Catholic Identity
St Mel's Primary School
"Go forth and set the world on fire"
St Ignatius of Loyola
Diwali – Celebrating Light and Belonging
This week, at our school assembly, our Year 5 students Shiv, Jasmeet and Hiyaan shared with our school community the significance of Diwali (Deepavali), the Festival of Lights.
This year, the main Diwali celebration falls on Sunday 8 November, with the five-day festival generally celebrated from 6–10 November, although some families and communities observe additional celebrations.
Diwali is a time of joy, reflection and togetherness, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair. This beautiful message also connects with our Catholic understanding of Christ as the Light of the World, reminding us of the light, love and hope we are called to share with others.
At St Mel’s, we are blessed to be part of a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith community, where we have the opportunity to learn from one another’s stories, traditions and celebrations. Taking time to recognise and celebrate Diwali deepens our understanding of one another and strengthens our shared sense of belonging, respect and unity, as we continue to cultivate a school community where every child and family feels known, valued and included.
We thank Shiv, Jasmeet and Hiyaan for sharing their knowledge and traditions with us, and wish all our families celebrating Diwali a joyful and meaningful festival.
May the spirit of Diwali inspire us all to be lights of kindness, peace and hope for one another.
2026/2027 ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Commitment Mass & Cluster Group
Our Sacramental Candidates and their families recently took another important step in their faith journey, gathering for our Commitment Mass on Sunday 18 October. During Mass, our candidates received a special blessing and their Steps in Faith Reconciliation Books, marking the beginning of this next stage of preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Our journey continued on Thursday 22 October at St Anne’s College, Kialla, where candidates and their families came together for our Cluster Group gathering. Through shared activities, conversation and reflection, families explored the Steps in Faith Reconciliation Book and deepened their understanding of God's love, forgiveness and the importance of reconciliation in our lives.
We are grateful to our families for the commitment they continue to make in walking alongside their children in faith, and for the opportunity to come together as a wider Sacramental community.
We look forward to welcoming our candidates and families to St Mel’s on Thursday 12 November for our next Cluster Group gathering, as we continue this special journey together.
Mission Month ~ October
One in Christ, United in Mission
Throughout October, we celebrate World Mission Month, a special time when Catholics across the world come together in prayer, solidarity and action, reflecting on our shared mission to bring Christ’s love to others.
This year is particularly significant as we celebrate 100 years of World Mission Sunday, which falls on Sunday, 18 October.
Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission”, reminding us that although we come from different cultures, communities and backgrounds, we are united in Christ and called to share His love with the world.
In his message, Pope Leo reminds us that mission is something we are all called to participate in. Each of us has unique gifts to share, and even the smallest acts of kindness, generosity and compassion can make a difference.
He encourages us to recognise that mission is, above all, an act of love ~ a love that calls us to care for others, build relationships, seek justice and stand alongside those most in need.
At St Mel’s, this connects beautifully with our diocesan theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It.” We remind our students that being missionary disciples doesn't necessarily mean travelling to faraway places. Mission begins right here - in our classrooms, playgrounds, homes and wider community. Through friendship, inclusion, forgiveness, generosity and the courage to stand up for others, our students can bring Christ's love to life each day.
As we celebrate World Mission Month, may we continue to recognise that we each have a part to play in creating a world filled with greater peace, hope and love.
One in Christ. United in Mission. Together, we can make a difference.
We began our fundraising for Catholic Missions with our annual Footy Colours Coin Line. Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international Mission agency in Australia. An international organisation that partners with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and spiritual care.
Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak”
Saint Anthony of Padua
Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE!
Pope Francis
Upcoming Liturgical Calendar ~ November
In our liturgical calendar, we look to the month of November. In the Catholic tradition, November is traditionally a month of remembrance of those who have died. The month begins with the Solemnity of All Saints on the 1st of November and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), on 2 November.
November 1st, is All Saints Day. This day is dedicated to remembering those who have been canonised saints by the Church. Some discussions you might like to have as a family - Who are some saints you know? St. Mel, St. Patrick, Mary Mackillop, Mother Teresa. People are sometimes named after saints, do you know anyone? What qualities might a saint possess - faith and belief in God, love for fellow people and standing up for those who have no voice, compassion, and service to others?
How can we learn from saints? How can we follow in their footsteps?
Who do we know that shows the qualities of a saint in our own lives?
Have a wonderful weekend. 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 ~
