In May 2026, Salesian College Chadstone officially opened and blessed its renewed Mannix Year 7 and 8 Learning Precinct - the largest single investment in the College's history, and a defining moment in its continuing commitment to faith-filled, contemporary Catholic education in Melbourne's south-east.
The $17 million redevelopment that has transformed the Mannix Campus into a dedicated learning environment for students beginning their secondary school journey, almost doubling its capacity and creating a space designed from the ground up around belonging, wellbeing, faith and learning.
Built for the beginning of something
Originally established in 2005 as a program space for Year 9 students, the Mannix Campus has been thoughtfully reimagined to support the College's Year 7 and 8 students as they make one of the most significant transitions of their education.
The renewed precinct offers contemporary general learning areas, tutorial and breakout rooms, collaborative spaces, music pods, reflective areas and expansive outdoor recreation zones; all bathed in natural light and designed to support movement, connection and different ways of learning. Advanced technology, flexible teaching zones and pastoral gathering spaces further reflect the relational approach that sits at the heart of Salesian education.
A standout feature is the central water pump and surrounding reflective garden, both a practical gathering point and a quiet symbol of the campus' invitation to pause, connect and belong.

Principal Mark Ashmore says the precinct represents far more than new facilities.
"The opening of the Mannix Year 7 and 8 Learning Precinct represents a defining moment in our college story. It is both a renewal of our mission and a bold investment in the future of our young people. At its heart is the Salesian vision of education — ensuring that learning is not confined to classrooms, but lived through relationships, presence and everyday interactions."
Mark Ashmore
Principal, Salesian College, Chadstone
Bringing the Salesian story to life
Grounded in the educational vision of St John Bosco, the precinct has been designed as a contemporary expression of the Salesian tradition; a place where students are welcomed, accompanied and encouraged to flourish. Throughout the buildings, artwork, gathering spaces and storytelling elements weave together themes of faith, hope, belonging and growth.
The two key buildings carry names that speak directly to that tradition. The Year 7 building is named after Bartholomew Garelli - the young boy whose encounter with Don Bosco in Turin in 1841 marked the very beginning of the Salesian story - reflecting the College's commitment to a learning environment where every student feels known and valued. The Year 8 building honours Michael Magone, one of Don Bosco's early students whose life was transformed through friendship, guidance and community.
Mr Ashmore captures the vision simply:
"It is a home that welcomes, where every student experiences belonging; a parish that evangelises, where faith is lived in daily relationships; a school for life, where learning is purposeful and future-focused; and a playground where friends meet - where joy and connection are central."
A special homecoming
The blessing ceremony was led by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth, making the occasion especially meaningful. A former student teacher, teacher and Rector at Salesian College Chadstone, Archbishop Costelloe's return to bless the precinct represented a powerful thread connecting the College's past, present and future.
What students are already saying
Students and families have embraced the new spaces since they opened at the start of the school year. For Year 7 student Aidan Enferadi, the precinct has made the move to secondary school feel exciting and connected.

"The new learning spaces are modern, bright and comfortable, and give us plenty of room to learn and work together. They make me feel excited and confident about being at secondary school and create a strong sense of belonging through the way students and teachers support one another. The spaces really reflect the welcoming spirit and values of Salesian College."
Supporting the mission
CDF was pleased to support Salesian College Chadstone in bringing this vision to life, providing a $12 million loan toward the $17 million redevelopment. It is precisely the kind of project CDF exists to enable - helping Catholic communities build spaces where faith, formation and learning can flourish together.
Mr Ashmore acknowledged the value of the partnership:
"CDF has been instrumental in enabling us to bring this vision to life. Their support has allowed us to create a contemporary learning environment that reflects both our educational vision and our Salesian mission. The communication and leadership offered by CDF to the college has been wonderful — a real partnership that focuses on our mission in the Church"
Principal Mark Ashmore
Salesian College, Chadstone
As the largest investment in its history, the renewed Mannix Precinct positions Salesian College Chadstone to continue forming young people of integrity, faith, compassion and purpose for generations to come.
Your savings can do more than grow. By opening an account with CDF Community Fund, you can earn a competitive rate of interest while empowering Catholic organisations like Salesian College Chadstone to build, serve, and grow. It's a greater return than money alone.
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