From the Principal

From Mr Torpey

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

the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Dear Families and Friends,

Bunnings BBQ

We urgently need helpers for our Bunnings BBQ on Saturday 11th March. Whilst we know it's the long weekend and many will be away, there must be a few of us staying at home. If you can help out, please do one of the following:

Fill in the roster sheet and scan & email back to office@sjwheelershill.catholic.edu.au or have your child place it into the office buckets located in the classroom, OR
Click the link below to register your availability https://forms.gle/x5QDVRW7htTNsqFh7 OR
Contact Tony D directly on 0404 863 443 or email atd04@optusnet.com.au OR
Scan QR Code to register

Should you have any questions contact Tony on 0404 863 443 or email atd04@optusnet.com.au

Lenten Reflection

Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter.

The Lenten Season calls all people to examine their lives and explore the areas that have been less than whole, and how these might be restored or remedied. In the time of Lent we have an annual opportunity to consider how to be more fully alive – to give greater glory to God.

What personal changes can we commit to making this Lent?

Loving God,

Give us courage when we are afraid, hope when we are discouraged,

Clarity in times of indecision

Teach us to trust you as you fashion us into the people you want us to be.

Hear our prayer

Below the 10 Things To Do During Lent Besides Giving Something Up

(Shared by Fr Andrew)

Many Catholics spend hours pondering what to give up for Lent, but this year, why not add something?

10 Things To Do During Lent Besides Giving Something Up:

1. Each day tell your child something that makes them unique

2. Volunteer

3. Go to a weekday Mass

4. Say three nice things to your husband or wife, siblings, parents, colleagues and kids daily

5. Be kind

6. Donate things you don’t need to charity

7. Replace 30 minutes of TV/computer/phone time with 30 minutes of prayer/quiet time

8. Don’t complain

9. Don’t buy anything that you don’t need

10. Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season

St Justin's School Advisory Council (SAC)

Last week we held our first School Advisory Council meeting for 2023. This year’s SAC members are:

Kyle Hoad (Chair)

Aili Yang (Secretary)

Fr Andrzej Madry (Parish Priest)

Patrick Torpey (School Principal & SAC Executive Officer)

Leanne Snell (Deputy Principal & Director of Learning)

Chad Eduati

Rita Ghalie

Sharon Caruana

Marc Johnson (Chair - Parents and Friends)

The School Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where the parent/guardian voice and perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the principal and parish priest for the good of school and parish where the well being and outcomes for students is paramount.

It is important that School Advisory Council members understand that their primary role is to provide support and advice on important school matters to support the principal in the context of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) governance arrangements. School Advisory Councils do not have a legal identity and do not become involved in the day-to-day management of the school.

MACS provides support to the School Advisory Council, such as policy guidance and templates for the work of the council. While not immediately responsible for the activities of the council, utilising the principle of subsidiarity, the principle of solidarity acknowledges that MACS Board, as the governing body of MACS schools, is responsible for common good of Catholic education in MACS schools the Archdiocese and thus is ultimately responsible for making any decision about the establishment of a council and its arrangements.

The following are some ways the School Advisory Council supports the school and the principal:

Articulating and enacting the school’s vision and mission
Promoting the school’s Catholic ethos and culture
Promoting faith formation and development
Implementing school policies as required
Giving advice to the principal on issues such as enrolments, school improvement plans and enrolment trends
Engaging in discussion with the principal about the annual school budget and other financial matters
Giving advice to the principal about the school Master Plan
Capital resource planning and maintenance support to the principal

We thank all SAC Members for supporting the school in this vital role.

School Photos

Just a reminder that school photos will be taken on Thursday March 30th. As always, please ensure that your child is in correct summer school uniform, wearing clean black school shoes. Long hair should be tied up, using sky blue or maroon hair ties. Smiles are essential.

United Energy - Possible Interruption to Electricity

We have been advised that United Energy will be conducting essential works on Tuesday March 7th at 3:30pm to maintain the Network in the area. United Energy do not anticipate the power will be interrupted however sometimes additional customers near the work area may be impacted.

In the case the power supply is interrupted we will have plans in place to ensure the the safety of students and staff.

Enrolments 2024

We are in the process of preparing our enrolment documentation for 2024. If any current school families require an enrolment form for 2024, please contact the office (enrolment packs should be available by mid next week). We would like these forms returned by March 23rd 2023 so we have an idea of our numbers for 2024 before we offer places to new families.

Our Open Day is planned for Thursday 23rd March, running from 9am-3pm. This is a great opportunity for new families looking for a school for their children for 2024 to come along and see what St Justin's has to offer. At that time they can also collect an enrolment form.

Absenteeism

Just a reminder that if your child is unable to attend school due to illness, an appointment, holiday, etc. that it is important that you notify the school as soon as possible. The preferred and most convenient method is via the Skoolbag app. Parents are also welcome to ring the school office or write a note in your child’s diary. Marking the attendance roll is a legal requirement and your assistance in gathering the correct information for this is greatly appreciated.

For more information, please refer to our Attendance Policy on our website