Assistant 

Principal News Flash 

Stephanie Torchia & Ellen Paterson 

Thank you and Farewell

As I finish my time at Jacana School for Autism this week, I would like to sincerely thank our students, families and the wider school community for the support and kindness you have shown me. I will be returning to my previous school, Glenroy Specialist School, where I will take on the role of Assistant Principal. While I am excited about this next chapter, I will be sad to leave the wonderful students, staff and families at JSA. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff and to support the learning, wellbeing and achievements of our incredible students. I have particularly valued the relationships I have built with families and the trust you have placed in me to support your children. Your knowledge, advocacy and partnership make such an important contribution to our school.

I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had during my time at JSA and for everything I have learned from our students, staff and families. I leave with many wonderful memories and great pride in what we have achieved together.

Thank you for making my time at JSA so meaningful. I wish every student, family and staff member all the very best for the future.

Ellen Paterson

Parent/Caregiver Opinion Survey

WE WANT OUR PARENTS / CARERS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

Our school is conducting the annual Parent / Carer Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and is seeking your feedback. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage and appreciate your participation. Our school will use the survey results to assist in identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.

The Parent / Carer Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September 2026.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.

The online survey will be available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Resources are also available in additional languages to assist parents / carers who speak a language other than English at home. Please reach out to the school directly for survey guides in your language.

An email has been sent out to all families with a PIN and we will have iPads available at Reception if you wish to complete at school.

Notifying student absence on XUNO

You can now notify the school of your child's absence on XUNO.

You can still continue to notify absences on the Student Absence Line: 0439 114 197

EXTENDED PERIOD OF ABSENCE APPLICATION FORM

As part of JSA's Attendance Policy, we formalise parent/carer requests for students seeking approval for Extended Absence of 5 or more days (previously 3 days or more).

If you wish to express interest or intentions for your child to be away for 5 or more days, please ensure to complete the 'Extended period of absence application form' below. 

All applications for extended absences will be reviewed by the Sub School Leader and Principal. Parent/Carers will be notified via email after consideration of application. 

Child Safe Standards

At Jacana school for Autism, every student has the right to feel safe, respected and cared for. Victoria's Child Safe Standards are 11 rules that all schools must follow. They guide how we work, who we hire, how we listen to students and families and how we respond when something goes wrong. 

Please take some time to read through our Child Safe Standards Posters.