Class News
Maths Week
10-17 January 2022
We had a lot of fun during Maths Week. Each department was given a set of tasks to choose from and complete during so as they were age appropriate and level appropriate as well as completing fun Maths activities in the sensory room and hall.
Special Visit
January 2022
We had a special visit from Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education, Mark Browne, Deputy Secretary for Education Policy and Children's Services, Lynsey Farrell and Ricky Irwin, the Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing to Riverside. They were welcomed by our Vice Principal, Shona McCann, the Chair of our Board of Governors, Barbara Black and Friends of Riverside PTA secretary, Carol Buick.
Special Visit From santa
14.12.21
Riverside had a very special visit from Santa, Rudolf and Santa's elves. They arrived in a decorated Santa truck and we all sang some festive songs. Santa delivered each pupil a wrapped gift and personalised card. It defintely got everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Thanks to KC Autos and Blades and Beauty for kindly arranging this.
30.10.21
Cash for Kids Challenge 2021
WINNERS
A huge thank you to everyone who supported us by sharing posts, donating money and prizes, taking part in challenges and competitions. WE RAISED £25178.06 and were crowned cash for kids winners. What an achievement and we could have done it without our family, friends and local community. As a result we gained another £5000 taking our final total to £30178.06. This money will be used for different ventures throughout shcool. We will keep you posted.
Outstanding result for FRIENDS OF RIVERSIDE PTA and Night at the Races
22.10.21
The PTA would like to thank everyone for their incredibly kind and generous donations towards the Night at the Races at the Top of the Town. The night would not have been the success it was without the support of the school transport staff and the leadership of Greg and Raymond. This was our first major event as a newly established PTA group and we are delighted it went so well and was worth all the time and energy. Currently our total is £6000 with donations still coming in and we hope this is our first event of many more to come.
Maxine Wallace, Samantha Creighton and Carol Buick
Golden Mile for Daniel
Daniel from J5 walked a full mile all in aid of Riverside School cash for Kids. What a superstar. He's already raised lots of money for us. If you would like to sponsor Daniel please follow the link below.
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
I'm a celebrity fish get me out of here!
Challenge No.2 Slime Pool
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
I'm a celebrity fish get me out of here!
Challenge No.1 Pie Face
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Pumpkin Decorating Competition
3 peaks Challenge
All our hikers successfully managed to climb three peaks in the Mournes. Fantastic work everyone!
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Sponsored dip
Saturday9th October 2021
Well done to everyone who took the plunge in the sea at Portstewart strand or Antrim Lough.
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-Â Â
Callum completes his big walk!
6.10.21
Last Sunday, Callum completed his mile challenge. We are all so proud of him. Not only did he complete a mile for school but he went on to walk 1.6 miles. This is such an achievement for Callum as his parents were told when he was 2 years old that he might not even walk so look at him now! Well done Callum. If you would like to sponsor Callum, please follow the link below.
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Fairhead Abseil
2.10.21
They did it! Well done to everyone who showed great courage and abseiled down Fairhead cliff face. This was definitely not a challenge for the faint hearted. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the abseilers on their big adventure and thank you to everyone who sponsored them. What a beautiful and great day it was. If you would like to sponsor, please follow the link below.
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Fairhead Abseil
Good luck to all our abseilers who will abseil Fairhead tomorrow on 2 .10.21! Check out he video below to see the scale of this challenge. Please sponsor our abseilers using the link.
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Thank you @jodiemcg16 for completing #culcaighmountain and supporting @riversideschoolni
If you would like to support #jodieswalk please donate!
If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning this jar:
Make your donation to www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
50p- 1 guess
£1- 2 guesses and so on
Coming up....
What? Daniel walks 100 miles
When? 27th September- 22nd October 2021
Coming up....
What? Flower arrangement Demo
When? Saturday 7th October 2021 @7.30pm
Where? Riverside school Tipi
Coming up....
What? 3 peaks challenge
When? Saturday 10th October 2021
Where? Mourne Mountains
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Coming up....
What? Sponsored abseil
When? Saturday 2nd October 2021@ 2pm
Where? Fairhead
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Cash for Kids fundraising campaign for Riverside
September 2021
We're raising money as part of Cash for Kids Northern Ireland's Schools Challenge!
Any amount you can to give is very much appreciated. All money raised will go to supporting our amazing pupils! Money raised will be used to fund outdoor learning provision and special events to create memories that will last a lifetime. After you sponsor us we would love you to leave a photo or video message.
Thank you for your support!
Registered Charity Number: 106572
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Is there something fishy going on?
February 2021
Riverside have got heir own fist tank and are doing lots of activities around the theme. They all will get the opportunity to name one each. The next time you are in school, come and see in them in our school foyer.
December 2020
Riverside pupils have been rolling out their end of year Christmas celebrations by creating their own 'class bubble' videos. We thought we would share J1s with you. Enjoy!



Back to School Term 1 2020
Riverside Celebrated Pancake Tuesday
25.02.20
We had a pancake competition which was a great activity to support our Functional Maths skills on measurement.
Each class was asked to make their best pancakes and send them up to the office to be judged. The class or pupil who made the best pancake and biggest pancake got prizes.
J5 made the biggest pancake and S3 made the tastiest. Winners were announced at our celebration assembly. We had great fun making pancakes and tasting them! Well done everyone.
Learning opportunities:
Measures
- Filling a table tablespoon, using scales to weigh, capacity for full and empty jug or bowl, the time they start to cook (watch for the bubbles rising)
- Tuesday 28 February – day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent 40 days and 40 nights (time)
Shape, space and size
- Pouring mixture into pan
- Making big, small or medium sized pancakes
- Flipping pancakes in the pan
Number
- Counting the number of pancakes needed, make a pancake stack and count these
- Adding one more into the pan
- How many would you like to send home?
Extended learning
- Make a chart about our favourite toppings (Data)
- Sort pancakes into big and small (data)
Mini Enterprise Awards for Pathways
February 2020
Congratulations Pathways who received awards for Overall Team and Customer Service.
Belfast Met
January 2020
PW and S4 have been continuing our partnership with Belfast Met this year. They attend every Friday. This week they got the opportunity to try out the computer suite with face scanning technology!
Christmas Festivities
17.12.19
Riverside School have had a fun week of Christmas festivities as a reward for working so hard for our Christmas play and throughout the school year. Everyone got a present from Santa in Santa's inflatable grotto, enjoyed an inflatable snow globe and had a visit from Elsa and the Grinch at our Celebration assembly. The Christmas sprit has well and truly begun at Riverside.
Thanks to Enkalon for providing the Snow globe and Grotto
Thanks to the Montgomery Family for providing the Grinch and Elsa
We have had a blast!
Christmas Shows
December 2019
Parents and friends were welcomed by Mrs Lavery, Head Boy Luke Monaghan and Head Girl Hope Baxter to our Christmas shows. The Juniors performed Children Of The World. After a short interval and Christmas raffle, the Seniors performed Christmas Day with Scrooge. Parents and friemds enjoyed Tea, Coffee and Mince pies after. Both performances were thoroughly enjoyed by all. A massive congratualtions ato all the pupils and staff who took part.
Riverside would like to thank:
- Starbucks, Antrim for donating Christmas Blend Coffee
- Colin McClellend for narrating the Junior Christmas Show
- Parents and friends for serving the tea and coffee
- Everyone who had any part to play in making our Christmas show celebration so special
Junior Christmas Show
Children of The World
CAST
Mary Louisa Shannon
Joseph Jessy Lane
Donkey Daniel Wallace
Angel Cole Maginty
Angel Teigan Douglas
Children from Poland J2
Aoife O’Neill
Ethan Fenton
Ashton Hickman
Gemma Creighton
Cadyn Waldron-Campbell
Jenson-Cole Freeburn
Daniel McKeown
Matthew Skelton
Corey Black
Children from China J4
Kelan McKee
Alfie Elder
Oliver Gracey
Tyler Newey
Krzysztof Witula
Dylan McFarland
Lucas Bigger
Children from Australia J5
Naomi Crawford
Mojere Oluteye
Michael Mc Allister
Larson Walker
Children from Malawi J3
Josh Boyd
Omar Harfouch
Eva Kerr Clarke
Eva Kirkpatrick
Holly Louise Peeples
Connor Mc Callen O'Leary
Sophia Turtle
Blazej Wardzichowski
Callum Wright
Children from USA J1
Max Buick
Max Rantin
Morgan Newey
Tiernan Brown
Cameron Rodgers
Gary J Tidyman- Peeples
Harley Redmond
Senior Christmas Show
Christmas Day with Scrooge
CAST
Fairy Of Christmas Past: Luke Monaghan
Fairy Of Christmas Present: Charlie Escalonilla
Oliver: Stephen Millar
Emily: Grace Phillips
Kirsten: Tori-Lee Cahoon
Mum: Amber Lloyd
Dad: Matthew Preston
Granny: Hope Baxter
Uncle Ebs: Daniel Ostler
Santa: Ben Gibson
Edgar Elf: Matthew Holmes
Edwin Elf: Jack Kennedy
Edward Elf: Matthew Reid
Eric Elf: Ryan PrinceMouse:
Mouse: Morgan-Rose McStravick
Cat: &nbs
Coming up....
What? 3 peaks challenge
When? Saturday 10th October 2021
Where? Mourne Mountains
Coming up....
What? Sponsored abseil
When? Saturday 2nd October 2021@ 2pm
Where? Fairhead
Cash for Kids fundraising campaign for Riverside
September 2021
We're raising money as part of Cash for Kids Northern Ireland's Schools Challenge!
Any amount you can to give is very much appreciated. All money raised will go to supporting our amazing pupils! Money raised will be used to fund outdoor learning provision and special events to create memories that will last a lifetime. After you sponsor us we would love you to leave a photo or video message.
Thank you for your support!
Registered Charity Number: 106572
www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/schools-challenge-2021/fundraisers/riverside-special-school-
Is there something fishy going on?
February 2021
Riverside have got heir own fist tank and are doing lots of activities around the theme. They all will get the opportunity to name one each. The next time you are in school, come and see in them in our school foyer.
December 2020
Riverside pupils have been rolling out their end of year Christmas celebrations by creating their own 'class bubble' videos. We thought we would share J1s with you. Enjoy!
Back to School Term 1 2020
Riverside Celebrated Pancake Tuesday
25.02.20
We had a pancake competition which was a great activity to support our Functional Maths skills on measurement.
Each class was asked to make their best pancakes and send them up to the office to be judged. The class or pupil who made the best pancake and biggest pancake got prizes.
J5 made the biggest pancake and S3 made the tastiest. Winners were announced at our celebration assembly. We had great fun making pancakes and tasting them! Well done everyone.
Learning opportunities:
Measures
- Filling a table tablespoon, using scales to weigh, capacity for full and empty jug or bowl, the time they start to cook (watch for the bubbles rising)
- Tuesday 28 February – day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent 40 days and 40 nights (time)
Shape, space and size
- Pouring mixture into pan
- Making big, small or medium sized pancakes
- Flipping pancakes in the pan
Number
- Counting the number of pancakes needed, make a pancake stack and count these
- Adding one more into the pan
- How many would you like to send home?
Extended learning
- Make a chart about our favourite toppings (Data)
- Sort pancakes into big and small (data)
Mini Enterprise Awards for Pathways
February 2020
Congratulations Pathways who received awards for Overall Team and Customer Service.
Belfast Met
January 2020
PW and S4 have been continuing our partnership with Belfast Met this year. They attend every Friday. This week they got the opportunity to try out the computer suite with face scanning technology!
Christmas Festivities
17.12.19
Riverside School have had a fun week of Christmas festivities as a reward for working so hard for our Christmas play and throughout the school year. Everyone got a present from Santa in Santa's inflatable grotto, enjoyed an inflatable snow globe and had a visit from Elsa and the Grinch at our Celebration assembly. The Christmas sprit has well and truly begun at Riverside.
Thanks to Enkalon for providing the Snow globe and Grotto
Thanks to the Montgomery Family for providing the Grinch and Elsa
We have had a blast!
Christmas Shows
December 2019
Parents and friends were welcomed by Mrs Lavery, Head Boy Luke Monaghan and Head Girl Hope Baxter to our Christmas shows. The Juniors performed Children Of The World. After a short interval and Christmas raffle, the Seniors performed Christmas Day with Scrooge. Parents and friemds enjoyed Tea, Coffee and Mince pies after. Both performances were thoroughly enjoyed by all. A massive congratualtions ato all the pupils and staff who took part.
Riverside would like to thank:
- Starbucks, Antrim for donating Christmas Blend Coffee
- Colin McClellend for narrating the Junior Christmas Show
- Parents and friends for serving the tea and coffee
- Everyone who had any part to play in making our Christmas show celebration so special
Junior Christmas Show
Children of The World
CAST
Mary Louisa Shannon
Joseph Jessy Lane
Donkey Daniel Wallace
Angel Cole Maginty
Angel Teigan Douglas
Children from Poland J2
Aoife O’Neill
Ethan Fenton
Ashton Hickman
Gemma Creighton
Cadyn Waldron-Campbell
Jenson-Cole Freeburn
Daniel McKeown
Matthew Skelton
Corey Black
Children from China J4
Kelan McKee
Alfie Elder
Oliver Gracey
Tyler Newey
Krzysztof Witula
Dylan McFarland
Lucas Bigger
Children from Australia J5
Naomi Crawford
Mojere Oluteye
Michael Mc Allister
Larson Walker
Children from Malawi J3
Josh Boyd
Omar Harfouch
Eva Kerr Clarke
Eva Kirkpatrick
Holly Louise Peeples
Connor Mc Callen O'Leary
Sophia Turtle
Blazej Wardzichowski
Callum Wright
Children from USA J1
Max Buick
Max Rantin
Morgan Newey
Tiernan Brown
Cameron Rodgers
Gary J Tidyman- Peeples
Harley Redmond
Senior Christmas Show
Christmas Day with Scrooge
CAST
Fairy Of Christmas Past: Luke Monaghan
Fairy Of Christmas Present: Charlie Escalonilla
Oliver: Stephen Millar
Emily: Grace Phillips
Kirsten: Tori-Lee Cahoon
Mum: Amber Lloyd
Dad: Matthew Preston
Granny: Hope Baxter
Uncle Ebs: Daniel Ostler
Santa: Ben Gibson
Edgar Elf: Matthew Holmes
Edwin Elf: Jack Kennedy
Edward Elf: Matthew Reid
Eric Elf: Ryan PrinceMouse:
Mouse: Morgan-Rose McStravick
Cat: Devlin Heffron
Cracker 1: Tyree Hill
Cracker 2: Tyler Davidson
Dancers
All I want for Christmas is You:
Leah Kennedy
Colin McLaughlin
Alysha Brown
Money, Money, Money: Filipe Guedes
Jamie Dunbar
Carol Singers
Silent Night: Sophia Matchett
Charlotte Regan
Rachel Davies
Ella Michael
Dara Gribbon
Elves
Santa Claus is coming Sam Stockdale
to town: Ewan McGall
Kaelin Wall
Toys
I’m so Excited: Caotlin Lemon
Filip Zvolsky
Madilyn Melville
Snowmen Adam Goodram
Andrej Witula
Eunan O’Kane
Steven McConville
Eco Schools
December 2019
Riverside School is working very hard to gain an Eco Schools Award. Mrs Irwin set all pupils a task this month where they had to create pieces of Art from recycled material. Thees are displayed in our Front Foyer. We had a competition to see who could make the most Eco Friendly display. The results were:
Happy Halloween from Riverside School
October 2019
Balmoral Show
May 2019
A big congratulations to Jack, Charlie and Matthew for taking part in the Special Schools' Dexter Young Handler Class at Balmoral show. They all did brilliantly in the ring. Jack represented Riverside in the Grand Parade at the end of the show. Congratulations to Kyle, Jamie and Grace and all the other teams who took part. Riverside made a tremendous effort but in the end, Roddensvale School won the rosette.
Riverside Post 16 Pathways Class
May 2019
Pathways have been very busy this year as they prepare themselves for life after school. The pupils in Pathways are given many opportunities and life experiences to develop their life skills.
Every Wednesday, they attend either the Bridge or the Gym. At the Bridge in Antrim the pupils learn cookery, woodwork and ICT skills. Once a week they attend the MET College in Belfast where they develop their ICT skills on Ipads and enjoy classes to prepare themselves for transitioning once they reach the age of 19.
They practice cooking dinner each week, go shopping to get the ingredients and further get to practice these skills in a school based café.
They have their own Young Enterprise business know as PUP (Pathways Unique Products.) This year they won two awards for their efforts including Best overall team and Team programme for outstanding teamwork.
Well done Pathways. Keep up the Great work!
Roald Dahl Day
13th September 2018
Junior classess mixed with Senior classes to celebrate different books writtwn by Roald Dahl. Lots of differtn activite related to these books were held around the school.