Principal's News Flash
Corinne Pupillo
Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,
Acknowledgments and and celebrations
Congratulations to our very own Dr Denise Clarke - 55 years of service to the Department of Education. 16 of these serving Jacana School for Autism school community.
Dr Denise is a valued and committed member of JSA community and the public education system. Currently Denise's key role is Capital Works Manager where she is overseeing the 10-million-dollar Yuluk Building Project as well as supporting other operational tasks. We are very super proud to have Denise's expertise at JSA.
Congratulations to Learning Specialist, Amanda Hollway for successfully completing the Masters of Learning Intervention course at Melbourne University.
Amanda's participation in the program has increased her confidence and capability to respond to the needs of students with disability and additional learning needs. In acknowledging this significant achievement and know Amanda will have a positive impact on our students, schools and communities that she supports. Well done, Amanda.
Principal Association of Specialist Schools Conference 25 & 26 May
The Principal Class Team had the opportunity to step out of the school and participate in a two-day conference in Melbourne where over 200 delegates attended. I would like to acknowledge our middle leaders for stepping in for us during this time. Dan, Steph, Eva, and I are grateful for your support.
The focus for the conference was Trailblazers - now and in the future.
Over the 2 days we heard from a range of speakers including:
- Dr David Howes [Deputy Secretary]- Equity and Excellence for all.
- Chris Daicos [Social Worker and Teacher] Using Appreciative Inquiry to begin/ review wellbeing practices in your school.
- Matt Rogers [Retired Rugby League / Union player] Parent of a child diagnosed with autism.
- Philip Hayes Brown [CEO Wallara & Disability Inclusion Advocate] Inclusive Education and Choice. A thought provoking view through an intellectual disability lens.
- Student Presentation - a range of firsthand experiences from students who are currently attending specialist schools and students that have graduated. These interviews demonstrated that Specialist Schools in Victoria are in fact leading the way and being truly inclusive.
- Frank Handy [Independent Office for Schools Dispute Resolution]. An introduction to the Office and how it can help break conflict patterns for principals and parents.
ABC Visit
Given the current staffing climate in Victoria, the ABC is doing a report focused on how our school is managing the teacher shortages.
The reporter was curious about the number of job advertisements and wanted to develop a community interest report showcasing a metropolitan and rural school.
Whilst it’s an opportunity to highlight the DE International Teacher Recruitment Program and the success we have had at our school, it was an opportunity to focus on other diverse ways we have been recruiting. Thank you to Keeley McGregor (Room 5) for being the “poster teacher” for yesterday’s interview as one of our international recruited teachers.
I’ll certainly let you know when the news report will be aired and hopefully raise awareness of the great opportunities here at JSA.
Reminders
Pupil Free Day - Friday 9th June
No students are required at school on this day.
Public Holiday - Monday 12th June
No students are required at school on this day.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
| MEMBER | POSITION |
| Corinne Pupillo | Executive Officer (Principal) /corinne.pupillo@education.vic.gov.au |
| Michelle Owen | Parent Representative |
| Andrew McDonough | Parent Representative |
| Paul Malavisi | Parent Representative |
| Angel Sauzier | Parent Representative |
| Mark Mansfield | Parent Representative |
| Chris Ernst | Parent Representative |
| Vacancy | Parent Representative |
| Lisa Sette | Community Representative & President / lisa.sette@education.vic.gov.au |
| Dr Denise Clarke | DET Representative |
| Stephanie Di Salvo | DET Representative |
| Daniel Moloney | DET Representative |
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
Student absence line: 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.
Sun Smart
Dear parents/carers JSA is a SunSmart community. You can help our students to be SunSmart at school by:
- Dressing them in clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Apply a generous amount of SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen at the start of the day before drop-off.
- Packing their sun-protective hat each day.