I begin by greeting you in the name of the De La Salle community: students, parents, staff, alumni and benefactors. The history of this school, which finds its origins with the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1851, is part of a world-wide movement inspired by the life and work of St. John Baptist de La Salle. He responded to the needs of his time in 17th Century France by founding a religious community of teaching Brothers and providing a Christian education mostly for the sons of artisans and the poor. What he accomplished, however, was more than just open schools, he created a vision.

Throughout its long history Brothers and dedicated lay persons have worked tirelessly to continue this vision at De La Salle. A Lasallian school is centred on a life of faith. In such a school God's presence is a living and appreciated reality. It is a Christian school in the Roman Catholic tradition. St. John Baptist de La Salle was unambiguous in his teaching that the Lasallian school must remain loyal to the teaching authority of the Church.