There are four Houses at De La Salle College:
- Saint Austin’s House (yellow)
- Saint Edwin’s House (green)
- Saint Leo’s House (blue)
- Saint Mark’s House (red)
Houses play an important role in the co-curricular program by providing the structure by which students and staff can be involved in a range of enriching activities beyond the classroom.
Saint Austin’s House
Saint Austin (Augustine) of Canterbury
The symbol of Saint Austin’s House is a dove. Saint Austin was welcoming and generous. He valued and respected all peoples, regardless of individual differences. Saint Austin never wavered in his teaching of Christ’s saving love. Saint Gregory the Great’s advice to Saint Austin is as important today as it was then; “He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not by leaps.”
Legacy, Teaching and Actions
Saint Augustine of Canterbury is also known as Saint Austin. Pope Gregory the Great called upon Saint Austin to lead a mission to England to fulfil the Pope’s dream of bringing the Christian faith to that country. Upon arrival they were warmly welcomed by the King and the Queen. Legend says that this first meeting took place under a tree that resembled a peppercorn tree, a tree symbolic of hospitality in iconography. The King gave the land and buildings to establish their mission and encouraged the people to listen to the monks. Under Saint Austin’s influence the monks lived simply among the local people, always respecting their customs. Their lives were a witness to Christianity as they preached of God’s love, cared for the poor and prayed constantly.
Saint Austin’s House Motto is Faith is Power. This quote embodies the Lasallian belief that nothing is beyond our reach if we live by our Catholic values and willingly persevere, even in times of hardship.
Saint Austin’s House Shield incorporates the symbols of a hand and dove. Saint Austin’s legacy is a call to action, to reach out and respond creatively to the needs of the poor and those who seek a place of welcome.
Saint Edwin’s House
Saint Edwin of Northumbria
The symbol of Saint Edwin’s House is a crown. This is symbolic of the glory and presence of God in the believer for eternity. The crown gives witness to the presence of God. During Saint Edwin’s reign, Saint Bede once commented, all peoples, regardless of age, gender or social status, were able to go about their business “in peace”. This was ground-breaking, considering the lawlessness that existed in eighth-century England.
Legacy, Teaching and Actions
Saint Edwin was born a prince, into a non-Christian affluent family. As a young person, Saint Edwin was searching for spiritual guidance and yearning for a deeper meaning to his life. These struggles were resolved when he made a firm and lasting commitment to Christ. Saint Edwin’s search for his spiritual home was a search that lasted a lifetime. For this reason, Saint Edwin is sometimes referred to as the patron saint of homeless persons. Even though Saint Edwin’s social standing and wealth afforded him many opportunities, he never lost sight of even the most vulnerable members of his kingdom. Through the teachings of Catholicism, Saint Edwin worked to ensure that all people, of all social backgrounds, were made to feel equal.
Saint Edwin’s House Motto is Ever and Onwards. This quote embodies the belief that Lasallian men and women must always persevere and strive for excellence, overcoming challenges presented and performing to the best of one’s abilities. Ever and onwards suggests a striving for peace and equality.
Saint Edwin’s House Shield incorporates the symbol of the crown. The crown speaks more to who Saint Edwin was a person than his title. The crown represents Saint Edwin by the gifts that were bestowed on him.
Saint Leo’s House
Saint Leo the Great
The symbol of Saint Leo’s House is a sword. Saint Leo once wrote, “no-one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the Cross”. Saint Leo’s strength echoes the promise of the resurrection and that change is possible for those who seek it.
Legacy, teaching and actions
Saint Leo loved learning and valued education. His writing and public speaking overcame a sense of disconnectedness within the Church and helped to unite core values and beliefs within the Catholic faith. Saint Leo emphasised the need for open communication and sought to deal with conflicts peacefully. Saint Leo was considered a great warrior even though he seldom resorted to fighting and bloodshed. He was clearly a strong believer in pacifism.
When Attila the Hun attempted to invade Italy in 452 AD, Saint Leo bravely confronted Attila and implored him to retreat. Attila was so impressed by Saint Leo’s peaceful approach, courage and conviction that he agreed to turn away and leave the Italian people alone. Saint Leo, a man of leadership, empathy and peace, was eventually known as “the Great”.
Saint Leo’s House Motto is Strength and Honour. This quote embodies the Lasallian belief that we are committed to and empowered by our faith in God.
Saint Leo’s House Shield incorporates the symbol of the sword. The sword represents the bravery of Saint Leo in standing up for what is right and just.
Saint Mark’s House
Saint Mark the Evangelist
The symbol of Saint Mark is a winged lion. At the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, Saint Mark presents the “voice of one crying out in the desert” (Mk 1:3). This voice carried the strength of a lion’s roar calling for conversion and necessary preparation in welcoming Jesus into the world and our lives.
Legacy, Teaching and actions
Saint Mark was a man of action. He founded the Church of Alexandria and shaped the development of Christianity on the African continent. The Gospel of Mark, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, is named after Saint Mark. The Gospel explores the spiritual journey of Jesus, from his baptism near the River Jordan, to the discovery of the empty tomb following Jesus’ death and burial.
Saint Mark’s House Motto is Be the Change. This quote embodies the Lasallian belief that we are men of prayer and men of action. We should not passively witness change, but should actively advocate for and contribute to the change that others witness.
Saint Mark’s House Shield incorporates the symbols of a book and quill. Saint Mark’s legacy is the writings of his Gospel which brings us the good news.