St Justin’s Primary School Newsletter

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,

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal - Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to the entire St Justin’s community for your incredible generosity in supporting this year’sSt Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. This important initiative was led with passion and enthusiasm by our RE Captains, Social Justice Leaders, and Mini Vinnies Team.

 

We were delighted to hand over more than 70 bags of groceries to Noel, the President of the SVDP Springvale North Conference. Noel was deeply moved by the kindness shown by our school and took the time to speak with our student leaders about his role within the St Vincent de Paul Society, sharing how their work helps support people doing it tough. Our students listened with great empathy and were proud to have made a difference in the lives of others.

 

In addition to the grocery donations, we were also able to contribute $80, which was raised by Sienna B and Mia E in Year 5. These thoughtful students came up with the idea to make and sell loom bands before and after school to raise money for the appeal. Well done, girls—your creativity and compassion are truly inspiring!

 

During his visit, Noel also presented St Justin’s with a Certificate of Appreciation from Michael Quinn, the State President of St Vincent de Paul Society, recognising our school’s ongoing support and commitment to helping those in need.

 

A big thank you to our RE Captains, Social Justice Leaders, and Mini Vinnies for their leadership and hard work in coordinating the appeal. And once again, thank you to the St Justin’s community for your generosity and compassion.

 

With gratitude,

Mrs Leanne Snell

Vision for Engagement

On the 11th July, MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) launch their Vision for Engagement.  At the launch, Dr Ed Simons, Executive Director, referenced the 2019 OECD Report where "Australia was ranked 69th out of 76 countries in terms of disciplinary climate, indicating that our country's classrooms were considered among the most disorderly compared to other participating nations".  He went on to say, "While school leaders are demonstrating high levels of resilience and commitment, they are facing increasing stresses including mental health concerns for their students and staff, threats to safety and challenging workloads." (ACU 2025)    

 

The Vision for Engagement, is the companion document to Vision for Instruction, and aligns with the MACS 2030 strategic plan. It communicates MACS system-wide, evidence-based approach to supporting students to be actively engaged in their learning. It is MACS commitment to nurturing calm, respectful and inclusive classrooms in which every student can thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

 

So, where our Vision for Instruction (launched in 2024) focuses on what we teach and how we teach it, the Vision for Engagement focuses on the conditions essential for learning.

Access the MACS website for more information.

School Safety

  • Please note that the pedestrian gate on the south side of the school grounds (behind the PAC, will be locked by a staff member at the end of the Before School Duty (approximately 9:05am). Those who have parked in the car park behind the church are asked to make their way out the front gate and around to the carpark.
  • We are in the process of establishing the St Justin's Safety Team, which will consist of parent and staff reps and SRC members. The St Justin's Safety Team will focus on playground safety, classroom safety and safety in the wider community. They will also explore physical safety and emotional safety. Keep an eye out for more information.
  • Please note that no vehicles should enter the school grounds to drop off in the mornings or pick up in the afternoons. By now we would expect all students to be able to make their way into the school grounds, using a jacket or umbrella if it's wintery weather. Winter weather does not give others permission to use the staff carpark. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Important Dates 

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

  • Tuesday 1st July - Fair on the Hill Meeting
  • Wednesday 2nd  July - Parents and Friends Meeting
  • Friday 4th July - Silly Sock Day
  • Friday 4th July - End of Term: 1pm finish

Please refer to Dates Ahead for a full list of important dates in Term 2.

Chickens

Thanks to all those who have offered to help look after the chickens during the school holidays - your support is greatly appreciated.

 

Our roster is now full and has been emailed to our volunteer families. Our chickens are very much looking forward to everyone's visits, love and care.

Art Supplies

On Monday we received a number of pallets of art supplies. The materials were donated by Aram K (Hakop, and Ani's  dad) who manages a Distribution Centre - the materials were classified as "abandoned stock" and needed to be removed from the centre. Given the quantity, we managed to obtain the services of a truck from Mechonik and had the pallets delivered to the netball court, (not the best week for a delivery). 

 

We have now taken what we think we can use (and store) and will now invite other schools to take what they think they can use. We will also try and make up packs for the Fair on the Hill and St Vinnies. Thanks Aram for thinking of us.

Camps Sports and Excursions Fund

CSEF Applications close 04/07/2025

Professional Learning - School Closure Days

Ongoing professional learning is essential for St Justin's to keep abreast of the latest in education. Please note there will be no school for students on these days.

 

Term 3 Monday 11th August - School Closure Day - Staff Professional Learning Day Focus: UFLI  Phonics 

 

Please note that these days are not taken lightly - they are essential for us to continue supporting our students at St Justin's. 

All the best,

 

Pat

 

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal