From the Principal
Dear Parents/Caregivers, Schools Spectacular I would like to congratulate all of the incredible Riverside artists who participated in the NSW public schools Schools Spectacular last week. It was a huge, carefully choreographed and directed event, requiring exceptional commitment and teamwork to execute, not only the challenging music and choreography, but also the artistic and positional directions for the supersized production at Qudos Bank Arena. Thankyou to Ms Hendriks, Ms Mitchell and Ms Wang for making themselves available to support our students during rehearsals and the production and congratulations to all of the students involved. There is the comprehensive list of participants in Ms Wang’s report further down the newsletter. Recognition Assembly – Friday 12 December 10:30am I would like to remind all parents and carers who have received an invitation to Recognition Assembly, that they RSVP so that we may finalise our planning. The assembly will begin at 10:30 and go for approximately 1 ½ hours. The Hall is not airconditioned at this stage (it will be next year) so please make sure you dress for the conditions and bring water bottles. We look forward to seeing you and to celebrating your daughter’s achievements. Please note, there is only provision for the parents of award recipients. Sports and Performing Arts Assembly – Wednesday 10 December We look forward to celebrating the sports and performing arts successes of our talented students at this very significant assembly next week. Please note, this assembly is a student-only event. Film By the River - 4:30-6:00pm This event is a Department of Education initiative open to all filmmakers, providing am opportunity and forum for students to enter a movie and hope that it makes the final cut. This year the festival is being hosted by Riverside in the Hall. If you are interested in viewing the 10 or so films, please use the link below to book a ticket. It should be a wonderful event.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1510069?
Year 7 Genius75 Showcase – Thursday 11 December 3:30-5:00pm Welcome all parents and carers of Year 7 to our Genius75 showcase next Thursday. It is a wonderful opportunity for us all to share the amazing innovations and passion projects created by Year 7 during the year in this independent learning lesson (one period per fortnight). Last year was the first year of the Genius75 Riverside initiative and the output absolutely blew my mind in terms of diversity and creativity. I hope that you are available to come and share in your daughter’s learning in this showcase. Digital devices policy, particularly in light of the social media age restrictions Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner I would like to reassure all parents that Riverside has a very strict Digital devices “Off and Away” policy. All students have signed a Mobile Phone Agreement (copy below) affirming their commitment to adhering to the Off and Away policy. In light of the social media age restrictions beginning to be enforced, I also urge that all parents remain resolute in supporting these restrictions and protecting their daughters from potential digital bullying and abuse. At Riverside, we will continue to apply the Digital devices policy, including confiscating phones and laptops, as a result of misuse. We will also work with your daughters to ensure they are informed of the government’s ban, as well as the Department of Education expectations, when they bring devices to school. Sadly, we have recently had a number of students involved in behaviour involving the misuse of mobile phones. We will continue to work with all students to support them in adapting to these new laws through very consistent messaging and instruction. We hope that you might do so, too.
Year 7 Orientation Day It is always a wonderful day when we invite our incoming Year 7 students to their Orientation Day. This year we welcomed our biggest cohort of 134 students from at least 20 primary schools. They were treated to a day of workshops across the various curriculum areas, as well as a music workshop for those students who are interested in joining the Riverside music program. Thankyou to Ms Hendriks, the incoming Year 7 Adviser, for her coordination of the day and to the teachers who delivered the workshops: Ms Low, Ms Zabakly, Mr Young, Mrs Young, Ms White, Mr Russell and Ms Wang. As you can see in the photo below, the mass volleyball match was a huge crowd pleaser. The feedback from the students and parents was that this was a most enriching transition day. Feedback from the Riverside teachers was that they are very much looking forward to having the new students in their classes next year.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Louise McNeil Principal
Riverside Badges Presentation
Today we presented Service badges to recognise students who consistently give their time to whole-school events and activities and have done so over several years. These students show outstanding school spirit through reliability, positivity and teamwork, and play a vital role in the success of productions, assemblies, carnivals and leadership programs. Recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional dedication through high attendance, reliability and strong problem-solving skills. Their commitment goes above and beyond the classroom and sets a high standard for service to the school. These students lead by example in their attitude, respect and conduct. They show professionalism in all interactions and contribute positively to the school community through cooperation, responsibility and teamwork. Congratulations to the following students: Roza A Sophia B Harper J Sophie K Supritha L Eve M Logan P Abigail W
Ms A Nikic
Premier's Reading Challenge
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading and to instill lifelong reading habits in young people. It promotes reading for leisure and pleasure, and gives students the opportunity to experience a wide range of quality literature. 📖✨ The Challenge is not a competition but a personal goal for each student — to read, to read more, and to read more widely. It is open to all NSW students from Kindergarten to Year 10 across government, independent, Catholic and home schools. 🌟 We are pleased to confirm that the following students from our school have been awarded a PRC Medal 🏅 Sophia B, Arabel K and Shikha S. 🎉 Congratulations to all participants: Freya B Emily R Erum S Claire W Mila J Sandhya J Amelia K Sophia B Dania F Arabel K Shikha S Sophie K We congratulate all recipients and wish you continued success as you grow and develop your love of reading.
Ms A Ghorra
Dance Company Awards Presentation
This week our school celebrated the outstanding achievements of our Dance Company at a special Awards Presentation.
We gathered to highlight the success of not only the dancers who received individual awards, but the commitment, teamwork and artistry shown by every member throughout an exceptional year. Students were recognised for their participation in the State Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular, as well as through internal awards for Artistic Achievement, Culture and Community, and Peer-Nominated categories.
These awards aim to highlight exemplary qualities and inspire all dancers to continue striving for excellence. We extend our thanks to our parents and carers, whose encouragement and support make such a dynamic and vibrant program possible. Congratulations to all our dancers on an inspiring year—your hard work and passion continue to elevate our school’s performing arts community.
Ms T Mitchell
Riverside Toy Drive
Faculty News
Maths
Math Challenges at Field of Mars
On Monday, our Accelerated Year 9 Mathematics students set out on an outdoor maths adventure in the rugged wilderness of Buffalo Creek Reserve. Students trekked through dense bushland, navigated uneven terrain, and tackled real-world mathematical challenges along the way. Using their knowledge, they calculated the height of towering tree canopies, measured the width of the river, and completed boardwalk mapping tasks. The ultimate challenge came when they put their mathematical and survival skills to the test in blind orienteering and tight-rope activities. It was a fantastic day of discovery, where mathematics came to life in the wild and students embraced every challenge with energy and enthusiasm.
Mr M Sendov
Year 8 Excursion to Luna Park
On Tuesday 2 December, Year 8 had an excursion to Luna Park accompanied by our maths teachers. It was excellently planned and turned out to be a very relaxing and fun day, with many ride and photo opportunities across the park. I had a great time exploring and getting to spend time with several of my peers throughout the day, strengthening connections with others I usually don’t get the chance to talk to. At Luna Park, I brought my camera around with me to take photos of the attractions and the beautiful scenery surrounding its location. Here are some of the photos that I took!
Zara E 8K
Science
VALID 10 Science Test
Congratulations to our Year 10 students on their excellent performance in this year’s VALID Science Test. VALID (Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development) is an online, end-of-stage assessment used across New South Wales to measure student learning in Science and to inform teaching and learning programs. We are especially proud to report that our Level 6 students outperformed both the state average and statistically similar school groups across all three extended response questions — a remarkable achievement. A special congratulations to Ms Russell for his explicit skills instruction and dedication, and well done to all Year 10 students and teachers for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to our top-performing students: Mackenzie M, Sophie K, Ingrid J, Grace M, Isabelle V, Ella T, Aylin N, Hannah K, April S, Roza A, Leila H, Tiffany I, and Vicky Z.
Ms A Nikic
10SC A Making Models of various objects in our Universe
As the year draws to an end, 10SC A consolidated their learning of the Universe we live in by constructing models of our Sun, the Solar system, the phases of the Moon we experience, the life cycle of stars such as our Sun (their birth and death), and some of the instruments/technology we use on Earth to explore these objects. Models play an important role in extending our imagination and help us visualize objects that are distant and the ones we cannot actually hold in our hands. The students worked in groups with a variety of materials and had great fun playing with paints and various materials they could lay their hands on. One of the more challenging aspects was to build a model of what might have occurred during the evolution of our Universe from its inception until now, according to the Big Bang theory. Here are a few pictures of students at work and some of the models they have built.
Ms A Mishra
Co-curricula Activities
2025 Schools Spectacular Shows
Last week on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November, selected Riverside students participated in the incredible Schools Spectacular shows at Qudos Bank Arena. Approximately 5,500 students participated in this year's event from all over NSW for dance, choir and orchestra. The entire week was full of long rehearsals where the students demonstrated dedication, resilience and flexibility when working with other high school students, choreographers and music coordinators from the Arts Unit.
They endured almost 12 hour days during the Friday and Saturday shows, but it was well worth it for those moments on stage where the students showed such powerful emotion to their performances. We are proud of our Riverside students for representing our school with such etiquette and poise.
We had a total of 16 students in the Combined Dance segment, with also a number of featured dance artists in the state dance, jazz, contemporary, tap and ballet ensembles. Additionally, we had numerous students participating amongst the 2,500 member choir and 80-piece orchestra.
A big congratulations to each and every one of those students for their commitment to rehearsals and performances. It was wonderful seeing them shine in their individual talents during the shows. Elise H (Year 11) - Orchestra, Viola Jasmine K (Year 11) - Orchestra, Cello Hannah P (Year 11) - Orchestra, Violin Sophie K (Year 10) - Millennium Marching Band, Clarinet Poppy N (Year 9) - Core Choir
Combined Dance - Sophie B, Lizzie F, Grace G, Camille H, Chloe H, Maddy J, Olivia K, Amelia K, Sophie K, Arabel K, Louelle M, Bronte N, Georgia P, Hedieh R, Amelia T and Natalia V Featured Dancers - Jasmine G-A (Hip Hop), Charli N (Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary), Olivia B (Contemporary) and Sophie K (Ballet, Tap)
NSWPS State Ensembles - Alena B, Bronte B, Jasmine G-A Congratulations again to all of the performers and be sure to watch the 2025 Schools Spectacular Show on Channel 7 on December 19 at 7pm!
Year 7 Genius 75 Showcase
The 2025 Year 7 Genius75 Showcase will provide an opportunity for Year 7 students to showcase their Genius75 projects. A core component of the Genius75 program is that students are engaged within the showcase process to meet the expectations of the course. In particular, this showcase is important as it offers a chance of an authentic audience of Parents/Carers and the Riverside Girls High School Community, to share and acknowledge Year 7 students' efforts this year.
The Stream
Every year a group of passionate writers get together with Mr. Zabakly and write articles that they are interested in. This years magazine is full of insightful pieces and creative outlets. Kudos to all the writers and the talented year 9 assistant editors who worked on Canva to ensure its visual appeal. Most excitingly, we have released some clues about next years production in the last few pages. So have a read, enjoy each fabulous page and see if you can correctly guess next years play! https://heyzine.com/flip-book/8f60d28fd3.html
Mr J Zabakly
Careers
Please visit https://riversideghscareers.com/ for the latest information on careers and life beyond school. You can use this site to locate universities, TAFE and any other type of course across Australia, information about the HSC and job vacancies. Feel free to drop into the Careers office if you have any questions.
Ms J Low and Ms T Soares
Dates for the diary
P&C
If you would like to volunteer for various P&C activities, please sign up via the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHE1OojbX6yWoo85D7kbRofz_1TmQOixDenmj-b-AkkxoJ4Q/viewform