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,  

Welcome back to Term 3. We hope you all had the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, and if nothing else, have a break form the school routine. This term promises to be another busy one, with many exciting events planned - Swimming, Production, Confirmation, Year 3/4 Camp, Student Led Conferences, Trivia Night - just to name a few. You'll also notice on the Fair on the Hill page that we are starting to call for volunteers - this event can only go ahead with your support so please get on board. 

Swimming Program

By all reports, our swimming program is going really well, mainly as a result of a great venue, amazing support from staff and volunteers, and a positive growth mindset from students. None of this would be possible without the amazing coordination by Mrs Leanne Snell - her attention to detail is amazing. 

A special thank you to our Year 4 Families for being very understanding and patient in regards to the students returning after the bell in the afternoon. This will be taken into consideration when we look at the organisation for swimming program for 2024.

Whilst we know the students will be tired, we still think the two week intensive program is the best way to go. I'm sure we'll all look forward to the weekend for a short break from swimming.

Confirmation

This term our Year 6 students will receive the sacrament of Confirmation. During Confirmation, candidates will be ‘sealed’ with the Holy Spirit. Students will explore people who demonstrate saintly qualities and hopefully gain a greater understanding of the Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. To help prepare for Confirmation, Confirmation Commitment Masses and Reflection Day will be held in August, Confirmation Medal Masses in September with the Sacrament of Confirmation being held on September 6th at 5pm - 6T and 7pm - 6.  Like anything we do in life, preparation is important. Sacraments are not a "tick" object in life, but rather part of our life journey - a journey shared with God and family.

Please keep our candidates in your prayers as they continue on their faith journey.

Please refer to the Education in Faith page for all date in relation to Confirmation preparation.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Selena, Amelie and Cristian. Cristian recently made a short list of 40 students for the Victorian AFL School Side. Whilst Cristian wasn't selected, it's an amazing achievement. Selena and Amelie have made it through to the final round for the Victorian Girls Soccer Team - another amazing achievement. We wish them all the best for next week's trials.

Why do we need relationships?

Today the Preps, 1's and 2's gathered together to begin our Inquiry and Religion unit, ‘Why do we need relationships?’

We listened to the parable, ‘The Good Samaritan’ and worked together to create artwork relating to the story. We learnt that the story had a message which was to take care of other people, to love all people and to shine your light because helping hands heal hearts. We know that God loves everyone and wants us to do the same because that was the message in the parable. Jesus was describing to us to follow in the footsteps of the ‘Good Samaritan’ in the story . We will try our best to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. 

If you would like to look at our artwork, it will be displayed in the Junior School corridor from week 2. 

Cough, Colds and COVID

As the wintery conditions continue, so do the reports of coughs, colds, flu and Covid. Can we please encourage parents to keep their children at home whenever they display the symptoms of being unwell. Thank you for your cooperation.

NAIDOC Week

Last week was NAIDOC Week. National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Each year the National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 13 years and over to submit their artwork which reflects that year's National NAIDOC Week Theme. 

Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland, is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023 with her entry, For Our Elders.

“Where there is knowledge there are our Elders. Our Elders paved the pathways for us, taught us our knowledge, our history, they passed down their art, stories and wisdom. Our Elders are the foundation of our communities and role models for our children. With this poster I wanted to showcase how important our Elders are in passing down traditions and culture to our children and future.” said Bobbi.

Watch the short one minute video below to learn more about the incredible Bobbi Lockyer and her artwork:

Principal's Conference

Next week, I am fortunate enough to be attending the Principal's Conference in Darwin with my colleagues from the East Central Zone Principal Network. This year our Principal's Network has held a strategic focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories, cultures, beliefs and ways of living. During our trip up north, among other highlights, we will have the opportunity to visit Litchfield National Park and embark on a Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Cultural Tour.  Our time will conclude with a special mass at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral. In my absence, Mrs Leanne Snell and Miss Laura Leung will be Acting Principals.

SJWH Running Club

A reminder that the St Justin's Running Club will recommence in Week 3 (Wednesday 26th July) after our swimming program. We look forward to seeing our Year 3 to 6 runners on the track.

Free Chess Class

On Wednesday, Phil and Oscar from Chess for Schools, ran a free class for any interested students from Year 2 - 6. Following a quick explanation of how the game is played and how different pieces move, students were able to play a game against others. At St Justin's, Chess for Schools runs every Wednesday in the library. For more information, please refer to the flyer on the Extra Curricular Activities or www.chessforschools.com.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:

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.

17-07-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

17-07-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

18-07-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

18-07-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

19-07-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

19-07-2023 15:20-14:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

20-07-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

20-07-2023 15:20-16:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill

21-07-2023 08:20-09:00 - Corner Jells Road & Grandview Road Wheelers Hill 

21-07-2023 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 and we will see you all in two weeks.

All the best,

Pat

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal