Environment, Facilities and Grounds
Mary Boutros
Safe and Well Operations Leader
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Jacana School for Autism,
As we reach the end of Term 2, 2026, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and families for another successful term. While students and staff enjoy a well-earned break, work around our school grounds will continue throughout the school holidays as we undertake a range of maintenance, safety and improvement projects to enhance our learning environment.
Planned holiday works include the installation of replacement safety tiles along pathways, upgrades to bathroom air refreshers, improvements to anti-slip flooring, sandpit maintenance, pest inspections, bus bay clean-up works, and ongoing maintenance identified through workplace inspections.
In Playground 1, approved works will commence to modify the decking area to accommodate an additional swing, providing greater opportunities for student engagement and play.
Capital Works Fund Application Submitted
We have also submitted an application to the Victorian School Building Authority's 2026–27 Capital Works Fund seeking funding to upgrade student and staff toilet, changing and personal care facilities across the school.
The proposed project aims to create more inclusive, accessible and autism-friendly facilities that better support student wellbeing, independence and safety.
The application included proposed improvements such as:
- Refurbished student and staff toilet facilities
- New plumbing, drainage and hygiene infrastructure
- Sensory-considerate design features including calming colours and reduced-noise fixtures
- Improved lighting and ventilation
- Additional storage for personal care and hygiene equipment
- Visual supports and wayfinding signage to promote student independence
We hope that our application will be accepted.
Other Infrastructure Improvements
Our Infrastructure Committee continues to progress a number of projects across the school, including security upgrades, classroom cooling improvements, playground enhancements, maintenance of our synthetic turf areas, and ongoing works associated with our School Maintenance Plan.
Over 150 maintenance tasks have already been completed this term, reflecting the school's commitment to providing safe, welcoming and engaging environments for our students.
We look forward to sharing further updates with our community throughout Term 3.
Wishing all families a safe and enjoyable holiday break.
Hands-On Learning Build – Secondary Classrooms
This term, students in our Hands-On Learning Build program have been developing practical skills through a range of engaging projects. They have worked hard constructing bird boxes, creating mosaics, and practising essential woodworking skills such as sanding, hammering and painting.
Throughout these activities, students have been learning to safely use a variety of tools, follow instructions, and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including their safety boots. These experiences help build confidence, independence and valuable life skills in a practical learning environment.
To celebrate a successful term of hard work and achievement, students enjoyed a well-deserved sausage sizzle together.
