River Road

6–17 October 2026

Pat will be away from Tuesday 6 October to Saturday 17 October. During this time, the focus is simple: keep existing lessons, programs and events running safely and smoothly.

Key Rule

Continue delivering what is already scheduled and confirmed.

Communication Channels

Please continue using our normal River Road communication channels so information remains centralised, visible and easy to follow.

  • Email – Main channel for parent communication, enquiries and important operational matters.

  • Udio – Student information, attendance, lesson notes, cancellations and timetable matters.

  • Teacher WhatsApp Group – General teacher communication, updates and quick questions.

  • Cover WhatsApp Group – Teacher cancellations and requests for lesson cover.

  • Office Phone – 0451 716 768 – Urgent matters requiring immediate attention. Primarily monitored by Fern.

Please do not move routine River Road communication into individual private messages, particularity with students/parents.

Keeping information within the normal channels will help Fern and the support team keep track of what is happening.

Who to Contact

Fern – Operations

Fern is the main contact for

  • parent communication

  • timetable changes

  • cancellations and teacher cover

  • general day-to-day operations

  • and urgent operational issues.

Office Phone: 0451 716 768

Nathan – Teacher Support & Guidance

Nathan is available as a key support person for teachers and can provide guidance on all things River Road, including:

  • General teacher questions

  • How River Road normally handles things

  • Lesson and student matters

  • Studio procedures and expectations

  • General advice or support if you are unsure what to do

If you have a question about how something normally works at River Road, Nathan is a good first point of contact.

Emma Lindsay – Wellbeing, Incidents & Education Support

Emma can assist with:

  • Teacher wellbeing and crisis support

  • Parent complaints or sensitive situations

  • Student learning or behavioural concerns

  • Incidents and incident reports

  • Urgent policy or procedure checks

  • Disciplinary matters

  • Sensitive communication with parents or families following an incident

Where an incident requires careful management or communication with a parent, Fern and Emma can work together to manage the situation.

Emma can be contacted 0424 751 154

Dave Clayton – Operational Support

Dave is available where additional leadership or operational support is required, particularly for an issue that needs escalation beyond normal day-to-day operations.

Dave has been part of River Road for a few years and has a good sense of best actions

Dave can be contacted on: 0402 078 106

Jackson Simpson – Arts Live

Jackson is the lead for Arts Live on Saturday 10 October and is responsible for River Road’s involvement, including set-up, busking stage, performers, equipment, coordination and pack-down.

Quick Escalation Guide

Teacher question / general River Road guidance → Nathan

Timetable / cancellation / cover / parent enquiry → Fern

Urgent operational matter → Fern – 0451 716 768

Significant operational issue → Dave

Incident / wellbeing / behavioural / policy issue → Emma

Sensitive parent communication following an incident → Fern + Emma

Arts Alive → Jackson

Teachers should not feel they need to manage a serious incident, complaint or difficult parent situation alone.

Teacher Expectations

While Pat is away:

  • Deliver existing lessons and programs as scheduled.

  • Keep Udio attendance and notes up to date.

  • Use the normal River Road communication channels to keep information centralised.

  • Communicate cancellations and cover requirements early.

  • Escalate significant concerns rather than managing them alone.

  • Complete incident reports where required.

  • Keep studios clean, safe and secure.

  • Do not start new programs or initiatives.

Key Dates & Activities

Friday 2 October – Holiday-period invoices due.

Monday 5 October – Public Holiday
No lessons, programs or activities.

6–9 October
Holiday Clubs and existing scheduled activities continue.

Saturday 10 October – Arts Live
Jackson Simpson leads River Road’s involvement.

Monday 12 October – Term 4 Week 1
Regular lessons commence. Fern to monitor timetable, cover and parent issues.

Tuesday 13 October
Regular lessons + Creative Youth Drop-In.

Wednesday 14 October
Regular lessons + Dilly Choir.

15–17 October
Regular lessons and existing programs continue.

Tots & Tracks at the NSW Rail Museum, Thirlmere continues as already scheduled.

Term 4 Focus

Student Album

The Student Album is a key Term 4 focus. Teachers should keep an eye out for students, songs and performances that may be suitable for recording and inclusion.

Riverfest – Saturday 28 November

Riverfest is scheduled for Saturday 28 November. Teachers should keep the date in mind and consider students or performances that may be suitable.

These are already-planned Term 4 priorities. No new programs or initiatives need to be developed while Pat is away.

Keep things simple, safe and consistent.