Welcome to our website and to the beginning of the 2012 school year. At the end of term one this year, I will celebrate the completion of my inaugural year as principal of this great comprehensive high school. I am very proud to be in this role after 31 years in public education.
The 2011 year was a very successful one for both staff and students culminating in the news that three of our HSC students gained an ATAR of above 99 and all three received Premier’s Awards. This and other successes are outlined in the brochure. It makes great reading!
Riverside has nearly 80 years of history where teachers have been dedicated to maximising and enriching student learning. As I take visitors and prospective students and parents/carers on tours of the school, I am very proud of the quiet focus that you can see of staff and students on their teaching and learning. Riverside is a happy place where the community enjoy coming to school every day.
This is largely due to the passion and dedication of the team of teachers and support staff and also the underlying focus on positivity and resilience in our wellbeing programs.
The 2012 year is the first in a three year planning cycle for school improvement. Through collaboration with the community, including parents and students, we have identified five priority areas: literacy; numeracy; student engagement; strengthened leadership capacity and organisational effectiveness.
To assist in achieving these, we have laid the foundations for some initiatives in 2012. These initiatives, though well organised and planned, reflect the view of the school executive that we are confident to move in new directions and continually look for ways to stimulate the learning environment at Riverside:
1. An accelerated class for Yr 10 students to complete their preliminary (Yr 11) VET IT (Information Technology) course and then their HSC course in 2013.
2. A Connected Classroom program where Yr 8 G & T students will learn Mandarin via video conferencing facilities whilst extending their technology skills with the latest language learning software.
3. An increase in the number of overseas students, particularly from China, and the cementing of a sister school relationship with a private middle school near Shanghai.
As well, the school has gained $200K from a federal grant to update one kitchen to industry standard ready for delivery of the VET Hospitality course in a state-of-the-art professional environment.
So, I trust that you will enjoy reading about Riverside Girls High School. Our motto, ‘Deeds Not Words’, suggests energy and positivity and if I added having trust and integrity to these, then I believe these are the characteristics we foster in our Riverside girls.
I would also invite you to our P. & C. Meetings where, together with the new P. & C. President, Mr Greg Tunnock, I will be able to answer any questions you have about how Riverside supports the educational needs of our students.
I am available through the school number 9816 4264.
Belinda Kelly (M.A. (Special Education) ; B.A (Honours, Psychology); Dip Ed.)
Principal
