Dominic College has embraced innovation while remaining true to our values of compassion, integrity, and lifelong learning. Our history evolved over growing educational excellence and dedicated community spirit. Explore our journey through time.
1920s
Salesians of Don Bosco arrive in Australia
Their mission was to serve the youth, particularly through education and religious guidance, in alignment with the vision of their founder, St. John Bosco.
Establishment of Salesian College Sunbury
The Salesians establish their first permanent Salesian school in Rupertswood, Victoria now known as Salesian College Sunbury.
1940s
The Grantleigh Estate Becomes Boys’ Town
In January 1945, Archbishop Tweedy of Hobart announced plans to establish an orphanage for Catholic boys, called Boys' Town. The Archbishop acquired the 56-acre Grantleigh Estate on Tolosa Street on 14 March 1945, previously owned by the Sawyer and Chandler families. The site included orchards, paddocks, and repurposed huts for dining, sleeping, and bathing facilities. MSC missionaries, interned during WWII, helped administer the orphanage initially, while the Salesians considered taking over. Boys’ Town officially opened in May 1945, with the boys attending school at St. Peter’s in Hobart and St. Therese’s in Moonah.
The First Salesians Arrive
The first Salesians arrived 29 November 1946, Fr. John Brennan and Fr. Frank Drohan. Br. Thomas Supple and Br. Peter Swain arrived 4 December 1946. Fr. Ciantar, Provincial of the Salesians, visited and held a 'taking-over' ceremony on 8 December 1946.
Boys' Town Registered as a Primary School
Br. Robert Downey and Br. James Brophy arrived in January 1947 to begin teaching the boys, with Fr. William Cole joining them in June 1947. Classes at Boys' Town commenced on 7 February 1947, and the school was officially registered as a Primary School on 27 May of that year. A total of 26 boys lived and studied on-site at Grantleigh, affectionately known as the White House, and its adjoining huts. Today, Grantleigh serves as the Business Office and stands as the oldest, and only remaining, original building on the site.
Application of British Child Migrants
In 1948, Fr. Brennan applied for 40 child migrants from institutions in Britain, with the Commonwealth and State governments agreeing to share the cost of their accommodation. This initiative was made possible by the initial funds raised by the Archdiocese and the Salesians to support and expand Boys' Town. The new building was constructed over several years, as further donations and government contributions gradually came in.
1950s
The Opening of Boys’ Town’s New Home
Boys' Town’s new building featuring dormitories, bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining areas, along with a chapel was officially opened on 4 November 1951 amidst great celebration.
British Child Migrants Arrive
Two groups of child migrants arrived in Australia aboard the 'Ormonde', twelve in June 1952, followed by twenty-seven in September 1952. Upon arrival, they joined approximately thirty Australian boys already residing in the dormitories at Boys' Town. The Salesians acted as their guardians, responsible for their care, education and getting them jobs.
From Boys' Town to Savio College
Boys' Town became Savio College and enrolled day boys from the local community as well as boarders. As they progressed through primary school classes, most boys also learned farming and labouring skills. The Salesians found jobs for the child migrants as they became old enough to leave school. Many returned to school for fellowship and the Salesian Old Boys Association (SOBA) was formed.
Savio Chapel Opens
The Parents and Friends Association held its inaugural meeting on 28 July 1957, and the Savio Chapel was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Guilford Young on 24 November 1957. The chapel was dedicated to St. Dominic Savio.
The Dominican Sisters’ Arrival in Glenorchy
Fr. John Wallis, Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish in Glenorchy, invited the Dominican Sisters to establish a Parish school in Glenorchy. The first three Dominicans were Sr. M Damian Hunt OP, Sr. M Celestine Shorten OP and Sr. M Clare Murray OP, welcomed by Fr. Wallis and parishioners on Sunday 25 January 1959. Classrooms were ready at St. John's Primary School on Bowden Street, next to the Parish Church, built by the congregation. Construction commenced for the Convent and Holy Name School.
1960s
Holy Name School Opens
Holy Name School, affectionately known as "The Barn," opened in 1962 with its first Year 7 class comprising 18 girls. As the building was not yet fully prepared, the students initially held lessons in a hut behind St. John’s Primary School before relocating to The Barn once it was ready.
Stations of the Cross Painted in Savio Chapel
The Stations of the Cross was masterfully painted on plasticised silk by artist George Browning, adorned the windows of the Savio Chapel. Etched in the memories of countless students, these vivid works of art were tragically lost in the chapel fire of 2003.
Schouten House Retreats
Schouten House in Swansea was purchased by the Salesians from the Hankin family in 1964. From the early 1950s, students attended summer camps at the Quarantine Station on Bruny Island. When that site closed, Schouten House became its replacement, accommodating up to 20 students at a time, beginning on Boxing Day each year. The house also served as a venue for Salesian retreats and Old Boys’ weekend getaways.
Purchase of the "Butterworth Property"
Archbishop Guilford Young was very keen for a primary school more central to growing Glenorchy and wanted the Salesians to purchase a property before land became scarce. The school at Tolosa Street was also growing rapidly and Savio decided to relocate its primary school classes to a new location, purchasing the 'Butterworth Property' in Mill Lane from the Parish.
New Buildings at Holy Name School
The new buildings for high school classes at Holy Name were blessed and opened.
Sharing of Senior Secondary Classes Begin
Sharing of some senior secondary classes begins, comprising girls from Holy Name School and boys from Savio College (Year 11/12 was known as matriculation/higher school certificate).
Integration of Holy Name and Savio College
Savio College became a member of the Independent Schools in Tasmania, and senior secondary students from both Holy Name School and Savio College were integrated into a single co-educational class located at Holy Name School.
1970s
Savio College Becomes Fully Co-Educational
All Holy Name and co-educational senior secondary classes were transferred to Savio College, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Tasmania.
Dominic College Established
St. John's Primary School, Savio Primary, Holy Name School, and Savio College amalgamated to form Dominic College, with Fr. Elio Proietto SDB as the first Principal. Dominic College became the first co-educational Catholic college in Southern Tasmania, with the Middle School (Years 7-9) located at the Tolosa Street site, the Senior School (Years 10-12) at the Bowden Street (Holy Name) site, and the Primary School at the Bowden Street (St. John’s) site. A new House structure was adopted: Simmonds, Young, Tweedy, and MacKillop, now known as Siena, Bosco, Savio, and Guzman Houses.
Middle School Mainland Trips Commence
Annual Middle School trips of boys and girls (separately) to mainland destinations during the September school holidays start. The program has continued for over 50 years!
Renovations Commence
In 1975, the old shed at the top of the school was replaced by a library and three classrooms, providing much-needed learning spaces. In 2014, these buildings were further upgraded with the development of the modern Savio classrooms and hub. Meanwhile, the basement, once known as the “Rat Hole” and now proudly called the Rua Hub, was transformed into a recreational space for Old Scholars.
DOSA Football Club Established
The DOSA Football Club was officially established and joined the amateur roster.
Dominic College Wins State Premiership
Dominic College's Open Football team won the State Premiership.
First Full Time Music Teacher
Appointment of the first full-time Music teacher, Mr. Mario Carbone.
1980s
A Demand for Secondary School Enrolments
In 1979, over 200 students applied for Year 7, but there were only 120 spots available. A fourth stream of students was added in 1980 to meet demand. At the time, Middle School facilities were limited, Art and Music were taught in standard classrooms, Needlework in the Boarders’ Dining Room, and Home Economics in the White House (Grantleigh). Construction on a new Electives Block began in 1981 and opened in 1982, offering better facilities for elective subjects, staff, and administration.
Senior School Fashion Parade
Senior School Fashion Parades started in 1988 with lunchtime sessions on grooming, health, and lifestyle for girls, leading to a fun fashion event. Over time, it evolved into a popular modelling and fundraising night at Laetere Gardens, supported by the Parents and Friends Community. The program ran until 1994.
Dominic College School Song Composed
The Dominic College school song was thoughtfully composed by Mrs. Helen Harvey (née Beha), capturing the spirit and identity of the school community.
1990s
Preparation for Guilford Young College
In preparation for the opening of Guilford Young College (GYC), Dominic College boarders moved to the White House so that their dormitories could become classrooms for Year 10 students, who had formerly been taught at the Senior School in Bowden Street. A new residence for the Salesians was built by the creek below the Boys’ Town Building.
Guilford Young College Grows
In 1995, Year 9 students from 1994 remained at the Tolosa Street campus to complete Year 10, stepping into leadership roles within Dominic College. Many dedicated staff members transitioned to Guilford Young College (GYC) to continue teaching senior students. At GYC, students benefited from an expanded range of elective subjects and enhanced academic opportunities.
50th Anniversary of the Salesians
The 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Tasmania.
A Demand for Primary School Enrolments
In the 1990s, demand for earlier enrolments was increasing. The Bowden Street Kindergarten, was moving to Glenorchy Primary School. The first Dominic Kinder class was introduced in 1998, with 24 students, taught by Mrs. Annie Nolan.
2000s
Br. Peter Dezani SDB Passes Away
Br. Peter Dezani SDB was a beloved member of Dominic College from 1966 until his passing in 2000. A Woodwork teacher known for his gentle wisdom, he deeply influenced students and old scholars alike. He played a key role in founding DOSA Sports Clubs and was central to the publication of DOSA News for over 25 years.
Savio Chapel Fire
Fire destroys the Savio College Chapel.
Relocating to One Campus
In 2004, Dominic Primary School began relocating to new classrooms at Tolosa Street, uniting Kindergarten to Year 10 on one campus to streamline facilities and enhance student opportunities.
The New Chapel is Blessed
The new chapel, designed by Old Scholar and architect Elvio Brianese, was blessed and inaugurated. It is known today as the Mary Help of Christians Chapel.
First Female Lay Principal
After 62 years of religious leadership, Dominic College entered a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Beth Gilligan—the first lay principal and the first woman to hold the position.
2010s
Magone Program Introduced
The Magone Program was introduced to support Year 7–10 students requiring extra encouragement in their learning journey. Delivered from the Br. Hanabery Pavilion, it offered a thoughtfully tailored alternative curriculum designed to reawaken engagement and help students find their way back into structured schooling. After seven successful years, it concluded in 2016, having fulfilled its purpose. The Dominic Old Scholars Association was re-established, with the DOSA Committee meeting regularly at the school to foster fellowship, share news, and support the Principal and College.
First Edition of Veritas Released
The first edition of the Old Scholars Magazine, Veritas, was published and has been released annually since 2011. Building the Education Revolution Federal Government programs: Opening and blessing of the Francis de Sales Science Centre, 29 June 2011.
60th Anniversary of Former British Child Migrants
To mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Former British Child Migrants, the remaining men were honoured in a heartfelt school assembly. A new Foundation Stone was installed in tribute to Boys' Town, and commemorative plaques dedicated to the Salesians and the original 39 child migrants were blessed.
40th Anniversary of Dominic College
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Dominic College, a series of joyful events honoured the College’s rich history. Highlights included a glamorous gala ball and a memorable whole-school photograph captured in Tolosa Park.
Don Bosco Statue Repaired
Repair and installing of the Don Bosco statue, in the Br. Peter Dezani Trade Training Centre. The statue had been brought to Boys' Town and installed on the second floor balcony of Grantleigh, then moved to the Savio Chapel in the mid-1960s. It was vandalised and in storage for 20 years, until restoration in 2014.
New Oratory Space and In Their Own Words
In 2015, Dominic College launched its Creative Arts Hub with In Their Own Words, a six-day student-led multimedia performance marking the ANZAC Centenary. Developed through local ANZAC research and collaboration with a dramaturge, the project was supported by both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and showcased in The Oratory Space.
Fra Angelico Classrooms Opened
The Fra Angelico Creative Arts classrooms were officially opened and blessed .The exterior brickwork contains a graphic digital byte from the school song.
2020s
75th Anniversary of the Salesians Arrival in Glenorchy
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Salesians’ arrival in Glenorchy, the College published "May Our Lives Reflect", which featured 75 stories from old scholars. As part of this anniversary year, the College also launched "In Their Shoes", an immersive two-day program for Year 7 students. Students gained a deeper understanding of the Salesians’ journey and the rich heritage of Dominic College.
50th Anniversary of Dominic College
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dominic College, all students and staff gathered on the College oval to form the number 50.
'pulana' Precinct Opening
On 10 May 2024, Dominic College celebrated the opening and blessing of the 'pulana' Precinct, a beautifully designed new space dedicated to Kindergarten to Year 2 students.
