Welcome to Term 4! We hope all students had a restful and enjoyable holiday. Our final term is always busy and there is lots to look forward to on the school calendar.  On Tuesday, we held a whole school face to face assembly. It was wonderful to see all students in full school uniform, engaged in the assembly program and recognising students’ achievements.  The Prefect Board were the MCs for the assembly and they provided a report on the Term 4 calendar of events and details on the upcoming athletics carnival. One of our senior bands ‘Zapperheads’ performed for the school along with the senior Drama students performing a mime which especially engaged the junior students.

Congratulations to the students listed below who last week competed in the State F1 in Schools Competition on Wednesday and Thursday at the Tailrace Centre. Our students were amazing achieving first place in their divisions.  Riverside High School have been invited to compete in the National Finals in 2023 on the mainland in Penrith.

Jack 9F, Ollie 9F, Alex 9H

Dev 9D, Danika 9A, Matilda 9A, Angel 9A, Jade 9B

Dan 7C, Nandali 7C, Lucy 7C, William 7B

A reminder that Friday, 4^th of November is a Teacher Professional Learning Day (student free day).  Teachers will be involved in professional learning on quality teaching and learning specifically differentiation and moderation of student work samples.

Please ensure you check the Riverside High School calendar located on Schoolzine App. The calendar has important dates for families for both events and excursions in Term 4.  All Year 10 students have been provided with a letter which outlines dates and celebration events which occur in the second half of the term and impact on them specifically.

On Friday, Riverside High School had the Touch Football Teams compete at Prospect Park in the State Touch Football Series. The teams represented our school with pride and displayed outstanding sportsmanship and encouragement of one another on the ground. The senior boys and junior boys won their final and displayed outstanding skills and motivation.  Included in this week’s newsletter is a report from the carnival and photos.

The senior netball girls travelled to Hobart to compete in the State Final of the Schools Netball Championships on Wednesday.  The team was supported by Miss Rolls. The girls left Riverside High School to travel by bus to Hobart leaving at 6.00am. Despite it being a very long day, the girls were awarded 3^rd place.

The Riverside High School Inter-High Swimming Team competed in the NHSSA Division 1 Carnival on Thursday at the Aquatics Centre. We are really pleased that our passionate and dedicated swimmers were provided the opportunity to compete in 2022 especially given the carnival was postponed in Term 1 due to Covid.  Riverside High School placed first overall in Division 1.

PAT testing is required for students in Prep to Year 10. PAT testing is completed within the testing period (24 October to 11 November). Students at Riverside High School sit PAT Reading, Maths and Science tests. These tests provide us with invaluable information regarding students’ academic progress and how we can best support their learning. Where required, adjustments are provided for students to support access to the tests and encourage maximum participation. This may include adjusting the testing year level. All students can complete the tests on their iPad or school device.  Ms Jago and Mr Gadsby coordinate PAT testing at Riverside High School.  If you have any questions in relation to the testing, please contact them via our Administration Office.

Riverside High School often has students who are successful in making state and national teams and representative teams in the arts, sports and academic pursuits.  In our fortnightly newsletter we would love to share and celebrate the successes of our currently enrolled students in the newsletter.  Please contact the student administration office if you are happy to share your child’s achievements.

Ms Jeanna Bolton
Principal

Making every school day count

Welcome back to the last term of the school year! We’re excited for what’s in store this term.

This final stretch of the school year can sometimes be challenging to get your kids to school. But being at school is the best place for our kids, and it’s important we make every school day count.

If you’re struggling to get your child to school, help is available. Please talk to us at school about your situation. We’ll support you, in whatever way we can.

Here are some tips to help:

• Create a routine.
• Give yourself enough time in the morning.
• Be on time, every day. Monday to Friday.
• Schedule appointments and trips outside of school hours.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Set some technology boundaries.

If your child is well enough to attend school, they should be at school. Every day, Monday to Friday.

Data tells us that the better a child’s attendance rate, the better off they’ll be. Their future will be filled with more opportunities…. which is what every parent and carer wants for their child.

School is where they learn and grow alongside their friends, and where they benefit the most. Going to school not only promotes academic success, but also helps build important social skills, relationships and confidence.

Again, please talk to us about your situation if you’re having trouble getting your child to school every day.

Technologies:  Applied Design has focused on establishing across the grades an emphasis on adaptation and recycling to inspire creative thinking and knowledge concerning sustainability.

This endeavour was undertaken by looking at materials in our environment and adapting thinking and utilising items we generally throw away or consider low value. This was demonstrated by using recycled aluminium in Applied Design-Automotive and the deconstructing of pallets for projects in Year 8 Design in Wood.

Year 7 students have sought to explore new skills and gain an understanding of materials. Students have explored natural materials such as plantation oak and pine. These materials are a renewable and sustainable resource readily available as an alternative to old growth timber.

This year we have seen a number of successes in critical thinking, from our junior classes to Year 10.  Students have shown determination and persistence in achieving outstanding design solutions. This is demonstrated via our Engineering Solutions class. Mr Freeman has enjoyed positive interactions within the class as they race their CO2 cars along the corridor. Our Senior Metal classes have been actively gaining skills in TIG welding of aluminium. This is a particularly difficult material to work with due to its relatively low melting point.

Technologies: Wood has been generously gifted in large quantities, plantation hardwood from the School of Architecture, UTAS. This material is not normally used in the construction of furniture, however, our students have actively sought to experiment with this material in the construction of individual design solutions. The University is very interested in our endeavour and we plan to invite them for a private exhibition of a range of finished projects later on in the year.

Applied Design: From Year 7 to 10 we have observed students developing key skills and personal attributes such as being organised, applying safe work practices and remaining task focused. In particular we have noticed students willingness to challenge themselves in regard to their project work, with a number of students focusing on producing well designed and original projects.

Our junior classes in Applied Design have explored a range of materials via small individual projects, such as kitchen utensils, key holders, plastics trophies, barbecue tools and coasters.  Students in Year 7 have achieved a high standard in their project work this year.

Year 8 has had an exciting year. Four differing classes have undertaken a range of projects that have been innovative and somewhat challenging.  Some of the projects have been making metal G Clamps which allowed students to learn advanced skills in MIG welding. Rocket stoves and fusion welding dice were further projects that are aimed to extend our student’s skill levels. The Applied Design in Wood subject has produced well-constructed deck chairs and recycled pallet projects, such as shelves and plant stands.

Finally, we have introduced new technologies to our classes via a purchase of a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Router. Which will offer a new dimension to design options for our students.

We look forward to further challenging our students so that they are equipped with skills in design enabling them to take on real world problems with confidence.

On Tuesday, 25^th October Year 9 and 10 students were treated to a visit by Glen Phillips from Troubie, who delivered two engaging performances to support their learning in History classes. Year 10 students enjoyed a thought-provoking overview of the history of Indigenous rights and freedoms, supported by a range of musical numbers and primary sources. Year 9 students laughed their way through a one-man-show about Gassy, an injured World War 1 Veteran comically reflecting on his experience in the war with his fallen ANZAC friend as he struggles to return to life after the war. 

During the first week of Term 4, Riverside High had three teams competing in this year’s F1 in Schools state final held at the Tailrace Centre. This was the culmination of many hours of work over the last two terms and their results were outstanding.

The Grade 7 team, competing for the first time in this challenge were outstanding, winning all but one category award. As a result of their exceptional work across all categories, they were the winning team in their category. Their team, Convergence, consisted of:

Dan 7C, Nandali 7C, Lucy 7C, William 7B

In the Junior Professional category, the following students formed for the team Adrenaline and, won with a score of 794, they also won the outright combined professional award.

Dev 9D, Danika 9A, Matilda 9A, Angel 9A, Jade 9B

In the Senior category, the following students who represent the team Peregrine won with a score of 778 points and they finished second overall in the combined senior competition.

Jack 9F, Ollie 9F, Alex 9H

The student’s engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day were exceptional and they all thoroughly deserve their outstanding results. The three teams have now been invited to represent Tasmania at the national finals to be held in Penrith during March next year.

The Warhammer Club runs every Tuesday lunchtime.  The newly introduced Warhammer Club has had many students excitedly take part in the tabletop fantasy world. For those unacquainted to the world of Warhammer, Warhammer is a miniatures game where players can choose from hundreds of models to build, paint and play. Students have been busy building intricate models, showing off their creativity through painting and diving into the immersive sci-fi and fantasy worlds, whilst clashing in tabletop battles against friends.

On Wednesday, the 26th of October, our netball girls took home 3rd place at the High School Netball State Finals in Hobart. There were smiles all round to finish off a fantastic year of netball for RHS.

Riverside High School had two teams compete in the State Touch Football Championships on Friday, 21^st October at Prospect Park. Our junior boys team competed against Latrobe and Kings Meadows and were too strong for both schools winning the final against Latrobe 8 tries to 2. In the senior boys, the Riverside team defeated Kings Meadows and Marist, winning the final 14 tries to 2 against Marist. The boys also played in good spirits and represented the school with pride. The students should be extremely proud of their achievements.

Riverside High School in Term 4 is involved in the PCYC for girls called Ascent Program. (Achieve, Strength, Courage, Empowerment and Nurture Together). The program started this week and after some initial "get to know you" activities, we finished the day with some Archery Tag. A seriously good time was had by all. A huge thank you to Hari and Justine from the PCYC. We are looking forward to the next session, which will occur on Tuesday, 8^th November. 

On Thursday a group of passionate Year 10 English students attended Riverside Primary School to provide assistance to Year 6 students who had been writing a short story during their ‘Writer’s Week’. A focus for the young writers was on giving and receiving feedback and editing their work. Our students worked with small groups to provide constructive feedback against a rubric and offer support with the editing process.

Participating students were amazing in their application to the task and gained valuable insights into the importance of feedback and how to use peer support to facilitate learning.

To end Term 2, we ran our major event for the year, an MND fundraiser. The day consisted of a blue themed free dress day, a slide into ice cold water, a barbeque, sponge throwing and the sale of blue donuts and lemonade. With the help of the school community this day was extremely successful with a total of $1,300 being raised to support the research of Motor Neuron Disease. During the lunch break a range of students and teachers dressed up in costumes to go down the slide. The event gained the support of the whole school, Southern Cross News and the Examiner. The day did not only raise money and bring recognition to the disease it was also a chance for our whole school to come together as a community.

We would like to thank all of the people who helped with the preparation and supported the event on the day. This includes the students and teachers who went down the slide and all of the grade councils for their contributions. A massive thank you to Miss Hall for helping on the day, Mrs Dave for her support in the process, the Poulton family for the slide, Mr Child for filming the event and the office staff for supporting the process as well as Mr Stabb and Mr Dalton for assisting with the set up.

On Friday, 28 October Grade 9 and 10 students participated in Beacon Foundation’s Polish Program supported by FINDEX. Students enjoyed a workshop which aimed to help them gain confidence as they pursue future employment. Six mentors from FINDEX Launceston, together with the Beacon presenters, helped develop an elevator pitch and build their skills for an interview with their mentor. Polish is a rewarding experience and our students benefited from the high intensity program where they will be able to transfer skills in the future.

On Friday 11^th November, the Prefect Board will be hosting a Trivia Night in the Riverside High School Gymnasium to fundraise for the Prefect Legacy, an outdoor stage. The stage will be a platform for performances, community gatherings, music and even debates.

The night will run from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, with bookings available through the QR code. The cost of a ticket is $10 per person.  Questions on a wide range of topics will be featured, as well as entertainment throughout the night, sweet and savoury food, a silent auction and raffle with awesome prizes up for grabs. Students, teachers, parents and friends are welcome to book a table of 8-10 people for an evening filled with competition, connection and fun.

If your business is willing to contribute a donation to the raffle or silent auction, it will be promoted on our school social media and newsletter outlets. We would greatly appreciate vouchers, items or tickets of any kind. If you are interested, please contact erin.coull.00@education.tas.edu.au or tara.stewart.00@education.tas.edu.au for more information. Thank you for your consideration!

We hope to see you there.