Middle Sub-School News
Welcome back to JSA Middle School!
I hope your break was exactly what you needed- a time to replenish, spend some much-needed time with those you love and plenty of opportunities to have a sleep-in and enjoy some slower days.
It has been so wonderful to see so many faces back at JSA, both staff and students, as well as parents doing morning drop-offs. Whilst we have many staff and students returning, we are also extremely blessed to have a few new faces in Middle School. I would like to say a very big ‘hello’ to our new students, Matthew, Hunter, Josh, Perry and Tom. We hope that in your first few weeks at JSA, you have felt welcomed and content that you are where you’re meant to be. We look forward to working with you to support your growth throughout the school. To our existing students, we welcome you back with a big smile and hope you are looking forward to continuing to work towards your goals, whether this is in a new classroom, with new staff and of course all the while developing new friendships.
You will see notice we have been lucky enough to gain some new staff in Middle School, one being Amanda Hollway. Amanda is in Room 13, and is also one of our Learning Specialists. As a new face myself, I thank you for being extremely welcoming as I navigate what life looks like at JSA. Having been on the Middle gate in Week 1, it has been great to put some faces to names- although I am still working on it!
The start of the year has seen students settling into their new classrooms, getting to know their new environment, as well as different students and staff they may not have worked alongside last year. Our priority continues to be supporting students in developing new routines and structures and putting in place strategies to support calm, safe and supportive classroom environments. Our staff continue to work alongside students to identify tools that assist them in regulating or co-regulating their emotions and developing relationships based on students' interests and individual needs.
You will notice that this week your child came home with a visual timetable. This is to assist you in adequately preparing students for the day or week ahead. Please feel free to put this on the fridge and use it as a reference point for discussing what the day ahead may look like.
SSGs are taking place during Weeks 2, 3 and 4. This is a great opportunity to share information about your child that you feel may be of importance to the staff in your child’s room. You may also like to discuss any additional supports you have accessed or collaborate on potential goals you would like to see for your child. Should you still need to book an SSG meeting please make contact with your child’s classroom teacher.
Middle School Assemblies
Assemblies will be taking place with classrooms sharing the responsibility to organise and host these. These will be filmed and made available to parents. More information regarding this will come.
Communication is key. Please ensure you make contact with the classroom teacher, ES staff or the office in the event you are making a change to your child’s schedule, particularly when it comes to pick-ups and drop-offs.
Middle School Excursions
On either March 6th or 9th students will be taking an excursion to Bounce, an indoor climbing centre. How exciting! If you wish for your child to attend please ensure you have provided permission. In the event permission is not obtained, your child will, unfortunately, need to stay at school. We would love to have all students participate and have lots of fun, so be sure to check this. If you do not have access to the note, please provide a written and signed consent in your child’s communication book.
As always, your child’s teacher is always the first point of call when it comes to concerns or questions. As a sub-school, we pride ourselves on creating a sense of community for students within our classrooms. Throughout this year we hope to continue to build students' capacity to work alongside others, develop friendships and foster great independence. As parents, guardians and people close to the students we work with, you play a crucial role in shaping students' lives, and we value your input. In close partnership, we hope to work alongside you to make this year one of growth and happiness for your child.
Should you wish to discuss this any further please feel free to contact me at sarah.hill2@education.vic.gov.au.
Room 10
Room 10 has had a busy start to the year. We have been learning about the classroom routine, following our schedules and the JSA expected behaviours. A focus has been on finding things that help focus on learning such as doing puzzles, watching calming videos and taking movement breaks. Students have enjoyed playing games together during personal and social skills, maths and literacy lessons. Highlights have included visiting the garden and doing PE, Art and Music classes. We are looking forward to the term ahead.
Amelia, Mel and Maha
