For nearly 32 years, Nadia Knight has been a valued member of the Salesian College Chadstone community, serving in a range of teaching, leadership, faith and formation roles. Throughout her time at the College, she has remained deeply committed to the Salesian mission of accompanying young people with reason, religion and loving-kindness. Her connection to the Salesian community extends well beyond her professional life, shaped by family, faith and a lifelong sense of belonging to the spirit of Don Bosco.
You have dedicated many years to Salesian College Chadstone in a range of leadership roles. What first brought you to Salesian, and what has inspired you to stay?
I have lived, worked and raised my family in this area for almost my entire life. Some might describe that as a simple existence, but I have never seen it that way. There is something deeply meaningful about investing your life in one community and becoming part of its story over time. Familiarity does not have to mean stagnation; it can mean connection, belonging, shared history and enduring relationships.
My connection to the Salesians began long before I started working at the College. I grew up living next door to Mannix Theological College and have many fond memories of that place, the chapel, library, old homestead, tennis courts, youth centre and vast open spaces. Most treasured of all were Sunday mornings, when my family would walk to the Salesian Chapel for 10.00am Mass. It was a small chapel where members of the Salesian community and local families gathered. It was our parish, and I knew no other.
I still remember the warmth of the welcome and the joy-filled spirituality of the Salesians. At the time, I had no idea that those experiences were shaping a journey that would fulfil me for a lifetime. Through that connection, my two brothers attended Salesian College Chadstone, followed later by a cousin. Even before I began working here, I felt as though I knew the College, its people and the way the Salesian spirit came alive in the classroom.
It is that spirit that has inspired me to stay. The Salesian tradition, built on reason, religion and loving-kindness, creates a community where every person is welcomed, valued and encouraged to flourish. After nearly 32 years at Salesian College Chadstone, that sense of purpose remains as strong as ever.
Throughout your time at the College, you have worked with generations of students and staff. What have been some of the most memorable moments from your journey so far?
For me, it has always been about the students, not only what you teach them, but what they teach you. Learning from one another builds trust. Trust builds confidence, and confidence leads to growth and success. The world has changed enormously over the years, and our young people have helped keep me connected, adaptable and continually learning.
One of the great joys of my career has been attending reunions and reconnecting with former students. Hearing them speak about their lives, their memories of “Chaddy”, and the impact their experiences here have had on them is incredibly rewarding. I always smile when they still instinctively call me “Ms”, some habits never change!
Working alongside parents to support young people in achieving their best has also been a privilege. Now, after so many years at the College, I have the unique joy of teaching the sons of former students. I remember a Year 7 student asking me if I knew someone by a particular name. When I replied that I did, he beamed and proudly said, “He’s my dad!”
Festival Days and sacramental celebrations stand out as some of my most cherished memories, particularly given my involvement in Faith and Mission for more than 30 years. These occasions bring our Salesian Charter to life: Home, School, Parish and Playground. Together, they provide a beautiful framework for our community: a welcoming home, a place of learning and inquiry, a faith-filled parish, and a playground where young people can simply be themselves and experience joy.
One recent Festival Day was particularly memorable when I finally agreed to sit in the dunking machine. It was cold, uncomfortable and slightly terrifying, but the delight it brought the students made every second worthwhile! Festival Day is a wonderful reminder of who we are as a community. The procession of flags, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our College, is just as moving today as it was when the tradition first began.
The sacramental program is another highlight. Each year, students from Year 7 through to Year 12 choose to deepen their faith through the program. There is something profoundly moving about witnessing a young person profess their faith, especially when they choose to be baptised. Even more special is seeing them invite a senior student or teacher to be their godparent, a beautiful expression of trust, faith and community.
The visit of the Relic of St John Bosco was also a unique opportunity for both learning and inspiration. It invited us to deepen our understanding of the Catholic tradition of relics and their significance as reminders of the lives and witness of the saints. Through the ceremony and veneration, staff and students were called to reflect on Don Bosco’s enduring legacy and to deepen our appreciation of the Salesian spirit of faith, hope and service to the young. This special occasion reminded us of our shared mission and inspired us to continue Don Bosco’s work with renewed commitment, accompanying and empowering young people in the Salesian way.
The values of Don Bosco are at the heart of Salesian education. Which aspects of the Salesian charism have had the greatest influence on you, both professionally and personally?
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Salesian charism comes from St Francis de Sales, who encouraged young people to “Be who you are and be that well.”
As an educator, this has always reminded me that every young person is unique. Regardless of their circumstances, abilities or challenges, each student has the capacity to grow and thrive when given the right opportunities. The stories of figures such as Bartholomew Garelli and Michael Magone continue to inspire us, reminding us that potential exists in every young person and that growth is always possible.
Personally, this message has shaped my own life and family. As a parent, one of my greatest hopes has always been that my children know they are deeply loved and valued for who they are. Helping them become the best version of themselves has been far more important than any measure of success. Now, as young adults, seeing them live with confidence, purpose and joy brings me immense happiness.
You have spent much of your career helping others grow in faith, leadership and community. What do you find most rewarding about that work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing young people come to accept who they are, grow in confidence and develop into compassionate, capable human beings, good Christians and honest citizens, as Don Bosco envisioned.
I have also found great fulfilment in working with staff. Introducing teachers and leaders to Don Bosco and the Salesian charism has been a tremendous privilege. Helping them understand how our Catholic faith and Salesian tradition shape every interaction with young people, whether in the classroom, the playground, on the sporting field or in the schoolyard, has been incredibly meaningful.
Watching both students and staff grow in confidence, purpose and understanding is one of the greatest rewards of a life in education.
The College has evolved significantly over the years. What changes have stood out to you most, and what do you believe has remained at the heart of the Salesian experience?
Over the years, I have worked with five Principals and alongside countless dedicated staff members. Much has changed in our world and, naturally, within our school. We have seen the introduction of Trade Technologies, the arrival of laptops and significant advancements in teaching and learning.
Yet despite all these changes, young people remain remarkably consistent in what they need. They want to feel known, seen and heard.
I believe that Salesian College Chadstone has always remained true to this. We place the young person at the centre of everything we do. Building relationships, understanding each student’s story and helping them discover their strengths continues to be at the heart of our mission. While methods and technologies may evolve, this commitment has remained steadfast.
Looking back on your career, what achievements or contributions are you most proud of?
Over my time at the College, I have had the privilege of serving in many different roles and learning a great deal about myself along the way. I have taught across all year levels in Religious Education, English, Media and Humanities, and have served as Assistant to the Religious Education Coordinator, Academic Counsellor, Religious Education Coordinator, Director of Faith and Mission, Acting Deputy Principal Learning, and Assistant Principal Faith and Staff Culture.
Yet when I reflect on my career, titles and positions are not what matter most.
If I have made a positive difference in the life of a young person, that is my greatest contribution.
If I have helped a staff member grow into their vocation as an educator within a Salesian school, that is my greatest achievement.
More recently, I am particularly proud of a Staff Formation Day that I planned and delivered. My hope was that it would speak to our staff in a way that could not be ignored, that it would reconnect them with the heart of who we are as a Catholic and Salesian community. We have a rich and inspiring story, one that should not remain confined to history but continue to shape our practice and guide our work with young people into the future. It is a story that remains as relevant today as ever.
What does being part of the Salesian family mean to you, and what hopes do you have for the future of the College and its community?
Being part of the Salesian family means the world to me. It means belonging to a community where you will always have a home. There is a saying that resonates deeply with me: “Once a Salesian, always a Salesian.” That is true for both staff and students.
My hope for the future is that, amidst an ever-changing world with all its opportunities and challenges, our College never forgets that education is ultimately a matter of the heart. I hope we remain unapologetically Catholic and proudly Salesian, a place where every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, valued and loved.
If we continue to place relationships at the centre, nurture faith with authenticity, and accompany young people with the same spirit of reason, religion and loving-kindness that inspired Don Bosco, then the future of our College will be bright indeed.
