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,
Fair on the Hill
Well it’s almost here, and with only one more sleep, we can hardly wait!
Our Annual St Justin's Fair on the Hill is fast approaching, with an amazing amount of work already done.
Again, a huge thank you to those of you who have been able to answer the call and help in some way – with over 230 families in the school and 500 + parishioners, St Justin’s Fair on the Hill should be something special; something that we can all be proud of, and I’m sure it will.
Remembrance Day - Tuesday 11th November
On Tuesday November 11th it is Remembrance Day, which marked the end of World War 1 over a hundred years ago. Although it was a long time ago, today is an opportunity to remember all those who have died in wars and conflicts since then.
In our world today, life is difficult and there is still conflict, but we can help by committing ourselves to creating peace in our own world.
We can recognise that peace begins in our own families, classrooms, schools and communities, and it begins with us.
Each one of us can make a peaceful world if we really try.
Students and teachers will be involved in a Liturgy for Remembrance Day on Tuesday morning commemcing 10.50am.
Remembrance Day Prayer
Loving God,
You call us to be people of peace.
We are grateful to those who have given their lives in times of war and conflict
and for those who fight to keep us safe from harm in our world today.
We ask that you help us to be peacemakers and live in harmony, peace and unity.
We make our prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Whole School Jubilee Celebration
On Friday 21st November, we will be holding a special celebration for the Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope.
The Catholic Church has declared 2025 as a Jubilee Year. A Jubilee occurs only once every 25 years and is a special time for us to reflect on our faith and renew our spiritual lives.
Pope Francis, who initiated this Jubilee Year, invites us all to become “Pilgrims of Hope”, people who journey together with faith and optimism, spreading hope in our world.
To mark this day, students are invited to dress in the Jubilee colours – red, yellow, green, and blue. Students will take part in special classroom activities, and after lunch, we will gather for a whole school Liturgy. To finish the day with some fun, our staff will take on the Year 6 students in a game of Volleystars!
It promises to be a wonderful day of faith, hope, and community!
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
Important Dates
Whilst we have most dates in the calendar, some dates include:
- Saturday 8th November - Fair on the Hill
- Monday 10th November - Joyful Dental - Prep to Year 1
- Tuesdasy 11th November - Remembrance Day
Friday 14th November - Prep Fire Education
Please refer to Dates Ahead for a full list of important dates in Term 4
Welcome Prep 2026
Follow up Transition sessions:
Thursday 20th November: Prep Transition 3 (9:15am–10:15am Undercover)
Thursday 20th November: Parent Information Session - (Literacy and Numeracy PAC)
Friday 5th December: Prep Orientation (9:15am – 12:00pm)
Fair on the Hill - Working Bee
Thanks to all those who were able to attend our working bee last Saturday. Whilst we didn't have a big turn up, we were still able to achieve heaps. Whilst Working Bees are a great tiem to get things done, they are also a terrific time to catch up with others and share a few laughs. Thanks again to everyone involved – much appreciated.
Parents and Friends - Roles of the PFA Commitee
The P&F Committee still need to fill the position of Treasurer and Vice Treasurer. If interested, please email Mr Torpey with your expression of interest at office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au. Whilst daunting at first, once handed over from the predecessor you will have the opportunity to put your own ideas forward and continue to give opportunities to our children to create memories that will last their lifetime.
There is no doubt that our children love seeing their parents involved with their school, as do the staff. It's also a great way for us all to get to know each other that little bit better.
As always, we thank you for your ongoing support -as you well know, it takes a village to raise a child.
Please click below for:
DESCRIPTION OF ROLES OF MEMBERS OF THE PFA COMMITTEE
If you have any questions about the Parents & Friends Committee, please email
pnf@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au
Preparing for the thunderstorm asthma season
Every year between October and December, there is an increase in hay fever symptoms. During grass pollen season, there is also the chance of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event (a sudden increase in asthma cases associated with high pollen and an impending thunderstorm).
People at increased risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma include those with:
- Asthma,
- A past history of asthma,
- Undiagnosed asthma (who have asthma symptoms, but have not yet been formally diagnosed) and hay fever (who may or may not have asthma).
Having both asthma and hay fever, as well as poor control and self-management of asthma, increases the risk.
To prepare for this season, we ask that students have a current asthma action plan (developed with the treating medical team) and an allergy plan if required − keep asthma medication readily accessible.
The school will endeavour to:
- avoid circumstances in which students and staff are outside in thunderstorms that occur between October and December, especially during the wind gusts that come before a storm,
- designate first aid staff who have completed the relevant asthma training and are confident in administering asthma first aid,
- download the VicEmergency app to receive warnings of high-risk days and potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events, recording that this has been done in the school’s emergency management plan (EMP)
When renewing EMP, school is to consider how they would respond to an epidemic thunderstorm asthma ‘emergency warning’ during or immediately after dismissal for the day.
Stomach bugs
We have had a lot of children reporting to sickbay with vomiting/diarrhoea. Please be mindful of others and help prevent the spread.
How long should you stay off school with gastroenteritis?
Children are most infectious when symptomatic, but it is possible to pass on norovirus both before developing symptoms and after symptoms have stopped. This is why children should not attend school until 24 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
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