Founders Day at FDMC

Friday 3rd June was the day that Francis Douglas Memorial College celebrated our Founder's Day. It's been many months since we gathered as a school community in our Parish Church to celebrate Mass. What better day to be able to do this than on the day we celebrate the life of our Founder, John Baptist de La Salle and the gift of our Lasallian charism.

It was a wonderful occasion made extra special by the presence of three of our Brothers, Sir Brother Patrick Lynch, Brother Jack Iremonger and our Brother Visitor, Br David Hawke. These three brothers all have a strong connection with FDMC. Br Jack was a first day boarder in 1959, Br Pat and Br David both taught at FDMC, in the 1960's and 1970's. Our sisters from Sacred heart Girl's College were also able to join us and we were very pleased to welcome Mrs Barb Costelloe, Briar Dravitzki, Ella Barrett, Maria-Cristina Passmore and Sarah Mulligan to our celebration. 

Father Simon, our Parish Priest was our celebrant. Ten young people were commissioned as Eucahristic Ministers. They were blessed, presented with Eucharist badges and then served their brothers at Communion time.

Although singing is still not an activity that we can indulge in with enthusiasm our newly developed choir sung our Founder's Hymn for us, the Irish Blessing during the offertory and He Honore at Communion. We listened to One Heart, One Commitment and finished the Mass with an uplifting video of Shine Jesus Shine, a favourite of all our students and staff.

Our Homily was delivered by our three senior leaders. George Bish, Our Lasallian Captain, Samuel Lewis, our Head Boy and Noah Lash, our Deputy Head Boy used the teachings and values of De La Salle to help us all understand our Lasallian Mission and responsibility to each other and those most in need. There is no better way to epitomise this year's celebration of our Founder's Day than with the words of our Lasallians of the future.

Sammy: "God expects you to touch hearts."

George: "Remembering that God is with you, will help and inspire you in all that you do."

Noah: "Never speak to anyone except with kindness."

Sammy: Today we celebrate St John Baptist De La Salle, his life and his actions which changed the lives of so many underprivileged children. St John Baptist De La Salle saw potential in every student, no matter where they came from, who they are or what they look like. He saw value in everybody, not only the rich or the smart, everybody. His legacy continues to live on and still impacts us today. 

George: St John Baptist De La Salle was born in 1651 into an extremely wealthy family. From a young age, he always made time to care for those in society who were less fortunate than himself. This concern for the poor and vulnerable continued into adulthood when he became a teacher in France. 

Noah : De La Salle devoted his wealth and life to the poor in France; positively impacting the lives of many. As a school but more importantly as a community, the lessons we learn from De La Salle model the way we should act and treat others.

Sammy: As students at a Lasallian school, we have the responsibility to carry out and show these values each day. Whether this means showing sportsmanship in a game, helping at the local food bank or just being nice to someone. Each one of us here today can be that kind person and an example of St John Baptist De La Salle in our own community. 

Noah: These core lasallian values go hand in hand with our school's new mental Warrant of Fitness. The messages within the mental WOF remind us of the way we should act and the way we think about ourselves.

George: Number 13 says, "Be grateful for what you have, it's probably a lot more than you think." Here in Taranaki, we live very fortunate lives. At FDMC, we are surrounded by teachers and friends that look out and care for us. Naturally we want more and more in life, meaning that we often forget to be grateful for what we already have. Instead of searching for more, take a moment to show gratitude and appreciation to the things that matter in your life. 

Sammy: Another important message from the WOF is number 2. "Let your faith be bigger than your fears." It's such a simple phrase however it has so much meaning. We often forget the importance of our faith and how significant it is. With Jesus, nothing is impossible. As long as we have our faith, we are able to overcome anything. 

Year 7- Connor Aish
As a year 7 student at Francis Douglas, one key value which I have learnt as a Lasallian is "inclusive community" which is shown through our Lasallian brotherhood. These values have formed a positive environment with a sense of belonging here at school and have been something that I have appreciated as a younger student. 

Year 9 - Robbie Corlett
Our founder, Saint John Baptist De LaSalle highlighted the importance of a quality education.. The quality education provided by the College has been significant in my own growth and development as a young student and has taught me how to serve others as De Lasalle once did.

Year 12 - Zac Perrett  
Throughout my years at the college, I have realised the significance of De Lasalle's core values and how they are present in the college and in the hostel. An important value to me is the value of "respect for all persons." This is significant as I feel this is one of the most important values to build our college community. I have learnt that everyone has something to contribute to society in their own, unique way.

George: As I have gone through the College I have gained a greater understanding of the significance of De Lasalle and how his values are relevant in our day to day lives. From De La Salle's principles we need to think about our relationships, with our fellow students, our brothers. Over the past three years, we have faced the uncharted territory of a pandemic and it has shown many faces of humanity and 'brotherhood'. These times have emphasised the importance of surrounding ourselves with others,reaching out for help if we need it or reaching out to support those who need us. As a community, and as a school, we must fully embrace our unique Lasallian Charism.

Sammy: When I came to the College in 2016, I came for an education. I came so that I could learn and get good grades but the most important lesson I have learnt is kindness. For the last 7 years De La Salle's teachings have been changing the way I act and changing the way I treat others. Now as a leader of the College, I can see the importance of the Lasallian Charism and what it means to be a student at FDMC. 

Noah: My journey through the college began with a very limited understanding of what it meant to attend a lasallian school; but over the course of the last 7 years I have developed my understanding of what it means to be a lasallian student and how I can demonstrate this amongst my peers. The values De La Salle has instilled within our school are a perfect example of how we can learn to serve others and is something we should all look to implement within our own everyday lives.  

George: For the remainder of the year I challenge you all to embrace De La Salle's values and the Lasallian Charism which comes with this school. Show kindness and respect to all those around you. When facing challenges in your lives, remember De La Salles values, the schools warrant of fitness and ask those around you for support. 

Sammy: What we learn here at the College is not only useful for Year 7 to Year 13. The LaSallian core values don't end when we leave FDMC. St John Baptist De La Salle teaches us lessons for life. 

So for the rest of the day, the rest of the year and the rest of your lives, always remember to be that Good College Man. 

George: Saint John Baptist De Lasalle- Pray for us 
              Live Jesus in our hearts- Forever 

Ki te ingoa 
O te Matua 
O te Tamaiti 
O te Wairua Tapu
Amene 
 

(Author: Anna Zsigovits-Mace, Assistant Principal Special Character / Director of Religious Studies / Head of Department - RE)