College Principal’s Investiture

The Parent Network has thrived this year under the new Co-Presidency of Cate Robertson and Louisa Salmon with their dedicated and enthusiastic committee. Social evenings for parents, a Gala day at Caulfield Racecourse and running the very successful Mother’s, Father’s and Year 12 Breakfasts have been typical of a range of terrific events for the College community. While schools can be traditional environments, I have been very pleased with the community’s willingness to contribute to, make recommendations for, and then embrace a range of innovations this year. It is important to acknowledge that 2014 has in fact seen a good deal of positive change at our College. In interviewing almost every staff member in Semester 1 common themes emerged in relation to what we should strive to improve. A more robust and contemporary ICT infrastructure and system to support learning (supported by the implementation of a comprehensive ICT Strategic Plan), improved curriculum design at Years 4–10, increased academic rigour, and more contemporary pedagogical approaches to build students’ skills and accountability are all critical aspects we are working on for 2015 and beyond. There exists a tremendous climate of collegiality and optimism around the College’s future growth, which is very promising. Among the most significant achievements and innovations for 2014 in relation to learning and teaching are a new curriculum leadership structure, introduction of a creative and contemporary Year 10 curriculum, a Year 9 Curriculum Review, the Assessment and Reporting Committee changing policy and practice in this critical area, literacy, numeracy and languages working in conjunction with various external bodies on exciting initiatives, and a formal arrangement with the University of Melbourne around improving learning outcomes. We have also entered into a partnership with Our Lady of Sacred Heart in Bentleigh to increase opportunities in the Performing Arts. To support student wellbeing and community involvement the introduction of the Year 7 and 8 Time and Space Program for parents and sons, a formal review of the pastoral system, the introduction and outstanding support of the Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts and our inaugural community Mass at St Michael’s have all been beneficial additions to the College this year. The direction of De La Salle College for 2015–18 is being formalised in a Strategic Plan, being drafted as I write. Building on our 2014 formal school review and recommendations from the School Improvement Framework, the Strategic Plan will establish key priorities. This will inform a range of growth areas in the College, with particular reference to faith, learning, wellbeing, community and leadership, in turn feeding into a Master Plan to prioritise building and renovation works at Tiverton. I thank all in our De La Salle College community for their contribution in 2014 and wish everyone a happy, holy and safe Christmas.

Mr Peter Houlihan Principal The College Board, members of the De La Salle Brothers, College Leaders and members of the De La Salle community gathered at St Joseph’s Church on Wednesday, 26th March for the commissioning of the new Principal, Mr Peter Houilihan. Fr John Sherman OMI, celebrated the Mass before a congregation of invited guests, including members of Mr Houlihan’s family. During the Mass, the official commissioning took the shape of a symbolic handing over ceremony in which, The Acting Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers for the District of Australia, PNG, New Zealand and Pakistan, Br Christopher Gorringe and student leaders Brock Augustynski, James Biviano and the 2014 College Captain, James Benton sought Mr Houlihan’s commitment to the position of Principal.

Principal’s Investiture