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,

It has been another busy term at St Justin’s.  Whilst it has been busy, we have much to be thankful for. We thank you all for your contributions and wish you all a very safe and Holy Easter break with your loved ones.

Stations of the Cross   

Yesterday, our Year 6 RE Captains, Patrick and Mila with our Year 5 students led us in the Stations of the Cross. The Art Work in the Google Slides were created by our Year 5 students last year with Mrs Mulholland. During the Stations of the Cross we remember the final journey of Jesus: a journey shaped by love, pain, and hope.

This  special prayer service; a time to reflect on Jesus.

As we listen to each station, we remember that Jesus knows what it is to suffer.

He walks with those who feel afraid, alone, or overwhelmed, and with those who keep choosing love, even when it costs them.

Station 1: Jesus Is Condemned To Death

Jesus stands before the crowd. He is judged unfairly and condemned, even though he has done no wrong. He does not argue. He accepts what is happening. He knows what it feels like to be misunderstood and left alone. 

 

Station 2: Jesus Carries His Cross

The cross is placed on Jesus’ shoulders. He knows the road ahead will be painful, but he accepts it freely. He chooses love, even when it will cost him everything.

Station 3: Jesus Falls The First Time

The weight is heavy. Jesus stumbles and falls to the ground. He feels weak and overwhelmed. In this moment, he knows what it is like to struggle.

Station 4: Jesus Meets His Mother

Jesus meets his mother on the road. They look at each other, sharing love, pain, and fear. No words are needed. Their silence says everything.

Station 5: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

Simon is asked to help carry the cross. At first it is forced upon him, but he stays and walks beside Jesus. This moment reminds us that no one should carry suffering alone.

Station 6: Veronica Wipes The Face Of Jesus

Veronica steps forward with kindness. She wipes Jesus’ face, offering comfort and dignity. Her small act of courage becomes a powerful sign of love.

Station 7: Jesus Falls The Second Time

Jesus falls a second time. His body is tired, and the journey feels endless. 

Still, He finds the strength to keep going.

Station 8: The Women Of Jerusalem Weep

Jesus sees the women who are crying for him. Even in His pain, He notices their sorrow and speaks with care. Jesus thinks of others before himself.

Station 9: Jesus Falls The Third Time

Jesus falls again. His strength is almost gone, and the road feels unbearable. 

Yet love keeps Him moving forward.

Station 10: Jesus Is Stripped Of  His Garments

Jesus is stripped of his clothes. He is left exposed and humiliated. 

He knows what it is to feel vulnerable and powerless.

Station 11: Jesus Is Is Nailed To The Cross

Jesus is nailed to the cross. The pain is deep, but He does not respond with anger. 

Even now, He chooses love and forgiveness.

Station 12: Jesus Dies On The Cross

Jesus breathes his last. His life is given completely. The world grows quiet. 

In this moment, He places everything into God’s hands.

Station 13: Jesus Is Taken From The Cross

Jesus is taken down from the cross. His body is held gently by those who love Him. 

Grief is heavy, but love has not disappeared.

Station 14: Jesus Is Laid In The Tomb

Jesus is laid in the tomb, and the stone is closed. Everything feels finished and silent. 

Yet even here, hope is waiting.

The ‘Stations of the Cross’ will beheld in the school grounds on Good Friday 3rd April at 10am. 

 Holy Week

Easter is approaching and it is our tradition at St Justin’s to join with the wider community to celebrate these important events in the Church Calendar. When we return to school after the Term1 holidays we will gather on Monday 20th April at 2.40pm for an Assembly and have a special Liturgy to celebrate Easter.

Please refer to the Education in Faith Page for dates and information.

Emergency Evacuation Drill

On Monday we had an Emergency Procedure Drill –“Evacuation”. An “Evacuation” requires all staff, students and visitors to evacuate all buildings and make their way safely to the designated assembly point, which is located at the front of the school and another at the back of the school. Once each class is assembled, the roll is taken and students wait for further instructions. If safe to do so, assigned wardens will check every room and report back to the Communication Officer, who would then relay this information to Emergency Departments. An Evacuation might be used for a variety of reasons including a fire, gas leak or smoke. Whilst we hope we never have to use our Emergency Procedures, it’s nice to know that we are prepared. If you are ever at school during a drill, please participate so that we get a realistic understanding of how to manage all members of our community. We thank everyone for the cooperation. Please note: if we ever need to vacate the school grounds, we have assembly point at Columbia Park and Mulgrave Reserve.

Easter Bonnet Parade

Our school community came together to celebrate the joy of Easter with our wonderful Easter Bonnet Parade. It was fantastic to see the creativity and effort from our students, with a colourful display of beautifully decorated bonnets that truly captured the spirit of the season.

It was especially pleasing to see so many students get on board and design Easter hats that were incredibly creative. It was clear that many students and families put in a great deal of time and effort, which made the parade even more special. It was also wonderful to see so many parents attend the parade and share in this celebration with us.

A special thank you to our Parents and Friends  for their time and dedication in organising and driving this much-loved initiative. Your support helps create meaningful and memorable experiences for our students.

We would also like to acknowledge our Visual Arts Leaders and team members, Amelia, Eva, Giselle and Amelia for leading the parade so confidently this morning. Your organisation and leadership ensured the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this such a special celebration.

Easter Raffle

Thank you to the families of St Justin’s for your generous donation's and parents who helped with Easter wrapping for 2026. The hampers look amazing!

With these kind and generous donations, we've been able to create wonderful hampers to be donated to the Monash Children's hospital, ICU nurses ward and Cumberland View Retirement Village.

Thank you to Bianca and her team of volunteers who helped out to prepare the flyers, hampers & count the raffle tickets and money. 

Your help and support is greatly appreciated!

P&F Thank you 

Thanks to the P&F for their support with the Hot Cross Bun event. It was a wonderful day! Your help and support is greatly appreciated!

Project Compassion 

Today we did a final count of our Project Compassion boxes. 

A special congratulations to Year Prep LI, for being the most generous class in the school, raising a total of $135.90, followed by 2DW with $119.80. In third place is Year 6SL with $87.60, closely followed by Year 6DB with $82.50.  A total of $719.55.

Thank you to the St Justin's for supporting this very important cause. The money raised goes to helping those less fortunate.

Important Dates 

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

• Friday 3rd April - Good Friday 
• Sunday 5th April - Easter Sunday
• Monday 6th April - Easter Monday
• Monday 20th April  - Term 2 Commences 
• Friday 24th April - Year 5 Nazareth Taster Day

Please refer toDates Ahead for a full list of important dates in Term 1

Reminder: Daylight Savings Ends Sunday 5th  April

Daylight Savings Ends Sunday 5th April, don't forget to set your clocks back and enjoy an extra hour of relaxation. 

Sacrament Dates 2026

Please refer to Education in Faith for 2026 Sacrament Dates.

First Eucahrist Term 2: A notice was pushed out to Year 4 familes this week in regards to selecting a mass time for First Eucharist. Familes wishing their Year 4 child to celebrate First Eucahrist in 2026, please make sure you go onto nForma and select a date.

P&F Dads Night

Friday 1st May 6:00pm - 12:00am

South Oakleigh Bowling Club - North Road, Oakleigh South

6:00pm - 12:00am

Bowling, Dinner and Big Screen Footy

Drinks at Bar Prices 

More details to follow soon after Easter

Fair on the Hill Meeting 

On Tuesday we held our first Fair on the Hill meeting for 2026. As a result of an amazing turn up of some very enthusiastic people, we have decided to go ahead with the Fair on the Hill again for 2026. We are now in the process of booking rides and planning many of the other exciting activities - I'm sure it will be bigger and better than ever.

This is a great time to get involved as the event requires many helpers. Whilst we will be looking for volunteers for the day, we really need people to step up now and start planning. Help can come in the form of sponsorship, committee positions, stall coordinators, just to name a few. Now is a great time to rally your friends together and explore ways in which you can be involved - what great role modelling for our children. We wold love to see as many on board as possible - not only does many hands make light work, but it puts a smile on everyone's face, especially our children.

Our Fair on the Hill will be held on Saturday 7th November 2026 (the weekend after the Melbourne Cup - lock it in).

If you would like more information, please speak to Fr Andrew or Mr Torpey and keep an eye our for more information. We would love to have you involved.

A Morning with Mum 

A special morning to celebrate! Whether it’s Mum or another special person in your life, everyone is warmly welcome. If Mum can’t join us, that’s okay, bring along someone who means the world to you. A grandma, an aunt, a family friend, or anyone who plays an important role in your life.

This isn’t quite breakfast, but a delightful morning tea. Enjoy coffee, light pastries, and plenty of smiles as we gather together as a community.

There will also be a fun florist-inspired experience where you can explore, create, and choose something special perhaps a bracelet or even try a playful tattoo!

At St Justin’s, we celebrate every family, every story, and every connection. We look forward to sharing this warm and joyful morning with you.

Please register below:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1566338

Cut off: 1st May at 3:00pm

Parents and Friends

The Parents and Friends (which is all of us) have been busy organising a number of events and activities. As always, some of these events and activities are organised to raise funds, others are simple organise to bring our community together and celebrate friendship, learning, togetherness, connectedness and much more. Some events include:

• Morning with Mum: Friday 8th May (more details to follow)
• Trivia Night: Saturday 30th May (more details to follow)
• Kiosk Friday: Every Friday in the Undercover Area

For more information, access the Parents and Friends page in this newsletter.

It certainly is a busy time but as always, it's great to see so much happening. If at any stage you would like to help out, please reach out to the Parents and Friends or come to the meetings. Please remember, all volunteers need to be a registered with the school - once you have your Working With Children Check / VIT, just call the office and make a time to meet with Mr T. Once registered, please sign in at the office and get a lanyard when volunteering. 

ANZAC Day

Anzac Badges will be on sale next term - keep an eye out for our Social Justice Leaders.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support.

All the best,

Pat

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal