Principal's Desk 

Corinne Pupillo 

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,

COVID-19 Update

Unfortunately  six confirmed  COVID-19 positive cases were reported over the last week and on behalf of the community we wish them all a speedy recovery and hope to see them all back onsite soon.   The six positive cases impacted on school operations with many staff and students needing to get tested.    As Department of Health guidelines change, the school leadership team will continue to refine and adapt our process in line with Government Directions.  Thank you to those staff and families affected and I really appreciate your responsiveness and understanding as we navigated through the Primary Close Contacts.   

Awards Ceremonies 

Due to  many classes being interrupted on Monday 22nd November, the Secondary Awards were rescheduled for today, Friday 26th November. 

Middle Years awards will take place in the classrooms as scheduled on Monday 29th November 

2022 Hume Education Scholarship 

In 1999 Hume City Council established an Education Scholarship Program to celebrate the importance of education and lifelong learning, encouraging Grade 6 students to continue pursuing academic excellence and good citizenship as they transition into secondary education. Students are nominated by their primary school leadership team and $1,000 is then provided to the student’s nominated secondary school to support with expenses such as fees, books, excursions and school uniform.

Congratulations to Ryan Spencer on being the recipient this year. 

Prep Orientation Program

It was so lovely to meet all our new prep students and their parents and carers over the past two weeks.   Supporting our new families to navigate the operations of the school as well as getting to know our new students this week.  Starting school can be a little overwhelming for some children however, our team provided lots of opportunities for our new preps to explore and investigate their new surroundings.   Thank you to Julie Coonan and the team of helpers for making our students orientation days really engaging and supportive. 

YEAR 12 Graduation 

The graduation ceremony for the students finishing their Year 12 will be held on Friday 3rd December in the Community Learning Hub.

YEAR 6 Graduation 

The graduation ceremony for the Year 6 students moving into secondary years of schooling will be held on Wednesday 8th December in the Community Learning Hub.  

Reminder: Santa’s visit 

Christmas is approaching and we have arranged for Santa to visit on Wednesday 15th December. 

2021 School Finish Dates 

In line with DET guidelines and School Council endorsement, Year 11 and 12 students may finish school on Friday 3rd December 2021.   Students that choose to attend school in the last two weeks will still have a program provided to meet their individual needs, including transitioning to their 2022 classroom.  All other students will finish the 2021 school year on Friday 17th December at 1pm.  

2022 Class list 

The 2022 Class List will be provided  on Friday 3rd December 2021.

Pupil Free Days 

Curriculum Day -  Friday 10th December (Please note the change from 1st Nov )

Staffing Updates 

At the end of each year there is often some staffing movement and given we are approaching the end of the year, it's timely to communicate staff movements and wish these staff well in their new adventures. 

• Cisy Chan will be taking a position at Merriang SDS and won't be returning to JSA
• Cynthia Kearney will be taking a position at Warratah Specialist School in 2022 and will return in 2023
• Katelyn Leddy will be taking a position at Armstrong Creek School and won't be returning to JSA
• Angela Weatherly will be relocating to QLD and won't be returning to JSA
• Martine Black and Shannon-Lee Young will not be returning in 2022 
• Mark Taylor is relocating to Western Australia for 12 months to experience teaching in a remote community.
• Tara Martin and Ashleigh Fife are also taking leave next year and plan to return to JSA in 2023. 
• The Therapy Team Leaders will be Victorian Rajaratnam and Lydia Lee in 2022. Victoria will be working 3 days next year so it's a great opportunity for a Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist to share this role. 

The school will continue to recruit for staff over the school break as we also have classroom teaching positions to fill as well as therapy and teacher aides.   Many schools are reporting challenges with recruitment and we will continue to do our best to fill these vacancies ahead of the new school year. 

It's timely to recognise the contributions of the staff that are moving on from our school and we really appreciate the impact they have had on our school and students.   For those staff embarking on a new role, I wish you all the best and for those taking leave and returning to JSA in 2023, I look forward to seeing you back in 12 months. 

Reminder:  Unwell students 

When we return to school, I ask that you are 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 the winter bugs and viruses.

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

Make sure you have the student absence notification number saved in your contacts: 0439 114 197

School Council 

Our final School Council meeting for 2021 is scheduled for Thursday 9th of December and will be conducted via Webex.  A focus on approving the 2022 Draft Annual Implementation Plan and the 2022 Draft Budget will enable us to prepare for a successful year ahead. 

Casual (parent) Vacancy on School Council 

We currently have two parent representative vacancies on School Council.  If you would like to learn more about the school and be part of our team that shares the governance role, please get in contact with Corinne Pupillo - Principal, either by email corinne.pupillo@education.vic.gov.au or calling the office.

Aerial View - Jacana School for Autism

To complement our Schools Virtual School Tour, this aerial photography has captured our school from above.    Please take a look and see how wonderful the facilities look from above.  

School Council Meeting 

The next meeting of School Council will occur Thursday, 9th December at 5.30pm.

School Council Sub Committee Representatives

• Finance Sub Committee Representative - Alisha Minns
• 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