Principal's Desk 

Corinne Pupillo 

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,

The 2020 school year is well behind us now and I would like to take time to reflect on the year that was. The 2020 Annual Report to the School Community is currently being prepared and it is now a great time to remind the community of the importance of setting high expectations for student learning.  A copy of our new School Strategic Plan including all the goals and targets is available from the general office however, I have taken the opportunity to highlight some of the School Key Improvement Strategies for 2020. 

To improve student learning gained in reading

• Build a culture of collaboration focused on refining teacher practice to improve student outcomes and to measure the impact on student learning.
• Develop, implement and embed whole school formative and summative assessment practices for reading.

To improve student voice and agency in their learning 

• Implement structures and processes that enable students and teachers to establish and monitor learning goals and track progress.
• Develop opportunities across the school for students to co–design their learning.

Celebrating Autism 2021: Jacanarama Fun Run/Walk Wednesday 31st March 2021.

Public events will be assessed according to the size, complexity and associated risk factors. 

A three-tiered categorisation system is used to ensure the appropriate level of public health oversight is applied.  Events with 1000 or fewer attendees  are considered Tier 3 events and to ensure this event remains safe for everyone,  we are in the process of registering our annual Jacanarama event on the Victorian government register. 

Please refer to the link below for more information. 

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/public-events-information-for-organisers#requirements-from-public-event-organisers://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/register-your-public-event

Please help support Jacana School for Autism. We are raising awareness of Autism and raising funds for additional equipment for our students. Students will run/walk laps of the school walking track (250 metres per lap) and welcome donations or sponsorship.

Everyone who participates will receive a sausage in bread and a drink.

PASS (Principal's association of Specialist School) Awards 2020

On Friday 26th March Lisa Sette finally got to receive her PASS Award for outstanding volunteer for 2020. The valuable contribution that Lisa has made as a volunteer at Jacana School for Autism demonstrates the importance and value of integrating parents and carers in the involvement in their child’s school and how this contributes to improved student learning, health and wellbeing.  Lisa contributed to the inclusion of Jacana students within the school through fundraising to provide sensory modulation equipment which aids students’ ability to self-regulate and improve their engagement within the school program.  She has supported inclusion and within the broader community, through participation of the choir, in the State Schools Spectacular.  

Lisa was the recipient of a $500 Professional Development Grant which will assist her to continue to build her skills and knowledge. 

Congratulations Lisa, it was a pleasure to nominate you and share the celebrations last week. 

Foundation Students 

Our foundation students commenced full time as of Monday 22nd February. It’s been wonderful to see how they have settled into the school routines and are enjoying the learning opportunities, despite being a little tired from the longer week. 

Public Holiday -  Monday 8th March 

Curriculum Day - Tuesday 9th March 

Reminder for parents and carers that students are not required to attend school on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th March, as staff will be engaged in professional learning activities. 

We appreciate that staff have dedicated days to come together to build their professional knowledge and capacity so they can support your child in their learning.

School Council News 

School Council Annual General Meeting Invitation

A copy of the 2020 Annual Report to the School Community will be available at School Council ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) scheduled for Thursday 25th March 2021.  I encourage our families to attend the AGM and hear first-hand our achievements over the past 12 months.  For attendance purposes, please RSVP to the office if you would like to attend. 

School Base Apprenticeship and Training 

Due to the introduction of SBAT's for senior secondary students this year, School Councillors endorsed that the VET subject, Outdoor Education will be replaced by Personal Skills Program in 2021.   Health and Physical Education Specialist Teacher, Tonia Truda will deliver the Personal Skills Program that was developed by the Secondary Curriculum Team during 2020.  

School Councillors are committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment where policies and practices are regularly reviewed to reflect current DET policy and practices.  At our meeting on Thursday 18th February, the following policies were endorsed: 

• Standing Order for School Council
• Code of Conduct for School Council
• Communication with Staff Policy (attached to the newsletter for easy reference)
• Seesaw Policy
• Responding to NDIS & Privately Funded Therapy Policy

Aerial View - Jacana School for Autism

To complement our Schools Virtual School Tour, Karen Glare has engaged a photographer that has captured our school from above.  

Please take a look and see how wonderful the facilities look from above.  

School Council Meeting 

The next meeting of School Council will occur Thursday March 25th at 5.30pm. This meeting will also include the Annual General Meeting.

School Council Sub Committee Representatives

Finance Sub Committee Representative - Sharon Borg 

Building and Grounds Sub Committee Representative – Alisha Minns 

Fundraising Sub Committee Representative – Lisa Sette

School Council Representative on Student Representative Council (SRC) – Alisha Minns

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 Page administered by the leadership team.  Please like and follow our page.

https://www.facebook.com/JacanaSchoolforAutism