Saltwater College Newsletter

Year Nine

Spanish

We recently celebrated Cultural Diversity Week with our students by exploring the concept of multiculturalism. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop an understanding of the importance of cultural diversity in fostering inclusive communities. 

 

Part of Cultural Diversity Week is Harmony Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In a community like Saltwater, with such a wide range of family backgrounds, it is especially important for our students to have the opportunity to express their own cultures and practise valuing the differences in others.

 

As part of our celebration, we had insightful discussions on the experiences of migration, including those of asylum seekers and refugees. We also explored indigenous experiences, languages, and cultures. Furthermore, we examined statistics related to racism and discussed experiences of racism in schools. To further enrich our understanding, we participated in an indigenous practice known as a "yarning circle." This allowed us to share stories, traditions, and values that are integral to our cultures, shaping our identities and perspectives.

Mathematics

Over the past few weeks, Year Nine students have engaged in a variety of different learning strategies to support them with NAPLAN.  Now that NAPLAN has been completed, students have the ability to draw on the various strategies taught, to help them in their everyday work.

 

In the last two weeks we have been focussing on Measurement, paying particular attention to circles.  Students have gained an understanding of measuring the circumference of a circle using a formula. They also have a solid understanding of what Pi  is. They are able to use this knowledge to find the perimeter of a sector and the perimeter of complex shapes with curved lines and semi-circles.

 

We will further investigate calculating the area of a circle and then move onto the areas of sectors and composite shapes. In the new term we will further investigate volume and surface area of pyramids and prisms.

Physical Activity - Walking Group

This Term, Our Year Nine ‘Walking Group’ students have laced up their shoes, hit the pavement, and embarked on an exciting journey of discovery and fitness together! 

Each week, our walking group sets out to explore different routes and landmarks within our neighbourhood. From picturesque parks to historical sites, there's always something new to discover just a stone's throw away from our school. Not only does this provide students with the chance to connect with nature and appreciate their surroundings, but it also fosters a sense of community and pride in our local area. 

 

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and our walking group makes it easy for students to incorporate exercise into their weekly routine. Walking is a low-impact activity that is suitable for all fitness levels, making it an inclusive and accessible form of exercise for our students. By participating in the walking group, students can improve their cardiovascular health, boost their mood, and reduce stress levels – all while having fun with their peers.

Humanities

As we come to the end of another engaging term, I am delighted to share some highlights from our Humanities class in 9A.

 

Throughout this term, our students delved deep into the complexities of Civics and Citizenship. They explored how governments protect their citizens and gained insights into the functioning of the court system. One of the highlights was our exhilarating class court case, where each student took on a role in a mock trial. Through collaborative research and dedication, our students successfully defended their accused, showcasing their understanding of justice and the legal system.

 

Looking ahead to Term Two, our focus shifts to the fascinating realm of Geography and global interactions. To kickstart this unit, students embarked on an inquiry journey into randomly allocated countries, gathering key information to understand the diverse landscapes and cultures across the globe. This culminated in an interactive Global Monopoly game, where students navigated the interconnectedness of people and places on a global scale. The insights gained and wonderings sparked during this game will guide our exploration throughout the upcoming term.

 

As we approach the well-deserved break, I encourage our students to recharge and return with renewed enthusiasm for the enriching learning experiences that await them. I am confident that Term Two will be filled with even more excitement and opportunities for growth.

Wishing you all a relaxing break and looking forward to a fantastic term ahead.

 

Music

Exciting Beginnings: Music Thrives at Our School!

 

We are thrilled to share with you the fantastic start our music program has had this year! It's been an inspiring journey watching our students dive into the world of music, utilising new instruments and honing their skills with enthusiasm and dedication.

 

One of the most exciting developments is the addition of new instrumental staff starting next term. We are expanding our offerings to include a diverse range of instruments to cater to the varied interests and talents of our students. Starting next term, students will have the opportunity to learn drums, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, voice, and piano from our talented instructors.

 

The introduction of these new instruments reflects our commitment to providing a comprehensive and enriching music education experience for our students. Whether they aspire to rock out on the guitar, set the rhythm on the drums, or serenade audiences with their vocals, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

 

If you would like your child to embark on a musical journey during school time, we encourage you to take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Simply reach out to the music department or the school office to obtain an instrumental form. Please complete and return the form at your earliest convenience to secure your child's spot in the program.

Learning to play a musical instrument offers numerous benefits, including improved cognitive skills, enhanced creativity, and a greater appreciation for the arts. It's also a fantastic way for students to develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills while having fun and expressing themselves creatively.

 

We believe that every student has the potential to discover and nurture their musical talents, and we are dedicated to providing the resources and support needed to help them succeed. Together, let's continue to foster a love for music and inspire our students to reach new heights of musical excellence.

 

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing our music program flourish as we embark on this exciting journey together!

 

School Sport: District Swimming Gala 

A huge congratulations to our wonderful Secondary Swim Team who competed at the District Swim Gala this week. We had a wonderful day in the sun with some exceptional results. Please congratulate the following swimmers on their brilliant results; 

  • Vanessa 3rd place in 200m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 100m Backstroke
  • Marcus 2nd 50m breaststroke
  • Angie 1st 50m Backstroke,  3rd 50m breaststroke 3rd 50m Freestyle
  • Gayashi 2nd 50m Breaststroke
  • Lincoln 1st 50m Butterfly 1st 50m Freestyle 1st 50m Backstroke 2nd 200m individual medley
  • Dominic 1st 200m Individual Medley, 2nd 50m Butterfly 2nd , 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke 1st 50m Breaststroke
  • Vedant 1st 100m Freestyle

Congratulations also to the 14yr Girls  who came 2nd in the 4 x 50m Medley Relay, to the 16yr  boys who came 2nd in the 4 x 50m Medley Relay, the Girls 14 age group 2nd in the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay and the Boys 15Yr 2nd in the  4x50M Freestyle Relay. A massive thank you to Miss Evans, Miss Norton and Miss Brown for all their hard work at swim practice preparing the swimmers for their events.

 

A huge well done to Angie, Lincoln, Dominic, Vedant who finished first in their races and have qualified to compete at the next round of competition in Geelong this week. We wish them the best of luck.

 

Finally, we are delighted to announce that the 14Yr Boys and Girls finished 2nd overall, a fantastic achievement.

 

Visual Communication

 

As students move forward, we're excited to see our students continue to push the boundaries of their creativity and technical skills. Whether it's experimenting with new filters, mastering advanced editing techniques, or embarking on personal photography projects, there's always something new to discover in the world of image making. 

This month, students have embarked on creative experimentation with CPL (Circular Polarizer) and ND (Neutral Density) filters by exploring the versatility these filters offer in enhancing their images and expanding their creative control.

 

Through testing and experimentation students were able to establish the following: 

 

Controlled Creativity: By incorporating CPL filters into their outdoor shoots, students have gained greater control over reflections and highlights. This has resulted in richer, more vibrant images with enhanced clarity and depth.

 

Exploring Long Exposures: ND filters have opened up new avenues for students to explore long exposure photography. From capturing dreamy, ethereal landscapes to experimenting with motion blur effects, students have been amazed by the creative possibilities that ND filters offer.

 

Comparative Studies: Several students have undertaken comparative studies, capturing the same scene with and without filters to observe the differences in their results. These comparative exercises have deepened their understanding of how CPL and ND filters can impact composition, exposure, and overall image quality.

 

A major consideration students took into account is that ND filters have no effect when cameras rely on AI (Automatic Mode), thus emphasising the importance of intellectual property to survive in the ever-changing world .