We’re running a special book drive at River Nile School to get more books into our library – and we want these books to reflect you!

We asked students what kinds of books they’d love to read, and then we worked with our wonderful friends at Chestnut Tree Bookshop to help choose a list of books based on your ideas. Chestnut Tree put so much care and thought into the list, making sure it matches the interests, passions and backgrounds of our amazing students.

Now we’re asking our wider community to help by buying one of these books for our library.

Each book will help build a stronger, more exciting reading space for everyone at RNS. And every person who donates a book can even write a special message inside the cover for our students to read!

Want to get involved?
You can find the book list and donation link in our school bio or by asking at the office.

Let’s build a library full of stories that feel like home. 💛📚

Thursday 18th June 2026

1PM-3PM

📍River Nile School - Levels 1-3 - 117 Capel Street, North Melbourne

Step inside a living, breathing exhibition of stories that have shaped our community and beyond — and are still shaping what comes next.

Join us during Refugee Week 2026 as River Nile School opens its doors to share the stories, strengths and contributions of refugee communities connected to our school and beyond.

Spanning three levels of the school, this immersive exhibition takes you through the past, present and future of our community.

Level 1: The Past
Explore stories of arrival, displacement and settlement through photographs, artefacts and recorded stories from former students, families and community elders. Learn about the history of River Nile and its impact and how stories of past continue to shape the future of Melbourne.

Level 2: The Present
Experience the voices and creativity of current students, community leaders and organisations through live storytelling, cultural practices and creative work and contributions that reflect life at River Nile School today.

Level 3: The Future
Be part of shaping what comes next through interactive installations, activities and facilitated conversations that centre hope, agency and possibility.

This exhibition is more than something to observe — it’s a space to connect, learn, engage, dream and marvel at the incredible stories and contributions of refugee youth and communities.

Expect storytelling, music, food, talks, displays, interactive activities, performances, arts, artefacts, conversation and energy, creating a welcoming environment for reflection, learning and celebration.

We invite local residents, families, students, educators and the wider community to come together — to listen, to learn, and to celebrate the richness that refugee communities bring to North Melbourne and beyond.

Thursday 18th June 2026

4:30PM-8PM

📍River Nile School Level 3 - 117 Capel Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051

River Nile School (RNS) and City of Melbourne are collaborating to deliver a new quarterly event series - Threads of Change - bringing together community members, educators, service providers, artists and advocates to explore how we work, walk and learn alongside refugee and migrant communities.

This Refugee Week event will feature guest speaker Atena from the Refugee Council of Australia, alongside a youth-led panel facilitated by River Nile School students.

Through storytelling, reflection and conversation, the evening will explore themes of belonging and identity, representation and power, courage and responsibility, and the importance of listening, learning and unlearning. Atena will draw on her lived experience and advocacy work to unpack the ways systems, narratives and communities shape people’s sense of inclusion, voice and possibility.

The event will also centre the voices of young people from River Nile School through a student-led panel exploring community, culture and identity; navigating education and systems; aspirations for the future; and the strengths, leadership and contributions young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds bring to their communities.

Designed to spark dialogue, deepen connection and challenge dominant narratives, Threads of Change invites participants to reflect on their own perspectives and practices while building stronger, more inclusive communities together.

The evening will also include shared food and connection with community - celebrating culture, story and belonging through refugee- and migrant-owned catering businesses and local organisations.

Join us to listen deeply, connect meaningfully, and be part of building more inclusive and collaborative communities.

Thursday 30th July 2026

9AM-11AM

📍Online Zoom

We invite you to join us for our Term 3 Victorian Refugee Education and Empowerment Network (REEN) meeting.

River Nile School, Foundation House and Refugee Education Australia have partnered to deliver a cross-sector Victorian network dedicated to education and empowerment for young people from refugee backgrounds. This network is open to school-based professionals, community organisations, government departments, health services, businesses, and more—anyone passionate about sharing expertise, ideas, and initiatives while working together to create opportunities and lasting change.

Our Term 3 network meeting will be held on Thursday 30th July from 9AM-11AM online. 

You can find out more about each of our organisations below:

River Nile School

Foundation House

Refugee Education Australia

We will be exploring the topic of Transitions, and how we can meaningfully empower students and families throughout periods of change.

In this network meeting, together we will:

• Hear key network updates, including the launch of our online platform and member contact list, and upcoming advocacy opportunities.

• Deepen our understanding of challenges and successes in supporting students and families through significant transitions in their education journeys, with a focus on English Language School.

• Learn from the voices of those with lived experience about what supports are most valuable when transitioning to new education settings.

• Connect with other network members and share strategies that are working well across different sectors.

• Hear from a community agency, AAFRO, about the programs that they offer to support young people's engagement and transitions and learn about the barriers and enablers they have discovered through this work.