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, as we continue to proudly live and learn on their land.

Dear Families and Friends,  

I'm sorry for not getting last week's newsletter out. I guess with our annual school disco, I lost focus. I must admit, initially I thought no one noticed but it was reassuring to hear that many were questioning what happened to last week's newsletter - thank you.

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support for our Lucky Jar Stall, Choc Toss and Pasta Stall the week before last.  As indicated in previous newsletters, our Fair on the Hill is looking more and more like a very exciting community event. Once again we thank you for all your amazing support for our Fair. If the buzz in the room at our last meeting is anything to go by, we are certainly set for a great day. It was nice to see some new people at our meeting - it's never too late to come on board. If you can't get to this week's meeting, be sure to let someone know how you can help - what amazing role modeling for our children. Talk to your friends and see if you can all volunteer on the same stall at a similar time or think of it as an opportunity to meet more people in the St Justin's community. It would be great if each family could volunteer for at least one hour on at least one stall/activity - although more time is always appreciated.

We do have a Working Bee on the 4th November (1:30pm-4:30pm), with a particular focus on preparing for our Fair on the Hill (no moving mulch - Yeah!). Whilst we know it is the long weekend, surely not all of our 500 parents/careers will be away - we would love to see you there, even if only for an hour or two. It's always good to know you've been able to help others. For more information, please refer to the Fair on the Hill page in this newsletter. 

Last Tuesday we held our monthly Parents and Friends meeting. Whilst there weren't many there, there was certainly much enthusiasm for the year ahead. Soon we will call for volunteers to take on leadership positions within the P&F Committee and I certainly encourage you all to consider helping out to some capacity. Not only is it a great way to support our community, it's great role modelling for our children.

Grandparents / Special Person Day

Thanks to all who were able to support our Grandparents / Special Person Day today. The weather was certainly kind to us and it was great to see so many here - it did exceeded our expectations. A huge thank you to Mrs Wegmann for coordinating the day, Mrs Snell for our beautiful prayer and to all the staff for setting up the activities and creating such a welcoming environment. A special thank you also to the Parents and Friends for helping out with the "Cuppa" and for funding many of the outdoor activities. Thanks also to Mirna (Stella - Yr 5) from Brumby's Ashburton for the beautiful scones and to Tony for the "tiny" photobooth.

Anniversary – St. Justin’s Parish Church

Wednesday was the 28th Anniversary since the consecration of St. Justin’s Parish Church - 25th October 1995. Thanks to the work, commitment, dedication, faith and hope of our community, we now have a beautiful place to gather, worship and pray. It is now our responsibility to ensure that we support our church to ensure it is here for future generations. 

Prior to the church being built, Masses and sacraments were celebrated in the current Prep and Year 1 classrooms. Each Friday afternoon, the tables and chairs were moved to make way for the weekend celebrations, and then on Monday the tables and chairs were moved back. How fortunate are we to have some wonderful dedicated spaces for learning and prayer.

Planning for 2024

Planning for 2024 is well underway. If you do not require a place for your child in 2024 (except Year 6), please email the office as soon as possible: office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

Staff Changes

It is with mixed emotion that I announce that some staff will be leaving St Justin's at the end of the year:

Next year, we are sad to say farewell to Miss Gen Jones, who has accepted a position at St Peter's Primary School, East Bentleigh. Miss Jones has been with us for 7 years, commencing as a graduate in 2017. In that time, she has taught Years Prep to Year 3, she has been a Level Leader, a member of the Production Team and Safety Team, and an Anaphylaxis Supervisor. More importantly, she's been an amazing member of our staff. Whilst we are sad to see her go, we wish her all the very best at St Peter's - a very lucky community.

Mrs Joell Lake will also be moving on next year. Whilst Mrs Lake has only been with us for one year, as a true professional, she has settled in quickly and quietly gone about doing her job to a high standard. Likewise, she has been a Level Leader this year, which is not an easy task in your first year at a new school. We wish her all the very best for the future.

Mrs Anne Deegan will also take a 'step back' next year - she assures me that it's not finished but just time to "catch her breath". Mrs Deegan has been an amazing asset to our school community who always approaches anything with a positive and 'can do' attitude. As a result, there aren't too many roles that Mrs Deegan hasn't covered over her time here - in the last few years, her contribution to the Kitchen Garden program, Year 4 Stewardship Program and the Chicken Program has been greatly appreciated. I'm sure we will continue to see her around the school in the future, but we will certainly miss her weekly visits. Likewise, we wish Mrs Deegan all the very best.

We are still in the process of finalising staffing for 2024. We hope to publish a list in the near future.

Avila Taster Day

Our Grade 4 students had an enjoyable visit to Avila College last  Friday and the experience has demystified secondary school for them. They had a full program of activities including a mock debate, choir performance, science experiment, surrealist art exercise, product design class as well as PE run by our Sport Captains

Here is a little spiel the year 4 girls wrote about their day at Avila last Friday.

World Teacher’s Day

Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day  (the last Friday in October for Australia). Every day our staff at St Justin's make a positive difference - creating opportunities for their students, empowering minds of young people and proudly teaching our future leaders, innovators and influencers. World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank all staff for the important role they play. I wish to personally thank all staff who work so tirelessly at St Justin’s. Our staff are very caring and work tirelessly to meet the needs of every child at our school.  We are so fortunate to have a wonderful and caring team at St Justin’s.  

State Representation

Last week, Amelie from Year 6 and Selena from Year 5 represented the state of Victoria at the School Sport Australia National Tournament in Bundoora. They were members of two Victorian teams who played against the best soccer players in all of Australia. When the two Victorian teams competed against each other, the final score was 0-0. 

On the last day, one Victorian team was playing against Western Australia and the end scores would determine if they were receiving a medal or not. Unfortunately the Victorian team lost 2-1. 

In the end Queensland and New South Wales drew first place, in second place was Western Australia, third was Amelie's team, and fourth was Selena's team. 

Congratulations to Amelie and Selena, we are so proud of you for making the Victorian Soccer Team!

School Disco

Thanks to all who helped out with our school disco last Friday. It was a great night with plenty of music, singing, dancing and fluro gadgets. Thanks again to the Parents and Friends for organising this event - much appreciated.

Principal Network Meeting

Last Friday St Justin's hosted the East Central Zone Principal Network. In the morning we had 17 principals and 28 sponsors visit our school, all very impressed not only with the beautiful grounds, but the warm welcome they received on arrival and the lovely morning tea. Thanks to the Year 6 students for their support in setting up, packing up and welcoming our visitors. Thanks also to Talar, Sandra and Jackie for setting up and serving the beautiful moring tea - we received some great feedback (they have already booked in again for next year).

Fair on the Hill

A great deal of work has already gone into our Fair on the Hill and for a small working party, a great deal has been achieved. As always, we continue to look for more support as this will help create a special event. Follow the link for more information. 

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. 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 undercover area. 

Please click on the link below to order via Academy Uniforms.

https://academyuniforms.com.au/schools/st-justin-s-ps.html

School Fees

A reminder that all School Fees are due to be finalised by Tuesday 31st October. 

With families keeping up with payments or organising for assistance this allows us to maintain activities and programs we already have in place at St. Justin's. We would greatly appreciate your support in regard to this matter.

As is our ongoing practice, should any family’s financial situation have changed, please contact Patrick Torpey or office staff on 9561 7644 or email office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

Crossing not covered for next week

Due to an ongoing shortage of School Crossing Supervisors, there will be no supervisor available to cover the following dates & times:

30-10-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

31-10-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

01-11-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

02-11-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

Where's  Mr T

Can you find Mr T? He's hiding somewhere in the newsletter.

Have a great weekend.

Take care,

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal