We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which our school stands,

the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Dear Families and Friends,

Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday. Our Years 4 - 6 attended the 9:15am Parish Mass and our Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 students participated in class liturgies. On this day, when we receive the ashes, it is a reminder for all on how we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent where we reflect and engage in the Christian tradition of changing ourselves and thinking of others during these 40 days.

During Lent, our students are inquiring and learning about the wonderful work of Caritas Australia. Our children are learning how they can partake in social justice initiatives and are gaining a greater insight into how the Catholic Church is living out its Lenten season through the many charitable works that strive to bring about change for those living in unjust and impoverished situations.

Project Compassion boxes are available for our students in each of the classrooms, where our children are able to donate money to support those in need. This is a great example of how our students can demonstrate they are following in Jesus’ footsteps.

Below the 10 Things To Do During Lent Besides Giving Something Up

(Shared by Fr Andrew)

Many Catholics spend hours pondering what to give up for Lent, but this year, why not add something?

10 Things To Do During Lent Besides Giving Something Up:

1. Each day tell your child something that makes them unique

2. Volunteer

3. Go to a weekday Mass

4. Say three nice things to your husband or wife, siblings, parents, colleagues and kids daily

5. Be kind

6. Donate things you don’t need to charity

7. Replace 30 minutes of TV/computer/phone time with 30 minutes of prayer/quiet time

8. Don’t complain

9. Don’t buy anything that you don’t need

10. Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season

We have also included a list of the dates for the Sacraments 2023 - please refer to Education in Faith

United Energy - Possible Interruption to Electricity

We have been advised that United Energy will be conducting essential works on Tuesday 7th March at 8:30am and Tuesday March 7th at 3:30pm to maintain the Network in the area. United Energy do not anticipate the power will be interrupted however sometimes additional customers near the work area may be impacted.

In the case the power supply is interrupted we will have plans in place to ensure the the safety of students and staff.

Enrolments 2024

We are in the process of preparing our enrolment documentation for 2024. If any current school families require an enrolment form for 2024, please contact the office (enrolment packs should be available by mid next week). We would like these forms returned by March 23rd 2023 so we have an idea of our numbers for 2024 before we offer places to new families.

Our Open Day is planned for Thursday 23rd March, running from 9am-3pm. This is a great opportunity for new families looking for a school for their children for 2024 to come along and see what St Justin's has to offer. At that time they can also collect an enrolment form.

Running Club

Just a reminder that Running Club begins next Wednesday 21st February at 7.50am. Please register your interest on https://goo.gl/forms/eK0G4Ca9Dg8mqqR2 . Come get fit with us!

Absenteeism

Just a reminder that if your child is unable to attend school due to illness, an appointment, holiday, etc. that it is important that you notify the school as soon as possible. The preferred and most convenient method is via the Skoolbag app. Parents are also welcome to ring the school office or write a note in your child’s diary. Marking the attendance roll is a legal requirement and your assistance in gathering the correct information for this is greatly appreciated.

For more information, please refer to our Attendance Policy on our website

Camp Sports and Excursions Fund

Crossing not covered for next week

Due to an ongoing shortage of School Crossing Supervisors, there will be no supervisor available to cover the following dates & times:

27-02-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

27-02-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

28-02-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

28-02-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

01-03-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

01-03-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

02-03-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

02-03-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

03-03-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

03-03-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

School Fees

School Fees will be distributed this week and will include a direct debit form.

Sun Smart

A reminder that St Justin’s Primary School is a Sun Smart School and as a result, all students are to wear their school hat that protects the face, neck and ears during breaks or lessons, throughout September to the end of April. Sun screen should also be applied at home before coming to school.

Over exposure to the sun presents a serious health risk. Students must therefore be educated regarding healthy UV exposure balance to help with Vitamin D and suitable sun protection, in order to be protected from overexposure to the sun whilst at school.

Students and teachers are encouraged to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun through strategies which use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above.

Sun protection should be used whenever UV levels are 3 or higher, especially between the months of mid-August to the end of April. During this time, parents should send appropriate sun screen to school and ensure that their child has a suitable hat.

Please refer to our website for more information.

SJWH Dad's Night Out

SJWH Dad's Night Out - trybooking link

Please note: Booking essential before 24th March 2023

Take care,

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal

St Justin's Working Bee

Saturday 18th March

St Justin's Working Bee Saturday 18th March. 1:30pm-4:30pm