Principal's News Flash 

Corinne Pupillo

R U Ok?  A national day of action. 

Such an important event on our annual calendar when we remind everyone that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.  Our student leadership group and principal class team lead this important reminder by wearing R U Ok? T-Shirts.  

2022 Victorian State School Spectacular 

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2022 Victorian State School Spectacular (VSSS).  200 schools and 3,000 students from across the state combined to bring us a highly energised and colourful performance.   It's been 2 years since the last VSSS and it was a wonderful celebration of collaboration, music, dance and singing.   The photo below was taken at the evening performance with some students participating in the matinee show only.  It's opportunities like this that highlight how a strong sense of community can really showcase our students' talents and skills.  

Thank you to all the students for your commitment, resilience and hard work,  I loved seeing you with your peers in the Mass Choir.  A big shout out to our music specialist, Catherine Schmidt for co-ordinating the opportunity and to the staff for supporting our students to reach their full potential.   Great work everyone! 

Curriculum Day - Friday 9 September 

Last Friday we launched our three-year partnership with Real Schools and expert facilitator, Sheila Bollard introduced us the Restorative Practices 2.0. 

Our staff explored some of the language and practices that will support us to enhance our school culture. A focus on restorative practices will be used to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment where healthy relationships are nurtured by using a whole school approach.   Sheila will become our school's mentor and will also connect with families and staff throughout the three-year partnership.

Sheila Bollard, Real Schools including a photo of Principal Class Team 

and special visitor, Eva Chakrabarty 

School Council News 

Congratulations to Virginia Smedley who received a Certificate of Appreciation for 10 years of service as a school councillor of Northern school for Autism /Jacana School for Autism.   Virginia was a valued school council president and  community member made significant contributions to the school governance. On behalf of the school community, thank your dedication and commitment. 

JSA is turning 10 next year 

JACANA SCHOOL FOR AUTISM is celebrating their 10-year birthday next year and we are looking for people to join the planning team!

If you are interested in being part of the 10th birthday planning team please contact the school by calling 9309 6258 or email jacana.school@education.vic.gov.au

We would love to have your input in the celebrations program.

Staffing 

Today we said good bye to two staff as they both move on to new roles. 

Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Leila Tehrani - Homa started at JSA in the first year of the pandemic and has been a key support for us, navigating new procedures and practices.  Leila has also been regularly reviewing and updating policies.  On behalf of the school community, thank you  Leila for your wisdom and commitment to the safety of students, staff and visitors.  We are very grateful for all you hard work. 

Music Specialist, Catherine Schmidt will also be leaving JSA to start a new role at a Special Developmental School.  Catherine is well known for her inclusive vision and her ability to differentiate the learning for her students.  We wish Catherine all the best in her new role and thank her for her enormous contribution the JSA community. 

Additional Assistant Principal:  I'm pleased to announce we have appointed an additional assistant principal to support the operations of the school.  Eva Chakrabarty will join our team next term and has extensive experience at Bullen Height School, an Autism school similar to JSA.  Eva attended the Real Schools curriculum day and is pictured in the photo above.   

Shout out the all the regional visiting teachers who have stepped in this term to fill some of the staff absences. I am very grateful for their willingness to support our school during this period where schools are experiencing significant staff shortages. 

Footy Day 2022 

It was great to see so many students and staff in displaying the footy colours on Wednesday.  A special acknowledgment to the fabulous fundraising team for your hard work in preparing lunch orders for all our students and staff.   We really appreciate what you do for our community. 

• Lisa Sette 
• Michelle Owen 
• Sharon Borg 
• Marissa Griffiths 

Pupil Free Day - Term 4 

School council endorsed a common Professional Practice Day for all teachers on Friday 7th October, 2022.  Please make a note on your calendar that students are not expected at school this day. 

Wishing all our students and staff a restful break with family and friends.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

School Council Meeting 

The next meeting of the School Council will occur Thursday, 3 November at 5.30 pm.

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 the school's website. 

JSA also has a Facebook Page administered by the leadership team. Please like and follow our page.

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 the winter 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: 

0439 114 197. 

Aerial View - Jacana School for Autism

This aerial photography has captured our school from above to complement our school's Virtual School Tour.    Please take a look and see how wonderful the facilities look from above.