From the Principal
Dear Parents/Caregivers, The highlight of Week 3 has been the SRC initiative, O Week, to welcome Year 7 to the extravaganza of extra curricula activities that we have on offer at Riverside. Students were invited to sign up to the varying activities and rewarded with a snow cone, courtesy of the P&C. On such a scorching day, these were very well received. Thankyou to the SRC, Ms Philpott and every teacher that provides these wonderful experiences beyond the classroom. P&C It was wonderful to have so many Year 7 parents at our first P&C meeting for the year. Our P&C is a wonderful group of collaborative, passionate, supportive parents who work tirelessly to support our school by bringing the community together and raising money to fund school resources and events. We are very lucky to have so many wonderful parents on the P&C and we invite all parents to join the next meeting. Please see the P&C news later in the newsletter. We also understand that not all parents have the time or flexibility to contribute to the P&C in person so there is also the option of paying the family P&C contribution on your statement. All money goes to the P&C to continue to support our students. Welcome to Year 7 Afternoon Tea – Tuesday 24 March 5-6pm This is advanced notice for the Welcome to Year 7 Afternoon Tea for parents and students. Please stay posted to register your interest. It will be an opportunity to connect with your daughter’s teachers on a casual level. It is not a parent teacher interview (those will take place at the end of Term 2). There will also be a light afternoon tea on offer. Open Day Our annual Open Day will be held on Tuesday 3 March from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Please pass this on to your friends and family who may be interested in visiting our school and considering Riverside for their daughters now or in the future. We have also posted a QR code on Instagram to manage RSVPs. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Louise McNeil Principal
Year 11 Information Evening
Assessment at Riverside
In the first weeks of term, assessment handbooks have been distributed to all students in Years 7-11. As students embark on new courses of learning, it is important that they are aware of the formal assessment requirements for each course as outlined in the assessment handbooks. As well as course assessment schedules, the assessment handbooks outline the procedures to follow if a student is absent when a task is due, information about malpractice and about technology and assessments. For students in Stages 5 and 6, assessment handbooks include information NESA requirements for satisfactory completion of a course. Assessment handbooks are an essential reference throughout the year. They are also made available to parents/carers and students via Sentral. Parents/Carers are encouraged to review the assessment handbook with their child, supporting them to understand the requirements of assessment, manage their time effectively and engage in valuable study.
Ms M Tyson
Orientation Week
Thank you to the SRC for welcoming Year 7 to Riverside and showing them what extra curricula activities are on offer!
Second Hand Uniform Stall
RGHS Inter-House Competition
All students at Riverside belong to one of four Houses, each proudly named after influential female artists connected to our school’s history and values. Coen – Named after noted artist Margaret Coen, well known for her beautiful flower paintings. She encouraged students to “Give much appreciation to the fine arts and much finesse to the applied arts.” McKenzie – Named after Isobel McKenzie, who valued “Originality and honesty in one’s work and courage to keep on trying when things go wrong.” O’Harris – Named after celebrated painter and illustrator Pixie O’Harris, whose stories and book illustrations made her a household name. Her advice: “Nothing hurts those who have no fear.” Mallinson – Named for Mavis Mallinson, a dedicated Riverside art teacher who believed, “To encourage an appreciation of good art is to develop a love of beauty and harmony in all things.” These women represent creativity, courage, perseverance and excellence - qualities we continue to foster in our students today. This year, we are continuing to strengthen school spirit, connection and pride through the RGHS Inter-House Competition - and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. The competition begins with the Swimming Carnival, where students can earn house points not only by participating in events but also by volunteering as helpers, creating supportive posters and leading enthusiastic chants. Every contribution counts. Throughout the year, students will have many opportunities to accumulate points for their House. At the end of the year, the winning House will celebrate together — meaning every student’s involvement makes a difference.
How Can Students Earn House Points? Sporting Participation: Participation in Cross Country, the Swimming Carnival, the Athletics Carnival and other representative team events.
Attendance: Students with attendance above 92% each term will earn points for their House, recognising the importance of commitment and consistency.
Academic Engagement and Achievement: Active participation in class, demonstrated improvement and striving for personal excellence all contribute to House success.
Volunteering and Leadership: Supporting school events as a reader or writer during exams, assisting at Open Day or contributing in other leadership roles.
Extracurricular Involvement: Students can also earn House points by actively participating in co-curricular activities such as the School Production, Orchestra, Chorus, Art Club, Debating, the Paper Recycling Crew and other school-based clubs and initiatives. We value and celebrate students who contribute to the rich cultural and community life of Riverside, and these commitments will now also support their House in the Inter-House Competition.
In addition, commendations awarded in class are linked directly to House points, providing students with further opportunities to contribute positively to their House community. House point standings will be shared with students each term to maintain momentum and excitement. We encourage parents to support and motivate their daughters to become involved, show House pride and embrace the friendly competition. Together, we look forward to a year filled with participation, connection and celebration. May the most active House win!
Ms A Nikic
Hanoi Middle School Visit
Riverside Girls High School recently had the pleasure of welcoming a student exchange group from Hanol High School, in partnership with NamooEdu, South Korea. Throughout their visit, our Korean guests were immersed in classroom learning, school life, and Australian culture. Their presence brought energy and enthusiasm to our campus, enriching our community and providing valuable opportunities for cultural exchange.
Student exchange programs such as this remind us that education extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. They encourage students to learn with one another, not just about one another. Through shared lessons, conversations at lunch, collaborative activities, and new friendships, both our visiting students and our own students gained broader perspectives and deeper intercultural understanding.
For our visitors, this experience meant adapting to a new school environment and embracing a different culture. For our Riverside students, it offered the chance to see the world through a new lens and develop meaningful global connections. It was particularly rewarding to see students including one another in games, classroom discussions, and everyday school activities — small moments that built strong bonds across cultures.
I would like to thank Mr and Ms Young for hosting activities, as well as all the teachers and administrative staff involved in ensuring this program ran smoothly and provided a meaningful and rewarding experience to all those involved.
We hope this visit will be remembered not only for the places explored, but for the friendships formed and the understanding gained. We sincerely thank our guests from Hanol High School for being part of our school community and contributing so positively to school life during their stay. We wish them safe travels home and look forward to future opportunities to continue this valued partnership.
Mr M Sendov
Mindfulness Mondays
School Photo Day - 11 March 2026
Faculty News
Science
Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, some of our Year 7 and Year 8 classes participated in a special classroom activity recognising the achievements of female scientists. Students made creative and informative posters highlighting the contributions of inspiring women in science. They also took part in meaningful discussions about the qualities needed to become a great scientist, such as curiosity, resilience, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. It was wonderful to see our Riverside girls reflecting on their own potential and recognizing that they too can contribute meaningfully to the world of science. Ms J Wang
On Monday, HSC English Extension 1 and 2 students embarked on an inspiring excursion to the State Library of NSW, immersing themselves in a day of research and creativity.
The visit began with a session focused on developing advanced research skills as students were guided through the extensive resources available both onsite and online. This workshop not only strengthened the students’ research capabilities but also highlighted the importance of academic rigour in English Extension 1 and 2.
In their second session, the focus shifted from research to creativity. Drawing inspiration from a range of unique library collections, students participated in a series of creative writing activities. Students experimented with perspective, imagery and structure, crafting pieces that reimagined past events and gave new life to historical figures.
In their second session, the focus shifted from research to creativity. Drawing inspiration from a range of unique library collections, students participated in a series of creative writing activities. Students experimented with perspective, imagery and structure, crafting pieces that reimagined past events and gave new life to historical figures.
I learnt how to navigate specific academic sources such as the Cambridge articles which are usually behind a paywall. Nina I really liked getting a tour of the library and seeing all the history behind it and within it. Anouk I really liked looking at all the paintings and objects and learning a little bit about the state Library’s role in keeping historic things for NSW. Peggy
Co-curricula Activities
Sydney North Open Basketball Team
Congratulations to Safi N (Year 10) who has been selected in the Sydney North Open Basketball Team to compete at the upcoming CHS Tournament.
Sydney North Secondary Schools Sports Association Blue
Congratulations to Zara P (Year 12 2025) on being awarded a Sydney North Secondary Schools Sports Association Blue. This is a significant achievement and a true reflection of your dedication, consistency and outstanding performances.
Ms S Nicol
Open Girls Basketball CHS Knockout Team
On Monday 9 February, Riverside Girls High School versed Burwood Girls High School in the Open Girls CHS Knockout Basketball Competition. With only 4 days notice to pull together a team, the girls were nervous but excited to take the courts at Concord Recreation Centre and battle out their Round 1 match up. The team members were Safi N (Captain) Lucy H, Skyler S, Sophia B, Mataya J, Talia A, Malak E from Year 10 and Arznie T, Emily H and Amelia K from Year 9.
The first half was jam packed, with Riverside winning the half 26-12. Their offensive game strategy was working beautifully, despite it being a fast paced (and sweaty) game. Safi commented 'I'm playing harder in this game than I do in Reps' after the first half. The spirits were high but the energy was low, and unfortunately the girls had a few three-pointer baskets scored by Burwood Girls. The fulltime score saw Burwood Girls win the knockout round 36-30.
The girls should be so proud of their efforts and remarked that they are eager to start training as a group for future competitions. A massive thank you to Brett Lowe, ex-RGHS Basketball Coach and teacher who assisted with game strategy and coaching for the day! Ms J Lemon
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