Catholic Identity

2026 Diocesan Theme
Seek Peace & Pursue It.

Our New Diocesan Theme ~ From our Staff Beginning Year Prayer ~

"Go forth and set the world on fire"
St Ignatius of Loyola

Installation of Bishop René Ramirez – Ninth Bishop of Sandhurst

Last Thursday, parishioners, families, staff and students from across the Diocese of Sandhurst gathered at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo to celebrate the Installation of Bishop René Ramirez as the Ninth Bishop of Sandhurst. It was a joyful and prayer-filled occasion, marking the beginning of Bishop René's ministry as the shepherd of our diocesan community.

St Mel's was proudly represented by Year 5 students, Ollie and Bryson, who joined the celebrations alongside Steve and myself. Throughout the day, they had the opportunity to witness the rich traditions of our Catholic Church, experience the significance of this special liturgy and learn more about the important role of a bishop in leading and serving God's people.

Ollie and Bryson represented our school with great pride, demonstrating respect, curiosity and enthusiasm as they participated in this historic celebration. Their thoughtful engagement throughout the day reflected the values of our St Mel's community, and we were incredibly proud of the way they embraced this unique opportunity.

We warmly welcome Bishop René back to the Diocese of Sandhurst and keep him in our prayers as he begins this new chapter of leadership. May God bless him with wisdom, courage and compassion as he guides our diocesan family in faith, hope and love.

Come to the Table ~

At St Mel's, we believe that a positive school culture is built not only through big moments, but through the small, intentional actions we commit to every day.

As part of our Cultural Covenant, staff identified a number of micro-commitments, simple promises that, when lived consistently, help create a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued and connected. One of these commitments is beautifully simple:

"We will come to the table ~ we will share a meal together."

Over the past few weeks, our Come to the Table gatherings have invited staff to pause, step away from the busyness of the day and simply spend time together over a bowl of homemade soup and fresh bread. These shared lunches have been made possible through the generosity of staff volunteers, whose kindness reminds us that community is built through everyday acts of care.

Our most recent gathering, Seeds of Joy, invited staff to reflect on the moments that bring joy to their lives. Whether big or small, recent or remembered, each person was encouraged to write down a moment of joy and add it to our growing Seeds of Joy collection, a beautiful reminder that joy grows when it is shared.

These gatherings are about much more than sharing a meal. They are about creating space for conversation, laughter, connection and belonging. In a busy school environment, taking time to gather around a table reminds us of the importance of caring for one another, nurturing relationships and living out our values as a faith-filled community.

Just as Jesus so often gathered people around the table, we too are reminded that some of the most meaningful moments happen when we simply stop, share a meal and spend time together. It is often these small, consistent acts- the micro-commitments - that have the greatest impact, strengthening our culture one conversation, one shared meal and one act of kindness at a time. Our Prep students helped set up our table with beautiful vases of flowers from their home-grown garden. What a beautiful touch!

Staff Spirituality Day ~ Walking as Pilgrims of Hope

As part of the Catholic Education Sandhurst Spirituality Day, St Mel's was honoured to host and share Pilgrims of Hope: Walking Country, Story & Faith - a contemplative experience inspired by the Lake Mungo Immersion. Staff from St Mel's joined colleagues from schools across our region in a prayerful journey that wove together Aboriginal culture and spirituality, our Catholic faith, and the unique story of our own school community.

Rather than a traditional professional learning workshop, participants were invited to slow down, listen deeply and encounter God through creation. Walking together through four reflective encounters, Sand (our school sandpit), Water (our river near our cubby), Tree (our eucalyptus and climbing trees) and of course our school Labyrinth- they explored the stories held within Country, Scripture and the everyday places that shape life at St Mel's.

The workshop grew from a simple question following the Lake Mungo Immersion: How could we bring back that sense of connection to Country, culture and faith without everyone having to stand on the shores of Lake Mungo? It became an invitation to recognise that every place has a story to tell and that God can be encountered through creation, stillness and deep listening.

Throughout the journey, participants reflected on this year's diocesan theme, Seek Peace and Pursue It, alongside the Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope, and Jesus' promise that we may have "Life to the Full" (John 10:10). The experience celebrated the richness of Aboriginal culture, the beauty of creation and the importance of slowing down to notice God's presence in our lives.

A special part of the pilgrimage was the creation of a Pilgrim Jar, assembled by each participant at each station of the journey. Layered with river pebbles, sand, a eucalyptus leaf and a finger labyrinth prayer card, each jar became a tangible reminder of the stories of Country, faith and community encountered throughout the day. More than a keepsake, it serves as an invitation to continue walking as pilgrims of hope, seeking peace, remaining rooted in faith, and recognising God's presence in the everyday.

It was a privilege to welcome colleagues from across our region to St Mel's and to share the places that are so significant to our community, from our gardens and Friendship Tree to our Labyrinth. We hope they returned to their own schools inspired to discover and honour the stories of their own Country and communities, creating spaces where faith, culture and creation continue to meet.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day ~ August 8

On Monday 10 August, our school community will come together at assembly to celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's first Saint, whose feast day is celebrated each year on 8 August.

St Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to serving others, especially children and those most in need. She reminds us to trust in God, to show kindness and compassion, and to never give up when faced with challenges.

As we gather in prayer, we give thanks for the inspiring example of St Mary MacKillop and the continuing work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. May her life encourage us to live with courage, hope and generosity as we seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Assumption Feast Day ~ 15th August

On Friday, 15th August, we celebrate the to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a significant day in our Catholic tradition. Our school community will come together to celebrate this Marian Feast at our Parish Mass on Friday 14th August.

As a faith community, we take this opportunity to reflect on Mary’s life, a life marked by deep faith, unwavering trust in God, and a spirit of humble service. Mary said “yes” to God’s call and lived a life of devotion: to God, to her Son Jesus, to her family, and to her community.

She remains a powerful model for us all, students, staff, and families alike, of courage, compassion, and love. In our liturgies and classroom prayers, we will honour her example and ask for her guidance as we continue to grow in faith and service.

May we, like Mary, strive to live lives of generosity, faith, and love.

Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak”

Saint Anthony of Padua

St. Vincent dePaul Winter Appeal ~ donations needed

School families are invited to donate toiletries, blankets and sleeping bags to be distributed within our local community by the compassionate work of the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Please send any donations to school with your children and they can place them in the office bucket or drop them into the collection baskets in our school foyer.

Thank you for your generous support of those in need in our community.