March 2012 Volume Twenty-One Number 7
Dear Parents and Guardians, March can be a tricky month with a mixture of both winter and spring. As of this writing, we’ve had neither a snow day nor a late opening due to weather – I can assure you that our boys are eager for either. The best of skeptics will have to admit that this winter can’t be called normal. There is one thing that will likely happen – March will usher in the winds. A certain excitement has been in the air with the announcement of the school’s new administrative team. The appointment of Brother James Butler, FSC, a longtime member of our Board of Trustees, has been greeted with enthusiasm
The beginning of March will see La Salle hosting perspective members of the Class of 2017 as the 7th Grade Practice Test will be administered on March 3, 2012. Over 400 students will sit for this test in an effort to get some idea of what the future might hold and how they might better prepare for independent schooling. It is also the perfect opportunity for me to take a peek into our future. The Alumni Association has chosen to induct our own Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57, better known to our students as “Brother Kodak”, into the Hall of Fame. At the same time they will induct Mr. Frank Cervone ’75, a nationally renowned advocate
I feel La Salle is very blessed to have attracted such talent to our Caring Community. from all who know of his dedication to La Salle over the years. Brother James has a most impressive background in education both within and outside the Lasallian community. Tireless energy might best describe him. Brother will assume his new responsibility in July of 2013 and will join us here in Wyndmoor early in 2013. Mr. Michael O’Toole ’68, our new Principal, will assume his responsibilities on July 1, 2012 when Mr. Marchese steps down due to health reasons. We wish Mr. O’Toole every success and look forward to his initiatives that will help shape and carry La Salle well into the future. Mr. O’Toole returns to La Salle after seven years as Principal at Holy Ghost Preparatory School and has an equally impressive background in school administration. Please join me in welcoming both of these men and wishing our new administration every success. You should also know that many meetings have surrounded the implementation of our International Student Program, which will begin in September. Every Friday afternoon, those responsible for this program have been meeting and developing programs for faculty/staff, the student body, and finally, our parents and alums. In the coming months, you will be hearing more about this program. For the moment, allow me to introduce Mrs. Nary Smith, a member of our World Language Department, who will be serving as coordinator. Mrs. Smith’s background in various Asian cultures made her the ideal candidate to lead this program. Please review the enclosed column on this effort. It is my hope that this program will help La Salle prepare students for careers in a world that is truly global. This opportunity will help to position them as they look for careers and leadership roles in the international job market.
for children’s rights. The timing of this honor could not be more perfect for both our Nation and Church. The Alumni Association will likewise honor two members for their faithful service over the years when the Honorable William Benz, Esq. ’72 and Mr. Edward Feeny ’62 receive the William J. Whelan ’55 Alumni Service Award. Please join me in congratulating these four alums on this special honor. I would like to draw your attention to a Parent/ Son program sponsored jointly by Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy, Gwyneed Mercy Academy and La Salle – SpeakUp – which which will be held at Gwynedd Mercy Academy on March 8, 2012 beginning at 6:30 pm. Mrs. Maher serves as our contact for this program. I invite you to consider this opportunity to dialogue with your son and his peers. March places us in the midst of the Lenten season. May these days provide some time to personally reflect upon the significance of salvation and the events in history that led up to Easter and Christ’s rising from the dead. I hope that you might enjoy some quiet moments that allow for personal preparation for Easter. Our boys will participate in a number of events that will help them to focus their attention on Holy Week and Easter. Sincerely yours,
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President