A unique event took place on September 22nd 2009 at Thornleigh Salesian College Bolton when a team of SDB and lay teachers from Salesian schools in Australia visited the College to reflect together on Salesian education in a secular culture.

The group met the headteacher and senior staff in the school and spent time exploring ways of linking good educational practice to Salesian spirituality. The day ended with a time of sharing and a prayer with the students at Thornleigh.

Teachers from Australian Salesian Schools meet Thornleigh students

In the picture above can be seen Fr Chris Ford SDB, Fr Hugh Preston SDB and Fr Peter Carroll SDB (back row) Mr Geoff Neeson and Mr Gareth Watson (middle row) and Mrs Janet Haskett and Mrs Gen Richter (front row) with students from the school.

During the rest of this week, the Australian group has planned visits to St John Bosco Arts College Croxteth (an FMA school), Savio Salesian College Bootle and Savio House Bollington. They are then making their way to Annecy and the Salesian Holy Places in and around Turin.

Thanks to Fr David O'Malley, GBR vice-provincial and school chaplain, for the photograph above. Just after Easter this year he visited Salesian schools in Australia giving talks on Don Bosco's preventive system.

At the end of the visit to Thornleigh, with members of the community

Fr Tony Bailey took the photograph above, just before the group left for Manchester Airport on their way to Geneva, Annecy and the rest of their trip. Mr Geoff Neeson is accompanied by his wife and daughter.