Principal's Desk 

Corinne Pupillo 

Dear parents, carers and friends of the school community,

As we approach the school holidays, I'm grateful that the number of COVID-19 cases is decreasing across Victoria, and there will be a return to on-site learning in Term 4. 

We have been very impressed with the work produced by our students who have been engaged in remote learning both at home and at school. Once again, we understand that for many of our students it is challenging to engage in remote learning and we reiterate that it is important to maintain well-being as well as academic growth. Through this current period of remote and flexible learning, the highlight has been the positive interactions between staff and families.  We know that building strong effective partnerships provides the preconditions to empower students in their learning.    

TERM 4 ARRANGEMENTS 

5 – 9 October (first week of Term 4)

On-site provision in specialist schools will only be available to children whose parents are permitted workers, and vulnerable children.  Richard and I will be checking our emails during the school holidays, so please send your Work Permit or supporting documents through to us as soon as possible.

Permitted Workers 

Parents and carers who are “permitted workers”(defined in the new advice from Premier, Daniel Andrews) must provide a letter from their employer that explains that you fit the category of “permitted worker” and email this to corinne.pupillo@education.vic.gov.au 

Vulnerable children and families under severe stress 

Children identified by the school as vulnerable (including via referral from a family violence agency, homelessness or youth justice service or mental health or other health service). Please email this request and any supporting documents to richard.crawshaw@education.vic.gov. au  

Learning support and supervision will be provided onsite for this cohort of students.  

12 – 16 October (second week of Term 4) 

All students in specialist schools return to full-time on-site schooling. All students are expected to attend on-site once their year level has returned to on-site learning. Exceptions may exist for medically vulnerable students.

School drop off and pick up times 

Please note that school drop off and pick up times 

• 8.50am – 9.10am
• 2.50pm – 3.10pm

School Virtual Tour 

2020 has certainly been a year like no other.  Typically we would be inviting prospective families into our school and providing them with a first hand snapshot of our facilities and programs.  During the pandemic, visitors have been restricted to essential services only.  

Transition coordinator, Julie Coonan and I have been conducting Q & A sessions via video conferencing as we introduce new families to our school.  To complement the process, Community Engagement Officer, Karen Glare and I have developed a short virtual tour video which captures our facilities and programs.  Please feel free to share this video. 

New arrival 

Congratulations to Shraddha and her partner on the safe arrival of Malav. Born 2.5kg’s.  

Staffing 

I'm pleased to advise the community that Leah Mallett who has been working with us in a casual role has been appointed to the Room 20 classroom teacher position until the end of the year. Teacher Aide, Chloe Honey has commenced Maternity Leave and will be replaced by Sirisha Abothu. We wish Chloe all the best as she prepares for her first child.  

Please make Leah and Sirisha welcome to JSA. 

Classroom Placements for 2021 - Reminder 

The classroom placement process is very complex with many factors impacting on the decision making process.  Placing students and considering the make up of each classroom is an intricate process that takes some time to work through. I recognise as a parent or carer, you are the most valuable teacher for them and your contributions will be helpful in making an optimum decision for your child's placement in 2021. Should you feel the need, I invite you to communicate any information about your child that will assist us with the decision. Each family would have received an email which included a form for you to complete.   You are under no obligation to complete the input form, however we welcome  your contribution and voice in the process.   Parents and carers were sent the "Parent and Carer Input Form" via email on Monday 31st August.  Should you choose to complete the form, please return the form via email to jacana.school@education.vic.gov.au by Friday 18th September 2020.

Work Safe Visit 

On Tuesday 15th September, Worksafe Inspector, Ron Carli visited the school for the purpose of a routine COVID-19 Inspection and to verify the systems of work in place to manage the risk of  COVID-19 so far as reasonably practical.  The OHS Hierarchy of Risk Controls that summarises the schools systems of work for managing the risk of COVID-19 is below for your information. 

Overall the report was very positive and verified that the school's systems work . The Worksafe Inspection has been reassuring for us as we start the transition back to onsite learning in Term 4, Week 2.   If you have any questions or concerns relating to our Hierarchy of Risk Controls, please contact our OHS Manager Leila Tehrani Homa,  leila.TehraniHoma@education.vic.gov.au

Wishing all our families and members of the community a very safe and restful term break. Taking the time to appreciate things in your local community is something all of us will be doing until the restrictions ease in Metropolitan Melbourne. 

Keep safe and stay well. 

School Council Meeting 

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 29th October. 

School Council Sub Committee Representatives

Finance Sub Committee Representative - Sharon Borg 

Building and Grounds Sub Committee Representative – Alisha Minns 

Fundraising Sub Committee Representative – Lisa Sette

School Council Representative on Student Representative Council (SRC) – Alisha Minns

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 Page administered by the leadership team.  Please like and follow our page.

https://www.facebook.com/JacanaSchoolforAutism