Principal's News Flash
2024 School Theme
SUPPORTING INCLUSION THROUGH TEACHING AND LEARNING
When we implement reasonable adjustments, we are supporting the learning and wellbeing needs of our students to foster happy, healthy, resilient, and successful lifelong learners.
Congratulations to all our 2024 school leaders.
Yesterday 16 of our 30 plus student leaders met in the CLH for a photo opportunity and to view the Time Capsule that will be placed underground near the Yuluk Building in the next few weeks. The Time Capsule includes artifacts and memorabilia from 2013 - 2023.
Student leaders play a crucial role in supporting the Positive Behaviour Support Ticket Draw each week. School wide expected behaviours matrix provides opportunities for explicit modelling, the use of a common language and reward system.
The weekly draw supports leaders to develop their independence and confidence when planning and leading the ticket draw. Congratulations to you all. Presentation of the 2024 student leader vests and badges will be happening today. Stay tuned for more updates from the Student Leaders. Thank you Juri Ilves-Graco, Learning Specialist and Irene Gacovski (Education Support) for supporting all of our student leaders in the past and into 2024.
Thank you to JSA 10 Birthday Planning Team
Our small planning team have been working to complete the list of artifacts and memorabilia for the Time Capsule so we can bury it in the next few weeks in the front of the Yuluk Building. We anticipate the Time Capsule will be dug up in 2033 for for the school's 20th birthday. I'd like to also acknowledge Alisha Minns and Lawrence Deveney who made contribution in 2023 but have moved on to other roles.
L-R Amelia Frantz, Stephanie Torchia, Corinne Pupillo, Lisa Sette, Dr Denise Clarke, Michelle McMaster, Fiona Micelotta and Daniel Moloney
VALE Des Burke 19.10.1965 - 08.02.2024
Des Burke commenced working as a CRT late 2022 (post COVID) and quickly picked up a contract as a Teacher Aide not long after. Des was very passionate about his job and was often thinking about ways to engage students and maximise their learning. Des had a cheeky sense of humour and would connect well with the secondary students, being a kid at heart himself. Unfortunately, due to multiple health issues, Des was forced to cease work last year after becoming very ill. Des was always kind and caring in every situation and also had a cheeky sense of humour. Des made some wonderful connections with staff and students during the short time he worked at JSA and it was a pleasure to have known him. The celebration of his life was held on Wednesday 21 February and a small group of staff attended to pay respects to Des' son and his brothers and sister.
May you Rest in Peace Des
Staffing update
We are continuing to experience staffing challenges as do many schools in this area.
Current number of vacancies we are trying to fill (including details on subject/classroom) are: 7 x Generalist Classroom Teachers, 1 Music Teacher, 1 Speech Therapist, 1 Occupational Therapist and Hands on Learning Build Teacher.
Fortunately we continue to have support from the Department of Education and recruitment agencies who are supplying us with some exceptional educators who are booked in for block periods of time eg: term by term.
MOBILE PHONE BAN - Reminder
A reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobiles phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours.
The department is requiring all schools to ensure this ban is in place and enforced from the start of the 2024 school year. The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state. This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions. By ensuring mobile phones are kept away at recess and lunch times, students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures that mobile phones can cause. I ask for the support of all our families, staff and students in continuing to support the implementation of this policy in our school.
Further information
Exceptions: For a small number of students with particular health needs, an exception to the policy may be granted. Please contact Assistant Principal Daniel Moloney if you would like to discuss this.
Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or if you need to immediately contact your child, I ask that families contact the school office who will pass on a message as required.
School mobile phone policy: A copy of our school’s local mobile phone policy, which implements the government’s mobile policy in line with our local context is located on the schools website or alternatively you can call the office for a copy.
Parent support: The Mobile phones in schools webpage provides links to resources for families to help them balance their children’s time using mobile phones.
Mobile phones in schools | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
If you have further questions, please contact reception on 9309 6258
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
School Council Elections
At the close of nominations there were 2 nominations for the parent category. Given the number of nominations were less than the number of vacancies, I'd like to congratulate Chris Ernst and Mark Mansfield for their re-nomination to School Council and look forward to working closely with them for the next 2 years.
There is still one parent vacancy on School Council and call for further nominations in the parent category. Please contact reception for a nomination form.
A number of policies were endorsed by School Council last night. If you would like a copy please contact reception. Policies endorsed by School Council include:
Annual General Meeting
The School Council Annual General Meeting is next month [Thursday 21 March 2024] and I would also like to extend an invitation to all families to attend and hear first hand the 2023 Annual Report to the School Community which highlights all the achievement but also the areas for further development. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Fiona Micelotta fiona.micelotta@education.vic.gov.au / 9309 6258
| 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 |
| VACANCY | Parent Representative |
| Stephanie Torchia | DET Representative |
| Daniel Moloney | DET Representative |
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.
