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,

The Season Of Advent

This Sunday we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent, lighting the first candle, the candle of Hope. For many, Advent is a time of waiting for Christmas. But if Advent is a time of pointlessly waiting for Christmas then we’ve somehow missed the message. Rather than just waiting, Advent is about reminding ourselves that we have a job to do: working together to help create God’s kingdom here on earth.

Community Spirit and Leadership Awards

Talia Iazzolino (6DB) was recently nominated for the Community Spirit and Leadership Awards, presented each year by the Member for Chisholm, Dr Carina Garland. These awards recognise an outstanding student from each school within the Chisholm community who demonstrates exceptional leadership, kindness, and a commitment to serving others. Recipients lead by example, contribute positively to both their school and wider community, and show compassion through volunteering and supporting those in need.

Talia is an inspirational leader who makes a remarkable impact within our school and beyond. As School Captain, she leads with integrity, kindness, and a genuine dedication to helping others. She encourages her peers to contribute positively to school life and the broader community, and consistently demonstrates empathy and care in all she does.

As an active member of St Justin’s LIFT Youth Ministry, Talia participates in monthly gatherings, parish events, and community fundraisers that strengthen connections and uplift those around her. Through her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment, Talia enriches the civic life of our school and inspires others to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Welcome New Principal, Vice Principal and Official Bell Ringer

On Monday we welcomed a New Principal, Vice Principal and Official Bell Ringer for the day. As you might be aware, raffle prizes for the Fair on the Hill included:

Principal for a Day - Alfie C (Yr Prep LC)
Vice Principal for a Day - Giselle A (Yr 5F)
Bell Ringer for the Day - Levi G (Yr 2D) and Sienna G (Yr Prep LC)

Not ones to mess around, Alfie and Giselle were quick to "take control". Alfie and Giselle had to deal with some tricky situations including staff who wanted to negotiate a pay rise and extra holidays. Levi and Sienna were very efficient bell ringer's ensuring that all bells were rang on time.

It's nice to know that if we are ever away in the future, the school would be in good hands. (hopefully we'll get our jobs back next week)

St Justin’s Athletics Carnival

Today we had our Annual School Sports Carnival. Again this year it was during the day with a greater focus on our students having the opportunity to learn about the finer points of being part of a whole school Athletics Carnival.

Whilst we hope it’s a nice day for all, and the students have the opportunity to have fun, it’s also a great opportunity to learn – learn to be independent, be patient, to participate, to compete, to manage their emotions (good and bad), refining starts and finishes, what to eat and when, how to apply sunscreen, what to do with my hat while I’m running, etc. Sometimes learning happens through our experiences and those experiences allow us to develop skills and strategies that can be transferred to other situations in life.

Thanks also to all those who were involved. A special thank you to all staff and volunteers, especially:

Mrs Lacey and Mrs Pascuzzi, for ensuring the students were so well prepared for the carnival,
Our parent volunteer marshalls who helped with events on the day (without your help, the event couldn’t go ahead)
Members of the Parents and Friends, especially Tony, for providing the BBQ, and
Our wonderful Year 6 students who led, encouraged and supported all competitors on the day.

Thanks again for everyone’s support – much appreciated.

Important Dates

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

Monday 1st December - 2SI Class Assembly 2:45pm
Tuesday 2nd Decemember - Parents and Friends Meeting / Christmas Gathering: 7:30pm
Thursday 4th December - Italian Day - Pizza Lunch
Friday 5th December - Prep 2026 Orientation Morning 9:15am – 12:00pm
Sunday 7th December - Week 2 Advent

Please refer to Dates Ahead for a full list of important dates in Term 4

Welcome Prep 2026

It’s hard to believe, but next Friday, 5th December, we will welcome our 2026 Preps for their final transition session of the year. During this visit, the children will meet their 2026 classroom teacher as well as the classmates they will be learning with next year.

This final session will run from 9:15am to 12:00pm, and we are also looking forward to having some of our Year 4 students join the Preps for part of the morning.

We wish all of our incoming Preps the very best as they complete this important step in their transition to school.

Year 5/6 Market Day

The Year 5/6 students have begun planning for Market Day, which will be held on Wednesday 10th December from 9:30–10:30am.

In class, students worked in their assigned groups to develop and present a pitch to a ‘Shark Tank’. They created business plans along with prototypes and samples for the ‘sharks’ to evaluate. It was a tough panel, but all groups succeeded in securing investment in their businesses.

We look forward to sharing more information about Market Day in the coming weeks.

Italian Day

Trybooking link:

https://www.trybooking.com/DHTUN

Mini Vinnies Christmas Fundraiser

Our Mini Vinnies Leaders are helping make a difference this Christmas by helping the St Vincent de Paul Society with their annual Christmas Fundraiser for those in our community who are less fortuante.

We would love to see the St Jusitn's community once again get behind this initiative by donating items for Christmas hampers.

Please refer to the Christmas Appeal page for more information on what items you can donate.

Thank for support with this important Fundraiser. It will make a big differenc to lives of some families this Chirstmas.

Planning for 2026

Planning for 2026 is well underway. If you do not require a place for your child in 2026 (except Year 6), please email the office as soon as possible: office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

For more information on our plans for 2026, please visit "Plans for 2026" in our newsletter.

Beginning 2026 school year

In 2026, staff will officially commence the year on Tuesday 27th January. As we have organised in the past, the first two "student days" will be set aside for Teacher Assessment and Teacher Meets. These two days will be:

Wednesday 28th January 2025
Thursday 29th January 2025

On one of these days, each student will have an allocated time for a one-on-one session with their classroom teacher. This allows classroom teachers to undertake some individual assessments with each student and additionally provides an opportunity for each student to "check in" with his or her teacher before the school year begins. This enables connection to start between the student and their teacher.

Details for booking your student in for a session on one of these two days will be made available through an email to you in the coming weeks.

Friday 30th January 2026 - First day of school for all Prep to Year 6 students!

Getting Ready for 2026 - Student Information

Once again we ask that all families please consider if you have any new or updated changes in your personal details - phone numbers, address, emergency contact, medications for students etc. Please take the time to update these details on nForma so that we always have the most up to date information for your child. All students also received a Students Information Checklist, can we please as these be completed and returned to the office by the end of the school year. We also ask that you have all Medical forms and Medical Authority forms filled out and up to date . This is especially needed in cases of emergency. Thank you!

As always, thank you for your ongoing support.

2026 Fees and Levies

Please refer to the Fees and Levies page for school fees 2026.

Final Parents and Friends Meeting for 2025

On Tuesday 2nd December, we are all invited to attend the last Parents and Friends Meeting for 2025 - a wonderful opportunity to continue planning for 2026. Our meeting will be followed by a special "Christmas celebration" - everyone welcome. We will meet in the staffroom.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas has always been a time of sharing and our children certainly enter into the spirit. It’s not unusual for students at St Justin’s to hand out Christmas cards, not just to their friends, but to all class members. Often attached to the envelopes and/or cards, are candy canes, a simple but effective way of wishing friends a “Merry Christmas”. Unfortunately, many candy canes contain traces of food colouring and/or nuts that many of our children are highly allergic too. Whilst we don’t want to be considered the “Christmas Grouch”, with the safety of all students at our school on our mind, we ask you to consider an alternative “gift”. We ask that Christmas canes be eaten at home.

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. This hat must be a St Justin's school hat. 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. Any student who forgets their hat will be asked to play in an undercovered area.

Enjoy a restful weekend with your families and stay safe!

All the best,

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal