Did you know that Salesian College began in 1957? It stands as a Roman Catholic independent school for boys here in Chadstone. Founded on the philosophies of Saint John Bosco, the Salesian College aims to offer a unique Salesian ideal of education.
Salesian College actually comprises two campuses. The Bosco campus caters for Years 7 to 8 and Years 10 to 12. The Mannix campus is specifically for Year 9 students. This is due to their unique requirements and excursions as a year level.
Salesian College is a member of the Associated Catholic Colleges. The college offers its senior students the Victorian Certificate of Education. It also offers the Vocational Major Program.
In 2012, the first lay Principal in the College’s history started. Mr Robert Brennan commenced his leadership assignment. 2013 saw the launch of House Mascots and Mottos. It also saw the introduction of the Salesian Award system. This reward-based system recognizes the boys’ involvement in Academic, Cultural, Community, and Sporting areas.
The Fedrigotti Science Wing was upgraded in 2014. This encourages enquiry and experiential learning. The Naylon Arts Wing refurbishment in 2015 was huge. It was the largest building project in size and financial commitment in the College’s 63-year history.
Dux of 2015, Nimesh Kularatne, achieved the highest score in the College’s history. He got an ATAR of 99.8. This put him in the top 0.15 percent of all Year 12 students in the state.
The Garelli building opened in 2016. It is a space for VCAL students. This building has three classrooms and a project break-out space, undercover canopy, and courtyard.
In 2017, Salesian College celebrated its 60th Anniversary. During this year the College’s first Food Technology rooms were opened. The 60 Year College video was created. The St John Bosco statue was unveiled in an official blessing ceremony. Fr Greg Chambers and Fr Frank Bertagnolli conducted this ceremony.
Salesian College secured its first capital grant in 2018. This was under the Victorian Government’s capital funding program.
The new Fr Edward Cooper Building was blessed and officially opened in 2019. The Fr Wallace Cornell Building was recommissioned. The buildings accommodate Salesian’s Reception, Student Services, Learning Support, and Administration facilities.
Salesian College has achieved quite a bit in sports. They have won ACC premierships in Badminton 4 times. They won in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. They won in Basketball in 1999. The College won in Cricket twice in 1971 and 2023. They achieved a Lawn Bowls victory in 2018. Salesian College won in Soccer 4 times in 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2015.
Several notable alumni have walked these halls. Raff Cicone is a Labor Senator for Victoria. Brendan Cole won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Riley Collier-Dawkins plays AFL football. Nicolas Conte is an Australian Broadcaster. Timothy Costelloe SDB is the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Perth. Frank Davis is an AFL Footballer. Simon Hammond is an author. Kevin Morris is an AFL Footballer too. Robin Nahas is also an AFL Footballer. Dirk Nannes is a professional cricketer. Steve Pantelidis is a Soccer player. Dean Rice is an AFL Footballer. Matthew Robbins is another AFL Footballer. Gerry Wood is a Politician. Salesian College has shaped many successful individuals. The motto of Salesian College is Omnia Omnibus. It means to be all things to all.