Celebration Day - Melton Campus

Last Thursday we commemorated the Feast Day of St Francis with our College Celebration Day. 

The event commenced with a Mass, during which each House was recognised alongside images of their respective patron, and the House candle. 

Following the Mass, the school engaged in various celebratory activities centred around the Franciscan theme of nature, featuring a baby animal farm and reptile encounters. 

We also hosted a global village that showcased diverse cultures through food and dance, as well as karaoke, music stations, and seed potting activities, all accompanied by an abundance of food and fun. Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing Melton Campus, Cheryl Bullen

Celebration Day 2024 was one to remember.

We started the day with a beautiful mass, honouring our patron saint, St Francis of Assisi and enjoyed festivities for the remainder. 

Celebration Day featured many activities including karaoke, a soccer clinic, farmer Daryl, reptile encounter, tree/herb planting, a cultural village and more. 

My favourite was the cultural village where many students of all different backgrounds came together to celebrate who they were. 

It was in the Philippines area that Jonah (Deputy Sports Captain) and I were taught a traditional Filipino dance called Tinikling. The energy in the room, and throughout the whole day was unforgettable. We ended the day with an amazing talent show. Diana, 2025 College Captain

Global Village

"We all come from a village" is a reminder of our shared humanity and interconnectedness. It encourages us to view each other through a lens of commonality and mutual respect, despite the vast diversity that exists within our global village.

This year, a Global Village was created in OSMA where staff and students shared their stories, artefacts, traditions, songs, activities and cultural dance performances.

The Mighty Vikings display was a hit with students. They viewed stunning displays of Viking power and created their names from stone runes.

The Māori village had an array of Māori weapons and books. Students made their own Poi, then performed a traditional Poi dance at the Kulture Konnection performance.

The Indigenous kiosk was set up with the beautiful yadaki on display, and a practice didgeridoo was available for students. There was lots of laughter, but not much sound was produced. Some very creative art work was created by staff and students. 

At the Auslan kiosk students were encouraged to communicate with staff using sign language. It was great watching the smiles as they mastered a few words. 

Students and staff waited patiently for up to 20 minutes to receive Mehdi designs in the Indian Punjabi Village. The girls worked tirelessly applying the henna and creating the most beautiful drawings for more than 50 people. Great job girls!

We were blessed to have Rabbi Jo visit, who created a beautiful peaceful learning hub with her Wandering Temple.

You can read more about this experience below from teacher Joshua Bach.

Judaism at the Global Village

We had stunning displays from our Burmese, Indian Punjabi and Filipino communities. Jenni Cutajar joined us with her GKR Karate kiosk.

The highlight of the village was the Kulture Konnection performance. Singers and dancers represented the countries and islands of South Sudan, Ethiopia Uganda, Burma, Philippines, Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand and India.

We are excited about the future of the Global Village and look forward to its expansion next year, offering even more opportunities to celebrate and learn about our diverse cultures. Kimiora Joyce, Pasifika Engagement Project Officer