Principal's Message

Jackson School is a collaborative learning community for all. We aim to develop independence through safety, respect and responsibility. We aspire to offer authentic, quality educational experiences that develop futures, create opportunities and inspire student potential; enabling our students to be valued and contributing members of the wider community. We share and celebrate our successes and achievements.   

The Issue Highlights

• Thank you to all families who participated in our termly Parent-Teacher Student Support Group (SSG) Meetings this week. 
• Following your Term 3 SSG your child's teacher will finalise your child's Semester 2 Individual Learning Plan (ILP). 
• School Building Upgrade Update.
• Our school is conducting an annual survey to find out what parents, caregivers and guardians think of our school. 
• Jackson School’s Designated Transport Area is changing in 2024. 
• If you are interested in enrolling your child at the new Dharra (Aintree Specialist) School we are asking that you complete this short form: https://forms.office.com/r/zyzYM6vfGJ 
• Thank you for participating in the Department's (DE) August enrolment census.
• Thank you to the leadership team, staff and students who have passed on their thanks to myself and Robyn today on Principals' Day.
• Students of the Week from our PBIS rewards system.
• Showcase of students' learning from across the school in Primary and Secondary
• Health and Wellbeing information to support you and your child.
• Community news including from Jackson OSHC provider TheirCare.
• School Dates -For the most up-to-date calendar dates, always refer to the Xuno Calendar in your Parent Portal.

Dear Families,

Thank you to all families who participated in our termly Parent-Teacher Student Support Group (SSG) Meetings this week. We apologise that due to our school building upgrade these had to be over the phone or virtual. The particpation from our families was high - Thank you. We want your feedback about how we deliver our SSGs next year. Please complete this short poll: https://forms.office.com/r/XLWC97Tjee 

The purpose of the SSGs is to establish a strong home-school relationship, complete your child's Individual Education Plan & Learner Profile and review progress against your child's “Long Term” goals. Following your Term 3 SSG your child's teacher will finalise your child's Semester 2 Individual Learning Plan (ILP). These will be emailed to families once they are published and will also be available on Xuno for you to access anytime. An ILP outlines a modified educational program with long term (annual) and short term goals (semester) and based upon the Victorian Curriculum (Prep-Year 10). These are informed from our current assessments of what your child can already do. For Year 11/12 students who are working towards achieving their ASDAN and VPC outcomes, these will be reported to you in your end of Semester 2 reports. All students at Jackson receive reasonable adjustments to meet their individual learning needs. These include: differentiated teaching and learning,  adjustments (from our Allied Health and Wellbeing Teams) and other support strategies. Should you wish a hard copy of your ILP, you can request this through your child's classroom teacher. 

SSGs and ILPs are key documents which will support our transition from the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) to Disability Inclusion (DI) in 2024. Kris Parsons, one of our past Assistant Principals, is currently managing this implementation across all schools in the South West Victorian Region. This will replace the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) and the way students are funded to be at Jackson. There is currently no change to the funding our students receive to attend Jackson School. This will occur after the February census in 2024.

For more information on the Disability Inclusion Reform, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/disability-inclusion-extra-support-children-disability

School Building Upgrade Update

Our Prep classes are now settling into their new classrooms. We are awaiting new furniture and resources to arrive. New fencing has been installed this week to create an outdoor learning space for our Preps and students who attend Their Care's OSHC service. The landscaping of the new Prep-Year 2 playground is nearing completion. The new playground equipment will be installed next week. The Prep students are loving watching their new learning spaces be developed. 

Our Year 5-8 Middle School building is now also nearing completion. Our contractors are racing to the finish line as they begin to install the finishing touches. The Admin corridor comprising of a new first aid room, conference room, disabled WC, resource room and staff/visitor toilets will be completed over the new couple of weeks. We're hoping the staffroom extension will be also handed over next week. Cabinetry and lighting have now been installed in our new Library, Performing Arts, Food Technology Kitchen and Cafe. The project overall has been delayed due to supply issues with the glazing contractor. We are hoping this will be rectified soon. 

Respectful Behaviours in the Community

Violence and aggression towards school staff from parents, carers or other adults can have a significant impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of the staff who experience it, and their colleagues. This will not be tolerated whether in-person, over the phone, email or online including SeeSaw.

We understand car parking and traffic can be challenging at times during student drop-off and pick-up. We ask that you respectfully follow the direction of our staff to ensure that we can get our students in and out of school as quickly and safely as possible.

The Department of Education has released a new policy that describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers, and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.

You can find the new policy and these resources here: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/going-to-school/Pages/Respectful-behaviours-in-schools.aspx 

Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey

WE WANT OUR PARENTS / CAREGIVERS / GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! 

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents, caregivers and guardians think of our school. The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. A random sample of approximately 30 per cent of parents / caregivers / guardians has been selected to participate in this year’s survey. If you have been chosen to participate and complete the survey, you will go into a draw to win a $50 Woolworths voucher. 

The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open from Monday 7 August to Friday 8 September 2023. If you have been randomly selected to complete the PCGOS you will be contacted directly.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. If you would like access to a computer then please let the school office know. 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. 

If you would like to know more information, please get in touch with our Assistant Principal, Robyn Procak.

2024 DTA & Dharra (Aintree Specialist) School

Jackson School’s DTA is changing in 2024. This is due to the opening of a new Specialist School (Mild to Profound Intellectual Disability) opening in Aintree called Dharra School. Students who have been enrolled at Jackson School prior to 2024 will be able to continue to access the Caroline Springs, Hillside and Taylor’s Hill bus services until the student graduates/leave the school/moves house. If this is applicable to you and your family, your child is able to remain at Jackson School and continue to access these bus services. To view Jackson School's new DTA, use the Department's new Transport Area Map by clicking below and typing in your home address:

I am working with the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) and the newly appointed Principal (Lizzie Tout) to manage future enrolments. Yesterday I supported Lizzie and the recruitment panel in appointing their new Assistant Principal. The Principal Team at Dharra School will soon be based at Melton Specialist School and will be taking enrolment enquiries for next year. If you are interested in enrolling your child at the new Dharra School we are asking that you complete this short form: https://forms.office.com/r/zyzYM6vfGJ 

For more information on Aintree Specialist School (interim name) please click here: https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/aintree-specialist-school-interim-name

Student Enrolment Census

Thank you for participating in the Department's (DE) August enrolment census. This occurs in every school to support the development of the school budget (SRP). If you have not yet completed the census form or spoken to a member of our Admin Team, we kindly ask that you return this form to us asap. Thank you for your support as always.

Principal Day

Principals’ Day is an initiative by the Victorian Principals Association. Celebrated in schools across the country, Principals’ Day is about recognising the efforts of principals and assistant principals in achieving excellence in education. 

Thank you to the leadership team, staff and students for the morning tea and to those who have passed on their thanks to myself and Robyn today. It is much apprecaited. We couldn't lead the school without your support everyday. 

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Anthony