October 2011 Volume Twenty-One Number 2
Dear Parents and Guardians, The 153rd academic year got off to a smooth start once tropical storms Irene and Lee departed the area. The first day of classes saw 1,068 young Explorers take possession of the campus. The Class of 2015 was welcomed with a full afternoon of activities followed by an evening induction ceremony. This event was something new for La Salle and was well received by students and families alike. Special thanks go to Mr. Nick Coggins for all the planning and attention to detail.
One aspect of this plan calls for La Salle to offer a globalized education. A recent proposal to the school to engage ourselves with students from across Asia will help in this effort. Beginning in the Fall of 2012, La Salle will welcome seven to ten freshman from across Asia to a compliment of 30/40 students in four years. It is my hope that this experience will broaden our students’ world view and one day pay dividends as our boys assume leadership roles in companies with worldwide markets. You will learn more of this initiative as the year progresses.
…commitment to academic excellence and position us as a leader among Catholic and independent schools in the State. La Salle was recently informed that twenty-seven members of the senior class had been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Thirteen boys were named as National Merit Semifinalists, which is the most among any private, Catholic, or independent school in the State of Pennsylvania. An additional fourteen boys were recognized as National Merit Commended Students. In total, 11% of the Class of 2012 was recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. These numbers clearly demonstrate the school’s commitment to academic excellence and position us as a leader among Catholic and independent schools in the State. Over the summer, final details were completed on our Strategic Plan. This was the result of more than a year’s effort and collaboration by several groups. You will receive your copy of the Strategic Plan, which outlines our goals through 2016, with the Fall issue of the Explorer. I hope you will take a few moments to review the content of both publications.
I wish to remind you of two important upcoming events. First is the joint meeting of our parent groups on October 6, 2011 at 7:00 pm. We have invited Brother Kevin Delmasse, FSC to speak to our families about Saint John Baptist de La Salle and his vision for education into the 21st Century. I am hopeful that you will avail yourself of this opportunity to learn more of the philosophy that motivates a Lasallian education. The second is Freshmen Branch-Out Day for the Class of 2015 and their fathers set for Tuesday, October 18, 2011. This will be the first opportunity for the Freshmen Class to share their talents with the many service sights that La Salle supports. Congratulations and best wishes to our fall sports teams and coaches. I am hopeful that your son has found something of interest amongst our many clubs and activities. Sincerely yours,
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President
For over 150 years, La Salle College High School has provided a college preparatory education for young men in the Philadelphia area. La Salle boys are taught to be critical thinkers who are well prepared academically, able to communicate effectively, and lead confidently.