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

the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Dear Families and Friends,

Happy Mothers’ Day to all of our wonderful

Mothers and Grandmothers.

Thanks to Year 5 G for leading our whole school assembly today.

Mother’s Day Poem - A Mother’s Love

Mothers, Grandmas and Aunties, and special women, we think of this day.

As we gather here together, A MOTHER’S LOVE is what we honour today.

A MOTHER’S LOVE is gentle, a soft and tender touch.

Always there when needed, she loves us oh so much.

A MOTHER’S LOVE is kind, full of thought and care.

No matter what has happened, her love is ready to share.

A MOTHER’S LOVE is warm, it wraps us like a hug.

It brightens up our days, and keeps us safe and snug.

A MOTHER’S LOVE is endless, it’s shared with all she knows.

With every single person, and everywhere she goes.

So on this day we pause our minds, and focus our hearts to say.

Thank you to all the special women, for their MOTHER’S LOVE each day.

We pray for all Mothers and motherly figures in the world today.

May we always acknowledge and recognise the amazing work they do, and the love and support they give to us.

Lord Hear Us,

All: Lord, hear our prayer

We pray for mothers celebrating their first Mother’s Day this Sunday. May their day be filled with special memories and love.

Lord Hear Us,

All: Lord, hear our prayer

We pray for all Mothers in unsafe parts of the world.

We pray for their safety and protection at all times.

Lord Hear Us,

All: Lord, hear our prayer

We ask you, Lord, to help us to find ways to support and care for our mums each day.

They always look after us. May we always look after them.

Lord Hear Us,

All: Lord, hear our prayer

Dear Mother Mary, we ask you to watch over and take care of all mums, grandmas, aunties and godmothers. May the Lord who you nurtured and loved, be with them always

Mary, our Mother in Heaven

All: Pray for all Mothers

Thank you

Today the Parents and Friends held the Mother’s Day stall so that children could find a little token of appreciation to share with their mothers on Sunday. Thank you to Aili G for organising and leading this event today and for the many hands who came in to support the efforts…

As a school we couldn’t hold this kind of event without your support!!

Student Led Conferences

A reminder that our Student Led Conferences/Interviews are scheduled to take place next week. As parents and family members, you are critical partners in helping support your child’s learning and growth, and these meetings will be an opportunity for you to show this support. If you have not received an email with the booking details please contact the office on 9561 7644 or send an email to office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au

Professional Learning Days

Wednesday 17th May 2023

Tuesday 13th June, 2023

As previously announced, on Wednesday 17th May 2023 we have planned a Professional Learning Day (school closure day for students). Our focus for this day will be Positive Behaviour for Learning. We have also had to organised another Professional Learning Day for this term 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.

Changes with the EBA

Thanks to everyone with your support as we introduce the new EBA.

A reminder that whilst the gates will open at 8:40am, the classroom doors will not open until 8:50am and classes will start at 9:00am. Teachers will be on duty from 8:40am, at which time students are welcome to wait in the in the Undercover Area, Kitchen Garden Area and the Back Oval. If it is wet students are asked to wait under the Undercover Area - we will also look at opening up the Performing Arts Centre.

Please be aware that if you need to speak to a teacher, you should email them to organise a time. Staff will endeavour to respond within 48 hours.

Traffic Management

This week we have had to arrange 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 dop off and pick up can make things even more dangerous.
the speed limit inside the school grounds is 5km/h - which is very slow.

Early Number and Algebra Program

In 2022-2023, St. Justin's was a successful applicant into the Early Number and Algebra Program (ENA). The Prep Team participated in the program last year and further developed their knowledge and understanding in Numeracy.

This year, The Year 1 and 2 teachers have been part of the program and have participated in four professional learning days thus far. On Wednesday, they joined several other Catholic schools to hone their skills in teaching Addition and Subtraction.

Running Club

A reminder that students need to be dropped off outside the front gates between 8:00am and 8:10am.

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.

MACS Concessional Fees

Macs Concessional Fee Applications are due by Monday 22nd May 2023. Application forms are available from the office.

Camp Sports and Excursions Fund

Have a great weekend.

All the best,

Pat

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal