Acting Principal's 

News Flash 

Welcome back to Term 3 everybody!

It appears that both our staff and students enjoyed a well-earned break and have settled back into their routines well. We have a jam-packed term with several events coming up.

Upon our return, we acknowledge the significance of NAIDOC Week 2026 marking the theme '50 years of Deadly': highlighting the resilience, achievements, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In recognition of this important event, all students enjoyed tailored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 'infusion workshops' held in the Yaluk gym, as part of JSA Cultural Calendar.

Term 3 SSGs

In this term, our teachers look forward to reviewing your child's half-year progress and seeking your input regarding each child's next steps in their learning formally undertaken in our Term 3 Student Support Group Meetings (or SSGs) due to commence in Week 3. Our Assistant Principals, Ellen and Stephanie will be able to speak more about these meetings in their report.

Pre School Review Evaluation (or PRSE)

This term, we are beginning to prepare for our pending School Review to commence in Term 1, 2027. The next 2 terms, we will be collating all critical data to form our Pre School Review Evaluation (or PRSE) where we can evaluate our schoolwide implementation and progress since 2022 and establish new strategic priorities for the school from 2027-2030.

Important Dates 

Thursday, 30th July - Post School Options Expo (Yaluk Gym from 3-6pm)

Many more event dates to take note of within our 'Important Dates' page. Take a look.

School Policy Updates

Our next School Council meeting is to be held on Thursday, 13th August.

We are expecting several policies to be reviewed and accesible for you.

Please note that all exisitng policies are found on our JSA Website under the following Policies tabs:

• Child Safety

• Management 

• Occupational Health & Safety

• Parent Payments

• Teaching & Learning

We encourge the ongoing engagement of our families. Any feedback or discussions you may have can be forwarded to me directly. 

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School Council Vacancies

As you can see in the table below, we do have 3 School Council vacancies.

Our School Councillors are keen to invite parents and/or family members to self-nominate.

Please do not hesitate to enquire with Julie, Marisa or Kay at our admin office to do so.

Communication with Staff Policy (Revised 12 December for 2026)

Jacana School for Autism understands the importance of providing helpful and timely responses to common enquiries from parents and carers. To ensure that members of our school community are directed to the most appropriate person to assist them, the information below outlines key contacts for common queries: 

• to report a student absence, please text the Student Absence Line on 0439 114 197

• to report any urgent issues relating to a student on a particular day, please contact the general office on 9309 6258 

• to discuss a student’s academic progress, health or wellbeing, please contact your child’s classroom teacher/ sub school leader. 

• Primary Sub School Leader:  Zoe Pirotta | zoe.pirotta2@education.vic.gov.au

• Middle Years Sub School Leader: Stefania Mantinioti | stefania.mantinioti@education.vic.gov.au
• Secondary Sub School Leader: Amelia Frantz | amelia.frantz@education.vic.gov.au
• Senior Secondary Sub School Leader: Sean Procko | sean.procko@education.vic.gov.au

• For enquiries regarding camps and excursions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher. 

• to make a complaint, please contact the Acting Principal/Assistant Principals on 

  9309 6258. 

  • Acting Principal: 

    Daniel Moloney | daniel.moloney@education.vic.gov.au

  • Assistant Principal [Inclusion and Wellbeing] : 

    Stephanie Torchia | stephanie.torchia@education.vic.gov.au

  • Assistant Principal [Teaching and Learning]:
  • Ellen Paterson | ellen.paterson@education.vic.gov.au

Please also refer to our Complaints Policy, available on the school website:

https://www.jacanaschoolforautism.vic.edu.au/policies/management/

• to report a potential hazard or incident on the school site, please contact:

  OHS Manager Nominee 

  Mary Boutros on 9309 6258 or mary.boutros@education.vic.gov.au

• for parent payments, please contact the general office on 9309 6258

• for all other enquiries, please contact our Office on 9309 6258 

School staff will do their best to respond to general queries as soon as possible and ask that you allow us 2-3 working days to provide you with a detailed response. We will endeavour to respond to urgent matters within 24 hours where possible. 

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. 

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/

School Website 

https://www.jacanaschoolforautism.vic.edu.au/