Year 7-9 - Coaching Parade Campus
Year Seven Update
This term, we have been incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our Year Seven students have demonstrated in their learning. This was particularly evident throughout the NAPLAN process, where students showed determination and rigour, applying their prior knowledge across a range of subjects — from crafting narrative stories to solving mathematical problems, both with and without a calculator.
Additionally, this week, students participated in their first Enrichment session with their new groups, formed based on their individual preferences and interests. Enrichment sessions take place on Tuesday mornings from 9:00am to 10:00am, providing students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, understanding, and skills in a specific area. Some groups include STEM, debating, journalism, science and geography.
Year Eight Update
This week, our Year Eight students had the opportunity to hear from local police officers about the importance of online safety, with a focus on cyberbullying and digital reputation. Students attended sessions on either Monday or Wednesday, where they engaged in meaningful discussions about the long-term impacts of their online actions.
The officers provided real-world examples and practical advice on how to navigate social media responsibly, protect personal information, and respond to online harassment. Students were highly engaged throughout the sessions, demonstrating respect and curiosity by asking insightful questions.
This visit reinforced the importance of making thoughtful choices in the digital world, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and others online.
Year Nine Update
With NAPLAN now behind us, students can take a well-deserved breather after weeks of preparation and hard work. Many put in great effort to achieve strong results, and now is the time to ease stress and return to regular school routines. Engaging in relaxing activities and focusing on wellbeing will help students transition smoothly back into their studies.
Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about! The Careers Expo is set to take place on 21 March 2025, offering students a valuable opportunity to explore future pathways. Attendees will have access to free seminars and the chance to speak with representatives from universities, TAFE institutions, and various industries. With numerous stalls showcasing different career fields, students will gain insights into job opportunities that could shape their futures.
For our Year 9 students who are interested in taking on a few additional responsibilities, just a reminder we have two opportunities currently available for students. The first is for students to apply to be a part of the Readings Advisory Teen Board - applications close Monday 24 March.
The second of which is for Year 9 students interested in assisting with the Primary Athletics Carnival. Please see below an Expression of Interest which is due to Miss Colling by Friday 28 March.
Additionally, Year 9 student leaders will be participating in a Student Leadership Conference. This event aims to equip them with essential leadership values and skills, preparing them to take on greater responsibilities within the school and beyond.
With these exciting events on the horizon, students have much to look forward to as they continue their educational journey!
Curriculum Highlights
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Year 7 Students have been introduced to capturing images with SLR cameras, focusing on formatting and uploading. A large emphasis this term has been on adjusting from primary to senior school and the responsibilities students must have towards their learning. The basic fundamentals of design such as composition are what the Year 7 cohort is currently working on.
The following are some examples:
Year 8 & 9 students are excited by the out of school learning opportunities that will present itself during the semester. A big thank you from the students to Ms Danielle Colling would like to be expressed. Students are currently working on design and architectural projects that will be implemented on location.
An example of work by Ruby Tucker of Year 9.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
We would like to introduce you to our Health and Physical Education team for 2025.
Mr David Stephens – Year 7 and our Rugby Academy Coach
Mrs Kristina Kindtner – Year 7 and 8
Mr Adam Anderson – Year 8
Mr Chris Mernik – Year 8
Mr Todd Robinson – Year 9 and our Cricket Academy Coach
YEAR 7, 8 AND 9 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Year Seven, Eight and Nine students have been engaging in team building exercises this term. We believe it’s important to create an environment where students not only develop physical fitness but also learn valuable life skills such as leadership and cooperation. These exercises have enhanced their communication skills, teaching them to listen actively and collaborate effectively with their peers. This has created a positive and inclusive environment where the students have motivated and encouraged each other.
Fitness and Athletic Trials
They have been introduced to the components of fitness, balance, power, speed and coordination and how this improves your health, wellbeing and self-confidence.
RUNNING AND SPRINTING
The students have also started practising for their Athletics unit. We have looked at furthering our skills in running and sprinting. They have been practising different starting techniques to assist them with the 100m and 200m sprint. The students are developing their ability to take off on one foot and successfully run the distance. All students have been giving it their best and have been very engaged in all activities. This term the students have been introduced to the components of fitness, balance, power, speed and coordination and how this improves your health, wellbeing and self-confidence.
RELAY RACES
The students have been practising relay races. They have been working together as a team, and have been focusing on their baton exchange, building speed, and enhancing their coordination. The practise sessions have been fantastic, with students encouraging each other and refining their technique to ensure smooth transitions during the relay race.
LONG JUMP AND TRIPLE JUMP
This term, students have been practising the triple jump and long jump. In the triple jump, they are focusing on the three steps—hop, step, and jump—to improve their technique and distance. For the long jump, they’re working on their takeoff, jump, and landing to jump as far as possible. The students have shown great determination and improvement in both long and triple jump.
BEEP TEST
The Year 7 to 9 students took part in the beep test, a challenging fitness assessment that tests their cardiovascular endurance. The test involves running back and forth between cones in time with beeps that gradually increase in speed, pushing students to improve their stamina and speed. We were thrilled to see students give their best effort, with many setting personal records and showing impressive perseverance. The beep test not only provided valuable insight into each student’s fitness level but also encourages teamwork and self-motivation, as students cheered each other on throughout the session.
We are proud of all their hard work and look forward to further developing their fitness in the coming weeks.
YEAR 7 HEALTH
NUTRITION
We have enjoyed connecting with our Year 7 students and exploring the many benefits of health through Nutrition. Our students are already showing a great enthusiasm for building healthy habits. We have focused on the importance of good nutrition and building a diet that encompasses all the 5 food groups. They have learned about the essential nutrients our bodies need, how to make healthier food decisions, and the impact of food on overall well-being. The class also explored and researched various factors that influence our food choices, including culture, advertising, and social trends. With a focus on, balancing meals, and developing positive eating habits, the students are gaining valuable insights to help them make informed decisions about their healthy food choices.
YEAR 8 HEALTH
The Benefits of Health and Physical Activity
Our Year 8 students have been discussing the importance of staying active and why it is essential to make exercise and physical activity a part of their everyday lives. Students have been focusing on the different types of physical activity and have categorised them into four domains. These four domains are leisure time, household gardening, occupational and active transport activities. They have also been sharing how they implement these types of activities into their daily routine. The students have been developing their knowledge on how physical activity can improve their social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual health. By understanding the benefits, students have gained an insight into how to improve their physical health and personal wellbeing through various exercises. The students have discussed the importance of mindfulness and how it can positively impact our mental health. They have learned how to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily lives.
Students have also explored different exercises aimed at enhancing our health and reducing the risk of Cardiovascular Disease.
YEAR 9 HEALTH
Creating and Implementing Fitness Training Programs in Health
In Health, students are putting their learning into practice by creating and implementing their very own fitness training programs. They have the freedom to choose a fitness program that suits their interests, whether it's strength training, aerobic conditioning, flexibility routines, or even sport-specific training. The students are responsible for researching appropriate exercises, setting fitness goals, and designing a well-rounded training schedule that includes warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery strategies.
Once they have developed their fitness plans, students are putting them into action and following through with their routines. This hands-on approach encourages students to take ownership of their own health and fitness and gives them the opportunity to apply their knowledge of fitness principles in real-life situations.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through this unit, we are excited to see students track their progress and reflect on how their fitness plans are helping them meet their goals. By the end of the unit, each student will have a deeper understanding of fitness training and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
We encourage students to continue staying active and challenging themselves outside of school as well. Whether it’s through individual workouts, joining a sport, or just staying active in everyday life, these skills will benefit them long after this unit concludes.
SCHOOL SPORTS
DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA
A huge congratulations to our wonderful Secondary Swim Team who will be representing Saltwater College at the District Swim Gala on Monday the 17th of March. We are incredibly proud of our students. Congratulations to the following swimmers and we wish them the best of luck!
Year 7
Cyrus Liu
Tanya Tam
Sarisha Thapa
Sanvi Porwal
Parivitha Sreenivas
Year 8
Paul Perrot
Xinyan Guo
Marcus NG
Roxana Mocko
Mikayla McBroom
Lincoln Norgate
Year 9
Gayashi Dissanayake
RUGBY ACADEMY
The Rugby Academy has finally received their playing uniform and are looking very smart.
In the theory sessions we have been goal setting and understanding the difference between short term, mid and long term goals with the steps needed to develop. These included mentor sessions regarding how to improve behaviour and reduce incidents.
Practical sessions have been largely on the Coaching Parade Oval to reduce the issues of road safety choices and maximise the playing time.
We have had a focus on tag rugby as we build the technique to safely play full contact games. This also aligned with the NRL state competitions but the confirmation of the events has been very slow forcing us to withdraw from the TAG tournaments this term.
Uncontested scrums have been introduced with year 7, whilst year 8 have been working on providing support to the ball carrier.
Speed and agility training has been tough but the Rugby Army have worked very hard during these hot days.
CRICKET ACADEMY
Our newly developed Cricket Academy is off to an amazing start! Recently, our students had the incredible opportunity to attend an excursion to Junction Oval, where they watched a Sheffield Shield game in action. It was a fantastic experience for everyone, with students getting the chance to interact with some of the players and gain insights into the professional cricketing world.
We’re also thrilled to announce that we are looking forward to matches with other schools involved in the program. These upcoming games will provide our students with invaluable experience and the chance to put their skills to the test in real competitive settings
