Frequently Asked Questions

How secure are the grounds?

Riverdale School oval is fully enclosed with a 3-metre high cyclone fence. Stage two of the fencing project around the basketball court is now complete.

Does Riverdale School have a uniform?

Yes. Uniform is compulsory for all students enrolling after January 2006, although most students now dress in the school uniform. A catalogue is available on this web site, via the Uniform link.

Do you have bullying at Riverdale School?

All schools encounter students who choose to harass or intimidate. What is crucial, is what the school does about it. Riverdale School has a strict anti bullying policy. Students are taught grievance procedures from day one, alongside their responsibility to treat others well. Staff at Riverdale School are committed to listening to students, investigating concerns or allegations and following through with appropriate consequences.

Do you provide Out of School Hours Care?

Out of School Hours Care is offered from 6:00 - 8:30 and 3.00 - 6.00 PM Monday to Friday, on campus. Vacation Care is offered during the school holidays.

How are classes structured?

Classes are either straight year levels or composite (eg: Rec/1, 2/3). Teachers assess individual students and set challenges or support revision according to their particular need. All staff plan using the South Australian Standards & Accountability framework, ensuring students meet required outcomes for their year level.

Do you teach music?

A specialist teacher teaches keyboard weekly. Some students access the Instrumental in Music programme off campus and classes offer Music as part of the Arts Curriculum.

Do you have Sports at School?

As of 2006, Riverdale School offers a specialist PE programme and teacher, sports clinics, a Formal Sports Day and inter-school sports teams. Students belong to a "House" during their time at Riverdale. For more information, see the Sports link.

Do students attend excursions & Camps?

Each class teacher may choose to enhance a unit of work with excursions to relevant facilities such as the Museum, Zoo, Shopping Centre, Art Gallery or Botanical Gardens. Some classes attend camps to various South Australian locations. Parents are always welcome to attend either of these events. Swimming (Rec - Yr5) & Aquatics (Yr 6 - 7) lessons are annual events.

Where do Riverdale students go to high school?

Riverdale students generally attend one of the four District High Schools: Para Hills, Parafield Gardens, Paralowie & Salisbury. Students have also graduated from Riverdale to attend Gepps Cross Girls, Thomas More College, Christian Brothers College, St Columbus, Trinity College and Gleeson College.

What Information Technology facilities are available?

Riverdale has a Computer Learning Centre (CLC) where classes can work together to learn new computing skills. Each class has a computer where students can continue work started in the CLC. The Resource Centre has a number of computers and the Teacher Librarian works with small groups of students to develop computer-based learning programs. Riverdale students are taught how to responsibly access the Internet and use e-mail as a means of communicating with others.

Do you have a school Canteen?

Yes. Our Healthy Eating Canteen prepares lunch orders and sells recess lines, snack & drinks. All food sold is compliant with the Federation of Canteens in Schools guidelines, being low in salt, sugar and fat.

How do I enrol my child and what transition processes are in place?

On contacting the school, you will have the opportunity to meet with the Principal, Kathryn Entwistle, to discuss your child’s needs and hear more about the school. You will also be offered a tour of the school. We encourage you to bring your child with you. Enrolment is simply the completion of a short form to secure your place. Your child will have three visits to their class on the Wednesday mornings leading up to their start date, (2 x 9.00 - 10.30, 1 x 9.00 - 11.00). During these times they will become familiar with their teacher and school routines and meet new friends. Upcoming Events on the Riverdale Home page details Reception start dates for 2008.