Leadership Report

Dear Saltwater Families,

As we move past the midpoint of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see the continued enthusiasm and involvement of students across both campuses. Whether in classrooms, on the sporting field, or through wider school activities, our students are demonstrating strong engagement, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to their learning. Please find below a number of important updates and reminders for the weeks ahead.

Labour Day Public Holiday Monday, 9 March

A friendly reminder that Monday, 9 March, is the Labour Day public holiday. This means the school will be closed for the day, and classes will resume as usual on Tuesday, 10 March.

Labour Day is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of workers and enjoy a well-earned break. We hope our students, families, and staff take the time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time together.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Prep Students Begin Full Time Schooling

Over the past few weeks, our Prep students have gradually settled into school life, adjusting to new experiences, making friends, and developing foundational skills.

From Monday, March 2, our Prep students began attending school full-time, five days a week. This marks an important step in their learning journey, fostering routine, social growth, and deeper engagement in classroom activities. We are proud of our Prep students and look forward to their continued growth. Exciting Times Ahead!

NAPLAN Testing – Years 3, 5, 7 and 9

NAPLAN testing for Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will take place from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March.

All assessments are completed online, with the exception of the Year 3 Writing test, which is handwritten. To support students during the testing period, families are asked to ensure students arrive well prepared each day with:

• A fully charged device (shut down and restarted daily)

• Headphones

• Adequate sleep and a healthy breakfast

• On-time arrival at school by 8:20am

If your child is absent on the date of a scheduled assessment, they will complete a catch-up assessment when they return, if within the testing period. We wish all our students well for these assessments and look forward to using the achievement data to further inform the direction of our school. 

Respectful Communication with Families

At our school, we value positive, respectful, and collaborative communication between families and staff. We recognise that parents and carers may, at times, wish to raise questions or concerns regarding their child.

To support timely and effective resolution, we ask that families first contact their child’s classroom teacher. In most instances, teachers are best placed to address classroom-related matters and provide clarity or support. Should further assistance be required after this initial discussion, concerns may then be referred to the relevant Assistant Principal.

For formal complaints, we request that families follow the school’s Complaints Policy, which is available on our website. This process ensures concerns are managed fairly, consistently, and constructively for all parties involved.

We appreciate your cooperation and ongoing support in maintaining a respectful and supportive school community.

Big Childcare Location Change

From Wednesday 4 March, Big Childcare Before and After School Care will officially operate from the new Big Childcare building, with all drop-off and pick-up taking place directly at this new location, except for the afterschool session, which for the interim will have students first signing in at the gym, then transitioning to the new location. This marks an exciting milestone for Big Childcare as they begin a transition period focused on supporting children to move safely and confidently into the new space. 

Over the coming days, children will be guided through the new sign-in process and routines, and families are asked to please remind children where to go for sign-in (with cones and clear signage in place). Please note this will be a trial period, and minor adjustments may be made if needed due to peak traffic times.

Exchange Trip to India

A group of our students had the incredible opportunity to travel to India as part of our international exchange with Pathways School. The trip provided students with a unique chance to experience a different culture, build friendships with students from another country, and deepen their understanding of the world beyond the classroom.

During their time in India, students visited a number of remarkable places, including the world-famous Taj Mahal, where they learned about its rich history and admired the stunning marble architecture. One of the other highlights was a visit to MadhavGarh Farms, where students experienced aspects of traditional Indian culture and rural life.

Students also spent time at Pathways School, where they were warmly welcomed by the school community. They attended assemblies, participated in school activities, and formed meaningful connections with the Pathways students. It was wonderful to see our students represent Saltwater so positively while learning about another education system and culture.

Outside of the school environment, students had the opportunity to explore local markets, try traditional foods, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of India. These moments allowed them to immerse themselves in everyday life and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students conducted themselves throughout the trip. They showed curiosity, respect, and enthusiasm, making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A big thank you to the families for their support and to Pathways School for their hospitality in making this exchange such a memorable experience for our students.