Principal's News Flash 

Corinne Pupillo

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,

The final few weeks of school have been a buzz with activities keeping staff busy and students engaged.   Reflecting on the term, I can't quite believe how fast 10 weeks have gone.  I feel grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities to celebrate Term 3 and some of these included: 

• Visit from the Federal Minister of Education, Jason Clare MP following the announcement of funding to upgrade playground and fencing 
• Official opening of the Yaluk Building 
• Launch of the Mini Woolies Partnership 
• Visits from other local and international schools 
• Various excursion/incursions, Book Fair, special lunch days and Father's Day Stall 
• School Productions 

Wishing you all a very relaxing break and time with family and friends.  I'm taking the advice of the school production and jetting off to Hawaii with my husband, two sons and their partners for some family  time (and shopping), in the warmth of Honolulu.   

 Sommerville School - New Zealand 

On Tuesday 11 September, five delegates from Sommerville School in Auckland, New Zealand toured our school and learnt about our new inclusive learning spaces.  Principal, Belinda and her staff, Corey, Tom, Sally and Denise were keen to know how we embedded inclusive design into the Yaluk Building, especially the performing art space, gym, commercial kitchen and sensory spaces.  Capital Works Manager, Denise Clarke and I were thrilled and proud to showcase our beautiful school and some of the amazing programs we have for our students. 

School Production

At JSA, the performing arts are integral to our students' growth and development. Through music, dance, and drama, we encourage students to explore their emotions, expand their imaginations, and discover their unique personality. These creative outlets allow our students to express themselves in their own distinctive ways, engaging their brains, bodies, and emotions, which in turn boosts their confidence and nurtures individual self-expression.

This year's curriculum theme connects Humanities, Science, Music, and Dance, with a cultural focus on the 2024 Olympics. 

Our goal is to offer every student the chance to perform live on stage. This experience will provide a shared cultural opportunity in a welcoming and inclusive environment, helping to enhance self-esteem and build confidence as students express themselves in their own distinct ways. 

A special thank you to teaching teams, backstage crew, camera crew, ushers, lighting and curtain operators for making the 2024 production so memorable.  I'm so proud of all our students for their creativity and imaginations.  

Shout out to our Production Directors Mary Boutros and Amanda Hollway for all the co-ordination of the three productions and all the production crew for their hard work and support. 

Fundraising Team 

On behalf of the school, a big shout out to our amazing volunteers who assisted in organising the special "Subway" lunch order day.  Jack, Radha, Kristen, Tamara Marissa and Michelle. 

The Fundraising Committee are currently raising funds for stage lighting for the new Yaluk Building. All profits in 2024 will go towards this project.  

End of Term 3 

I'd like to thank our students for demonstrating the school expected behaviours which has created such pride in our school.   To the staff that support students and families and create the positive environment to learn and grow and to our families for allowing us to help your child(ren) develop to their full potential.  I'm so proud of how we work collaboratively in the best interests of our students. 

Wishing all our students, staff and families a restful break ahead, ready for a super busy Term 4.

School Council News

The next School Council Meeting will be held Thursday 31 October 

Policies endorsed at the last School Council Meeting 12 September :

• Curriculum Assessment & Reporting Framework Policy 2024
• Anaphylaxis Policy 2024 
• Asthma Policy 2024 
• Yard Duty and Supervision Policy 2024

If you would like a copy of any of our policies, please contact the office on 9309 6258 

School Council Sub-Committee Representatives

• Finance Sub Committee Representative - Mark Mansfield 
• School Infrastructure Sub Committee Representative – Denise Clarke
• Fundraising Sub Committee Representative –  Kristen Ballerini 

Unwell students

If your child is presenting with cold and flu like symptoms we kindly ask families to keep your child at home if they are experiencing symptoms. In the event that your child tests positive on a RAT for COVID, we strongly recommend a 5 day period of recovery in this case.

Each morning when students are getting ready for school, I ask that you be mindful of how your child is presenting.  If they/he/she is feeling/looking/acting unusual or is complaining of being unwell please take them to the doctor. Minimising the cross-infection will assist in reducing the risk of spreading bugs and viruses.

All student absences can be made through the dedicated student absence notification number. Text the student's name, room number and reason for absence.

Make sure you have the student absence notification number saved in your contacts: 

Student absence line: 0439 114 197

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 and Instagram Page, Seesaw or on the school's website. 

JSA also has a Facebook and Instagram Page. Please like and follow our pages.

https://www.facebook.com/JacanaSchoolforAutism

https://www.instagram.com/jacana.school/

Virtual School Tour 

Our virtual school tour is now live on our school website.   Please check it out and refer any members of the community to our page. 

https://www.jacanaschoolforautism.vic.edu.au/