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,  

Advent

The rose candle will be lit this Sunday, (Gaudete Sunday,) when Father Andrew will also wear rose vestments at Mass. It symbolises a day of rejoicing because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent and anticipate Christmas.

This Sunday’s Scripture reminds us that God has not held back one thing in His love for us. By becoming one with us in our flesh, God has done everything He can to assure us of His saving love. He has shown us how to live lives of sacrifice, justice and love to transform our world.

In the Gospel, the disciples want to know what they can do to earn God's love. Through prayer, we know we can communicate our needs, confident that God has heard our words and so sent love itself in Jesus Christ

Thank you

It’s hard to believe that another year is almost over and it certainly feels great to be part of the St Justin’s community, made easier by a number of people. Again, a big "thank you” to all our students, parents and carers for your continued support throughout this year. 

A huge thank you to Fr Andrew and all the staff at St Justin’s – they are committed professionals who aim to provide the very best in education. It is these people who help our students grow, leading by example, pushing with encouragement or walking beside with support. I thank them for the care, guidance and support that they give to each and every student. I also thank the School Advisory Council, the Parents and Friends Committee, the Fair on the Hill Committee and the various sub committees for the amazing work they do in helping to support such a wonderful community. 

Your dedication, encouragement and hard work is appreciated by all.

Thank you also to the families leaving our school, some after a very long and happy association with St Justin’s Primary School. We wish them well and thank them for their contributions. Remember, you are still a valued member of the St Justin’s Parish and the door is always open.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and encouragement throughout the year. St Justin’s is certainly more than buildings, curriculum, meetings, fundraising and working bees. It is a community rich in love, support and a genuine concern for others. 

We wish you all a happy and holy Christmas and a safe Summer holiday.

Congratulations to . . 

Last night we held our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony for 2023. It was a beautiful celebration acknowledging the amazing achievments to all Year 6s. Congratulations to our award winners:

• Sport Award: Cristian S and Amelie
• ARTS Award: Kade and Thomas
• Academic Award: Kai and Jake
• Maria Sabatino Spirit Award: Charleen and Salvatore
• The St Justin's Anne Etheredge Award: Grace
• Leadership Award: Ayla
• St Justin's Award: Michaela

Congratulations . . 

Congratulations to Salvatore and Grace for being presented with the Certificate of Achievement from Dr Carina Garland MP (Member of Chisholm). The certificate was awarded in recognition of commitment and leadership in the St Justin's Community.

Chess Club

Congratulations to Rafael, Johnathan and Thomas for being the Chess for Schools Term 4 champions. Great work everyone. 

Year 5/6 Market Day

Thanks to everyone for your support with our Year 5/6 Market Day. Whilst it was a great opportunity to learn about "business", it was also a great opportunity to work as a team. Thanks again for everyone involved - much appreciated.

Principal for a Day

Thanks to our Principal for the Day: Miss Zara R (Prep L) and our Vice Principals for a Day: Miss Maya A (Prep LR) for their outstanding leadership yesterday. As leaders, Zara and Maya organised a "touch of Christmas" dress day, spoke at assembly, did yard duty, greeted families and friends, made announcements over the PA system, took new families on school tours, thanked the teachers at morning tea and acknowledged their hard work with a card and box of chocolates and much more (fortunately they missed the opportunity to clean the tolets). These are all important jobs of a school leaders and they managed the tasks beautifully. More importantly they had huge smiles on their faces. Zara also had the privilege of ringing the school bell for the day.  Mr Nico C in Year 2 was also  the Sports Teacher for the Day. I'm sure he had a great experience hanging out with Mr J for the day.

These students (families) were the winners of the Fair on the Hill Silent Auction. 

Thanks for their support.

Beginning 2024 school year

In 2024, staff will officially commence the year on Monday 29th 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:

1. Tuesday 30th January 2024 
2. Wednesday 31st January 2024

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 was emailed to you on Wednesday 13th December. 

If you still have not had the opportunity to book the link is:

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/jfysm

Getting ready for 2024 - 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 Operoo 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.

School Uniform

Can we please ask everyone to check the names on school uniform. It is easy for a child to pick up a jumper, jacket or hat thinking it is their own without realising it belongs to someone else. 

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