Student Leadership
Dear Saltwater Community,
What an incredible term we have had. As we wrap up an incredible term, we take a moment to reflect on the outstanding contributions of our student leaders. At Saltwater College, we are committed to fostering student voice and agency, and this term has been a testament to that commitment.
Class Captains: Voices for Every Year Level
One of our key achievements this term has been the successful election of our Class Captains. Each year level now has three dedicated representatives who have stepped up to lead, support, and advocate for their peers.
These students have embraced their roles with enthusiasm, taking on responsibilities such as assisting in school events, representing their classmates' perspectives, and working collaboratively with teachers to enhance student experiences. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and look forward to seeing them thrive as role models for their peers.
Congratulations to our last Junior School Council Members for Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3. You were presented with your certificates at assembly and were beaming with pride. We are proud to announce the following Junior School Council members:
Congratulations to our newly elected Year 1 Junior School Council members! 🎉
Timetable A - Florence Bertoli
Timetable B - Rosie Ward
Timetable C - Agambir Singh
Your leadership journey starts now, and we can't wait to see the positive impact you'll have on our school community. Well done!
Congratulations to our newly elected Year 2 Junior School Council members! 🎉
Timetable A - Chloe Guo
Timetable B - Jay Narula
Timetable C - Raya Gosai
Your voices will help shape our school community, and we’re excited to see you lead with enthusiasm and dedication. Well done!
Congratulations to our Year 3 Junior School Council members!
Timetable A - Ciro Jiang
Timetable B - Reeya Mannem
Timetable C - Mahd Nabeel
Your voices matter, and we know you will bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and leadership to make a real difference in our school community.
Keep striving to inspire and empower those around you—we can’t wait to see all that you achieve! Well done!
Leadership Conference: Youth Leadership Australia Academy
Our Year 5 and 6 Student Leaders had an enriching experience attending a Leadership Conference. This event provided them with valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. They listened attentively to enhance their confidence, problem-solving skills, and ability to work with others. The knowledge and inspiration gained from this conference will undoubtedly shape their leadership journey at Saltwater College and beyond. With a simple message...
Student Reflection: The Journey to the Conference
"On Wednesday, the 26th of March, all the Year 5 and 6 leaders went into the city for a Leadership Conference. We had to get to school at 7:20 in the morning and left at 7:40. We traveled by bus, and it took ages! There was a bit of traffic, and going from the school to the city is a long way.
When we arrived, we were introduced to a few speakers who shared information about different leadership programs. We received a booklet to take notes and participated in group and partner activities.
Overall, it was a great day, and I highly recommend this experience for our future school leaders."
Written by Mikayla ARMSTRONG - 6F Class Captain
Student Reflection: Embracing Leadership
"Today, at the Dream and Lead conference, we got the opportunity to connect with others, and this experience was one of the best I’ve had! It will definitely be unforgettable. We learned multiple benefits of leadership, and something that really stood out to me was the quote: '
You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be brave enough to take action.'
That really resonated with me because leadership is all about taking action and having a go at creating a positive impact. I loved how they entertained and engaged us by having some fun dance and singing breaks!
The two main facilitation speakers were Bonnie Ryan Rowe and Liam O’Connell. They spoke about student voices, responses to change, and the skills you need to be a leader. Overall, I am glad that I got to work with other Year 5 and 6 leaders, and I’m excited to make positive change."
Written by Raeka WASU, 6J Class Captain
Student Reflection: How We Can Help Stop Bullying
"At our leadership conference, we learned that to help stop acts of bullying or discrimination, we need to stand up to the person, even if they are our friend. If that doesn’t help, then we should tell a teacher to resolve the situation. We also learned that you don’t need to have a badge or a title to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult—especially if it involves friends. If someone is trying to make you mad, sometimes the best response is to ignore them because reacting in anger can give them the satisfaction they seek. We should all try to be kind to others because we don’t always know what they are going through. Even when it’s hard, kindness takes less energy than being mean."
Written by Avery NZENZA- JSC Year 5
Student Voice in Action: Presenting to School Council
A major highlight this term was witnessing one of our students step up and present to the School Council. This moment showcased the power of student voice in shaping the direction of our school.
Congratulations to Liam GUNDOGDU who's proposal was well received, and we are excited to announce that his initiative will be launched in Term 2.
This achievement highlights the importance of empowering students to lead meaningful change within our school community. If anyone wishes to support Liam and the Year 6 Cohort, please bring any recyclable 10c bottles or cans.
This would not be made possible without the generosity of our School community, a big thank you to Mr Sunny Gill.
Year 6 Planning: Preparing for Unit of Inquiry 2
Our Year 6 students have been actively engaged in planning for their upcoming Unit of Inquiry 2. This process has allowed them to take ownership of their learning, explore new ideas, and collaborate with peers and teachers.
Their enthusiasm for inquiry-based learning reflects their ability to think critically and make meaningful connections between their studies and the real world. We look forward to seeing their projects come to life next term.
Buddies Program: Building Stronger Connections
We are delighted to see our Buddies Program in full swing this term. This initiative pairs older students with younger students, fostering mentorship, support, and a strong sense of community. The program has been instrumental in building friendships across year levels, boosting student confidence, and creating an inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and connected.
Buddies - Prep/Year 6
The Preps have been buzzing with excitement as they’ve had the opportunity to meet their Year 6 buddies during Term 1! This week, we share insights into the first few meetings between 6B and PB (with Mrs Rankin and Miss Day), which have been filled with fun and meaningful connections. During students first Buddies encounter, they started with an "All About Me" worksheet, sharing interesting facts about themselves and learning more about their buddies.
The buddy classes then met up again the following week for a snack break, discussing their favourite foods and exploring how personal preferences can help build connections—perfectly linking with the Preps’ Unit of Inquiry on relationships.
In their third meeting, the buddy pairs made paper dolls together, which will soon be displayed in the classroom. This activity deepened their bond and allowed them to learn more about each other. This collaboration beautifully ties into both classes' "Who We Are" Unit of Inquiry, where the Preps are exploring how similarities and differences build relationships, and the Year 6s are examining how transitions in life shape who we are—all while considering the role emotions play in our behaviour.
It’s been a wonderful way to apply these concepts in a hands-on, meaningful way, fostering both personal growth and lasting friendships!
Written by 6B and Prep B
Looking Ahead
We are immensely proud of our student leaders and the impact they have made this term. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to their peers set the foundation for a thriving school community. With Term 2 on the horizon, we are excited for new opportunities to continue developing leadership skills, strengthening student voice, and working together to make Saltwater College an even better place for all.
Thank you to all our students, staff, and families for your ongoing support in fostering a strong leadership culture. Here's to another fantastic term ahead!
Thank you,
Ms Grenfell and Mr Mernik