Leadership Report

Dear Saltwater Families,

Welcome back to Term Three! As frost coats the grass in the early mornings and the crisp air fills our lungs, we can feel the arrival of deep winter!  We extend a hearty welcome to those returning to our school and a warm welcome to those joining us for the first time as we start this new term.

Term Three promises to be an exciting and enriching period for our students. Our dedicated team of educators have been hard at work preparing engaging and innovative lessons, ensuring that each child's individual needs are met. We have also planned a variety of extracurricular activities and events to foster a well-rounded educational experience! 

We encourage all parents and carers to stay involved in their child's learning journey by regularly communicating with the classroom teacher and staying informed about school updates and initiatives. Our doors are always open to address any questions or concerns you may have, as we strongly believe that a collaborative partnership between school and home leads to the best outcomes for our students. 

Term Three is a 10 week term and concludes on Friday 20 September, 2024.

NAPLAN Results Are Out

For our families who have children in Year 3, 5 and 7, please note that NAPLAN results were provided last week in Week One. We want everyone to be aware of the changes to NAPLAN reporting, which came into effect last year. These changes were introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels. These are:

· exceeding

· strong

· developing

· needs additional support

These change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information about student achievement against new proficiency levels rolled out last year. Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be in order to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.

When you receive your child’s NAPLAN results, you will also receive information about what the new proficiency levels mean. As always, you’re welcome to speak the Year Level Assistant Principal, or your child’s class teacher/home room teacher, with any questions about these changes.

Important Announcement Tab in Newsletter

Please be sure to access this important section of our newsletter, as you will find key information and legislation, related to our school on topics such as 'Dogs in Schools', 'Property Damage' and 'Areas out of bounds after hours'.

ICAS Assessment Years 2-9

We would like to remind families that  sign-up for ICAS testing closes on Monday 29 July, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for students in Years 2-9 to challenge themselves and gain valuable academic experience. Please ensure you register your child before the deadline.

What is ICAS?  

ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies.  

 Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.  

 We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year.   

Please Note: This is a voluntary competition and registration is not mandatory.

Learn more about ICAS here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/) 

School Bus Etiquette

Many of our students use the local bus system as a means of getting to school. We have received complaints from community users regarding the behaviour of some of our students whilst waiting to catch the bus and whilst travelling on the bus. These helpful tips should be reinforced by parents and carers to promote a safe and orderly trip so that all users feel comfortable and safe while riding the local buses.

Safety whilst waiting for the bus

• At bus stops, wait in a safe place away from the road and the curb.
• Never sit on the roadway or curb while waiting for your bus.
• Line up at least five steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus.
• Pay attention to the bus as it approaches the bus stop.
• Younger children should be supervised at the bus stop.
• Be respectful of others around you whilst waiting and use appropriate language - represent the college values of Excellence and Respect. 

Being Safe While Riding the School Bus

• Be courteous to the bus driver and other students.
• Listen to the bus driver and follow all directions given.
• Find a seat and stay seated, facing forward, for the entire trip. 
• Keep legs and feet in front of you.
• Talk quietly and respect others around you.
• Buckle up if seat belts are available.
• When exiting the bus, DO NOT pick up anything that is dropped near or under the school bus. Tell the driver if you drop anything and wait for instructions.
• NEVER walk behind the school bus.

Leadership Structure 2024  

A reminder about our distributed leadership model. Every year level has its own designated Assistant Principal who oversees that cohort, and all parent communications/concerns will need to be directed to the relevant Assistant Principal. We also have two designated Wellbeing Assistant Principals, one for the Primary sector and one for the Secondary sector. To support our teachers, we also have a Leading Teacher at each year level. When addressing concerns, please contact the teacher in the first instance, and if further attention is required, please seek your year level Leading Teacher and Assistant Principal.

Curriculum Days for 2024 

A reminder that our school has two curriculum days remaining in 2024:

• Monday 4 November 
• Friday 20 December 

Please ensure you have made suitable arrangements as students do not attend school on these days. 

Big Childcare will be operating, should you require care for your children. Please contact them for care at saltwater@bigchildcare.com.

School Upgrade Expansion Project - UPDATE

Our school has been allocated $37.321 million by the state government to add to our existing facilities at the school, including the construction of a classroom wing where the school oval currently sits, and a Specialist building where the current school car park is. The planning for this is underway with regular meetings held with the VSBA and our architects (Fieldwork Projects Pty Ltd and Brand Architects Pty Ltd) to ensure we capture the best designs to suit our growing enrolment numbers and the future needs of the school.

The appointed team of architects have begun developing designs based on feedback from our staff and leadership team. The next steps will include completing the design of the project, appointing a builder, and commencing construction in 2025. We will keep you informed as the project progresses.

Best wishes for a wonderful Term Three, full of learning and engagement. 

Kind Regards,

Saltwater Leadership Team