From the Principal

August 26, 2022

Dear St Michael’s College Community,

LASALLIAN LEADERS GATHERING

It was a pleasure to attend the Lasallian Leaders Gathering in Sydney from 21 – 23 August and connect with fellow Lasallian Principals and Brother representatives. Lasallian leaders from Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea met for the very first time post COVID-19 and it was a great opportunity to share stories about our schools throughout these many countries.

There were a number of guest speakers at the Gathering;

Ken Moroney, a past student of La Salle Catholic College in Bankstown and a member of the NSW Police Force for 42 Years
Br David Hall, La Salle Academy Faith Formation and Religious Education
Tracy Adams – Women in Leadership
Br Tim Peter – Visitor Designate replacing Br David Hawke
Dr Anne Benjamin – Reflected on the themes of dreaming, education, service towards the poor and ministry within our church

Mr Robert Dempsey (APRIM) and myself will be meeting in Melbourne with Southern Lasallian Principals and APRIMS on Tuesday 30 August at De La Salle College, Malvern. These are fantastic opportunities for Lasallian leaders to meet and to continue to develop the Lasallian Mission within our school communities.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION

Due to the generous support of the St Michael’s College community, we have once again been able to support the Lasallian Foundation with a recent donation of $50,000.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Lasallian Foundation has supported projects and initiatives in Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and South Sudan. In recent years, the focus of the Lasallian Foundation has narrowed so that Pakistan and Papua New Guinea are now its main areas of operation.

The Lasallian Foundation receives much of its financial support from Lasallian schools and organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Significant financial support is also received through its Lasallian partners in Rome (DLSSI-ONLUS) and the United States (La Salle International). Donations from teachers in Lasallian schools, alumni and private donors are also a significant source of funding for the Foundation.

Although we live in an age of tremendous wealth and progress, there are many children and youth who have little hope for the future due to poverty and ignorance. The Lasallian Foundation sees education as being a primary means where poor and disadvantaged children and youth are provided with the knowledge, skills and values that will lead to employment and academic opportunities, contribute to the betterment of families and local communities, and be valued citizens of their countries.

While based on the Lasallian Catholic ethos, the educational institutions and organisations supported by the Lasallian Foundation are open to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender. A particular focus for projects is to provide opportunities and facilities for the education of girls, challenging and overcoming the cultural barriers that limit girls reaching their full potential.

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

Thank you to the many students and staff involved in the official Launch of the College’s RAP program hosted by the Primary Campus on Monday. The ceremony included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Kaurna Senior Uncle Mickey O’Brien. Indigenous Coordinators, Ms Kate Tyrwhitt and Mr Andrew Spencer, with assistance from Ms Joanne Gilmore and Ms Bron Kemp, have led this important initiative which is a significant milestone as we continue to play our role in reconciliation in this country.