St Justin’s Primary School Newsletter

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, and emerging as we continue to proudly live and learn on their land.

 

St Justin's Primary School - Celebrating over 40 years of Catholic Education

 

Dear Families and Friends,

First Eucharist Commitment Mass

This weekend out Year 4 students will attend one of the Parish Masses as part of their preparation for their First Eucharist, which will be celebrated in June. 

The Commitment Mass asks students and families to acknowledge the commitment they will be making as they commence their preparation for this very special Sacrament. 

 

Can we please keep these Year 4 students in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Prep 2026

Over the last few weeks, I've had the privilege of interviewing our Prep families for 2026. During the interview we ask why they have chosen St Justin's as their preferred school. Whilst there is a variety of reasons, many will comment on the fact that it has a great sense of community. I then ask as to how they see themselves contributing to this community, given that community is not something "over there" it is something we become part of and that community can only exist if we all contribute. Being part of the St Justin's community not only helps us all, but it is great role modelling for our children - to be part of a community we need to be proactive. Thanks to all those who are proactive in our community and do so much to create community.

Last call - Prep 2026 Enrolments

If you have a child that you wish to be enrolled at St Justin's in Prep for 2026, please be advised that all enrolment forms must be completed no later than Sunday 18th May, 2025.

To date we have received a number of applications and are about to send out first round offers. We will not be able to guarantee a spot for your child if you have not lodged and completed an enrolment application via our website by Sunday evening.

 

We thank you for your urgent attention to this notice.

Important Dates 

Whilst we have most dates in the calendar, some dates include: 

Please refer to Dates Ahead for a full list of important dates in Term 2.

District Cross Country

On Monday we had a team of 60 students from Years 3-6 take part in the District Athletics Carnival held at Norton's Park. It was absolutely perfect conditions for running and as a result we saw some excellent races. Students raced in their age group with 9/10 aged students running 2km and 11 year olds and 12/13 year olds running 3km. 

 

All of our students gave it their all with many running personal best efforts. A huge congratulations goes to Sienna Z from Year 6 and Jackson D from Year 4 for winning their respective races, a truly amazing effort. 

 

Altogether we had 13 students making it to the Division Carnival which will be held in a fortnights time. The students moving on to Division are:

Jackson D, Oli M, Kabe M, Charlotte G, Brooklyn D, Sienna B, Mia G, Sienna Z, Mia B, Charli A, Khiara S, Lachlan D and Cristian L.

 

We can't wait to see how you all get on in a couple of weeks! Well done. 

Mr J

Student Late Arrivals

During the course of the school day we are required by state & federal legislation to ensure that we are aware of your enrolled child's whereabouts at all times.

We take this opportunity to remind all families that if your child arrives after the morning bell (8:55am) ALL children must report to the office, not proceed directly to the classroom.

The procedure that we follow is based on ensuring that the school knows that your child is in attendance. 

  1. Parent signs child in on the iPad at the office.
  2. Student is then either walked to class by a staff member, or by themselves when they are older and more confident to do so.
  3. The student takes a late pass which is then handed to a teacher.  This ensures that the teacher is made aware that the student has arrived into their classroom.

If we do not know where your child is, we then commence following up with families via text message or phone call to see where their child is.  If you know your child is going to be late, please notify the office before 08:30am by leaving a message on the absentee line (03) 9561 7644 - Press 1 to choose Report a Student Absence.

We appreciate your understanding and adherence to the procedure so that we can keep your children safe and that we as a school community meet our duty of care to your child.

Parking 

In the morning, there is a teacher on yard duty at 8:40am. If you wish to drop your child off before 8:40 am, please use the Before School Care service provided by Macseye Australia - we would hate for your child to arrive at school and no-one be here to care for them. Whilst there is usually someone here around 8:00am, it’s important to remember that staff are busy preparing for the day ahead or involved in meetings. 

 

After school, a teacher is on playground duty until 3:45 pm (3:30pm 0n Mondays). After this time, students who are yet to be picked up will be taken to the office.  We will attempt to ring their parents to make sure everything is ok. If, for any reason, you are running late, just give the office a ring and let us know. 

 

Please note that students should not be dropped off or picked up in the staff car park. In the morning and at the end of the day, the car park becomes a busy place with people walking in all directions.

 

After observing the 3:30 pm traffic in Grantchester Road, a few important reminders:

  • Please observe the 2-minute parking bay. If waiting in this bay, drivers cannot leave their car.
  • If waiting for a parking space, please never call your child to the middle of the road or stop traffic to allow your child to cross the road. It would be far safer to drive around the block and wait for a parking space rather than wait in the middle of the road.
  • Please minimise the space between cars – often we could park more cars if we parked a little closer to each other.
  • Never park in the driveways or on the nature strips of our neighbours – this can restrict the view of pedestrians and other road users. It’s also very disrespectful. 
  • Stay calm and be patient and use the school crossing – there are often many parks available after 5 minutes – a short wait in comparison to the waiting room at Monash Hospital.

Whilst these reminders are important to the safety of all concerned, they are the law. I ask that you all follow the rules and remain patient – everyone’s safety is important. After three years, I’ve never seen anyone get frustrated by someone doing the right thing.

All the best,

 

Pat

 

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal