News from around the school 

Foundation ~ Prep News

Thank You – Intersport Bennett’s Kyabram

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Intersport Bennett’s Kyabram for their generous gift of Tie Your Shoe Lace pencil cases for our Foundation students. These fun and practical pencil cases not only help keep supplies tidy, but also give our youngest learners the perfect opportunity to practise the important life skill of tying their own shoelaces.

We are so grateful for the support of local businesses like Intersport Bennett’s, who partner with us in nurturing the learning and development of our students. Their kindness reflects the values of community, generosity, and care that we strive to live out each day at St. Mel's.

Early Years ~ 1/2 News!

Middle Years ~ 3/4 News!

Shadows and Storytelling

In Year 3, students have been exploring the Ochre text Iron Man, looking closely at the illustrator’s creative choices. One striking example was the use of a hand’s shadow to depict Iron Man. Inspired by this, our Year 3 learners headed outside into the sunshine to experiment with their own shadow creations. They discovered how positioning, perspective, and imagination can transform an ordinary shadow into a powerful image. It was a wonderful way to connect literature with hands-on learning and to see how art and storytelling can come alive in different ways.

Upper Years ~ 5/6 News!

CELEBRATING BOOK LAUNCH ~ Di Walker

We congratulate and celebrate St Mel's Leader: Learning Diversity, Pastoral Wellbeing and Mental Health AND.... local Goulburn Valley author, DI WALKER, on the release of her fourth novel, 'Secret Keeper'.

Like her previous novels, 'Unpacking Harper Holt', 'Every Thing We Keep', and 'Saving Charli', 'Secret Keeper' is a heartfelt story about friendship and grief, however this time also about keeping secrets.  

'Secret Keeper' is set in the final months of primary school as the main characters are thinking more and more about the changes ahead as the move to high school is on the horizon. During this time there are netball finals to be played, friendship problems to sort out and the realisation that everyone seems to be keeping secrets.  

‘These are issues that are very common for children and young people to work through,’ Di said. ‘I think it is important to explore topics like the difficulties friendships can have, or the impact of grief however it is just as important to have a sense of hope – by the end of my books the reader knows that the characters will be okay.’

Currently working at St Mel’s Primary in Shepparton, Di has noticed the excitement building amongst the students as they await her next book to hit the school library shelves. ‘I’ve been overwhelmed with the amazing community support I have received for all of my books.’

Di finds the predawn hour the best time for writing. ‘I like to start writing just after 5am. It’s the best time for me to write, the house is quiet, my dogs are at my feet and I can just focus on what direction the characters are taking the story.’  

We are so fortunate to have such a known and talented author in our midst as another outstanding role model for our children to aspire to follow! Di is generous in sharing her knowledge, skills, talent and love of literacy and learning within our learning and teaching community!

Comments from our children:

"I think I might dress up as one of the characters out of Di’s books for book week this year."

"Di has inspired my writing."

"It’s made me want to read more!"

"I want early access to our book fair so I can be the first to get Di’s new book!"

'Secret Keeper', as well as her other three novels, are available at Collins Shepparton  and at all good bookshops and online.  

Di's books have also been picked up by Book Club and feature in Book Week Book Fairs!

Congratulations Di on your latest release!

St. Mel's Book Week 2025 ~ Book an Adventure 

Book Week Performance: August 11th at 9.30 am 

Celebrating Children's Book Week® 2025, the educational and interactive musical adventure Treasure Hunt is coming to our school! Students will be immersed into a highly interactive, educational musical adventure celebrating the Children’s Book Week® 2025 theme (Book An Adventure) and incorporating a selection of the CBCA 2025 Shortlisted Books.

The musical will send students of all ages on a treasure hunt exploring themes of sustainability and our relationship with the natural environment, as well as celebrating how books and reading create understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together.

Jess lives by the ocean. George lives in the forest. One morning they both wake to find that something is missing – something terribly important. It appears their world may have changed ... and not for the better! Together they set off on a quest to find the treasure that has disappeared from their homes. On their hunt, and despite their differences, George and Jess share a common need. However, they must first overcome their distrust, obstacles and greatest challenge. Fortunately, help is waiting from a most unexpected source…

St. Mel's Book Fair ~

Book Fair 2025 – You're Invited!

Students will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair in our Mercy Library with their class on Tuesday, August 12th. During this time, they will complete a wish list to take home and share with their families.

We warmly invite parents and carers to visit the Book Fair from Thursday, August 14th to Friday, August 22nd during the following times:

• Morning: 8:30 – 8:55 am
• Afternoon: 3:00 – 3:45 pm

An invitation with all the details will be sent home with students this afternoon, Tuesday, 5th August 2025.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the joy of reading with our community!

St. Mel's Athletics Day

Piano/Keyboard lessons:

Mrs Sandra Davidson has been teaching piano for over forty years.

She has a Bachelor & Diploma of music from the Victorian College of Arts. Sandra has completed all levels in the AMEB exams, achieving an A+ for her 8th grade when she was 12, and Associate & Licentiate Diplomas in the following two years.

Sandra teaches all styles and enters some students in exams.

Lessons are held every Monday at school.

Parents can contact Sandra on 0412 767 205 to make arrangements.

St Mel's Breaky Club ~

Come for breaky, second or third breakfast! All welcome!

Thank you to SPC & Bakers Delight City & Plaza who sponsors our St. Mel's Breakfast Club!

Did you know? ~