Principal's News Flash
Corinne Pupillo
Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,
It's quite fitting for this fortnight's news flash to be writing about Part 5 (and final part) of the Durrung of the Yan yan. On Monday 5 August we hosted the official opening of our Yaluk Building and we were full of pride and gratitude for not only the project to be completed, but the support we have had from our community. We were fortunate to have a range of distinguished guests, including Local Member Kathleen Matthews - Ward MP, Senior Deparment of Education personnel, representatives for builders McColl Smith, Musk Architect, Bridge 42, Victorian Schools Building Authority as well as our VIP's (student leadership group). A range of other VIP's attended such as past students and families, current family members and principals from our local specialist schools.
The project has certainly provided some amazing opportunities for our community. The integration of a gym and performing arts space, was a priority for community engagement. Over a five-year period, a small fundraising subcommittee raised funds to make a financial contribution to the stage curtain that will be used for school performances. An annual community event that is valued and recognised since Jacana School for Autism was established in 2013. Establishing opportunities for the broader community to access this space outside school hours will allow us to further enhance local partnerships.
Through consultation with students and families, a review of the secondary pathway’s programs created the opportunity to design a new Hospitality Program as well as extend the Hands-on Learning Café Program for our Secondary Students. This will significantly increase career opportunities for secondary students moving to life beyond school.
A focus on enhancing the Visual Arts Program for Secondary Students has been reflected in a purpose built indoor / outdoor Visual Arts space. Providing a creative space for secondary students to develop their artistic talents.
We have also been able to introduce the unique model of personalised learning spaces or the booth design. This classroom model consists of five custom made booths that create discrete learning spaces nestled into one classroom and this model is designed for 1:1 work and also includes a larger space for collaboration.
The Yaluk Building has increased opportunities for Secondary Students to manage their own independence and self-regulation. Students who are able to self-regulate in different environments are more likely to be able to manage their stress and anxieties, and consequently better engage in curriculum as well as build positive relationships with community.
I'd like to particularly thank our staff and students for your patience throughout the project where Playground 6 was unavailable. Even though we have half of Playground 6, we will all agree that the new Yaluk Building has enhanced our physical resources and learning opportunities for all our students. A special shout out to our Yaluk Building planning team, Dr Denise Clarke, Stephanie Torchia, Dan Moloney, Mary Boutros, Michelle McMaster, Julie Dojcsak, Loc Nguyen, Frances Hansen & Jacob McKerchar for your amazing support to make the event run so successfully.
Part 5 - The Durrung of the Yan-yan - Heart of the young man.
Told by Aunty Doreen Garvey- Wandin including Wioiwurrung words
There was a great clap of ngurndabil (thunder). Wirrirrap (magic man) turned the yan-yan into a dulaiwurrong (platypus) and said, "You have become ngabun- bambunya (bold and arrogant) and a buladu gaang yan-yan (greedy yound man) thinking only of yourself. Like the dulaiwurrong (platypus), you can't tell the front from the back. As with the fork in the yaluk, you have to make the decisions for yourself. "From now on you can swim the yaluk as a dulaiwurrong (platypus) to teach you respect for Wurundjeri, to be humble and to keep the culture alive." That is why the dulaiwurrong looks like it does to this very day
Staffing
Next week we welcome our new Leading Teacher and Secondary Sub School Leader Bill Vasilevski. Bill is an experienced leader with a special education qualification. Bill is replacing Ashley Stace who will be moving back into a classroom teacher position in middle years. On behalf of the school community, I'd like to thank Ash for his hard work and contributions to the Secondary Sub school but am sure the Middle Sub School are looking forward to you working in their team.
Education Support, Samina Begum last working day was today and on behalf of the school community, all the best for your course and hope to see you around in a casual staff capacity in the future.
School Council News
Our next Fundraising Sub Committee Meeting will be held on Friday 6 September at 10.30am
Our next School Council meeting will be held on Thursday 15 August 5.30pm
| MEMBER | POSITION |
| Corinne Pupillo | Executive Officer (Principal) /corinne.pupillo@education.vic.gov.au |
| Lisa Sette | Community Representative & President / lisa.sette@education.vic.gov.au |
| VACANCY | Community Representative |
| Paul Malavisi | Parent Representative |
| Mark Mansfield | Parent Representative |
| Chris Ernst | Parent Representative |
| Michelle Owen | Parent Representative |
| Andrew McDonough | Parent Representative |
| Jay Murali | Parent Representative |
| Stephanie Torchia | DE Representative |
| Daniel Moloney | DE Representative |
School Council Sub-Committee Representatives
- Finance Sub Committee Representative - Mark Mansfield
- School Infrastructure Sub Committee Representative – Denise Clarke
- Fundraising Sub Committee Representative – Kristen Bellerini
Unwell students
If your child is presenting with cold and flu like symptoms we kindly ask families to keep your child at home if they are experiencing symptoms. In the event that your child tests positive on a RAT for COVID, we strongly recommend a 5 day period of recovery in this case.
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 and Instagram Page, Seesaw 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.