From the Principal

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which our school stands, 

the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Dear Families and Friends,

We hope you've all had a great week.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the commencement of Lent leading up to Easter. We will acknowledge this day with liturgies in the classroom. Fr Andrew will also celebrate Mass at 9:15am and again at 7:00pm. More information can be found under "Education in Faith."

Earthquake Relief for Turkey and Syria

On Tuesday the students wore free dress and made donations to help the people in Turkey and Syria that have been impacted by the earthquakes. This initiative was driven by Sophia in Year 3WM. After seeing the devastation on the news, Sophia told her mum she wanted to help and decided this was a great way to raise money and awareness. With great confidence and determination, Sophia took her idea to Mrs Wood and then onto Mrs Snell and Mr Torpey, organising the best day to hold her fundraiser and how to tell the students of St Justin's it was happening. Sophia recruited her dad to create posters for each classroom and spoke after the whole school Mass and Monday morning assembly, reminding people to wear casual clothes and bring a gold coin. Well, the families of St Justin's showed their kind and generous natures, digging deep to help Sophia and the school raise over $1000 to go to the earthquake relief fund. Sophia was lost for words when she heard the final total!

We would like to say a big thank you to the St Justin's community for showing generosity and an enormous congratulations to Sophia for being so kind, selfless and driven. Well done Sophia, we are very proud of you!

Year 5/6 Camp

Our Year 5 and 6 students, along with a number of staff members and volunteers arrived safely at Phillip Island Adventure Resort on Wednesday to begin an exciting and jam packed 3 days. From all reports, everyone is having a great time, making new friends and trying lots of different and exciting experiences. Stay tuned next week for photos and recounts of this amazing experience.

A BIG thank you to all the staff who have given up their personal time to be a part of this wonderful experience. Camp is definitely a special time, and treasured just as much by the staff as it is by the students. An extra special thank you to Mrs Belinda Slonim for all the hard work and organisation that is required to take over 100 people away from school. 

Enrolments 2024

We are in the process of preparing our enrolment documentation for 2024. If any current school families require an enrolment form for 2024, please contact the office (enrolment packs should be available by mid next week). We would like these forms returned by March 23rd 2023 so we have an idea of our numbers for 2024 before we offer places to new families.

Our Open Day is planned for Thursday 23rd March, running from 9am-3pm. This is a great opportunity for new families looking for a school for their children for 2024 to come along and see what St Justin's has to offer. At that time they can also collect an enrolment form.

Absenteeism

Just a reminder that if your child is unable to attend school due to illness, an appointment, holiday, etc. that it is important that you notify the school as soon as possible. The preferred and most convenient method is via the Skoolbag app. Parents are also welcome to ring the school office or write a note in your child’s diary. Marking the attendance roll is a legal requirement and your assistance in gathering the correct information for this is greatly appreciated.

For more information, please refer to our Attendance Policy on our website

Toilets

There are many times that parents or grandparents may require the use of the toilet while visiting our school. To ensure the safety of all of our community, we ask that visiting adults refrain from using the student's toilets and please use the toilet located at the front office. This helps to ensure the safety of everyone.

Camp Sports and Excursions Fund

School Fees

School Fees will be issued to all families week commencing Monday 20th February 2023.

Sun Smart

A reminder that St Justin’s Primary School is a Sun Smart School and as a result, all students are to wear their school hat that protects the face, neck and ears during breaks or lessons, throughout September to the end of April. Sun screen should also be applied at home before coming to school. 

Over exposure to the sun presents a serious health risk. Students must therefore be educated regarding healthy UV exposure balance to help with Vitamin D and suitable sun protection, in order to be protected from overexposure to the sun whilst at school. 

Students and teachers are encouraged to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun through strategies which use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above. 

Sun protection should be used whenever UV levels are 3 or higher, especially between the months of mid-August to the end of April. During this time, parents should send appropriate sun screen to school and ensure that their child has a suitable hat. 

Please refer to our website for more information.

SJWH Dad's Night Out

SJWH Dad's Night Out - trybooking link

Please note: Booking essential before 24th March 2023

Take care,

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal