Once again, many thanks to all the great contributors who make this publication possible. Live Jesus in our Hearts!

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1] Dear Friends and Colleagues, Welcome to Issue One of One Lasalle for 2018!

As we journey towards our Tercentenary Celebrations in 2019, it is timely that

Faith and we to must have the grace to relinquish to Providence when it calls.

. As our Institute and even our own District faces future challenges, are we

#300LaSalle I hope you enjoy this issue!

College Auckland New Zealand In this issue: The Mission Assembly Anna

1 Volume 1 May 2018 Newsletter of the NZ Lasallian Family "Adore God s fatherly Providence in your regard [Med 131.1] Dear Friends and Colleagues, Welcome to Issue One of One Lasalle for 2018! This is a bumper issue with lots of news and wonderful stories. As we journey towards our Tercentenary Celebrations in 2019, it is timely that we remind ourselves that like our Founder we must be guided by a true Spirit of Faith and we to must have the grace to relinquish to Providence when it calls. Here I am, I stand at the door and knock!. As our Institute and even our own District faces future challenges, are we listening to the call? Are we responding to the knock? #300LaSalle I hope you enjoy this issue! Once again, many thanks to all the great contributors who make this publication possible. Live Jesus in our Hearts! EDITOR Kane Raukura AFSC NZMAC Chairperson Lasallian Facilitator De La Salle College Auckland New Zealand In this issue: The Mission Assembly Anna Zsigovits-Mace FDMC Final Professions Pakistan Brother Lewis Harwood DLS The Heritage Programme Sheryl Hewitson JPC The Pakistan Experience Martin Chamberlain FDMC Formation A Bethlehem Story Brother Mark McKeon DLS Meet a Brother I am a De La Salle Brother Brother Saddique Gill DLS Tercentenary In Preparation

FRANCIS THE MISSION DOUGLAS ASSEMBLY MEMORIAL COLLEGE, NEW PLYMOUTH THE MISSION ASSEMBLY By Anna Zsigovits-Mace FDMC The Mission Assembly 2018 was held at The Hermitage in Mittagong from Sunday 15 th

We gathered to discuss the draft Strategic Plan which has been developed for the Mission moving forward from 2018 through to 2022.

2 FRANCIS THE MISSION DOUGLAS ASSEMBLY MEMORIAL COLLEGE, NEW PLYMOUTH THE MISSION ASSEMBLY By Anna Zsigovits-Mace FDMC The Mission Assembly 2018 was held at The Hermitage in Mittagong from Sunday 15 th April to Tuesday 17 th April. Fifty Lasallians gathered from the four sectors of our ANZPPNG District. We gathered to discuss the draft Strategic Plan which has been developed for the Mission moving forward from 2018 through to The importance of this meeting to the Mission was evident in the number of participants and the diversity of those involved. There were representatives from all areas of our Lasallian Mission in ANZPPNG and all voices were heard. The Assembly began with an introductory session with a welcome from Br David Hawke and a prayer from Br Lewis Harwood written specifically for this Assembly. The Hermitage is a Retreat Centre run by the Marist Brother s. I spotted this plaque on the way to Mass. Let us Remember we are in the Holy Presence of God Tracy Adams (CEO of Yourtown) then gave an overview of the expected goals from the Assembly before Br Ricky Laguda gave the opening Keynote Address on the Vitality of the Lasallian Mission Internationally. This session was informative and set the scene for the sessions to follow. On further reflection on the Presence plaque above, it continued to speak to me and reinforced the reason for why I was in there alongside others from our Lasallian Family. Our presence at that time in that place was for the ongoing Mission of which we are all called to be a part. Together by Association The first evening was completed by a session looking back at the performance of our current Strategic Plan in which there were five Focus Areas. These areas were: Association for Mission, Community Life, Formation, Youth Engagement and Finance and Resources. We left this session with an overview of what had transpired through the years of this Strategic Plan, the achievements and the gaps that had been identified for future focus. Day Two began with an overall picture of the realities in each sector clearly outlined by Dagia Aka (Paua New Guinea), Br Shahzad Gill, Kane Raukura (New Zealand) and Michael Egan (Australia). While our Mission is shared our environmental contexts are very diverse. These speakers gave us the necessary information to be able to make valid contributions to the following sessions where each focus area of the draft Strategic Plan was considered in detail. There were five Strategic Priorities that were discussed fully over the following two days. These were: Fidelity to Mission, Formation, Viability and Sustainability, Governance and Leadership and the Brothers Today. It would be fair to say none of us took our responsibility lightly. The discussions that ensued for each focus area was lively and considered from all perspectives. Within each of these priorities we looked at the strategic intent of the priority and the operational goals that were needed to ensure the intent could be achieved. Each group then gave relevant feedback to the Assembly which will be included within the draft Strategic Plan before it is presented in it s final form to the District Chapter later this year. It will then be the responsibility of the District Chapter to pass the ANZPPNG District Strategic Plan for

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE, AUCKLAND FINAL PROFESSIONS PAKISTAN By Brother Lewis Harwood DLS Since the late 1960 s, the numbers of Religious men and women in the Church have been declining with respect to

However, the reforms of the Church from the Second Vatican Council continue to shape and challenge us to be people of faith.

life in serving others. In other words, everyone has a role; everyone has something to offer and everyone is called to mission this vocation in their daily lives.

The call to Religious life still continues call people to commit themselves to be at the service of the mission and to go where they are need often in places where nobody would imagine to go.

3 DE LA SALLE COLLEGE, AUCKLAND FINAL PROFESSIONS PAKISTAN By Brother Lewis Harwood DLS Since the late 1960 s, the numbers of Religious men and women in the Church have been declining with respect to those who join a Catholic order and congregation. Throughout history, vocations to Religious life have fluctuated and have peaked at certain times with many factors contributing to these trends. However, the reforms of the Church from the Second Vatican Council continue to shape and challenge us to be people of faith. A wonderful message from the reform was the universal call to holiness which is being echoed by Pope Francis that all people are called to live a life seeking deeper union with God and to live this life in serving others. In other words, everyone has a role; everyone has something to offer and everyone is called to mission this vocation in their daily lives. The Brothers of the Christian Schools (The De La Salle Brothers) are a Religious Catholic order dedicated to serve young people and to provide a human and Christian education, especially to the poor and to the marginalised in society. In the Lasallian Institute, there are various ways to contribute and to live out this vocation of faith, service and community with wonderful examples in schools and in other works being witnessed. The call to Religious life still continues call people to commit themselves to be at the service of the mission and to go where they are need often in places where nobody would imagine to go. Over the past 18 months, the District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea has seen six young men profess their Perpetual Vows (final vows) to live their lives as Brothers. A motto has emerged in recent times that we are Brothers without borders and we are seeing this diversity across this District. The most recent Professions took place in the Sector of Pakistan where Br Saddique and Br Waseem made these vows in front of family members, friends, teachers and other Brothers across the District. Brother David Hawke, Visitor and Br Shahzad George Gill were present to receive and witness to them commit their lives for life to the mission and charism of the Order. Both Saddique and Waseem professed their vows in their home villages with packed Churches in both locations; Mariamabad and Khushpur respectively. The Professions were both uplifting liturgies and inspired all those present to reflect on the significance of commitment and vocation in the Church. We congratulate both Br Saddique and Br Waseem in taking this courageous step into a life of hope, joy and challenge. Young people in our school systems continue to be invited to reflect on their own vocations and to consider that there are many ways and roles in serving in the Lasallian mission and in the Church more broadly. Jesus in the Gospels called the early disciples to come and see and it is still today that the Brothers of the Christian Schools continue to offer that call to a life of faith, service and community.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE, ROTORUA THE HERITAGE PROGRAMME 2018 By Sheryl Hewitson JPC As I was preparing for my part as facilitator in the Lasallian Heritage programme I cast my

I am now in my 3rd Year of the Buttimer programme and am grateful for the wisdom and guidance I have received along the way.

Thinking about teachers and shepherds both caring for our flocks, and loving them.

We also looked at the Pastoral techniques we use at John Paul College.

4 JOHN PAUL COLLEGE, ROTORUA THE HERITAGE PROGRAMME 2018 By Sheryl Hewitson JPC As I was preparing for my part as facilitator in the Lasallian Heritage programme I cast my mind back some fifteen years ago to my own introduction programme in New Plymouth, which lit a fire in me to learn about things Lasallian. I am now in my 3rd Year of the Buttimer programme and am grateful for the wisdom and guidance I have received along the way. The focus of the session at JPC was: The Lasallian Teacher. A holistic approach. Education that is constructed to meet the needs of students. Thinking about teachers and shepherds both caring for our flocks, and loving them. I took the approach of the importance of knowing the students you work with, and understanding who needs firmness and who needs gentleness. We also looked at the Pastoral techniques we use at John Paul College. Particularly our wrap around service with students, making sure that students, and the help they receive, is not in silos. As teachers we are the role models and mentors for students. This is a heavy responsibility for us all. One of the methods that I use for myself is the prayer cards which use DLS 100 quotes. I see these as a way of stopping and taking stock in the busy world we live in. Below: De La Salle College Staff at this years Heritage Programme. Kindly hosted by John Paul College.

FRANCIS THE MISSION DOUGLAS ASSEMBLY MEMORIAL COLLEGE, NEW PLYMOUTH THE PAKISTAN EXPERIENCE Two Lasallians among their own in Pakistan By Martin Chamberlain PRINCIPAL FDMC Saturday school lies ahead

It s1800 and still so warm outside that I can barely touch my skin on the concrete balustrade.

Our room and some others have air-con and it s welcomed.

5 FRANCIS THE MISSION DOUGLAS ASSEMBLY MEMORIAL COLLEGE, NEW PLYMOUTH THE PAKISTAN EXPERIENCE Two Lasallians among their own in Pakistan By Martin Chamberlain PRINCIPAL FDMC Saturday school lies ahead but my internal clock has a Friday feel about it. Here in Faisalabad, we ve forgotten what cold feels like. It s1800 and still so warm outside that I can barely touch my skin on the concrete balustrade. Humidity is always low so the heat is quite tolerable and there is no apparent direct sunlight through the haze. When Claire and I are too hot, so are the locals, and that s reassuring. Our room and some others have air-con and it s welcomed. As the fives-times-daily prayer from the mosque just over our fence blares out over their enormous speakers, Claire has just returned to our room looking as if she s been for a swim. Within the half hectare school compound, which we must never leave unless accompanied by a Brother, she is grateful for the treadmill in the basement. They punish each other daily until seven non-existent kilometres have been covered. Unlike me, she has adopted the national dress and finds it very comfortable. Conversely, I ve embraced the food which she finds too spicy. She is pictured here with Brother Shahad who is principal of the school in the background which is across the road outside our compound. We have now visited all five Faisalabad schools. They range from the wealthy Lasalle High School & College as in the photo, where the $NZ 800 annual fee the 2,000 students pay, runs that school and the other four, which are for the poor. Teachers there are paid up to a maximum $NZ4,740 per year. In the other schools, $1,800 PA is not uncommon. All schools have some Moslem teachers. Moslem students are the majority in the prosperous school, whereas Catholics/Christians are in the others. We are living in community with eight Brothers and there are 15 trainees for the brotherhood in a separate building onsite. As with anywhere else I have visited them, the Brothers hospitality and cheerfulness know no bounds. I am proudly making it to the 0530 morning prayers, followed by Mass, to begin the day. Our innards have been well behaved as we dabble in alternatives to the Western fare they supply the elderly Australian and Irish Brother and us with. They are both delightful and assist greatly with training in English for the trainee Brothers. All tuition in the schools is now in English although the poorer schools have to proceed with a blend. In regard to English, Brother Shahad would be very keen for a specialist English teacher to come and live in the compound (for safety reasons there is no other option and the Brothers are wonderful hosts to men or women alike) for four to eight weeks and train the schools teachers in the teaching of the subject and teaching techniques in general. We need to explore that maybe round term 4. We have never felt anything but secure, even when visiting the bazaars with Brothers accompaniment. Goods are about 20 percent of the cost at home. One is reminded of the threat that exists however when crossing the narrow road between the two schools. Three large men in blue overalls carry heavy weapons which they have shown me have a magazine of cartridges containing shot pellets about 3cm in diameter. They take their work seriously. I feel like following up their, God bless you, greeting with, But I blast you.

I once heard it quoted, You don t fatten your pig by weighing it. At home it s credit collecting and here it s rote.

Teachers who would deviate from this would be punished by the exam system that recognises only material learned by heart without the necessity of comprehension.

Hopefully it will make learning life better for both. The welcomes we have received at all schools have been humbling. We have been given enough large bunches of roses to stage a state funeral in NZ.

6 FRANCIS THE MISSION DOUGLAS ASSEMBLY MEMORIAL COLLEGE, NEW PLYMOUTH THE PAKISTAN EXPERIENCE Two Lasallians among their own in Pakistan By Martin Chamberlain PRINCIPAL FDMC continued. Cursed be the examination system! In both of our countries the joy of learning is secondary to the assessment systems and too much energy goes into measurement. I once heard it quoted, You don t fatten your pig by weighing it. At home it s credit collecting and here it s rote. The students spend time learning work they have copied from the chalk board (it s been great to use chalk again) and regurgitate it in exams. Teachers who would deviate from this would be punished by the exam system that recognises only material learned by heart without the necessity of comprehension. My work in training staff once their holidays begin on 17 May, will be to gently propose some brainstorming and student-to-student discussion prior to content delivery. Hopefully it will make learning life better for both. The welcomes we have received at all schools have been humbling. We have been given enough large bunches of roses to stage a state funeral in NZ. Several schools have wheeled out their brass bands, students have presented cards and impeccably rote learned speeches of welcome featuring words such as venerable, esteemed, gracious, privileged, humbled and of course, God bless you the ubiquitous greeting from everyone. We are usually referred to as Mr Martin Joseph and Mrs Claire Martin. All schools, prosperous or not, mostly have all classroom surfaces made of concrete. Rooms are rather dark. Six or eight very noisy fans make hearing a challenge and students sit mostly on benches for three. Every school has an attractive uniform and the students are proud of it and their school. Except for the kindy/nursery classes which can have 40, numbers are similar to NZ. The students are all gorgeous an attractive race of people. The teachers are proud of their work and many are former students of their employing school. The dress of the female teachers is always spectacular. Whether it s because of our novelty value, we have to be careful where we initiate hand-shaking while visiting. A crowd five-deep can form in a very short time and make us feel like celebrities. Next Tuesday we will once again be the guests at Malkhan Wala (our twinned school) for Founder s Day and that evening at a function where all teachers from the five schools will gather for a formal occasion. We will then travel to Kushpur which is the Catholic mother lode village, from which many of the Brothers come, and then on to Multan to visit the remainder of the schools. Because of Ramadan, breakup will be early on 17 May and school won t resume again till 15 August. This seems odd because their academic year starts in March. We hope things go well back home. New Zealand has a wonderful quality of life but people are special wherever you go and more so for Lasallians. Until the next scribblings, kindest regards from Martin (Joseph) and Claire (Martin)

LASALLIAN FORMATION The Lasallian Mission in Palestine By Brother Mark McKeon FSC Palestine has been a land under occupation since the time of Christ.

In recent months the media has highlighted the decision of President Trump to relocate the American Embassy and recognise Jerusalem as the indissoluble capital of Israel.

It is in this volatile environment that the Lasallian educational mission is exercised. With the Israeli occupation comes numerous restrictions that inhibit the freedom of both the young and the old.

7 LASALLIAN FORMATION The Lasallian Mission in Palestine By Brother Mark McKeon FSC Palestine has been a land under occupation since the time of Christ. The Christian population in the Holy Land and in Palestine is drastically diminishing. In 1948 the Christian population was about 18%, nowadays it is down to just 2%. In recent months the media has highlighted the decision of President Trump to relocate the American Embassy and recognise Jerusalem as the indissoluble capital of Israel. This flies in the face of the international viewpoint that acknowledges Jerusalem as a city sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It is in this volatile environment that the Lasallian educational mission is exercised. With the Israeli occupation comes numerous restrictions that inhibit the freedom of both the young and the old. Yet despite the frustrations and anger that come with these restrictions an atmosphere of hope exists among both students and Lasallian educators alike. There are five Lasallian Institutions in the Holy Land. Bethlehem University was the first University in Palestine and remains the only Catholic University. It is an Institution truly epitomising the core Lasallian principles. In a University student population of 3300, Christians and Muslims study side by side in an atmosphere of respect. One of the chief goals of the University is to provide quality education to prepare future leaders of Palestine. Above: View from Brothers rooftop: Church of Holy Sepulchre in forefront, Dome of the Rock beyond and the Mount of Olives in the distance. What touched my heart was a determination of the students who strove to make the most of a challenging situation and who made every effort to be at University day in day out. One student stands out for me. Her name is Mira, a Muslim student. I came to know Mira through my involvement with the BU Ambassador group. The BU Ambassadors meet and dialogue with numerous pilgrim groups that visit Bethlehem University. Mira, with a couple of other committed students, started a group Book not Walls. The core belief of the group is that walls can be taken down through the gaining of knowledge. Truly a Lasallian ideal. Mira graduated as a physiotherapy student in 2017 and is now doing a volunteer program in Spain where she is teaching English. Above: Mira s group after she left to study. Still going strong!

LASALLIAN FORMATION The Lasallian Mission in Palestine By Brother Mark McKeon FSC About an hour s drive from Bethlehem, depending on the speed of getting through the checkpoints, you can reach

Students study Hebrew, French, Arabic and English. The students are aged 5-18 years. It was touching to walk through the school yard and be greeted by Year 1 students with, bonjour frère.

The students did not a translator. One lasting memory of have is a comment from a Year 12 girl to my invitation for them to consider a volunteer program.

We are blessed with plenty of space for our students to run around here in New Zealand. Our school in the Old City in Jerusalem (College des Freres) does not have that luxury.

8 LASALLIAN FORMATION The Lasallian Mission in Palestine By Brother Mark McKeon FSC About an hour s drive from Bethlehem, depending on the speed of getting through the checkpoints, you can reach Collège des Frères de Jaffa (St Joseph s). This school commenced in It is a unique school in the Holy Land in that its student population includes Jews, Christians and Muslims. Students study Hebrew, French, Arabic and English. The students are aged 5-18 years. It was touching to walk through the school yard and be greeted by Year 1 students with, bonjour frère. I was invited to speak about the Brothers vocation along with the two Brothers who teach at the school the Year 12 students. I spoke in English and they spoke in French. The students did not a translator. One lasting memory of have is a comment from a Year 12 girl to my invitation for them to consider a volunteer program. She replied, That is impossible for me Brother. I have to go to the army next year. In a few months time the next time she might see her Palestinian classmates could be a border checkpoint. We are blessed with plenty of space for our students to run around here in New Zealand. Our school in the Old City in Jerusalem (College des Freres) does not have that luxury. The school yard for 900 students is the three quarters the size of a basketball court. The school caters for Palestinian students from Kindergarten to Year 12. One interesting feature of the site is that school is built upon the ruins of the prison where St Peter was kept. I was blessed to be able to stay and the Brothers community to allow for easy attendance at the Easter Services. The school is situated on the highest point in the Old City with a panoramic view of Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a ten-minute walk from the school through the narrow alleyways. Within twenty-five minutes you can be praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Above: Students with Br Mark at College Des Freres Above: Lasalle on wall at College Des Freres in Jaffa. Above: Mira in the black top. Bethlehem student ambassador. During more stringent security measures, the students have face occasional closures of New Gate (one of the seven entry gates into the Old City. Yet, like their Bethlehem University older Lasallian brothers and sisters they exude a sense of joy and hope.

I AM A DE LA SALLE BROTHER A friendly chat with Brother Saddique Gill Sector of Pakistan now in NZ!

Saddique Gill, one of our new Brothers in community at De La Salle College Mangere and who recently undertook his Final Profession!

.. didn t take things for granted and had a better attitude of gratitude. The last thing I cooked was... to be honest I don t really remember! But most recently a boiled egg!

Personally, I like to dress casual, so that was what I was wearing. It was a bit uncomfortable. A good word to describe me is amiable.

The book that had the greatest influence on me was There are a couple of books, but the ones I like the most were The Four Agreements - a simple wisdom for true happiness.

9 I AM A DE LA SALLE BROTHER A friendly chat with Brother Saddique Gill Sector of Pakistan now in NZ! In this section of One Lasalle we usually highlight some of our wonderful Lasallian Teachers and Brothers from around New Zealand. For this issue we get to meet Br. Saddique Gill, one of our new Brothers in community at De La Salle College Mangere and who recently undertook his Final Profession! What makes me stand out from other people is my silent and calm personality. As a child, I dreamed of... helping others in any way I can. I d like it if other people... didn t take things for granted and had a better attitude of gratitude. The last thing I cooked was... to be honest I don t really remember! But most recently a boiled egg! To my ultimate dinner party I would invite all the Brothers of the District. My guilty indulgence is... oversleeping! My worst fashion disaster was... in a party where all were wearing formal dress. Personally, I like to dress casual, so that was what I was wearing. It was a bit uncomfortable. A good word to describe me is amiable. Something that really irks me is when people judge me and make an opinion without knowing me. I would like to be remembered for my goodwill for others. The book that had the greatest influence on me was There are a couple of books, but the ones I like the most were The Four Agreements - a simple wisdom for true happiness. And The Power of Positive Thinking. How I came to be involved in the Lasallian mission was I belong to Khushpur village. It is a catholic village and Brothers have been working there for 60 years now. I saw Brothers from my childhood but I was not educated by Brothers. So I joined them after my high school in 2006 at the age of 17. I just pronounced my perpetual vows three weeks ago and I am very happy and proud of that. I believe the Lasallian mission is still relevant today because... in Pakistan education is very much needed especially Christian community is in a great need. It seems to me the same situation as founder had 300 years ago. An awesome experience I had as part of the Lasallian family was.. is having the experience in New Zealand. So far it is very useful and productive experience. I am hoping to go back with lots of new learning and make use of that in my teaching career as a Brother. My favourite words of wisdom are there are so many but speech by Steve Jobs is very inspirational for me and I find these words very motivational stay hungry, stay foolish.

TERCENTENARY 300 YEARS SINCE OUR FOUNDERS DEATH TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE DEATH OF

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (1719-2019) During 2019, the Institute of the Brothers of the

death of their founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers.

Throughout the world, events and celebrations are being planned to honour our common

promote the vocation of the educational ministry.

" With this understanding, the theme of the Tercentenary, One Heart, One Commitment, One

Lasallian Mission and vocation in 80 countries around the world.

10 TERCENTENARY 300 YEARS SINCE OUR FOUNDERS DEATH TERCENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE DEATH OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, FOUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ( ) During 2019, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Lasallian Family will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the death of their founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers. The Institute has designated 2019 as the Year of Lasallian Vocations. Throughout the world, events and celebrations are being planned to honour our common heritage of providing a human and Christian education to the young, and the poor, and to promote the vocation of the educational ministry. Pope Francis once said, "We are pilgrims from death to the fullness of life." With this understanding, the theme of the Tercentenary, One Heart, One Commitment, One Life represents the fullness of De La Salle's life and the continued vitality of the Lasallian Mission and vocation in 80 countries around the world. See the latest update and message from our Brother Superior, Brother Robert Schieler: Our Tercentenary Year has been recognised by the Holy See as a Jubilee Year! Check out: en/2018/05/ lasalle/ Check out the official song - One Heart, One Commitment, One Life!: v=dmyaax8lwfs

Newsletter of. the NZ Lasallian Family. In this issue: DLS. FDMC OUR BOYS AND SERVICE Mike Ingram. JPC CAMP John Paul College

Newsletter of. the NZ Lasallian Family. In this issue: DLS. FDMC OUR BOYS AND SERVICE Mike Ingram. JPC CAMP John Paul College Volume 3 November 2014 Newsletter of the NZ Lasallian Family "Your actions must be the living expression of what is written in the gospel Dear Friends and Colleagues, Welcome to Issue Three of One Lasalle