Welcome to the final issue for 2022 of Alumni News featuring:

• De La Salle Vietnam Vets 
• Class of 1981 Reunion 
• Class of 1992 Reunion
• Alumni sporting success 
• Events

Help us connect with more 'Old Lasallians' by sharing our 'Stay Connected' link below with your former classmates. 

De La Salle Vietnam Vets 

21 October 2022: The Respect Our Own Project Committee celebrating the stories and experiences of De La Salle Vets at a special lunch function.

Respect Our Own Website

The La Salle College, formally De La Salle College (DLS), Class of ’63 formed a committee some time ago to recognise, acknowledge and honour the sacrifices made by graduates of the College who served in the Vietnam War, over 50 years ago. These Vietnam Vets were not formally recognised when they returned home from that War that changed their lives forever.  Our Vet schoolmates were not only involved in combat, but they were also involved in medical support, education and rebuilding local infrastructure. The “Respect Our Own” committee identified 21 DLS College graduates who served in that War during the National Service period 1964 to 1972.  The number of graduates who served in that War is a relatively high percentage of the former students at the College of that time. To acknowledge and honour the College Vets who served in the Vietnam War, a website has been developed with input from the Vets. The “Respect Our Own” website includes a virtual Honour Board, stories from a number of Vets and background to the website project. A formal function was held at the 7th Avenue Bar and Restaurant Function Room in Midland on Friday 21 October 1922 to officially honour and recognise these Vets and officially launch the website. The function was attended by more than 50 guests, including nine Vets, some with their wives and partners, and former DLS College students across graduating years 1962 to 1973.  Roy Aveling, as chair of the Committee, welcomed and acknowledged the Vets and Greg Branson, the website creator and developer, introduced and officially launched the website.  A keynote address was given by Michael Brennan, a retired full Colonel from the Australian Army. The website launch function was an outstanding success, well received and thoroughly enjoyed by the Vets and all guests.  The function was clearly an emotional event for the Vets as some had not seen one another for over 40 years and enjoyed catching up and sharing their stories. The Committee members encourage all those interested to access the Respect our Own website and view the De La Salle College Vietnam Vets on the virtual Honour Board, read their stories and obtain more information on the background and history of the website project. Committee Members Roy Aveling, Kevin Smith, Greg Branson (Melb Vic), Ian Campbell (Vet), Rudi Kerenyi, John Rengel, David Costello, Paul Calleja. Vet records information, Alan Ferdinands (Vet; Qld)

Commentary by Kevin Smith

De La Salle College Vietnam Vets Virtual Honour Board

Class of 1981 Reunion

Class of 1981 Reunion School Tour

Class of 1981 Reunion Lunch

A Step Back In Time…

La Salle Reunion of the Year 12 Class of 1981 and Year 10 Class of 1979

‘We didn’t know it, but we were making treasured memories while we were having fun’.

Delayed by the restrictions associated with COVID-19 in 2021, on Saturday 3 December 2022 La Salle College had the 41st year reunion of Year 12 and the 43rd year reunion of Year 10 (and some ex-students that skipped in between the years of 1977 to 1981).

La Salle organised a tour of the school with ex-teachers, ex-students and one ex-parent attending to view the incredible progress of the school and the educational programmes available to students, hosted by school staff Dolores Castelino and Amanda Macnamara.

Afterwards attending lunch and drinks in Midland.

The event was attended by 1981 Principal Clem Mulcahy and Deputy Principal Brian Buzzard and teachers and staff Peter Elloy, Bevan Carter, David Healy, Steven Dawson, Joe Sorgiovanni, Mrs Noregard and Mrs Hordern.

Mr Bob Saligari, ex-parent commented on how impressed he was of the facilities and education programmes available to students today at La Salle College.

There was much laughter and talking, the school heard our voices reverberating off the walls of classrooms and buildings again (much to its horror we’re sure).

Old photographs provided by ex-students were displayed and music from 1977 to 1981 took us all back to our teenage years.

The stories were incredible between us, the remembering, the catching up on the years lost, and rekindling the friendships formed, long friendships that have survived over many years.

and…

We remembered those lost along the way, ex-students, ex-teachers, coaches of our sporting teams, ex-staff, treasured friends.

Rest in Peace and Lest We Forget.

Thanks to La Salle College for organising a perfect tour of the school. Thanks to ex-teaching staff for helping to create the visit back in time and thanks to all those that contributed to making the day part of today’s memories, a day which will be remembered long into our futures.

Silv Wright, Steve Hollow, Ali Linder (Alison Saligari)

Class of 1992 Thirty Year Reunion

Class of 1992 Thirty-Year Reunion.

It was a night of heart felt hugs, big smiles and lots of laughter when the Class of 1992 caught up for their 30-year reunion on Saturday 19 November 2022 at the Woodbridge Hotel. 

Nat Insley and Sally Cole kept the La Salle spirit alive and took out best dressed in their Year 12 blazer and leavers jumper combo. A big thank you to Mr Sorg for making a guest appearance, to all that made the effort to travel from country WA and interstate for the evening and also to Anastazi Sarigiannis for joining us briefly from the USA via Facetime. Technology has come a long way since ‘92! 

We look forward to doing it all again in five years. 

Commentary and photo by Yvette Keys (Class of 1992)

Milestone Reunion Next Year? 

Calling Class of 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003, 2013 - Please click on the link below to see how we can assist you in the planning of your Reunion. We would love to hear from you!

Celebrating sporting success

William Brenssell Class of 2021

Congratulations to William Brenssell on his selection to the WA squad for the 2022 AFL National Inclusive Carnival. What a fantastic achievement Will.

The WA Squad for the 2022 AFL National Inclusion Carnival. William can be seen backrow, third from the right

Mark Zahra - 2022 Melbourne Cup Winner 

Mark left La Salle College in Year 10 to become an apprentice jockey. He was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2010 and now, what has to be one of his greatest triumphs, Melbourne Cup winner in 2022. Congratulations Mark, what an accomplishment! 

Read about Mark's journey Melbourne Cup - Echo Newspaper

Mark Zahra holds the Melbourne Cup aloft for the first time. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Words from our current Principal, Giovanna Fiume, seem to encapsulate our former students' endeavours perfectly.

“It is wonderful to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our former students".

“It is clear that Mark had a passion from a young age, and he pursued it – daring to dream and taking opportunities is what I want for all the students at La Salle College”. ​​​​​​​

Events