Leadership Report

Dear Saltwater Families, 

Welcome to week 8. This edition of our newsletter includes information on recent and upcoming events, advice for safe travel to and from school, and Semester One Reports.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can each contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year, National Reconciliation Week was held from 27 May to 3 June. The theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to us all that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.

The focus on reconciliation aligns with our IB principles of International Mindedness and Global awareness, as well as the AITSL teacher standards which specifies that schools should create understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

On Monday, 27 May, all classes at Saltwater participated in a commemorative assembly and a walk around the perimeter of our school to honour the significant show of support for reconciliation in 2000, when 250,000 Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Well done to the year 5 cohort of students who organised the assembly and the reconciliation walk, in regard to their ‘Unit of Inquiry’ learning.

Safety Around our School 

Thank you for welcoming our new crossing supervisors. Crossing supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children and pedestrians as they cross streets near our school, which are busy intersections. We are grateful to our parents and students who frequently use the school crossing. Although it is sometimes inconvenient to walk back to the school crossings, it sets a great example for young children and ensures that when they are by themselves, they will use the crossing and stay safe. By law, adults must cross at a pedestrian crossing if they are within 20 metres of one. 

Vic Roads recommends safe places to cross: 

• Whenever possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing, traffic signal or pedestrian refuge. 
• Make sure you have a clear view of approaching traffic, and where drivers can see you. 
• Be vigilant and take extra care during drop off and pick up times.

Road Safety around Saltwater P-9 College – Kirra Place

Recently, we have observed a spike in concerns from families, staff, and the wider community regarding road safety on Saltwater Promenade and Kirra Place. It is crucial that students, teachers, and guardians continue to enter and exit school grounds safely. 

Children's Safety Around the Road

Saltwater P-9 College is surrounded by busy roads with high traffic volumes in the mornings and evenings. We strongly emphasis that all students must use the designated school crossings. 

Always holding your child’s hand when around cars is a great first step. Engage in conversations with your child about road safety, including how to be safe around parked cars, on footpaths, and driveways.

Dropping Students Off

We have noticed a trend of students entering or exiting vehicles while crossing the road at designated school crossings. Students are often seen weaving in and out of traffic to cross the road. Please be patient and use the designated drop-off zones at the school.

New Side Gate

Recently, the school has opened a gate on Saltwater Promenade. We have observed vehicles stopping suddenly in bike lanes, causing traffic hazards for both cyclists and motorists. We must reiterate that this is not a stopping zone. This gate is primarily for students and parents to walk through, and there is no safe stopping zone around the gate on Saltwater Promenade. If students and parents wish to use this gate, please stop in a designated safe drop-off zone and walk around to the gate. 

Traffic Violations - Increased Presence by Traffic Law Enforcement Agencies 

Our local traffic violation office have informed us that they will engage In a proactive effort to ensure the safety and smooth operation of our school zone, by increasing their presence around our college perimeter. This increased presence aims to deter and address traffic violations that compromise the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Among these traffic concerns, double parking has emerged as a significant issue. We urge our community to take care and follow all traffic laws, to avoid unnecessary fines for violations.

Attitudes to School Survey 

Our students in Years 4-9, will have an opportunity to complete a survey providing feedback to the school this term. This is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education to assist us to gain an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. Our school will schedule survey sessions for all students in years 4-9, to complete the survey in class time during the survey collection period.

We value student voice as a means to improving student engagement, wellbeing and quality instruction and the survey results will be reported back to the school in aggregate form after the survey period. All survey data that is made available in reports are for groups of students only so that no individual student can be identified. We look forward to receiving our student views to assist us to plan programs and activities to improve your child’s schooling experience.

Police in School Visit

Recently, our college was privileged to engage in a Police in Schools learning session for our Junior classes. Police visits to schools are an invaluable initiative aimed at fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, particularly with young students. These visits offer a multifaceted approach to education, safety, and community engagement, highlighting the critical role that police officers play in maintaining public safety and order.

One of the primary goals of the police visit to schools is to educate students about the various aspects of law enforcement. Officers provide insight into their daily duties, ranging from traffic control and investigation of crimes to community service and emergency response. This educational outreach helps demystify the police profession, making officers more approachable and their work more understandable to young minds.

The police visit helped to build trust and positive relationships between our students and law enforcement. By interacting with students in a friendly and supportive environment, police officers were able to break down barriers and combat negative stereotypes. We are hoping the perception of officers as allies and role models, rather than figures of authority, is one that has come from this visit.

End of Semester One Reports

Student End of Semester One Reports will be published to families on Xuno by 5pm Wednesday 26 June. School reports provide a formal method for teachers to communicate with parents and guardians about their child's progress, achievements, and areas needing improvement. They offer an overview of the student's academic performance and social development. Please take the time to read your child/ren’s reports and engage in their education, observing how they are performing, and what you can do at home to support your child/ren’s learning journey.

Things to Note

A reminder about the King's Birthday Public Holiday. There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday 10th June. 

The Last Day of Term Two is Friday 28 June, for a two week break. Term Two concludes at 2.40pm for all students from Prep to Year 9.