Salesians

Dominic College is owned and administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco, an Order of priests and brothers dedicated to the education of young people.

The Salesians are a Catholic Religious Order (the third largest in the world) who operate in over 126 countries. The Salesians are involved in education, welfare, human development, missions, parishes, and youth centres.

In Australia the Salesians own and operate schools, youth works, welfare agencies, and parishes, in several States. Their central office is located in Melbourne, Victoria.

The Salesian tradition was founded in Turin, Italy, by St John Bosco in 1859 and named after Francis de Sales, the 16^th century saint. The Salesian philosophy is based on religion, reason and loving kindness and relies on an active, caring presence of educators with the young.

Salesians in Australia & the Pacific

The first Salesians arrived in Australia in 1923 and established what was to become their first permanent school in 1927, an agricultural school at Rupertswood.

The Province of Mary Help of Christians now encompasses Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand. There are 107 Salesian priests and brothers in our Province undertaking more than 60 different types of activities in 15 different centres ( including Dominic College). You can read something of the Salesians in Australia here.

The Salesians currently have Priests and Brothers on staff at Dominic College and have enjoyed a long association with Dominic College since their arrival at Boys Town in November 1946. The Salesians are known for their practice of the preventive method in education, which relies on establishing a friendly, joyful and pastoral relationship with the young. This system ensures a sound education is given to the students of the College.

In each of the Dominic College offices, you will find a poster depicting the Charter for Salesian Schools in Australia. It explains that the Salesian school community of today is challenged to be: a home that welcomes, a parish that evangelises, a school that prepares for life and a playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves.

The Cagliero Volunteer Project

The Cagliero Project is an Australian Salesian Missionary Project. It gives young Australians an opportunity to devote six to twelve months in volunteer service to youth overseas and in Australia. The Salesians are known for their work with disadvantaged youth so the volunteer placements are usually in projects such as schools, youth centres, oratories and mission centres. Two Dominic College Old Scholars have been volunteers in the Cagliero Program – Simon Natoli in Cambodia and Calvin Frith in Zambia.

See The Cagliero Project website.

Become a Friend of Don Bosco Samoa

Don Bosco Samoa works directly with poor and disadvantaged young people to provide hope and a positive future through education, training, and sporting, recreational and cultural activities. Dominic College students annually support their peers in Samoa through outreach & fundraising. Two of our teachers & Principal have visited Samoa in recent times. Become a friend of Don Bosco Samoa and keep in touch and support their work.

Salesian Missions

Don Bosco’s Salesians are a major provider of educational services, especially in developing nations. Their focus is under-privileged children and youth. Their aim is to help youth through education and training in work-related skills to secure employment and to contribute to the wider community.

It is because of your support and encouragement that Salesian Missions Australia is able to assist many Salesians “in the field” to continue Don Bosco’s work in today’s world.

In gratitude I pray that the Lord may continue to bless you and your family,