10 Bosco Street
Chadstone 3148 VIC AU
Highlights
At Salesian College Chadstone, our Year 12 students have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. For the third consecutive year, two or more students have achieved outstanding 99+ ATARs. Inspired by the teachings of St John Bosco, they embraced every challenge, and their achievements reflect their effort, growth, and perseverance.
Left to right: Sachin James (ATAR 99.05), Anton Occhiuto (ATAR 99.4), Principal Mark Ashmore, Mahdyar Sabzi Vand (ATAR 99.15)
Salesian College Chadstone is proud to celebrate three consecutive years of exceptional ATAR results, with students consistently achieving scores above 99. These achievements reflect the College’s unwavering commitment to personalised learning, holistic development and the nurturing of each student’s potential.
Academic success is supported by a strong focus on wellbeing, resilience and values. Through small class sizes, structured mentoring, pastoral care and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, students are supported throughout their learning journey. This balanced approach equips them to approach Year 12 with confidence, discipline and ambition, while developing skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Three consecutive years of elite ATAR achievement demonstrates that excellence at Salesian College Chadstone is purposeful and sustained. Expert teaching, tailored programs and a strong learning community create an environment where students are encouraged to aim high, embrace challenges and realise their potential, equipped with the skills, confidence and values to contribute positively to their future pathways and the wider community.
On behalf of our community, we congratulate our 2025 Dux, Anton Occhiuto, who achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.4, putting him in the top 0.06% of all Year 12 students in Australia. Anton achieved a study score of 49 in Psychology, 48 in Environmental Science, 48 in General Mathematics (2024), 44 in Literature, 43 in Visual Communication Design, and 43 in Food Studies.
Anton is a dedicated student whose academic excellence was recognized when he was awarded Year 11 Dux. Respected by both his peers and teachers for his thoughtful approach to learning, Anton demonstrated impressive intellectual curiosity across a wide range of disciplines. As English Subject Ambassador, he supported others with focus and generosity, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. He tackled his VCE challenges with quiet determination and consistent effort.
Anton intends to study his first preference of Bachelor of Design at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Architecture and Environmental Architecture.
"The small classes meant more individual attention, more chances to contribute and a really supportive learning environment. Getting to know everyone so well and growing together made the whole experience so rewarding.”
— Anton Occhiuto, 2025 Dux
Mahdyar is a gentle and motivated student with a strong dedication to his learning and his community. He has worked diligently throughout his VCE to achieve excellent results, with a perfect study score of 50 in English as an Additional Language, 49 in Persian (2024), 46 in General Mathematics, 41 in Biology (2024), 39 in Chemistry, and 34 in Mathematical Methods.
Mahdyar has been recognised with a a prestigious Premier’s Award for Persian. A compassionate and collaborative learner, Mahdyar enjoyed working with his teachers and peers, a quality he demonstrated as the College Academic Ambassador. His dedication extends beyond the classroom through his volunteer work supporting immigrants, highlighting his kind and supportive nature. Mahdyar is planning on studying Medicine or Civil Engineering at Monash University.
Anthony has consistently demonstrated hard work, dedication and resilience across his classes, projects and events. He has been a strong advocate for the Applied Learning Program, representing it positively at Parent Information Evenings.
Approaching his studies with determination and grit, Anthony has been a quiet achiever and a positive role model to his peers. His commitment to developing his plumbing skills reflects both his perseverance and his focus on building a successful future pathway.
Anthony has embodied the values of Salesian College Chadstone each day—whether in the classroom, on the yard, during projects, or while representing the College on excursions.
"The support from my teachers, especially Miss Zwalf, made the biggest difference. She kept us on track, pushed us to do our best, and really cared about how we were progressing. The VM team as a whole created an environment where we felt supported and motivated.”
— Anthony Riccardi, 2025 VCE Vocational Major Student of the Year
When Mahdyar Sabzi Vand arrived at Salesian College Chadstone in Year 9 from Iran, he was navigating a new country, a new language and an unfamiliar education system. He approached each challenge with quiet determination and a strong respect for learning.
Reflecting on his journey, Mahdyar says, “Remembering my goals and my family’s sacrifices helped me stay motivated. I focused on consistent effort and trusted that hard work would pay off over time.” That mindset, combined with well-organised study habits and perseverance, saw him achieve a remarkable ATAR of 99.15. His results include a perfect 50 in EAL, 49 in Persian and 41 in Biology as a Year 11 student in 2024, alongside 46 in General Mathematics, 39 in Chemistry and 34 in Mathematical Methods.
Mahdyar also credits the steady guidance of his teachers. “My teachers were incredibly supportive, offering extra help through early morning classes and after-school tutorials. They also encouraged me personally, believed in me, and supported my wellbeing throughout my journey.”
Despite periods spent living away from his family, Mahdyar arrived each day smiling and eager to contribute. As the College Academic Ambassador and volunteer supporting immigrant communities, he lifts up his peers and community while excelling himself. We proudly celebrate his achievements and wish him every success as he plans a gap year before pursuing Medicine or Civil Engineering at Monash University.
Left: Principal Mark Ashmore and 2023 Joint Proxime Accessit Damon Occhiuto (ATAR 99)
Right: Principal Mark Ashmore and 2025 Dux Anton Occhiuto (ATAR 99.4)
Brothers Damon and Anton Occhiuto have each forged a remarkable path through Salesian College Chadstone, achieving results that speak to their dedication, resilience, and the support of those around them.
Anton Occhiuto, College Dux of 2025, has achieved an extraordinary ATAR of 99.4, placing him among the top 0.06% of Year 12 students in Australia. Anton reflects on the encouragement he received: “I was motivated by the people around me—my teachers and friends. Their support and belief in me made me want to give my best every day.” Recognised as Year 11 Dux and English Subject Ambassador, Anton thrived in Salesian’s small classes and close-knit learning environment. The personalised guidance, strong relationships, and sense of community allowed him to pursue his passions with confidence and curiosity.
This achievement adds to a rare family milestone, just two years prior, Anton’s older brother Damon Occhiuto, Class of 2023 joint Proxime Accessit, achieved a perfect 50 in Environmental Science and an ATAR of 99, a result that reflects both his dedication and his approach to learning. Damon credits the guidance of his teachers and the support of his friends for making his journey at Salesian College Chadstone so meaningful. Through careful planning, consistent effort, and a commitment to balance, he was able to challenge himself academically while also enjoying his time at school and building lasting friendships.
For the Occhiuto brothers, these exceptional achievements are a testament not only to talent and hard work but also to resilience, character, and the supportive environment of Salesian College. Achieving 99+ ATARs is an extraordinary milestone, made even more meaningful by the encouragement of teachers, the friendships formed, and the sense of community that guided them throughout their time at the College. Through these experiences, they have developed the skills, confidence, and mindset to embrace every opportunity ahead.
VCE Scores over 90
