Leadership Report

Dear Saltwater Community, 

Welcome to week Eight of Term Two. In this edition of the leadership newsletter, you will find articles about our building works, split classes, student road safety, traffic enforcement and student reports. 

Building Works

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all students, parents, and carers for your ongoing patience and flexibility as we undergo major building works across our school. As many of you are aware, our campus is currently experiencing significant preparation for construction, which includes fenced-off areas, rerouted foot traffic, and temporary changes to access points. These improvements are part of a broader plan to expand and enhance our facilities and will continue through to the end of 2026.

As part of the preparation for this work, we have closed the main car park gate. In its place, we have opened access via the Carrick Street gate, located conveniently near the school crossing supervisor to support student safety during drop-off and pick-up.

We understand that these changes may cause temporary inconvenience, and we truly appreciate the understanding and cooperation shown by families during this time. Your willingness to adapt has helped ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff as we navigate these upgrades.

We’re excited about the future of our school and look forward to sharing more updates with you as the project progresses. Thank you again for being such a supportive and resilient community.

Reconciliation Week

At Saltwater P-9 College, Reconciliation Week was a time for reflection, education and the opportunity to learn about Australia’s history from different perspectives.

In the photo, Saltwater P-9 College's year five teacher Steph Fatouros with students attending the Reconciliation Walk, proudly standing in solidarity to honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Split Classes and Teacher Absences

As is the case across many schools at this time of year, we are experiencing a significant number of staff illnesses. This, combined with the broader statewide shortage of teachers and Casual Relief Teachers, means that finding available replacements is increasingly challenging. Not just for our school, but across the entire education system. In cases where no CRT is available despite our best efforts, splitting classes becomes a necessary solution to ensure student supervision and lesson continuity. We are doing all we can to minimise this and keep learning as consistent as possible for all students. We appreciate your support and patience as we navigate this challenging time of year.

Road Safety Around Saltwater P-9 College

We have recently seen a rise in concerns from families, staff, and the wider community regarding road safety around Saltwater Promenade and Kirra Place. It is essential that all students, staff, and parents continue to enter and exit the school grounds safely.

Student Road Safety

Saltwater P-9 College is surrounded by busy roads with heavy traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. We strongly remind all families that students must use the designated school crossings at all times. Holding your child’s hand near roads and vehicles is a simple but effective way to support their safety. Please also take the time to talk with your child about how to stay safe near parked cars, footpaths, and driveways.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Safety

We are increasingly noticing students exiting or entering vehicles while crossing or weaving through traffic, which poses a serious risk. Please use the designated drop-off zones and encourage your child to cross only at supervised crossings.

Parent Code of Conduct

At Saltwater College, we are proud of the strong, respectful, and inclusive community we continue to build together. As a school community, we are guided by our core values including being principled, caring, and open-minded and respectful in all that we do.

We know that our children learn best when the adults around them lead by example, modelling empathy, patience, and respect.

Lately, there have been a few instances where interactions between parents and staff particularly those on duty or working in our busy front office have not reflected the respectful behaviours we strive to uphold. While we understand that frustrations can arise from time to time, it is never acceptable to direct that frustration at our staff through aggression, yelling and disrespectful language. These actions impact not only staff wellbeing, but also the tone and culture we work so hard to cultivate for our students.

Our Parent Code of Conduct outlines expectations for all adult members of our school community. It reminds us that we are all role models. Whether at drop-off and pick up, during school events, or in a conversation with staff, each of us has a responsibility to show our children what respectful, constructive communication looks like, even when we disagree or are under pressure.

We ask that all parents and carers support our shared values by:

•              Speaking calmly and respectfully with all staff, including office staff and those on duty.

•              Using appropriate school channels to raise any concerns or questions.

•              Approaching issues with a spirit of partnership, not confrontation.

•              Remembering that staff are here to help and are doing their best in a large and dynamic school environment.

We are here to listen, support, and problem solve together. Our goal is always to work with you, for the benefit of your child.

We need to role model and lead with kindness, patience and understanding. Together, we can ensure Saltwater P-9 College is a safe, respectful, and thriving learning environment for all.

Please see related policy on our website.

End of Semester One Reports

Student End of Semester One Reports will be published to families on Xuno by 5pm Wednesday 2 July. 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.

Thank you, 

on behalf of the leadership team.