Our DECYP Value in focus is Courage:

The value of Courage involves accepting challenges and embracing opportunities. This is crucial in fostering an environment where students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their goals with determination and resilience.

At Riverside High School, the value of Courage is embedded in the school’s ethos and daily practices. Students are encouraged to set ambitious goals, whether in their studies, extracurricular activities, or personal development. This is underpinned by a framework of guidance and mentorship, ensuring that students feel supported as they navigate new and often daunting experiences.

Courage is also about fostering a growth mindset. Teachers and staff emphasise the importance of perseverance and learning from failure. Students are taught that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process, and that Courage involves persisting in the face of difficulties. This mindset not only helps students to overcome academic challenges but also prepares them for the uncertainties and complexities of the real world.

The school provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate and develop courage. This diverse array of activities challenges students to push their boundaries. These experiences help students to build confidence and resilience, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle future challenges.

In summary, the value of Courage at Riverside High School is essential in supporting students to accept challenges and embrace opportunities. By cultivating a supportive and encouraging climate, the school helps students to develop resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset. This focus on Courage not only enhances students’ academic achievements but also prepares them to face future challenges with determination and optimism, ensuring they are well-equipped for lifelong success.

Some highlights from the past two weeks at Riverside High include:

Battle of The Bands

Thank you to our Music department for supporting a large number of students to rehearse and perform at our school’s Battle of the Bands. The event was held at the Door of Hope on Friday, 28^th June and the atmosphere and quality of performances were outstanding. We sold 400 tickets for this event which was well-supported by our school community. Well done to all involved!

Primary School Transition

Our associate primary school transition program has commenced. Miss Dudley has been working with our Grade 9 students in preparation for the Transition Mentor program that supports our upcoming primary visits. This is a valued part of our school transition program and supports our young people to feel connected to high school.

Grade 10 Transition Plans

Our Grade 10 students recently participated in a morning of transition planning facilitated by their Home Group teachers. These days are extremely important in supporting our Grade 10 students to complete their Transition Plans, have vital conversations about their futures and listen to different speakers from a range of industries providing a snapshot of what opportunities are available.

NAIDOC Week

This week our school highlighted the importance that NAIDOC week plays within our community. Many of our young Indigenous students participated in a variety of cultural activities. Thank you to our students and staff who helped to organise this week.

Mid-year Reporting

As our Mid-year reports have just gone home, this is an excellent opportunity for students to reflect upon their current academic progress and set some new goals for the remainder of the year. This provides an opportunity for parents/guardians to have conversations with their young people about their application to learning and the progress they are making in the classroom.

Term 3 Staffing

As we enter the second half of the year, we are very pleased to say that our staffing situation is extremely stable, and we have minimal changes to our classes for Term 3. Ms Bolton will return from her long service leave and Mr Smith will return to his leadership of Grade 8 and Mr Gadsby to his instructional coach portfolio. Mr Woodley (HPE/Stem) and Mrs Scott (HASS) retain their contracts and continue their work with their respective classes throughout Term 3.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the community for your support and conversations over the past term. The role of principal is a challenging one, however, it is something that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I wish everyone a relaxed break and some time to recharge ready for the second half of the year.

Mr Adrian Smith
Acting Principal