Catholic Identity

2025 Diocesan Theme
Pilgrims of Hope: Embracing the Jubilee Year 2025

2025 ~ 2026 Sacramental Program

Our Time Together Cluster Group ~ St. Mels - Thursday 20th November

We look forward to gathering with our Reconciliation Sacramental candidates and their families for our upcoming Sacramental Cluster Group here at St Mel’s on Thursday, 20th November at 6:00pm.

This is a special time of preparation and reflection as our students continue their faith journey, deepening their understanding of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.

We are looking forward to leading this beautiful evening together as a parish and school community, a time to pause, pray, and celebrate God’s grace at work in the lives of our children and families.

Season of Creation ~ St. Mel's Kinder on Country - Learning with Heart, Hands, and Earth

Last week, Michael Chisholm and I had the privilege of joining our amazing St Mel’s Kinder students at “Bush Kinder” ~ Kinder on Country. Every Wednesday, our children head outdoors to learn, play, and grow in the natural environment on Yorta Yorta Country.

This beautiful program embraces the principles of slow pedagogy, taking time to observe, wonder, and connect deeply with the world around us. The children explore through play, imagination, and problem-solving, building collaboration, creativity, and care in every experience.

What stood out most was the strong sense of connection to Country learning from the land, respecting it, and discovering the stories and wisdom that flow through it. The program honours Indigenous perspectives, nurturing an understanding of belonging, gratitude, and stewardship.

In many ways, this experience echoes our Catholic Identity and the Season of Creation, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for our common home. Watching our youngest learners engage so thoughtfully with nature was truly inspiring, a reminder that caring for creation begins with wonder, curiosity, and love.

A heartfelt thank you to Mim, Jo, Meagan, and Karen for welcoming us so warmly and sharing this beautiful learning space with us. And of course, thank you to our wonderful Kinder children, it was such a joy and privilege to see some of our 2026 Preps in their own environment, learning with such confidence, joy, and connection.

We feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed this beautiful learning in action, a perfect example of faith, culture, and curiosity coming together under the wide open sky.

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

Sandhurst Awards: Celebrating Inspirational Leadership and Learning

We are so proud to announce that two of our Year 5 students, Audrey Gacus and Bray Impey, have been nominated for the inaugural Sandhurst Awards, to be celebrated at a Gala Evening in Bendigo later this month.

These new awards, introduced by Catholic Education Sandhurst, honour the outstanding contributions and character of students and staff across our Diocese — recognising those who lead with faith, courage, compassion, and a love of learning.

Inspirational Student Leader – Celebrates a student who leads with faith, courage, and compassion: Audrey Gacus

Inspirational Learner – Recognises a student who demonstrates a love of learning by asking thoughtful questions, seeking feedback, and reflecting on their progress: Bray Impey

We are incredibly proud of Audrey and Bray for the way they live out our school values each day. Their dedication, kindness, and curiosity inspire others and reflect the heart of who we are as a St Mel’s community.

Their nomination pieces can be read below.

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

Saint Anthony of Padua

Mission Month ~ Garage Sale: Living Our Faith in Action

Garage Sale Success!

What an amazing afternoon we had at our Year 5/6 Garage Sale! The event was led by our student leaders, and what a success it was! The school hall was buzzing with energy, filled with families, and community members coming together to support a great cause and grab a few treasures along the way.

Through their efforts, our students raised an incredible amount of money to support both local needs through Foodshare and global needs through Catholic Mission. Their hard work, generosity, and teamwork were on full display - truly living out their Catholic faith in action.

This initiative grew from their learning in the Source of Life unit and Mission Month, and it was inspiring to see how they turned their understanding of service, compassion, and stewardship into real impact.

A huge congratulations to our Upper Students and staff for leading such a vibrant and joy-filled event. Thank you to everyone who came along, donated, or made a purchase. Your support helped make it such a memorable and meaningful community moment.