Riverside Currents

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers, I hope you have had a wonderful week. Week 10 at Riverside has been another outstanding week. World Cup fever Thankyou to Ms Ghorra for bringing the spirit of the Socceroos to Riverside. The Socceroos v. Paraguay match was broadcast in the Library during period 3 and into lunchtime for any classes who may have had the opportunity to share in the national pride. As I write I am eagerly awaiting the outcome. I wonder if we have any families from Paraguay amongst us. If so, may the best team win! Parent Teacher Night Years 8, 10, 12 Thankyou to all of the parents who were able to make it to parent teacher night last night. The teachers always appreciate the opportunity to meet the parents and provide feedback face to face. We realise that 5 minutes often does not seem like long enough but we hope that you enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with your daughter’s teachers, nonetheless. For Year 12, this being their last interviews, I hope that they enjoyed getting some final personalised tips and tricks in preparation to study for the upcoming Trial HSC exams. As we reach the end of Term 2 and Semester 1, it is a good opportunity for all students to take stock and reflect on their performance and achievement in Semester 1: Have they tried their best at all times? Have they been as organised as they could be? Have they fulfilled all learning and subject expectations? Do they need to improve in any areas for Semester 2? This process of reflection is critical for continued academic and personal growth. I address all year groups when I present their school reports and encourage that they read their teacher’s feedback carefully; taking out of the comments areas of strength, of which they should be proud, and tips for improvement. School reports (whatever they look like) are an important point of discussion for a conversation with your daughter, to provide praise and commendation where it is due and develop a roadmap for improvement, where necessary. As I said at assembly this week, my favourite part of being a principal is being involved in the learning of our students. I, like all of the staff at Riverside, are available at any time to discuss the learning needs of your daughters and always encourage our students to come forward and ask for help or feedback if they need it. And, as I also always say, all that we ever expect of our students is their best. And if students are giving their best, in their academic, co-curricula and extra-curricula pursuits, then both they and you should be happy. We look forward to hosting the 7,9,11 Parent Teacher Night on Thursday 2 July 3-6:30pm. Trial HSC Examinations – Week 3, 3-18 August I met with Year 12 this week to issue Trial HSC timetables and discuss strategies to make the most of their holidays. They are very clear that, with their Trial HSC exams beginning on Monday 3 August (Week 3), there is no time for them to completely abandon their study schedule over the holidays. I have suggested that they stay focused, stay organised, eat plenty of good food, do lots of exercise, sleep well and spend lots of time with friends and family, all the while maintaining their strict, planned study schedule. We are behind them all of the way and support all Year 12 in doing their best in their Trial HSC exams. Our School Counsellors are available during term to provide support to all students and know to prioritise Year 12 at this time of year. Please encourage your daughter to reach out to the School Counsellors, Ms Ghorra or their Year 12 mentors, or other trusted teacher, if she is feeling at all wobbly or unsure (at any time). The end is getting close and this is a confronting thought for most students so they need to know that we are with them all of the way. SRC Nominations Nominations for the 2027 SRC have opened – the link is on Sentral. Please encourage your daughter to put her hand up to get involved in the SRC. It is a wonderful way for students to participate in the planning and vision of the school and to develop their leadership skills. Student voice is an important part of our school culture and one that I encourage and enjoy harnessing and responding to. Many great initiatives take place at Riverside each year, due to the hard work and determination of the SRC and as a result of students putting their hands up. If your daughter is unsure of the election process or what being a student leader looks like, encourage her to come and speak with me, Ms Philpott or any of her teachers to be given a clear idea. Year 7, 9, 11 Parent Teacher Night – Thursday 2 July 3:00-6:30pm If you are a parent of a Year 7, 9, 11 student, I hope you have booked your interviews to meet with your daughter’s teachers on Thursday 2 July. We look forward to seeing you there. Please remember, that teachers have a very strict, 5-min schedule to adhere to. It is important that all parents listen to the bell and end their conversation when the bell goes, to make way for the next interview. We know you are all keen to speak with your daughter’s teachers and we know that your daughter is the most important person in the school (genuinely); however, all parents must have equal opportunity to discuss their important daughter with teachers by adhering to the time limit. Equally, if you have not been able to book in with a teacher, please do not try to casually speak with the teacher if you see them available – they are probably enjoying the opportunity to catch their breath, have a drink or just reflect on past conversations. We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Louise McNeil Principal

Year 11 Camp at Collaroy Centre

Our Year 11 students recently enjoyed an action packed overnight camp at the Collaroy Centre. Students challenged themselves on the Giant Swing, High Ropes Course, Drop Pole, and Archery Tag, while also taking part in a variety of team challenges. During breaks, friendly soccer and frisbee games kept the fun going. One of the highlights of the camp was the highly anticipated Games Night. Students went above and beyond with their creative costumes, making the competition incredibly tough for the judges. Every team showcased outstanding effort, originality, and team spirit, creating an atmosphere full of energy and excitement. The evening finished with matching pyjamas, State of Origin, card games, and plenty of laughs. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, create lasting memories, and step outside their comfort zones. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitude and enthusiasm shown by all students throughout the camp. Ms C Aldred

Ripple Study Mentor Program

We're launching something new for our Year 7 and 8 students: the Ripple Study Mentor Program. This isn't about catching up. It's for students who want to become stronger, more independent learners. It's for students who are willing to sit with hard work, ask better questions, and grow. Sessions run every Tuesday after school from 3:10–4:00 PM, starting Week 6. Places are limited, so please complete the Google Form on Sentral and register your interest. 📚 Become a Better Learner.

Mindfulness Mondays

Faculty News

Co-curricula Activities

Sydney North Dance Festival

Congratulations to our dancers on their outstanding performances at the Sydney North Dance Festival over the last two weeks. Our students represented the school with professionalism, enthusiasm and exceptional talent, showcasing the results of their hard work and dedication throughout the semester. A big thank you to our choreographers, who brought four unique works to life on stage, and to our amazing office staff, who assisted with costumes and the many behind-the-scenes details that make performances possible. Finally, thank you to our dance community—our parents, carers and families—who support our dancers every step of the way. From getting students to and from rehearsals and performances to providing constant encouragement, your support helps our dancers shine on stage. Ms T Mitchell