Year 7-9 - Coaching Parade Campus
Year Seven Update
Welcome to Year Seven! We are incredibly proud of our Year Seven students and how well they have transitioned into Secondary School. They have displayed maturity, enthusiasm, and resilience while embracing new subjects and their new Secondary campus.
Homeroom: Each day begins with a homeroom session from 8:45 am to 9:00 am. It is essential that students arrive on time, as this session helps them prepare for the day, receive important reminders, and engage in a variety of activities.
Year Seven Leadership: This year, students have the opportunity to apply for a Year Seven leadership position. The application process requires students to review the criteria and complete an application form. Applications were due on Friday, February 14, 2025.
NAPLAN: In March, our students will participate in NAPLAN. We are committed to helping them feel confident and well-prepared for these important assessments.
Upcoming Events
Secondary BBQ – Thursday 20 February:We are excited to host our Saltwater Secondary BBQ this Thursday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Join us for a chat and some delicious food fresh off the grill!
Year Seven Camp - Monday 28 April: We are thrilled to offer a Year Seven camp to PGL Campaspe Downs from Monday 28 April and returning on Wednesday 30 April. Forms and details have been sent home via Xuno and as a hard copy with your child. To secure your child's place, the deposit will be required by the 7 March. For more information, please refer to the camp form or XUNO post.
Year Seven Volleyball One Day Series: Students in Year Seven can now register their expression of interest for a one-day volleyball competition by signing up on their class sign up sheet. Selected students will attend the competition next month. More information to come in the next newsletter.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
The Year Seven Team
Year Eight Update
Welcome to Year Eight!
We are thrilled to welcome all Year Eight students and their families to the new school year! It has been fantastic to see how well students have settled into the new campus, embracing the change with enthusiasm and resilience. Their positive attitudes and adaptability have truly set the tone for a wonderful year ahead.
We are especially pleased to see students arriving before homeroom begins at 8:45 am each day, ready to engage and start the day positively. This commitment to punctuality and preparation is commendable and sets a great example for their peers. Well done to all our Year Eights!
As we continue through the term, we kindly remind families that hats are essential, as there is minimal shade around the campus. Let's keep sun safety a priority to ensure everyone can enjoy break times comfortably. Also, please remember that the P.E uniform should only be worn on days when students have P.E scheduled. This helps maintain a consistent and professional appearance in line with our school’s uniform policy.
We are incredibly proud of the fantastic start our Year Eight students have made and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive throughout the year.
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this a successful and enjoyable year for all!
Warm regards,
The Year Eight Team
Year Nine Update
We extend a warm welcome to all our readers! Our Year 9 students have smoothly transitioned into their new routines, embracing the responsibilities and expectations that come with this exciting stage of their education.
At our very first Year 9 assembly, students were reminded of the importance of adhering to the dress code, being punctual for morning roll call, and setting a positive example for their peers at Saltwater. They also gained valuable insights into making thoughtful decisions and seizing leadership opportunities.
Speaking of leadership, students were encouraged to apply for Year 9 Student Leader and School Captain positions. The application process required them to review the criteria, complete an application form, and secure recommendations from two teachers. Applications were due on February 14, 2025.
In addition to leadership opportunities, students had the chance to participate in a garment design competition. The winning design will be incorporated into a special Year 9 commemorative garment, making for a unique keepsake.
Another exciting event this term is the upcoming Careers Expo, scheduled for March 21. This will provide students with valuable insights into various career paths and future opportunities. Parents, don't forget to make payment for your child to attend using the XUNO app.
Finally, preparations are well underway for the NAPLAN examinations in March. We are committed to ensuring that our students feel confident and ready for these important assessments.
Kind regards,
The Year Nine Team
Curriculum Highlights
English:
In English, Year Seven students have had an exciting start to the year, orientating themselves through engaging in literacy-based 'Get to Know You' activities. One highlight was the Zine activity, where students crafted their own mini goal-setting books. This creative task allowed them to establish learning goals for the term. They will continue to add to these reflections throughout the year, providing a meaningful snapshot of their Year Seven English journey and growth.
Additionally, students have begun preparing for NAPLAN within their English classes. They have been participating in a variety of activities focusing on reading comprehension, language conventions, and writing. These tasks are designed to build confidence and strengthen essential skills.
We look forward to seeing their continued progress and achievements!
In English, Year Eight students have dived into the exciting world of The Hunger Games. They have been exploring the novel’s gripping narrative, analysing its themes of survival, power, and courage. Through class discussions and creative activities, students are developing their critical thinking and analytical skills, examining how author Suzanne Collins builds tension and portrays complex characters. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and engagement with the story, sparking thoughtful conversations and insightful interpretations. We are excited to continue this literary journey and see how their understanding deepens as we progress through the unit!
In English, in Year Nine, students have been building on their prior knowledge of different text types and exploring how their understanding of written texts can be applied to media analysis. They are using their knowledge of books to develop strategies for interpreting audio-visual texts, such as films. As they work towards NAPLAN, they are refining their writing skills, including the use of metalanguage—the language used to discuss language. The term will conclude with an in-depth film analysis, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to critically engage with texts. They have started the year with enthusiasm and a readiness to learn.
Visual Art
In Visual Art, Year Seven students are reflecting on their prior knowledge of the Elements and Principles of Art and applying this understanding to their creative work. They began by exploring colour theory, learning how to mix a full colour wheel using only the three primary colours. From here, they are delving deeper into the Elements of Art through a study of Abstract Art.
As part of their exploration, students will be introduced to the work of Yayoi Kusama, examining how her unique style conveys emotion and meaning. They will also have the opportunity to research and create a portfolio on an abstract artist of their choice.
Students will bring their learning together in a hands-on project, creating their own abstract artworks and installing them into an ‘exploding book.’ This dynamic presentation will allow them to demonstrate their understanding of our statement of inquiry: Different styles of expression can facilitate self-discovery and enhance well-being.
Year Eight – Unpacking the Power of Art
This semester, our Year Eight students will explore the rich history of art movements and styles, uncovering how art has shaped and reflected society over time. In the first unit, they will investigate how artists use visual language to communicate powerful messages. In the second unit, they will examine how art has been used to document history, preserving moments and stories from different eras.
Through research, discussion, and creative projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of art’s impact across time. We’re excited to see their insights and artistic interpretations!
Year Nine Exploring Identity & Industry Skills
This semester, our Year Nine students will take their first steps towards VCE Visual Arts, developing key skills and practices through two dynamic units of inquiry.
In the first unit, students will explore how identity is expressed through artistic themes and stylistic choices, shaped by cultural and historical contexts across time and space. They will create a series of mini works responding to different themes and art styles, deepening their understanding of artistic intention. The second unit will introduce them to industry-based skills, focusing on how technology is transforming the contemporary art world.
Through investigation, creation, and reflection, students will build confidence in their artistic voice while preparing for future creative pathways.
Developing Design Skills
In the first week of term, students engaged in developing their design skills by creating posters that promote school learner attributes. These works will serve as visual reminders of the values and attitudes that shape our learning community. We’re looking forward to seeing their creativity on display!