La Salle Academy Celebrates 70 Years of Educational Excellence and Community Engagement

La Salle Academy, Lithgow, celebrated its 70th Anniversary on Sunday September 17 with a special Mass and Open Day, commemorating seven decades of educational excellence and community engagement. We were honoured to have several special guests including Christina Trimble (Executive Director of Schools at Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst) and Br Visitors of the District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, Br Tim Peter.

Celebrations commenced with a Mass celebrated by Fr Garry and Fr Paul. Alumni, current students, parents, teachers, and community members gathered to give thanks for the Academy's enduring commitment to academic achievement, character development and service to society. It was wonderful to see as many as three generations of La Sallians take part in the service.

The Mass was accompanied by beautiful hymns sung by the St Patrick’s choir.

Following the Mass, the celebrations continued with an Open Day event that showcased the academy's facilities, educational programs, and the vibrant community it has fostered over the years. Visitors were greeted with warm smiles and guided tours by our current students. Many attendees, both past and present, reminisced about their own experiences at La Salle Academy, sharing stories of how the institution had shaped their lives.

One of the highlights of the Open Day was the "Walk Down Memory Lane" exhibit, which featured photographs, yearbooks, and memorabilia spanning seven decades of the academy's history. Alumni, some of whom had not visited the school in years, were visibly moved as they strolled through the exhibit, sharing anecdotes and reconnecting with old friends.

The festivities continued with live music, a barbecue, interactive activities for children and adults alike, including the agricultural farm. The sense of camaraderie and pride in the Academy's achievements filled the air, making the event a memorable one for all who attended.

As La Salle Academy looks back on seven decades of excellence in education, it also looks forward to the future with a renewed commitment to its mission. The academy remains dedicated to providing a holistic education that not only prepares students for academic success but also instills values of compassion, service, and leadership.

In celebrating its 70th Anniversary, La Salle Academy has not only paid tribute to its rich history but has also reaffirmed its place as a vital institution in our community's educational landscape. Here's to another seven decades of shaping young minds and making a positive impact on society. Happy 70th anniversary, La Salle Academy!

A very big thank you to everyone who joined us, and all who worked so hard to make the event such a special day for all.

To read more about the history of La Salle Academy, click HERE. 

Source: BELINDA REDDEN Belinda Redden, Religious Education Coordinator, La Salle Academy