Prep Visual Art

In Week 9, our Prep students took part in a fun Toy Time Machine Adventure to conclude their learning about how toys have changed over time. After exploring toys from the past and present throughout the term, students used their imagination to design and create their own future toys. They carefully considered what toys might look like in years to come and included exciting features such as flying abilities, robots, special powers and interactive technology. Students then shared their creations with their classmates by presenting their very own toy commercials, explaining what their toy could do and why it would be fun to play with. This engaging activity encouraged creativity, imagination and reflection on how toys have evolved over time while celebrating all the learning from our Toys unit.

Year 1 Visual Art

In Week 9, our Year 1 students concluded their learning around the central idea, "Emotions influence our thoughts, actions and interactions with others." Throughout the unit, students explored a range of emotions and how they can be expressed through art using colour, shape, line and character design. To celebrate their learning, students designed their own Emotion Superheroes, transforming different feelings into unique characters with special powers. They carefully considered how their chosen emotion could help people in everyday life and used creative details, colours and symbols to bring their superhero to life. Students then shared their creations with their classmates, explaining their character's emotion, powers and purpose. This engaging activity encouraged creativity, self-expression and a deeper understanding of how emotions can positively influence our actions and relationships with others. We loved seeing the imagination and thoughtful ideas reflected in their final artworks.

Prep and Year 1 Visual Art

In Week 10, our Prep and Year 1 Visual Art students learnt about Matariki, the Māori New Year, and its significance as a time for reflection, celebration and looking ahead to the future. Inspired by the Matariki star cluster, students created colourful artworks that represented a wish, hope or goal for the coming year. Through thoughtful discussions and creative expression, students reflected on their aspirations and used a variety of colours, shapes and artistic techniques to bring their ideas to life. We loved seeing the creativity and positivity that shone through in their artwork.

Year 2 & 3 Visual Art

Year 2 and 3 students explored floral artworks this term, creating bold pastel flower studies inspired

by Georgia O'Keeffe and impressionistic waterlily and bridge scenes influenced by Claude Monet.

In Week 9 we concluded our flower unit and celebrated the end of Term 2 with a relaxed free-choice drawing session in our art books, showcasing students' developing observational skills, colour confidence, and individual creativity. Well done on an amazing term of work — thank you. From Ms Ancona

Year 4 Visual Arts

During Weeks 9 and 10, students focused on finalising their portrait artworks and reflecting on their completed pieces. They revisited the artistic choices they had made throughout the term, considering how their use of style, colour, and technique helped communicate meaning and personality within their portraits.

Students were encouraged to evaluate their growth as artists by identifying their strengths, challenges, and areas for future improvement.

Those who completed their artworks early were provided with portrait drawing practice sheets, allowing them to further develop their observational drawing skills and continue building confidence in portraiture.

As we come to the end of Term 2, we would like to congratulate all students on their creativity, effort, and perseverance throughout the semester. We wish all students and families a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday period and look forward to welcoming our young artists back for more creative learning in Term 3.

Science Prep- 6

As we come to the end of Term 2, it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and curiosity students have shown towards Science across all year levels. Throughout the term, students have been actively engaged in hands-on learning experiences that have encouraged them to ask questions, explore ideas, and think like young scientists.

Our Prep students have thoroughly enjoyed learning about living and non-living things, confidently identifying their differences and understanding what living things need to survive.

In Grade 1, students have developed a strong awareness of weather patterns and how they impact our daily lives.

Grade 2 students have explored the properties of materials, investigating how different materials can change and why certain materials are suited for specific purposes.

Grade 3 students explored forces, including friction and gravity and discovered how different surfaces can affect movement.

Grade 4 students explored the layers of the Earth and investigated how weathering and erosion continually shape our planet. They demonstrated their understanding by creating informative posters to showcase their learning.

Grade 5 students enjoyed experimenting with light, shadows, and reflection, refraction and developing an understanding of how light travels and interacts with different surfaces such as mirrors.

In Grade 6, students engaged deeply with their electricity unit, successfully building simple circuits and exploring how batteries, conductors, and insulators work together to allow electrical energy to flow.

It has been fantastic to see students growing in confidence, collaboration, and scientific thinking. We look forward to another exciting term of discovery and learning in Science!

Physical Education

In Physical Education, students from Prep to Grade 2 have been learning and refining their throwing and catching skills using a variety of equipment, including basketballs, tennis balls, soft balls, spiky balls, and beanbags.

Students have participated in a range of rotational activities that provide opportunities to develop these skills through aiming tasks, underarm throwing, overhead throwing, and catching activities. Through these experiences, students have built confidence, coordination, and control while engaging in fun and active learning environments.

Students in Grades 3–6 have continued participating in the Lacrosse Quick Stix program, where they have been provided with opportunities to develop their skills in scooping, throwing, and catching a lacrosse ball using lacrosse sticks.

Students have also been learning the fundamentals of the game, including basic gameplay and the origins of lacrosse. Through these activities, they have developed their hand-eye coordination and understanding of this sport.

On Wednesday, 17 June, Grade 6 students participated in the Winter Sports Gala Day. Congratulations to all students who demonstrated integrity, commitment, and teamwork while representing the school with pride. The Netball girls' team won the grand final 22–13 and will now progress to the next round. We are excited to continue supporting them and wish them every success as they move forward in the competition.

On behalf of the P.E. team, we would like to congratulate everyone on completing Semester 2. We hope you enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved holiday break!

WELLBEING

Over the next two weeks, students will be learning about seeking help, staying safe, and building strong support networks. They will explore the importance of identifying trusted people, making safe choices, and understanding how positive relationships contribute to wellbeing. Students will also be working on their Term Three wellbeing goals, focusing on developing personal skills such as resilience, inclusion, communication, and help-seeking within our school community.

Foundation

Students are learning to identify people, places, and actions that help keep them safe, healthy, and happy. They will practise recognising trusted adults who can support them when they need help. Students will also be working on their Term Three goals by developing early skills in kindness, inclusion, and asking for help when needed through stories, discussions, and classroom activities.

Year One

Students are exploring different family relationships and learning how families provide love, care, guidance, and support. They will discuss the many ways families can be similar and different while recognising the important role families play in wellbeing. Students will also focus on their Term Three goals by strengthening skills in inclusion, empathy, and understanding feelings in themselves and others.

Year Two

Students are developing strategies for seeking help and support both at school and at home. They will learn when, why, and how to ask trusted adults for assistance when facing challenges or concerns. Students will also be working on Term Three goals that support emotional regulation, inclusion of others, and understanding how their actions impact those around them.

Year Three

Students are learning to recognise situations where they may feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or uncertain and are developing strategies to respond appropriately. They will explore the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and making safe decisions. Students will also be developing Term Three goals focused on respectful communication, empathy, and contributing positively to their classroom and school community.

Year Four

Students are building resilience by developing persistence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills when faced with challenges. They will reflect on how positive attitudes and support networks can help them overcome difficulties. Students will also be working towards Term Three goals that focus on teamwork, responsibility, and managing challenges with a growth mindset.

Year Five

Students are investigating a range of community resources and services that support health, safety, and wellbeing. They will learn about the role these organisations play in helping individuals and communities thrive. Students will also focus on Term Three goals related to empathy, respect for diversity, and building positive relationships within and beyond the school.

Year Six

Students are building confidence in seeking help by exploring the concepts of trust, courage, and personal responsibility. They will discuss how to access support when needed and the importance of looking out for the wellbeing of themselves and others. Students will also be working on Term Three goals that develop leadership, responsibility, and active contribution to a safe, respectful, and supportive school community.

Spanish

This week, students from Prep to Year 2 are learning football vocabulary in Spanish as we celebrate the FIFA World Cup. Through fun activities and games, students are practising words related to football while developing their Spanish language skills and cultural awareness.

Mandarin Learning 🇨🇳 中文

Miss Qiao

Miss Xiong

It has been another exciting and engaging term in Mandarin, with students across all year levels demonstrating enthusiasm, curiosity, and a growing confidence in using Chinese language and exploring Chinese culture.

Prep The Four Seasons 四季

Our Prep students have been learning about the four seasons in Chinese: 春天 (Spring), 夏天 (Summer), 秋天 (Autumn), and 冬天 (Winter).

Students explored the unique characteristics of each season and learned how weather and nature change throughout the year. For example, they learned that in autumn, leaves change colour and fall from the trees, while in winter we wear warm clothes such as coats, scarves, and gloves to stay warm.

Through songs, games, visual activities, and hands-on learning experiences, students have developed a strong understanding of seasonal vocabulary while making connections to their everyday lives.

Year 1–2 Expressing Emotions

Our Year 1 and Year 2 students have continued learning how to express emotions in Mandarin.

Students learned key vocabulary including:

开心 (happy)

伤心 (sad)

惊讶 (surprised)

生气 (angry)

害怕 (scared)

爱 (love)

As students became more confident with the vocabulary, they began using simple sentence structures to communicate their feelings, such as:

我很开心！(I am happy!)

我很伤心！(I am sad!)

Through role-play activities, games, movement-based learning, and classroom discussions, students have been developing both their language skills and emotional literacy.

Year 3–6 Exploring Chinese Culture

Students in Years 3–6 have been immersed in a range of Chinese cultural topics this term, including:

1. Chinese Paper Cutting (中国剪纸)

2. The Four Gentlemen of Chinese Flowers – Plum Blossom, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum (梅兰竹菊)

3. Chinese Hot Pot Culture (中国火锅)

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many students have shown a strong curiosity about Chinese traditions and have actively participated in discussions and cultural activities.

During our Chinese Paper Cutting unit, students used authentic paper-cutting templates inspired by contemporary designs from China and experienced the creativity and precision involved in this traditional folk art.

Students also explored the cultural significance of the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese culture. They learned that:

Plum Blossom (梅花) symbolises resilience and perseverance.

Orchid (兰花) represents elegance and noble character.

Bamboo (竹子) symbolises honesty, integrity, and strength.

Chrysanthemum (菊花) represents peace, longevity, and calmness.

One of the most popular topics was undoubtedly 中国火锅文化 Chinese Hot Pot Culture. Students were fascinated by the variety of ingredients and flavours found in Chinese hot pot. They learned about different styles of hot pot, explored common dipping sauces, and even discussed how long different vegetables and meats should be cooked before eating.

It has been wonderful to see students embracing both the language and cultural aspects of Mandarin learning. We look forward to continuing our learning journey and exploring more exciting aspects of Chinese language and culture throughout the remainder of the year.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Mandarin learning.

DANCE!

As we come to the end of a huge term, we celebrate the students in all areas and all they’ve achieved.

VSSS…..(Dance)

Our Victorian State School Spectacular dancers have had a busy term with two combined schools hub rehearsals along with our weekly rehearsals in between. This final week has been more about preparation for the next phase of the VSSS journey as we focus on term 3. We have been working on constructing our Boombox props for the big showcase, where we assemble and paint our own Boombox props with the material provided by VSSS.

Upon return we head into our fourth and final combined schools Hub rehearsal at Keilor Basketball Stadium on Friday 24th July. This will be a full dress rehearsal in the shows running order, and will consist of extra schools we haven’t worked with as yet this year. This will also give students all the final elements they need to learn and know before heading into John Cain Arena for two days of technical and dress rehearsals on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th August. These tech rehearsals will also be filmed for extra editing for the television presentation later in the year, along with the two big shows on Saturday 29th! Our students have been working so hard and are eager to hit the big stage soon and put on our best performance for everyone at this years VSSS!

Wakakirri…..(Dance)

Our Wakakirri dancers have been working extremely hard over the last few weeks to complete our routine for this years big performance. Saltwater College will be performing on Tuesday 4th August at the Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds in what will be a jam packed week of Wakakirri performances. There will be 21 schools performing and competing at the Clocktower that week alone, and our students have been working hard to put the final touches on their routine before we head into our school break.

This years Wakakirri theme of “Guardians Of Us” has lead us to create a routine titled “Always Here” that will resonate with so many people in different ways as we take everyone on this heartfelt journey. This years routines has also created more props than we have ever used before to help elevate and bring this story to life.Term 3 will start off with full dress rehearsals and cleaning the routines to ensure we are 100% ready to hit the stage fully prepared with everything we have, and to hopefully leave a positive and impactful lasting effect on all who are watching.

We are super proud of both VSSS and Wakakirri dancers and all they have achieved so far this year, and we’re only half way! We can’t wait for them to show you the results of all their hard work and to do you all and the Saltwater community and everyone proud!Have a great and safe break everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all in Term 3!! :)

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