Year Eight 

Food Technology

It has been a wonderful time in the Food Technology room over the past few weeks. We have been learning how to make fresh pasta served with an alla norma sauce. During this lesson, students learnt how to use a pasta machine to make either fettuccini or spaghetti and then we compared the difference between fresh pasta and store-bought pasta.

The following week, students were finally able to create their dish for the Staff Morning Tea. Students used the recipe they planned from week 6 to create a sweet or savoury treat to say thank you to the Saltwater Staff. It was wonderful to see the students share a variety of dishes and show independence in the Food Technology Room.

Science

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible learning journey of our Year 8 science students. This term, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of energy and energy transfer, exploring the many ways energy shapes our everyday lives and drives the natural and man-made processes around us.

Our students investigated different forms of energy, such as heat, light, kinetic, and potential energy, and discovered how energy can transform from one form to another. From hands-on experiments to collaborative discussions, they applied their knowledge to real-world scenarios—like designing and testing their own insulators and analyzing energy efficiency in household appliances.

A highlight for many students was exploring conduction, convection, and radiation through engaging activities and group projects. By constructing models and analysing everyday phenomena, students developed a deeper understanding of how these principles operate in the world around them. These practical investigations not only enhanced their scientific skills but also sparked curiosity about sustainability and renewable energy solutions for the future.

This term’s focus on energy capped off a fantastic year of learning. Earlier in the year, students explored chemical reactions, states of matter, and the differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures. Their dedication to designing experiments, interpreting data, and presenting findings has been impressive and a testament to their growth as young scientists.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, teamwork, and perseverance displayed by the Year 8 cohort. Their ability to link scientific concepts to everyday experiences has set a strong foundation for future success in science and beyond.

As we close the year, we encourage our students to keep questioning, exploring, and experimenting throughout the holidays. Science is everywhere—whether in the kitchen, the backyard, or even while reading a good book. Stay curious, Year 8!

We wish all our families a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for your ongoing support of our science program, and we look forward to another exciting year of discovery in 2025!

Spanish: Reflecting on a Wonderful Year

As the year draws to a close, I feel truly honoured to have taught every single Year 8 student at Saltwater in Spanish this year. Watching you learn, grow, and tackle new challenges has been an absolute privilege. I hope you’ve enjoyed Spanish classes and experienced a sense of achievement and success along the way.

To the students and their families: thank you for embracing me so warmly into the Saltwater community. Your kindness and support have made my time here especially meaningful, and I am deeply grateful.

As many of you prepare to embrace learning Mandarin next year, I encourage you to approach it with enthusiasm and an open mind. Language learning is a journey full of discovery, and I’m confident you’ll find it both exciting and rewarding.

To my wonderful Year 8 students, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. If you see me in the community, please don’t hesitate to say hola! And remember, my email stays the same—I’d love to hear from you in the future about how you’re getting on.

¡Buena suerte y hasta luego!

Señorita Hewat