Catholic Identity

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

Mungo Immersion ~ Mungo: Meeting Place

Next week, I feel very privileged to gather with our staff in prayer and share some of the deep learnings and reflections from the CESL Mungo Immersion Program. Walking on this ancient land and hearing the stories of the Aboriginal custodians was a life-changing and faith-filled experience. It reminded me of the sacredness of creation, the strength of culture, and the call we each have to walk gently and with respect.

Following this, I look forward to sharing my reflection and photos with our wider school community, as together we continue our own faith journey at St Mel’s.

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation ~

On 1 September, we join with people of faith around the world to mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This special day, established by Pope Francis, calls us to reflect, pray, and take action to care for our common home. It also begins the Season of Creation, a time from 1 September to 4 October where Christian communities come together to celebrate the gift of God’s creation and respond to the urgent need to protect it.

This year’s theme, Seeds of Hope & Peace, connects beautifully to our school journey at St Mel’s. Our children are currently exploring the Source of Life Creation Unit in Religious Education, learning what it means to be stewards of God’s Earth, sowing seeds of hope, peace, and care for all living things.

To mark this important day, our Upper students represented our school community at Mass, where they took part in the liturgy by reading and joyfully singing hymns of creation. It was a beautiful way to celebrate together and honour God’s gift of creation. Our Year 3/4 students led us in prayer at assembly, helping us focus on the significance of this special season and reminding us of the beauty and responsibility of caring for creation.

2025 ~ 2026 Sacramental Program

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

We warmly thank our parents and carers who joined us for the Information and Formation Evening on Thursday, 4 September, 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 sharing more information in the weeks ahead and walking together on this special faith journey with our children and families.

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.

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

Fathers' Day Celebration ~

This weekend we give thanks for all fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and father-figures who guide, nurture, and love us. Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the gift of family and the special men in our lives who reflect God’s love through their care, strength, and presence.

At St Mel’s, we also take this moment to remember that our Heavenly Father is the source of all love. In our Catholic tradition, Father’s Day invites us to pause in gratitude, to pray for fathers both present and past, and to honour the vocation of parenthood that builds strong families and communities.

This week we were blessed to gather as a school community for our Big Blokes Brekky, a wonderful celebration of the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and father-figures who are part of the St Mel’s family. It was a joy-filled morning of connection, laughter, and gratitude for the important role these men play in our children’s lives.

Loving God, we thank You for the gift of our fathers. Bless them with wisdom, patience, and joy in their role of guiding and nurturing us. Strengthen all fathers, grandfathers, and those who step into this role with love. May they continue to sow seeds of hope and peace in their families and communities.

Amen.

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

Saint Anthony of Padua

St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal ~ Social Justice in Action

At our recent school assembly, we were delighted to welcome Mel Barbary from St Vincent de Paul. Mel joined us to collect our contributions, thank our school for its generosity, and speak with our students about how these donations directly support people in need within our local community.

Our Year 6 Social Justice Leaders have proudly launched the St Vinnies Winter Appeal, inviting school families to donate toiletries, blankets, and sleeping bags. These items will be distributed through the compassionate work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Thank you for your continued generosity and for living out our call to support those most in need in our community.

Annual Supporter/Footy Colours Coin Line & Come dressed in your favourite sport/sporting team Day!

To raise much needed funds for Catholic Missions Socktober Appeal, we will be having our annual Supports/Footy Colours Coin Line on the last day of term, Friday 12th September. 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.

Students are encouraged to bring silver or gold coins to place on the coin line of their favourite AFL Team! The Footy Team with the most coins will have their theme song played over the PA. Our coin line happens in the morning before school, so families pop in and enjoy the fun and great atmosphere.

We will then look forward to playing our much anticipated Staff vs Year 6 Students Netball Game!