Roll Call DLS September 2017 by De La Salle College

A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY – MALVERN – ISSUE NO: 43 – SEPTEMBER 2017

CONTENTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters 2 From the Principal

Wicannia immersion/ Detention for detention

New focus for Year 12 Immersion/ Winter sleepout

Primary expo and Escape to Everywhere

Duke of Edniburgh Award

De La Salle Race Day

Father’s Day Breakfast

Dear Editor, The magazine (Roll Call) is excellent, always the right combination of photos and text. It is a great production. Ian Nott (1986) Dear Editor, Thanks for the latest Roll Call with its particular emphasis that made for very interesting reading. My personal congratulations to you and to Peter for accompanying the ‘Coolies.’ The article is not only informative but also inspirational in making your personal statements about why this initiative is so important for the whole school community. I’m sure you know now just why “India does indeed change your life.”

Advocating for the disabled

Br Gerard Rummery

The lawyer who went back to school

Dear Editor,

Fighting fires creates a spark/ Founder’s Day

Recognizing a need

Welcoming our “new” Australians

Managing the seeds for learning

New technology tackles pain in real time

Inspiring nursing

The Old Collegians’ Association/ Our new College prayer

Class of 1987 Reunion

Class of 1997 Reunion

Class of 2007 Reunion

Class of 2012 Reunion

Old Collegians’ Amateur Football Club

Where are they now?

From the archives

Brothers’ Jubilees

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the September issue of Roll Call. This issue has been somewhat organic in its approach to a theme but as the stories of our Old Collegians and current student body came together, the notion of service became apparent. The stories of our Old Collegians continue to delight and this issue will not disappoint. Like the story of our Founder St John Baptiste de la Salle, who devoted his life to helping others, we have stories of Old Collegians working as doctors, nurses, lawyers, police men, firefighters, teachers and innovators bent on making life better for us all. In the footsteps of our Founder and Old Collegians our current students are building on these values of service to others. We hope you enjoy their stories. Kerry Martin Editor 2

Congrats on another fine edition of the Roll Call. Plenty of news of various Old Boys, and I particularly enjoyed the page on the Old Collegians Footy team. You even had a photo of my Mum in the Mothers Auxiliary. I think that Nance Gardner is the only one of them still alive. Br Denis Loft (1956) Dear Editor Just finished May issue....a great read as usual. Well done. Patsy Blight Dear Editor, Thank you for a particularly interesting Roll Call. The articles reveal many continuing civic contributions made by Old Collegians over many generations. The photographs were absorbing. I was especially pleased to see Br Tim Peter, and Michael Kennedy looking so youthful at the 50+ Reunion. Peter Drake (1949) Dear Editor, Congratulations on your last publication of Roll Call. I enjoyed the read. Peter Selar (1978)

Editor: Kerry Martin Production and photography: Jonathan Hewett

Cover shot: Stained glass window in De La Salle Malvern Tiverton Chapel depicting the Founder St John Baptiste de La Salle.

From the Principal

Dear Old Collegians, Welcome to this latest edition of Roll Call; I’m sure you will find a great deal of interest within as we bring you up to date with the lives of so many of our past and present Lasallians. Under this edition’s theme of service, I’d like to outline some of the activities our De La Salle boys engage in and what they gain from giving to their community. In the profiles of our Five Core Principles, under Justice the message reads, “De La Salle College commits itself to the Lasallian Core Principle of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice. We dedicate ourselves to raising awareness where there is injustice, being witness to the poor and needy, involving ourselves in community service and advocating for those on the periphery.” We display this Core Principle through a terrific variety of activities, immersion experiences and building programs. The following list is not exhaustive but it does capture the essence of our boys’ commitment to service as part of their alignment with the Lasallian charism. We recently had about 40 of our Year 10 -12 students sleeping out in the Kinnoull yard in the elements cardboard boxes for mattresses and shelters notwithstanding – as part of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout. The Year 12 VCAL students travelled to St Therese’s K-3 School in Wilcannia, NSW, living and working in the parish for over a week. Fifteen Year 12 students

will spend three weeks in December at Diyagala Boys Town, a Lasallian school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Year 11 students travel to Bomana De La Salle High School in Papua New Guinea for our annual immersion each September. There is also the annual Exchange Program with De La Salle, Manila for our Year 9 and 10 students. These programs offer our students the chance to work, study and play alongside the local students, connect with the community and make a significant contribution in challenging conditions to a society in dire need Year 9 students commit to Lasallian Community Service for a full term, with aged-care facilities, kindergartens and op shops the main beneficiaries. Year 12 students take on a similar commitment via their Religious Education program with the Red Cross Blood Bank being a long term partner. A very popular option among the Year 9 and 10 students is the Ambassador program, whereby students work as guides for the regular College tours. Besides providing a wonderful service the Ambassadors are a great marketing tool for the College as families invariably comment about how knowledgeable, engaging, informative and patriotic the Ambassadors are in assisting in getting to know about the school. In analysing Lasallian spirituality and ministry we read of the redemptive nature of simply doing good, working as part of a faith community, where

each of us is part of the tapestry. These opportunities for service give our young men a sense of meaning, purpose and belonging. St John Baptist de La Salle wrote of God’s goodness and blessing as reward for those who worked for salvation of the poor and abandoned youth. When I match these principles with the experiences our students and staff have in offering their service and support to so many other communities through our social justice initiatives it is clear there is wonderful symmetry between our charism and our work. Peter Houlihan Principal

De La Salle College Board Expressions of Interest

Dear Parents, Friends and Alumni The College is moving forward with its Master Planning and believes it would be helpful to gain additional expertise on the Board and its various subcommittees. If you are interested in serving on the De La Salle College Board Inc. Ltd. as a Board Member or subcommittee member, I invite you to write to the Board Chairperson, C/: Mr Peter Houlihan, Principal De La Salle College (principal@delasalle. vic.edu.au), including your CV, two

referee contacts, and any additional documentation you may wish to supply. Expressions od interest should be sent by email to principal@delasalle.vic. edu.au. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. Board representatives will interview from a shortlisting of applicants and make a recommendation to the Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers who appoints Board Members. The College is looking for members who will be available to share their experience and expertise as we head into this exciting time in the College’s future development.

Sub-committees include: • Building • Finance • Policy and Planning If you believe you have the requisite skill set, you are invited to express your interest by Friday 13 October 2017.

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Wilcannia immersion Recently, the Year 12 VCAL students travelled to St Therese’s School in Wilcannia, a small town located within the Central Darling Shire in north western New South Wales. The Wilcannia trip, which replaces the trip to Balgo after it was no longer open to school visits after a change in administration, is an important part of the College’s social justice program. Deputy Principal — Faith and Mission, Mrs Rana Brogan congratulated

staff and students involved. “Making a connection to the community at Wilcannia is a wonderful way for our young men to connect with an Indigenous community and to offer support and assistance to a community in dire need,” she said. “To be Lasallian is to have compassion, to always have in view, the promotion of justice to support and work directly for the poor and those neglected by the rest of society.”

detention4detention Earlier this year students of St Austin’s House held a vigil to raise attention of the struggles facing asylum seekers. The vigil called, detention4detention, was part of the national Asylum Seeker Awareness Week and saw De La Salle students join more than 8,000 high school students around Australia to stand in solidarity with children in immigration detention. St Austins’ House Lasallian Captain Joel Caruso said the Vigil was all

about raising awareness of the issue and raising money for the cause. “detention4detention highlighted the needs of this vulnerable group and St Austins’ House leaders present the CEO of the Catholic Migrant Education Centre, Ms Brenda Hubber with a cheque.

raised over $1,600 in donations,” Joel said. “We tried to make the week about bringing to light the difficulties refugees and asylum seekers experience. We believe we have made a difference in developing the knowledge and understanding in this area to our community.”

New focus for Year 12 immersion program Roll Call has reported 12 years of Coolies immersion trips to India. This year the immersion program has a new destination and a new name. Deputy Principal — Faith and Mission, Mrs Rana Brogan explains the new focus. In 2007 Br Denis Loft (1965) founded the College’s “Coolies” program wherein a group of recently graduated Year 12 students travel to India to work on construction projects that help the local Lasallian community. The young men worked as labourers for approximately four weeks, living with the De La Salle Brothers and fully immersing themselves in the community they were helping. Since then the “Coolies” completed numerous projects including the construction of housing and school buildings for poverty stricken Dalit communities – once considered to be the ‘untouchables’ of Indian society. These communities are situated in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where the De La Salle Brothers have developed several projects.

an adverse reference to colonial times when poor local labourers were used for the most arduous and lowest paid work. The new immersion program is called ‘Yaluwo’ meaning friends, a most fitting and engaging theme for the Year 12 Immersion in Sri Lanka. Yaluwo is an alternate way for students to celebrate their Year 12 graduation whilst contributing to underprivileged communities. After much consultation with various offices of the De La Salle Brothers, Lasallian Mission Council and the Lasallian Foundation, the College will now be committing to supporting the needs of our Lasallian brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka. This change takes us where the needs are equally as desperate as in India, however, the change of country and culture will continue to grow the students’ understanding of the concept of “Lasallians without Borders”.

This year, 17 Year 12 students will travel to Sri Lanka for the Yaluwo Immersion. As we embark on this new journey, we pray that the experience fills our hearts and allows us to fulfil the mission set forth by the Founder, St John Baptist de La Salle.

College Principal, Peter Houlihan visited Sri Lanka early this year and had an opportunity to meet with Br Christy, the Provincial Leader for the Sri Lanka region, where it was decided that a name change for the immersion was timely. The term ‘Coolies’, while having been used for all the right reasons for 12 years, does bring into the equation

Winter sleepout St Edwin’s House was part of this year’s annual Vinnies Winter Sleep Out, with almost 50 staff and students sleeping rough overnight at the Kinnoull Campus. The St Vincent de Paul Society is the St Edwin’s House Charity so the organisers were keen to support the event, which this year have raised in excess of $5.6 million for Australia’s homeless. This event is about so much more than spending one no-frills night, sleeping on cardboard, in the thick of winter. De La Salle College commits itself to the Lasallian Core Principle of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice. We dedicate ourselves to raising awareness where there is injustice, being witness to the poor and needy, involving ourselves in community service and advocating for those on the periphery. DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Primary Science Expo The Performing Arts Centre was literally buzzing recently as Year 6 students presented their science inquiry projects to parents and community during the inaugural Primary Science Expo. The Expo showcased all things science, from stick insects to mouldy bread, electrical circuits to rainbows, recycling to water bugs; it was a true battle of the inquiry brains. The Science Expo was the culmination of an investigation into three sciences Biology, Chemistry and Physics and included some amazing creativity. Students were delighted to share the results of their inquiry into science, many of them for the first time. One student reflected: “When we first started science my goal was to be more creative and take more risks. This is because I used to like playing it safe but now it has taught me that I need to start thinking outside the box. I loved doing science and can’t wait to study it further when I go to Year 7 and beyond.”

Escape to Everywhere Another treat for our Primary students was Book Week which saw a weeklong celebration of books, author visits and the annual dress up parade. The College Library team turned the library into a place for all students to ‘Escape to Everywhere’, the 2017 Book Week theme. They hosted illustrator Mr Marc McBride, an established illustrator of over 50 books including the popular fantasy series Deltora Quest, written by Emily Rodda. During his visit McBride wowed the students with his ‘airbrush’ illustrations where he created some original dragons, coached all students to draw their own with glowing critiques of how wonderful their efforts were and then generously donated his three illustrations to the College Library. The Book Week Parade had an honour roll of characters with all Primary students and staff dressing up. Primary students also had the pleasure of various staff from across the College and Mrs Anne Arbon, a member of the College Board and a former primary teacher and librarian as judges on the day. It was definitely one of the most difficult jobs as all students went to so much effort and all the costumes were excellent. Ms Sally Rippin, author of many books including Billie B Brown,

Hey Jack and her new book Polly and Buster added to the list of special guests and told the students many inspirational stories, providing them with a thirst to keep writing. The pièce de résistance was learning from author Ms Gabrielle Wang, a long-established Melbourne author/illustrator whose books include The Garden of Empress Cassia, The Pearl of Tiger Bay and A

Ghost in My Suitcase, who delighted primary students with her designs and taught them how to paint bamboo and bird pictures using Chinese inks and brushes. It was a fantastic week filled with so many great events where all students and many staff were able to ‘Escape to Everywhere.’

Duke of Edinburgh Award This year the College introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award program, offering Year 9 students the opportunity to achieve the Bronze Award. The program is an exciting worldwide award program aimed at offering young people (aged 14-25) the chance to challenge themselves, learn new things and work in exciting new areas. It requires commitment and perseverance; but it is also about flexibility, choice, fun and reward. There are currently 25 Year 9 students at the College participating in the Bronze Award. To successfully complete the Award students are required to complete four sections: Skills, Physical Recreation, Service and Adventurous Journey. Each student must participate in an activity for three months for two of the sections, and six months for one section of their choice. Additionally students embark on two adventurous journeys including a two-day hike and camp. Students who complete the Bronze Award can also progress to the Silver or Gold sections of the award, which we hope to offer them when they reach Year 11. A coordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Mr Noel Patterson, said the Award offered the boys the chance to

expand their skill sets in preparation for life beyond school. “Through this challenging journey of self-discovery, our students are equipped and empowered to achieve their personal best, learn to take responsibility for their goals and choices, become connected to and actively engaged within their immediate community, learn to persevere and overcome barriers to success, learn important life skills and increase their career opportunities,” Mr Patterson said. Universities and employers world-wide recognise the Award and its prestigious reputation.

International Statistics Award

Nicholas Husek (2010) has taken out a major prize in a prestigious international statistics competition. Husek, who is a statistician with the Australian Bureau of Statistics in Canberra was awarded Second Prize in the 2017 IAOS Prize for Young Statisticians by the International Association for Official Statistics (IAOS) in June. The competition challenges professionals to bring solutions and innovation to methods of data collection. Husek’s winning entry looked at applying telematics data (GPS location recorders) for trucks as a new way to collect information on congestion, and other freight statistics. The data, which tracks truck travel between states, can assist with infrastructure decisions, ensuring new projects deliver the best value. He told the ACT News that there are many practical benefits of telematics, especially as paper forms no longer need to be filled in by the drivers, reducing that extra burden. “Telematics data is collected autonomously which makes it a lot easier to collect and then analyse the data,” he said. Husek moved to Canberra last year in order to work on some of the big exciting projects at the ABS and his recent prize will certainly boost his opportunities to do so. Husek received a cash prize and membership to the IAOS as well as the potential for his papers to be published in academic journals internationally. Husek is pictured above with fellow ABS colleague, Andreas Mayer who was awarded Third Prize. DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

De La Salle Race Day This year’s De La Salle Race Day was the biggest yet. The Parent Network hosted another stellar day in the Peter Lawrence Room at Caulfield Racecourse in August. The annual Race Day which is a highlight of the Parent Network calendar raised more than $10,000 for the College. Organiser and President of the Parent Network, Ms Cate Robertson said the day was once again an overwhelming success. “This year was our fourth Race Day and the event just keeps growing every year

with more and more parents joining in the festivities of the Day,” Cate said. The Principal Principal Peter Houlihan, and his wife Cate were among the special guests who enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. Special thanks to our Masters of Ceremonies Samuel Hyland and our generous sponsors of the day, including Mary Rose Millinery, Missie Jewellery and Australian Designers Direct.

Father’s Day Breakfast Recently the College once again celebrated fathers and the important role they play in the lives of their sons with the annual Father’s Day Breakfast. More than 500 fathers and sons gathered in the Gymnasium bright and early for a delicious breakfast. This year’s guest speakers included College Captain James Biviano, who spoke eloquently of his relationship with his father. Other guest speakers focused on the College’s Year 12 end-of-year immersion program. 2016 Coolies participant and College Dux, Tom Ponissi (2016) recalled his

experiences in India with last year’s group. Current Year 12 student, Elijah Kingsley spoke about the forthcoming immersion trip to Sri Lanka, Yaluwo. This year’s group depart Melbourne for Columbo after their final VCE exams for weeks of volunteer work at the Diyagala Boystown School. Special thanks to the Parent Network, especially to the dozens of volunteers who made the breakfast such a success.

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Advocating for the disabled As the Principal of Frankston Special Development School, Scott Tucker (1987) spends a lot of time advocating for young people with disabilities. “An integral part of my job is to be an advocate for people with disabilities and their families”, Tucker said. “Some people are quick to judge people with disabilities and they do not allow them the time and opportunities they need to function effectively in the community.” Tucker believes his greatest challenge is educating people how to interact with people with disabilities. “Many of the parents of the students are still trying to come to terms with the fact that their child has a disability. Not surprisingly they can be frustrated and angry with the world. A big part of my job is to listen to and support families to access services and information that can assist them.” In 2015, Tucker was awarded Outstanding Principal from the Principals Association of Specialist Schools in Victoria. “At Frankston SDS we try to focus on celebrating the achievements of our students, not their deficits. Many of our students have their own unique qualities and attributes. I’m pretty lucky!” Tucker says the highlight of his job is seeing young people learn and develop. In his 12 years at Frankston SDS, Tucker has seen some complex young kids enter the school who are reliant on others to support them in all areas of their life. “I have watched them develop into responsible and independent young adults. This is what education is all about.”

Tucker has always a keen sportsman and in 2006 he led the Australian soccer team for Athletes with a Disability on a trip to Germany. “We played in many of the same venues that had recently been used for the World Cup. It was an incredible experience for me personally but especially for the brave young athletes representing their countries. We got smashed on the field but all came home winners,” Tucker said. At Frankston SDS he leads a team of 70 people including teachers, therapists and support staff to deliver educational programs to students with moderate and profound intellectual disabilities. “Our priorities are to improve the communication skills of our students, increasing their independence and developing their social competencies.” Tucker is extremely grateful for the lessons he learned from his mentors at the College. “Br

Mark Murphy was one of the kindest people I have met and Tony Paatch was a strong influence on my educational success.” He says De La Salle gave him good study habits and sound values. “Being the father of four kids, I feel I am almost as busy at home as I am at work. I love being involved in my kids sporting activities and I have coached a number of junior basketball and football teams. I do my best to keep fit and try either run or go to the gym most days.” It is 30 years since Tucker graduated from the College but his closest friends are the friends he made at De La Salle. “While we are quite different, we share similar values and I do believe De La Salle has been a strong influence on the people we are today. De La taught me the value of belonging to a community. I am proud to be part of the De La Salle community and enjoy the common bond we all share.” Tucker has four children, one girl and three boys. Matthew (2010), Daniel is in Year 7 Benilde and Josh who is yet to commence at De La Salle. By Kerry Martin

The lawyer who went back to school Recently the ABC’s Australian Story featured Old Collegian Vincent Shin (2003) who has been appointed as Australia’s first in-house school lawyer. Vincent or “Vinnie” as he is known by his clients overcame a disrupted childhood marred by family violence and personal trauma to help other young people in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Vincent told Australian Story about his violent father and his disrupted schooling. “When I was a student, I had a lot going on at home and times were tough for me. I didn’t have a great time at school because of my personal circumstances. Basically I was a terrible student and extremely unmotivated.” Not surprisingly, given the circumstances, Vincent’s Year 12 results were poor so his options were limited. Initially he enrolled in a diploma at TAFE but driven by a desire to break the cycle of disadvantage he worked hard and was accepted into Victoria University where he completed Honours in Law as well as post graduate qualifications. After university Vincent joined D&M Lawyers as a junior solicitor specalising in family law. In April 2014, Vincent was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as an Australian Lawyer and admitted to practice in all federal jurisdictions including the High Court of Australia. In 2015, Vincent was offered a position as an in-house lawyer at The Grange P-12 College in Hoppers

Crossing, the first of its kind in Australia. As an in-house lawyer he helps students respond to legal issues while taking a preventive approach through community legal education and community development activities. His two-year placement at the school has been funded by donations from philanthropic organisations, and a $10,000 grant from law firm Slater and Gordon. “The School Lawyer Project is an innovative model aimed to address hidden problems within a school community, aimed at breaking down barriers and building the trust and confidence of that community to effectively engage with the justice system.” The thinking is that if these services are available at schools, students will remain engaged with their education. Vincent also provides legal education

to the students on legal topics such as bullying and cyberbullying, sexting and family violence. “A challenge with any pilot project is to ensure that it continues and is funded appropriately. I am confident in the model and I believe that these types of cross sector partnerships are going to become more and more common.” Vincent loves working in the community sector because that is where his heart is. “I enjoy helping people who are faced with difficult situations and those who have come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I’m particularly passionate about helping young people. I truly enjoy giving back to the community.” By Kerry Martin

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Fighting fires creates a spark After 30 years of firefighting Garry Connolly (1977) is putting his experience on the line training the next generation of fire fighters. Connolly (pictured far left) joined the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) in 1986 and was stationed first at the Eastern Hill Fire Station in the city. In 2001, he moved into community education promoting the work of the MFB at major events around the State such as Moomba and the Royal Melbourne Show. He was also involved in promotions and coordinated the “Change your Clock, Change Your Batteries” smoke alarm campaign. “The campaign was really important and getting the message out to all Victorians was a real challenge,” Connolly said. In 2015 he took up his current training position. “My current role is now an Instructor on the new Victoria recruit fire fighter’s course at our training complex at Craigieburn. With the combining of MFB/CFA it is a very interesting time to be involved.” Connolly said one of the challenges for the young men and women who join the MFB is to be able to adapt to the

ever changing environment that they will have to encounter, be it emergency medical response, hostile situations, fire fighting, car crashes, or high rise building structures.” He believes it is also essential for new fire fighters to be environmentally aware. “With our modern equipment we use less water now to extinguish fires, we are aware of environmental impacts that fires have on drains and waterways. We teach our fire fighters that our breathing apparatus needs to be worn at all fires due to the toxicity of modern materials being used in manufacturing. Look after your own welfare and be safe.”

Founder’s Day 2017 In what has become a time honoured tradition, the College once again celebrated Founder’s Day in Term 2. The Day which honours the Founder, St John Baptiste de La Salle, started with the celebratory Founder’s Day Mass at Tiverton followed by an array of festivities at Kinnoull. The Day was alive as 1,200 students indulged in rides, games and scrumptious edibles. Happy Founders Day!

Connolly started his De La years in Year 4 with Mrs Mitchell. He was involved in ACC swimming, football, cross country, and athletics as well extra-curricular activities including the Don Bosco Boys Club where he did judo, eventually instructing for a number of years. Connolly recalls some of the highlights from his time at the College. “Winning the ACC first XVIII Premiership in 1977 under the coaching of Br James Taylor was a real highlight. I really had a great time at school and I remember it well.” By Kerry Martin

Recognising a need As a student Justin Wightman (1987) dreamed of getting out of class to play sport – his daydreams paid off when in 2007 he founded a sport development and education program helping young people disengaged with mainstream secondary schooling. A decade on SEDA educates more than 2,000 students across Australia every year. After graduating as Dux of the College Wightman, completed an Applied Science Degree in Physical Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and went into teaching, first here in Melbourne and then overseas. It was while he was teaching Year 10 students in Melbourne that Wightman recognised a need for students who were disengaged with the prospect of VCE. “I was sharing an office with friend Chris Reidy, a Physical Education teacher who was a district cricketer. We met up with Brad Green, a careers teacher from a nearby school, where we discussed using sport as a way of engaging young people. We wanted to create a model that placed student interest at the forefront of their education, alongside a practical connection to industry.” A few months later the trio set up a Sports Development Program with Cricket Victoria. The following year Rob Flower joined the business and over the next four years they expanded

their industry partners to include the AFL, Cricket Australia, Netball Victoria, Basketball Victoria, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and a number of AFL Clubs. Since 2007, the SEDA program has grown from 17 students in one class, to more than 2,000 students enrolled annually across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. SEDA also runs a highly successful program for Indigenous students on the Tiwi Islands, a Building and Trade program, and a youth employment enterprise called “Amp it Up”, that employs over 100 SEDA students annually providing them with invaluable experience in the sport and recreation industry. Being with SEDA from the start has meant that Wightman has been involved in every aspect of the business, from teaching, coordinating programs, curriculum development, partnerships, staff recruitment and management, to business development and operations. Wightman said that being a Founding Director of SEDA and

creating a model that really engages and empowers young people has been very rewarding. “Empowering young people is something that I am very proud of and is definitely a highlight of my career.” “Managing the growth and the demand for the program while setting up the infrastructure to support it has been a challenge,” he said. SEDA employs 160 staff across four states and territories. With the rapid growth of the company Wightman decided four years ago to engage a CEO and executive team to manage the day to day operations of the business. “Having guidance and mentoring from SEDA’s Chairman (and AFL Commissioner) Andrew Newbold has been invaluable,” Wightman said. Family is Wightman’s first priority and as the father of four children, who all play a lot of sport, his schedule is busy. “I am lucky that my current role with SEDA gives me flexibility. I enjoy the connectedness that the kids give me to the local community, whether that be at Auskick or netball on a weekend or contributing in my role as the President of the local Beaumaris Kindergarten.” “I still have a strong connection with a core group of friends from De La whom I speak to weekly and catch up with regularly. Every year I celebrate Christmas with them and this year we are going to New Zealand to celebrate 30 years of this tradition.” By Kerry Martin DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Welcoming our “new” Australians During the post war years, Australia welcomed tens of thousands of displaced people from across Europe. Many sons of new arrivals enrolled at the College at that time and in five years College enrolments doubled from 500 to more than 1,000. Br Gerard Rummery was then the Senior Master at the College and in this issue he shares his memories of those days with our Roll Call readers. In the 1950s De La Salle College saw a rapid increase in enrolments as displaced people or migrants from many European countries arrived in Melbourne after their release from the Bonegilla Migrant Camp, located in the Victorian Alps. With 19 Brothers and only two lay teachers at the time, the College grew rapidly and many other lay teachers arrived after 1956 to meet the increasing demand.

Among many other memorable students of that time, I remember particularly Georg Leitl and ‘Les’ (Ladislaus) Boelckey. The Leitl family, who were among that group of ‘southern Germans’ [Sudetenland] whom Hitler in 1938 used as a pretext to invade Czechoslovakia, were among the twothree million expelled from their own country after the Second World War for being of German origin and came to Australia as refugees. Les Boelckey was fortunate to escape with his family from Hungary during the 1956 rebellion against the occupying Russians and came on to Australia. It was obvious to me that Georg and Les, both highly intelligent in maths and sciences, would not be able to continue to university unless they improved their English. I therefore corrected their written work with a red pen, made them read their work aloud to the class and gave them more and more additional articles to read and things to write. I recall Les being more aware of the necessity to improve his English than Georg. I can remember trying to ‘shock’ Georg into realising the situation he was in. I gave him ‘extra’ work to do but Georg in his charming way never seemed to me to think that imp,roving his English was important. But it was Georg who was eventually awarded the prize as overall Dux of his final year at the College.

After completing his engineering degree Georg decided to study medicine and now is one of Melbourne’s leading cardiac surgeons. Les studied chemical engineering and works in the rose quickly in the oil and gas industry. There are many others from those years who made the transition from the Italian, or Dutch or Hungarian or Polish or German to English and remind through their achievements how De La Salle was enriched by their presence. Roll Call caught up with the Leitl brothers and Les Boelckey.

The Leitl Brothers Georg and Steve Leitl arrived in Australia from Austria in 1949, as part of the post-war migration program. Georg, the eldest was eight and Steve two years his junior. After wandering rented accommodation the family eventually settled in Kew and the brothers enrolled at the College. With the support of their teachers they excelled in their studies and today are both successful surgeons, Georg specialising in cardiology and Steve in orthopedics. We thank them for sharing their stories with our readers.

With the influx of the war refugees the College purchased the Kinnoull property to accommodate the junior classes and crowded classes with in excess of 60 students became the norm. Classroom rolls were filled with names most of us had never heard of before, these “new” Australians as they were called had arrived! New names came from Lithuania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Italy, Sicily, Slovenia or Poland. But it was while I was teaching in Year 12 for many years the compulsory English Expression – necessary for university entrance – that I remember running into difficulties with some very intelligent young men whose English had been acquired without the grammatical teaching they had missed in primary schools. It is important to remember that all matriculation exams were done externally in the Melbourne Exhibition Building so there was no internal assessment as a ‘buffer’ for “new” Australians!

Pictured below: The Matriculation Gold class of 1960. Back row right is Les Boelckey, 5th row fourth from left is Steve Leitl, and front row second from the right is Georg Leitl. Facing page column one: Georg Leitl College Dux 1960 and below today as a cardiologist. Column two Steve Leitl, and column three Les Boelckey

Georg Leitl (1960)

“As a student I was more interested in sport, earning pocket money and girls. Our parents were academic types so they didn’t encourage extracurricular activities, particularly sport. We found this difficult at the beginning, but eventually I came to the conclusion that with two left hands and two left feet, I was better off as an onlooker than a participant. Being naturally lazy, I was always in trouble because of a lack of application to work. Brothers Stan, Denis and Conway were always at me, to do more work and to work harder. Br Stan had the most influence and inspired me with his love of mathematics and sciences. Eventually the penny dropped and I realised I would have to apply myself which paid off in the long run. (Georg was Dux of the College) Initially enrolling in Engineering at the University of Melbourne, I soon realised that despite my love of mathematics, chemistry and physics, I was not suited to engineering and switched to Medicine. I graduated in 1972 with a medical degree and post graduate studies in cardiology before moving to the United States for further studies at Johns Hopkins University. When I returned to Australia in 1982, I took up a position at St Vincent’s Hospital. It was an exciting time to be in cardiology. A new world was opening up, for cardiac patients; bypass grafting, valve replacement and the development of coronary artery stenting, was part of the explosion in

cardiac technology. This together with pacemakers had changed the entire focus of cardiology. It would seem to me that the schooling we received at De La Salle was the springboard for where my brother and I are today. Our values, our beliefs and the way of life were embedded in us very early on. A lot of it resulted from the education that we had at the College. We owe a lot to our schooling in particular our Catholic education and upbringing. Georg boasts six children and nine grandchildren.

Steve Leitl (1960)

“Being staunch anti-communists, our parents felt that Austria would fall to the Russians so they decided to immigrate to Australia. At the College in the 1950s I worked hard. I wanted to become a doctor so I knew I had to do well at school. I particularly remember Br Joseph who was memorable for his focus, Br Edwards for his patience and gentleness and Br Gerard for his tolerance and sporting ability and of course Br Stanislau for his great interest in all things sporting. I wore glasses for short sightedness from the age of 12. I was quite “blind” so to speak so I couldn’t play sport and that was disappointing. After graduating from the College, I completed my medical studies at Melbourne University and worked as an Intern at St Vincent’s Hospital before joining the Navy. Soon after I served in Vietnam as a junior surgeon based at an American Army Hospital for which I received a Navy Board commendation and later worked as a surgeon in Singapore for the ANZUK forces. After leaving the Navy in 1972, I completed surgical studies, gaining a FRACS in General Surgery in 1974 and then a FRACS in Orthopedic Surgery in 1977.

Les Boelckey (1960) Les and his family came to Australia in 1957 after spending a year in a refugee camp in Austria, having fled an oppressive communist regime in Jugoslavia (now Slovenia). After spending three months at the Bonegilla Refugee Camp they were relocated to Melbourne where he commenced his studies at the College. When he arrived at the College Les read as many books as possible to teach himself English. “The early years at De La were driven mainly by learning English and keeping up with my studies. The hardest part was not having friends after school.” “The major challenge was to understand “Aussie” English spoken by my classmates.” “The Brothers provided additional tuition to enable me not to fall behind in class and my classmates were also very helpful, particularly John Davies and Steve Leitl.” I graduated in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and was offered a trainee ship with Mobil where I progressed in various positions during my six years there. I then joined an American Engineering consulting company working in Australia and Europe for another six years. On return, I joined an Australian manufacturing company of engineered products for the Oil and Gas Industry.” These days Les is the Managing Director of U.C.P. Australia Pty Ltd trading as United Pumps Australia (UPA). “I am grateful and thank De La, the Brothers and teachers for providing me with the opportunity to get an education at a most critical time in my life, through discipline, guidance and encouragement.” Les and his wife Minci have three married daughters and are also blessed with five grandchildren.

I believe it has been a lucky life and I owe a lot of my success to the Christian education that I received at De La Salle. Steve Leitl is an Orthopedic Surgeon in Wangaratta. He has two sons and four grand-children. DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Managing the seeds for learning “I was very fortunate to have been taught by so many quality teachers - both Brothers and lay teachers. Without a doubt it was John Fox who had the most significant impact on my academic career. The boys in my homeroom were together for Years 8, 9, and 10 and we had Mr Fox for French and History over these years. He was outstanding – engaging, challenging, witty, and a terrific person who embodied the Catholic ethos of the school. He stimulated a lifelong love of learning within me, for which I am forever grateful.” Eugene Fredericks (1987) was a member of the first class at De La Salle to sit the new Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). It was the 75th Anniversary of the College and his passion for science had been ignited. With his good VCE results he got into Monash University and completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Genetics. He stayed on in the Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology to do a PhD. He has since completed a Masters of Business Administration at RMIT University and a Graduate Certificate in University Management at the University of Melbourne. Frederick’s first job was as a Senior Research Scientist for Toyota Japan cloning eucalyptus trees for the paper market. “I was based at Toyota in Port Melbourne but worked solely for Toyota Japan, and had nothing to do with Toyota Australia. I would arrive at work every day at a high-tech molecular biology laboratory where I was the only staff member, and then go home at the end of the day, not having spoken to anyone!” When the Toyota project finished four years later he was appointed to the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria as the Education and Youth Coordinator. “This was out of my comfort zone as it was completely away from science. It was a great opportunity to work in the not-for-profit sector and to also be

involved in the running of the Royal Melbourne Show each year.” The next step in his career took him back to science, in a management capacity as the Chief Operating Officer for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Kangaroo Genomics at the University of Melbourne. “After three years in that position, I was given an opportunity to move further into management and was appointed the Executive Manager of the Department of Zoology.” In this role I was the right-hand man of the Professor who was the Head of Department. When the Faculty of Science rolled its departments into ‘super’ precincts Fredericks was put in charge of the Life Sciences Precinct, including the Departments of Botany, Chemistry, Genetics and Zoology. “It was a significant operational and cultural change for the faculty and it was an honour to be given the opportunity in one of the two new positions,” he said. With his young family expanding Fredericks decided to move to Monash University as the Manager of the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health to be closer to home. “It is certainly a dynamic and challenging environment in the Faculty of Medicine and also to be located at the hospital.” Obviously Fredericks has many skill sets so it’s not surprising that he has a sideline. Throughout his career he has

moonlighted as a professional trivia night host for FAME Trivia. “I have been with FAME for 18 years now, having started when I was a PhD student. I have hosted thousands of pub trivia nights, as well as corporate and fundraiser nights across Melbourne. It is an enjoyable outlet for me every week, away from the stresses of work.” “De La gave me a strong sense of loyalty – to my fellow classmates and to the school, which remains with me to this day. I feel the same way about all of my current and former workplaces and colleagues. Thirty years after graduating from De La, I still have enormous pride that I was privileged to have spent six years at the school.” “My advice to the Class of 2017 is to be prepared to continually challenge yourselves, to work hard to create opportunities, and above all – to remain positive. You will need to be resilient in order to overcome the inevitable hurdles, as your future career success may be based on your ability to reinvent yourself and adapt to change. Keep an open mind and try to acquire as many skills and experiences as you can. There is also a lot of truth in the adage of finding something that you enjoy doing!” By Kerry Martin

New technology tackles pain in real time When Andrew Ronchi (1986) was a student at the College he was passionate about sport and fitness. ACC basketball, athletics, lunch time basketball, footy or cricket and the occasional game of handball kept him busy. These days he has turned that passion into a successful career running a multi-million dollar company with an A – list of clients including the New York Giants, Manchester United and the English Cricket Board. Ronchi’s company, dorsaVi, which he founded in 2008 with his brother Dan (1990), has developed a new technology to monitor physical movement in an effort to improve spinal movement and reduce back pain and injury. The dorsaVi technology uses wireless motion and muscle activity sensors, which when attached to the body give an instant and accurate assessment of movement, posture and injury. The sensors can be worn for up to 24 hours so they can track the day’s movement during work, exercise and even sleep. The results are transmitted wirelessly to computer software to build an instant picture in real time of where posture and movement are incorrect and suggest how they can be improved, ultimately leading to improved patient care. The technology, which works in a range of settings including elite sport, workplaces and patient care, has taken two decades and millions of dollars to develop. Ronchi first came up with the idea to design a medical monitoring device to help diagnose and treat back pain in 1995. Five years later he had completed a prototype and after patent approval, the first sensor was released in 2012. Two years later he and Dan set up dorsaVi to market and manufacture the sensors and the rest is history. The company quickly established its credentials in Australia securing a strong client base including the AFL, the Hawthorn Football Club, and the North Queensland Cowboys as well as Crown

Casino and the Snowy Hydro. The company was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in December 2013, raising $18 million through the sale of 41.25 million shares at 40 cents each and in 2016 it was awarded a Victorian Future Industries Manufacturing Grant. The company now boasts a stable of professional sporting clubs in the USA including the New York Giants, the New England Patriots NFL team and thePhiladelphia Flyers Ice Hockey team. And in the UK, Manchester United, Transport for London (TFL) the English Cricket Board and Heathrow Airport are just some of dorsaVi’s clients. Since graduating from De La Salle, Ronchi has completed a Bachelor Applied Science (Physiotherapy), a PhD in Computer and Systems Engineering and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). He told Roll Call that De La Salle left him with some wonderful legacies. “I have an absolute passion for the Blue and Gold and some wonderful memories of my years at De La and playing for the Old Collegians Football Club. When I

am at home I often pop down to see the Old Colls’ play and catch up with the guys from school and footy on a regular basis.” Ronchi is still based in Australia and lives in East Malvern not far from where he went to school. “My wife Tania and my three boys, Jackson 18, Indiana 11 and Isaac 9 keep me grounded.” The three Ronchi brothers are very close. Andrew’s oldest brother Patrick (1985) is an Anaesthetist at the Western Hospital and other hospitals in the west of Melbourne and lives in Williamstown with his wife Felicity and their three children. While Dan, who lives in Mornington with his three children, has worked alongside his brother at dorsaVi since its inception. Ronchi said that it was still great to work with his brother Dan even after 20 years. “His office is two down from mine and we still love the creative thought and pushing the boundaries to deliver interesting insights to our customers,” Ronchi said. By Kerry Martin

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Inspiring nursing James Fitzgerald (1987) loved university so much that he didn’t want to leave, graduating with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, a Bachelor of Biological Science, a Bachelor of Nursing and a Post Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing. After spending so much of time in lecture theatres he now finds himself on the other side of the rostrum lecturing the next generation of nurses in Monash University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. “I remember at university thinking ‘wow’ they (lecturers) really know a lot. Then one day, when I walked into a lecture theatre of 150 undergraduates - it dawned on me that I was now that person,” he said. “I am aware that it was the hard work, the trials and tribulations that got me there - I had really achieved something.” As a clinical educator his role is to work with nurses at all levels as part of their ongoing training. This usually involves working with them on the wards guiding them through performing the skills on real patients. As well as teaching in the nursing programs at Monash he also lectures at TAFEs’ designing subjects, and exams, and delivers them. Fitzgerald is also a very busy critical care nurse working with ‘critically’ unwell patients in Intensive Care Units, Emergency and Coronary Care Units. In short, Fitzgerald helps keep patients alive who would not survive without our interventions and skill level and knowledge. The role uses diverse technologies and protocols which all

interact and affect each other. In his role, Fitzgerald needs to be able to think fast, predict potential problems and intervene before they happen. “It’s a great job if you really want to play with complex technologies and challenge your brain every day and gain that incredible feeling that they are alive because of what you and the team are doing,” he said. “Obviously saving someone’s life is always a thrill. The families come in and you can’t help but think, ‘you still have a father/mother or child/sibling because of the work of our team’, it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.” “My fondest memory is of a patient in ICU who had a major stroke and had a very, very slim chance of survival. I looked after him for a while and never found out what had happened to him, I assumed he died. About a year later an old man ran up to me in the foyer of the hospital and gave me a massive hug and said, ‘thank you’. I then realised it was him. It is tangible proof that what you do matters and makes up for the horrible times.” “Unfortunately many patients don’t survive but you are left with the satisfaction that you gave them their best chance. The most rewarding part of my career has been holding the dying patients hand so they don’t have to die alone. What a privilege that is to be able give that to someone. “ While Fitzgerald admits the job has its positives, there are also many challenges nursing, for example violence against nurses and paramedics is a critical problem in Melbourne hospitals. “At the moment it is rampant with thousands of assaults per year in Melbourne alone. It doesn’t seem like

anyone is doing anything about it. Personally, I have been on the receiving end many times, as have most nurses.” Fitzgerald attributes a lot of his academic success to two of his teachers at De La Salle. “Firstly, Tony Paatsch. He always treated the students as equals and I once asked him why and he responded, ‘one day you might be my colleague’. I always use this in my life and treat everybody as if I was in their shoes. Also, Mr Esler. When I would ask academic related questions he would repeatedly respond with ‘why?’. He developed in me the ability to critically analyse things and not accept just what is in front of you blindly. I attribute this to the academic success I have had and an essential underpinning of my nursing career.” Fitzgerald recognises the importance of a healthy work/life balance. “Having seen so much death, suffering and illness, work life balance is extremely important to me as life’s circumstances can change rapidly and dramatically for anyone,” he says. He chooses to work casually to help maintain this balance. “I spend three months a year in South East Asia recharging my batteries.” Fitzgerald says that De La Salle taught him the value of team work. “I felt like almost everyone at De La wanted to give you a hand if you were struggling. Another legacy was the equality and acceptance. Nobody cared if you were rich or poor, of any cultural background what mattered was being a friend. I left the school feeling like De La Salle instilled into me the belief and ability that it could do anything I set my mind to.” By Kerry Martin

The Old Collegians’ Association My subject for this issue of Roll Call is Fr Bren Donohue, (1951). Fr Bren is 84 years of age, in good health and living in retirement in Lower Templestowe. He often provides assistance at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Deepdene and All Hallows Parish in Balwyn. He said it was important to be invited by the Parish Priest, Brendan Reed, to help out with the Parish masses, as in retirement “you need shared experiences and to have your imagination stretched”. He also celebrates Mass once a month at the Mercy Health nursing home in Montrose. The day program announced on the common room whiteboard offers both Mass and Scrabble. Fr Bren maintains the residents could come to him for both. Starting at De La in 1946, and coming from St Mary’s Primary School, East Malvern, Fr Bren has fond memories of his scholarship class and in particular his time under the guidance of Br Joseph O’Dea. The College principals, in his time, were Brothers Jerome Foley and Peter Duffy and the teachers he held in high regard were Brothers Christian Moe, Paul O’Connor, Oswald Murdoch and Stanislaus Carmody. He said that in recollection the Brothers become more important than they appeared even then and recalls the Brothers taking the tram into Melbourne University to gain the necessary higher qualifications, after a long day’s work. “They did not do it for higher salaries, they did it for us”. Fr Bren was a College Leader, a member of the First XVIII football and First XI cricket teams, an officer in the cadets, a member of the senior debating team and Vice-Captain of St Mark’s House. On the academic front he praised the Brothers for the fact that in his matriculation year 16 of the 32 pupils in the class went on to university. My research revealed that Fr Bren received a Commonwealth Scholarship and completed four years of dentistry studies at Melbourne University before entering Corpus Christi College

Seminary at Werribee. He was ordained in 1963 and his first appointment was to South Yarra Parish, which included the Chaplaincy to The Alfred Hospital. After four years, he was appointed to St Patrick’s Cathedral with Chaplaincy responsibility for St Andrews and the Mercy Hospitals where he remained for four years. He was appointed Chaplain of Melbourne University where he remained for 10 years while at the same time assisting in the Parishes of Parkville and Glen Iris. He was then appointed Parish Priest of Fawkner and his assistant was Damian Peile, one of the famous long distance running twins Damien and Vin (1968). His brother Vin also joined the priesthood. After six years at Fawkner, Fr Bren was appointed Rector of Corpus Christi College Seminary at Clayton where his pastoral role ran for a six-year term before being appointed Parish Priest of Bulleen. He remained at Bulleen for 15 years before taking retirement. Looking back over the years he cites the post-Vatican II period of 1964–1968 as a hopeful time as people who loved the church saw many possibilities. He told me that the most challenging time for him was, as a young priest at South Yarra Parish. He describes this Parish as both the richest and poorest in the Archdiocese at the time and he also provided pastoral care at The Alfred Hospital to the very sick. He remembers having 24 marriages in preparation at the same time when a Priest was expected to perform all the pastoral and administrative functions of the day. Fr Bren meets four times a year with fellow Old Collegians, Kevin Busch (1950), John Dugan (1950), Terry Gorman (1950), John Green (1951), Len Ledwich (1950), Bruce Merritt (1950), Vin Underwood (1951), Jim Hawkins (1950) and Gerry Gill (1950). Brother Christian Moe joins them on occasion. One of his regular golf companions is Fr Ted Teal (1959), who celebrated his 50 years of ordination this year. Fr Bren’s extended family members include Chris Stocks (1948) who is married to his sister Gabrielle and their sons Christopher (1976), Tony (1981) and grandson Anthony Fernon (2001). On behalf of all Old Collegians, I would like to wish Fr Bren continued good health and happiness in retirement. Tony McIlroy President

New College Prayer

In the 105 year history of the College, there has not previously been an official College prayer, so it was with great anticipation that the new College Prayer, composed by the 2017 Student Leadership Team, was unveiled at our prayer service on the Feast of the Assumption. College Captain James Biviano and the Lasallian House Captains worked closely with the College Executive and the Brothers community to devise a prayer which encompassed the College’s values and mission. The prayer was warmly received by the whole College community who stood together to recite the prayer for the first time. Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God God, as our leader, and guided by the Lasallian Principles, we commit ourselves to lives of faith and excellence, compassion, courage and loyalty. May we have a humble heart, a generous spirit, and a willingness to serve our community. In the likeness of the Founder, may we live with virtue and love. Inspired by a burning zeal to do what is right and just, we commit ourselves to the blue and gold - Deo Duce. St John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever!

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Class of 1987 Reunion Looking through the old class list in the lead up to our 30 year reunion made me reflect on what a broad group of blokes we were all those years ago. And on the wet, cold Friday night in June as we began to trickle in to the Racecourse Hotel, so it became evident again. Different blokes, different backgrounds, different lives but brought together by our shared experience some decades ago and keen to reminisce whilst finding out about all that had gone on since. We may have been older, greyer, balder, wrinklier, or fatter (though a couple were skinnier!) than we had been 30 years before but it didn’t take long for me to feel like I had been taken back through time to the schoolyard all those years ago…the same blokes telling the same jokes as way back then, whilst others took a much quieter path, as they had done years before. The night was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friendships that had been dormant for a while and further strengthen those that had remained firm since school. It was great fun hearing what life had brought for those who

made it to the reunion and to talk about those who may not have been able to make it. The banter, laughter and discussions went long into the night, until the Racecourse Hotel kicked us out (and then continued on for some). Some things never change! The fact that such a good time was had by all and that people had come from far and near to be there made me think, both during the night and afterwards, how lucky we were to have the bond that we shared back then and clearly continue to have now. Having two sons already out the other side of their De La Salle education, and with two yet to complete theirs, it is clear to see they also share this sense of togetherness with their peers at the school. To paraphrase one of my sons’ school captain’s speeches from a few years ago, when speaking of De La and the togetherness of the students, he said “Those other schools with their enormous fees, their grass, and bragging about their achievements, they will never have what we have got”. By the numbers in attendance and by

the enjoyment had by our 1987 group at our reunion, we could reinforce that sentiment wholeheartedly. Thanks again to Trish Woodman for her efforts in organising, and to Kerry Martin and Jonathan Hewett, also to Tony McIlroy from the Old Collegians Association for attending. A great time was had by all. Phillip Brasher

Class of 1997 Reunion In the lead up to the Class of 1997 20 year reunion, I asked myself what it was about De La that made it unique or different from other schools. After being away from the place for so long, many of the memories start to fade of course, but what I was left with was a sense that the De La Salle community genuinely cares about the welfare of its students. It appears that the school also certainly cares about what happens to us after we have long moved on to the next phase of our lives such was the effort put into organising the event and

indeed the attendance of current and former staff members. Our former Headmaster Br Tim Peter made the trip from interstate and Mr Peter Houlihan provided a detailed message about his good memories of the Class of ’97. Special thanks to Trish Woodman, Kerry Martin and Tony McIlroy (President of the Old Collegians) for their attendance. Special mention certainly needs to be made to Jonathan Hewett who is a long-respected stalwart of the De La Salle community. Not only was Jon a fantastic teacher and mentor

to many of us during our time at school, his indelible mark on De La grows. As for those of us former students who attended, it was pretty clear that this was a particularly good night. I for one enjoyed the company of each of my former classmates and returned home having had an even better night than I’d expected. To those that might have been thinking about attending but ultimately couldn’t, I recommend the next event to you without hesitation and I look forward to seeing you next time. Luke Chamberlain

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Class of 2007 Reunion Reunions are a funny concept nowadays. Social media allows us to feel like we remain intrinsically involved in the lives of those we went to high school with even if we haven't actually had any physical contact with them since the last day of Year 12. For the few who don't do the Facebook thing, there were a few mini-shocks in terms of what they are up to in their lives. But for the most part it just felt like old mates seeing each other back at school after an elongated summer holiday. The ease with which the 60 or so from the Class of 2007 clicked back into gear wasn't so much surprising, but what was nice to see was how

everyone in the room was genuinely happy to catch up with everyone else who had made the effort to come. The patient staff at the Racecourse Hotel struggled to get everybody out at the 11pm close time and by 2am there was still at least a third of the overall crowd still chatting away at the bar downstairs. Relationships were rekindled and promises made to catch up again soon. If that happens, great, but even if life does get in the way - as it so often does - we all know that the 20-year instalment in 2027 is going to be a night not to be missed. Matt Windley

Class of 2012 Reunion The date was September 1 and on what would have, to the untrained eye, seemed like an ordinary Friday evening, in fact saw the 5 year reunion of the Class of 2012 at the Racecourse Hotel, Caulfield. Former teachers wouldn’t have been surprised to know that most of the year level got their RSVP’s in at the very last minute, with a solid turnout of about forty old boys exceeding all expectations (much like our VCE grades).

Yarns were had and great memories revived, capped off by a vintage Hayden McKertish impression session of everyone’s favourite teachers. Special mention must go to James Kerr for his exceptionally enthusiastic performance as well! Thanks to all the teachers that came down on the evening and of course to Trish Woodman for organising the event. See you all in 2022, fellas! Chris Draffen

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Old Collegians’ Amateur Football Club Season 2017 has been an outstanding one for the Club. Our motto of ‘Eight Teams, Two Colours, One Club’ has not only been bandied about, but lived. Nearly 200 players have worn the blue and gold with distinction across the eight sides. The unity between teams has been palpable, with all sharing in each other’s success along the way. Six of our eight teams have made the finals this year, with our De La Guns Women’s Team missing only by percentage, and our Reserves side having a tough season. There are positive signs for the future with all three Under 19 sides as finals contenders, and at the time of writing, our U19 Blue side, coached by Nick Hyland, is preparing for a preliminary final against ladder leader Beaumaris who we have previously beaten convincingly. It’s a wide open series, with an eventual premier hard to pick.

Our U19 Golds have advanced to the grand final under coach Marty Kelliher, and our U19 Colts are also into a preliminary final. Our Thirds had an outstanding year, led by playing-coach Rob Breda, making the grand final yet unfortunately going down to Old Scotch.

Our Over 35s side, the De La Dinosaurs, have had an incredible unbeaten season and head into the grand final on September 10 as the hot favourites. Our Seniors under coach Paul Satterley have had a great season and find themselves in a first semi final facing Collegians, having finished a game and half clear in fourth spot. The Premier Division Finals Series poses as an intriguing one, save for the dominance of SKOBs throughout the year certainly positioning them as the ‘hunted’. Off field, the Club has enjoyed an amazing year of meaningful events and community contribution. As pioneers of the FightMND Cup, we raised $15,400 for Motor Neurone Disease research in conjunction with Old Trinity and our major partner Bendigo Bank, East Malvern, and we were overjoyed to welcome FightMND patron Neale Daniher to present the Cup. We also raised over $3,000 in one day for Breast Cancer Network Australia at our Ladies Luncheon, with all players donning pink socks in their matches on the day to raise funds and awareness of the disease. We took time out to celebrate all that it means to be a part of this great club, with the annual Blue & Gold Ball a sell out at Hawthorn Arts Centre in July. Over 220 guests danced the night away, amongst formalities such as the induction of the great Barry Lyons as a

Legend of the Club with tributes from Pat Maher and Ralph McHenry, some stirring video packages covering the year and a performance of an original poem, the Ode to De La. We now await the results of our various final series, however the entire club remains proud of all teams who have had an outstanding year. To follow the fortunes of the Club, or to get involved for Season 2018, be sure to get in touch and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@DLSOCAFC), Instagram (@delasallefc) and our website: www.delasalleocfc.com.au. Go Dees! Troy Buntine

Where are they now? Matthew Martinov (1999) married Stephanie Grundy at St Mary’s in East St Kilda on the 10 March. Stephanie works in Human Resources and Matt is the Director of Bayside Fire Protection in Chelsea. Matt has played over 300 games for Ormond Football Club and still plays. Mick Brosnan (1966), a long standing volunteer in Papua New Guinea, has been made a Benefactor of the De La Salle Brothers. This honours Mick’s life-long contribution to the Lasallian educational mission for the poor. Mick has spent a number of years in PNG training local staff and students, building and managing projects from teacher housing to classroom developments. Dr Denis Loft (1965) is the new Vice President for Advancement at Bethlehem University. No doubt Br Denis’s many years of experience in funding and implementing life changing projects in South Sudan, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand will be well utilised in Bethlehem. Br Denis is pictured with his predecessor Br Stephen Tuohy, (FSC). Kevin Kelton (1957) is a chef at Erskine House in Lorne. Kevin and his wife both attend weekly Mass at St Mary’s in Geelong where they caught up with Fr Kevin Dillon (1961) for a cup of tea before he moved at the start of the year to St Simon’s, Rowville. Cian Hutter (2015) is studying Criminal Law at Swinburne University. Andrew Pattison (2009) is completing his PhD in Biological Sciences. His younger brother Lachlan (2012) graduated in Chemical Engineering with Honours. Justin Wightman (1987) is the founder and now a Company Director at SEDA. John Whitehouse (1987) lectures in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne. James Fitzgerald (1987) is a Critical Care Nurse and lecturer in Critical Care Nursing at Monash University. Eugene Fredericks (1987) is the Manager of the Clinical School in the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University. Scott Tucker (1987) is the Principal of Frankston Special Development School.

Ray Tesoriero (1987) is the Chief Financial Officer for the HACER Group.

Ivan Krizmanic (1987) works in the construction industry.

Brett Dyer (1987) has a Jim’s Mowing Franchise.

Paul Fiume (1987) is a Stevedore with DP World based at the Port of Melbourne.

Chris Davis (1987) works in business development for ASKIM. Grant Sheedy (1987) is a Police Officer. Dominic Harrison (1987) runs a successful gardening business in the Eastern suburbs. Suresh Chandra (1987) is a Dermatologist based in Bentleigh. Mark Rosel (1987) is the National Sales Manager for Monza. Shane Rudd (1987) is self-employed.

Michael Teague (1987) is a Business Analyst for Telstra Business. Matthew Kirwan (1987) is the Maintenance Manager at Sienna College. Simon Tregear (1987) is an IT Service Delivery Executive. David Williamson (1987) is the General Manager for Villa Maria Catholic Homes. John Mulholland (2007) married Patricia Lee Underwood in Dallas in February 2017. John graduated with a Bachelors in Exercise Science from West Texas A and M University and a Masters Communications and Educational Professional Development. He is currently the Assistant Coach for Men's golf at West Texas A&M University. Ben Nethersole (2008) is a Manager at Deloitte Access Economics. He has 3.5 years of industry and consulting experience across the government, utilities and infrastructure sectors. Brad Ellis (1987) is a Manager for Coles. Ian Burns (1987) is a Medical Lab Technician at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Don Rankin (1987) is an Accountant.

David Chick (1987) runs a sports retail store in Mooloolaba. Paul Baker (1987) is a Sales Manager.

Michael Gulsimini (2004) performed as one of the Ten Tenors in their Wish You Were Here concert in August at Hamer Hall. Paul Culliver (2007) is the breakfast presenter for ABC North and West in South Australia and can also be heard on ABC Eyre Peninsula between 9-10 weekdays. He even spends his spare time behind the microphone, performing stand-up comedy across Australia. Andrew Collett (1997) is an Olympic Judoka title holder. He held seven Australian senior titles in his own division, picking up a total of sixteen medals in his career, including two golds from the Oceania Championships, and represented his nation Australia in two editions of the Olympic Games (2000 and 2004). At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Collett qualified for his second Australian squad in the men's lightweight class (73 kg), by placing second and receiving a berth from the Oceania Championships in Noumea, New Caledonia. Matthew Windley (2007) is a journalist with the Herald Sun. Angelo Soldatos (2007) is a Business Development Manager with Briner Ads. Don Phillips (2007) is an Accountant. Jarrod Menice (2007) is an Engineer

Simon Meape (2007) is a Landscape Architect with Outlines Landscape Architecture. Eamon McGuire (2007) is a Chemist with Era Polymers. Beau Hill (2007) is a Registered Nurse with Alfred Health. Matthew Donaghey (2007) is an Assistant Brand Manager with Mondalez. Anthony De Girolamo (2007) is a Research Assistant at Monash University. Hayden Cwarno (2007) is a Creative Manager with the Accent Group. Antonio Cafasso (2007) is a video Producer and Director. Luke Hennessy (2007) is a Digital Project Manager with Papercloud. DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL

Bursaries Through generous donations made by past members of the College community, De La Salle offers a bursary program for students in Years 7-12. The program aims to provide a Catholic education to students of families who would otherwise not be able to afford one.

ALBERT HIGGINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Albert ‘Bert’ Higgins commenced schooling at De La Salle in 1917, graduating in 1925. Bert then enlisted in WWII and spent nearly five years with the AIF in New Guinea, rising to the rank of Captain. Bert was a loyal person: he attended one school, one church, lived in one suburb and worked for one company until his passing in 2010. Bert remained grateful to the De La Salle Brothers for the part they had played in his life and left this fund to show his appreciation and afford others the same opportunity for education that he had. BROTHER MARK MURPHY BURSARY FUND Brother Mark Murphy was a De La Salle Brother who was posted to the College as a Science teacher in 1964. He was well-respected teacher and today Old Collegians who learned under his guidance remember him fondly, especially for his ability as a Physics teacher. He retired from teaching in the ‘80s but remained a fixture of the College community until his death in 2011. Whilst not a wealthy man, Br Murphy established a bursary fund to provide opportunities for students to receive a De La Salle education. The bursary program, launched in 2015 currently supports ten families with either partial or full payment of tuition fees.

From the archives De La Salle College archive welcomes any donations relating to the people who have attended the College and its history. The archives does not accept on loan materials. Please contact the College archivist for the archive’s donation policy. Currently the archive is attempting to build a complete collection of the college’s Blue and Gold and Roll Call magazines. Any contribution to the collection would be much appreciated. The archive is particularly in need of the following issues: Blue and Gold: Issues 1927 and 1984 Roll Call: Vol 6. No 2 November 1979, Vol 8. No 1 May 1981, Vol 9. No 2 May 1982, Vol 10. No 4 November 1983, Vol 11. No 1 March 1984, Vol 11. No 2 June 1984, Vol 11. No 3 September 1984, Vol 11. No 4 November 1984, Vol 12. No 1 March 1985, Vol 12. No 2 July 1985, Vol 12. No 3 September 1985, Vol 12. No 4 November 1985, Vol 13. No 1 February 1986, Vol 13. No 2 March 1986, Vol 13. No 3 September 1986, Vol 13. No 4 November 1986, Vol 14. No 1 February 1987, Vol 14.

No 2 1987, Vol 14. No 3 1987, Vol 14. No 4 1987, Vol 14. No 5 1987, Vol 15. No 3 September 1988, Vol 15. No 4 November 1988, Vol 16. No 1 March 1989, Vol 16. No 3 September 1989, Vol 16. No 4 November 1989, Vol 17. No 1 April 1990, Vol 17. No 2 August 1990, Vol 17. No 3 November 1990, Vol 18. No 1 March 1991, Vol 18. No 2 1991, Vol 18. No 3 September 1991, Vol 18. No 4 November 1991, Vol 19. No 2 May 1992, Vol 19. No 3 August 1992, Vol 19. No 4 November 1992, Vol 20. No 1 March 1993 Vol 20. No 2 July 1993, Vol 20. No 3 November 1993, Vol 21. No 1 March 1994, Vol 21. No 2 October 1994, Vol 22. No 1 April 1995.

Circa 1948 cadets marching in the open range at Puckapunyal, near Seymour

Debutante Ball

Brothers’ Jubilees

Eleven De La Salle Brothers celebrated their Jubilees in Sydney earlier in the year representing Platinum, Diamond and Golden Anniversaries. Many of the Brothers have had a significant relationship with Malvern.

Pictured (left to right): Brs Benilde Tin, Celestine Gavin (1951-1958), Hilary Walsh (1956, 1979-1988, 20042005), Malachy Yates, Ken Ormerod (1972-1976), Adrian Watson (1999-2006), Peter McIntosh, Gerard Rummery (1951-1964), Michael Lynch, Paul Rogers (1972-1978, 2010-2013), Garry Coyte (1995-1997)

Rest In Peace John Rawlings 1943 George Brookes

1944

Robert (Bob) Williams

1947

Peter Larkin 1948 Thomas Wilson

1960

Peter Greening 1960 Damien O’Shea Br Paschal Hagerty (Teaching Brother) As we go to press Arts Week is underway, showcasing the very best of our students’ artistic endeavours. Featured above is the work of Year 7 student Peter Pearse. The photo Lost Truck was taken on a trip to the Grampians. “I thought I was in a fantasy but it wasn’t. In the future, I would love to go back and explore this beautiful destination in more detail.” The photo was shot on a Canon EOS 60D using a 75-300mm lens. Join us on Facebook by searching for De La Salle College

1974 1978-1989

Brendan Delahunt (Teacher) 1978-82, 1986-94 Owen Neville 1992 James Kennedy Brian Coulthard (Teacher)

2003 2007-17

De La Salle College 1318 High Street Malvern 3144 Victoria Australia T: +613 9508 2100 www.delasalle.vic.edu.au