Principal's Message

Jackson School is a collaborative learning community for all. We aim to develop independence through safety, respect and responsibility. We aspire to offer authentic, quality educational experiences that develop futures, create opportunities and inspire student potential; enabling our students to be valued and contributing members of the wider community. We share and celebrate our successes and achievements.   

The Issue Highlights

• Congratulations Our New Assistant Principals: Julie and Bern
• Fun Run
• EDUCATION WEEK - STEAM
• Dusty's Retirement
• Happy Mother's Day!!!
• Students of the Week from our PBIS rewards system.
• Showcase of students' learning from across the school in Primary and Secondary
• Health and Wellbeing information to support you and your child.
• Community news including from Jackson OSHC provider TheirCare.
• School Dates -For the most up-to-date calendar dates, always refer to the Xuno Calendar in your Parent Portal.

Dear Families,

Last week we interviewed and appointed two new Assistant Principals for Jackson School.

I would like to officially congratulate Julie La Bouchardiere and Bernadette O'Sullivan who were successful in gaining the position. Both Julie and Bern are currently working at the school as Leading Teachers. They both brings a wide variety experience to their new roles. 

Julie currently leads the Disability Inclusion Reform across the school as well as managing student wellbeing in our Junior School. Julie has worked as a special education teacher and leading teacher at a number of special schools. Julie has a great level of expertise in working with students with disabilities and additional needs. Julie oversees the service delivery of our Allied Health team and works closely with staff to develop their skills and knowledge to meet the complex needs of our students.

Bern currently leads our Pathways and Partnerships across the school. Many of you will have met Bern on enrolment as she supported you through this process including the old Program for Students with Disabilities. Bern also works to build connections and partnerships with our families and a range of external services and agencies within the community. Bern has held a wide variety of roles in Australia, in UAE and Vietnam including as a Deputy Principal for an international school. 

We are very lucky to have you both. We look forward to continue working with you both. 

Fun Run

Thank you to all of the families who were able to attend the Fun Run. I was unable to attend on the day, but it looked like the students had an amazing time! 

“STEAM”ING FORWARD IN EDUCATION WEEK

Next week is Education Week with a STEAM theme, highlighting the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics in our everyday lives.  Staff will receive additional professional learning on integrating digital technologies across our learning programs to prepare our students for our ever-changing world.

Our students learning in our specialist learning areas (STEAM, Art and Design Technology) has been showcased and shared with schools across the Department. Our students particularly excel in STEAM & 3D Printing, Art and Design Technology and Sport. In recent years they have been awarded first place in the Makers Empire West Melbourne 3D Printing in Schools Design Project winning a 3D printer competing against 11 mainstream schools. We have had two Year 11/12 students who are medal winners as part of the Victorian Athletics team in the Special Olympics and a student who was the under 14 Australian & Victorian Taekwondo Champion. Our students have been entered into the Royal Melbourne Show (RMS) Art, Craft and Cookery Competition and also been represented in the category of Design Technology against mainstream and special schools in both state and independent sectors. Students have won Best Exhibit, 1st Place, 2nd Place and Highly Commended in the Junior Competition for Technology & Design. Our students have also been exhibited in the Footscray Art Prize. Our Year 11/12 student also host a podcast on Syn Radio.

Our students really have some amazing skills, talents, abilities and "super-powers" and we're very proud of all of you achieve every day.

Parents/carers can learn more about encouraging your child with STEM skills. The following external websites may also help provide for further ideas:

• Scienceworks
• Melbourne Water activities for all ages
• Junior Landcare Just for Kids activities
• NASA Kids' Club

Maths video resources for young children can be accessed through the Mathscots animation series and Everyday Maths animations.

Dusty

It brings me great sorrow to tell you all that Dusty will be retiring from his amazing job as Jackson School dog. Dusty has been working at Jackson School since he was 3 months old. Dusty said his goodbyes to students, staff and families on Tuesday. Above is a video to show you how many kids he has worked with during his time as part of our community. Thank you Dusty. We will miss you!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Parents, Carers and Friends Committee held a Mother’s Day Stall today. Thank you Nerida (School Council President) for managing and organising this on behalf of the community. Thank you to our PCFA Helpers: Maree, Ana, Donna, Heather, Michele, Beatriz, Rose. 

We are continuing to seek further members to help at our PCFA events. If you are interested, please let Bernadette know.

Wishing all of our mothers across the community a lovely Mother's Day.

Anthony