General Information

PARENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK

ATTENDANCE

We really value the importance of consistent and regular attendance and have high expectations for our students in this area. We understand that adolescence is a challenging stage and that there are times when teenagers seek independence and think they know best. No matter how hard parents try, some students experience times when they can be reluctant or refuse to go to school. We know that attendance patterns are established very early in the year and that is why we have a strong emphasis on working with you to address any attendance concerns at the start of the year.    

Attendance Policy

Attendance Procedure

Why Regular School Attendance Matters

• Better Learning: Students who attend regularly perform better academically.
• Positive Wellbeing: They enjoy healthier friendships and a more optimistic outlook.
• Success Link: High attendance is directly tied to high achievement.

How You Can Support

• Set Expectations: Emphasize the importance of daily attendance—it builds habits for future work life.
• Establish Routines: Encourage homework completion and 8–9 hours of sleep. Monitor screen time at night.
• Plan Smart: Schedule appointments and family trips outside school hours.
• Be Attentive: Only keep your teen home if they’re genuinely ill. Frequent minor complaints may signal anxiety—reach out to school staff if concerned.
• Stay Involved: Regularly check attendance and academic progress. Contact teachers or school leaders if issues arise.Recording Student Attendance

Student Absence Guidelines

• Explained – Sickness/Incapacity: If your child is unwell, keep them home and notify the school within 5 days. Absences beyond 5 days may require a medical certificate.

• Explained – Other: If the reason for absence meets school criteria (outlined separately), it will be marked as Explained – Other.

• Unauthorised – Not an Excusable Circumstance: Absences for holidays, birthdays, or "down time" during term are not valid and will be marked as Unauthorised.

• Unauthorised – Unexplained by Parent/Carer: If no explanation is received via phone, SMS, email, Schoolzine App, or letter, the absence is marked Unauthorised – Unexplained. An SMS will be sent to parents by 10:00am each day the child is absent.

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

Student Behaviour Management Procedure

Student Behaviour Management Policy

TERM DATES & SCHOOL HOURS

Term dates for students in 2025 are:

(Professional Learning Days – Student Free Days):

LESSON TIMES

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

Currently our school offers a curriculum based on both the traditional subject disciplines within the Australian Curriculum and some school based option courses. 

GRADE 7 CURRICULUM

GRADE 8 CURRICULUM

GRADE 9 & 10 CURRICULUM

ESAFETY

At Riverside High School, we recognise that it is important for our students to be prepared with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate the online world safely. Riverside High School is currently working towards gaining full eSmart accreditation. The eSmart program is an initiative run by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, designed to help improve Cyber Safety and reducing cyber bullying in schools and homes. 

Below are a list of resources from government websites that we encourage parents to view. These resources contain a wide range of information, available suggestions, and tips for ensuring a safe, secure and respectful online environment at school and within the home.

Click on the following links to view the websites:

Click here for the Esafety website

Click here for the ACMA cybersmart youtube video

Click here for the Esafety Cyberbullying Report

BUS INFORMATION

Passenger conduct code for school bus services