As a parent or carer, you are an important part of our school community. We offer a range of services to support you and your family.
Counselling for families
The school counsellor can assist when families undergo a trauma or big change. Contact us to make an appointment. For information in community languages, see school counselling service.
Outside of the education system, free telephone counselling services are available to support families who may be going through a difficult time.
- Lifeline – 24-hour telephone counselling service. 13 11 14.
- Mensline Australia – 24-hour telephone counselling service for men. 1300 789 978.
- Parent line – 24-hour advice and information service. 1300 1300 52.
Interpreting and translations
We will help you communicate with our school. If you’d like an interpreter for a school meeting, let us know and we will arrange one, if available.
If you don’t speak or understand English well and want to contact us, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. The operator will call the school and get an interpreter to help. This service is free.
For more information, listen in your language.
Visit the department’s translated documents section for important information that’s relevant for your child’s education in many languages.
Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C)
Our Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) is made up of parents and carers, teachers and community members. The P&C meets regularly to contribute to decision-making, developing policies and management plans as well as fundraising.
Student Support System
In order to support your child when they are experiencing distress or difficulties in managing their behaviour, staff at Rivendell will always follow the Student Support System. This system was developed by the whole school community and is regularly reviewed by staff and the SRC .
Useful links
The Department of Education has a parent portal that contains general information around your child’s schooling. It has information regarding support services that can be accessed, as well as information on extra-curricular activities and ideas for outside of school. it is broken down into ‘Pre-school to Year 6,’ ‘Years 7 to 10,’ Years 11 to 12.’
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) formerly known as Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES)
NESA replaced the BOSTES on 1 January 2017.
NESA has an increased focus on:
- developing evidence-based policy to improve student achievement and support teachers
- risk-based monitoring of Teacher Accreditation Authorities and schools.
NESA continues to set and monitor quality teaching, learning, assessment and school standards. This includes responsibility, across NSW public, Catholic and independent schools, for:
- kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum
- accreditation of teachers and teaching degrees
- the internationally recognised HSC
- school registration and home schooling.
Generation Next blog
The Generation Next blog is made up of a variety of posts from different contributors with a focus on the adolescent age group. Some of them may be relevant and of interest to you. Some of the issues that are explored are mental health, drugs and alcohol, personal development, bullying and education.
Beyond Blue
The Beyond Blue website offers information and support for people living with depression and their families.
Me, Mood, Get Active
The Me, Mood, Get Active website aims to help adolescents find out what they can do to get active and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
ReachOut website
Aimed at older students, the ReachOut website contains some very factual and frank information about issues your child may be facing as they move through High School.
NSW Anti-bullying website
Released in July 2017, the NSW Department of Education anti-bullying website is a comprehensive, yet easy to use website aimed at parents, carers, teachers and students.