kie Year 9 “I found my time on Lasallian service to be very rewarding. Before going I was unsure if I was going to like it, but by the end of the week I did. While I was there I had the opportunity to interact and talk with many of the elderly residents. I met some very interesting people. By the end of the week I had gained much more than I ever thought I would.” Michael Patane Year 9 “When I was there I was fortunate to learn some very valuable life lessons, like listening and interacting with people of all ages.”

Tom Fisher Year 9 “Through my week of Lasallian service I had a lot of good experiences. It was good to see the old people look so happy when they saw me walk in. I found that the way to get the most out of my experience was to be involved and engage with the residents.” Jack Reeve Year 9 “The week opened my thinking about the elderly and disabled. I felt welcomed into the home — everywhere I walked people would say “hello” and ask me questions. It was good talking with them because, apart from my grandparents, I never get to talk with older people.”

Stephen Galgani Year 9 “During most of the activities I realized that it was hard or difficult for the residents to perform tasks that I would consider simple. It made me appreciate what I can do, and that I am very lucky to be able and independent.”

Alex Di Medio Year 9