Principal's News Flash 

Corinne Pupillo

Dear Parents & friends of JSA, 

The final weeks of the year are always filled with lots of celebrations that bring me a great deal of joy and pride.  As we approach the festive season, I would like to sincerely thank you all for your hard work and resilience. 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. 

2023 Graduation 

Year 12 Graduation 

For the second year, our Year 12 Graduating students participated in an offsite venue, The Meadows Event Centre. The Meadows provided an opportunity for staff, graduates and their families 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. 

Thank you to all the organisers for making this event such a memorable evening. 

Year 6 Graduation - Friday 8 December 

As the primary years of school ends, 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.  The Year 6 Graduation is this evening and I wish all our Year 6 Graduates every success as they move into their secondary years of schooling.

John Edmonds Memorial Scholarship -  Glenroy Lions Club Auxilary 

We are always appreciative of the partnership we have with Glenroy Lion's Club Auxilary and their long term sort for students moving from primary years of schooling to secondary years of schooling.  Congratulations to Elif and John for being the recipient of $100 scholarship. 

2023 Awards 

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 2023.  Linking individual achievement to the curriculum further strengthens the inclusivity of all students.  Thank you to all the staff who provide daily wrap-around support to our students and for working with families to build resilient lifelong learners. The awards were presented in classrooms and our students felt incredibly proud of their achievements. Congratulations to all our Middle and Secondary students. 

2023 School Service Award - This award recognises student/s who sets an example and acts as strong role model to others in the school by; 

• taking the initiative to further their involvement within the school community.
• maintaining a cheerful, positive attitude and bringing enthusiasm to the school.
• reaching out to all members of the school, regardless of different grades.
• willing to do tasks without being asked twice.
• participating in an array of school events.
• displaying a continuous commitment towards supporting the school.

Congratulations to the following students:

Middle Sub School: Liam

Liam has worked hard this year on building his personal and social skills. 

He is always keen to help others, take initiative, is always enthusiastic about learning about attending school, cares about and reaches out to all members of the school, regardless of classroom or sub-school.  Liam is willing to do tasks when requested, participates in an array of school events; and continues to display commitment towards supporting the school and students.

Secondary Sub School: Dunedin

This is awarded to Dunedin for being a strong role model, a hard-working barista for coffee cart, a valuable facilities maintenance assistant and a terrific cook at SBAT.  

KathleenMathews MP - Education Awards and Scholarship 

It was a delight to welcome Kathleen for our annual awards ceremony this year.  Kathleen generously provided 6 awards and 6 x $100 scholarships this year. 

Congratulations to the following recipients 

• Community award - to the student who makes the world a better place with their everyday kindness or generosity and/or volunteers and contributes their time and talents to help the community.  Congratulations to MASON (Room 26) 
• Perseverance award -  for the student who consistently turns up, even when the going gets tough, who prioritises learning and works hard.  NISA  (Room 22)
• Courage award - to the student who speaks up, stands up for themselves or others, and/or consistently calls out bad behaviour. BILAL (Room 11)
• Big Ideas award - for the student who shows innovative thinking and takes initiative. AARON (Room 15) 
• Respect award - for the student who has consistently been respectful of others and their differences and actively encourages others to do the same. EVIE (Room 2) 
• Advocacy award, for the student who has advocated to achieve positive change. KEERTHI (Room 8)  

Term 4  PUPIL FREE Days:

• Monday 11 December - preparing for transition week commencing Tuesday 12 December .  

School Council News 

10 Year School Council Service Award 

Congratulations to Lisa Sette for receiving a 10 Year School Council Service Award.  Lisa has been a constant influence here at JSA and has made not only a significant contribution to School Council, but she’s also contributed to leading the fundraising team across these 10 years.  Lisa’s energy, passion and commitment is appreciated by the community as she advocates for students and their families. In 2020 Lisa was the recipient of the PASS Outstanding Volunteer Award for leading the Fundraising Committee and I know it’s her passion to bring people together and have an important connection to the school. This is evident when she addresses new families and farewells graduating students.  As a new principal in 2013 I have certainly learnt from Lisa and I’ve enjoyed all of our early morning and weekend conversations.  Congratulations Lisa.  

Andrew McDonough, parent representative, joined School Council and I look forward to having his expertise and knowledge on School Council.  

I'm very grateful to have such an extensive range of expertise on School Council informing and leading the governance of the school.  I sincerely thank all of them for the commitment and efforts this last year as we worked through the $10 million Capital Works Project and also manage a significant cash budget.  

REMINDERS

Unwell Students 

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 Page 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/