One Year as Principal: A Conversation with Brother Rehman of Albans Academy, Multan

Brother Rehman's Lasallian journey began in Faisalabad, Pakistan, in August 2007. After his initial formation there, he completed his novitiate in the Philippines, receiving the Holy Habit in June 2012. His ministry has included service at La Salle High School & College Faisalabad and La Salle Higher Secondary School Multan, where he served in various capacities, including staff member, teacher, youth coordinator, and administrator. Following two years as Principal of St. Joseph Boys’ High School in Gujranwala, he assumed the principalship of Albans Academy in Multan, where he has recently completed his first year.  

Brother Rehman recently reflected on his first year at the helm. Since his appointment, he has been dedicated to promoting a thriving learning environment grounded in Lasallian values. This conversation explores his experiences, the challenges he's faced, his vision for the future of Albans Academy, and the impact he hopes to make on the lives of his students and staff. 

How has your first year as Principal of Albans Academy in Multan been so far? What are some of the most rewarding aspects of the role?

BR: My first year at Alban’s Academy has been both fulfilling and insightful. Stepping into this role has allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to shape young minds and foster a nurturing educational environment. Seeing students grow academically and personally while embracing the Lasallian values has been deeply gratifying.

Another rewarding aspect is that I have a highly competent and cooperative leadership team and staff. Their dedication and commitment to the school’s mission have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition and the overall success of our initiatives.

What were some of the challenges you faced in transitioning from being the Principal of St. Joseph Boys’ High School in Gujranwala to Albans Academy?

BR: Every institution has its unique culture, traditions, and challenges. Transitioning from St. Joseph Boys’ High School to Alban’s Academy required me to understand and adapt to a different school environment while maintaining the high standards of Lasallian education. One of the main challenges was gaining the trust and confidence of the staff and students, which I addressed by fostering open communication and actively engaging with all stakeholders.

Another challenge was the lack of some very basic school facilities, which directly impacted the learning environment and student enrollment. Addressing these infrastructural gaps became a priority, as a conducive learning environment is essential for student engagement and academic success.

What were your main goals when you started at Albans Academy, and how have you worked towards achieving them in your first year?

BR: My primary goals included strengthening academic excellence, enhancing student engagement, and fostering a deeper sense of community. To achieve these, I focused on professional development for teachers, introduced innovative learning strategies, and encouraged extracurricular activities that align with our Lasallian values.

Additionally, one of my key objectives was to improve the school’s basic facilities and increase student enrollment. By gradually enhancing infrastructure and introducing initiatives that make the school environment more appealing and supportive, we have taken significant steps toward achieving these goals.

As a Lasallian leader, how have you tried to integrate the core Lasallian values into the daily life of Albans Academy?

BR: I have ensured that the principles of faith, service, and community are embedded in our daily routines. This includes regular prayer sessions, community service initiatives, and fostering an inclusive environment where students feel valued and respected.

Each class begins with a Lasallian prayer: "Let us remember that we are in the most holy presence of God." This daily practice instills mindfulness and a sense of spirituality among students. Every Friday, we conduct a Value Education lesson, and students actively collect charity for various service programs. Additionally, both Muslim and Christian students celebrate and respect each other’s religious festivals, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and interfaith harmony.

What is your vision for the future of Albans Academy, and how do you plan to continue strengthening the school’s community and educational environment?

BR: My vision is to make Alban’s Academy a center of excellence where students receive a holistic education that prepares them for the future. I aim to enhance our curriculum, introduce modern teaching methodologies, and strengthen our pastoral care programs to support students’ overall well-being.

Additionally, I am committed to introducing modern educational facilities and, more importantly, making this institution self-sufficient and sustainable. Ensuring financial independence and long-term stability will allow us to continue providing quality education for generations to come.

How do you encourage a culture of faith, service, and community at Albans Academy, and what have been some successful initiatives or programs you’ve implemented in this area?

BR: We have initiated various awareness sessions where students engage in discussions on the importance of social service and its impact on their personal and academic growth.

One of our key initiatives has been introducing a "Charity Day" each week, where students contribute donations that are used for small-scale service activities within the community. We have also established a Book Bank, where students donate their old books and uniforms to be distributed among deserving students.

Additionally, we conduct regular leadership and spiritual formation sessions to nurture faith, responsibility, and ethical decision-making among our students.

How has being a Principal changed or developed your own approach to leadership?

BR: This role has reinforced the importance of servant leadership—leading with empathy, patience, and vision. It has also taught me to be more adaptable and to listen actively to the needs of students and staff while making decisions that serve the greater good of the school community.

Can you share a memorable moment from your first year that left a lasting impact on you as a leader and as a Brother?

BR: One of the most touching moments was seeing the collective effort of students and staff during a charity initiative. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help those in need reaffirmed the strength of our Lasallian spirit and reminded me of the impact education can have beyond the classroom.

What made this even more special was witnessing students from lower-middle-class backgrounds and even those facing financial hardships actively contributing to charity efforts. Their generosity and willingness to help others, despite their own struggles, left a profound impact on me.

What are your goals for the next year at Albans Academy? Are there any specific initiatives or changes you hope to implement?

BR: Next year, I plan to improve the science and computer labs, providing students and teachers with a deeper understanding of science and technology. I also aim to introduce digital learning aids, at least for two classes, to enhance the learning experience.

Another important goal is to work toward establishing a school hall for various academic and extracurricular activities. While it may not be possible within the next year, I hope to see this vision materialize in the near future.

Additionally, I aim to strengthen our extracurricular programs to provide students with a more balanced and enriching educational experience.

How do you hope to foster collaboration with the broader Lasallian network, both locally and internationally, to benefit the students and faculty of Albans Academy?

BR: I believe in the power of collaboration and networking within the Lasallian community. I aim to establish partnerships with other Lasallian institutions for student and teacher exchange programs, shared learning resources, and collaborative projects that enhance educational quality.

What role does interfaith dialogue and inclusivity play in the school’s mission, and how do you foster this within the school community?

BR: Inclusivity is a core value at Alban’s Academy. We emphasize respect for all faiths and encourage open discussions on unity and mutual understanding. Through interfaith dialogue sessions and multicultural events, we promote harmony and respect among students of diverse backgrounds.

What advice would you give to young educators who are interested in pursuing leadership roles in Lasallian schools?

BR: I would encourage them to embrace the Lasallian mission wholeheartedly, remain committed to lifelong learning, and lead with compassion. Leadership in education is not just about administration; it is about inspiring and empowering students and teachers to achieve their fullest potential.

Additionally, any young educator pursuing leadership must always remember that leadership is not about “I” but about “We”. True leadership comes from collective effort, teamwork, and the ability to inspire others toward a shared vision.

Could you provide some basic statistics about Albans Academy, such as the current number of students enrolled? What are some of the challenges faced by students?

BR: Currently, Alban’s Academy has approximately 525 students enrolled including 324 Boys and 201 girls. Some of the key challenges our students face include adapting to a rapidly evolving educational landscape and managing academic pressures while balancing extracurricular activities. We are continuously working on providing them with the necessary support and resources to help them thrive.

Brother Rehman's first year has been marked by dedication, vision, and a deep commitment to the Lasallian values. His leadership, inspired on faith, service, and community, has already begun shaping the school's culture and students' lives. As he looks forward to the future, Brother Rehman's passion for education and his unwavering belief in the potential of every student promise a bright future for Albans Academy, ensuring its continued growth and success as a centre of Lasallian education in Multan.