Dear Parents/Caregivers,
P&C Fundraiser Trivia Night - Friday 25 August 7pm in the School Hall
This is a friendly little reminder that the P&C are hosting a Trivia Night in our School Hall, next Friday 25 August at 7pm.
This is a major fundraising opportunity for our school and I would like to request that we all get behind it and show our support to our fabulous P&C and the great work that they do for our students. All money raised goes to the P&C.
Booking details are in the P&C section at the end of the newsletter.
In addition, the P&C are requesting donations and contributions for prizes and a Silent Auction. If you would like to contribute any items, or experiences, please email the P&C via the school email address: riversideg-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Hope to see you all there!
Louise
National Glory
Whilst the Matildas World Cup journey is not yet over, I think it is important to note the tremendous impact that these incredible women have had on the lives of so many Australians throughout this campaign and, specifically, the lives of so many of our students and staff at Riverside. Strength, tenacity, ferocity, calm, athleticism, teamwork, communication, leadership and collaboration are just some of the qualities and skills that have been modelled by this incredibly united, talented team of young women. Full confession: I am not a sports-loving fan. I love playing sport but I have never been interested in immersing myself in the thrill and culture of sitting on my couch or in a stadium to put myself through the nail biting experience of enduring watching a match of any sort. There is way too much emotional investment required for me to enjoy this pastime. And on Wednesday night I was reminded why! Highlights, not so highlights and 90-odd minutes of being inspired by the energy and commitment of these women who entertain and lead us both on and off the field, was well worth it and an experience to both remember and learn from.
It is the element of leadership that has inspired me to reflect on this game (the World Game) that has given so many women from diverse backgrounds, a form and voice to bring their dreams alive and dare to believe – in inclusion, equity, visibility and unity - in whatever their chosen pursuit. Thankyou Matildas and a massive shout out to every one of our leaders at Riverside, both official and unofficial, who bring the inclusivity, success and kindness dream alive every day.
National Science Week
You have probably already seen the video on our social media of the zombie apocalypse taking over Riverside – starring Ms Rav and Mr Gorrez (incidentally, this was posted onto the DoE social media, as well). The school has been abuzz with scientific investigation this week for National Science Week, with students congregating in the Multimedia Room each lunchtime to demonstrate their scientific thinking and understanding. I would like to extend a huge thankyou to Ms Nikic and the Science faculty for their contribution to the innovative learning culture of the school, not just this week, but always. It has been a finely orchestrated whole school event that has brought much joy to so many students, many of whom would not traditionally identify as lovers of science.
SRC Elections
Nominations close today for SRC elections. All positions are included in the nomination timeline, including school captains, prefects, house captains, house vice captains and SRC members. I look forward to working through the nominations and hearing what the captain nominees have to say when they present to both their peers in Year 11 and staff next week. It is an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking time for all aspiring leaders but my advice is always the same; no matter what the outcome, each individual should be proud that they have put themselves out there to represent the school, motivated by a genuine desire to be a role model and ambassador for every student at Riverside, regardless of the potential disappointment that may experience. This is a tremendous exercise in resilience building for every nominee and candidate and to every one of you, on behalf of the staff and students at Riverside, I say thank you and I look forward to the outcome of the elections and working with the leadership team for 2024.
Write a Book in a Day
8T are currently involved in a series of fund raising events to raise money to cure Childhood Cancer in their Write a Book in a Day activity. We are all digging deep to support this cause and look forward to the book that will be written.
Preliminary Exams
Year 11 have been given their Preliminary exam timetables. Exams begin on Monday 28 August. We wish all of Year 11 well as they complete their preliminary courses and prepare for these very important final exams. My advice is always to ensure that all students balance their study with good food, good sleep and lots of family time and exercise.
Year 7 Games Day
Good luck to all of our Year 7 students in their Games Day being played at Pennant Hills Park today. The weather is beautiful and the spirit of competition is in the air. This is a great opportunity for students to test their athleticism and teamwork to represent Riverside against the other girls’ schools in the zone. Go Riverside! And thankyou to Year 9 and 10 PASS for assisting the staff and students during the day. Their help and support is much appreciated.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Louise McNeil
Principal
Deputy Principal
It has been another action packed week, with Year 12 wrapping up their Trial Examination period. We are very proud of each student and their commitment to showing up, attempting each of their examinations and applying their best effort.
Mel Gleeson
Deputy Principal
Careers News
Automotive Industry Careers
See Mr Gilford in Careers for information on automotive industry apprenticeships.
Australian Catholic University HSC Revision Seminars (Webinars)
English Standard, Business Studies, Mathematics Standard 2, Studies of Religion
To see the topics being offered and to enrol, follow this link:
https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/future-student-events/year-12-revision-webinars
UAC Key Date Reminders
Details of all semester 1, 2024 courses offered by UAC’s participating institutions are now available, so it's a perfect time to get started on your UAC application if you haven't already. Remember, if you apply before 29 September, you’ll avoid a significant increase in the application fee.
Your Key Dates:
- 18 September - School Recommendation Scheme applications close
- 29 September - Early Bird Deadline - Significant increase to application fee after this date
- 23 November - Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application and documentation deadline for December Round 2 Offers
- 14 December - 2023 ATARs released
- 21 December - December Round 2 Offers released
https://www.uac.edu.au/media-centre/news/dreaming-of-uni
Macquarie University Local and Regional Entry Scheme
https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/adjustment-factors/location-based
Interested in a TAFE NSW Course?
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/open-day/i-am-finishing-school-this-year
TAFE Campus tours
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/campus-tours
Transport for NSW Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Business, Bridge Construction, Diesel Mechanic, Project Management, Electrical, Civil Construction and Painting Apprenticeships and Traineeships are being offered. https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/go/Train-Crew-and-Customer-Service-Jobs/7831310/
NSW DET Teacher Scholarships for Year 12
If you are interested in being paid to study to become a teacher, follow this link: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teach-nsw/get-paid-to-study
Mr J Gilford & Ms T Soares
Dates for the diary
Faculty News
English
Year 12 Drama Performance Evening
On Friday 11 th August, students in Year 12 Drama performed their Individual and Group Performances and presented their Individual Projects for Trial marking in front of an audience of friends, family and teachers.
It was a wonderful evening which showcased the talent of all Year 12 Drama students. This was the first time that the students were presenting their completed works in front of a larger audience, and whilst there were some nerves beforehand, all overcame them to perform in a confident and engaging manner. Most importantly, students were very supportive and encouraging of their peers.
The monologue performances were 6 to 8 minutes in length and were a combination of self-devised and adapted pieces. Students adapted a variety of material for their monologues and there were performances from the plays Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Songs for Nobodies and The Chocolate Affair, and films such as Gone Girl, The Lovely Bones and Frozen. The Group Performances were all self-devised from improvisations which stemmed from the topics provided by NESA.
Two students presented their costume design projects, with one student creating traditional costumes for Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and another student creating a contemporary interpretation of Sophocles’ Antigone. This year we also had one student compose a theatre script which incorporated the use of puppetry and Magic Realism in her piece.
Students in Year 12 Drama should be proud of putting on such a wonderful show. Thank you to the parents, students and teachers who came to support Year 12 Drama.
Ms R Young
Celebrating Science Week
As we celebrate Science week at Riverside, we endeavour to engage students in a variety of activities and events that inspire young minds, enhance their understanding of the world around them, challenge their thinking, arouse their curiosity and promote creativity and innovation.
One such activity that captured students attention today was a demonstration of a simple chemical reaction titled 'Elephant's toothpaste', so termed because of the behaviour of the product of this reaction that oozes out of a bottle on a continuous basis, resembling colourful striped toothpaste in quantities that would be appropriate to clean tusks of an animal as huge as an elephant.
The students in 7R and 8E waited patiently in anticipation and were certainly rewarded with the sight of the emerging, curling foam that twisted around the bottle neck as the reaction continued.
As the week progresses, there are many more activities that students can lay their hands on and be inspired by Science behind them.
Ms A Mishra
Year 11 Hospitality
Here are some photos of the Year 11 Hospitality class learning culinary skills such as precision cuts and poaching. They have been doing such an amazing job!
Mr O Russo
Co-curricula News
Year 7 and 8 Games Day
In a burst of energy and camaraderie, the Year 7 and 8 Games Days at Pennant Hills Park was an unforgettable event that left everyone with memories of sportsmanship and joy. The event proved to be a wonderful opportunity for year 7 and 8 students to showcase their sporting skills and to build positive relationships with all peers across their grades.
Amidst cheers and laughter, students enthusiastically participated in a variety of sports against other schools in the zone. On the first day, Year 8 showcased not only their skills, but a spirit of healthy competition in the sports of Netball, Soccer and Volleyball. Followed by Year 7, who displayed exceptional sportsmanship and improvement in the sports of Netball, Soccer, and modified cricket.
The teams were guided by the expertise of the Year 9 and 10 elective PASS (Physical Activities and Sports Studies) students, who served as inspiring coaches and talented umpires. The PASS students proved to be exceptional leaders and supported the teams throughout the day. Games Day would not have been possible without their participation and excitement.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our dedicated teachers whose efforts made this day possible; Ms Hendriks, Ms Campbell (Year 7 Advisor), Ms Carollo (Year 8 Advisor), Mr Russo, Ms Taing, Mr Zabakly, Ms Mishra, Ms Di Mauro, Ms Ghorra, Ms Nagle and Ms Tyson. Your support was pivotal in transforming the event into a resounding success, leaving lasting smiles on everyone's faces.
Ms L Marshall
P&C
TRIVIA NIGHT - FRIDAY 25 AUGUST 2023
Join us for an unforgettable night of trivia at the RGHS Trivia Night on Friday 25 August!
You’ll have a blast with your friends and family while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Don’t forget to bring your own food and drink to share with others. You can also make new friends and find out if you know more trivial bits of knowledge than them!
Tickets are only $25 per person plus booking costs. A full table will fit eight people very nicely. There will be raffles, games, and a silent auction to keep you entertained throughout the night.
Note: Regarding seating and tabes, there will be 16 tables each seating 8 people. So feel free to book whole tables for you and your friends!
The event will take place onsite at Riverside Girls High School in the main hall.
For any questions please email one of the following and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Meg: megs_geoff@hotmail.com or Mark: mark.odonnell.au@gmail.com