Year 7-9 Update

Term 3 has been a term full of learning, growth, and activity. We are extremely proud of the way our students have continued to challenge themselves academically while also engaging in a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

This term has featured a variety of extracurricular activities, including photography excursions, basketball, table tennis and volleyball tornaments, lunchtime concerts, and key celebrations such as Book Week and Science Week. A highlight was the Book Week Parade, where students showcased their creativity and enthusiasm through thoughtful and imaginative costumes inspired by their favourite characters.

We commend all students for their commitment, effort, and participation throughout Term 3 and look forward to continuing this momentum into Term 4.

Year 7 & 8 STEM CO2 Dragster & Woodwork Program

In addition to a Woodwork elective program, Year 7 and 8 students may also choose wood technology as an enrichment program. This year students are engaged in an exciting STEM project: designing and building CO2-powered dragsters as part of their enrichment program. The project combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics and craftsmanship, allowing students to explore the physics of motion while developing practical wood technology skills.

Hands-On Learning

Students began by learning about aerodynamics, friction, and Newton's laws of motion, which formed the foundation for designing their dragsters. They then moved to the workshop, where they used tools to bring their designs to life, paying close attention to precision and craftsmanship.

Collaboration and Problem-Solving

Working in teams, students face challenges such as optimising speed and stability. Through testing and adjusting their designs, they hone their problem-solving skills and learn to collaborate effectively.

The Race

The program will culminate in a thrilling race at the end of Term 4, where all year 7 and 8 students will have the opportunity to ultimately test their designs.

Looking Ahead

This hands-on experience gives students valuable skills in both STEM and wood technology, and we look forward to seeing more innovative projects in the future!

Year 9 Wood Technology Enrichment: Crafting the Novelty Spider Box

Year 9 students recently took part in a fun and creative enrichment program that saw them design and build their very own novelty spider boxes in the wood technology workshop. This hands-on project combined craftsmanship with a touch of Halloween-inspired creativity, allowing students to develop valuable woodworking skills while letting their imaginations run wild.

Crafting with Precision

Under the guidance of their teachers, students carefully measured, marked, cut, and assembled their spider boxes, learning to work with different materials and tools. They focused on precision and attention to detail, ensuring that each piece fit perfectly. The spider-themed boxes featured clever design elements like hidden compartments and intricate mechanisms, showcasing the students' growing woodworking abilities.

Creativity and Skill Development

While the novelty spider box was a fun project, it also challenged students to think critically and solve problems as they worked through the design process. Whether it was choosing the right materials or figuring out how to incorporate spooky spider features, the project helped develop skills that are essential for future wood technology projects.

Looking Ahead

This enrichment program not only allowed students to express their creativity but also gave them hands-on experience with woodworking techniques they can build on in the future.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Health and Physical Education

Year 7 Health – Mental Wellbeing

This term, Year 7 students have been learning about the importance of mental wellbeing and how to take care of their emotional health. Through class discussions, activities, and reflection, they’ve explored topics such as managing stress, understanding emotions, building resilience, the effects of bullying and social media. Students have also learned how to support others and where to seek help if needed. These important lessons are helping to build a strong foundation for positive mental health as they navigate the challenges of growing up. As part of their learning, they have been creating mental health media tools designed to support and inform other young people. These tools are being developed to raise awareness, share helpful strategies for managing emotions, and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Year 7 PE - Basketball

This term, our Year 7 students have developed fundamental basketball skills through a series of engaging activities. They’ve focused on key techniques such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning, while also learning the importance of teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. Through small-sided games and drills, students have built confidence on the court and gained a deeper understanding of the rules and strategies of basketball.

Year 8 Health - Body Systems

This term, Year 8 students have been learning about the structure and function of the human body. They’ve explored systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, muscular, and nervous systems, learning how each plays a vital role in keeping the body healthy. Through engaging lessons, and class discussions, students discovered how these systems work together and how factors like diet, exercise, and lifestyle can affect their performance. This unit has helped students build a strong understanding about how their own bodies function every day. Students developed their understanding of the health-related components of fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Through practical lessons and classroom activities, students discovered how body systems and fitness are closely connected, and how healthy choices can positively impact their wellbeing and physical performance.

Year 8 PE - Basketball

This term, Year 8 students have continued to build on their basketball skills with a focus on both individual technique and team strategy. They refined key skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive play, while also developing a deeper understanding of game tactics and court awareness. Through structured drills, small-sided games, and full-court matches, students improved their coordination, communication, and ability to work effectively as a team. The unit also emphasised the importance of resilience, fair play, and supporting one another both on and off the court.

Year 9 Health - Nutrition

In Health this term, our Year 9 students have been exploring the “Eat Well, Live Well” unit, where they have developed their understanding of nutrition and how food choices impact overall wellbeing. Students have been encouraged to think critically about their own eating habits and make informed decisions that promote a balanced lifestyle. Through inquiry, they have reflected on the role nutrition plays in both physical and mental health, demonstrating the IB learner profile traits of being knowledgeable and reflective.

Year 9 PE - Table Tennis and Basketball

In PE, students have been engaging in Table Tennis and Basketball, developing not only their physical fitness but also their teamwork, communication, and self-management skills. These sports have given students the opportunity to build fundamental movement skills while also working collaboratively and showing principled sportsmanship.

As we move forward, students will continue to build their understanding of how making healthy choices and engaging in regular physical activity contributes to living a balanced lifestyle.

Cross Country State Championships

Hasel Hew - 8B

Hasel competed in the Cross Country Championships held at Yarraglen on the 25th July, delivering an impressive performance. Hasel showed incredible endurance and determination throughout the challenging course. Her dedication to training was evident, and we are very proud of her efforts and sportsmanship!

Iron Armour Rugby Academy

This term, our Rugby Academy has continued to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Marcelle and Jason from Iron Armour. With their professional insight and enthusiasm, students have been challenged and inspired through a variety of high-energy sessions.

Training has focused on refining core skills such as tackling, passing accuracy, spatial awareness, and game strategy, all while encouraging teamwork, resilience, and a strong sporting mindset.

It’s been fantastic to see students grow in both confidence and capability on the field, and we’re excited to see how they continue to develop as players and teammates in the weeks ahead. Amazing effort team!

Elijah Peterson - 9D

Iron Armour Rugby Academy

We are thrilled to let the Saltwater community know that our school captain, Elijah Petersen, has been selected to play for Rugby Victoria's U15 regional tournament this weekend. He will be playing for the Beek team which is for the Western region. As one of talented rugby academy students, we are incredibly proud of Elijah for being selected for this opportunity and wish him, along with the team, the best of luck for the game.

BEEK TEAM WINNERS!

We are so excited to announce that Elijah's team - The Beek Team won the State Championships on Saturday 6th September. Congratulation to Elijah and the entire team!

Term 3 Interschool Sports

Our Year 7, 8, and 9 students brought energy, teamwork, and great sportsmanship to this term’s inter-school sports competition. Whether on the court or the field, they represented our school with pride in Table Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball. We’re all incredibly proud of their efforts!

A big thank you to the teachers who cheered them on and helped behind the scenes:

Mr Chris Mernik
Mrs Kristina Kindtner
Mr Todd Robinson
Mr Adam Anderson
Mr Paul Bliss

Year 7 Table Tennis Tournament – Bayside College Altona North.

Our Year 7 boys and girls represented Saltwater College at the Bayside College table tennis tournament in Altona North on the 3rd September.

The girls displayed fantastic skill, determination, and enthusiasm throughout the tournament. Their teamwork, sportsmanship, and rallies all showcased their true spirit. Each player gave it their best effort and made us proud.

Year 7 Boys – “Grand Final - Runners Up”

A huge congratulations to our Year 7 boys’ team, who represented Saltwater College with pride and perseverance. They demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day, advancing through the competition with impressive victories. After a series of impressive wins, they reached the Grand Final and finished as Runners-Up.

A big well done to the following students for their outstanding effort and achievement. Your representation of the school was exceptional.

Year 7 Girls

Ellie

Marella

Ekamjot

Adn

Year 7 Boys

Ari

Noah

Lucas

Buvan

Yousuf

Krish

Year 7 Hobsons Bay Division Basketball Competition

Our Year 7 students proudly represented Saltwater College in the Hobsons Bay Division Basketball competition on September 3rd. It was a fantastic day filled with teamwork, determination, and school spirit.

The Boys "A" Team and the Girls Team both finished second in their pools, showcasing strong skills and resilience across all games. The Boys "B" Team also put in a great effort, finishing third in their pool after some competitive matchups.

Congratulations to the following students who participated. You displayed great sportsmanship and commitment throughout the day!

Year 7 Boys

Zane

Theo

Jayden

Marlo

Kayden

Oliver Thomson

Ilyas

Joshua

Zeke

Charlie

Aryan

Cooper

Akaash

Tirtho

Cooper

Kiingi

Zayden

Tommy

Year 7 Girls

Leyla

Alina

Krishi

Pari

Tanya

Manaia

Coco

Zainah

Year 8 Hobsons Bay Division Table Tennis Tournament.

Our Year 8 students from Saltwater College took part in their very first table tennis tournament, held at Bayside College in Altona North on the 27th August. The team showed great sportsmanship, determination, and skill throughout the day. It was a fantastic learning experience for our students. Well done to the following students.

Year 8 Girls

Xinyan Guo

Cayla Clemente

Hafsa Naseem

Sydelle Dominguez

Violet Haines

Lavishka Kumar

Year 8 Boys

Mehad Rehman

Matheijs McDougall

Hunter Kusters

Sebastian Flood

Keanu Kha

Lincoln Norgate

Year 8 Hobsons Bay Division Basketball Compeition

Our Year 8 boys basketball teams represented the school in the Hobsons Bay Division Basketball Competition on the 27th August.

Our “B Team” showed fantastic determination throughout the day, playing with heart and strong teamwork, and keeping the scores close in most of their games. Their efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved win against Laverton, highlighting their resilience and commitment.

Our “A Team” had an outstanding run, winning four of their pool games and drawing the fifth against Alamanda College. This strong performance saw them advance to the final against Williamstown High. Despite trailing for most of the match, the boys fought back in the closing moments. With just one minute left on the clock, they edged ahead by a single point and held on to secure victory. Their incredible effort earned them the premier’s pennant.

With this win, the A Team has qualified to compete in the Western Metro Region Finals on the 30th of October, where they will proudly represent our school once again.

Congratulations to the following students for their hard work, sportsmanship, and achievements on the court!

Basketball "A" Team

Junior

Fainlov

Jalen

Leek

Naz

Vandross

Harlem

Malual

"B" Team

Arsam

Dakear

Demetrius

Ikuna

Kryson

Koen

James

Noah

Year 9 Hobsons Bay Division Basketball Competition

Our Year 9 boys proudly represented Saltwater College in the recent Hobsons Bay Division Basketball Competition. The team displayed excellent teamwork, resilience, and determination across the day as they went up against strong competition from schools across the division.

Highlights of the day was their two impressive victories against Williamstown and Homestead. Both games showcased the boys’ ability to work together, apply defensive pressure, and convert their chances in attack. The energy on the court and support from the bench demonstrated the positive spirit within the team, which assisted us finishing 3rd in our Pool.

Although not every result went our way, the boys should be commended for their effort, sportsmanship, and the way they represented the school.

Congratulations to all players involved for their hard work and commitment throughout the competition.

Hobsons Bay Division Athletics Carnival

Goodluck to the following students who will be competing in the Hobsons Bay Division Athletics Day on Wednesday the 10th September. We wish them the best of luck in their events.

Year 7 students

Nadia - 7F

Anshuman - 7C

Roselyn - 7D

Cyrus - 7C

Kenisha - 7C

Sanvi - 7D

Sasha - 7C

Pratyaksh - 7C

Parivithia - 7D

Tanya - 7D

Jake - 7C

Akaash - 7E

Buvan - 7D

Coco - 7D

Shannon - 7C

Year 8 students

Rishaan - 8D

Swaraj - 8B

Matheijs - 8C

Kyu - 8C

Hasel - 8B

Jayne - 8B

Xinyan - 8B

Sebastian - 8D

Ange - 8D

James - 8F

Year 9 students

Akira - 9D

Lilly - 9E

Mila - 9E

Jenadee - 9C

Gayashi - 9C

Peniel - 9D

Josh - 9E

Ryan - 9D

Jye - 9C

Year 7, 8 and 9 One Day Series - Werribee

Manaia - 7E

Zainah (C) - 7D

Zara - 7E

Nadia - 7F

Aziah - 7C

Sarisha (VC) - 7E

Rakaia - 7F

Lamar - 7A

Honey-Lee - 7C

Sydelle - 8D

Ange - 8D

Hasel - 8B

Xinyan - 8B

Aaleahya - 8A

Lizzie - 8E

Ava (C) - 8E

Eseta (VC) - 8E

Fleur - 8E

Justus - 8A

Chrsitina - 8G

Kyra - 8F

Tiana (C) - 9D

Nevaeh - 9E

Lily (VC) - 9E

Tiara - 9E

Akira - 9D

Mila - 9E

Hiba - 9C

Amelie - 9F

Numi (C) - 9B

Isaiah (VC) - 9D

Josh - 9E

Sonny - 9D

Peniel - 9D

Keanu - 8G

Ifoni - 8G

Lincoln - 8G

Naz - 8A

Fainlov - 8G

Year 9 English

In Term 3, our Year 9 students have been diving into an exciting Creative Writing unit. The focus text for this unit is a book called The Underdog; a collection of short stories written by young Australian authors. Each story offers a unique perspective and life experience for students to engage with, ranging from casual meet ups in Melbourne, to allegories for mental health issues, to alternate universes in which super powers are part of the daily norm. Despite this variety in content however, all stories are united with the same core theme: Identity. As such, these stories have been used as a springboard to launch students into their own creative writing practice, as well as an outlet for students to inquire inward on their own ideas around identity and self-expression.

To support the creative writing process, we welcomed a guest Author, Karen Comer, to speak with the students about how she approaches creative writing, and offer some useful tricks of the trade. With these tools in their pocket, students are now in the throws of writing their own prequel or sequel creative responses to the stories from the The Underdog, using an array of figurative language and narrative conventions to engage an audience.

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