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,

Working Bee

Thank you to all parents who attended and supported last week's working bee. This was such a vital working bee in getting the grounds ready for our annual Fair, which hasn't happened since 2019. Although we only had a few volunteers, we were able to get a good head start on the Fair. 

Thanks Tony for your organisation and leadership in this venture.

St Justin's Fair on the Hill

It's all systems "GO" for our Fair on the Hill tomorrow. With an almost perfect weather forecast (thanks Fr Andrew) and much work completed over the last few days and months leading up to the fair, we are set for a great day.

The Fair committee has worked tirelessly this week to finalise arrangements and is greatly appreciative of so many parents who have signed up to be on stalls, willing to ensure that all goes to plan. Many came through the office for last minute Child Safety interviews and we were delighted to oblige. 

The staff also have been preparing with the stalls they are monitoring, many looking forward to some serious 'dunking' by their students. We are ready to welcome our many visitors at the front gate and help out throughout the day wherever hands are needed.

Don't forget to LIKE and SHARE us on St Justin’s new Fair On The Hill Facebook page & event!   to win an awesome Arkadia hamper.

Welcome Prep 2023

Next week we welcome our 2023 Prep students for their first transition session. The students will be onsite next Thursday, from 9.15-10.15am, where they will meet our current Prep staff and some additional helpers. We look forward to engaging in reading some stories and doing some art work together. We will meet in the Undercover area for some puzzles and games, then move into the current Prep rooms and the Italian room for the activities. Parents are welcome to remain at school in the Performing Arts Centre for some morning tea while the children are in the learning spaces. 

On Thursday evening we then invite parents back to the school for our second information session where they will have the opportunity to hear from Mrs Carley McGuaran, child psychologist and parent, speaking about preparing children for school in her session entitled, Thrive, not just survive!.

• Thursday 10th November: Prep Transition Session (9:15am – 10:15am)
•  Parent Information Evening  ~ Thrive, Not Just Survive (7.30-9.00pm)
• Thursday 17th November: Prep Transition (9:15am – 10:15am)
• Thursday 24th November: Prep Transition Session (9:15am – 10:15am)
• Tuesday 8th December: Prep Orientation (9:00am – 12:00pm)                                        

Thank you 

We would like to thank Simply Delish for the donations of so many delicious dips for prep transition night, our staff closure day and for the Fair on the Hill. Your donations are greatly appreciated!!

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

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 were 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 the MACS Concessional Fee Policy and how it may be able to assist you.

First Aid Room

We ask all families to remember that the First Aid Room (Sick Bay) is for students only.  Parents/Carers/Guardians are asked to respect the privacy of our students and please only enter the Sick Bay if you have been invited by a staff member to come in & collect your child.

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.

See you at tomorrow's Fair on the Hill!!

Mr Torpey