Principal's News Flash

Corinne Pupillo

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,

Welcome back to the new school term. I hope that you all had an enjoyable break with family and friends and some opportunities to explore the outdoors, as well as getting some well-deserved rest and opportunities for relaxation. Winter can be a great opportunity to spend time indoors but the rain free days can create opportunities for us to explore many of our amazing local surrounds.

Staffing update

During the school holiday break, selection panels were operating so we could continue to recruit to fill vacancies in some of our classrooms and operations.

Student Transition Coordinator - Amanda Hollway
Room 4 - Sarah Mustafa (Tuesday and Friday)
Room 13 - Angela McDonnell (Monday Tuesday & Thursday)
Room 19 - Elian Haddad
Performing Arts - Andrea Brown (Wednesday and Thursday)
Admin & Student Transport - Kay Vlachopoulos
Teacher Assistant - Vasudha Rao

Tricia French is currently on long service leave and Irene Gacovski will be stepping into the Kitchen Garden role until 15 September.

Community Engagement Officer, Karen Glare has returned from leave last Friday and Irene Gacovski did a wonderful job in her absence. Thank you Irene

Student Transition Coordinator

Amanda will be focusing on completing Year 6/7 Reviews as well as processing any 2024 Prep enrolments. As Amanda commenced on Monday 17 July, she will be familiarising herself with the tasks so we can meet important timelines. Amanda can be contacted on email or by calling reception 9309 6258

amanda.hollway@education.vic.gov.au

Stay well this winter In Victoria, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection numbers are high among children aged 5 to 11 years, particularly in those in their first few years of school. The Victorian Department of Health expects more respiratory infections over Term 3. Most children with flu or RSV have a mild fever, runny nose or cough. Some children, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions, may have more severe illness.

Keeping our school community well Parents, carers and students are encouraged to:

wash and sanitise their hands regularly
avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
stay at home if unwell and consult a general practitioner (GP) or NURSE-ON-CALL as needed
stay up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Our school has masks for staff, students and visitors if they want to wear them.

Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. As part of the National Immunisation Program, it is free for:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
children aged 6 months to under 5 years
people aged 6 months or older with underlying medical conditions. Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs, pharmacies or your local council immunisation service.

For more information about staying safe this winter, refer to:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/stay-well-this-winter

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flu-influenza

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/flu-influenza-immunisation

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv

OHS Assurance Assessment

Previously known as the OHS Audit, an OHS Assurance Assessment will be held on the 28th of August 2023. An independent contractor, Ernst and Young will carry out a formal assessment of our school's safety management practices and interview relevant key stakeholders. Once the assessment is completed, we will receive a report including a set of actionable recommendations to assist us in improving our safety performance.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The next School Council Meeting will be held on Thursday 3 August @ 5.30pm

A group of 10 School Council members and leaders attended School Governance Training on Thursday 13 July. Thank you to those who attended the training and found the session valuable.

Due to the challenges with finding parent representatives for School Council, I intend to discuss the possibility of reviewing the composition of School Council to address this issue. at our next meeting scheduled for 3 August 2023.

School Council Sub-Committee Representatives

Finance Sub Committee Representative - Mark Mansfield
Building and Grounds Sub Committee Representative – Denise Clarke
Fundraising Sub Committee Representative – Lisa Sette
School Council Representative on Student Representative Council (SRC)

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/JacanaSchoolforAutismhttps://www.instagram.com/jacana.school/

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