Catholic Identity
"Go forth and set the world on fire"
St Ignatius of Loyola
F.I.R.E. Carriers Commissioning ~ A shared sacred moment
There are moments in the life of a school that become much more than an event on the calendar. Our FIRE Carriers Commissioning Ceremony was one of those moments, a powerful ritual of Country, culture, faith, belonging and responsibility.
We were deeply grateful to welcome Neil and Billy from Kookaburra Fly, who welcomed us to Country and led our community in a Smoking Ceremony around our labyrinth. Neil generously shared Yorta Yorta language with our students, inviting them to listen, learn and join their voices together as he spoke about the significance of the day and the responsibility they were preparing to carry.
For our Year 5/6 students, becoming a FIRE Carrier is a meaningful rite of passage. It is not simply receiving a badge; it is choosing to step forward and take greater responsibility for reconciliation within our school ~ to listen, learn, show respect, share culture and story, and help build a community where everyone belongs.
There was something particularly special about watching our current Year 6 FIRE Carriers commission the next group, placing the badges onto their peers and passing that responsibility forward. It was a beautiful reminder that leadership is not held by one person or one group; it is nurtured, shared and carried on.
As smoke from the ceremony moved across the labyrinth, our students joined their voices in Yorta Yorta language and, almost perfectly, the sun broke through the dark clouds above us. For a moment, everything seemed to come together ~ Country, culture, creation, faith and community. It was a truly sacred moment for St Mel’s.
Our newest FIRE Carriers now carry something important with them: a responsibility to keep listening, learning and walking together and to carry the flame of reconciliation, respect and hope forward.
Sacraments 2026/2027
Sacrament of Reconciliation: We are excited to begin preparing for the next phase of our Parish-based Sacramental Program, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation taking place in Term 4. Information has been shared with families of students in Year Three and above to help them begin this special journey of faith.
We warmly thank our parents and carers who joined us for the Information and Formation Evening on Thursday, 27th August, in the St Mel’s Parish House. It was a valuable opportunity to come together, learn more about the Sacramental Program, and share in the journey of preparing our children for this special step in faith. We look forward to our Adult Faith Development evening on Thursday 8th October in the Parish House: Gathering Room.
If you were unable to make our info night, please see Mel Shiels at the Parish Office or Danae Napier at St. Mel's Primary School if you would like an information pack.
Season of Creation ~ Living Water 💧🌿
Each year, from 1 September to 4 October, Christians around the world come together to celebrate the Season of Creation, a time to pray, reflect and take action in caring for our common home.
The 2026 theme, Living Water, draws inspiration from Ezekiel 47:1–12, where we hear the beautiful image of a river flowing with life. Wherever the water flows, creation flourishes — trees grow, living things thrive and healing is found.
This image invites us to consider the precious gift of water and our responsibility to care for all of God’s creation. At St Mel’s, it connects beautifully with our call to Seek Peace and Pursue It and Jesus’ invitation to experience Life to the Full. Just as water brings life wherever it flows, we too can bring life, hope and peace through the choices we make and the way we care for our shared Earth.
Throughout the Season of Creation, our students will be encouraged to notice the wonder of the natural world, give thanks for God’s gifts and consider the small actions they can take to help creation flourish.
Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak”
Saint Anthony of Padua
Upcoming ~ October ~ Month of the Rosary
Each year, the month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, with the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary being celebrated on October 7th, our first Thursday back Term 4. The Rosary is a powerful and meditative prayer helping us to reflect on key moments in the life of Jesus.
Do you have a set of Rosary beads or prayer beads at home? Perhaps they hold a special story or tradition within your family?
In my own family, the Rosary has always been a meaningful part of our lives. I still remember the first set of Rosary beads I received from my Nan as a child. As a family, we would often gather to pray the Rosary, whether it was on long road trips or at Nan’s house during family visits. The act of praying together not only deepened our faith but also strengthened our bonds as a family.
The Rosary beads pictured here were a special gift from a dear friend who brought them for me from the Vatican in Rome. What makes them even more significant is that they have been blessed by Pope Benedict. These beads, like many others around the world in many religions, are a symbol of faith, love, and tradition, passed down through generations and carrying with them the prayers and hopes of countless people.
This coming October, I invite you to rediscover the beauty of the Rosary, whether in a quiet moment of personal reflection or as a shared prayer with your family. Let us take this time to honour Mary, reflect on the life of Jesus, and strengthen our spiritual journey together.
Feel free to send in your stories and pictures of your Rosary beads or Prayer beads.
Raising awareness & funds for Catholic Missions ~
Annual Supporter/Footy Colours Coin Line & Come dressed in your favourite sport/sporting team Day!
Thank you to all our students, families, and staff for making our Annual Footy Colours Coin Line and "Come Dressed in Your Favourite Sport/Sporting Team" Supporters Day such a success! Your participation helped us raise much-needed funds for Catholic Missions, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together for a day filled with joy and school spirit on the last day of term.
We raised close to $252.95 for Catholic Missions, with the Essendon Football Club Supporters raising the most money on the day and Collingwood Football Supporters having the longest coin line, the Essendon theme song was played over the PA to celebrate. Well done to all involved!
Top Three:
Essendon $66.60
Collingwood $61.05
Richmond $42.4
Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE!
Pope Francis
Have a wonderful holiday break, enjoy the time with your families, fill your cups doing all the things that bring you the most joy,
Danae Napier
Deputy Principal / Religious Education Leader
Did you know ~
