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,

Sacrament Of Reconciliation - Year 3

Congratulations to our Year 3 students who last night received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We would like to thank Father Andrew, Father Jean-Sebastien, Year 3 Teachers, Mr Torpey, Mrs Snell and our families for being part of this celebration. 

This is a very special time in the children’s lives and we ask that you keep them in your prayers as they continue on their faith journey. 

World Teachers Day

Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a special opportunity to recognise the incredible work, care and dedication of our teachers at St Justin’s.

To all our teachers, thank you for the countless ways you make a difference every single day. You inspire curiosity, nurture faith, encourage growth, and guide our students with patience, kindness and professionalism. Your passion for teaching and commitment to our school community are truly appreciated.

We are so grateful for all that you do, not just today, but every day.

Happy World Teachers’ Day!

Prayer

Today, as we celebrate our teachers, we pray together God of Love, 

Thank you for every teacher who notices a child’s special gift. 

Thank you for teachers who are listeners and gentle guides. 

Thank you for teachers who expect much and love enough to demand more. Thank you for the special teacher each one of us remembers. 

God of Mercy, Sustain teachers who give everything they have. 

Strengthen teachers who assume the blame for so many problems beyond their control. Help exhausted teachers rest. 

God of Strength, Encourage teachers to care and inspire them to nourish. Motivate teachers to keep on learning for the fun of it and to make learning enjoyable for children. 

We wonder at teachers who know how to quiet a class of five year olds or help fourth graders be empathetic. We admire teachers who enjoy middle school writers, or teach maths or a specialist class. Bless the people who are expected to accomplish these miracles and who know how to comfort children when miracles don’t happen. 

God of Justice, help and support teachers in their special calling, wherever they teach and whatever obstacles they must face. We pray these things in the name of our great teacher, Jesus Christ.

Amen. 

Thank you 

A big thank you to Sally C and Anita R  for your generosity in supplying delicious platters for our staff on World Teachers Day! Your thoughtfulness was truly appreciated. 

Important Dates 

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

• Saturday 1st November  - Fair on the Hill  - Working Bee
• Monday 3rd November  - School Closure Day
• Tuesday 4th November - Melbourne Cup - Public Holiday (School Closure Day)
• Friday 7th November  - Prep Fire Education 

• Saturday 8th November  - Fair on the Hill

   

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

Welcome Prep 2026

Yesterday we welcomed our 2026 Prep students for their second transition session. By all reports, many students reported that it was "amazing" and they are very much looking forward to their final transition session. Again we will meet in the Undercover area. Children will go with their 2026 teacher and in their 2026 classroom on Friday 5th December. 

Follow up Transition sessions:

• Thursday 20th November: Prep Transition Session 3 (9:15am – 10:15am)

• Thursday 20th November: Parent Information Session - Literacy and Numeracy (PAC)

• Friday 5th December: Prep Orientation (9:15am – 12:00pm)         

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

Parents and Friends - Roles of the PFA Commitee

Thank you to Meg E, Emma H and Committee for their amazing contributions and continual support over the years! We're so grateful for all that you do to help our community.

A special thank you to Sally C, Tammy F, Carolyn I, Melinda C, Adam W, Jackie C, Jennifer L, James N, Helen K, Talar B, Natasha G and Meg E who were able to attend our Parents and Friends Meeting on Tuesday and were able to fill some positions and plan some activities for the the calendar of events ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for the following roles:

• President - Natasha G

• Vice President - Adam W

• Secretary - Alexis S

• Vice Secretary - Helen K & Jennifer L

• Treasurer - TBC
• Vice Treasurer  - TBC

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

Fair on the Hill

Our Annual Fair on the Hill is fast approaching (Saturday 8th November 11:00am - 4:00pm) and there has been an amazing amount of planning going on.

Please refer to the Fair on the Hill page for more information.

Volunteer Interview bookings

We are inviting families to be involved and calling for volunteers to help, please refer to the Fair notices that went home toward the end of last term. So far there is an amazing vibe, but as we know, a vibe won't get the job done - it's the community working together.  

To volunteer you MUST have a valid Working with Children Check (WWC) and have completed the volunteer interview process.  Volunteer packs are available from the office. The volunteer interviews take approx 15 mins and we have listed some dates and times below:

• Saturday 1st November - 12:00pm onwards 
• Wednesday 5th November 
• Thursday 6th Novemebr 

To make a 15 minute booking please contact the office on 9561 7644 or email  office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au with your preferred date and time.

Fair on the Hill - Working Bee

St Justin's Trivia Night 

Thanks to those who were able to attend our Trivia Night on Saturday - what an amazing night: great host, great auction items, great set up, but more importanly, great people. To Carolyn and the team, thank you for your amazing work. 

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