Catholic Identity

Our New Diocesan Theme ~ From our Staff Beginning Year Prayer ~ 

"Go forth and set the world on fire"

St Ignatius of Loyola

De La Salle Orchestra Visit  ~ A Joyful Celebration of Music

What an incredible morning we shared as a school community, welcoming the talented musicians from De La Salle College, Malvern to St Mel's.

From the moment the welcoming saxophone ensemble greeted us to the final conga line through the hall, the concert was filled with energy, joy and extraordinary musical talent. Our students and staff were completely engaged, singing, clapping, dancing and celebrating together. It was wonderful to see smiles across every year level and to experience the way music brought our whole community together.

The De La Salle students performed a diverse range of music, including percussion, symphonic band, vocal, woodwind, guitar, string and rock ensembles. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to involve our students created an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As a Catholic school, we recognise that music is one of the many ways we encounter God. St Augustine famously wrote, "Those who sing pray twice," reminding us that music has a unique way of lifting our hearts, expressing joy and drawing us into God's presence. Throughout the concert, there were many moments where the beauty, creativity and connection experienced through music reminded us of God's gift of community and the joy that comes from sharing our talents with others.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff and students of De La Salle College for sharing their gifts so generously with us. What wonderful role models for our students. It was a truly memorable experience, and we sincerely hope to welcome them back to St Mel's again next year.

NAIDOC Week  5th - 12th July

As a school community, we gathered in prayer to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week, with our Year 6 student leaders leading a beautiful and respectful liturgy.

Our students thoughtfully shared the significance of a number of Aboriginal symbols, including water, fire, sand, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, and the message stick. Each symbol helped us reflect on the importance of Country, culture, community and the wisdom that has been shared through generations.

The reverence and leadership shown by our Year 6 students were outstanding. They guided us in prayer with confidence and respect, inviting us all to reflect on this year's NAIDOC Week theme and our shared responsibility to walk together in truth, respect and reconciliation.

As a Catholic school, we give thanks for the rich cultures and histories of Australia's First Peoples. Together, we continue to grow in understanding, celebrate the gifts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and strive to build a community where every person is valued, respected and belongs.

As part of our NAIDOC Week learning, our senior students also had the privilege of welcoming Neil Cooper and the team from Kookaburra Fly, who shared an inspiring collection of Aboriginal artefacts and stories. Students explored traditional tools, cultural objects and artefacts, gaining a deeper appreciation of the world's oldest continuing culture and the rich history, knowledge and traditions that have been passed down for tens of thousands of years.

The experience encouraged meaningful conversations and deepened our students' understanding of Aboriginal history, identity and culture. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn through listening, asking questions and engaging respectfully with First Nations perspectives.

At St Mel's, we are committed to walking together in the spirit of reconciliation. As a Catholic school, we give thanks for the gifts, wisdom and enduring cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through prayer, learning and respectful relationships, we continue to grow in understanding, celebrate the richness of our shared story, and strive to build a community where every person is valued, respected and belongs.

2026 Theme ~ 50 Years of Deadly ~ 

For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of our communities — steady, unapologetic, and proud. Each year, its themes have called for truth, celebrated culture, honoured resistance, and reminded the nation of who we are.

Fifty Years of Deadly marks a milestone. It’s a tribute to the people who built this movement. The Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists who turned resistance into expression, and the communities who keep showing up, year after year.

NAIDOC has always been more than a week — it’s a platform, a protest, a celebration, and a statement of survival.

This moment is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, the leadership. At the strength it took to get here. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come, not by chance, but because generations of people refused to be silenced.

It’s also about the here and now, who we are today. Grounded in culture. Strong in our identity. Leading change across every field, from health and education to media, business, and the arts. We’re telling our own stories, in our own way, on our own terms.

And it’s about the future. The next 50 years. The young ones growing up proud. The return of language. The return to Country. The fight for justice continuing with new tools, new voices, and the same fire.

Fifty Years of Deadly is a marker, not just of time passed, but of the momentum still building. It’s proof of what our people build when culture leads and community comes first. NAIDOC belongs to mob. It always has.

We honour what came before by continuing the work.

This is our story. This is our celebration. This is our future.

Still deadly. Always.

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

Saint Anthony of  Padua 

St. Vincent dePaul Winter Appeal ~ donations needed

School families are invited to donate toiletries, blankets and sleeping bags to be distributed within our local community by the compassionate work of the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Please send any donations to school with your children and they can place them in the office bucket or drop them into the collection baskets in our school foyer. 

Thank you for your generous support of those in need in our community. 

Open our HEARTS up to the world & be COMPASSIONATE! 

Pope Francis

 

Have a wonderful holiday break, 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 ~