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
Last Sunday we celebrated 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 pointless 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. What does this mean for each of us?
This Sunday we will light the second candle to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world. This second candle is the ‘Peace’ candle. Christmas is about celebrating the arrival, the birthday, of the Prince of Peace. The attached prayer of peace has been attributed to St. Frances of Assisi. It’s possibly more relevant now than it was when it was written about 800 years ago. There is so much hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness and sadness. That’s where we come in - it’s up to us to be instruments of justice that lead to peace.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.
Mini Vinnies/St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our Mini Vinnies Team was involved in assisting the St Vincent de Paul Society in organising donations for their Christmas Appeal. Noel from the SVDP Conference was overwhelmed by the generosity once again by the St Justin's Community. Thank you also to our staff who donated Coles and Woolworths vouchers as well. Noel said our donations will help many families in need this Christmas. The items we donated will be used to make up hampers and delivered to many families. Please clink the link to view Noel's letter of appreciation.
It is really rewarding to know we can help make a difference in the lives of others!
Well Done St Justin's Community!
Italian Day
A heartfelt grazie mille to everyone for their support with Italian Day and a special thank you to Senora Cetrola for organising this amazing afternoon. Thanks especially to the Parents and Friends for coordinating the yummy pizza lunch and gelati and The Big Watermelon for supplying the tomatoes and basil for making delicious bruschetta. Your efforts and hard work were appreciated by all.
Italian Day recap from some of our students
On Thursday, December 4th, the students at St. Justin’s enjoyed an unforgettable Italian Pomeriggio! Excitement filled the air as they spotted familiar favourites like Mario and Luigi, and even the hilarious Sooshi Mango crew made an appearance!
Our Year 5 and 6 students did a fantastic job leading the way—presenting to classes and teaching everyone how to dance the Tarantella, make bruschetta, and of course, create delicious bomboloni! Afterwards, we all enjoyed tasty pizza and, naturally, gelato!
A very special thank you to our wonderful Italian teacher, Signora Cetola, for bringing this amazing experience to life.
Happy Italian Day, everyone!Arrivederci!
Written by Aria, Keith, Khiara
Important Dates
Whilst we have most dates in the calendar, some dates include:
- Sunday 7th December - Week 2 Advent
- Monday 8th December - Step Up Day 1 - 12.30pm to 1.30pm
- Monday 8th December - Whole School Assembly
- (Presentation of ICAS and Maths Olympiad Certifcates)
- Tuesday 9th December - Year 3 and Year 4 Mass 9.15am
- Tuesday 9th December - Altar Servers Pizza Lunch
- Wednesday 10th December - Year 5/6 Market Day
- Thursday 11th December - Year 6 Fun Day
- Friday 12th December - Year 1 Mass 9.15am
- Friday 12th December - Step Up Day 2 - 12.30pm to 1.30pm
- Friday 12th December - Year 6 Graduation Assembly 2:45pm
- Sunday 14th Decemebr - Week 3 Advent
2026
- Thursday 5th February - Parents Information Night followed by a "meet the teacher" session in the classrooms. More inforatmion to follow but we would love to have at least one member from each family attend.
Please refer to Dates Ahead for a full list of important dates in Term 4
Welcome Prep 2026
Today we had our final Prep 2026 Orientation Day. The three hour session provided a wonderful opportunity for our “almost Preppies” to experience the kind, caring nature of Miss Rachel Lea, and Mrs Helen Interligi who will be our Prep teachers for 2026. Mrs Ange Loadman will also be in Prep next year, is currently away on Long Service Leave so unfortnately wasn't able to attend the last transition session today.
A special thank you to many other members of staff who also helped out with the program – very much appreciated. I’m sure our 2026 Preps will hit the ground running.
Another special thank you to our Year 4 students who helped create such a caring and supportive environment for our new families and students at St Justin’s. I’m sure our Year 4 students will be outstanding buddies next year.
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.
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
Last Tuesday we had our final Parents and Friends Meeting for 2025. We had some big discussions about dates and ideas for next year. Thanks to all who could attend - much appreciated. We look forward to more joining us in 2026 and will have a Parents and Friends Final Meeting Report in next weeks Newsletter.
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