The Lasallian educational tradition as expressed and lived at De La Salle College “Oaklands” is an extension of the apostolic mission of the Catholic Church. As part of one of the largest educational networks in the world, the Lasallian mission can be found in over 110 schools and ministries just in the United States and Canada. Since 1680, educational institutions in more than 80 countries today have been influenced by the vision and innovative spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Patron Saint of All Teachers.
Saint De La Salle transformed education by forming a community of committed educators with whom he developed a spirituality of teaching and learning in order to give a human and Christian education to young people, especially the poor. As part of this heritage, Lasallian schools and other kinds of ministries focus on Catholic values and the acquisition of virtues, emphasising academic excellence, religious formation, respect for all persons, faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and an awareness of importance of social justice based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Lasallian education strives to enrich each student’s cultural, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development. The Lasallian vision of a true education is one that stimulates the mind, touches the heart, and creates a sense of leadership in order for our young people to prepare for life, work and service to society and to the apostolic mission of the Church.
Just as in Saint De La Salle’s time, the need for such schools was indeed great so it can be said that today more than ever the world needs what the Lasallian education and mission can give to today’s youth.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever!
