From the Principal
Bishop Shane's new appointment
It was with both excitement and disappointment to receive the news that our Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane MacKinlay has been appointed by Pope Leo as the new Arch Bishop of Brisbane. Bishop Shane has led the Sandhurst diocese since 2019 and has always been an approachable and down to earth leader. He will be greatly missed.
Bishop Shane will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving (Farewell Mass) at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, on Sunday 7 September 2025. He will be installed as Archbishop of Brisbane at St Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane on Thursday 11 September. After Bishop Shane's Installation, the Consultors will elect a priest to serve as Diocesan Administrator until a new bishop is appointed.
Click here to read the official announcement.
St Mel's Parish Priest Announced
It was announced this week that Fr Ronald Masilang has been appointed as our new Parish Priest. Fr Ronald has been in the parish for quite a while and has regularly concelebrated masses with Fr Ruel. We look forward to welcoming Fr Ronald officially into our school community. He has also been appointed as parish priest to St Malachy’s (Nagambie) and St Mary’s (Mooroopna) effective 21 June 2025.
Confirmation & First Eucharist
Congratulations to Mia DeStefanis, Catherine Watts and Aria Spadoro who received the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation last week. Bishop Shane (in one of his final Bishop's duties) celebrated the mass and was particularly impressed with the quality of the candidates. I'm sure you will agree the girls looked fabulous!
Grade 3/4 Camp
Our Grade 3/4 students had a wonderful few days on the Grade 3/4 Camp at Alexandra this week. The students had a ball taking part in activities such as ropes courses, orienteering, flying fox and the big swing. Well done to the students on their exemplary behaviour and to the teachers for organising such a fun camp and spending time away from their families.
Exams
Well done to our students who have been taking part in exams this week. I have seen them studying hard throughout the week and no doubt they have done their best. Our Year 12 students took part in the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday along with all other Victorian VCE students.
New Building Project
I'm sure you would have noticed the fencing has gone up for the new building project. The construction will comprise of eight new classrooms, meeting rooms and staff spaces. We are thrilled that Moretto Building were once again the successful tender. The project is due to be finished in May 2026.
Principal's Award
Week 8 - Catherine Watts
Week 9 - Shyanne Monshing
Podcast of the Week
Have you heard the ABC podcast from Maggie Dent 'Parental as Anything'? It's a great resource as Maggie talks to parenting experts from around the world to find practical solutions to the challenges every parent is facing today. There is a focus on tips for school as well as lots of other information.
Season 6 Episode 14 is a great one for our parents/carers with younger children who are at the stage of considering if they should walk/ride to school alone. Maggie shares tips for parents who want to know when a child is ready, how to take the first steps to independence and how to head off potential danger.
Find the podcast via the link below:
Anthony Butts
Principal
