Leaders in Lasallian schools, whether Presidents, Principals, second-line administrators, trustees, or others in leadership positions, have the unique privilege and challenge of carrying the Lasallian mission forward in very concrete ways through very specific circumstances. With that responsibility comes an expectation of a deeper understanding of Lasallian history, pedagogy, and spirituality.
Two major books that should be read are “Touching the Hearts of Students” and “The Work is Yours.” They provide foundational exposure to the roots of the Lasallian educational movement. From a more historical perspective in terms of pedagogy, the late 18th century essay on the 12 Virtues by Brother Agathon show the consistency of educational perspectives within our Lasallian tradition, while the book “John Baptist De La Salle: The Spirituality of Christian Education” collects the best of his writings in one place. The most significant recent publications from Rome on the topic of “Association” – Circular 461 and Bulletin 254 and – should be on any Lasallian leader’s reading list, at least in the long term.
Among videos that are available, those on “The Life of De La Salle” and “The Purpose of Lasallian Schools” are worth watching as ways of engaging in a reflective dialogue with your own experience. Do they resonate with your own experience? Is this what your school community looks like or reflects? Taking a look at new Lasallian video on the website every week will foster a greater sense of the Lasallian world.
Finally, it’s worthwhile checking out the District, Regional, and International Lasallian websites because they offer a continually changing array of activities, invitations, announcements, and informational tidbits, many of which are worth sharing with others in the school. Likewise, the extensive opportunities to participate in programs, institutes, and retreats are a rich treasure for both yourself and for the teachers confided to your care. For a more comprehensive list of resources, go to the RESOURCE CATALOGUE and check off the “LEADERS” box in the search options.
You will come to realize that the more you enter into the process of real learning (AKA “Formation”), the greater the opportunity to understand, engage in, and enjoy the Lasallian Catholic educational experience.
Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies
A three-year set of two-week summer courses that focuses on the Lasallian founding story, De La Salle’s educational vision, and De La Salle’s spiritual vision. It seeks to deepen the participants’ association for Lasallian mission and provides a rich opportunity to meet and study with Lasallian from throughout the US/Canada Region and the world.
District Workshops and Retreats (SFNO)
Workshops, retreats, and meetings of common-interest groups within the San Francisco New Orleans (SFNO) District.
Advanced Degrees in Lasallian Studies
Formal studies in Lasallian studies are available at both Saint Mary’s University and Saint Mary’s College of California. (Link through each institution’s name.)
Lasallian Research Symposium
An annual gathering of Lasallian college and university scholars in Minneapolis, sponsored by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Br. George Van Grieken, FSC – Workshop & Retreat Resources
Below are a set of resources that have been used for workshops and retreats provided by Br. George Van Grieken, FSC, and the Lasallian Resource Center in Napa, CA. They include sets of PDF handouts, Powerpoints, and other items that those who attended those workshops and retreats, or those who are interested in the same topic, may find helpful. As much as possible, proper attribution has been provided, and other internet references are cited.
Huether Conference
The annual gathering of Lasallian educators of the Lasallian Region of North America that focuses on innovative educational issues and a changing variety of themes related to Lasallian education and the schools. It is open to faculty and staff from all Lasallian ministries and includes major addresses, breakout sessions, seminars, and the like.