Principal's Desk 

Corinne Pupillo 

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,

Merry Christmas 

As we approach the festive season, I would like to sincerely thank you all for your hard work, resilience and stamina in what has been a consistently challenging and historical year. The global pandemic has brought us closer together and I've been incredibly proud of the way we've worked together in partnership to support your child/ren. I encourage you all to take this opportunity to connect with family and friends and enjoy these special times together.  

Peace, good health and prosperity to you all. 

Celebrations

It makes me so proud to be leading a school where celebrating students' individual achievement is valued highly by our community.  A very special thank you to Karen Glare for organising the Middle and Secondary Awards over the last fortnight.  Every student was recognised for their individual achievement for 2020.  Linking individual achievement to the curriculum further strengthens the inclusivity for all students.  Thank you to all the staff who provide the daily wrap around supports to our students and for working with families to build resilient life-long learners.  The awards were presented in classrooms this year due to COVID, but this didn't stop students feeling incredibly proud of their achievements. Congratulations to all our Middle and Secondary students. 

Graduation 

Following late notification that visitors could be welcomed back on site, a small number of family members were invited to attend our Year 6 and Year 12 Graduation Ceremonies.

A special thank you to Karen Glare for her contributions to the success of the Year 6 and Year 12 Graduations. These two very special events were very memorable for our graduates, staff and parents.

Year 12 Graduation 

Sharing dinner was an opportunity for staff and graduates to spend time with each other and enjoy each others company for the final time.  The individual teacher reflection always adds that special personal touch for families and it was evident that the positive connections with families will be missed.  

Wishing all our Year 12 Graduates every success as they celebrate their final years of schooling and say farewell to JSA.  May you continue to be resilient lifelong learners as well as active participants in family and community life.  Congratulations on completing your final year of schooling. 

Year 6 Graduation 

As the primary years of school end, students are preparing for the secondary years where the school uniform is different and the programs become increasingly more tailored to meet post school options. It was delightful to have parents and carers back on site (albeit in small numbers) to celebrate this special occasion.  A slightly different format was created which aligned with COVID safe practices which created a lovely community spirit.  

Wishing all our Grade 6 Graduates every success as they move into their secondary years of schooling.

2021 Class list 

Students returning to JSA in 2021 were provided with their class list last Friday and staff have been busily preparing.  Whilst this can be a busy time, it provides a full week for students and staff to become accustomed to their new class mates and or/ classroom, every effort is made to ensure this is a smooth transition.  Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. 

School Operations and COVID

It's wonderful to have further easing of restrictions for schools as we approach a more COVID normal school day. I've highlighted a few key points:

• Students and staff (or their carers) with medical vulnerabilities can feel reassured that they can safely return to learning on school sites.
• Face masks are no longer required in school settings. However, they are recommended for use by staff and students when physical distancing of 1.5m cannot be maintained.
• There is no requirement to limit the number or type of visitors to school premises, however density limits (one person per two square metres) should be applied.

Staff Farewell

As the end of the school year draws to a close, we also say farewell to a number of our staff. Some have been with us a short time and others longer. It's always sad to see staff move on but we are grateful for their contributions and impact on building resilient lifelong learners.

Farewell to the following staff, we wish you all well as you move on to your new roles. 

• Sirisha Abothu
• Jessica Blackman
• Richard Crawshaw
• Kym Mallett
• Yurani Perera
• Judi Roberts
• Kate Spry

Assistant Principal, (AP) Richard Crawshaw will be moving on from JSA, we are currently advertising for a new AP to fill the Positive Climate for Learning role.  We are hoping to appoint a new AP by the end of the school year and the recruitment process is well underway. 

Capital Works Program

We've been so excited over the past few weeks as we realign some of the roles and responsibilities and create the resources to support the capital works program.  Facilities Manager, Denise Clarke will  be overseeing the program with me and her new title will be Capital Works Manager.   Frances Hansen has been appointed the Facilities Manager role and will maintain the Student Transport Role.  Melissa Beckwith has increased to full time and will be taking some of Frances' tasks.   This minor staffing adjustment will support the new project as well as support the local day to day school operations. 

Thank you to Denise, Frances and Melissa for your flexibility during this time. 

Transition Week: 14th – 18th December  2020   

REMINDER: Commencing Monday 14th December until Friday 18th December. Your child will finish off the current school year with their new class and the final day with their current class will be today, Friday 11th December 2020. 

Please arrange a time to speak to your child’s teacher if you anticipate any concerns regarding the transition. 

Term 4 Finishing Times 

Students finish school at 1.00pm on Friday 18th December. 

2021 School Start Date 

All students resume Thursday 28th January 2021. 

Aerial View - Jacana School for Autism

To complement our Schools Virtual School Tour, Karen Glare has engaged a photographer that has captured our school from above.  

Please take a look and see how wonderful the facilities look from above.  

Lisa Sette is our Fundraising Co-ordinator and can be contacted via the school office or Lisa.sette@education.vic.gov.au

School Council Sub Committee Representatives

Finance Sub Committee Representative - Sharon Borg 

Building and Grounds Sub Committee Representative – Alisha Minns 

Fundraising Sub Committee Representative – Lisa Sette

School Council Representative on Student Representative Council (SRC) – Alisha Minns

Reminder: Our newsletter is published each fortnight and will provide you with important information about the school and events that may be of interest to you. I encourage you to read the newsletter that will be sent home via your home email, on the school's Facebook Page or on the school's website. 

JSA also has a Facebook Page administered by the leadership team.  Please like and follow our page.

https://www.facebook.com/JacanaSchoolforAutism