From the Principal

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

the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Dear Families and Friends,

Another interesting week and whilst we came through the rain storm unscathed this time, our thoughts and prayers will continue for those who will feel the effects for months to come.

St Justin’s Visual Arts Show

Today we officially opened our St Justin's Arts Show. With the theme of "Connection", our Arts Leaders cut the ribbon to officially declare our Arts Show open. Throughout the day, we had a steady stream of visitors through the "Gallery" with many commenting on the outstanding work which has been beautifully displayed. It was great to hear the students laugh and point when they identified their own work - I'm sure they were all very proud; proud of their own work and proud of each others. Thank you to our St Justin's Choir for their performances throughout the day and to Mrs Christy Riddiford and Mrs Jen McGrath for preparing the students in the choir.

Our Arts Show will continue until 6:30pm tonight and again on Sunday and Monday - please see information below:

• Friday 14th October, 2022 - 2:30pm - 6:30pm: Arts Show open to families - Please book via Try Booking if you haven’t already. A BBQ sausage sizzle will be available from 3:30pm - $3.50/sausage.
• Sunday 16th October, 2022 - Arts Show open to the wider community after our 10:30am Mass - Devonshire Tea will be served. Gold coin donation appreciated. 
• Monday 17th October, 2022- Final Art Show viewing
  9:30am - 4:00pm - Art Show open to families (please book via Try Booking if you haven’t already - qr code below.
  4:00pm - Art Show officially declared closed.

An event such as this doesn’t just happen!  It is a community of collaboration where people give their time, expertise and resources generously. A special mention to the students who produced the amazing art work and helped to set up the PAC, especially our Arts Leaders. To the staff who guided the students to create the art works and supported the concept, and to all the staff who helped with the displays, especially Mrs Lisa Stewart and the Core Arts Team of Mrs Jen McGrath, Mrs Ange Loadman, Mrs Mary Cedro and Mrs Anne Deegan. This Core Arts Team commenced their planning over 12 months ago and had the vision and the drive to bring it all together. We are so grateful for their forethought and communication.

 This has been such a positive experience for everyone.  Aside from the art itself, the event created a beautiful coming together of our community best described by some of the feedback...

"it's hard to explain in words but there was a definite positive community vibe, 

a shared experience of pride (students, staff and families), wonder and happiness!"

It has truly been wonderful to have our school open once again for visitors.

St Justin's Fair on the Hill

The next major event on our calendar is the St Justin’s Fair on the Hill, which will be held on Saturday 5th November. We encourage everyone to lend a helping hand - it’s not too late to come on board and help out. Remember, many hands make light work.

Thanks to all who supported our Fair on the Hill via our Casual Dress Day. As a result of your generosity, we now have many hampers for the Spinning Wheel. Thank you to members of the Fair on the Hill committee for coordinating all the items into wonderful hampers today!

For more information on our Fair on the Hill, please refer to the Fair on the Hill page in this newsletter or visit our Website or Facebook page.

Our next meeting is Tuesday 18th October 2022 at 7:30pm in the Staffroom. Everyone welcome. Our meeting, as always, will finish with a "light supper" - a great time to decide on the finer points of the Fair.

Planning for 2023

Planning for 2023 is well underway. If you do not require a place for your child in 2023 (except Year 6), please notify the office in writing as soon as possible - email ptorpey@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

Bunnings BBQ

Tomorrow, Saturday 15th October, we are conducting our annual Bunnings BBQ. If you are heading down to Bunnings, please call in and say hello. Likewise, if you would like to help out for an hour or so, contact Tony Di Iorio.

School Fees

Thanks to all those who have attended to their annual school fees - very much appreciated. School fees are an important requirement to meet the school's running costs. A reminder that all outstanding school fees are due for final payment by Monday 31/10/2022.  

Direct Debit payment plans will continue as planned. 

Any families having difficulty in making payment(s) for 2022 are requested to please contact Patrick Torpey or office staff on 9561 7644 or via email: office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au to discuss how we can assist you further.

Working Bee - Save the date

Our Term 4 Working Bee will be held just before the Fair on the Hill, on Saturday 29th October 1.30-4.30pm. There are plenty of jobs to get our school “Fair ready”, so any help by parents would be greatly appreciated. A flyer will be sent home asking you to confirm your attendance. It is a great way for families to get together and have fun together. We are looking forward to seeing many new faces, as well as our trusty regulars. Stay behind for the BBQ – as always, drinks will be provided (Tony’s shout).

2023 Prep Enrolments

If you have a child starting Prep in 2023, please be sure to continue to check your email for updated information and for any outstanding items that may need to be sent to the office. We are looking forward to seeing all the children and their parents as part of our Prep Transition program throughout Term 4. Dates for these are as follows:

Time to get ‘Sun Smart’

A reminder that St Justin’s is a 'Sun Smart School' and as a result, throughout October to the end of April, students are required to wear a sun protective school hat that protects the face, neck and ears. Please make sure that your child’s hat is clean, in good condition and clearly labelled. New hats can be purchased from Academy Uniforms. Students will also be encouraged to wear broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and to be responsible for its reapplication throughout the day. Students are welcome to bring their own sunscreen (not to share) or apply in the mornings before coming to school. As always, students are also encouraged to have a drink bottle.

School Uniform

We are starting to notice a few "variations" and/or "additions" to the school uniform. Can we ask that all students please wear the correct school uniform, without the "variations". A uniform is an outward sign that says "I belong" and that sense of belonging is something that we all need. 

Updating your details - OPEROO

Once again we ask that all families please consider if you have had any recent changes in your personal details - phone numbers, address, emergency contact, medications for students etc. Please take the time to update these details on Operoo so that we always have the most up to date information for your child. This is especially needed in cases of emergency. Thank you!

Whilst you are also welcome to email your child's teacher, letting the office know directly will ensure that your child's absenteeism is recorded in a timely and accurate manner. For more information please refer to the Attendance Policy on our website.

Car Parking

A reminder that the school carpark should not be used to drop students off, unless:

• accessing before or afterschool care, 
• picking up or dropping a student off for an appointment, or 
• with permission from the principal. 

The staff carpark is a busy place in the mornings and after school, and we would hate to have any accidents because drivers thought it would be more "convenient" or quicker to use the carpark to drop off.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Enjoy a restful weekend with your families and stay safe!

Mr Torpey