I hope you have had a wonderful week. Week 8 at Riverside has been another outstanding week.
Principal’s Conference
I have been fortunate (apart from the freezing weather aspect) to have had a few days in Bathurst last week, attending the NSW Secondary Principal’s Conference, Beyond the Horizon. The conference is always a wonderful opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the state to share their stories, ideas and initiatives. There were a few keynote speakers who provided inspiration for future directions and pedagogy at Riverside; including Dr Stephen Gapps, a historian and author of the Sydney Wars, whose research is focused on having the voices of First Nations people heard in the interpretation of the colonies frontier wars; as well as an address from the Secretary of the Department of Education, Murat Dizdar whose commitment to public education is authentic and student-focused. I am always grateful to the staff at Riverside, particularly Ms Gleeson, who relieved as Principal, for allowing me the time and space to participate in this type of valuable professional learning opportunity.
Girls in Property
This week I was delighted and honoured to be invited to judge the Girls in Property presentations of our three participating groups. Girls in Property is a joint initiative between the Property Council of Australia and the Department of Education. It aims to raise awareness of career paths available in property and to connect girls with industry experts, both male and female, to develop their understanding of these opportunities through real word, experiential learning projects. The 13 students involved were required to design a solution to a specific urban design scenario. The presentations involved problem solving and design thinking and went well beyond anything that I would expect would be within the assumed knowledge base of Year 10 students. As expected, the calibre of the presentations was outstanding with the students from the three groups delving into concepts of design, planning, building materials, environmental sustainability and managing conflicting stakeholder interests. The concepts were presented to an audience of Year 9 students in the Library on Wednesday afternoon. I co-judged the presentations with members of the Property Council. It was a very difficult challenge to judge as each of the presentations was so unique and so polished. Congratulations to the winners; Supritha L, Hanna D, Bita A and Levy A. These students will go on to participate in the next round hosted by the Property Council. Thankyou to Ms Soares, Ms Low, Ms Purisima, Ms Macintyre, Mr Young and Ms Al-Anbagi for their support of these students throughout this round of the competition. I look forward to hearing the outcome of the next round.
Debating
Congratulations to our junior debaters and Ms Mulcahy for their win over Hunters Hill High School yesterday. It is an outstanding program that we run at Riverside.
Academic Reports
I continue to be delighted with the academic reports that are coming across my desk. The quality and calibre of our students never comes as a surprise to me; however, to learn of the academic pursuits and achievements of so many of our students, when summatively reported on, brings a huge smile to my face. Congratulations to every student who has worked consistently and put in their best effort to produce the highest standard of results, as reflected in the half yearly reports. You should all be proud of yourselves and I think you deserve high praise from your parents and families. I always say to the year groups when I meet with them to hand out reports – read the feedback, learn from the advice and suggestions for improvement and if you can look at yourself in the mirror and know that you have done the best you can for the semester, then we applaud you. To those of you whose classroom application, commitment to completing coursework and assessments, and attendance needs to improve, now is the time. Year 8, 10, 12 Parent Teacher Night – Thursday 26 June 3:00-6:30pm
If you are a parent of a Year 8, 10, 12 student, I hope you have booked your interviews to meet with your daughter’s teachers on Thursday 26 June. We look forward to seeing you there. Interviews for Years 7, 9, 11 will take place on Thursday 3 June 3:00-6:30pm. 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.
P&C
I would like to give a huge shout out to the P&C for all of their wonderful work for the school musical. We could not carry out all of the amazing extra-curricula activities without them and their fundraising and volunteering efforts. Thankyou to President Zoe and her magical team of dedicated parents.
Parent Survey
Please look out for the parent survey that will be emailed to you on Monday. We are seeking information and feedback to improve our communication and understanding of your expectations of us, in terms of preparing your daughters for life beyond school. Please be sure to complete the survey which opens on Monday 9 June and will close on Monday 30 June.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Louise McNeil
Principal
School Musical - The Little Mermaid
Our school community was swept under the sea as this year’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical took centre stage. From colourful costumes and an exciting musical score to moments of resilience and friendships formed, this year’s musical will be remembered as one of our most magical yet.
After 10 weeks of rehearsals, everyone’s dedication paid off as the cast, crew and orchestra put on three amazing evening performances. We had over 180 students involved in this year’s musical and some of our big show stopping numbers, such as ‘Under the Sea’ and ‘Kiss the Girl’ had over 50 students on stage at once. As well as their dedication to their craft, it was pleasing to see so many students come together from different year groups forming relationships and creating memories that the students will remember beyond their high school years.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the week came during opening night, when a sudden power blackout could have brought the show to a halt but instead, our students rose to the challenge with incredible professionalism and enthusiasm. With support from the audience and backstage crew, the cast and orchestra powered through, delivering their final scenes and songs with enthusiasm and much natural ability. The audience responded with encouragement, showing just how much live theatre can bring people together, even in the most unexpected of moments.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made this production possible. Thank you to all students and staff involved and a special thanks to the P&C for their financial contribution to the production and for selling refreshments.
When asked about the highlights of the school musical, this is what some of the students involved said:
Out of all the school musicals and plays I have been in, this one was by far my favourite, and I know I say that every year, but I genuinely mean it so so much this time. The community we created during this production was like nothing I've ever experienced, walking into the performance space every day of production week really just felt like coming home. Getting to play a big role for the first time was such an incredible experience, and I will hold onto the friendships I created and the moments I shared with so many of the cast forever. As it is only the second time I've ever been on stage during a production, I am so grateful I was given the chance to show off and build my skills on the stage, while still being able to participate in the orchestra, which I have loved doing ever since year 7. Quinn Year 11 - King Triton and Lead Trumpet
My experience being in this production was incredible. Over the past 10 weeks I made some really good friends and had lots of laughter each rehearsal. This has also helped me to become more confident when singing in front of others more than I was before. Lara Year 7 - Princess
Being in the production is one of the best experiences of my life. It allowed me to form connections with people in a range of year groups, who I may never have interacted with otherwise. It has strengthened my friendships with people and lead me to realise how much I love theatre and performing and I would do anything to be able to relive this experience. Claudia Year 12 - Prince Eric
It was just absolutely amazing and I wish I could go back and do it all again, from the rehearsals to production week everything was so memorable and fun. Winnie Year 8 - Flounder
I have learnt to show lots of persistence during shows because if something goes wrong you just have to go with it and it's definitely okay to make mistakes! Sienna Year 7 - Backstage Crew
A favourite memory would be getting to see the final scene in the production where you would get to see everyone's proud faces, feeling that energy and being like WOW we just did that! Gwen Year 7 - Violin
My experience with the production was so amazing! I have gained so much confidence in performing and I’ve also been able to meet so many new people! Samantha Year 8 - Sea Creature
Ms R Young
World Refugee Day - 20 June
Refugee Week is an annual event that includes World Refugee Day (20 June). Its purpose is to raise awareness, promote intercultural understanding, and highlight the positive contributions refugees make to Australian society. It also aims to support refugees in safely living and integrating into our communities.
2025 Theme: Finding Freedom: Community
The library has a selection of books available for both younger and older students to explore.
Kind regards,
Ms Ghorra and Ms Peterson
Faculty News
TAS
Year 11 Hospitality
Year 11 Hospitality students participated in a week-long work placement across a range of well-known venues, including Shangri-La, Deckhouse, Boronia Kitchen, Erin's, Rashays, Sporties, Maestria, and Outback Steakhouse.
During their placement, students had the valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real-world hospitality environments.
This experience not only enhanced their practical skills but also provided insight into the expectations and pace of a professional hospitality setting.
Ms T Soares
English
Year 12 English Advanced Excursion
Last week, Year 12 English Advanced students had the exciting opportunity to attend TheMerchant of Venice Symposium. Held at the Seymour Centre, this was an enriching excursionthat deepened our students’ understanding of one of Shakespeare’s most complex and thought-provoking plays.
Through the engaging lecture and live performance excerpts, students were invited to think critically about how the play presents ideas about the human experience and the play’s enduring relevance in today’s world. This is what students had to say about the excursion:
I found the information they gave useful, especially about the placement of pauses and how the actors can portray the characters very differently based on their tone of speaking. I also found the performances within the symposium entertaining. GS
The Merchant of Venice Symposium helped me understand further the syllabus context (dissonances, contradictions) of the Human Experiences course content - which was great because this was something I was previously struggling to understand! It also helped me consolidate my knowledge of the play and key ideas of the play! YD
The symposium allowed for a deep analysis and discussion about the language in the play. It was extremely beneficial to have this refresher on the contents of the play as well. RN
I liked how it incorporated more aspects of wider society- not just Shakespeare's but the plays'; applicability to the modern day. He also explained Iambic pentameter in a way that sort of audibly demonstrated the actual effects of the technique (which was nice as it never really 'clicked' for me when just explained in the classroom) I liked his enthusiasm and way of presenting and it got me actually engaged and passionate about the value of the play to us in our present day. AB
It made me consider not just the language Shakespeare uses to convey certain experiences but also HOW (form), like the iambic/trochaic pentameter and its relation to heartbeats. Also some ideas of bending the genre, parabolic metaphors and like the link to that one artist where Shakespeare cleverly plays with perspectives. MK
HSIE
Preliminary Geography Fieldwork
Last Tuesday, Preliminary Geography students conducted fieldwork in Meadowbank to investigate how climate change may intensify the urban heat island effect. This human-induced phenomenon arises from the complex interactions between the built environment and natural processes, leading to higher temperatures and more severe extreme heat events. These changes make heat more difficult to manage and increase risks to both people and the environment.
The fieldwork allowed students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world context while contributing to the Cool Places, Cool Spaces citizen science program. Students played an active role in collecting both quantitative and qualitative primary data to calculate outdoor thermal comfort, an important indicator of thermal stress in urban environments.
This data will support the City of Ryde Council in meeting targets from the Ryde Resilience Plan 2030, inform future decisions in environmental and urban planning, and enhance community education on heat impacts, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Ms J Skinner Crowe
A Winter’s Tale at Luna Park
Once upon a chilly winter morning, on Friday 13th June, under a sky brushed with silver clouds, a group of courageous Riversidean international students set off on a heartwarming adventure. Their destination? The legendary Luna Park, where Sydney’s Harbour sparkled like a blanket of diamonds and joy danced through the crisp winter air.
Bundled in scarves, coats, and excitement, the students passed through the giant smiling gates—an entrance to a world where time paused and imagination took flight. Luna Park, with its vintage charm and twinkling lights, had transformed into a wonderland of laughter and discovery, even in the cool embrace of winter.
They wandered through the enchanted grounds, their breath forming little clouds as they laughed their way through thrill rides, played whimsical carnival games, and posed for photos under fairy-lit archways. The Hair Raiser towered like a frosty mountain, while the carousel spun like a gentle snow globe come to life.
Amid the spinning rides and echoing music, friendships formed as naturally as frost on a windowpane. The students, though from distant lands, found warmth in shared stories, gleeful shrieks, and cheerful competition for the biggest plush toy.
Lunchtime was a cozy affair—gathered under covered spaces with warm food, hot chips, and cold fingers wrapped around cups of hot chocolate. Laughter rang out like bells as students swapped tales of home, marvelled at the view of the Harbour Bridge, and snapped memories to share with loved ones around the world.
As the sun dipped early behind the skyline and the park glowed with evening lights, a gentle kind of magic lingered in the air. It wasn’t just a day at Luna Park—it was a chapter in each student’s journey, written in smiles, connection, and the sparkle of winter wonder.
And as they boarded the ferry back to school, cheeks pink from the cold and hearts full of joy, it was clear: even in winter, Sydney knows how to warm the soul.
Mr M Sendov
Football - Wanderer's Schools Cup Team
Congratulations to Our Wanderer's Schools Cup Team in Year 7 & 8!
A huge congratulations to our incredible team who competed in the Schools Cup at the Wanderers Football Stadium and proudly placed in the Top 3 in both pools!
The Schools Cup is a community-focused football competition that promotes good sportsmanship, healthy competition, and the joy of the game — and our students represented all of this with pride, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Well done to the following players for their outstanding efforts:
Chloe D-S , Aramina D, Chloe F, Sophie F, Bella F, Emily H, Tessa (Tess) H, Amelia K, Betsy P, Jessica (Jess) R, Ella S, Winifred (Winnie) W, Purvi S.J.R, Willow M, Shreya R, Erum S. Quinn S and Alma Y. A BIG thank you to the parents for their ongoing support, and to the admin team at Riverside Girls for helping make this opportunity possible. Your encouragement and assistance behind the scenes are deeply appreciated.
Your achievement is something to be proud of Year 7 + 8 — congratulations on an amazing performance!
Ms A Ghorra
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