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- Principal’s Report
- The Grade 9 Council – Supporting Charitable Organisations
- WA Subs Trip
- 2024 Levies, Uniforms and Office Hours
- 2024 Term Dates
- Presentation Evening Award Recipients
- Presentation Evening sponsors for 2023
- 2023 Dux of Riverside High School – Isha
- Grade 7 Celebration Assembly
- Grade 8 Celebration Assembly
- Grade 9 Celebration Assembly
- Grade 10 Graduation Dinner Photos
- Northern Tasmania Summer School Holiday Program 2023 - 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The staff at Riverside High School would like to congratulate the Year 10 students of 2023 on the polite and respectful way they have interacted with each other over the past week for all of the special Year 10 events. The Year 10 Dinner at the Grand Chancellor was a very enjoyable evening where staff and students were able to socialise, dance, sing, laugh, and celebrate students’ time at high school. I would especially like to thank the Year 10 teaching team and leadership team for the organisation of the events over the past week Mr Darren Hanson - Assistant Principal, Ms Jo Faulkner - AST/Grade Leader, and Mr Jesse Fyfe - Grade Leader. As I mentioned at the dinner, I haven’t had the pleasure of working with this year group over the past four years, but I know that the school community considers them to be a respectful and caring group of young people who will continue to succeed after leaving Riverside High.
Riverside High School’s Presentation Evening highlighted the amazing achievements of students in Years 7 to 10. We thank the special guests, donors, sponsors, business and industry representatives, and our families for supporting the evening. Having the Presentation Assembly in the evening allows working parents and guardians the flexibility to attend. The award recipients are listed in this newsletter. Students were recognised for academic achievement, effort, progress, community involvement, and leadership. I would like to congratulate all students who were acknowledged.
Final Grade Assemblies were held this week and again we had many parents and guardians attending these celebration assemblies. Students were recognised for their outstanding academic performance and effort at the End of Year Reporting phase. Certificates of Outstanding Academic Achievement and Effort were presented. Music performances at each of the assemblies showcased the talents of our students and we thank all performers.
Given it is the end of the school year we always have staff to farewell. Some of our teaching staff are moving to new teaching roles. Riverside High School would like to thank the following teachers for their passion, motivation, and commitment to our school - we farewell Mr Jesse Fyfe, the Grade Leader of Year 10, Mr Alan Mowbray AST of Technologies, and Samantha Barclay TA. Mrs Deb Dave will be on long service leave in Term 1 and Mrs Louise Poeschla will be on maternity leave.
Our volunteers at Riverside work across the Grades and in many areas of the school. Riverside High School would like to thank Tracey Morrison and Davina Lanham for their work in the Canteen and Sue Purcell for her coordination of the school uniform shop.
Thank you to all the teaching staff for your care, dedication, and passion for our school. We have a wonderful team of teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff who are fully committed to making a positive difference to the lives of our young people.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy holiday!
Ms Jeanna Bolton
Principal
The Grade 9 Council – Supporting Charitable Organisations
Throughout 2023, the Grade 9 Council has worked on behalf our Grade 9 students and staff to be active citizens who contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. This work has included organising and running a range of activities to raise funds to make contributions to our local community and support charitable organisations.
Two of the organisations that we wanted to support are the Cancer Council Tasmania and the McGrath Foundation. The Cancer Council Tasmania does wonderful work to minimise the incidence and impact of cancer on all Tasmanians. This work includes providing outstanding support for people with cancer as well as their families, carers and friends and supporting cancer prevention programs which educate people about lifestyle factors which can reduce their cancer risk.
The McGrath Foundation also does amazing work and raises funds to support McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care to people experiencing breast cancer by affording both them and their families expert knowledge, care and assistance.
On Thursday, the 14th December, Ana Vrantsis from the Cancer Council Tasmania was a special guest at our Grade 9 Assembly. We were extremely proud to present her with a cheque for $250 which we raised to support the incredible work of the Cancer Council Tasmania.
We were also pleased to have Elissa Rosetto from the McGrath Foundation as a guest at this assembly. We were delighted to present her with a cheque for $250 for the McGrath Foundation to assist their wonderful work.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, students and community members who supported our fundraising efforts and made these donations possible. We particularly wish to express our profound gratitude to Mr Hindrum, our Grade 9 Council Co-ordinator for all his exceptional guidance, encouragement and assistance throughout 2023.
The Grade 9 Council
On Tuesday, 12th December, three students, James, Harmon and James, accompanied by Ms Pearce and Mr Gregory, travelled to Rockingham, Western Australia for three days as part of a careers experience coordinated by the Australian Navy. Tuesday was certainly a memorable experience for us all as our flight from Launceston to Melbourne was significantly delayed due to dense fog in Melbourne (in December), resulting in us missing the connecting flight. Fortunately, our travel company was able to find five seats on a much later flight, so after over eight hours in Melbourne airport we finally departed for Perth.
Wednesday morning saw us heading to breakfast at 7:00am with students from around Australia and, once finished, we returned to our accommodation and were then transported to the Naval Base on Garden Island. The day started with students learning how to fight fires, navigating through a black room filled with smoke using infrared heat sensors and gaining a practical experience of the dangers of fire in closed spaces through a scale model simulation of a gas explosion.
This was followed by students spending time in their research STEM facility with students experiencing the uses of VR along with gaining an understanding of how 3D printing and 3D scanning are used on both submarines and boats.
Students experienced a virtual tour of a submarine, a submarine simulator used for training and then touring a full-scale replication of a submarine’s torpedo bay and surrounding infrastructure.
After a lovely BBQ lunch, we were then transported to the harbour and were given the opportunity to tour both a submarine and naval frigate. These tours covered all aspects of life on these vessels, the skills needed and available career pathways.
At the end of the day, we returned to our accommodation and then went out for tea in a foreshore restaurant where we were accompanied by naval staff who were able to answer many of the students’ questions about all aspects of life on and under the sea.
Thursday morning was another early breakfast and then a 45-minute ride to the army barracks in Fremantle. Students spent their first hour participating in a number of group activities with students from a range of schools. Following this they were able to actively participate in several roles that are undertaken on the Bridge of a frigate within an amazing interactive simulation.
Sadly, around 11:00am we were transported to the Perth Airport for our flights home.
The experiences we gained over one and a half days were incredible and the support from the ADF who sponsored this program was amazing with everyone who participated having a significantly greater appreciation of the dedication and skills of the people who work in submarines after this trip.
Richard Gregory
We had fun participating with interactive equipment, safety demonstrations, an in-depth tour of HMAS Stirling WA, a tour of the Submarine Rankin, training centre, ship simulator and a tour of the HMAS Perth. We had a great day, James G enjoyed the submarine tour and seeing the living conditions. One of the highlights for James L was the ship tour and for Harmon it was the bridge ship simulator.
We would like to thank the Department of Defence Force – Royal Australian Navy for this wonderful opportunity.
James G, Harman and James L
2024 Levies, Uniforms and Office Hours
Families will receive their levies invoice in early March, 2024. Our composite levy for 2024 for Years 7 to 12 is $700.
Levies may be paid via phone, Bpay, at Service Tasmania or in person at our Riverside High School Administration Office with cash, cheque or card. Our Administration Office will re-open after the Christmas break on Thursday, 18 January, 2024 from 8:00am to 3.30pm. Families will be sent student validations, permission and consent forms late in January. These forms need to be completed and returned to RHS with your child in the first week of Term 1.
We encourage families to pre-order uniforms if possible. Our Uniform Shop is open each Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am until 11.00am during school terms. Uniform orders can be placed via the Qkr App with collection from 18 January, 2024 from our Administration Office. Bookings will be available from 18 January for trying on garments and one-on-one assistance with uniform fittings. We will communicate the booking information on our social media pages in January.
Please note our Administration Office will be closed on Friday, 26 January, re-opening on Monday, 29 January at 8:00am.
If you have any questions, please contact our Administration Office on 6327 6333.
Cynthia Pearce
School Business Manager
TERM 1
Thursday, 8 February – Friday,12 April
Easter Break Friday, 29 March – Tuesday, 2 April
Term 1 Holiday 13 April – 28 April
TERM 2
Monday, 29 April – Friday, 5 July
Term 2 Holiday 6 July – 21 July
TERM 3
Monday, 22 July – Friday, 27 September
Term 3 Holiday 28 September – 13 October
TERM 4
Monday, 14 October – Thursday, 19 December
Presentation Evening Award Recipients
Grade 7 Dux – Asya I
Grade 8 Dux – Edie B & Ethan B-D
Grade 9 Dux – Hannah K
Grade 10 Outstanding Academic Awards
Jakeeta B | Sophie B | Jack C | Lara D |
Isha D | Alice D | Rhys D | Erin D |
Charli E | Danika F | Joe F | Demi G |
Connor H | Mia I | Caleb J | Eden L |
Alexandra M | Grace M | Max M | Jade M |
Amelie M | Jessica M | Annika M | Angel M |
Ned N | Sungchae P | Tyler P | Mia P |
Aishwarya R | McKenna S | Zoe U | Mia V |
Poppy W | Sophie W | Isabella W |
Grade 10 Endeavour Award
Jack C | Isha D | Rhys D | Erin D |
Max M | Zoe U | Isabella W |
Grade 10 Outstanding Academic Achievement over 4 years
Sophie B | Isha D | Reece D | Alexandra M |
Aishwarya R | Zoe U | Poppy W | Sophie W |
Grade 10 Outstanding Commitment to Study over 4 years
Lacey A | Hannah A | Bonnie B | Cassidy B |
Sophie B | Jack C | Isha D | Alice D |
Samantha D | Rhys D | Erin D | Danika F |
Kiera G | Demi G | Logan G | Connor H |
Alexandra M | Max M | Jade M | Jessica M |
Angel M | Ned N | Ahlia N-S | Sungchae P |
Leo P | Mollie P | Mia P | Aishwarya R |
Matilda R | McKenna S | Beth T | Zoe U |
Poppy W | Sophie W | Sophie W | Mitchell W |
Isabella W |
Presentation Evening sponsors for 2023
Riverside High School would like to thank all of our sponsors for our 2023 Presentation Evening:
O'Shannessey Family | Fairmont Furniture | Kinetic |
Factory Blinds | Zart Art | Officeworks |
Winc | Rotary Club of West Tamar | Precision Tools |
Senator Helen Polley | Dakin Refrigeration | Lions Club Riverside |
Think Big Printing | Foot & Playsted Pty Ltd | West Tamar Council |
Hoo Hoo Club 239 | TerryWhite Chemmart Windsor | Riverside Neighbourhood Watch |
Barratts Music | Timberworld Pty Ltd | Hon Roger Jaensch MP |
Spencer Electrical | Veolia | Rotary Club of Launceston West Inc |
RHS Association | Adrian Stabb | Broomhall Family |
RHS Class of 1984 | Ampol | Link Technologies Tasmania |
Geoff Lyons OAM | Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson | Bill Lawson & Family |
Bridget Archer MP | Lions Club City of Launceston Inc | Michelle O'Byrne MP |
Jo Palmer MLC | Zonta Club of Launceston Inc | Janie Finlay MP |
University of Tasmania | Australian Defence Force | Bond Family |
Phil Hughes Office Solutions |
2023 Dux of Riverside High School – Isha
The Dux of School is awarded to the Grade 10 student who has achieved the greatest academic success during the year. At the conclusion of our 2023 Presentation Evening, it was my pleasure to announce that the Dux of School for 2023 is one of our Head Prefects, Isha.
Isha presented a wonderful speech which stressed her gratitude to our school community and the tremendous sense of care and protection which she has felt at Riverside High School.
We are delighted to include a transcript of Isha’s powerful speech below.
Ms Jeanna Bolton
Principal
Good Evening
I would like to begin by expressing how incredibly honoured I am to receive this award and my immense feeling of gratitude for being able to stand here before you as the Dux of 2023. This evening has been a celebration of extremely well-deserving award recipients so I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of my wonderful peers who have been recognised tonight.
For those of you who don’t know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Isha which means the protector and is associated with a spirit of care, support and nurturing. This fact is of tremendous relevance as the origin and meaning of my name closely aligns with my journey at Riverside High School.
Beginning on my first day of Grade 7 as an extremely excited, yet apprehensive 13-year-old, I walked into our whole school assembly, wearing my freshly polished and shiny shoes which Mum insisted on cleaning the night before. After finishing my first day in the big school, Mum asked me about my day. My response was the same as every other student - ‘Good’. However, I am extremely fortunate to be able to say that my day wasn’t just good as I was quickly embraced by the entire school community and was offered unwavering support which, in turn, nurtured my future aspirations.
Many individuals have shaped my academic journey and helped to guide and develop my aspirational focus. In fact, it was this time last year, in this same gym, on this very occasion, that I was inspired by the previous Dux’s speech. Having known and worked with last year’s Dux of Riverside High, Tara Stewart, I was motivated to reach the high standards set by those before me. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by such strong individuals and role models who have supported, challenged and shaped my journey.
Leadership was not only a high school ambition of mine. My leadership journey started in primary school as I watched and admired those who were able to stand confidently and proudly as they made a positive difference. As I was presented with my Grade 6 Core Leader badge, I embarked on my first step towards leadership and, with the help of the many role models by my side, I was guided to the position I hold today as Head Prefect. The tireless work which this year's Prefect Board has undertaken, and the strong sense of community which connects us, highlights the spirit of care and concern for others which Riverside High embodies and of which I am so proud.
It is only appropriate that I express my deepest gratitude to key individuals and groups who have afforded me outstanding care and protection, guided my journey and encouraged me to aim high and be aspirational in my focus.
To my close friends and peers who have supported me through every moment, given me a laugh during stressful times or asked the constant question ‘Are you OK?’, you genuinely do not know how much I love and appreciate you. Whether it be taking the time to look after me or diving into a puddle of muddy water together to celebrate a touch football tournament victory, these are the uplifting moments which will never be forgotten and will always be cherished.
To my teachers, please know that each sacrifice you make for your students, and the time and effort you dedicate to our success is always noticed and appreciated. On a personal level, your commitment to helping me discover my passions, encouragement to realise my true potential and concern for my wellbeing have gifted me the hope and courage to embrace numerous challenges and to strive for excellence.
To my family, who can be described as the epitome of strength and love. I’m so sorry for keeping this secret from you all. You don’t know how hard it was! But I hope this has been a lovely surprise and please know that it is your support that means the most to me.
No-one has embraced the spirit of protection and unwavering care more strongly than my hero and inspiration, my Mum. All those nights you have spent staying up with me, waiting for me to finish my work before you can go to bed, all those weekends you have spent taking my phone away and reminding me to focus on my work and all of the laughs and stories we have shared are treasured memories which I will forever hold in my heart. You will never truly comprehend the extent of my gratitude for our friendship, your sacrifices and the incredible mother you are and that I hope to be one day. You are my heart mender, moral compass and fierce protector and I know I will continue to lean on you for guidance, and trust in you to keep preparing my lunches in my future years.
As I look beyond high school, I do so in the hope that the support and guidance which has been so generously provided at Riverside High, will continue to be a key feature of my journey. I commit to remain dedicated to my studies and will draw inspiration from Riverside High’s Core Values of Courage, Aspiration, Respect and Endeavour and strive to uphold them and be a leader within my community who brings about positive change for others.
It is extremely difficult to express my true appreciation to everyone who has had an impact on me, so I end this address by saying thank you to all those individuals who have supported my incredible journey at Riverside High. I am so incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award and I wish you all the best for the future.
Thank you.
Endeavour Award
Lily B-H | Aria F | Mia G | Hayden L |
Toby R | Isabella S |
Certificate of Merit
Hamish B | Sara B | Hieu Minh B | Lily B-H |
Bailey C | Emma C | Laura C | Isobel C |
Henry D | Tyson D | Aria F | Kiana F |
Millie G | Mia G | Lucy H | Annabelle H |
Tessa H | Imogen H | Evelyn H | River H |
Asya I | Isobel K | Isla K | Hayden L |
April L | Holly L | Sarah M | Lily M |
Noah M | Stella M | Innes M | Maggie M |
Oliver M | Addison M | Trung N | Grace O |
Lucas Gomez P | Henry R | Gracelin R | Matilda R |
Toby R | Ella S | Breanna S | Marley S |
Isabella S | Patyn T | Josie T | Jake W |
Blake W | Lucy W |
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Charlotte B | Hieu Minh B | Lily B-H | Tyson D |
Aria F | Kiana F | Millie G | Lucy H |
Tessa H | Imogen H | Asya I | Isobel K |
April L | Hayden L | Holly L | Stella M |
Maggie M | Kennedy M | Oliver M | Trung N |
Gracelin R | Matilda R | Toby R | Marley S |
Isabella S |
Endeavour Award
William F | James G | Chilli H | James L |
Amy L | Isabel M | Maya R | Phoebe S |
Lucy W | William W |
Certificate of Merit
Gigi A | Harman B | Ethan B-D | Edie B |
Elias B | Gabi C | Himani C | Jenny D |
Eliza D | Dan D | Tori E | Hailee F |
Ethan F | William F | Ava G | Lily G |
Flynn G | James G | Gabi G | Darci G |
Jaelyn H | Isaac H | Nina H | Isabella H |
Amelia H | Tashi H-G | Clementine H | Jontay H |
Tayah H | Chilli H | Bonnie H | Lydia J |
Satadev Shri Rajini K | Shaun K | Sherman L | Kenny L |
James L | Amy L | Xavier L | Shekinah M |
Hasandi M K | Madison M | Noah M | Mitchell M |
Isabel M | Ha Binh N | Isaac N | Olive N |
Dasi P | Amelia P | Olivia Q | Angus R |
Maya R | Sam R | Tyson S | Sophie S |
Sarah S | Charlie S | Phoebe S | Chloe S |
Gregor T | Harry T | Jenny T | Emerson T |
Pheobe T | Milly V | Lucy W | Bea W |
William W |
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Ethan B-D | Edie B | Gabi C | Jenny D |
Eliza D | Dan D | Hailee F | Ethan F |
William F | Gabi G | Jaelyn H | Isaac H |
Nina H | Jontay H | Chilli H | Bonnie H |
Shaun K | Sherman L | James L | Amy L |
Mitchell M | Isabel M | Ha Binh N | Isaac N |
Amelia P | Olivia Q | Maya R | Sarah S |
Charlie S | Phoebe S | Gregor T | Lucy W |
Thorin W | William W |
Endeavour Award
Olivia B | Sophie B | Hannah K | Ryan M |
Jack N | Harvey Y |
Certificate of Merit
Elaria A | Sithmi A | Daisy B | Matilda B |
Olivia B | Sienna B | Sophie B | Estella B |
Helena C | Georgie C | Ruby C | Isabelle C |
Gemma D | Aurora D B | Isaac D | Imogen D |
Brendan D | Finn E | Ruby G | Charlotte H |
Louis H | Skyla H | Izak H | Katie H |
Oliver H | Meadow H | Celeste J | Alec J |
Emelia J | Emma J | Millie J | Lilly K |
Hannah K | Meika K | Wesley L | Ryan M |
Sophia M | Charlotte M | Charlotte M | Hollie M |
Kacey M | Kenzy M | Jack N | Josie O |
Jenna O | Shona O | Alana P | Mia P |
Mitchell P | Jaime R | Lily R | Sophie R |
Megan S | Ella S | Charley-Grace T | Isaac T |
Rebecca T | Emily T | Kripa T | Hallie W |
Oryn W | Ida W | Emelia W | Michayla W |
Harvey Y |
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Elaria A | Sithmi A | Daisy B | Matilda B |
Olivia B | Sienna B | Sophie B | Estella B |
Ruby C | Isabelle C | Aurora D B | Imogen D |
Meadow H | Emelia J | Lilly K | Hannah K |
Wesley L | Ryan M | Sophia M | Charlotte M |
Charlotte M | Kacey M | Josie O | Shona O |
Alana P | Jaime R | Lily R | Sophie R |
Megan S | Isaac T | Rebecca T | Emily T |
Ida W | Emelia W | Harvey Y |