From the Principal

St Justin’s Primary School acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's First People and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our school stands.

We pay our respects to the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, and their elders past and present, as we continue to proudly live and learn on their land.

Dear Families and Friends,  

Last week we introduced our scripture focus for this term around our concept of Relationships.

This scripture passage is taken from 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5, verse 11

“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Let’s take a moment to think about the message from the Bible.

• What does it mean to encourage one another? 
• To encourage someone means that you give them courage or confidence; you support them or cheer them up.
• What does it mean to build each other up?
• To build someone up is to praise them so they feel good about themselves. It helps to make a person feel more confident.
• The final part of the scripture, ”Just as in fact you are doing.”
• What  does this mean?
• This message means, “I know you are doing this, but keep it up and  even do it more.”

God of faithfulness and love, 

We thank you for the gift of positive relationships. 

May we never take this gift for granted. 

Help us to reach out to others to include them in our circle of friendship. 

Let us be people whom others can lean on when they feel lonely or when times are difficult. 

May your promise to be with us always, encourage us to be there for others. 

We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. 

Amen 

Principal Conference

Last week I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the week in Darwin on a Principals' Conference.  Those attending the conference were all from Catholic Primary Schools in the East Central Zone. The East Central Zone includes all schools from Kew through to Wheelers Hill.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the week was a day spent visiting the Tiwi Islands.  The Tiwi Islands comprise two main islands - Bathurst and Melville, and are located approximately 80 kilometres north of Darwin.  Melville Island, which is the larger of the two, is the largest Australian island after Tasmania.  The majority of residents on the Tiwi Islands are of aboriginal descent.  

Following a two and a half hour trip by ferry, we disembarked on Bathurst Island where the day was spent.  Upon arrival we were greeted by the locals with both dance and a smoking ceremony.  As visitors, we quickly learned that the residents were extremely welcoming and possessed a warm sense of humour.

During the morning we visited St Therese's Catholic Church, which is a beautiful old building, but is genuinely in need of restoration (we hope to do some fundraising in the near future). The Bathurst Island Mission was established by Bishop Francis Xavier Gsell in 1940.  While in the church, we were visited by Sr Anne Gardiner, who has taught on the Tiwi Islands since 1953.  Sr Anne, proudly wearing her Sydney Swans cap and now at the age of 91, spent time with us talking about the history of the church that was built by Tiwi labour from local timber, and decorated with images from Tiwi mythology and the Bible. Sr Anne then lead us on a tour of the Museum which tells of Tiwi history, showcases beautiful artworks, and proudly displays the history of AFL on the Tiwi Islands.  There were tributes to many past and current AFL players.

Sr Anne was recognised as the 2017 Senior Australian of the Year.  Some years ago she featured in an episode of the ABC TV series Back Roads, which can still be accessed on ABC iView.  The Tiwi Aboriginal people of Bathurst Island have bestowed upon her the title of “Puwanikimawu: a person who provides light to the people”.

Following lunch, the Principals visited a gallery displaying beautiful local artworks.  We were then taken into an adjacent building which was the centre for screenprinting.  Each Principal had the opportunity to work with a local artist who taught us about the craft of screenprinting, and assisted us as we created our own piece.  

Late in the afternoon we boarded the ferry back to Darwin, reflecting on how fortunate we were to have experienced a glimpse into traditional Tiwi lifestyle, and viewed stunning artworks, vibrant fabrics and textiles. We met some wonderful individuals who are committed to the service of others. And finally, we witnessed the Tiwi Islanders' exuberant passion for AFL football.

100 Days of Learning in Prep

Congratulations to all our Prep children who will be celebrating 100 days of learning at 

St Justin's next Friday, 4 August.  Our Prep team are planning a range of activities to do with "all things 100". 

Rosies Oblate Youth Mission Ministry Fundraiser

Rosies has a ministry of being "Friends On The Street." Each Wednesday and Friday night a team of up to twelve 18-30 year old volunteers operate a coffee van offering friendship and hospitality through the simple gesture of a free hot or cold drink.

In our school at St Justin’s we are supported by each other when we look after each other. Some of the ways we look after each other are looking out for each other, being kind to one another and including others. Both Rosies and St Justin’s are both trying to promote togetherness and community no matter whether it is indoors or outdoors.

We invite everyone to bring in a donation of one of the following by Friday 18th August to help the Rosies volunteers continue to support the vulnerable people that they support.

 Can you please donate one of the following:

a jar of instant coffee

a tin of milo 

a box of tea

Donations will be collected  from the classroom and we will present them to the Rosies coordinator at an assembly. 

Thank you to the Romulus in Year 2 for for helping to lead this fundraiser.

Student Code of Conduct Form

It is now a requirement from MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) that all students who attend a Catholic school complete the Students Code of Conduct. Our prep families have already completed this form.

Staff will go through this form with the Year 1 to Year 6 students and clearly explain the expectations of  acceptable and unacceptable behaviours at school. Students will need to sign this document and bring it home for parents/guardians to read over and also sign and date.

This document ensure that students, parents/guardians and teaching staff all have the same understanding of the expectations around being enrolled in a Catholic School.

All Code of Conduct forms need to be returned to the classroom teacher one week after the form has been sent home.

We appreciate your cooperation in regards to the initiative that has been implemented by MACS.

Volunteer Documents

It is now a requirement from MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) that all volunteers need to have a list of processes and documents that must be completed.

All families who currently volunteer and  have outstanding documents will receive these in their students school bags to be filled out, signed and returned to the office. 

We appreciate your cooperation in regards to the initiative that has been implemented by MACS.

Where's  Mr T

Can you find Mr T? He's hiding somewhere in the newsletter.

School Crossing Reminder

A friendly reminder to please follow the safe road crossing procedure when at the School Crossing.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK.

• STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath. 
• LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. 
• LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic. 
• THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped.

Where's  Mr T

Can you find the new image of Mr T? He's hiding somewhere in the newsletter.

Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you all next week.

Kind regards,

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal