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 - A rainy day but a wonderful event!
Thanks to all who helped make our Fair on the Hill such a wonderful event. Whilst it is a great money earner for our community, we know that it is much more than that. It helps build community and provides an opportunity for us all to get to know others that little bit more. Walking around during the day, listening to the talk, you soon realise that this is more than a money spinner; it’s about community achievement, a sense of pride and a real sense of belonging. Thanks again to everyone.
We’ve received some great feedback - not just about the magnificent performances, beautiful stalls, range of activities that provided “something for everyone” and outstanding food, but people commented on the wonderful sense of community - great spirit.
Some lovely feedback from Elizabeth one of our parishioners:
Thanks again to everyone involved, especially our hardworking and dedicated Fair on the Hill team. Without their thorough and comprehensive coordination, we wouldn’t have been able to “flip” things on Friday morning to better accommodate the challenging weather forecast.
Thanks again everyone - we should all be very proud.
Remembrance Day
On Tuesday 11th November the students and teachers were involved in a Liturgy for Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day, marks 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.
Remembrance Day Prayer:
Gracious God,
Through your Son Jesus, you show us how to be people of peace,
people of generosity and people of forgiveness.
Help us to be more kind and understanding towards each other
so that we may build right relationships and live with compassion.
May we be true peacemakers who want to make a difference in our world.
We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Prep Fire Education
The Foundation students had two very special visits from some of our local firefighters as part of the Fire Ed Program. They learnt about how firefighters help people in the community, and the difference between good fires and bad fires. They were shown how to crawl low in smoke and were asked to find a safe meeting place with their families in the event that they experience a fire at home. The students also understand when to call 000 in an emergency. On their second visit, the firefighters explained the concept 'Stop. Drop. Cover. Roll' (what to do if your clothes catch on fire), and the students visited the fire truck where they got to use the 'Jaws of Life' and the fire hose.
World Wildlife Fundraiser Day
Today Five of our very passionate Year 5 students organised a Casual Clothes fundraiser.
They chose to support the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). All money raised will be donated to help endangered animals, to keep them healthy, safe, and alive.
Some of the animals include Tasmanian Devils, Koalas, White Rhinos, Pandas, Leatherback Turtles, Snow Leopards, and Mountain Gorillas. Donations will continue to be collected until the end of Week 8.
Please help us support this important cause and save these amazing animals!
Sophia B, Anahera P, Mila R, Amelia Pe, and Adria I
Year 5 Fundraising Team
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!
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
Important Dates
Whilst we have most dates in the calendar, some dates include:
- Wednesday 19th November - Year 5/6 Shark Tank Presentation
Thursday 20th November - Prep 2026 Transition Session 3 - 9:15 – 10:15am
Friday 21st November - Whole School Jubilee Celebration
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)
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 Macseye Before and After School Care - 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. 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 – 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.
Student Wellbeing
We have had a lot of children reporting to sick bay with vomiting/diarrhoea. Please be mindful of others and help prevent the spread by keeping your children until 24 hours have passed after the last symptoms occurred.
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