Headquarters:
10 Bosco St, Chadstone, VIC 3148
Year founded:
1957
Number of employees:
160
Phone:
(03) 9807 2644
Email:
welcome@salesian.vic.edu.au
Website:
salesian.vic.edu.au
LinkedIn:
au.linkedin.com/company/salesian-college-chadstone
Mark Ashmore
Principal
Klara Baka
Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching
Richard Bourbon
Assistant Principal – Students and Engagement
Leadership
With 25 years in boys’ education, Mark Ashmore has led Salesian College Chadstone as Principal since 2021, bringing energy, authenticity and vision to the role. His leadership spans faith, wellbeing and learning, shaped by both local and international perspectives. Guided by St John Bosco’s teachings, Ashmore champions future-focused, values-led education that fosters purpose, resilience and compassion. Committed to every boy’s academic, social and spiritual growth, he promotes connection, hope and opportunity in a post-COVID world.
Ashmore holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Melbourne and an Executive MBA from the Australian Catholic University. He serves as a Council of International Schools educator and accreditation team evaluator, a member of PAVCSS and president of the Australian Pacific Salesian Principals Association.
Principal
Mark Ashmore
Dedicated to helping every student discover their potential, Klara Baka holds over 20 years’ experience in Catholic education, combining deep expertise in curriculum design and mathematics education with a genuine care for each learner. Inspired by St John Bosco’s belief in nurturing the whole person, she works with teachers to create engaging, supportive classrooms.
Known for encouraging confidence and growth, Baka fosters a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom, preparing young men to be capable, compassionate and committed to making a positive difference in the world.
Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching
Klara Baka
Bringing international teaching experience and a deep commitment to student wellbeing, Richard Bourbon’s approach is grounded in respect, authenticity and a global perspective shaped by years of teaching in diverse classrooms abroad. He values individual differences, builds strong connections, and supports students’ social, emotional and academic growth. With high expectations balanced by genuine care, he helps students develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.
Bourbon’s focus on listening, engagement, and creating safe, inclusive learning environments makes him a cornerstone of the College community. He is an experienced and relatable leader with an excellent record of leading change and achievement in several Catholic boys’ colleges. He brings a philosophy of reflection and continuous improvement, integrating the aspirations and goals of all in the school community to promote growth and achievement.
Assistant Principal – Students and Engagement
Richard Bourbon
Byron Chen
Assistant Principal – Faith, People & Culture
Byron Chen is Assistant Principal – Faith, People and Culture at Salesian College Chadstone, leading the development of a positive, inclusive and high-performing professional culture. He is committed to ensuring staff feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive, recognising that strong people and culture underpin student success. He oversees staff formation, professional learning and workforce development, building capability and strengthening practice through rigorous, supportive coaching and performance development.
Guided by a relational, strengths-based approach, Chen promotes respect, collaboration and accountability, while leading initiatives in wellbeing, leadership development and organisational culture. He is passionate about developing leadership capacity and supporting staff to contribute meaningfully to school improvement.
Assistant Principal – Faith, People & Culture
Byron Chen
Rob Mercer
Assistant Principal – Strategy and Organisation
Rob Mercer is Assistant Principal – Strategy and Organisation at Salesian College Chadstone, where for over 15 years he has ensured the smooth running of the College through expert timetabling, systems management and strategic planning. With a rich background in IT education, training and project management, he combines technical expertise with a commitment to the Salesian values of reason, religion and loving kindness.
Known for his meticulous organisation and approachable manner, Mercer works closely with staff and students to create an environment where learning can thrive. Guided by the spirit of St John Bosco, he helps keep the College running with heart and precision.
Assistant Principal – Strategy and Organisation
Rob Mercer
Kylie Morton
Executive Assistant to the Principal
James Tian
Business Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Business Development Manager
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Kylie Morton is Executive Assistant to the Principal at Salesian College Chadstone, bringing extensive experience in executive support, administration and organisational management across corporate, real estate, aged care and education sectors. Through these varied settings, she has developed strong skills in coordination, communication, scheduling and supporting leaders with professionalism and discretion.
For the past four years at Salesian College Chadstone, Morton has provided steady and reliable support to the Principal, contributing to the stability and smooth running of daily College operations. Known for her dynamic approach, attention to detail, and calm efficiency, she provides the stability and consistency that underpin the smooth running of a busy school community. Grounded in the Salesian spirit of accompaniment, Morton supports a workplace culture where staff can grow, contribute meaningfully and feel part of a shared mission.
Executive Assistant to the Principal
Kylie Morton
James Tian is an experienced finance and operations leader and qualified CPA with more than 20 years’ experience in Catholic education. He brings extensive expertise in financial strategy, governance, risk management, capital works, ICT and organisational planning. Throughout his career, he has led major school improvement projects, strengthened long-term financial sustainability and developed systems that support effective decision-making and responsible stewardship of resources.
Tian is committed to ensuring that strong financial and operational management supports the College’s educational mission and creates the best possible environment for students and staff to thrive.
Business Manager
James Tian
Margaret Leau-Sulusi brings over 20 years of banking experience to her role as business development manager, having started with Westpac in 2005. Her background includes lending support, senior lending roles and branch management. Leau-Sulusi partners closely with mortgage advisers, providing product expertise and strategic guidance to drive strong client outcomes. Known for her collaborative style and responsiveness, she is passionate about building trusted relationships and delivering customer-focused results.
Business Development Manager
Margaret Leau-Sulusi
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
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Award Winner
Salesian College Chadstone
SPECIAL REPORT
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Bio
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
“We also maintain open lines of communication with advisers so they know what to expect and can plan accordingly”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
“We’ve invested heavily in resourcing and process improvements to reduce friction and speed up approvals”
Hayley Burgess, ANZ Bank New Zealand
At Salesian College Chadstone, our approach to education is grounded in the Oratory - St John Bosco’s belief that a school should be a home that welcomes, a parish that forms faith, a school that prepares for life and a playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves. This shapes a culture where high expectations are matched with genuine care and every student is known, valued and inspired to thrive. Our College values of Integrity, Respect, Belonging, Joy and Dynamism are reflected in daily life and in the way we learn, support one another to build community.
The Mannix Year 7 & 8 Learning Precinct brings this approach to life from the very beginning of a student’s secondary school journey. Designed specifically for early adolescent boys, Mannix provides Years 7 and 8 students with a dedicated learning environment where relationships, routines and a strong sense of belonging can be established from the start. Faith, learning, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities come together within the Precinct, helping teachers to know their students well, recognise individual needs and provide the right support at the right time.
We understand that every boy learns differently and that success can take many forms. From VCE ATAR and Vocational Major to VET pathways, students are supported to pursue a pathway that reflects their strengths, interests and aspirations. The Select Entry Biretta Program provides academic extension for students ready to be challenged further, while the Learning Diversity team provides targeted support for students who need it. This personalised approach is matched by strong academic outcomes, with the College continuing its record of high achievement in 2025, including multiple ATARs above 99.00 and a Dux ATAR of 99.40.
Co-curricular life is broad and built for participation, with opportunities for students of all interests and abilities. The College annually fields around 55 teams in Associated Catholic Colleges competition, alongside house sport and a highly regarded Sports Academy that provides specialist coaching and development opportunities through partnerships with leading sporting organisations including Melbourne United, St Kilda Football Club, Baseball Victoria and Liverpool FC International Academy. The College is also the first metropolitan Melbourne school to partner with Liverpool FC International Academy, bringing its internationally recognised coaching approach directly to students. Beyond sport, students can take part in music ensembles, a joint musical production with Sacred Heart Girls’ College, debating, leadership, service and camps.
Strong relationships are at the heart of student wellbeing at Salesian. Pastoral leaders, teachers, learning diversity staff and psychologists work together to know and support each student, monitor progress and identify concerns early. Guided by the Salesian principle of accompaniment, we seek to understand each boy as an individual and support him throughout his journey. Our culturally and spiritually diverse community strengthens the life of the College and creates an environment where students are encouraged to understand, respect and learn from one another. Technology also plays an important role in learning and improvement, with the College taking a considered approach to emerging technologies, data and artificial intelligence.
We know that a strong student experience is supported by staff who feel valued, supported and empowered in their work. In 2026, Salesian College Chadstone was recognised as a 5-Star Employer of Choice by The Educator, reflecting the strength of our culture and commitment to our people. Ultimately, our purpose remains grounded in our Salesian tradition: to educate young men who are capable and compassionate, who act with integrity and who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and lead lives of purpose and service.
