Leaders of Lasallian secondary schools launched the 10th annual Lasallian Association of Secondary School Chief Administrators (LASSCA) Conference on Sunday, February 23 in Atlanta, GA. The focus of the gathering is on a theme of Design and Structure of Lasallian Schools. Chief administrators, board members, Regional and District leaders, and others, are participating in a conference filled with knowledgeable speakers and presenters, relevant breakout sessions, and opportunities to network with other Lasallians.
The conference began with a celebration of the Eucharist, held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and an opening session that included remarks from LASSCA President Robert Scott, AFSC, LASSCA Vice President Chris Fay, and Executive Director of Christian Brothers Conference Margaret McCarty. The opening session featured a keynote address from Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, Chairman of the Corporation of CBIS Global in Rome, Italy. Brother Louis’s presentation focused on how to design and structure our Lasallian schools using the innovative ways of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, instead of falling into the trap of traditionalist approaches.
“Our Lasallian tradition calls forth to us right now to find new ways to make real, not only for our students, but also for ourselves, the Good News of Jesus Christ for today’s world,” said Brother Louis. “I believe that if we are willing to embrace our tradition, instead of institutionalized and forced traditionalism, we will see anew Saint La Salle’s dynamic charism at its true core, and we will be able to design and structure our schools for today’s students.”
The opening session also included the presentation of the Brother Michael Collins, FSC Award, which was presented to San Miguel High School in Tucson, AZ, for its El Otro Lado program, which focuses on immigration awareness. This award had its inaugural presentation at last year’s conference. It was created to honor the legacy of Bro. Michael, past President of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, MN, who passed away in January 2012, and recognize excellence in a Lasallian secondary school program that represents admirable values, standards, and passions.
Check back here and visit Facebook and Twitter with #LASSCA2014 for frequent updates and pictures throughout LASSCA.
The conference will conclude on Wednesday, February 26.