Filter Content
- Principal’s Report
- Mid-year Reports
- Grade 10 Transition
- Grade 10 Exams
- University of Tasmania - Health Taster Day
- Congratulations Aurora
- Tasmanian All Schools’ Cross Country
- Battle of the Bands Friday 28 June
- Subject in Focus – Food Technology
- Sport in Focus - Thursday Junior Sport Report - Soccer
- Sport in Focus - AFLW – Senior 2nds Football Team
- Prefects Profiles
- Digital Skills for Families
- Staying safe on our school services
- Blaze 2024
- Growing up Online
Welcome to Riverside High School’s Newsletter for Week 8 of Term 2! We have had a very busy few weeks celebrating numerous successes, welcoming special visitors to our school and finalising our Mid-year Reports.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer MLC
On Friday, 14th June, we were fortunate enough to have a visit from Minister Palmer. During the hour long visit we were able to discuss educational principles and practices and some of the challenges, not only facing our school, but more broadly our state. The Minister was able to view many aspects of our school and was very impressed with programs such as our Year 11 Civil Construction, F1 in Schools program and our Tier 2/3 provisions including Aspire and our CARE Centre. As a community, we would like to thank Minister Palmer greatly for her visit.
Australian of the Year Tour of Honour Visit
I would also like to mention that we have been selected to have the Australians of the Year visit our school to speak with our Grade 9 and 10 students in the first week of Term 3. This is an excellent opportunity for our students to listen to and speak with the following recipients:
- Professor Richard Scolyer (2024 Australian of the Year)
- Professor Georgina Long (2024 Australian of the Year)
- Stephanie Trethewey (2024 Tasmanian Australian of the Year)
- Reverend Jim Colville (2024 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year)
- Naarah (2024 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year)
- Clair Harris (2024 Tasmanian Local Hero)
Cyber Safety Expert Susan McLean
Riverside Primary School is hosting a community event for parent/guardians of young people who use social media. The event is aimed at developing an understanding around cyber safety. This is an initiative of West Launceston, Trevallyn, and Riverside Primary Schools, and is generously sponsored by Tas City Building and S. Group. This event will be held in the Riverside Primary School Gym, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd July.
Susan McLean delivers an educational and empowering session for parents and carers. Susan’s unparalleled knowledge leaves audiences shocked at the reality of the online world. It is a challenge to the thinking of even the most cyber aware parent and is delivered with Susan's famous 'no nonsense' approach. The session will cover the positive benefits of technology as well as what parents need to be aware of.
This Week’s DECYP Value is Respect
The Value of Respect plays a vital role in shaping our Riverside High School community. Respect underscores the importance of caring for ourselves, each other, and our environment, fundamentally supporting students in maximising their learning opportunities.
At Riverside High School, Respect is an essential principle that encompasses all aspects of school life. The school emphasises self-respect by encouraging students to take pride in their learning and learning outcomes. Programs promoting mental health awareness (StayChatTY, Headspace), physical wellbeing (sporting activities and grants), and personal goal setting (JCP, Wellbeing Days) help students to develop a strong sense of self-worth and resilience.
Respect for others is cultivated through a culture of inclusivity and kindness. Riverside High School actively promotes compassion, peer support systems, and collaborative learning environments. These initiatives foster mutual respect among students, enabling them to work together harmoniously and learn from diverse perspectives. When students feel respected and supported by their peers and teachers, they are more likely to participate actively in class, ask questions, and pursue academic challenges, thereby enhancing their learning experience.
Teachers at Riverside High School play a crucial role in modelling and reinforcing the value of Respect. By creating a respectful classroom atmosphere, they ensure that students feel safe and valued, which is essential for effective learning. Respectful interactions between teachers and students foster a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and take academic risks.
In summary, the Value of Respect at Riverside High School is integral to maximising students' learning opportunities. By promoting Respect for oneself, others, and the environment, our school creates a supportive and enriching atmosphere that enhances academic engagement, personal growth, and social responsibility. This comprehensive approach to respect ensures that students are well-prepared to thrive both within and beyond the school community.
Here is a summary of some of our other recent events and activities at Riverside High:
Whole School Assembly
We would like to acknowledge all the students who were recognised at our recent whole school assembly. It was wonderful to be able to showcase a wide range of talents from a variety of student led areas of passion from across our school.
Civic Reception with Governor of Tasmania
On Monday afternoon, we had a Prefect representative attend a West Tamar Civic Reception with her Excellency, the Honourable Barbara Baker AC Governor of Tasmania, and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers AO at the Windsor Community Precinct. We were joined by local council members, community leaders and other schools to talk about what is happening within the West Tamar Municipality.
All Schools’ Cross Country
We had a small number of students participate in the recent All Schools’ Cross Country held at Symmons Plains. Our students represented the school with pride and ran in what can only be described as difficult and chilly conditions. Thank you to Mrs Elliott for organising this opportunity for our students. Our full results are featured within our newsletter.
Grade 10 Orientation Days
Our Grade 10 students are currently working through their Transition Plans for 2024. A part of this process is experiencing an authentic day in the life of a college student. We thank the Newstead College and Launceston College communities for supporting our Grade 10 students to make informed decisions about their futures.
Grade 9 Wellbeing Day
Our Grade 9 students also held their second Wellbeing for Learning Day. A key focus for our Grade 9 students is now preparing for leadership and understanding the important role they play in shaping our high school. Over the coming weeks, students will continue to refine their leadership skills and explore ways to have a positive influence across the wider school community. A key part of this has been their active involvement in our successful Food Week event.
Mr Adrian Smith
Acting Principal
We seek to inform you that all students’ Mid-year Reports will be distributed during a special Home Group session on Thursday, 4 July. This will be the second report that students have received this year, and it is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of how students are progressing in each subject. Aligned to the Australian Curriculum, in 2024 your child is studying: English, Mathematics, Science, History and Civics and Citizenship (Grades 7 and 8), History (Grades 9 and 10), and Health and Physical Education. Each of these Australian Curriculum or core subject reports contain an overall achievement rating on the 9–point scale.
All our option subject reports are assessed against the 5–point scale. Please note that, as per previous communication with specific families, some of our students who have individual learning plans will be assessed against personal academic and/or social emotional goals.
Our Mid-year assessments are based on work covered in the first part of the year. They show your child’s current progress and what they are ‘on track’ to achieve by the end of the year. The ratings on your child’s Mid-year Report may change in December.
The Mid-year Report also includes assessments on key attributes that are essential for learning to provide you with a clear indication of how your child is working in each learning area. Our ‘Learning Attributes Rubric’ will be included with students’ reports so that you are able to see how these ratings are determined.
On Monday, 26 August, a Parent/Teacher/Student Interview Evening will be held from 3:30 – 5:00pm in Building 2 (our Grade 9/10 Area, located directly above the Administration Area). Another Parent/Teacher/Student Interview Evening will be held on Tuesday, 27 August from 3:30 – 6:30pm in Building 2. These evenings will give both parents and teachers an opportunity to discuss how to best support students’ ongoing learning. Students are strongly encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians. Interview appointments are for 10 minutes. Details on how to book a Parent/Teacher/Student Interview will be sent home early in Term 3.
Your child’s attendance records up to Friday, 28 June, will also be included with the reports for your information and review.
Mr Adrian Smith
Acting Principal
We are very impressed with the mature and thoughtful approach which our Grade 10 students are taking to their consideration of future educational and career-related pathways. This was certainly apparent when our Grade 10 students attended Launceston College’s Open Day on Tuesday, 18th June and approximately 85 Grade 10s participated in today’s Newstead College Open Day. Such events constitute an important part of our Grade 10 Transition Program which supports students in making informed choices for 2025 and beyond. It was wonderful to see our Grade 10 students actively engaging in the open day sessions and conduct themselves in an extremely respectful, courteous, and supportive manner.
During Lessons 1 and 2 next Wednesday, 26th June, our Grade 10 students will have the opportunity to work on their Transition Plans and to obtain some extremely important information from guest speakers including industry representatives and educational providers. This enables our students to continue to plan their future learning and career-related pathways.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents and guardians for their support of our Grade 10 Transition Program. As always, we greatly appreciate the opportunity to work in partnership with you to support our wonderful young people.
The Grade 10 Team
Our Grade 10 students will be completing exams in their core subjects of English, Maths, Science, and History during Week 2 of Term 3. In preparation for these exams, the Grade 10 Team will support students’ exam preparation by providing explicit teaching regarding generalised exam tips and strategies. Those subjects setting exams will also provide students with dedicated revision and preparation lessons during Week 1 of Term 3.
At Riverside High School, we believe that the setting of Grade 10 Exams constitutes an effective means to enhance our students' learning experience. These exams provide students with an opportunity to develop subject-specific exam skills as well as general skills, such as time management. Additionally, our exams support students in gaining confidence and familiarity with exam conditions, which can help alleviate future anxiety and enhance their social and emotional wellbeing.
Furthermore, the exams provide our teachers with one evidence of learning or an assessment task that allows them to evaluate student learning and progress. This information can be used to inform future teaching practices and curriculum content. The exams also reinforce the strong commitment to learning and achievement that characterises the culture of Riverside High School.
Please find below the Grade 10 Exam timetable for Week 2 of Term 3:
DAY | EXAM |
Monday, 29 July | History |
Tuesday, 30 July | Maths |
Thursday, 1 August | English |
Friday, 2 August | Science |
Next week, our Grade 10 parents and guardians will be receiving a letter which provides additional information about our Grade 10 Exams.
The Grade 10 Leadership Team
University of Tasmania - Health Taster Day
A group of Grade 10 students recently enjoyed an opportunity to attend the University of Tasmania’s Health Taster Day at the Newnham Campus. They were exposed to a variety of learning areas offered at UTAS such as nursing, allied health, psychology and pharmacy. The day gave them an insight into careers in a range of health fields and what study would look like at university.
Adam Child
Aurora received 1st (Gold medal) place on the weekend (Saturday, 8th and Sunday, 9th June) with a cumulation of points in the Newstead Athletics 2024 School Series Cross Country Events that has been held over the last seven weeks.
Tasmanian All Schools’ Cross Country
Great weather and perfect running conditions made for a fantastic day last Thursday for the Tasmanian All Schools’ Cross Country. Running at Symmons Plains, our students made their way around the challenging course against students from both independent and government schools from all areas of the state. Our 15 member team of students produced stellar performances, many running brilliant times. Congratulations to all who participated, they did an amazing job representing our school. A full report of times and places for all students can be found on the Athletics Tasmania Website: tasathletics.org.au.
A special mention goes to the following students who finished in the top ten for their age group on the day:
Layla – 1st in Girls Under 14
Sophie – 3rd in Girls Under 17
Aurora – 8th in Girls Under 17
These students may gain selection in the Tasmanian team to complete at the National Cross Country titles in Tasmania this year, which is a wonderful achievement.
Mrs Coleen Elliott
HPE Team
Subject in Focus – Food Technology
Our school's Food Studies program has been bustling with activity this term, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our students from Years 7 to 10. Each year level has been delving into different aspects of the culinary arts, from foundational skills to cultural cuisine exploration, and even promoting local produce. Here is a glimpse into their delicious journey.
Our youngest food enthusiasts in Year 7 have been busy learning the essentials of baking and cooking. They have taken their first steps into the culinary world by creating delightful teddy bear biscuits, heartwarming apple crumbles, and the ever-popular ANZAC biscuits. These activities not only teach basic cooking techniques but also help students understand the importance of following recipes and measuring ingredients accurately.
This term, three of our Year 7 classes have been channelling their creativity and developing practical skills in their Textiles class. The focus has been on designing and making a delightful range of soft toys using felt, with impressive results. The unit began with an introduction to the basics of hand stitching. Students learned various stitches, such as running stitch, backstitch, and blanket stitch, which are essential for assembling and detailing their soft toys. These hand-stitching sessions were not just about technique but also about patience, precision, and the joy of creating something with their own hands.
Once the students were comfortable with hand stitching, they progressed to machine stitching. This transition was an exciting milestone, as they got to experience the speed and efficiency of using sewing machines. With careful guidance and much patience, students learned to operate the machines safely and accurately, applying their newfound skills to construct their soft toys.
Year 8 students have embarked on an exciting journey through international cuisine, exploring the diverse flavours that have influenced Australian food culture. This term, they have cooked dishes from various cultures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of global culinary traditions. From Italian pasta to Asian stir-fries, students have broadened their palates and honed their cooking skills. This exploration not only enhances their culinary repertoire but also promotes cultural awareness and understanding, highlighting the beauty of diversity through food.
Our students in Years 9 and 10 have been focusing on the importance of local produce in their "Tasmanian Grown and Produced" unit. They have been working diligently to create dishes that celebrate the fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from our beautiful island state. By incorporating locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other products into their recipes, students learn about the benefits of supporting local farmers and producers. This unit encourages sustainable practices and helps students understand the farm-to-table concept, fostering a connection to the land and its bounty. Their final product was a pizza showcasing a unique Tasmanian ingredient.
The Enterprise class has taken their culinary skills to the next level by organising and hosting a fantastic Food Fest last Monday. This event was a great success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the students. They planned, prepared, and sold a variety of delicious treats, including pizzas, hot dogs, slices, and chocolate truffles. The Food Fest not only provided a practical application of their cooking skills but also taught students valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and event management. The proceeds from the event will go towards funding future Food Studies projects and initiatives.
Our Food Studies program is more than just cooking; it's about cultivating a lifelong passion for food, understanding cultural connections, and promoting local sustainability. The dedication and enthusiasm of our students are truly inspiring.
![food 1](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6167/240621023109385/1126x2000/food_1.jpg)
![food 2](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6168/240621023117484/1126x2000/food_2.jpg)
![food 3](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6169/240621023121598/1126x2000/food_3.jpg)
![food 4](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6170/240621023129485/1126x2000/food_4.jpg)
![food 5](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6171/240621023138004/1126x2000/food_5.jpg)
![food 6](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6172/240621023145413/1126x2000/food_6.jpg)
![](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6167/240621023109385/500x888/food_1.jpg)
![](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6168/240621023117484/500x888/food_2.jpg)
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![](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6170/240621023129485/500x888/food_4.jpg)
![](https://prod005-au.sz-cdn.net/riversidehs/media/6171/240621023138004/500x888/food_5.jpg)
Food and Fibre from the Textiles Room to the Kitchen
Students have been learning and producing some exciting, creative and innovative designs, showing their understanding of safety, working collaboratively, and the terms used in the technology option areas.
Here is a snippet of the work they have been undertaking in this area:
7F
Grade 8 Foods of the World and Café
9/10 Lemon Delicious Puddings
Thor Porsbro-Pedersen & Angela Fitzallen
Sport in Focus - Thursday Junior Sport Report - Soccer
This is the second year that Riverside High has had a soccer team in the NHSSA Junior Winter Sports roster. The sports roster is a great opportunity for our Year 8 students to be able to play a sport, without the time and financial commitment that often comes with playing club sport. It is also an opportunity for students whose main sport may not be soccer, to try a new sport.
The focus of school sport is participation, having fun playing sport with peers and potentially developing an interest in a sport that students haven’t played before, which can lead to them joining a club in the community and continuing to play the game into adulthood.
We have a range of students who have never played soccer before, to students who have played soccer since they were six years of age. For this reason, it can take time to gel as a team. Having said that, the team has shown genuine improvement in their skills and game sense over the past few weeks. As we start to play more games, the students are getting more experienced and developing their skills and understanding of where to position themselves on the field to be in the best place to receive a pass from a teammate or to close space on an opposing player when we are not in possession of the ball.
As we move towards the end of the first half of the season, the following areas have been identified for future focus:
- always giving our best effort, regardless of the score
- playing with a team first approach
- representing the school in the best manner
- always showing respect to our teammates and coaches, opposition players and referees
Toby Musovic & Adam Child
Sport in Focus - AFLW – Senior 2nds Football Team
The start of the season has been fun and enjoyable for our Senior 2nd’s girls football team. Most of the team members are new to the game and have little experience playing football, so our focus has been on learning football skills and executing them in game situations. Each week our goal has been to have fun, to learn something new and to improve upon our game from the previous week. Despite not winning a game yet, the girls have been very impressive in their commitment to listening, learning, and working as a team. We have been reducing the winning margin, improving our total team score for each game and getting closer to winning our first game for the season.
Early highlights of our games have been strong defensive play from Bea, Izzy, Ari and Tayah and impressive speed and agility from our onballers Tori, Estella, Nandali, Chilli, Gabi and Edie.
Our rucking team of Hallie, Isla, Phoebe and Hailee have been strong overhead, winning many hit outs during play. Superb goals and attacking play have come from our forwards Tori, Chilli, Imy, Shona and Phoebe. Our celebrations and team comradery when kicking goals has been wonderful with the girls all trying their best to be a part of the scoreboard.
A four team roster will allow us to improve on our performance against each of the teams several times. The girls have improved incredibly over the last six weeks, with the second half of the season looking promising for success.
Coleen Elliott
We are Sophie and Emelia, members of your 2024 Prefect Board. Sophie is a member of the Wellbeing Portfolio and Emelia is a member of the Community Portfolio. These are just two of the four portfolios that make up our team.
My name is Emelia and alongside Kacey, Estella, Finn, Ryan, Lily and our Deputy Prefect Daisy, I am a part of the Community and Respect Portfolio. Our portfolio works as a team to connect with the wider school community and fundraise for numerous causes in addition to raising money for our Prefect legacy. We focus on all our school's core values, but especially our portfolio’s focus of respect. This is a value that everyone should carry with them through life, and one that is at the forefront of all our activities/fundraising.
To know a little bit about me, I enjoy playing sports such as touch football and netball. I love the beach, summer, camping and spending time with my friends and family. Inside of school my favourite subjects and passions revolve around Sport Science and English. I play football as my Wednesday sport and support Collingwood as my AFL team.
2024 has already held so many great opportunities and memories for our Prefect Board and wider school community. I am looking forward to further activities that our Board has planned for the second half of the year. My initial goal from the moment my leadership journey began has always been to involve everyone and enable students to participate, have their say and have a voice. This is a Broad goal but something that has been the foundation of our entire board and the ideas we want to put forward.
I will always work hard and encourage others to reach their potential. As a Prefect and a leader, I endeavour to participate and make the most of my Grade 10 year, but also be the reason someone else participates. I will stay true to my values but continue to grow as a person, be open to feedback and work with our Board to do what is best for our school and everyone within it.
My name is Sophie, and I am a member of the Health and Wellbeing Portfolio. I work alongside Imogen as one of the Lawson House Prefects. The Health and Wellbeing Prefects help organise carnivals, lunchtime activities, and activities that benefit students’ wellbeing. Coming from a house captain role at Trevallyn Primary School, I have always wanted to continue being a leader in high school. I developed my leadership skills by becoming a member of the Grade 8 and 9 Councils and I believe that taking on opportunities and roles out of my comfort zone have improved my social and leadership skills. I also volunteered as a Chair Monitor and Canteen Helper, as well as helping Grade 6 students transition to high school as a Transition Mentor.
Beyond school, I enjoy keeping physically active by going to the gym and playing basketball. In my spare time, I like to go camping, spending time with friends and family, and going out for breakfast. In school, my favourite subjects are Health and Sports Science, but I am equally passionate about all my subjects. One goal of mine for the year is to develop my confidence in public speaking, and to grow as a leader. This year, I promise I will undertake all my tasks with a positive mindset to create activities and events that benefit the students at this school. I aim to work closely with younger grades to create a school community where everyone feels heard and valued. I am excited to see what this year brings and how our Prefect Board can impact and improve our school in 2024.
This year has already held so many exciting opportunities and we cannot wait to create even more heading into the second half of our school year.
Emelia & Sophie
Support your child’s online learning at home.
Digital skills are critical to every child’s success, but supporting online learning can be overwhelming.
The Digital Skills for Families Team is delivering a program to help Tasmanian families support online learning at home. Spending time online at home gives children an opportunity to practice what they are learning at school. Positive home environments help children develop the skills and independence they need to succeed in a digital future.
Learn about communicating online with schools, digital education at school and how to support online learning at home.
Digital skills for families are offering free:
- information sessions
- workshops
- one-to-one help
in libraries, schools and community locations statewide.
Email the team at digitalskillsforfamilies@libraries.tas.gov.auto to find out more and book a free session.