Catholic Identity

2025 Diocesan Theme 

Pilgrims of Hope: Embracing the Jubilee Year 2025

Sacramental Program 2024/2025 

 

 

Cluster Groups:

 

Our Sacramental Cluster Group came together on Tuesday night at St. Mel's for a meaningful and faith-filled session, deepening our understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and families to gather as a community, sharing in the journey of faith and spiritual growth.

 

During our time together, we explored the rich symbols of Confirmation, reflecting on their significance and the ways they remind us of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. The laying on of hands, the anointing with Chrism oil, and the presence of a sponsor all highlight the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit and committing to our faith journey.

We also delved into the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, discussing how these blessings guide and empower us in our daily lives. Through engaging activities and discussions, students reflected on how they can embody wisdom, understanding, counsel, courage, and knowledge in their daily lives. We also explored how the Fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control help us to be spirit-filled individuals.

 

As we continue to prepare for Confirmation & Eucharist, we encourage our students to embrace the call to be active members of our community, sharing their gifts with others and growing in faith.  Thank you to all who participated and supported this special gathering. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us as we walk together in faith.

 

 

"Go forth and set the world on fire"

St Ignatius of Loyola

 

Holy Week:

Holy Week Liturgies at St. Mel's: 

 

Holy Week is a significant period in our liturgical calendar, marking the final week of Lent and leading up to Easter Sunday. This sacred time was celebrated in our last week of term with special liturgies created by the staff and students to educate and engage our students in the solemnity and significance of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

 

Palm Sunday: The week commenced with Palm Sunday, where our Foundation students reenacted Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Each child held palm branches or cloaks and sang a hymn of praise, reflecting the joyful spirit of the occasion. 

 

Holy Thursday: On Tuesday of our last week of term our 3/4 students participated in a reenactment of the Last Supper, washing of the feet & Garden of Gethsemane. We all gathered in the school hall, where our Middle Years students role-played the story of the Last Supper, reminiscent of the one Jesus shared with his disciples.  Through storytelling, song and reflection, students learned about the significance of the Eucharist and the importance of service and humility.

 

 

Good Friday: Our school community gathered in reverence for a powerful Good Friday liturgy, led by our Upper students. Through shadow and light, rhythmic drumming, and reflective readings, they shared the Stations of the Cross in a deeply moving way. Guided by their voices, the liturgy evoked sorrow and hope, reminding us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Through this shared expression of faith, our community was reminded of the great love and redemption at the heart of Easter. We are so proud of our students for their respectful leadership and thoughtful reflection on this most sacred day.

 

 

The Holy Week liturgies provided students with a meaningful opportunity to journey through the events of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection (after the holidays). Through prayer, reflection, and participation in sacred rituals, students deepened their understanding of scripture, and faith and experienced the transformative power of God's love. As we continue our journey of faith, may the lessons learned during Holy Week inspire us to live as disciples of Jesus, spreading love, compassion, and hope in our school and beyond.

 

Holy Week in our Parish & local churches: We invite you to participate and share in some of these rituals with our community.

 

Caritas' Project Compassion 

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

Saint Anthony of  Padua 

Harmony Day ~

A wonderful day of celebration for Harmony Day, where our students showcased their appreciation for diversity and unity. Harmony Day, which is celebrated annually on March 21st, is a day dedicated to celebrating Australia's cultural diversity and promoting inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

 

Our school embraced the spirit of Harmony Day with enthusiasm, engaging students in prayer and various activities that highlighted the importance of cultural harmony and understanding. Our students are so proud of who they are and where they come from, it is just so wonderful to see and be a part of the inclusive and vibrant culture we have created here at St. Mel's.

 

Here's a glimpse into the colourful festivities that took place:

 

Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE! 

Pope Francis

 

Have a wonderful holiday break and a blessed and joyful Easter. 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 ~