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

the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Dear Families and Friends,

This week our hearts and prayers go out to the Exford Primary School and the Eynesbury community. I know Dr Edward Simons, Executive Director of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and the surrounding catholic schools have reached out to the school and the Department of Education offering their support.

The crash should be a strong reminder to us all to please be careful in and around our own school – we constantly remind everyone about the importance of taking care when driving because the consequences can be catastrophic to many, and not just those involved in the crash.

National Volunteer Week

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week (15-21st May). This year the theme is “Volunteering Weaves Us Together” – and nothing is truer than the volunteers within the St Justin’s Community – you certainly weave us all together and for that, we are truly grateful.

Last Sunday in the Sunday Herald Sun, I read the report on Jock Zonfrillo’s funeral. Whilst I never knew Jock or any members of his family, or hadn’t even followed his “celebrity” life, I was inspired by his daughter's – “You pushed me to never sit in comfort and inspired me to be the best version of myself. That quitting simply isn’t good enough. To take a walk in someone else’s shoes and relook at your perspective. Most importantly, to give back more than you take.” I couldn’t help think how appropriate these words were, especially leading in to National Volunteers Week.

The reflection also made me think of St Francis of Assisi:

Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

A huge shout out to all our volunteers who support the St Justin’s Community. You are the village that helps raise a child. You help weave us together.

Italian Day

Thanks to everyone for their support with Italian Day. Unfortunately, Senora couldn't be there on the day, but by all reports, it was a great day. Thanks especially to the Parents and Friends for coordinating the yummy lunch and gelati. A full report will be included in next week's newsletter.

Mothers Day Afternoon Tea

Thanks to all the mums, grand mothers and significant others who were able to join us last Friday afternoon. It was so good to have everyone together and we look forward to more times ahead. We hope you all had a great weekend.

Professional Learning Days

Tuesday 13th June, 2023

Our next Professional Learning Day for this term is on Tuesday 13th June, 2023 (the day after the King's Birthday long weekend) with a focus on preparing for our School Review.

The School Review takes place every four years for all Catholic Schools and has two dimensions:

Improvement: supports self-assessment and reflection of performance and growth in school improvement and informs planning for future growth.
Compliance: an audit/verification process of the minimum standards for school registration and other State and Commonwealth requirements for Catholic schools is conducted for all schools engaging in the process of school review.

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

Traffic Management

Last week we arranged a staff member to supervise the school driveway. Unfortunately, we still have a number of parents speeding up the driveway, using the staff carpark as a drop off zone. This week that unthoughtful behaviour almost resulted in a serious incident.

A reminder that no car should enter the school grounds unless:

accessing Before and After School Care.
permission has been granted by the principal.
picking up or dropping of students during class time.
attending an event after school hours.

Please note:

Parishioners will be arriving in the morning to attend Mass - they may park in the school grounds
if it is raining, students should use a jacket or umbrella - using the school grounds to drop off and pick up can make things even more dangerous.
the speed limit inside the school grounds is 5km/h - which is very slow.

Where's Mr T

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

School Crossing Reminder

A friendly reminder to please follow the safe road crossing procedure when at the School Crossing.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK.

STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath.
LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.
THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped.

School Fees

All families will be receiving School Fee progress statements if they have fees still owing.

It is an expectation that by the end of term one all families will have made at least one payment towards your child/children’s fees and we thank those families who have made payments or have paid in full.

We understand that there are financial pressures and we ask families that are experiencing genuine financial hardship to contact the Office on 9561 7644. Pat will organise a time to meet with you to look at how we can support your situation whilst still ensuring that all families have access to incursions, excursions, camps and other extra-curricular activities that payment of school fees and levies support.

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

Have a great weekend.

All the best,

Pat

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal

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