Greetings to all members of the Riverside Schools community and to online inquirers visiting our website for the first time. Since Riverside Education Support Centre opened in 1995, we have excelled at the provision of education for a diverse range of students and 2023 will see us continuing to strive for excellence in support of every single student.

Hello to our school community and visiting guests, welcome to the 2022 school year at Riverside Education Support Centre. Since the school first opened in 1995, we have excelled at the provision of education for a diverse range of students and this year will see more of the same.

To view the School Board Code of Conduct please click this link.

Riverside ESC humbly receives and shares with you a selection of the many expressions of appreciation for our professionalism, staff and programs. It is our privilege to serve this community as educators and mentors of your children, equipping them with choice, ability and a strong sense of well-being.

Riverside Education Support Centre receives enrolments throughout the year for classes ranging from Kindergarten through Pre-Primary to Year 6. All students who meet the enrolment criteria are welcomed. Unlike the enrolment boundaries that apply to public schools, the only distance limitations for enroling at Riverside ESC are those imposed by transportation practicalities.

Riverside Education Support Centre has a long history of providing opportunity to trainee teachers and education assistants to learn from our qualified staff and team-based program development.

Riverside ESC’s emphasis throughout the educational journey is on shared learning: the children, the family and education staff learn from each other and together we make progress that ultimately benefits each and every child.

Riverside Education Support Centre offers classes ranging from Kindergarten through Year 6. Children qualify to attend Riverside ESC after being assessed for any of the following:

• Intellectual Disability diagnosed by a psychologist and according to the DSM5 Criteria
• Autism Spectrum Disorder with identified High Educational Needs
• Global Developmental Delay (when diagnosed in the 12 months preceding Kindy enrolment)
• Severe Mental Health disorder in some instances (please contact the Principal for details around this criteria)
• Some complex physical conditions may be eligible and should be discussed with the Principal for guidance.

Enrolments at Riverside ESC are not restricted by the enrolment boundaries that apply to mainstream public schools (see map of enrolment locations). Classes are generally composite, made up of children at different year levels. Our classes take into consideration varying learning abilities, behavioural challenges and requirements for hygienic and medical support, enabling the best possible distribution of teacher and staff resources.

2023

This year has commenced with an enrolment of 82 students, the school's highest start-up enrolment in 28 years. We continue with 10 classrooms.

2022

74 students were enrolled for Semester One (March 2022). Halfway through Semester two that number has grown to 80 students. New enrolment inquiries continue to be received on a regular basis, including from overseas.

The staff carpark expansion is a major asset improvement which was completed for the start of this year. Of benefit to the whole community, the expansion provides for safer carparking for staff while de-congesting street parking for parents and carers. A win for everyone.

2021

Two years ago, Riverside ESC grew to 8 classrooms. This year, we are starting with 10 classrooms and an expanded team of teachers to educate 73 students. Our parent commendations depict some of the reasons for this continued growth.

2020

Starting the year with a record startup enrolment of 70 confirmed students, that number has climbed to 76 as families seek out the professionalism and care that epitomises Riverside ESC. This is the year when COVID-19 impacted attendance. We are awed by the capacity of our students and staff who responded to adversity with flawless professionalism, enhanced creativity and good humour.

SCHOOL MOTTO

Thrive and Learn Together

REVIEW

As part of the compliance requirements set by the WA Department of Education (DoE) for Independent Public Schools, Riverside Education Support Centre undergoes regular whole-school reviews. The Department consider school efficiencies in the areas of Relationships and Partnerships, Learning Environment, Leadership, Use of Resources, Teaching Quality, and Student Achievement and Progress.

Riverside ESC is committed to a journey of continuous improvement across all aspects of the school. Regular surveys of parents and carers, conducted as a voluntary activity, helps to monitor and strengthen that commitment while also satisfying our governing requirements as an Independent Public School.

The 2023 Annual Survey, summarised below, has yielded valuable information that will be incorporated into future planning. 

Strategic Planning at Riverside Education Support Centre responds to many influences, the most important being the identified learning capabilities of our student cohort. They are our 'treasure' and we invest everything possible into their wellbeing and development within the framework of an independent public school in Western Australia.

Riverside ESC School Board

October 2023 marked the commencement of a new instrument of governance for our school. Previously serviced by a combined schools board, it emerged over the last twelve months that Riverside ESC would be better served by its own unique board.  This led to an inaugural meeting of the newly formed board on October 26.

The School Board meets regularly to maintain an overview of operations for our school in accordance with Department of Education expectations and guidelines. Its activities are further guided by newly adopted Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct. Amongst other tasks it acts as a responsible partner in the planning, monitoring and reviewing of school priorities and policies.

The School Board also sets and approves annual voluntary contributions, personal items lists and endorses the schools’ development plans.

The elected chairperson for 2023-2025 is Mandurah East Ward Councillor Mr. Daniel Wilkins  (mandurah.wa.gov.au/council/about-council/mayor-and-councillors). He is supported by a team of elected community, parent and staff representatives, all of who will be introduced to the school community via this website.

Parents and Citizens Association

The Riverside Primary Schools P&C Association (RSP&C) is the parent representative body of both Riverside Primary School and Riverside Education Support Centre. The RSP&C invites parents and carers of the whole school community to get involved in its activities. 

School Board

Riverside Schools is a combined board between Riverside Primary School and Riverside Education Support Centre. It is comprised of community, parent and staff representing both schools with a holistic focus. Members are nominated and elected for a 3 year term.

Roles and Responsibilities of School Boards

The role of a school council (board) is outlined in the School Education Act 1999. In essence, the role of school board is one of setting the long term future for the school and maintaining oversight (not management) of the school’s operation. It is not about running the school – that is the job of the principal. It is about providing additional expertise to help the school achieve the best outcomes for the students.

Riverside Education Support Centre partners with Riverside Primary School (RPS) to provide an integrated learning environment for children of all abilities.

Contact RPS for information about enrolments and programs via their website at riversideps.wa.edu.au or by calling 08 9583 2400 during school office hours.