Salesian resources
Don Bosco offers a down to earth approach to helping young people to flourish. In his times he was able to work miracles in the lives of his students, many of whom came from disturbed and impoverished backgrounds.
He set up a way of working called the preventive system which has been rediscovered as a balanced way to work as an adult and as a teacher with young people.
The system is based on an optimistic humanism which can be presented in many ways according to the audience and the tradition of the school.
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Three basic approaches can be used to engage with Don Bosco's approach to education:
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RUAH
Preventive System
Don Bosco described his educational task as the creation of a home, a school, a playground and a church for young people. These four elements can shape behaviour management, the balance of school life, the life-balance of teachers and can create the best environment for a community to flourish.
Ruah
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Ruah is a Hebrew word that describes the breath of God, the spirit, that moves in the life of every person. In Salesian thinking it is an invitation to adopt four key attitudes in working together as a school community: Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour. Their initials spell out the word RUAH.
The Gospel
The Salesian approach to education depends upon seeing the school through the eyes of Jesus and His Gospel. Salesians believe that the patterns of the Gospel - the parables, teaching and miracles of Jesus - shape the way we see school life and the people who make up the school community in particular.
The Preventive System for teachers
A basic PowerPoint with some of the key ideas about Salesian spirituality. Feel free to adapt, develop and badge the outcome with your own school logo.
Shepherd leadership
A series of meditative slides to raise awareness of the model of the Good Shepherd and its relevance to the way adults work in school.
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Chaplaincy and Canon Law
A brief overview of the expectations of the diocese and canon law about the provision of chaplaincy in Catholic schools.
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Prayers to start my day
A four week prayer book with short morning prayer formats for use in briefings and for personal use.
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Prayers to Close my day
A more reflective evening prayer format including Salesian readings and including aspects of night prayer of the church. Useful for personal reflection, praying in community and also as a bedside companion.
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A Chaplaincy Self Evaluation
A form that may assist chaplaincy in responding to the issues arising from a section 48 inspection in school.
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Evaluating Chaplaincy in School
Notes on three different approaches to chaplaincy evaluation by senior school leaders. This may be especially helpful at annual reviews or appraisals.
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Circle time in secondary schools
Don Bosco asked his students to stop for a regular review of their life, to reflect on relationships and to celebrate. This process is included in a circle time format which is differentiated through the school and piloted by Saint John Bosco College in Battersea.
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Embedding Ruah across the school.
Paul Bryce. Conference presentation.
How do young people in your school know that they are loved?
Alison Burrowes Thornleigh Salesian College Bolton. Conference presentation.
Mary Mazzarello Images Sr Helen
15 themes emerging from the Synod on youth and discernment.
Daily patterns for prayer in the classroom
Practical ideas to help form tutors grow in confidence in praying with their classes.
Salesian criteria for healthy prayer
An overview of the preventive system
A basic rule of thumb for assesing healthy and youthful prayer.
A reflection on the preventive system
RUAH spirituality
A teacher's creed
Eucharistic video reflection
A slow reflective video with voice over on the mystery of presence at the heart of Eucharist. David O'Malley
School Chaplaincy reference points.
Circle time Maria Budzynska. Conference presentation.
Christus Vivit. Short quotes for school leaders
Listening for Vocation Booklet- I Spy Vocation
