A home that welcomes. It is a key aspect of a Salesian education that the learning environment is welcoming, safe and is inclusive of all people and how they learn. Salesian College Chadstone is proud that it offers a holistic education where everyone gains a sense of belonging regardless of culture, religious belief or socio-economic background.

As a parent himself, Mark Ashmore understands that every individual is unique. As a Principal he draws inspiration for his students from St Francis de Sales who wrote, “Be who you are and be that well”. It is a hope that each student comes to Salesian College Chadstone as they are and they develop skills, values and dispositions that will allow them to achieve their dreams.

Now leading Salesian College Chadstone, Ashmore was drawn to the school thanks to its dynamic learning environment, focus on the individual and vision for the future.

“Our community has achieved strong academic results due to our expectations on all students to learn to the best of their abilities and by offering a variety of pathways. We too are committed to developing good Christians and honest citizens,” says Ashmore.

“Our programs specifically and intentionally develop skills that foster respectful relationships, leadership, integrity and working with people of diverse backgrounds to ensure all are welcome and belong in a community.”.

“These attributes are important for men to flourish in their family, work and community life.”

As a boys’ school, Salesian is a Catholic learning community that inspires all students to strive for excellence in the spirit of Don Bosco. The single gender classes and the extensive extra-curricular program provides a holistic education to meet the needs of boys in their spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. It is in this welcoming and safe environment that each student has a voice in their learning.

Students (as have parents, alumni and staff) have contributed to the next era of our history with the development of our Strategic Plan, curriculum and Master Plan.

Our new Mannix Year 7 and 8 Learning Precinct has evolved from community input and has us responding to the emerging needs of young people.

Our College vision for excellence in the spirit of Don Bosco will be enlivened in the contemporary facilities that will cater for the holistic learning of adolescent boys.

The new building and refurbished existing building will accommodate years 7 and 8 and includes state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, art studio, STEAM makerspace, tutorial rooms, gathering space. informal learning spaces and landscaped social spaces. Social spaces will be complemented with a canteen and outdoor seating.

Whilst the new facilities at our Mannix campus will espouse a dynamic joy filled learning environment, it is our outstanding educators who will create education that is of “heart and mind”.

Our Oratory Program, a holistic faith and learning experience, provides pastoral care, leadership and academic skills in a caring and supportive environment. Our Oratory teachers walk with, guide and mentor our young people as they learn. Every student at the new precinct will experience this personal support for their learning and wellbeing to ensure they gain a sense of meaning and purpose.

Literacy, numeracy, science and technology will be a focus in the new facilities as will be student wellbeing, with specialist staff supporting students during these transition years from primary school to learning in the senior years of school.

The extensive natural vegetation and our ovals and hard-court surfaces will further provide learning opportunities for boys to create positive relationships and a healthy perspective.

 “We want to provide young people with contemporary, joy-filled and engaging learning spaces where teachers can teach in a variety of ways,” says Ashmore.

“Our Mannix campus sparks creativity and is a dynamic space where the very best learning can take place. It will be an exciting place for a young person to continue learn about who they are and their purpose in the community.”

This staged building project is the first of an inspiring master plan that will continue to provide students, teachers and the community with wonderful learning and social spaces.

“I look forward to the ongoing development of our school to meet the changing needs of each young person.”

Book a Monday Tour during the School Term and learn more about how we’re nurturing holistic growth in young men with new learning spaces and curriculum enhancements: https://www.salesian.vic.edu.au/book-a-tour/

Mark Ashmore
Principal
Salesian College Chadstone , VIC