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St Justin's Catholic Primary School Oran Park

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3 Hollows Drive
Oran Park NSW 2570
Subscribe: https://sjcpsoranpark.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: info@sjopdow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4631 5200

St Justin's Catholic Primary School Oran Park

3 Hollows Drive
Oran Park NSW 2570

Phone: 02 4631 5200

  • Visit our Website
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Schoolzine App
  • School Calendar

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional Custodians of this Land, where the Aboriginal People have performed age-old ceremonies of storytelling, music, dance and celebration.  We acknowlegde and pay respect to the Dharawal people and the Elders past and present, and we acknowlege those of the future, for they will hold the memories, traditions and hopes of Aboriginal Australians. We must always remember that under the concrete and asphalt this Land is, was, and always will be traditional Aboriginal Land.

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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - TERM 2 WEEK 6 2025

  • Our Parish
  • Principals Report
  • Diary Dates
  • World Environment Day 2025: Beating Plastic Pollution
  • Chess Club
  • Kindergarten - 100 Days of Learning
  • Curriculum and Learning
  • Bandemonium Performance
  • Diverse Learning
  • Library News
  • Sporting News
  • Administration and Awards
  • P&F News
  • Community & Parish News

Our Parish

Our Parish

Fr Feleki – Parish Priest (Administrator)
C/- 94 Oran Park Drive, Oran Park, NSW 2570PO
Box 889, Narellan, NSW 2567
Ph: 4648 2226    Email: oranpark@dow.org.au
Web:   marymackillopparish.org.au
Facebook:  oranparkparish

Office Hours
Mon to Fri - 9am to 1pm

NB: While the Parish Office is open to visitors, if possible we encourage all enquiries to be directed to the Parish Admin team via email oranpark@dow.org.au or via phone 02 4648 2226

If the parish office is unattended, leave a message on the answering machine or you can send an email: oranpark@dow.org.au 

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM 2025

ONLINE ENROLMENTS

OPEN MONDAY, 9 JUNE

Families wishing to prepare their children for the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2025 are asked to complete the online enrolment form which will be available from Monday, 9 June, on the ‘Youth Sacraments’ page of our Parish website.

Online enrolments will CLOSE on Friday, 27 June, at 5pm - no late enrolments are able to be accepted.

ALL enquiries must be made through the Parish Office

Parish Mass Times

Weekend Mass Times, Oran Park

  • Saturday Vigil 5pm - preceeded by the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 4pm
  • Sunday 8am
  • Sunday 10am
  • Sunday 12 noon - Chaldean Holy Mass
  • Sunday 5pm

Week Day Masses, Oran Park

  • Tuesday 7pm
  • Wednesday 8am
  • Thursday 10am - preceeded by Rosary at 9.30am
  • Friday 9.30am - 1st Friday of the month will include Anointing of the Sick

Principals Report

Dear Partners in Mission,

Hope that you are well.

As a school community last Friday we acknowledged St Justin our patron saint. St Justin’s Feast Day is celebrated each year on 1st June. Our students participated and enjoyed Connection, Challenge, Engagement, Student Ownership activities, classroom visits, Mass and a picnic lunch. This day highlights our school motto Faith, Reason and Harmony, along with our St Justin’s Vision touchstones of  Embrace Serve, Nourish, Respond.  We live these key elements with our school motto and vision Not just in Word, but in Deed. Thank you to our staff for their organisation and collective efforts in making this community event such a success, parents and grandparents for your attendance, time and participation.

Our School Motto: Faith, Reason and Harmony

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, our Year 6 students spent 2 days in Canberra visiting several iconic venues including Parliament House, Questacon, Australian War Memorial, National Electoral Education Centre, Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Capital Exhibition.  Our students represented St Justin’s with great respect, listening, questioning and responses throughout their visit. We were very proud of them. Thank you to our staff who attended were pivotal in making the Year 6 excursion to Canberra such a position experience - Mrs Manning, Mr Cartwright, Mrs Pickett, Mr Russo, Mrs  Assandri, Mrs Fenato, Ms Chretien, Mr  Galbraith, Mrs Orazi, Mrs Perry, Ms Holland  and Mrs Sekulovski.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation brings us back into God’s grace and renews our relationship with him. We congratulate the Year 3 students who celebrated this Sacrament of Healing on Tuesday. Thank you to our Year 3 Team of Mrs Greene, Ms Niceski,  Mrs La Rocca, Mrs Sant, Mr  Galbraith and Mrs Fenato for their work on preparing our students.

“God has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation” - 2 Corinthians 5:18.

This year we received 31 entries for the annual Sacred Song Writing competition. The Top 5 Entries will participate in a Song Writing workshop with Mrs Fulko and Mr Tim Hart (CEDoW) on Friday 13th June. Through this process they will decide on the winning song to represent St Justin's in the Sacred Song Writing competition. Thank you to Mrs Fulko for her support and work in providing our students with this opportunity.

Congratulations to the following students:

  • Brielle S 4G - Thank You Lord
  • Ellie C and Krista M 4G - Holy Spirit
  • Gwen T and Audrey M 3R - Thank You Jesus
  • Havana D 3G - Learn To Fly
  • Mila M 5G - Jesus Is Our Light

Staff will be involved in a Spirituality Day on Friday. The focus of this day is pilgrimage, connection and encounter. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our collective work and nourish our faith.

Enjoy a long weekend with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing our students back at St Justin’s on Tuesday 10th June. 

Take care,
Brad Colquhoun
Principal

Diary Dates


TERM 2 DATES
Monday 9th June 2025Public Holiday (King's Birthday)
Tuesday 10th June 2025Whole School Gathering - 8.30am to 9.30am entry via Oosh (All Parents Welcome)
Thursday 12th June 2025Parish Masses 6 White and 2 White at 10.00am (Mary Mackillop Parish)
Monday 16th June 2025Whole School Morning Gathering - 8.30am to 9.30am entry via Oosh (All Parents Welcome)
Thursday 19th June 2025Parish Masses 4 White and 1 White at 10.00am (Mary Mackillop Parish)
Friday 20th June 2025 Bandemonium Performance at Assembly 2.15pm (All Parent Welcome) 
Monday 23rd June 2025Whole School Morning Gathering - 8.30am to 9.30am entry via Oosh (All Parents Welcome)
Thursday 26th June 2025Parish Masses 5 White and Kinder White at 10.00am (Mary Mackillop Parish)
Monday 30th June 2025Whole School Morning Gathering - 8.30am to 9.30am entry via Oosh (All Parents Welcome)
Wednesday 2nd July 2025School Athletics Carnival - Narellan Sports Hub
Thursday 3rd July 2025Parish Masses 3 White and Mackillop White at 10.00am (Mary Mackillop Parish)
Friday 4th July 2025P&F Clothing Pool - 8.30am to 9.00am (Library) 
ASSEMBLY DATES
Friday 13th June 2025Assembly - Infants (Kinder to Year 2) - 2.15pm
Friday 20th June 2025Assembly - Primary (Year 3 to Year 6) - 2.15pm
PUPIL FREE DAYS
Friday 6th June 2025Staff Development Day - No Staff Onsite
Monday 21st July 2025Staff Development Day - No Staff Onsite

Thursday 18th December 2025

Staff Development Day - No Staff Onsite
Friday 19th December 2025Staff Development Day - No Staff Onsite

World Environment Day 2025: Beating Plastic Pollution

As we celebrate World Environment Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect and preserve the world that God has entrusted to us. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” calls us to confront a growing crisis that threatens not only the environment but also the well-being of future generations. As educators, we are invited to reflect deeply on how we can contribute to the restoration of God's creation in our everyday lives and in our communities.

The plastic pollution that has infiltrated our oceans, landscapes, and even our bodies is a stark reminder of the consequences of our consumption. It challenges us to consider the fragility of the earth and the impact of our actions on the natural world. Pope Francis, in Laudato Si', called us to a profound ecological conversion, urging us to “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (LS 49). This cry is echoed in the plight of animals, ecosystems, and communities burdened by the waste we produce.

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis spoke of the “throwaway culture” that has led to an unjust and unsustainable relationship with creation. This culture is particularly evident in our use of plastic, a material that, while convenient, often ends up as waste that harms the environment for generations to come. Yet, in the face of this crisis, there is hope. By taking small but significant steps, we can make a difference. Our actions—whether reducing plastic consumption in our schools, encouraging recycling, or supporting sustainable practices—can be a powerful witness to our faith and commitment to caring for God’s creation.

As we reflect on how we might “beat plastic pollution,” we are called to examine our role as stewards of creation. This invitation is not just about reducing our ecological footprint; it is about fostering a culture of care and reverence for the earth in the hearts and minds of our students. By incorporating lessons on sustainability, teaching about the effects of plastic pollution, and modelling responsible consumption, we can inspire the next generation to live more harmoniously with the world around them.

Our faith provides us with a rich tradition of care for creation. In the Book of Genesis, we read that God created human beings to live meaningfully and to take care of the world. This vocation to steward the earth is not a burden but a blessing—a sacred responsibility that we must pass on to our children. In this context, caring for the earth and fighting plastic pollution becomes not just an environmental issue but a deeply spiritual one.

As we reflect on our role in caring for the environment, let us pray for the wisdom and courage to be true stewards of creation, committed to “beating plastic pollution” for the sake of the earth and future generations. May we be inspired by the beauty of God's creation and strive to protect it with all our hearts.

Chess Club

Chess Club Term 2 2025

Chess lessons, facilitated by the Academy of Chess coaches, have been highly successful this term.
Students from Year 1 to Year 6 have been attending lessons on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and we
have a large group of enthusiasts enjoying the sessions!

We are looking forward to continuing this initiative next term. The students are enjoying the
sessions and many families have expressed interest in learning this wonderful thinking game.
Congratulations to all those students who have taken up the challenge and become involved!

Kindergarten - 100 Days of Learning

Dear Partners in Mission,

Week 2 Term 3 marks 100 days of learning for our Kindergarten students. Since the very first day of school we have been counting down the days. To honour this, we have planned a fun-filled day that celebrates positive learning behaviours and achievements.

On Friday the 1st of August (end of week 2, term 3) we ask that all students in Kindergarten come to school dressed up like they are 100 years old. For safety, please ensure that students wear appropriate enclosed shoes, shirts that cover their shoulders and bring a sun-safe hat for their lunch breaks.

We look forward to celebrating with our 100 year old friends!

Kindergarten Teachers

Curriculum and Learning

The Premiers Reading Challenge 

This year, St Justin’s has had 111 primary students sign up to complete the challenge individually! What a great response from our students. It is not too late to sign up to the challenge. If your child is interested, please see Mrs Orazi or Mrs Giewald.

A special shout out to these primary students who have completed the challenge over the past fortnight:

Year 3: Poppy S

Year 5: Eva B, Arianna F

We now have 37 students who have completed the challenge! Remember you can keep reading and compete for the in-school prizes!

Problem Solving in Year One

As part of St Justin’s Annual Improvement Plan, we are continually striving for all students to achieve and grow in the Key Learning Area of Mathematics. Year One is currently learning about combining and separating quantities and as part of this learning we are involved in problem solving. 

Teachers engage students in Newman’s Prompts to scaffold the problem solving process, which allows students to unpack a word problem in a step-by-step manner to understand the complexity of what is being asked of them. Problem solving when completed independently can be an internal process, occurring mostly in the mind, this is efficient when students are proficient in problem solving practices, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, however for the novice learner problem solving in the mind can be a very inefficient practice as students are not yet proficient in what is being presented to them. Newman’s Prompts allows students to engage in metacognitive strategies, that is, bringing the thinking happening within the mind to being spoken about and explicitly taught. Teachers work through the problem solving process, step-by-step with the students unpacking different features of the problem. 

The Newman’s Prompts are:

Year One has been using Newman’s Prompts to support their developing problem solving skills. 

Consider the following question: 

10 Pirates went looking for treasure. Some pirates found the treasure and some pirates did not. How many pirates found the treasure?

This question requires students to use their knowledge of number combinations to 10 and also has more than one answer. At no place in the question is this knowledge explicitly stated. This is when working independently within one’s mind becomes problematic and challenging. 

By using Newman’s Prompts, along with teacher guidance, this becomes known to students. Year One used the problem solving strategy Act it Out, during the Processing Skills component of the prompts to support them in solving the problem. Check out some of their work:

“5 pirates found the treasure, 5 pirates did not find the treasure. 5 and 5 make 10”

“3 pirates found the treasure and 7 pirates did not find the treasure. 3 and 7 make 10”

If you would like any more information on using Newman’s Prompts, please speak with your child’s teacher. 

Mrs Samantha Orazi

Get Ready for the Fast Fact Showdown!

In Term 2, Week 8, our students will be participating in the exciting Fast Fact Showdown! This fun and friendly competition is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their quick thinking and mastery of mathematics.

Grades will compete against each other to see who can solve math problems the fastest, putting their arithmetic skills to the ultimate test. We'll have awesome prizes for our top-performing individuals, and the winning class will even take home the Class Cup for learning!

The Fast Fact Showdown is more than just a competition; it's a fantastic opportunity to build confidence and encourage a genuine love for mathematics. To prepare, students will be spending the next three weeks practising their fast facts both in class and within their homework. 

Let the maths magic begin!

Miss Annicka Chretien 

Bandemonium Performance

Bandemonium Students will be performing at the Primary Assembly on Friday 20th June 2025 at 2.15pm

✍️WriteOn Competition 2025 ✍️

About the competition

The annual WriteOn competition is an exciting opportunity for students to focus on writing. Through the competition, students develop skills in writing to express their ideas and may become published authors. 

Students in years 1-6 who are interested in entering the competition will plan, write and edit their work at home. Their task is to create an imaginative text of up to 500 words, using a provided stimulus.

The new stimulus for WriteOn 2025 is the quote:

“Could they be changing?”

Each year, winners are celebrated at an award ceremony and their entries are published in ‘The Best of WriteOn' anthology. The 2024 version of the anthology is now available for purchase from the NESA Shop.

Entry criteria

  • Each school/home school can submit a maximum of 3 entries: one entry from Stage 1, Stage 2, and/or Stage 3.
  • Each typed submitted work can be up to 500 words.
  • Entries can only be submitted by a teacher in a school or a registered home schooling parent/legal guardian with a valid NESA registration number.
  • All entries must be the student’s own work. Some students with disability may require adjustments.
  • Only one entry per student can be submitted.

Consent form

All entries require parent/guardian consent. The consent form is included within the entry form. 

Entries for the competition can be emailed to the schools email address: info@sjopdow.catholic.edu.au

Entries close: Thursday 12th June

To find out more information click on this link.

Consent Form WriteOn Competition 2025 https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/noindex/2025-03/copyright-consent-form-writeon-2025.pdf

Diverse Learning

During Week 5, the Catholic Education Office of Wollongong celebrated Gifted Awareness Week! Gifted students are often recognised by their natural abilities, characteristics, and quick learning that are quite different to other children of the same age. 

We’re excited to support our high potential and gifted students through a number of initiatives and programs, including our differentiated curriculums, comprehension enrichment groups and Year Six Enrichment Mathematics class. We also have enrichment opportunities through STEM, Creative Arts (Music and Art) as well as a range of different sporting events. CeDOW has been working hard in this area and SJOP is excited to learn more over the coming months. Stay tuned! 

Belinda Pace

Leader of Diverse Learning 

Library News

Why Wide Reading Matters: Feeding Your Child’s Literary Appetite

Just as we encourage children to eat a wide variety of foods for good physical health, we should encourage them to read a wide variety of texts for their intellectual and emotional development. While it’s wonderful when a child finds a favourite book, series or author, there’s so much more to explore — and just like a diet of only broccoli (as healthy as it is!) isn’t complete, neither is a literary diet made up of just one type of reading.

What Is Wide Reading and Why Does It Matter?

Wide reading means engaging with many different types of texts — across genres, styles, topics, and formats. It helps children:

  •   Develop vocabulary by encountering new words in different contexts
  •   Improve comprehension by tackling diverse writing structures and styles
  •   Deepen empathy and understanding of the world through multiple perspectives
  •   Discover what they love to read by sampling more than just what’s familiar

In Episode 204 of the "Your Kid’s Next Read" podcast, hosts Allison Tait and Megan Daley discuss wide reading in detail — what it is, why it matters, and how to support it at home. It’s a highly recommended listen for parents and educators alike. Listen here.

What Does the Curriculum Say?

The NSW English curriculum clearly supports the value of wide reading. Once students can confidently decode words using their phonics knowledge, they should move towards:

  •   Reading a wide variety of texts that increase in complexity and cover diverse topics
  •   Independently reading and responding to texts from various genres and on different subjects
  •   Engaging with texts that connect with their own interests and experiences

Reading Is Like Eating: The Balanced Book Diet Analogy

Imagine your child only ate broccoli every day. You might feel pleased that they’re eating something nutritious — but also concerned about what they’re missing. The same goes for reading.

  •   A child who only reads graphic novels is reading — and that’s great! But are they also being exposed to rich vocabulary, longer narrative structures, or nonfiction content?
  •   A child who loves one series or author may benefit from branching out to other voices and perspectives.

Think of different types of reading as food groups. A healthy literary diet might include:

  •   Fiction (contemporary, fantasy, historical, realistic)
  •   Non-fiction (biographies, science, geography, how-to guides)
  •   Poetry and verse novels
  •   Graphic novels and comics
  •   Magazines, newspapers, and digital articles
  •   Picture books (yes, even for older readers!)
  •   Audiobooks and podcasts

Every type of text offers a different “nutritional benefit” for a child’s reading brain.

Practical Ways Parents Can Encourage Wide Reading

You do not have to be an expert in literature to support your child’s reading journey. Here are some easy ways to help them branch out:

  1. Create a “Book Buffet” at Home
    Display a range of books — fiction, non-fiction, magazines, poetry — in different places around the house. Let children browse and pick what interests them.
  2. Visit the Library Often
    Encourage borrowing across categories. Libraries have genre sections and reading lists tailored to age and interest. Challenge them to use the ‘one from each shelf’ and choose one book from a different shelf each time.
  3. Model Wide Reading
    Let your child see you reading different things — a novel, the news, a cookbook, a travel guide — and talk about what you’re reading and why.
  4. Pair Books
    Match a novel with a related non-fiction book. For example, if they loved The One and Only Ivan, suggest reading about real-life endangered animals.
  5. Listen to Audiobooks and Podcasts Together
    Road trips or quiet evenings are great times for a family listen — try something outside your usual genre.
  6. Use Recommendations and Reviews
    Explore curated booklists (better reading or readings) or, podcasts (Your Kid’s Next Read), or email the school library team on sjoplibrary@dow.catholic.edu.au for suggestions to expand your child’s reading choices.
  7. Celebrate Risk-Taking in Reading
    Encourage your child to try something new — and let them know it’s okay if they don’t love every book they pick up. Sampling is still valuable!

Wide reading isn't about pushing children into books they dislike — it’s about gently guiding them to discover the rich variety of what’s available. Just like developing a taste for different foods takes time and encouragement, so does building a taste for different types of reading. By supporting your child’s reading journey with variety, curiosity, and a bit of experimentation, you’re helping them become thoughtful, informed, and lifelong readers.

Simultaneous Storytime Success

At St Justin’s we thoroughly enjoyed reading or listening to ‘The Truck Cat’ by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell. Here are some photos from the day.

Year 3 created wall hangers to celebrate their identity:

Kinder White made trucks:

Year 6 wrote sensory poems about ‘Home’:

Happy Reading!

Mrs Giewald

Library Teacher

Sporting News

Wollongong Time Trials for Cross Country

We had 7 students attend the time trials last Tuesday 27th May at the Illawarra Criterium Track. There were tough weather conditions with very strong winds that certainly tested the athletes. Despite that, there were some great performances and fantastic sportsmanship shown by all our students: Connor H, Matea S, Olivia A, Kobe R, Eva G, Mila M and Arianna F.

Arianna F in Year 5 placed 3rd for the girls U11’s and we congratulate her on gaining a place to the CPS Cross Country Championships on 11 June.

Mackillop Football Trials

Last Friday Sullivan H and Sebastian QG from year 6 were a part of the  Wollongong Football (soccer) team that  represented at the MacKillop Football trials, in a new venue at Sydney. Conditions were cool to start but it was a great day of Football all round. Sullivan and Sebastian QG played with exceptional skill and talent. Well done!

Netball Gala Day

Teams will be selected and notified before the end of this week, Week 6. Students have been practicing their skills in lunch and recess breaks with Mr Hawkins who has kindly given up  his time to assist with this.

Oz Tag Gala Day

NSW Oz Tag have notified us that there will be a Camden Oz Tag Gala day this year and whilst the venue and date are yet to be confirmed, we look forward to sending teams to a closer location than Penrith this year!

CEDoW GALA DAYS

Selection Process

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) organised Sport Gala Days provide our students with a chance to participate in friendly games as part of a St Justin’s team, competing against other local Catholic Primary Schools. These days are designed to be enjoyable, allowing students to have fun with their peers while applying the skills they've learned in Sports lessons in a fun competitive setting.

Throughout their sports lessons this year, students will be given the opportunity to express interest in participating in the upcoming Gala Days and need to nominate themselves. Mr Hawkins, the sports teacher, will observe all nominated students during their sport lessons to assess their understanding of the game rules and their demonstration of good sportsmanship, which will assist with the team selection process. Preference is given to Year 6 and Year 4 students for teams and if there are additional spots these are then filled by Year 5 and Year 3 students who have expressed their interest in participating. This ensures that students get an opportunity to attend a gala day (should they wish to) every 2 years.

If your child has been invited to participate in a St Justin’s Gala Day Team you will receive a Compass Event Notification for parents’ permission closer to the event date. Please note that students attending these Gala Days will require parental transportation to and from the venue. Additionally, events like these rely on parent volunteers to ensure their success, as without parent help we would be unable to support the number of teams in each day.

Upcoming Gala Days:

Term 2

  • CEDOW Netball - Thursday 26th June 2025 (Back up Date 3rd July 2025) - Students are currently putting names down at school expressing interest to attend.

Term 3

  • CEDoW Soccer - Thursday 28th August 2025 (Back up Date 4th September 2025)
  • CEDoW Basketball Juniors Yrs 3 & Yrs 4 - Thursday 18th September 2025
  • CEDoW Basketball Seniors Yrs 5 & 6 - Friday 19th September 2025

St Justin’s are also looking forward to participating in other Gala Day style events this year that are competitive and not organised by our CEDoW. These days ARE competitive and therefore teams for these will be picked on student ability and skill in the sport. Students will be offered the opportunity to nominate themselves to trial for these events and teams will be organised by Mr Hawkins and Ms Young. If your child has been selected in a competitive sporting team, you will receive a Compass Event notification for parental permission closer to the event date. These days will incur a fee, to help cover the cost of the team registration. Parents will also be required to transport their children to and from the venue.

Upcoming Competitive Sporting Days: (Small fees payable)

Term 3

  • Futsal State Championships (Qualifying teams)

Term 4

  • Oz Tag - 31st October 2025 

St Justin’s School Sporting Events

Upcoming Whole School Sporting Events:

  • St Justin’s School Athletics Carnival - Term 2: Wednesday 2nd July 2025 (Back up date 24th July)

Next level competitive pathway for selected students - Mackillop Western Region Friday 8th August

Primary Students Diocesan Representative Sporting Pathways

Students participating in the representative pathway events are highly skilled athletes, selected based on a range of criteria. This includes years of experience in their chosen sport, representative achievements, sporting club affiliations, and notable sporting accomplishments. These trials are not gala days or school-based carnivals. They are not designed for students “to come and try or for the experience” They are designed specifically for elite athletes who have demonstrated exceptional talent and are aiming to progress to the next level of competition; Regional→State→National. These are organised and run outside of our school, we just provide the information for the when and where of the event.

Parents will need to nominate their child for the 2026 year during the nominations period which opens from 2nd September to November 2025.

Upcoming Diocesan Representative Sporting Trial Dates for 2025

These upcoming trials are for selected students from the 2025 Diocesan Representative Sports Pathway who have already been nominated by their parents in 2024. These nominations are reviewed by CEDoW sport selectors unless St Justin’s have been asked to run an in school trial to gain further insight into nominated student abilities.

If your child has been selected by CEDoW Sport you will receive a Compass Event Notification for parent permissions closer to the event date. Please note these are CEO run events and therefore no St Justin’s staff members attend and students who attend will require parental transportation to and from the venue.

2026 Representative Sport Pathway Trial Nomination Information

Each year primary school children have the opportunity to trial for Wollongong representative teams, for the following summer and winter sports: Basketball, Tennis, Cricket, Touch, Softball, Football (Soccer), Rugby League (11 years and Open), Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball and Australian Rules. This gives students the opportunity to access higher levels of sporting pathways, representation and opportunities to progress into state representation. 

These trials are held annually and provide a pathway for students to the MacKillop selection trials. The selected Wollongong teams’ trial at MacKillop level against the Dioceses of Wagga, Canberra/Goulburn, Sydney and Parramatta. 

The Wollongong Diocese nomination process for 2026 will be open in Term 4 2025. Further information will be released closer to the date. 

If you have any sporting inquires please email sjop_sport@dow.catholic.edu.au

Ms Rochelle Young

Sports Coordinator

Administration and Awards

Thank you to all the students and their families for continuing to try and achieve our whole school goal. We are at Week 6 of Term 2.

Lets see if all grades can reach a 95% student attendance rate.

Year 6 Canberra Excursion

Year 6 has been learning about how the Australian Government system works best as a democratic system to ensure everyone feels equal and is treated fairly. The Civics and citizenship unit demonstrated how education builds students’ knowledge and understanding of the ways in which citizens can actively participate in Australia’s diverse and inclusive society. 

Some of the concepts covered:

  • principles and concepts underpinning democracy

  • rights and responsibilities of citizens

  • global citizenship and the influence of global events in Australian democracy skills for active citizenship

    As part of this unit year 6 students from St Justin's recently undertook an educational tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

    The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding to our school in the amount of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and has already been allocated towards reducing the parental cost of the excursion. 

    Reminder - Staff Development Day Friday 6th June 2025 - No Staff will be on site. Please ensure that you have organised appropriate care for your child/ren.

    Enjoy your extra long weekend with the King's Birthday falling Monday 9th June 2025!

    Medallion and Principal Awards

    Congratulations to the following students for receiving their Medallion/Principal Award at our last Assembly.

    Medallions
    Roll ClassStudent NameAward
    5 GreenJett FPrincipal's Medallion
    5 RedOdin RPrincipal's Medallion
    5 RedMaddison FPrincipal's Medallion
    5 WhiteEmily DPrincipal's Medallion
    6 BlueDylan SPrincipal's Medallion
    6 RedMia GPrincipal's Medallion



    Primary Awards
    Roll ClassStudent NameAward
    3 BlueJacob A3rd Principal's Award
    3 BlueMary M3rd Principal's Award 
    3 GreenGabriel F2nd Principal's Award
    3 WhiteLeonardo C1st Principal's Award
    4 GreenEitan B3rd Principal's Award
    4 GreenGiancarlo C3rd Principal's Award
    4 GreenRevella A4th Principal's Award
    4 WhiteTaliah M4th Principal's Award
    5 BlueAnthony C4th Principal's Award
    5 GreenJett F5th Principal's Award
    5 RedOdin R5th Principal's Award
    5 RedMaddison F5th Principal's Award
    6 BlueChantelle S1st Principal's Award
    6 Blue Dylan S5th Principal's Award
    6 GreenAshton P4th Principal's Award
    6 GreenSabastiano S4th Principal's Award
    6 RedNathan G4th Principal's Award


    Catholic Care School Counsellor

    SCREEN TIME 

    Screen time is a major concern for many families that I have worked with. Recent research shows that while it’s important to be mindful of how much time our children spend on screens, it's equally crucial to consider how they use them. Here are some simple, research-backed tips to help your child get the most out of screen time without sacrificing healthy development:

    1. Make Screen Time Together Time

    • Watching shows or playing games together boosts language skills and helps children understand the content better. 
    • Ask questions like, "Why did Bluey do that?" to spark conversations and learning.

      2. Choose Age-Appropriate Content

      • Look for shows that encourage play, creativity, and learning. 
      • Avoid violent or mature content that could impact behaviour.

        3. Avoid Screen Distractions During Family Time 

        • Avoid using your own screen during important moments like during visits with friends, meals or bedtime. 
        • Quality interactions are foundational in a child’s emotional and social skills. 

        4. Turn Off the TV When Not in Use

        • Background TV can distract from learning and play. 
        • When not actively watching, turn it off to encourage better focus and more meaningful interactions.

        For more information about viewing, please visit: Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media

          Best wishes,

          Miss Amanda

          Catholic Care https://www.catholiccare.dow.org.au/

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