Dear parents, students and families,

Welcome back to our community. Sadly I need to let our families know that one of our Dad's passed away Monday evening. We remember Wayne, the father of Nina-Yasmina and William, fondly for his presence around our school. I am sure you will join the staff in offering your prayers and every support to his children, as well as their mum Vanessa, at this sad time.

"Lord, show us your favour; we hope in you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress".

— Isaiah 33:2

Our term commenced on Monday 24th April with our traditional Alleluia Day when we celebrated the risen Christ. We shared a Liturgy together firstly before moving into the excitement of the Easter Bonnet parade. The families and students excelled themselves this year with their bright, creative designs.

With Tuesday being Anzac Day we shared a remembrance Liturgy together as we commemorate our Anzacs on Wednesday. It was great to share such a reverent occasion with our students and staff and I thank Mrs Winduss for her organisation of this.

Wednesday evening there was a Preparation Evening for families of students receiving their First Communion in the Church. For those who were unable to attend this please ensure you contact the Parish at the earliest opportunity to discuss your next steps so your child can receive this sacrament if they are due to do so.

Friday the 28th April will be our School Photo Day.

Please make sure to dress the children in Summer Uniform.

Next week we have our two 3/ 4 classes having an excursion to the Melbourne Museum on Monday. On Friday 5th May many of our Year 3-6 students will be participating in the District Track events at Ballam Park.

Advance notice that on Tuesday 9th May we will be having our annual Mothers' Day Celebration Morning and on Wednesday 10th May the P & F will be holding the Mothers' Day Stall.

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

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