News of the Institute and Lasallian Family

Rome, June 19, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO – USA - DE MARILLAC STUDENTS GO GREEN, SAN FRANCISCO APPLAUDS: De Marillac Academy was recognized along with three other schools at a City Hall reception yesterday hosted by the Department of the Environment of the City and County of San Francisco. With a 97% rate of waste diversion, De Marillac proudly holds the highest rate of waste diversion of any of the 285 schools participating in the composting program sponsored by the Department of the Environment.

Commencing with the initiation of composting in August, De Marillac’s commitment to a “waste-free” campus includes recycling bottles, cans, paper and cardboard, and collecting all excess food and other compostable waste. Composting and recycling efforts have been enhanced by curriculum-based activities such as science lessons focused on organic decomposition and the ecological benefits of sustainable practices.

Principal John Omernik proudly explained the benefits of going “waste free” at a student assembly: “As a values-based school community, we are called to be stewards of our environment. By integrating our compost program with our recycling efforts, we are giving back to the earth by replenishing it with those natural resources left over from our daily activities. By composting in the cafeteria, in our classrooms, and even the paper towels from the restrooms, we are serving our community by being environmental leaders.”

A select group of students called Compost Monitors leads the way in this community-wide effort. In this important role, the students support composting and recycling practices in the cafeteria. With the assistance of their teachers, the monitors hold classmates accountable for their practices and aid in educational activities designed to promote environmental stewardship. Following the leadership of the student monitors, De Marillac Academy’s composting and recycling program will continually promote environmental awareness throughout this academic year and beyond to foster a lifetime commitment to environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices.
^{(Catherine Ronan Karrels, President)}

PHILIPPINES – NEWS FROM GUADALUPANAS SISTERS: Sister Elia Hernández Cárdenas, Vicar General of the Guadalupanas Sisters of De La Salle, visited the communities in the Delegation of the Philippines. Among other activities, she gave some talks at the Sisters' annual retreat which was held from May 6 to 12, 2007. She is pictured in the photo with Father Alan Rieger, a spiritual benefactor and friend of the Sisters.

On May 20, 2007, two Guadalupanas Sisters of De La Salle in the Delegation of the Philippines professed their vows. Sister Cristina Calumba made her perpetual profession and Sister Alma Mendoza mad her first profession of vows. Present for the ceremony were many relatives and friends of the professed. Brother Raymundo Suplido, FSC, was also present for this event. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Bishop Vicente Navarra. In May the Sisters were visited by Sister Hernández Cárdenas, Vicar General. We are delighted to send our greetings and prayers to the entire Lasallian family and we add our prayers to theirs to procure God's glory.

May 20, 2007. Blessing and inauguration of the "Hermano Miguel Integrated School" which will operation under the supervision of the Brothers, through the leadership of Brother Felipe Belleza. The Guadalupanas Sisters of De La Salle will also be involved in this work, with a community of three Sisters. This work is the result of a generous initiative of Mr. Go and family. The nearby area of this school is of mixed social classes.

ROME – ITALY - IALU CONFERENCE 2007: In Rome the first week of a two week long conference exploring the understanding of, and commitment to, Lasallian partnerships is underway. The Conference, entitled “Partners in Catholic  Lasallian Higher Education”  began June 10 and will continue through June 22. Educators from nine countries (28 different Lasallian Colleges and Universities) are participating.

A total of 52 faculty and administrators gathered to listen to and discuss presentation on the history of the Lasallian story, the spirituality of De La Salle, lasallian association and Catholic social teaching.

Participants have shared the goals and challenges of their own institution and have explored partnership opportunities. Discussion about mission and the research focus of faculty and students at Lasallian Universities (called for in the most recent General Chapter ) continued throughout the second week of the conference.

More www.ialu.org

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