Dear parents, students and families,

Our beautiful Liturgical season of Advent continues this week as we prepare for our celebration of the birth of Christ. We are holding weekly Liturgies with the students as we grow their sense of anticipation. Prayers for the second week of Advent often focus on preparing the heart for Christ's coming and the theme of peace. They include calls for help in staying ready for Jesus's return, for guidance to live with hope and humility, and for the ability to find peace amidst chaos.

What a wonderful night we had for our Christmas Concert last night. What a fabulous night it was with the students so well-practised. A credit to themselves, the staff and their parents with the costuming. I would also like to note that it was a very respectful audience, which as a staff, we truly appreciate. This evening is truly a highlight of the year for each child, no matter how anxious some were beforehand. There is a great sense of achievement from performing well and all our students should be feeling that today.

Regarding our instrumental music program I wish to thank the Kids on Key company for their teaching of our students over a long period. After a period of consideration our instrumental music program will be delivered by the Kool Kidz Rock company from the start of 2026. There will be a flier coming home with the students for those interested. Year 1-6 may participate in the instrumental program each year.

The blurb below has been provided by our incoming supplier:-

The team at Kool Kidz Rock have been teaching in Catholic primary schools across Frankston, the South East and Mornington Peninsula for over 15 years and we are thrilled to meet and work with the students at St Annes. We are passionate about helping students discover the joy of music through engaging, supportive and confidence-building lessons. We offer a range of instrumental programs including keyboard, guitar, ukelele, drums and more- designed to nurture creativity while teaching solid musical skills. Our teachers are experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated to creating a positive learning environment for every student. We look forward to becoming a part of the school community and supporting your children as they explore their musical talents. To enrol simply click “Enrol now” at Koolkidzrock.com.au

If you’d like any information please contact Belinda atinfo@koolkidzrock.com.au or 0407 663 272

Congratulations to all involved in generating $9413 from our recent Market Day. This will be put towards school enhancements after the build is concluded. This is one of the largest amounts we have raised and considering the weather was truly an outstanding achievement. Thank you.

Tomorrow we have the student-led Missions of Hope supporting the JPC Food Van. I know JPC are truly grateful for this initiative as they feed those in need from the van on a regular basis. Our annual Lapathon raising funds for our Parish's SVDP chapter to put towards Christmas for the needy is tomorrow afternoon between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on the oval behind our school. Parents are warmly welcomed to attend and join in if they wish.

Class Changeovers for 2026 where students gather with their new teacher (Miss Pender is not over from NZ yet but has made a video for her class) and get to know their new class on Friday between 12.10 and 1.40pm and then again at the same time on Monday 8 December.

Coming up over the next week or so are:-

Open Morning from 9.15am on Monday 8th December where the students can show off some of their achievements in their classroom
Year 6 2026 Leadership speeches on Tuesday 9th December between 2.30 and 3.30pm
Advent Liturgy - Thursday at 3pm
Graduation Mass for our Year 6 students at 6pm on Thursday 11th December
Whole School End of Year Mass - Friday 12th December 9.15am
Awards Ceremony- Friday 12th December at 2.30pm

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.

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

Book Requirements for 2026