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,

Celebrating 27 years

On Monday as I walked through the Wheeler Wing, I could hear beautiful singing coming from the Year 3 classroom. Stopping to listen, once finished I asked what was the occassion. "We have our class Mass tomorrow Mr T! Would you like to come?" Naturally I said "Yes!" (although a very long list of things to do was running through my mind). By the time Tuesday morning had come around, the list in mind had grown longer and I had forgotten all about the Mass until the Year 3 students reminded me on their way into class. By the time I arrived at the Church, again I could hear the beautiful singing as the students stood reverantly to welcome Fr Andrew.

During the Mass, Fr Andrew reminded us that 27 years ago today, on the 25th October, our Parish Church was blessed and officially opened. Fr Andrew reminded us that although many of the founding Parishioners are now gone, the church stands as a committment to their faith and remains here for us, to practise our faith.

How fortunate we are that our founding parishioners had the commitment and the vision to build such a beautiful church that we can all share today. I hope and pray that future generations that follow us appreciate the work that we do today.

Working Bee

A reminder that we have our working bee TOMORROW, Saturday 29th October from 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Whilst we know it's a long weekend and many may be away, we greatly apprecaite those who are still in town and can come for an hour or so. See you there!

St Justin's Fair on the Hill

There certainly is a buzz around the school with our Fair on the Hill only one week away. It's great to hear so many volunteers offering to help and we appreciate your contribution in helping "build community". If you you would like to help, it's not too late - just scan the QR code. Even one hour on a stall can be of great assistance!

For more information on our Fair on the Hill, please refer to the Fair on the Hill page in this newsletter or visit our Website or Facebook page.

On Friday 4th November, we'll be setting up for the F.O.T.H. - if you have any time, we'd love your help.

Don't forget to LIKE and SHARE us on St Justin’s new Fair On The Hill Facebook page & event!   to win an awesome Arkadia hamper.

Our next meeting is Wednesday 2nd November 2022 at 7:30pm in the Staffroom. Everyone welcome. Our meeting, as always, will finish with a "light supper" - a great time to decide on the finer points of the Fair.

Welcome Prep 2023

Last night we held our first Prep Information session for parents of Preps, 2023. Despiste the inclement weather, many came to hear the information regarding preparing their child for next year. It was lovely to see so may new faces as well as many existing parents, and also lovely to see them begin to connect with parents with whom they will go through school for the next seven years. 

A huge thank you to our School Captiains, Vice Captains and SRC Representatives for their presentation to the parents last night. Alissa, Nicholas, Ariana, Kayla, Emma and Will put together an amazing slide show of photos of their expreinces in the last seven years and presented their thoughts to the community. It was wonderfully heart-warming to hear their final comments which reflected on their time at St Justin's, expressing their gratitude for all they had learned, for their teachers and their long-lasting memories. Thanks also to Cristian, Stefan, Carla, Arianna, Amelia & Taj for their modelling of the St Justin's unifroms! Amazing talents and perhaps future careers??

Amazing job everyone. 

• Thursday 10th November: 
•                     Prep Transition Session (9:15am – 10:15am)
•                     Parent Information Evening  ~ Thrive, Not Just Survive (7.30-9.00pm)
• Thursday 17th November: Prep Transition (9:15am – 10:15am)
• Thursday 24rd November: Prep Transition Session (9:15am – 10:15am)
• Tuesday 8th December: Prep Orientation (9:00am – 12:00pm)

We believe that the Prep Transition sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for the children to become more familiar with the school, its resources and staff. The Prep Orientation Sessions provide an opportunity for the children to meet their classroom teacher and to experience the classroom environment and school facilities.  There will be tea/coffee provided for all new Prep parents in the Performing Arts Centre at each session.  We would love to see you all there!       

World Teachers' Day - Hats off to you . . .

Today is World Teachers’ Day, a day to recognise the work that is done by teachers (and all staff that work in schools) all over the world. Teaching is a wonderful profession but it is challenging in many ways. Teachers who embrace the challenges and relish the joys in their work, play a vital role in the development of children and adults all over the world. 

Every day, our staff are making a positive difference - creating opportunities for their students, empowering minds of young people and proudly teaching our future leaders, innovators and influencers. World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank all staff for the important role they play. I wish to personally thank all staff who work so tirelessly at St Justin’s. Our staff are very caring and work tirelessly to meet the needs of every child at our school.  We are so fortunate to have a wonderful and caring team at St Justin’s – we are truly blessed. They give their all, teaching with the mind and with the heart. In the words of Aristotle, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”.

St Justin's Disco

Thanks to all invovled in our school disco - great to have everyone 

Planning for 2023

Planning for 2023 is well underway. If you do not require a place for your child in 2023 (except Year 6), please notify the office in writing as soon as possible - email ptorpey@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

School Fees

Thanks to all those who have attended to their annual school fees - very much appreciated. School fees are an important requirement to meet the school's running costs. A reminder that all outstanding school fees are due for final payment by Monday 31/10/2022.  

Direct Debit payment plans will continue as planned. 

Any families having difficulty in making payment(s) for 2022 are requested to please contact Patrick Torpey or office staff on 9561 7644 or via email: office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au to discuss the MACS Concessional Fee Policy and how it may be able to assist you.

First Aid Room

We ask all families to remember that the First Aid Room (Sick Bay) is for students only.  Parents/Carers/Guardians are asked to respect the privacy of our students and please only enter the Sick Bay if you have been invited by a staff member to come in & collect your child.

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.

School Uniform

We are starting to notice a few "variations" and/or "additions" to the school uniform. Can we ask that all students please wear the correct school uniform, without the "variations". A uniform is an outward sign that says "I belong" and that sense of belonging is something that we all need. 

Updating your details - OPEROO

Once again we ask that all families please consider if you have had any recent changes in your personal details - phone numbers, address, emergency contact, medications for students etc. Please take the time to update these details on Operoo so that we always have the most up to date information for your child. This is especially needed in cases of emergency. Thank you!

Whilst you are also welcome to email your child's teacher, letting the office know directly will ensure that your child's absenteeism is recorded in a timely and accurate manner. For more information please refer to the Attendance Policy on our website.

Car Parking

A reminder that the school carpark should not be used to drop students off, unless:

• accessing before or afterschool care, 
• picking up or dropping a student off for an appointment, or 
• with permission from the principal. 

The staff carpark is a busy place in the mornings and after school, and we would hate to have any accidents because drivers thought it would be more "convenient" or quicker to use the carpark to drop off.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Enjoy a restful long weekend with your families.

Stay safe!

Mr Torpey