LaSalle College to open its doors to girls

Sydney
27 April 2003

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LaSalle College to open its doors to girls

LaSalle College, Bankstown, is breaking with tradition. After more than 50 years of boys-only, it is opening its doors to girls for “a quality education in a mature environment”, says the principal, Br Ambrose Payne. “How well a school performs, be it single sex or co-educational, depends on the direction, purpose and commitment of staff and the dedication of its students,” he says.

By Damir Govorcin

LaSalle Catholic College, Bankstown, is looking to break with a school tradition that dates back to the establishment of De La Salle College in 1951. The boys-only environment is about to change.

From next year, the college is opening its doors to girls - beginning with Year 11.

The college, which was formed in 1999 by the amalgamation of De La Salle College (Years 7-10) and another De La Salle Brothers school, Benilde Catholic High School (Years 11-12), has conducted a feasibility study to ascertain whether girls in the Bankstown area would be interested in attending a co-educational Catholic school.

Critics of co-educational schools argue that some girls under-perform academically just to maintain popularity with the boys.

But LaSalle’s principal, Br Ambrose Payne, says the college has the capacity and facilities to give girls a quality education in a mature environment.

“How well a school performs, be it single sex or co-educational, depends on the direction, purpose and commitment of staff and the dedication of its students,” he says.

“If a school gets off target, then staff and students suffer.

“The dynamics of a co-education environment, enriched by the strengths and interests of both sexes, assists students in the transition to adult life.”

Br Ambrose is confident the school will receive 30 to 40 applications from girls, making it feasible for co-educational classes to begin next year.

Pastors, principals and staff from Catholic primary and secondary schools were among 40 guests at a recent afternoon tea gathering to discuss the college’s plans.

Two girls who had attended a co-educational school told them that the positive aspects of a co-educational environment included increased competitiveness for girls and boys, social confidence, preparation for tertiary study, academic challenge and religious experience.

All these had added to their confidence and self-assurance, they said.

Br Ambrose says LaSalle College dedicates considerable resources to offering a range of courses.

And its teachers take seriously the Lasallian tradition of educating the whole person. Students are provided with a variety of opportunities in academic, sporting, cultural, leadership and spiritual pursuits.

LaSalle College boasts extensive facilities and a broad range of curriculum including courses in business services, hospitality, information technology and entertainment.

The convenient location of the Bankstown TAFE next door allows easy access for Year 11 and 12 students to the vocational education and training courses offered, such as animal care, beauty therapy, child studies, hairdressing, real estate, marketing and travel.

The college can be contacted for more information on 9793 5616.