Riverside Currents

From the Principal

Dear Parents/Caregivers, I hope you have had a wonderful week. New School Sign I hope you’ve all had a chance to see our new school sign, whether as you’ve driven past or via our Instagram. I hope you agree with me that it looks stylish, professional and contemporary and hopefully represents the sharpness and quality of the people and activities that take place within the gates. Thankyou to the P&C for funding the sign, with us eagerly awaiting delivery of many more for different locations around the school; all with the purpose of smartening up the physical surrounds for our students, as well as serving practical, wayfinding purposes. In the meantime, the new Victoria Road sign makes a very big statement and will hopefully gain lots of attention in the high visibility, high traffic location. I am so proud of our school and believe that it deserves the attention that this sign should bring.

Round table with the Vice Chancellor of Macquarie University It was my great pleasure, as a Partner School Principal, to be invited to participate in a high school principal round table with the Vice Chancellor of Macquarie University and the University Executive, yesterday to discuss issues being faced by the tertiary sector and the anticipated impact on future students. We shared our thoughts and ideas on changes to the tertiary sector, AI, post-school transition and ways to support students, and entry pathways to Macquarie University. It is always inspiring to visit a university campus and to connect with tertiary colleagues. I always appreciate the opportunity to contribute my thoughts and ideas, from our school context, to be considered by the university as they continue to seek to improve the transition and experience for future students, many of whom will come from Riverside. In the meantime, we continue to encourage and support our students in considering the various pathways open to them in seeking university entry. Peter Pan The cast of Peter Pan hosted a bake sale on Wednesday to raise money for the school production. It is always so wonderful to see the girls work together with such creativity and commitment to create a theme through their baked goods. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Young and the cast for bringing us such a colourful and tasty array of baked goods. Special thanks also, to Narelle and Joyce in the Front Office for baking such amazing scones and star shaped shortbread biscuits. I particularly appreciated the date scones! Cross Country As a result of the gloomy weather forecast, we made the call early this week that we would make the cross country carnival competitors only. Hopefully, next year we can return to normal school business and have the whole school involved and participating. Despite the variation to routine, it was a wonderfully successful day with our competitors impressing us all with their determination and talent in navigating the tricky, slightly sludgy course. Dance Studio It is with great excitement that I share the news of the progress of our Dance Studio. A few days ago I did a walk through with a team of architects, engineers, quantity surveyor and other trades. It seems that it is all systems go in the design and construction of this wonderful, well-earned specialist space for our dancers and associated performers and teachers. As far as I am concerned, it is long overdue for our dancers, considering the breadth of talent and dedication, not to mention success and kudos, that they bring to our school, both in the classroom, on the stage and beyond. Year 10 Subject Selection Evening – Tuesday 26 May 6:00pm If you are a parent of a Year 10 student, please put this date in your diary to attend the Subject Selection Information Evening. Students should also attend as we will present them with their Subject Selection Booklets and all of the information they require to make well informed decisions. Year 7 2027 Ignite (HPGE) Test Registrations

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Louise McNeil Principal

NSW Public Schools Survey

In Term 2, on Thursday 21 May, we are offering our students the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours. Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form, which has been emailed home, and return it to the school. Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss. Ms N Miller

Year 7 Cyberbully Workshop

On Monday, Year 7 participated in an engaging cybersafety and anti-bullying program delivered by PT Starr’s Productions alongside their Year Adviser Ms Hendriks. The program focused on educating students about cyberbullying, online safety and strategies to support themselves and others. Students began the day by watching an interactive performance that explored respectful online behaviour and the impact of cyberbullying. We were delighted when an audience member was invited up to the stage to be involved in the performance! Year 7 then participated in a presentation that deepened their understanding of bullying, conflict and meanness, followed by collaborative role play activities where some enthusiastic groups presented their scenarios on stage to their peers. Furthermore, we concluded with a celebration of student achievement, recognising students who had earned five commendations across subjects, attendance and school service. Overall, Monday was a fantastic opportunity for Year 7 to build important knowledge and skills while celebrating positive contributions to the school community.

Ms T Hendriks