From the Principal

Dear Members of the De La Salle Community, As we come to the end of another year, a year which seems to have flown by like no other before it, there is a great deal to reflect upon.

I have always believed the critical indicator of an effective school is the capacity to constantly strive for improvement and the dominant themes in my 2015 reflection are change, growth and development. Researchers and academics are justifiably cautious when analysing or predicting timeframes within which schools can execute meaningful change but I am very proud of our staff, students and parents for the positive improvements they have been able to implement this year. These changes vary in scope and significance, too numerous to elaborate on in this space, but I must highlight at least some of them. Perhaps of major prominence is the 2015 – 18 Strategic Plan, setting the direction and agenda for the immediate future and mapping out our aspirations and defining who, what and where we aim to be in the next few years. As I write, our newly formed Property Committee is working with a Project Manager and architectural firm in developing a Master Plan, aimed primarily at developing facilities on the Tiverton Campus. This is an exciting chapter in the history of De La Salle and we

Standing: Damien Nolan (2015 Deputy Chair), Mark Parker, Paul Shannon, Michael Skerrett Seated: Anne Arbon, Peter Houlihan, Maureen Salter (absent Tony Morwood (Chair), Br Chris Gorringe, Br Sir Pat Lynch should have the plan published by April next year. The review and subsequent recommendations for the restructure of the pastoral system, led by Mr John McAlroy (Head of Tiverton Campus), sees the reintroduction of the House system and vertical pastoral care groups in Years 10–12. The four-House system will underpin virtually all aspects of the students’ experience at the College, including student leadership opportunities. The key factor underpinning this innovation is the wellbeing of our students. A range of initiatives within the House system restructure will support our young men, providing a sense of unity, identity and belonging. Particularly important among these initiatives is the introduction of a regular timetabled Personal Development/Wellbeing lesson for all Year 7–12 students, focusing on age-appropriate issues and programs to guide, advise and support the students as they navigate adolescence and beyond. On the academic front, Year 11 and 12 teachers as a team have adopted a range of priorities to lift standards and expectations around the quality and consistency of our senior students’ performance. The Year 12 students in particular embraced this encouragement and I was thrilled with their improved culture of application and study throughout 2015. The first year of our new Year 10 curriculum structure has been very successful, providing greater scope for choice and breadth within the various disciplines but also allowing for increased rigour and relevance and fresh pedagogical approaches as we prepare these students for VCE. The planned 2016 implementation of the initial stages of our Year 9 In9uire is the result of a dedicated and innovative team of teachers who reviewed our traditional Year 9 offering and designed a program characterised by contemporary learning. Year 9 students were also the beneficiaries of our pilot scheme in rolling out laptops to each student in Term 3. This is a carefully planned and staged feature of the 2014 ICT Strategic Plan, with all staff completing a Digital Learning Certificate before the Year 4, 7 and 10 students receive their devices in 2016. The unambiguous goal here is to ensure this technology is used effectively by all to enhance learning and teaching. The involvement of each and every teacher in a Professional Learning Team for the duration of 2015, defining then working on an action research project, has been a highlight. Covering themes such as literacy, numeracy, technology, feedback, 21st century skills,

inquiry based learning, collaborative work and extending our more able students, the teams have had a significant impact on classroom practice from Year 4–12. Our Lasallian charism remains a dominant feature of the College’s everyday operations. Our core principles — concern for the poor, faith in the presence of God, quality education, an inclusive society and respect for all – provide a faithful and reliable guide to our daily operations. Another $103,000 raised via Mission Action Day for Lasallian charitable works, four community masses in our feeder parishes, so many unselfish contributions and involvements in social justice activities, the introduction of a Staff Formation Day to focus on our Lasallian identity, a beautiful and meaningful Valedictory Mass in the glorious St Ignatius church in Richmond, the reintroduction of the Year 12 Retreat, Reflection Days from Year 7–11 and care and support for all in our community are just some of the expressions of an education based on our Founder’s ideals. The staff at De La Salle — teaching and non-teaching — is our most valuable asset. Along with the Executive Team and the Directors of Learning and Development I have challenged our staff in a range of areas this year and asked them to respond to my goal of improvement and raising standards in order to ensure we are providing our young men with access to a rich, relevant, contemporary and innovative learning experience. I have been delighted with their response — teachers, learning support officers, administration, ICT and maintenance have all been involved to some extent in change, restructure and growth. This can be challenging in a school, but I must say the support and engagement in all areas has been wonderful — a very promising indicator for the future. It is imperative to acknowledge the College Executive for their dedication, professionalism and wisdom. Deputy Principals Tom Ryan and Mark Gustincic, Heads of Campus Luke Kenealy (Kinnoull) and John McAlroy (Tiverton) and in her first year as Director of Finance and Administration, Kerrie Jordan, have invariably supported me and each other in all our endeavours. I must concede a good deal of this would not have been remotely possible without Principal’s PA Sandy Wreford’s amazing efficiency, generosity of time and spirit, and tireless work ethic. The College Board continues to provide support and direction, for which I am very grateful. The various Directors present different skill sets but a common goal of improving opportunities and outcomes for the boys in our care. Board Chair Tony Morwood has committed for another two years and his support and advice for me have been crucial. Br Chris Gorringe, 2015 Deputy Chair Damien Nolan, Anne Arbon, Maureen Salter, Mark Parker, Michael Skerrett and recent appointment Paul Shannon represent a visionary and dedicated team with a clear focus on excellence for all in our College. We were privileged to also have Brother Sir Pat Lynch from New Zealand as a Director for 2015. Parent Network Co-Presidents Cate Robertson and Louisa Salmon and their innovative committee brought so much to our community in 2015. A creative approach to social events, especially Welcome Evenings for parents, a hugely successful Race Day at Caulfield building on 2014’s event and huge crowds in excess of 400 at the Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts have each unified and enthused the College community. Finally, thank you to all in our Lasallian community for all you have contributed to our fine school this year. We live in exciting times as the College continues to flourish. Best wishes for a happy, holy and safe Christmas.

Mr Peter Houlihan Principal

College Executive: John McAlroy, Mark Gustincic, Peter Houlihan, Kerrie Jordan, Tom Ryan and Luke Kenealy.