Principal's Message

Who can believe we are now half way through Term 1 2021? We've all had a busy, but positive start to our school year. Thank you to our dedicated staff, wonderful students and their families for making Jackson such a Collaborative Learning Community.

With the current climate, The Department of Education and Training regularly updates its COVID-19 pandemic advice and guidance for schools. As directed by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, from 11.59PM Friday 26 February:

• Face masks are no longer mandatory for adults and students ages 12 years and over when indoor at school. However, they are recommended when physical distance (1.5m) cannot be maintained. 
• Individuals aged 12 years and over must always carry a face mask – unless they have a lawful exemption.
• Individuals aged 12 years and over must wear a face mask when on public transport, school buses and when in taxis or ride share vehicles – unless they have a lawful exemption.
• There are a number of lawful excuses for not wearing a face mask, including for staff and students who are unable to wear a face mask due to the nature of their disability. This includes students or staff who have a medical condition, such as a breathing problem, a serious skin condition on the face, or a mental health condition. 
• Face masks are strongly recommended for use by staff, students and visitors when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained. 
• Staff and students attending camps and excursions will be required to meet any face mask requirements of an external provider/venue, including transport providers, unless a lawful exception applies.
• School assemblies remains limited to visitors and will continue virtually or in small groups for this term.

This year we have seen a large increase of families now choosing to drop off and collect their child/ren instead of using the DET Student Transport bus services. The new fencing at the entrance of the school has now been completed to create a more welcoming environment and to allow more space for parents/carers to social distance when collecting their children from school. We have plans to landscape this area with seating and shade cover for families when waiting at the end of a school day. 

On Monday we hosted a site visit for three architect firms. On the 12th March they will pitch their proposals for how to upgrade our facilities using the $10m awarded in 2020.  It is exciting to begin this process to ensure that our students have the very best environment to support and enhance their learning journey with us. 

Next Friday we will celebrate our annual School Fun Run. This year this will not be a fundraising event. Our Primary and Secondary students will run laps around an obstacle course on the oval. Families are more than welcome to attend this event as it is held outside. As per the COVIDSafe guidelines, parents/carers must carry a mask with them at all times and it is recommended they are worn when you are not able to social distance. It will be lovely to have a sense of normality at school. We will also celebrate Harmony Week from 22nd March which will celebrate the diversity of our school community and highlights to our students that 'everyone belongs'. 

This weekend is Labour Day long weekend with school closed on Monday. Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of all workers. I am hearing from students, staff, parents/carers and community members of how the challenges we faced in 2020 have had a lasting effect on the start of the year. Therefore, I hope that all members of our community have a restful and well-deserved weekend. 

Anthony