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,

I hope you are all well.

Advent

Last Sunday we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent, lighting the first candle, the candle of Hope. For many, Advent is a time of waiting for Christmas. But if Advent is a time of pointless waiting for Christmas then we’ve somehow missed the message. Rather than just waiting, Advent is about reminding ourselves that we have a job to do: working together to help create God’s kingdom here on earth. What does this mean for each of us?

This Sunday we will light the second candle to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world. This second candle is the ‘Peace’ candle. Christmas is about celebrating the arrival, the birthday, of the Prince of Peace. The attached prayer of peace has been attributed to St. Frances of Assisi. It’s possibly more relevant now than it was when it was written about 800 years ago. There is so much hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness and sadness. That’s where we come in - it’s up to us to be instruments of justice that lead to peace. 

Prayer of St. 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.

Plans for 2023

Plans for 2023 are well and truly underway. In 2023, we will have 15 classes: 

• Year Prep x 3 – located in Rooms 1, 2 and 4
• Year 1 x 2 – located in Rooms 5 and 6
• Year 2 x 2 – located in Rooms 3 and 4
• Year 3 x 2 – located in Rooms 9 and 10
• Year 4 x 2 – located in Rooms 22 and 23
• Year 5 x 2 – located in Rooms 16 and 17
• Year 6 x 2 – located in Rooms 20 and 19 

This structure allows for growth and student movement and provides opportunities for teachers to work in teams. Students and teachers will work closely, sharing spaces and strengths when appropriate. It is important to remember that all teachers have other administration duties alongside their classroom responsibilities, which may require them to be released on an ongoing basis. A great deal of thought and planning also goes into the placement of each teacher. Often a classroom teacher can be considered “The Prep Teacher” or “The Year 5/6 Teacher”. However, this is not the case. Staff at St Justin’s have the training, and more importantly the passion, to teach students at a variety of levels. 

Next year, as with all years, there will be movement within the school - please see below. In planning, it’s wonderful to hear staff talk about all students and not just those in their class or their year level. A great deal of thought is also given to the placement of each child – a decision that is not taken lightly. We endeavour to provide each child with the opportunity to be part of a class that will allow him or her the best opportunity to learn. Consideration is given to each child’s social and emotional needs, ability, behaviour, friendship groups, etc. Individual needs and a whole school perspective must be considered. 

However, having said that, with our connecting classrooms accessed via doors or sliding doors, our students are more able to engage and interact with students and teachers from other classes. We are a community of learners and we learn for, from and with each other. This includes us all and not just a selection. It is exposure to a variety of personalities and qualities that help us develop as a whole person. In some schools, students are asked to nominate 5 or so ‘friends’ that they would like to be with in the following year. However, some schools have found that this has created a great deal of anxiety for students and it can send the wrong message that “I can only learn if I am with my friends”. Likewise, some schools have asked parents to make any formal requests in writing. Again, this has created a great deal of anxiety with parents, some who feel the need to write something, simply because there has been an invitation. We believe that with our ongoing communication and open door policy, staff are in a position to make an informed decision. Life is sometimes, not about being in the perfect situation, but making the most of the situation we are in. With many goals still to be achieved until the end of the school year, we will continue with our plans for 2023.

Staffing for 2023

Earlier this term, Mrs Angie Di Ciero in Year 5CD had surgery, requiring a lengthy recovery period. Unfortunately, she has had to have follow up surgery in the coming weeks and whilst she will be okay, she won't be returning to St Justin's for the rest of the year. Mrs Di Ciero is extremely disappointed that she wasn’t able to return in her original capacity, as she thoroughly enjoyed her time at St Justin’s and will miss us all. 

Also next year, we have a few other changes to our team:

With Mrs Annie Herbison’s secondment to St Michael’s, Mrs Leanne Snell will step into the role of Deputy Principal 9 days per fortnight, (every day except every second Wednesday). Mrs Snell will take on the roles and responsibilities associated with the Deputy Principal, as well as her responsibility of Religious Education Leader. Mrs Snell is a highly respected member of our community and as a very capable leader, will continue to lead our community with faith, confidence, passion and dedication.

Miss Laura Leung will move to a 5 day fortnight in the classroom (Year Prep) and keep the Positions of Leadership - Literacy and Numeracy. As leader in these roles, Miss Leung will also help “steer” the curriculum, taking on some of the roles and responsibilities associated with the Director of Learning. Miss Leung will also be released every second Wednesday to take on the roles and responsibilities associated with Deputy Principal. With Miss Leung’s knowledge, wisdom and understanding, I’m sure our school is in good hands.

Mr Clint Johnson will join our team on a full time basis in 2023. Mr Johnson will continue with the Physical Education Program as well as Health. He is very excited to be taking on an extra responsibility and working at the one school full time. As a highly regarded member of the St Justin's community, I’m sure his new appointment will be well received by all members of the school community.

Mrs Joelle Lake will also join our team in 2023, taking on the third Prep (Prep J) class. Mrs Lake comes to us with a wealth of experience in many areas, not only as a classroom teacher, but also in leadership, having held many positions of responsibility in a variety of educational settings. Mrs Lake is passionate about encouraging students to reach their full potential, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment and supporting student wellbeing. Mrs Lake is currently teaching at Sacre Coeur. I’m sure she’ll be a wonderful asset to our team.

Mrs Debra (Deb) Rowlings also joins our team in 2023, working with Laura L in the Prep classroom 5 days per fortnight. Mrs Rowlings is also another very experienced teacher, especially in the Junior School and brings with her a warm and calm classroom demeanor who is inspired by each student’s individuality, diversity and interests. Mrs Rowlings is currently on Maternity Leave from Our Lady’s, Surrey Hills and will be another wonderful asset to our team.

Another member joining our team next year is Miss Megan (Meg) McCallum. Miss McCallum will be in Year 1. This year, Miss McCallum has worked full-time as a Year 1 and 2 teacher at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish Primary School in Cheltenham. She was a first-year graduate teacher, having finished her Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree at the Australian Catholic University, specialising in Religious Education. Miss McCallum has also worked at OLA as a Learning Support Officer and OSHClub Coordinator. Miss McCallum is very excited to be joining our community at St Justin's and I’m sure she'll be another valuable member of our team.

Mrs Carmel Pitt will also join our team, sharing Year 4 with Mrs De La Haye. Mrs Pitt will be on Monday - Wednesday and Mrs De La Haye on Thursday and Friday. Mrs Pitt had previously worked at St Raphael’s Primary School, Preston, teaching Year 1/2, until a tree change made it logistically difficult. More recently, Mrs Pitt has been a Casual Relief Teacher, but believes St Justin’s is a wonderful fit for her to continue her passionate career and love for teaching in a Catholic faith community of learners. We look forward to Mrs Pitt joining us next year.

With Mrs Herbison’s secondment, rather than appoint one person to the role of Director of Learning and Teaching, we have formed a Learning and Teaching Team, consisting of Mrs Snell (as REL and DP .9), Miss Leung (as Literacy and Numeracy and DP .1) and Mrs Wickens, who will continue to steer the Inquiry and meet with staff at least two days per term (assuming that she can). The Learning and Teaching Team, along with other members of the Leadership Team and Level Leaders and other seconded staff members when required,  will help “steer” the curriculum, ensuring that it is rich, engaging and reported against. I’m sure they will work closely together to ensure that our learnings and understanding continue to flourish in a supportive and encouraging community.

Other positions of responsibility include Student Wellbeing: Miss Lisa Chiappalone and Digital Technologies: Mrs Jessica Wickens (as Mrs Wickens is on Maternity Leave, Mrs Laura Wegmann will take on this role for 2023).

A full list of staffing includes: 

STAFF 2023

Fr Andrew Madry - Parish Priest      

LEADERSHIP                                                  

Mr Patrick Torpey - Principal                                                                     

Mrs Leanne Snell - Deputy Principal .9 / Religious Education Leader    

Miss Laura Leung - Deputy Principal .1 / Numeracy/Literacy Leader

TEACHING          

Mrs Lucy D’Angelo - Year Prep DB (Mon-Wed)

Mrs Lisa Braybrook - Year Prep DB (Thurs-Fri) 

Miss Laura Leung - Year Prep LR (Mon-Tues and every 2nd Wed), Literacy / Numeracy Leader (Thurs-Fri), DP .1 every 2nd Wed

Mrs Deb Rowlings -Year Prep LR (Thurs-Fri and every 2nd Wed)

Mrs Joelle Lake - Year Prep J

Mrs Samantha Lutgens -Year 1L

Ms Meg McCallum Year -1M 

Miss Belinda Dalach Year - 2 D              

Mrs Angelique Loadman Year - 2 L  

Mrs Deb Wood - Year 3 WM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri)

Mrs Jen McGrath - Year 3 WM  (Wed), STEAM Teacher (Tues) TBC

Miss Genevieve Jones - Year 3J         

Mrs Carmel Pitt - Year 4 PD (Mon, Tues, Wed)

Mrs Rachel De La Haye - Year 4 SD (Thur - Fri)

Mr Nicholas Mosele - Year 4M          

Mr Chris Giosis - Year 5G

Miss Lisa Chiappalone - Year 5 CI (Mon-Wed) Student Wellbeing Leader (Thurs)

Mrs Helen Interligi - Year CI (Thurs-Fri)  

Mrs Belinda Slonim - Year 6B 

Mr Trevor Snelling - Year 6T

 ADMIN

Ms Donna Coelho - Administration (Mon - Fri)

Mrs Belinda Rubino - Administration (Mon, Thurs - Fri) TBC

Johnny Tran - Business Manager (Thursday)

SPECIALIST

Miss Anne Livera - Learning Diversity Leader (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri)

Mrs Louise Skues - Reading Recovery / Literacy Learning Intervention (LLI) (Mon-Thurs)

Mrs Anne Deegan - Sustainability / Kitchen Garden (Tues, Thurs)

Mrs Christy Riddiford - Performing Arts (Tues - Thurs), Choir and Drumming Beats

Mrs Laura Wegmann - STEAM Teacher & Information Resource Centre (Tues - Wed), Digital Technologies (Thurs)

Mr Clinton Johnson - Physical Education and Health (Mon - Fri)

Mrs Silvana Cetrola - LOTE - Italian (Tues - Thurs)

LEARNING SUPPORT

Mrs Carmel Sullivan - Learning Support Officer (Mon, Thurs, Fri)

Mrs Milena De Lillo -Learning Support Officer (Mon - Thurs)

Mrs Mary Cedro - Learning Support Officer (Mon-Thurs)

Mrs Lisa Stewart - Learning Support Officer (Mon - Wed, Fri)

Mrs Sandra Pascuzzi - Learning Support Officer (Tues - Fri)

Mrs Christina Patti - Learning Support Officer (Mon & Fri)

Miss Lisa Phillips - Learning Support Officer (Wed-Thurs)

Miss Michaela Torpey - Learning Support Officer (Mon, Tues, Fri)

SCHOOL SUPPORT

Mr Tony Di Iorio - Maintenance / Gardener

Mrs Gina Cristiano - School Support

Mr Albert Axaiq - School Support - Music

As you would have identified in the staff list, there are some changes in staff for 2023 and whilst we are sad to see colleagues leave, we are excited by the change. Change may be a difficult thing for many of us to accept, but one thing we do know in life is that change is inevitable. 

We look forward to a great year and thank everyone for their many contributions this year. Please note that reports, portfolios and notification of class placements will be sent home before the end of the year.

As always, should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

2023  School Fees and Levies

This week a letter went home to all families advising of the school fees for 2023.

Please see below fee schedule.

The "Not so big move"

Thanks to Fr Andrew, Mrs Herbison, Tony D, Gerry, Jo, Narelle, Keith, Desmond, Fernando .... who help us with the move last Saturday 19th November. Whilst we were light on in numbers, we were able to clear the student rooms ready for the builders to start last week. Whilst we were only expecting it to take a few hours, the few of us were able to achieve it within 5 hours. 

I'm sure our students will enjoy the works once completed and we will be all proud of the final result.

Prep 2023 - Final Transition Session

It's hard to believe but on Thursday next week, 8th December, we welcome our 2023 Preps for their final transition session for the school year. On this day they will meet their 2023 classroom teacher as well as the students who will be in their class for next year. This final session runs from 9am - 12noon and we look forward also to our Year 4 students joining the Preps for some of this session as well. Again, let's gather in the Undercover area for some games and puzzles before we go into the classrooms.

Semester 2 Student Reports

Semester 2 student reports are due to be released onFriday 9th December (next week). If you have begun to use a new email since June this year, please update the office with your new email address so that you are able to access your child's reports through your new email, via the Nforma website. 

Next Friday, you will receive an email from Nforma (please check your SPAM and TRASH folders too!) You can use the same password as you have in the past, or you may wish to change your password. 

FORGOTTEN PASSWORDS:If you have forgotten your password, please follow the 'forgotten password' link. Please note that your new password needs to be at least 7 characters long and must include at least one non alpha-numeric character, e.g. *, - / or similar. If you have requested a password reset and the email does not appear, please look in your junk/spam folder for an email from no-reply@nforma.com.au.

If you still have trouble accessing your child’s report you are encouraged to contact Mrs Annie Herbison in the school office via email on aherbison@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au 

Beginning 2023 school year

In 2023, staff will officially commence the year on Friday 27th January. As we have organised in the past, the first two "student days" will be set aside for Teacher-Student Meets. These two days will be:

1. MONDAY 30TH JANUARY
2. TUESDAY 31ST JANUARY

On one of these days, each student will have an allocated time for a 30-minute 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 on one of these two days will be made available through www.schoolinterviews.com.au in next Friday's newsletter.

Crossing not covered for next week

Due to an ongoing shortage of School Crossing Supervisors, there will be no supervisor available to cover the crossing at the corner of Jells Rd & Grandview Rd, Wheelers Hill on the following dates & times:

• 05-12-22 15:20-16:00 
• 06-12-22 15:20-16:00 
• 07-12-22 15:20-16:00 
• 08-12-22 15:20-16:00 
• 09-12-22 15:20-16:00 

Christmas Cheer

Christmas has always been a time of sharing and our children certainly enter into the spirit. It’s not unusual for students at St Justin’s to hand out Christmas cards, not just to their friends, but to all class members. Often attached to the envelopes and/or cards, are candy canes, a simple but effective way of wishing friends a “Merry Christmas”. Unfortunately, many candy canes contain traces of food colouring and/or nuts that many of our children are highly allergic too. Whilst we don’t want to be considered the “Christmas Grouch”, with the safety of all students at our school on our mind, we ask you to consider an alternative “gift”. We ask that Christmas canes be eaten at home.

Time to get ‘Sun Smart’

A reminder that St Justin’s is a 'Sun Smart School' and as a result, throughout October to the end of April, students are required to wear a sun protective school hat that protects the face, neck and ears. Please make sure that your child’s hat is clean, in good condition and clearly labelled. New hats can be purchased from Academy Uniforms. Students will also be encouraged to wear broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and to be responsible for its reapplication throughout the day. Students are welcome to bring their own sunscreen (not to share) or apply in the mornings before coming to school. As always, students are also encouraged to have a drink bottle.

Getting ready for 2023  OPEROO - Medical Information

We ask that you have all medical forms and Medical Authority forms filled out, up to date and uploaded to Operoo. This is especially needed in cases of emergency. Thank you!

As always, thank you for your ongoing support.

Have a great weekend.

Take care,

Mr Torpey