Leadership Report

Dear Saltwater families, 

Welcome back to term 3! We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits! As we embark on this new chapter of the academic year, we want to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those who are joining us for the first time. 

Term 3 promises to be an exciting and enriching period for our students. Our dedicated team of educators have been hard at work preparing engaging and innovative lessons, ensuring that each child's individual needs are met. We have also planned a variety of extracurricular activities and events to foster a well-rounded educational experience! 

We encourage all parents and carers to stay involved in their child's learning journey by regularly communicating with the classroom teacher and staying informed about school updates and initiatives. Our doors are always open to address any questions or concerns you may have, as we strongly believe that a collaborative partnership between school and home leads to the best outcomes for our students. 

Year 5 and 7 Camp 

This week our year 5 and 7 students went on camp to Camp Kangaroobie and Camp Campaspe, respectively. The year 5 students were lucky enough to participate in a range of activities including bush cooking, beach walks, canoeing, farming, fishing, obstacle courses and bush dancing. The year 7s did similar things from canoeing to flying fox, archery and so much more. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated teachers and parent volunteers who accompanied our students on these recent camps. Your tireless efforts and commitment made the experience truly unforgettable for our young learners. The camp provided an excellent opportunity for our students to explore the great outdoors, learn new skills, and create lasting memories. With your guidance and support, the students embraced every moment, discovering the joy of teamwork, overcoming challenges, and developing a deeper appreciation for nature. 

Upcoming Changes to NAPLAN Reporting

For our families who have children in Year 3, 5 and 7, please note that NAPLAN results were provided in week two of this term. We want everyone to be aware of some changes to this year’s NAPLAN reporting. These are changes being introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels. These are:

· exceeding

· strong

· developing

· needs additional support

This change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels. Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be in order to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.

When you receive your child’s NAPLAN results, you will also receive information about what the new proficiency levels mean. As always, you’re welcome to speak the Year Level Assistant Principal, or your child’s class teacher/home room teacher, with any questions about these changes.

School Bus Etiquette

Many of our students use the local bus system as a means for getting to school. We have received complaints from community users regarding the behaviour of some of our students whilst waiting to catch the bus and whilst travelling in the bus. These helpful tips should be reinforced by parents and carers to promote a safe and orderly trip so that all users feel comfortable and safe while riding the local buses.

Safety whilst waiting for the bus

• At bus stops, wait in a safe place away from the road and the curb.
• Never sit on the roadway or curb while waiting for your bus.
• Line up at least five steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus.
• Pay attention for the bus as it approaches the bus stop.
• Younger children should be supervised at the bus stop.
• Be respectful of others around you whilst waiting and use appropriate language - represent the college values of Excellence and Respect. 

Being Safe While Riding the School Bus

• Be courteous to the bus driver and other students.
• Listen to the bus driver and follow all directions given.
• Find a seat and stay seated, facing forward, for the entire trip. 
• Keep legs and feet in front of you.
• Talk quietly and respect others around you.
• Buckle up if seat belts are available.
• When exiting the bus, DO NOT pick up anything that is dropped near or under the school bus. Tell the driver if you drop anything and wait for instructions.
• NEVER walk behind the school bus.

Riding To School Policy

As we begin term three, a timely reminder that our school has created a Ride to School policy outlining safe and expected behaviours when riding to and from school. It is important that everyone in our school community commutes to and from school carefully. We kindly ask that those who commute on bicycles or scooters walk them around the perimeter of the school and be alert for pedestrians.

We would like to reinforce the following expectations:

• All students on a bike, scooters, etc must wear a helmet. It is a law.
• Students must walk their bikes on any footpaths around the perimeter of the school.
• All students must cross the road at designated crossing areas (not at the corner). 

We urge all of our students to use caution when riding to and from school and to adhere to the policy which was emailed via XUNO. 

Reminder - Curriculum Days 

A reminder in advance about our remaining Curriculum Days - Student Free Days where students DO NOT attend school, so that you are able to plan ahead of time.

• Friday 25th August  
  Berry St Side-by-Side training for staff 
• Monday 6th November 
  Report Writing
• Wednesday 20th December 
  Teacher Planning Day

Big Childcare will be operating, should you require care for your children. Please contact them for care at saltwater@bigchildcare.com.

Best wishes for a wonderful Term Three, full of learning and engagement.