Dear parents, students and families,

Last Friday we were to have our annual Lapathon when we were to raise money for our local Seaford chapter of St Vincent de Paul's. Unfortunately we were forced to reschedule to Friday 8 November due to the inclement weather.

I received an email from one of our families that brought to my attention again that we have some drivers exceeding the speed limit on Austin Rd. Some years back we worked closely with council to have the roadside fencing installed, have a regular police presence and also a 'lollipop lady' for about a year. Frankston Council at that time said the numbers using the crossing did not justify having an attendent so they moved her to Seaford Road. You may like to join this family in writing to the council, or ringing them, to see whether they will again appoint us with a crossing supervisor. The last thing any of us want is someone hurt through excess speed when crossing our road coming to, or leaving, school.

I remind you that tomorrow we will have a special day where students are asked to bring a jar as part of building up our stalls for Market Day on the 17 November. Your support of this is much appreciated.

Next week we have an organisation coming in as part of the Science Curriculum to help the students learn more about bees. I am sure we will have created lots of experts on the subject after these visits next Thursday and Friday. We will also have a special Liturgy on Friday 1 November to celebrate All Saints' Day.

School will be student-free and closed on Monday 4 November as staff work on their reports. This day will be followed by the Melbourne Cup public holiday on Tuesday 5 November.

Here we are O Lord! Available to your mission. We are Church because you call us, and invite us to live this call. The Pope, successor of Peter, tells us that in your Church there is room for everyone, everyone, everyone… And he has asked us not to make of it a customs office that allows the entry of some, who meet the requirements and not others. Do we believe in a Church for all, without exception? How often do we negate what we do not like or exclude those who think differently! You, on the other hand, count on everyone, you welcome everyone, and you trust everyone. Help us to feel that your mission is the co-responsibility of all and not just the task of a few; that in this game, we are all starters and no one is a substitute. Lord, convince us that no one is more important, that we are all needed because You love us. Amen

We are a great school and community where everyone is important!

God bless

Rod Shaw

Principal

School Attendance and Unexplained Absence

Please contact the school if your child is going to be absent by leaving a message on

9786 4736 and press 1. Please give details of your child’s name and class with a reason for their absence such as: unwell, appointment, holiday or family reasons. Alternatively an email can be sent to office@saseaford.catholic.edu.au with cc to the child’s teacher.

If you are running late, (after 9:00 am) please attend the office to sign your child into school and collect a late pass.

If you are picking up your child early you will need to collect them and sign them out from the office.

As per our policy this will be our morning routine for absences:

Parents will be contacted as soon as practicable on the morning a student is absent via a text message.

If parent does not contact the school after receiving the text message, the school will contact the parent by phone. If the parent is unreachable the emergency contacts will be contacted by the school.

If there is still no response, and the school feels that the child is in danger, the police will be contacted.

Ongoing unexplained absences or lack of cooperation regarding student attendance will result in a formal conference being organized. Unresolved attendance issues will be referred to D.H.H.S.

This is a legal requirement.

Democratic Principles

The six (6) principles of Australian democracy include:

(a) elected government; and

(b) the rule of law; and

(c) equal rights for all before the law; and

(d) freedom of religion; and

(e) freedom of speech and association; and

(f) the values of openness and tolerance

Market Day Page

If you know anyone that might be interested in having a stall please get them to email pnfstannes@gmail.com