Principal's Desk 

Corinne Pupillo 

2020 THEME - EMPOWERING LEARNING & TEACHING  

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community, 

As we approach the end of Term 2 and reflect on the different world at present, I understand that the global pandemic has created great impact on the way we engage with each other but also has also provided opportunities to celebrate the positive ways we work together.  Our staff have worked incredibly hard to develop the programs to support families and collectively we have really valued this enhance partnership.   

Learning from Home Survey Results: 

Thank you to the 48 families who responded to the DET survey and will inform our practices as we continue to operate during this pandemic period. 

• 83% of families felt they were well prepared and well-resourced to deliver classes remotely (e.g. using an appropriate online platform or paper-based learning materials, providing a structured student learning schedule, regular teacher interaction with students online, etc.)
• 85% families believe the amount of work set for their child was about right
• 87% families felt well supported by the school and teachers to help their child learn from home
• Since learning from home started, 80% of families  have a better understanding of what their child is learning.
• 79% of families said their child was coping well during the Learning from Home period.
• 26% of families found it difficult to balance work and other family commitments with supporting my child to learn from home

Approximately 80% of students have returned to school on Tuesday 26th May and whilst this seems reflective of other specialist school attendance, our leadership team are currently following up with families to establish the reasons why students haven’t return to school. 

2020 Annual Implementation Plan 

The School Improvement Team is formed to develop, oversee and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP): for improving student outcomes. The school Improvement Team has a documented purpose and terms of reference and is effectively integrated within the leadership structure of the school. Team members have a shared understanding of the role of the team in supporting improvement across the school. The team has a good understanding of the AIP, including the specific goals, targets and improvement strategies that are the focus for the year. The two sub teams who focus on and are accountable for the two AIP goals: 

• To improve student learning gain in reading
• To improve student voice and agency in their learning.

In our 2nd year of the AIP, work is well underway and a mid year pulse check is currently in progress and a report will be provided to school council in term 3. 

First Aid

The school has introduced additional First Aid strategies to manage the symptoms of COVID-19.  We've had some queries in relation to students with pre-existing medical conditions such as Hayfever and Asthma which have symptoms similar to COVID -19. 

The symptoms of hayfever & asthma can include;  runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing.     All First Aid Officers are now required you to assess the student for any 

pre -existing medical conditions in the first instance. 

For example: If a student presents with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing or wheezing  they will check to see if they have been administered their antihistamine or asthma medication. This may require a call to a parent/carer to check.  If the medication needs to be administered, the first aide officer will administer this and then reassess.  

If the symptoms have not improved then a parent/carer will  be called to take the student to the doctor.

Some staff, parents and carers have been confused with our practices and these additional instructions will create a more consistent understanding and assessment of these types of symptoms prior to seeking further medical advice. 

Please call me or write me an email if you still have concerns about the way we assess students who have asthma or hay fever. 

School Council - Casual Parent Rep 

At our school council meeting on Thursday 11th June, we welcomed parent, Paul Malavisi. Paul has filled the parent casual vacancy which will end in March 2022.   Like all our school Councillors, Paul will bring knowledge and skills that will enhance the current skills set of the team. 

Congratulations Paul on your appointment and we look forward to working closely with you.  

Staffing Update

At the end of term 2 the community will farewell Melinda Mossop.  Melinda is one of STEAM specialist teachers and was a co-contributor to our first STEAM unit planner. Thank you to Melinda for your contributions to JSA and we wish you well as you move on from our school. 

Congratulations to Tom Martin for being the successful Part time teacher. Tom is currently employed at JSA and will continue until the end of the year. 

The following vacancies are currently being advertised and we hope to have staff appointed shortly. 

• Assistant Principal:  Excellence in Teaching and Learning
• 2 x Teacher Aides
• STEAM

As we move into the winter months, please take the time to look after yourself by getting enough sleep, exercise and nutrition as these will help fight off colds and flu's.    

The last day of term 2 is Friday 26th June.  As usual students will finish one hour earlier at 2.00pm.  

Wishing staff, students and their families a very restful holidays and see you all back on Monday 13th July. 

Corinne Pupillo 

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