La Salle College High School Mission Brochure

The Mission

La Salle College High School The Mission 2

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Saint John Baptist de La Salle

1651 – 1719 Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Patron Saint of Teachers

John Baptist de La Salle was born at Reims, France in 1651. He was the

first son of wealthy parents and was named Canon of the Reims Cathedral

at sixteen. Though he had to assume the administration of family affairs

after his parents died, he completed his theological studies and was ordained

a priest in 1678. Two years later, he received a doctorate in theology and,

began working with a group of rough and barely literate young men in effort

to establish schools for poor boys.

At the time, only a few people lived in luxury and most were extremely poor – peasants in the country and slum dwellers in the towns. Only a few could send their children to school, and most children had little hope for the future. Moved by the plight of the poor who seemed so “far from salvation,” he was determined to use his own talents and offer education to children “often left to themselves and badly brought up.” To be more effective, he abandoned his family home, moved in with the teachers, renounced his position as Canon and his wealth, and formed the community that became known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

His enterprise met opposition from the ecclesiastical authorities who resisted the creation of a new form of religious life – a community of consecrated laymen to conduct gratuitous schools “together and by association.” The educational establishment resented his innovative methods and his insistence on education for all, regardless of whether they could afford to pay. Nevertheless, De La Salle and his Brothers succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France that featured instruction in the vernacular, students grouped according to ability and achievement, integration of religious instruction with secular subjects, well-prepared teachers with a sense of vocation and mission, and the involvement of parents.

In addition, De La Salle pioneered programs for training lay teachers, which included Sunday courses for working young men and one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents. Worn out by austerities and exhausting labors, he died early on Good Friday morning 1719 at Saint Yon near Rouen, only weeks before his sixty-eighth birthday.

John Baptist de La Salle was a pioneer in founding training colleges for teachers, reform schools for delinquents, technical schools, and secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. His work quickly spread through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe. In 1900 John Baptist de La Salle was declared a Saint. In 1950, because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education. John Baptist de La Salle inspired others how to teach and care for young people, how to meet failure and frailty with compassion, how to affirm, strengthen and heal. At the present time there are De La Salle schools in eighty different countries around the globe.


A casual visitor or new resident here in the greater Philadelphia area might have reason for confusion when pondering the sheer variety of institutions in this area named La Salle. What do an urban university with diverse programs and clienteles, a school for court adjudicated youth, a Catholic elementary school funded largely by charitable donations, a vocational high school, and a suburban boys’ college preparatory school on 84 leafy acres have to do with each other? And what do they have to do with a 17th century French priest who became progressively more committed to simple primary schools where children learned the basics of literacy, arithmetic, and religious practice so they could lead positive and productive lives?

The answer is simple. All those institutions share in the Mission of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the Lasallian Mission: to give a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according to the ministry which the Church has entrusted to us. A two-room church school associated with lower class Parisians in 1682 might look little like that “Christian Brothers School” begun in South Kensington in 1858, one which soon grew to offer education beginning in grade 4 and ending with a college diploma. Neither seems to resemble a storied high school for 1,050 young men with multiple buildings and more athletic fields on a wired campus that never sleeps. In reality, all three schools, like the almost 900 Lasallian schools located in 80 countries of the world, seek to do the same things: to form graduates who have the knowledge and skills to be successful in life but who are also successful at living: growing in faith, focused on service, and committed to community.

Early in this new century the North American Lasallian Region asked some of its most experienced and reflective practioners from its diverse ministries to come together and reflect on what unites us as we fulfill that Mission. The result was a statement of the Five Goals of Lasallian Education:

• We instill Gospel values.

• We are animated by and foster a Spirit of Faith and Zeal.

• We develop and maintain diverse programs meeting recognized standards of excellence.

• We create and sustain respectful human relationships in community.

• We exercise a preferential option for the poor.

La Salle College High School is proud to be able to claim that we follow this Mission and strive toward these goals. In the summer of 2012, this school invited five highly committed and engaged staff members to reflect personally on how we live out these goals, at this time, in this place. I am happy to be able to offer you this publication so you will be better able to understand the unique spirit that animates La Salle College High School and how it has been able to turn out the diverse but still distinctive men it has been known for educating since 1858.

Actually, I don’t simply want you to understand this Mission and these goals. I hope and pray you will commit to them. For these foundational statements do not merely “define a brand.” Rather, they are a blueprint for creating good, significant, inspirational lives that has not failed for 333 years.

Live Jesus in our Hearts! Forever!

Brother James L. Butler, FSC President


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Goal 1 We instill Gospel values.by Lewis Clark Director of Campus Ministry – 12th Year

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Who are we at La Salle?

What values do we instill in our community? At the center of

our insignia and at the center of our identity is the cross: a constant

reminder of Jesus’ presence in our life.

How do we instill these Gospel values? We

start in prayer. At the beginning of each school

day and at the beginning of each class period,

students and faculty begin by remembering,

“that we are in the holy presence of God.”

This simple reminder sets the tone and

refocuses our community to what is central

to a Lasallian education. We step back from

our busy schedule to re-focus, re-energize,

and reflect on the Gospel values in our lives.

This can be seen clearly in our vibrant retreat

program, student led prayer services,

and liturgies.

Saint La Salle told his Brothers, “Now is the

time for little speech and much action.” This

action, which the Brothers refer to as zeal, is

a passion for living out the message of Jesus

Christ and instilling the Gospel values in our

community and beyond.

This zeal can be seen in our dedicated faculty

and staff. La Salle teachers seek to imitate

Christ, the master teacher, in mentoring and

educating our young men. Not only do they

teach a rigorous curriculum, but they instill

gospel values through their actions. This

example continues outside the classroom with

over 75% of La Salle’s faculty being involved

in the ministry and service program as

retreat leaders, Eucharistic ministers, service

moderators, and more. Truly, our faculty

and staff head Jesus’ call towards servant

leadership.

Also in the Gospel in Matthew, Jesus reminds

his followers that when we do something for

the least of our brothers and sisters, that we

do it for him. To that end, La Salle faculty and

staff respond to Jesus call to love one other—

especially the poor and abandoned.

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La Salle tries to instill the Gospel of reaching out

to others in need through our service program. We

provide a meaningful service opportunity for our

young men seven days a week. Led by our dedicated

faculty, our students tutor inner city children at

La Salle Academy, hand out sandwiches to the

homeless in Philadelphia, talk with the elderly, serve

meals at Sarnelli House or Saint Vincent’s, and

much, much more.

School holidays don’t even stop our commitment to

living out these Gospel values. This Thanksgiving, our

young men collected over 10,000 canned goods, and

on Christmas eve, over 140 of our young men were

out delivering Christmas presents to those in need.

And when the school year ends, our commitment to

serve is just starting to heat up. In the summer, over

250 of our students participate in one of our service

immersion projects. Whether it be in the Philadelphia,

West Virginia, New Orleans, Arizona, Montana, Saint

Lucia, or Bolivia, our students take seriously the call of

Jesus to become “the light of the world.”

This light, the fruit of instilling gospel values through

prayer, example, and actions is something that we

hope continues to grow in our young men. Like Jesus’

question to his disciples, we hope that it will be a

central to who they are their entire lives.

“Service has been my education outside of the classroom. I have formed relationships that I never thought were possible and the experiences have shaped me into the person I am today.

Not only am I carrying out the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, but I am also learning more about myself.” Christian Endrigian ’13


TWOGoal 2 We are animated by and foster a spirit of faith and zeal.by Gerald Evans, Jr. Learning Specialist/Faculty Member–30th Year

La Salle College High School is a vibrant faith community. Following the in the footsteps of the Founder “we are animated by and foster a spirit of faith and zeal.”On what basis can La Salle College High

School make such a claim?

Among the definitions of faith is a belief in

God, doctrines and teachings of a religion

(dictionary.com). Among the definitions of zeal

is an eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic

diligence (dictionary.com).

In his letter, James writes, “What benefit is

there if someone claims to have faith, but he

does not have works? So if a brother or sister

is in need and if anyone were to say to them:

“Go in peace’ and yet not give them the

things that are lacking, of what benefit is

this? Thus even faith, if it does not have

works, is dead, in and of I itself. ”

(James 2 14:17 Catholic Public

Domain Version)

The students of La Salle College High School

do the work, thus demonstrating the faith.

Students go out into the community on

service projects on nearly a daily basis. Some

provide tutoring to elementary and middle

school students. Some visit the elderly. Some

provide meals to the homeless. In the summer,

scores of students spend a week of vacation

serving in disadvantaged communities around

the country and around the globe. There are

usually more applicants for service trips than

there are spaces. Waiting lists for participation

are common.

Tim Plamondon ’10, in his graduation address

a few years back spoke of his having attended

a Lasallian Youth Assembly. He was struck

by the “required” service of which his fellow

attendees spoke which was performed at their

schools. When his turn came, and he shared

the extent of the service programs, all of

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which were performed on a voluntary basis, his fellow

attendees were dumbstruck. It would appear that the

La Salle College High School students, “Recognize

Jesus beneath the poor rags of the [people]

whom [they] have to [serve].”

(Meditation 96.3)

It may be said that “faith lead[s the students] to

do this with affection and zeal because these

[less fortunate] are members of Jesus Christ.“

(Meditation 96.3)

Why are the students so zealous about service? In

addition to the desire to help those less fortunate than

themselves, a reason is the involvement of members

of the La Salle College High School administration,

faculty and staff. Each of the service opportunities is

moderated or chaperoned by one or more members

from this group. Working together in service to the

poor and marginalized, they are, as St. Francis of

Assisi is supposed to have said, preach[ing] the gospel

always, using words when necessary. By so doing, they

demonstrate the faith necessary “to touch

the hearts of your [fellow man] and to inspire

them with Christian spirit…The greatest miracle

[one] can perform and the one God asks of [us],

for this is the purpose of [the] work.”

(Meditation 139.3)

“The teachings of Saint John Baptist de La Salle are alive today. They are not stagnant or static; rather, flowing, ever-changing, and constantly redefined by young men who

enter Lasallian institutions and leave as gentlemen.” Max Breitmayer ’12

Institute of the Brothers of the Christian School

Regional Map

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Goal 3 We develop and maintain diverse programs meeting recognized standards of excellence.by Nicholas J. Coggins Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction – 18th Year

Students selecting La Salle College High School find such a wide variety of high quality programs that the fit can feel almost tailor-made by graduation. Countless seniors year after year praise the people and programs at La Salle that helped to inspire them to maximize their own potential and to take their God-given talents to unforeseeable heights. The powerful combination of talented and enthusiastic students and staff, state-of-the-art facilities, strong parental support, and long-developed standards of excellence has made for extraordinary programs at La Salle today.

Central to any school is its academic program.

Our academic program is anchored in rigor

and relevance and connected directly to

the students’ needs. Students learn rapidly

to manage realistically heavy workloads

and benefit from peers who come to class

prepared to engage in the lessons, thereby

pushing the learning pace and assisting the

class to delve deeper for meaning. Teachers

hold high standards for their students and

themselves, staying current on their disciplines

and adapting their instruction to the needs of

today’s youth.

While our academic program revolves around

a robust and comprehensive liberal arts-based

curriculum, it is also reflective of our times

and flexible enough to accommodate students

with diverse interests and from varied

academic backgrounds. Our students are able

to choose from over 135 courses, including

thirty-five classes of nineteen different

Advanced Placement subjects and almost

as many Honors classes. In the recent past,

we have added courses in Chinese, Modern

United States History, International Studies,

Classic and Renaissance Literature, multiple

courses in Information Technology, and more.

In addition, we specialize in serving diverse

learners. Our unique program for students

with documented learning differences, the

David Program, provides the individual

support needed for those students to not

just survive in an academically competitive

environment but to thrive.

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The academic performance of our students is

spectacular on multiple levels. We consistently are

elated to celebrate the exceptionally remarkable

numbers of annual National Merit Scholars and

Advanced Placement Scholars. The acceptance rate of

our seniors to some of the most prestigious colleges

and universities in the United States is impressive, and

80% of the 2012 senior class earned over $29 million

in scholarships.

Other independent schools have strong academic

traditions like La Salle. However, very few can boast

of so many high quality programs that complement

academics. Our student-athletes and coaches

involved in our sixteen varsity sports have earned

unprecedented success in recent years at the top

levels of their sports. La Salle is arguably one of

the most athletically accomplished AAAA high

schools in the state of Pennsylvania, earning state

championships in 2011-12 in hockey, swimming and

baseball, a runner-up in lacrosse, and a final-four

distinction in football.

Our programs in music and technology garner equal

respect and admiration. Our music program typically

includes in the range of twenty-five percent or more

of our student body, and our competition jazz band

is perennially awarded top band honors at the best

music competitions in the area. The accolades for our

technology program continue to draw attention and

attract students. Because of our unique position as the

only Level One Microsoft IT Academy in Pennsylvania

and our innovative, fourteen-year-old Student Lab

Managers program, Microsoft invited our IT staff to

participate in the 2012 Partners in Learning Workshop

this past summer and to compete for top honors with

one hundred other programs from around the

United States.

Our campus ministry and service programs are major

sources of pride as well, and are manifestations of

our Mission. Our retreat programs pose thought-

provoking questions about the critical need for

spiritual growth and Gospel values in our world

today, and the service programs bring our faith into

action. On virtually any given day throughout the

school year, there is an opportunity to serve others

through activities like tutoring disadvantaged youth,

feeding the hungry, visiting with the elderly, and much

more. Our voluntary summer service programs have

exploded in recent years. Our students provide and

deeply benefit from compassionate service to the poor

and needy through participation in service programs

running throughout the summer.

Approximately 270 freshmen “try on” the multiple,

diverse, high quality programs at La Salle each year.

Almost all quickly size up their own great potential

when envisioning their active participation in the

life of the school and personal engagement with the

faculty and staff at La Salle. As they grow and build

confidence and competence in academic, athletic,

artistic and spiritual endeavors, La Salle grows

with them.

“An education from La Salle College High School is not one that simply allows your knowledge to grow, but your heart and soul as well. In the same way, a Lasallian gentleman is not defined by a group of commonly recited characteristics, but by individual and unique

actions that allow him to contribute to the La Salle community.” Emre Karatas ’12


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Goal 4 We create and sustain respectful human relationships in community.by Joseph A. Parisi Athletic Director/Faculty Member – 32nd Year

When members of the freshman class enter La Salle in early

September one cannot help but notice the look of trepidation

on their faces. It’s all so new to them; so many unfamiliar faces; such

a huge building; challenging academics; so many choices of extra-

curricular activities. Two weeks later, they walk the halls with a comfort

level that makes them feel they are at home. There are a variety of

reasons for this, not the least of which is the immediate creation of

respectful relationships with everyone around them.

Throughout La Salle, there is a subtle

emphasis on mutual respect that is

exemplified in the teacher-student

relationship. It comes to light more in actions

then in words. From the start, students are

exposed to a faculty that respects them

for who they are as individuals. They enter

classrooms where they are challenged and

made to feel comfortable at the same time.

In the classroom, all opinions are respected.

In activities all are encouraged to excel. The

teacher makes it a point to let the student

know that he is an important part of life at La

Salle. In turn, the student sees his teacher as

someone who genuinely cares about him as

a student and more importantly, as a person.

This helps in developing a reciprocal respect.

This mutual respect is sustained inside and

outside of the classroom through a student’s

four years at La Salle and beyond.

Teacher–student respect sets the tone and

assists dramatically in the development of

student respect for each other. From the start,

one can see seniors assisting a freshman who

may be having trouble with something as

simple as finding a classroom or opening his

locker or as serious as experiencing severe

adjustment problems. Upperclassmen serve

as mentors in both academics and extra-

curricular activities. Seeing students tutoring

their classmates or those in other classes

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is a daily occurrence in the La Salle Library, Study

Commons or Cafeteria. Students are an integral part

of the planning and implementing of spiritual retreats

where they lead groups along with faculty members

and share major life changing experiences and events

with many students they don’t know.

The nurturing of these relationships continues in

many subtle ways and carries far beyond the walls of

La Salle. One only needs to follow a La Salle student

along one of the many service projects to witness

the compassion, kindness, and respect that is shown

to a homeless person, a resident of a nursing home

or a special needs child. There is one constant when

receiving feedback on La Salle students involved in

service: the genuine respect and compassion they

show to all.

The idea of mutual respect is a cornerstone of being

Lasallian. With this in mind one doesn’t have to look

very far to find daily evidence of this Lasallian value. It

is evident in the faculty-student and peer relationships

at La Salle and carries over into the community in

every aspect of school life.

“La Salle’s atmosphere of acceptance allowed me to foster personal relationships with my teachers and classmates. I was able to become friends with my teachers, while becoming brothers with my classmates. Brotherhood is much more than a friendship. Brotherhood lasts over time because of the experiences that connect us. I can always return to La Salle because

I will forever be part of the La Salle community through the relationships I made with my teachers and classmates.” Jordan Santora ’12


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Goal 5 We exercise a preferential option for the poor.by Mark A. Gibbons ‘92 Chief Financial Officer – 15th Year

The preferential option most easily manifests itself in La Salle’s

commitment to those who are poor in its need based financial

aid program. The financial aid program is in place to afford students

the opportunity, merited by admission, to attend La Salle. Today, over

one third of La Salle students are receiving need based financial aid.

Over the last four years, while tuition has risen by a total of 21%, the

budget for need based financial aid has risen by 35%.

Implementing such and aggressive increase in

financial aid has required strong commitments

from the entire La Salle family. It starts with

the Board of Trustees, in creating the annual

budget, and holding firm to the ideal to make

La Salle affordable. This increase in financial

aid is further made possible from consistent

and increased annual contributions from

the entire La Salle family. Employees have

expressed this commitment, among other

untold ways, in their dedication to the Student

Emergency Fund. Over the last four years,

employees have contributed over $60,000 to

this fund, whose purpose helps students cover

expenses like school books, dance tickets, and

other incidental expenses typically incurred

by students. The Men of La Salle, beginning

with a tradition of passing around a hat

at its monthly meetings, have covered the

remaining tuition payments for a current

student who loses a parent.

“Financial aid truly changed my life and that of my brother. Without it we would not have been able to experience everything that is La Salle College High School.

Financial aid serves as a way for students with proven ability who otherwise might not be able to attend to have access to La Salle. Socio-economic diversity has always been

extremely important at La Salle, and financial aid is a tool to make certain that never changes.” Kevin Dougherty ’00

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La Salle should be proud of the way it responds to the

financial needs of its students, but if this was the only

way La Salle reached those who are poor, it would

not be fully living up to the preferential option. While

affordability and accessibility are hallmarks of the

Founder’s beliefs, educational programs of solidarity

and social justice carry equal measure. For the last

ten years, La Salle students have left the school every

day with their eyes on a sign that reads “Leave to

Serve,” and serve they have. In 2012, La Salle students

performed over 17,000 hours of community service

spanning the USA and abroad, a record which stands

to be shattered in 2013. Some of these hours of

service are performed on “Branch Out Days,” when

freshman and sophomore students venture into the

Philadelphia for a day of service, and return for a

period of reflection. The more impressive part of these

days is that the student’s efforts and experiences are,

in many cases, shared with their fathers, who take a

day off from work to join in the cause.


Who are the Brothers of the Christian Schools?

The Brothers of the Christian Schools (more popularly

known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers) are the largest group

of religious laymen in the Catholic Church dedicated

exclusively to the ministry of education. They are “Brothers”

(not “priests” who engage in sacramental ministry) who dedicate their lives

to God, to the Gospel, to the ministry of education in the Catholic

Church, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Today, there are over

five thousand Christian Brothers serving in 84 countries around the world.

Their educational scope in the USA includes six Colleges/Universities,

fifty-four high schools, sixteen middle schools, and fifteen

educational centers.

“The purpose of this Institute is to provide a human and

Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according

to the ministry which the Church has entrusted to it.”

Rule of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Article 3

District of Eastern North AmericaSCHOOLS AND MINISTRIES CONDUCTED BY OR AFFILIATED WITH THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIASt. John’s College H.S., WashingtonSan Miguel School, Washington

MICHIGANDe La Salle Collegiate H.S., Warren

MARYLANDCalvert Hall College H.S., BaltimoreLa Salle Hall, BeltsvilleSaint La Salle Auxiliary, Beltsville

NEW JERSEYChristian Brothers Academy, LincroftDe La Salle Hall, LincroftProvincialate Offices, EatontownSaint La Salle Auxiliary, Lincroft

NEW YORKBishop Loughlin Memorial H.S., BrooklynChristian Brothers Academy, AlbanyChristian Brothers Academy, SyracuseCristo Rey H.S., NYCDe La Salle School, FreeportDe La Salle Academy, NYCGeorge Jackson School, NYCHighbridge Center, BronxLa Salle Academy, NYCLa Salle Institute, TroyLa Salle School, Albany

Manhattan College, RiverdaleMartin DePorres School, ElmontSt. Joseph’s Collegiate, BuffaloSt. Peter’s Boys’ H.S., Staten IslandSt. Raymond H.S. for Boys, Bronx

PENNSYLVANIABrother Rousseau Academy, PhiladelphiaCentral Catholic H.S., PittsburghDe La Salle In Towne, PhiladelphiaDe La Salle Vocational, BensalemJeremy House, PhiladelphiaLa Salle Academy, PhiladelphiaLa Salle College H.S., WyndmoorLa Salle University, PhiladelphiaSt. Gabriel’s Hall, AudubonWest Catholic H.S., Philadelphia

RHODE ISLANDChristian Brothers Center, NarragansettLa Salle Academy, ProvidenceOcean Tides School, NarragansettSan Miguel School, ProvidenceSt. Raphael’s Academy, PawtucketTides Family Services, West Warwick

ONTARIO, CANADADe La Salle College, TorontoLa Salle Manor, Scarborough

BROTHERS OF THE DISTRICT CURRENTLY SERVE IN THE FOLLOWING USA-FSC MINISTRIES:

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS CONFERENCEWashington, DC

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITYMemphis, TN

LA SALLE-VIETNAM HOUSESan Jose, CA

LEWIS UNIVERSITYRomeoville, IL

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITYWinona, MN

SANGRE DE CRISTO CENTERSante Fe, NM

BROTHERS OF THE DISTRICT CURRENTLY SERVE IN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS AND COUNTRIES:

EUROPERome, Italy

MIDDLE EASTBethlehem, Palestine

ASIAManila, PhilippinesHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam

EAST AFRICAAddis Ababa, EthiopiaNairobi, KenyaNyeri, KenyaNakuru, KenyaMarsabit, KenyaOndo, NigeriaMakurdi, Nigeria

La Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 fax

www.lschs.org

Documents

La Salle College High School Mission Brochure