Welcome to Mount Riverview Public School!
I am privileged to have been appointed as Principal to this outstanding school in April, 2020. As a school leader, my aim is to ensure that every student receives a high quality education because every student matters, this is their right and education enables empowerment. I will do this by recognising the needs of every student, developing learning programs that are contextually relevant to the school community and that are responsive, flexible and innovative.
My grounding in education began many years ago when I grew up in a disadvantaged community, always wanting to be a teacher. I had struggles throughout my schooling but making the most of my educational opportunities gave me the chance to live my dream and give back to my community through public education. Over 24 years, I have been blessed to learn from many students, families and colleagues. From teaching in classroom and support roles, to leading other educators as an Assistant Principal, literacy consultant, Deputy Principal and Principal, I have continued to grow and develop as a teacher and leader. In joining Mount Riverview Public School, I take on my third principalship. I pride myself on being the lead learner and working collaboratively with staff on our journey to delivering improved outcomes for all the students in our care.
Mrs Elise Berwick
Assistant Principal's (Infants) address
Mount Riverview Public School is located in a beautiful bush setting, and has a warm, welcoming and caring feeling as you enter the school. The staff, students and community work together to ensure that there is a vibrant learning environment. Quality education is at the centre.
Teaching is my passion. I always make a point of saying "I don't go to work. I go to school!" I don't see teaching as a job. It is me and I love it!!! I couldn't imagine doing anything else! I am here to make a difference in the lives of all students, both academically and socially. I build a relaxing and caring learning environment that is exciting and challenging. One of the rules that I have in my classroom is "to have fun!"
Prior to Mount Riverview Public School, I spent 27 years teaching in the Mount Druitt area. I spent 9 years at Crawford Public School at Doonside and then moved to Rooty Hill PS as an Assistant Principal, and spent 18 years there. During this time, I was fortunate to have opportunities to relieve in Deputy Principal positions at St Marys North Public School and Braddock Public School. The year before arriving at Mount Riverview Public School I was a 'ten' (targeted early numeracy) facilitator and implemented a Kindergarten to Year 2 maths program across the western Sydney region. I will always look back on these times as being very rewarding, where I learnt to be a teacher, a leader and built up strong working networks with staff, students and parents.
Mount Riverview Public School is a new opportunity in my teaching career and I look forward to working in a strong, supportive community and in a small school. Teaching is such a rewarding experience and there is always so much to learn. I am always involved in developing my own professional learning, as there is always more to learn! I spend a lot of time making resources for my classroom so that learning can be hands on and fun.
Outside of school, I love my family and friends. I have a husband and 2 boys, and we love to travel and spend time together. I enjoy scrapbooking all of my holiday photos and going to concerts, musicals and theatre.
In 2020, Mrs Sowter is teaching class KS.
Assistant Principal's (Primary) address
I feel very excited to be a part of this wonderful learning community, not only as a teacher but also as a nearby resident. Mt Riverview PS is a place where children flourish in their education and the staff provide the students with quality educational programs in a safe and secure learning environment.
Turning up for work each day is always a pleasure and having the bushland nearby provides a peaceful and tranquil place to work and learn. Mt Riverview provides extensive programs to cater for all students' academic, social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
I have been teaching for over 28 years and I am always learning ways to improve my practice as an educator. As a life long learner, I continue to update my skills and knowledge about the teaching profession to ensure the students within my care are able to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Prior to working at Mt Riverview, I began my teaching career at Condell Park Public School (8 years) before my first appointment as an assistant principal at Berala Public School (6 years). I then relocated to the Lower North Shore of Sydney where I spent 8 years as an assistant principal at Cammeray PS. My family and I decided to go from a sea change to a tree change and we moved up to the Blue Mountains where I was fortunate to gain a position as a classroom teacher at Mt Riverview PS. After a year and a half, I gained an Assistant Principal's position at Claremont Meadows PS in the Penrith Valley. When the position for Assistant Principal opened up at Mt Riverview I jumped at the opportunity to come back and work at the school in an executive teaching role.
Away from school, I have a wonderful supportive family. We love spending time outdoors including, coastal beach holidays, visiting friends and family and our involvement in local sport. My new passion in life is running, whether it be on the road or on the trails. I am very fortunate to be a part of an extensive Blue Mountains running community.
In 2020, Mr Simone is teaching class 6S.
