Dear Parents/Guardians, Students and Alums:

In May of 1851 the first Brothers of the Christian Schools arrived to begin their educational work in the City of Toronto. By September of the same year the Brothers were already working in St. Paul's Parish and had established an academy for boys on Richmond Street. This school afforded higher education courses in languages and mathematics to advanced students. History tells us this small academy immediately enjoyed great popularity. It is the cultural tradition of these modest beginnings that De La Salle College "Oaklands" continues its mission today of the human and Christian education of youth.

To celebrate the Lasallian tradition here in Toronto and to acknowledge this anniversary of 160 years of educational presence in our city a number of activities are being planned. I am pleased to provide you with this up-date. You will find accompanying with this correspondence further information which I hope you will take the time to read carefully and share with other friends of the College, and in particular with your children.

Beginning the week of September 12th a different speaker will address the student body at assembly and various presentations will be made.

A General Gathering of current students and their families and alums will be held on Saturday, September 17th on the grounds of the College. To begin the event we will be privileged to have with us the Archbishop of Toronto, His Excellency Thomas Collins who start the proceedings with Benediction from the balcony of the Heritage House as was done in 1931 at the time of the opening of the College at its current site. All are invited to join the administration and staff on this historic occasion. Please consider attending.

I want to thank the many students who submitted anniversary logos for the contest held this spring. There were many fantastic submissions.

Before long you will see this logo that will be used during the coming academic year. As well, we will be making available the wonderful documentary done this year on the history of the College done by Rogers Cable for the programme Structures.

I close this letter to you by reminding you of the importance of praying for the continued success of the Christian educational mission of the College and the blessings upon its students, present and past.

In addition to prayer we need to find ways and means to support in an active way the work of the school by becoming involved in some way and, if possible, giving financial assistance in order to ensure that De La Salle "Oaklands" remains the depositary of all that is best in the great educational traditions of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.

Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.

Brother Domenic Viggiani, FSC
President
De La Salle College "Oaklands"
131 Farnham Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1H7
Tel: 416-969-8771 ext. 220
Fax: 416-969-9175

In an article in the Catholic register, Teachers' federation head pledges support for Catholic schools, the Teacher's federation head gives a shout out to De La Salle.

At Toronto's De La Salle College, Melatti said he was taught about citizenship and teaching "by example." It's a lesson that has carried over in his career.

Great to see a Del alumnus carrying on the work of Catholic education.

Its time to dig up your old Del Jacket, hat, tee, yearbook, detention slip... Jim Gardner is organizing a 20th reunion for any Del boys from the class of '89 (or those who graduated a year or two earlier/later/not at all) for Thursday, June 25th at 7pm.

Chiu has offered to host the event at his upscale bar/restaurant the Bottom Line (located at Front and Yonge – beside the Hockey Hall of Fame). He will need to reserve an area for us – Please reply back before June 19 so we know how many are coming… Apparently, there will be a short video shown during the evening…

Guess who has a Facebook page?