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,

Year 3 and 4 Camp

Today our Year 3 and 4 students retrun from their camp to Camp Toolangi. Located an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Camp Toolangi is a Yarra Valley school camp set on 12 acres of natural bushland adjoining the Toolangi State Forest.

By all reports, everyone had a great time. Whilst we will have a more detailed report next week we thank all the staff who attended the camp. A special thank you to Mrs Wood who coordinated the camp - a great deal of thought and paper work is required for camps, which starts months beforehand. Thanks to everyone involved.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS)

In 2022, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

One of the main goals of the survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school. MACSSIS data benefits everyone within our school and provides valuable community insights on areas that each school can focus on. Our school believes it is important to encourage families, students and staff to have a voice and contribute to shaping the ongoing improvement of the school.

Students in Years 5 and 6, staff and randomly selected families have been completing the surveys over the last few weeks - surveys close on Friday 16 September 2022. The results will be available later in the year.

Condolences

It is with sadness that we inform our St Justin's community that Mrs Snell's stepdad Bill, passed away peacefully on Monday. The thoughts and prayers are with Leanne and her family at this sad time.  We ask you all to keep them in your prayers and we wish them peace in these coming weeks. 

Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN

This week parents of Year 3 and 5 students will have received results from these National tests from earlier this year. These tests provide part of a bigger picture of student achievement throughout this year. Meeting with your child's classroom teacher gives you a fuller picture of their overall achievement in all areas of the curriculum. As a school, we are able to see the achievement of our students against national minimum standards and student performance in other states and territories.  

We encourage families to read the NAPLAN FAQ sheet through the link below to assist with understanding their child’s results.

Please see your child's class teacher with any questions regarding these results.

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 record in a timely and accurate manner. For more information please refer to the Attendance Policy on our website.

Parking

Please take great care when parking around the school, obeying all signs and restrictions. Many drivers have been observed parking illegally, especially when picking students up after school. Under no circumstances should any driver pull up in the middle of the road and allow their child to enter the car – it is better to drive around the block and wait for a safe park. Please do not park across driveways (neighbours have the right to access their driveways at all times) or on nature strips (it can create tracks, especially when the nature strip is wet). A reminder also that a speed limit of 40 km/h applies outside the school grounds along Whalley Drive - please obey. Your co-operation would not only be appreciated, but expected.

A reminder that we should not be driving into the school grounds to drop off or pick up students (Before and After School Care excepted). Grandparents might need to be notified. We appreciate your support in this matter.   

Mr T on Leave

Please note that next week I'll be on leave. I had planned to be away for the week but need to come in Thursday for a short period of time. As always, I'm sure Mrs Herbison and the team will continue to steer the ship through calm waters.

Have a great weekend.

Take care and stay safe.

Pat

Mr Patrick Torpey

Principal