Dear Parents/Guardians

As we wrap up another busy term at Riverside High School, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible efforts of our Student Leaders and the joyful spirit of our school community.

This week, our Prefects and Student Councils organised a fantastic lunchtime activity that brought students together in a fun and inclusive way. To mark the end of term, student leaders hosted a celebration lunch featuring a variety of food stalls that were a hit with students and staff alike. From the sizzling barbecue to the sweet treats of ice cream sandwiches and fizzy spiders, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The event was a wonderful way to unwind, connect, and reflect on the achievements of the term.

A huge thank you to our Student Leaders for their initiative and energy, and to all staff who supported the event. These moments of connection and celebration are what make Riverside such a special place to learn and grow.

As we conclude Term 2, I’d like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students and staff throughout the semester.

Mid-Term Reports

School reports have now been sent home to families, providing a comprehensive overview of each student’s progress. These reports include ratings for core and elective subjects, as well as feedback on work habits and attendance. We encourage families to take time to review these reports together and celebrate the growth and achievements of their children.

In recognition of student effort, letters of improvement have also been posted to families of students who have shown notable progress. These letters are a testament to the resilience, commitment, and growth mindset we value deeply at Riverside.

Looking ahead to Term 3, we will be hosting celebration assemblies to recognise students who have demonstrated excellent academic results and effort across all areas of school life. These assemblies are a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and acknowledge the many successes of our students.

Thank you to all students for your efforts this term, and to families for your ongoing support.

Year 10 Exams – Week 2, Term 3

Monday, 28 July – English

Tuesday, 29 July – Maths

Thursday, 31 July – Science

Friday, 1 August – HASS

As we approach the Year 10 exam period, I want to take a moment to reflect on the broader purpose and value of these assessments, not just as a measure of academic achievement, but as a vital part of our students’ learning journey.

Year 10 exams offer students a chance to consolidate their knowledge across their core subjects, apply critical thinking, and demonstrate their understanding. More importantly, they help students develop essential study skills such as time management, goal setting, and revision techniques.

This period also encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Preparing for exams fosters independence and self-discipline, while also highlighting areas where further support or growth may be needed. These experiences build confidence and lay the groundwork for success in Years 11 and 12.

We are proud of the effort our Year 10 students are putting into their studies, and we encourage families to support them by promoting healthy routines, balanced schedules, and positive encouragement. Year 10 parents/guardians have been provided with a letter outlining the exam timetable.

NAIDOC Week

This week, we proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week a time to recognise and honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Riverside High School came together in a spirit of respect, learning, and celebration.

At our school assembly, we acknowledged the significance of NAIDOC Week with a Welcome to Country and student-led reflections on this year’s theme and events. It was heartening to see our students engage so thoughtfully with the traditions shared.

Throughout the week, students participated in a range of cultural activities that deepened their understanding and appreciation of First Nations heritage. Highlights included:

• Barbecue Lunch – A delicious spread featuring traditional foods such as mutton birds and kangaroo patties, prepared with the guidance of the manina Kanamaluka group. The aromas and flavours sparked great curiosity and conversation among students and staff.
• String Weaving and Bracelet Workshops – Students learned the intricate techniques of traditional weaving and bracelet-making.
• Art Activities – Inspired by Indigenous art styles, students created vibrant works such as ochre paintings, which will be displayed around the school as a lasting tribute to the week.

A heartfelt thank you to the manina Kanamaluka group for their generous involvement, and to all staff who supported these events. Most importantly, thank you to our students for embracing the spirit of NAIDOC Week with such respect.

Staffing – Term 3

Farewell to an Outstanding Educator: Susan Matkovich

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Susan Matkovich, an exceptional teacher and leader whose retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter at Riverside High School.

Ms Matkovich has been a cornerstone of our English department and Grade Leadership Teams, known for her unwavering attention to detail, deep care for every student, and her ability to bring humour and heart into every corridor she walked. Her footsteps, always brisk, always purposeful, echoed her dedication and tireless energy.

Throughout her career, Ms Matkovich has inspired countless students and colleagues with her passion for literature, her commitment to excellence, and her belief in the potential of every learner. Her classroom was a place of challenge, creativity, and compassion, a reflection of the values she holds dear.

Susan’s leadership extended beyond the classroom. She was a mentor, a confidante, and a guiding light for many. Her legacy is one of integrity, kindness, and an enduring love for education.

As she steps into retirement, we wish Susan joy, relaxation, and many new adventures. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to work alongside her and learn from her.

Thank you, Ms Matkovich. Riverside will not be the same without you.

Mr Hanson prepares to take his well-earned long service leave for Terms 3 and 4. We sincerely thank him for all he has done. We will miss his calm presence, sharp insights, and yes, his love of a good process!

Mr Hanson, we wish you all the very best for your time away. May it be restful, fulfilling, and everything you hope it to be, with plenty of squash and bike riding. We look forward to welcoming you back with open arms in the future.

Mrs Maree Young has accepted a position for Term 3 at Invermay Primary School as the Business Manager. We congratulate Mrs Young on her new role and know she will do an amazing job.

It has been a term filled with learning, growth, and connection, from classroom achievements to vibrant community events like our NAIDOC Week celebrations and student-led activities. These moments remind us of why Riverside High School is such a special place. Have a safe and happy holiday and we will welcome our students back in Term 3, on Monday, 21 July.

Jeanna Bolton
Principal