Riverside Currents

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers, I hope you have had a wonderful week. Premier’s Debating Challenge It was with great pride that I enjoyed the final stages of Round 4 of the Premier’s Debating Challenge between Riverside and Sydney Girls this week. Our senior debaters, ably coached by Ms Purisima, put on a fabulous performance to address an extremely complex environmental question. Sadly, they did not win but I was impressed to see the cohesion and teamwork of the debaters as they received feedback and reflected on how they may have approached the debate differently. To my mind, they did a great job and presented their argument with clarity and confidence. Congratulations to Louisa J, Summer S, Peggy Jean H and Issy P. I think there are dining rooms around the suburbs that face some pretty engaging conversation judging by the quick thinking and high level of articulation of our talented debaters. Musical Ensembles Evening I would like to give a huge shout out to Ms Wang and her team of amazing conductors for the wonderful feast of music that we were treated to last night. We are so lucky to have such talented, passionate musicians amongst us with the artist teachers, Ms Nylund, Mr Brinsmead and Mr Love, committed to harnessing this passion to bring it to the stage. I would like to acknowledge their collective professionalism, creativity and expertise in guiding our young musicians to have the confidence and flair to perform and to entertain us to such a high standard. It is also always lovely to have the opportunity to catch up with parents informally at such events. Athletics Carnival We could not have been luckier with the weather on Wednesday for our Athletics Carnival. It was a stunning day with a positive student turn out; a good number of students choosing to have a go to represent their house and represent themselves in putting their best foot forward in one or more of the events on the day. Organisation of the Athletics Carnival at such a superior venue is a huge undertaking and one that staff put a huge amount of effort into, both in the lead up and on the day. We favour Sydney Olympic Park as the venue in order to provide the most professional environment for our students to compete in and perform, many athletes in preparation for zone representation. It was a wonderful atmosphere of healthy competition and sportsmanship with a few records broken along the way. Whole school events, such as the Athletics Carnival, are an important feature of the school calendar as they foster team spirit and a culture of cohesion and belonging. Matta Tiddas We were all delighted yesterday to herald the return of Matta Tiddas, our school café run by Ms McNeil-Dean and the students of Stage 5 Food and Beverage. They served up an array of hot and cold beverages for staff and students. We are very excited to have the café back every Thursday morning. Plain English Speaking Competition It has been a week of public speaking with Riverside hosting the Plain English Speaking Competition today, with competitors from government and non-government schools. The students delivered an 8-minute prepared speech and a 3-minute impromptu speech. The quality of the participants was quite mind blowing and the event provided a wonderful learning opportunity for English classes that were lucky enough to view it. Congratulations to Arianna S (Year 11) for her exceptional effort representing Riverside. She was an impressive role model for our student audience, speaking with conviction, fluency and emotion. Thankyou to Ms Purisima for her coaching and coordination of this event.

Parent Teacher Nights Term 2 is a big term for finalising Semester 1 assessment and reporting for all students. I have encouraged all students to bear this in mind in approaching the term, suggesting that all students set their goals high to ensure they achieve their best in learning outcomes. We know that positive behaviour and wellbeing leads to learning success. Organisation and good study habits also support achievement in all subjects, both in the classroom and at home. Please be confident that we are working with your daughters to support their planning and organisation, as well as applying the principles of explicit teaching to scaffold and build all curriculum knowledge and skill development in an environment of high expectations in all classrooms and learning domains. Please continue to have conversations with your daughters about learning; ask what they’re learning about, ask if you may assist, ask if they are enjoying the learning, ask if they require additional support. These questions are crucial to ensure that you are confident that your daughter is prepared for reaching her learning goals and outcomes. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school with a specific question or concern. Academic Reports will be issued next term in time for Parent Teacher Interviews on Thursday 25 June and 2 July. HPGE (Ignite) Applications To all of our parents with younger daughters or friends with children in year 6 – just a reminder that the registration link for the Ignite HPGE test is open and can be found on our website. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Louise McNeil Principal

Peter Pan Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets are on sale now for Peter Pan - https://www.trybooking.com/DLZCT

Riverside Scarves for Sale

Our winter scarf is available for sale from the office for $30.50.

Mindfulness Mondays

Co-curricula Activities

CHS Swimming

Congratulations to Eloise D (Yr 8) and Susanna B (Yr 10) who represented RGHS at CHS Swimming Championships last week. Eloise competed in the 100m Backstroke, achieved a PB in the heats and qualified for the finals. She then swam another PB in the final, finishing 8th overall. Susanna also competed in the 100m Backstroke, achieve a PB in the heats and progressed to the finals. She followed this up with another PB and finishing 5th. Well done to both girls 👏

School Production Update

Pirate Bake Sale Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for a sea of sweet treats at our Pirate Themed Bake Sale, raising treasure for our school production of Peter Pan! Join us at recess 2 and lunch in the Quad on Wednesday 13 May, and enjoy delicious treats like cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Every treat sold will help bring Neverland to life, with all proceeds from the bake sale going towards the hiring of sound equipment for the production! We hope to see lots of students there!

Week 3 Rehearsal It was pleasing to see all students in the cast of Peter Pan rehearsed without scripts during our rehearsal on Thursday. Not only have students been learning their lines, but they have been focusing on the characterisation and remembering blocking. On Thursday, the backstage crew were busy making props for the pirate ship and decorations for the hall. We asked the backstage crew to tell us what they are most excited about and why they joined the backstage crew. This is what some of the backstage crew said:

I was involved in the 2025 Production of ‘The Little Mermaid’, and I learnt to make props that can withstand a whole Musical. I liked seeing all my work and my friends; work create such a beautiful experience. I was so proud when I saw the props I made being used on the stage - Olivia Year 8

This will be my fourth year doing the musical and it's always tons of fun. I’m looking forward to the production week when we can perform for everyone! - Tosia Year 10

I'm looking forward to making new friends and seeing what the finished product looks like. - Ashleigh Year 8

Getting to know more Riverside friends across all years and gaining confidence to maybe be in the cast next year - Clara Year 7

I've done backstage for the last 3 years and it's an amazing experience. It's really fun to meet new people from the school and be a part of the production - Amelie Year 10

AFL Senior Girls Secondary Schools Gala Day

On Tuesday 28 April, 19 students from Year 9 to 12 competed at the Secondary School’s AFL Gala Day at ELS Hall. A last minute forfeit from Northern Beaches Secondary College saw the girls straight through to the final! This didn’t take away from the outstanding play from the whole team, many of whom have never played a game of AFL. At half time, the girls were up 12-0 with props to Chloe M and Mataya J kicking a goal each! The outstanding play continued into the second half, with more goals kicked by Chloe M, and Rose M. The team were so excited to take the win 20-0 against Muirfield High School. This means we are through to Regional Finals which will happen 12 May at ELS Hall. A big thanks to Abby W and Millie W for their knowledge and captaincy of the team! Ms J Lemon