Leadership Report

Welcome to Term Three

As we commence Term Three, we would like to extend a warm welcome back to all students, families and staff. We trust that everyone enjoyed a restful break and has returned refreshed and ready for a productive semester ahead. We would also like to extend a special welcome to the new families and international students who have joined our college community this term. Starting at a new school can be both exciting and challenging, and we look forward to helping our new students and families settle in, make connections, and become active members of our learning community. We are delighted to have you with us and wish you every success as you begin your journey at our college.

Term Three is always a significant period in the school year. It provides opportunities for students to build on the learning and achievements of Semester One, while also engaging in a range of academic, sporting, cultural and community activities. We look forward to working in partnership with our families to support every student to achieve success throughout the term.

Thank You for Your Support During Industrial Action

We would like to sincerely thank our families for their understanding and support regarding the Australian Education Union (AEU) industrial action that took place on Thursday 23 July.

We recognise that changes to normal school operations can create challenges for families, and we appreciate the patience, flexibility and cooperation shown by our community. We also acknowledge the professionalism of our staff as they continue to advocate for public education while maintaining their commitment to supporting our students.

Investing in Quality Teaching and Learning

This term, we are excited to welcome internationally recognised educator, consultant and author Trevor MacKenzie back to Saltwater P–9 College.

Trevor is widely known for his work in inquiry-based learning and helping schools create learning environments that foster curiosity, engagement and student ownership of learning. Many families may recall Trevor's visit last year, where he worked closely with our Year 2 and Year 9 students and teachers through classroom-based Learning Labs, as well as facilitating professional learning for staff across the college.

The impact of this work was significant. Teachers gained valuable insights into how inquiry can be used to deepen student thinking, increase engagement and empower students to take a more active role in their learning. The strategies and approaches shared by Trevor continue to influence classroom practice across both our Primary and Secondary Schools.

Trevor is also the author of several highly regarded books on inquiry learning, including Inquiry Mindset and Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition. These resources have helped guide our ongoing work to strengthen student agency, curiosity and deeper learning experiences across the college. Throughout this year, our International Baccalaureate School Improvement Team has continued to explore and implement many of the ideas from Trevor's work as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

One of the key areas of focus from Trevor's previous visit was understanding the difference between student engagement and disengagement, and the conditions that help young people feel connected, motivated and invested in their learning. This thinking continues to underpin our work around student voice, Essential Agreements, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and creating classrooms where every student can thrive.

We have been delighted to have Trevor returning to Saltwater over the past two weeks and are grateful for the opportunities this has provided for our staff to continue refining their practice and enhancing learning experiences for all students. Ultimately, this investment in professional learning supports our goal of ensuring every student is challenged, engaged and empowered to be a successful learner.

Mobile Phones and Learning

 At Saltwater P–9 College, we remain committed to providing every student with a safe, respectful and focused learning environment where they can achieve their personal best.

As a reminder, our Mobile Phone Policy aligns with Victorian Department of Education requirements and states that any student who brings a mobile phone to school must have it switched off and securely stored throughout the school day unless an approved exemption has been granted by the Principal.

While these expectations are not new, we have recently seen an increase in mobile phone use during the school day, which can impact learning, disrupt classrooms and detract from the positive culture we are working to build. As a result, we are continuing to consistently enforce the existing policy and expectations.

Students are expected to keep their mobile phones switched off and stored in their school bags for the entire school day, including recess and lunchtime. If a student is seen using or displaying a mobile phone, it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Where a student refuses a reasonable direction to hand over their phone, parents or carers will be contacted to support their child in complying with school expectations, and further consequences may apply.

Research continues to demonstrate that reducing mobile phone use during the school day improves student engagement, strengthens learning, promotes positive relationships and supports student wellbeing. We thank our families for their ongoing support in reinforcing these expectations and helping us maintain a learning environment where every student can thrive. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-Teacher Interviews provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's learning, celebrate their achievements and work together to support their continued growth and success. Interview bookings opened on Tuesday 14 July. If you haven't already done so, please check your XUNO notifications and book a suitable time to meet with your child's teacher.

We are pleased to offer families the flexibility of attending interviews either onsite at school or online via Webex. If you choose to participate online, your child's teacher will send you their Webex meeting details prior to your scheduled interview.

Interview dates are as follows:

• Primary School: Tuesday 28 July, 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• Secondary School: Wednesday 29 July, 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm

To support the smooth running of interviews and ensure all families have the opportunity to meet with teachers, students will finish school at 12:00 pm on the day of their scheduled Parent-Teacher Interviews. If you require care for your child, please contact our OSHC provider, Big Childcare to make a booking via saltwater@bigchildcare.com or call 1300 273 162;  0413 258 139.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to your child's learning. We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your child's progress.

ICAS 2026

ICAS is a world-renowned online academic competition for students in Years 2–9, giving them the chance to challenge their higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills across English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies. Every participant receives a printed certificate and an online results report, with top performers eligible for an ICAS medal.

Registrations for all subjects close Monday 27 July at 11:59pm. To sign up, head to the Parent Portal using Parent Code NVX231: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/NVX231

Sitting dates:

• Digital Technologies & Writing — 3–7 Aug
• English — 10–14 Aug
• Science & Spelling Bee — 17–21 Aug
• Mathematics — 24–28 Aug

To support the smooth running of ICAS this year, our Year Level Assistant Principals will run the testing sessions across each subject week. Every week also includes a catch-up session so that any student who misses their testing day still has the chance to sit. Please contact the school office if you have any questions

Prep 100 Days of School Celebration

Our Prep students (and teachers) are excited to celebrate 100 Days of School on Wednesday 29 July! This special milestone recognises 100 days of learning, growing and making wonderful memories together. 

To mark the occasion, Prep students are invited to dress in a fun outfit inspired by the number 100. Students will enjoy a range of fun classroom activities, games and celebrations throughout the day. We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with our wonderful Prep students! 

Attendance Matters

A strong start to the term begins with regular attendance. Every day at school provides valuable opportunities for learning, connection and growth.

We encourage families to prioritise attendance wherever possible and to notify the school promptly if their child is absent. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest contributors to student success and wellbeing.

Looking Ahead

Term Three promises to be a busy and rewarding term with a range of learning opportunities, excursions, performances, sporting events and celebrations planned across the college.

We encourage families to regularly check XUNO, school communications and our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and important dates.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. We look forward to another successful term together.

Kind regards,

Saltwater Leadership team