Healthy young men help create healthy societies.
That was the common message proclaimed by a range of leading educators and industry experts as De Lalle Catholic College Caringbah hosted an innovative conference on boys education on Monday.
Attended by primary and secondary educators from Sydney Catholic Schools and beyond, the conference explored contemporary approaches to working with young men, dissecting some of the more pertinent issues relating to boys’ education today.
The day featured keynote addresses from renowned sports and exercise medicine physician Dr John Best, and Australian rugby league internationals Aaron Woods and Chris Lawrence.
There was also opportunity for collaboration among attendees, with a series of workshops held across the afternoon focusing on a variety of topics, from artificial intelligence and social justice, to notions of masculinity and the performing arts.
The conference comes as De Lalle Catholic College Caringbah continues to establish itself as a leader in boys education in the Sutherland Shire following its recent expansion into a 7-12 college.
Peter Buxton, Principal at De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah, said the conference offered some invaluable insights into the future direction of boys’ education.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together experts and educators to share ideas, learn from one another and better understand how we all can better support our boys,” he said.
In a fascinating keynote address, Dr Best spoke about some of the developmental, social and cultural considerations for young males, examining what it takes to be healthy and what that health then enables.
Dr Best, who counts a decade as the Wallabies’ physician as part of his impressive resume, also looked at the importance of both spirituality and friendship, and what the future role of young men may look like in the years to come.
With over 500 NRL appearances between them, Woods and Lawrence shared the story of their journeys as professional athletes, detailing the lessons they learned as schoolboys and the challenges they overcame in adulthood.
Woods, an alumnus of both St Mary’s Cathedral College and Holy Cross College Ryde, spoke about how the discipline instilled in him by his educators at school helped set him up for success in the sporting arena.
Mr Buxton said the conference was a prime example of how the college continues to be inclusive, contemporary and at the cutting edge of education.
“At De La Salle, we pride ourselves on knowing what it takes to help grow young men who will go out into the world and make a positive difference and contribution.
“Days such as these are a reflection of our commitment to being at the forefront of boys’ education and providing the best possible learning experience for our students.”
