Last week we recognised those students who gained certificates for Outstanding Academic Achievement and/or Outstanding Effort following the mid-year reporting phase during our Celebration Assemblies for the junior school and senior school. These assemblies were followed by morning teas for our certificate recipients and their families. In this week’s Newsletter we have listed all our award recipients.

Riverside High School uses the academic results entered in the DECYP reporting platform SARIS to determine the Academic Achievement recipients and the work habit attributes to determine the Outstanding Effort recipients.   In 2024 students who have achieved outstanding attendance for Terms 1 and 2 and students who have demonstrated significant ‘growth’ in their mid-year reports have also been recognised in Grade Assemblies and letters home.

Launceston College Production

On Friday, the 9^th September, Riverside High School students were able to attend the Launceston College Production of ‘Bring It On’.  Thank you to Launceston College for hosting our school. Riverside High School had many former students in the College Production, and they were involved in acting, dancing, working backstage and in music production. The excursions to the Princess Theatre allow all students the opportunity to watch a live musical production at a theatre.

Science Week 2024

National Science Week runs from the 10^th to 18^th of August. This event is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology with this year’s theme being ‘Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability’.  Riverside High School’s Learning Prefects coordinated a number of engaging lunchtime projects.

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY works to promote positive mental health and prevent suicide by normalising conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help when needed. The team works hard throughout Tasmania and Australia to raise awareness about mental health and share that it’s OK to not be OK, where to find help, and how we can help each other in difficult times. Thank you to the SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY teams who again presented to the Year 10 students this year and were assisted by our Support Team.

We are pleased to announce that the Grade 10 Council worked with our Prefect Board in Term 2 to raise $550 dollars to support the work of SPEAK Up Stay ChatTY.

NAPLAN 2024 Riverside High School

NAPLAN reports for Year 7 and 9 students have been posted home. If you have any questions in relation to NAPLAN, please contact Kylie Jago or Ben Gadsby, Quality Teaching Coaches/AST’s.

Congratulations to all students involved in the testing this year and your application and positive attitude towards the testing.  A summary of the school results is provided below.

NAPLAN Summary Report 2024

Year 9 and Year 7 Riverside High School

Numeracy, Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation

Participation and Mean Score for Riverside High School was Higher than Tasmania and Similar School

School Attendance – Riverside High School

Every school day matters

There are lots of things you can do to set your child up for success:

Make sure your child goes to school, every day

Going to school every day gives your child every chance to learn and grow and connect with their mates and teachers.

This is where bright futures start and where they’ll benefit the most.

Get them excited for school

If you show a positive attitude and excitement towards school, your child will pick up on that.

The most common thing we hear from students, of all ages, is that school is where they can:  spend time with their friends and teachers, create new and fun experiences, find their interests, learn new things, broaden their options – for whatever future they want (whether that’s their dream job or to travel around the world). Share these positives with your child.

Talk to your child about school Open up a conversation with your child about what’s happening at school. It will help you to better support their interests and confidence in learning. If you show an interest in school, they’ll know that getting an education is important and valued.

Celebrate the milestones Big and small! Celebrate milestones such as making it through the first day or week of school. And remember: all milestones look different. If it’s a big achievement for your child, it’s important to recognise it.

Set up a time to talk to your child’s teacher or Grade Leadership Team 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.

Know when to seek help There is no weakness in admitting you need help. If your child has completely disengaged with school, and not attending at all, there is support to help you.

Explanations of absence, where known in advance, are always appreciated. A reminder that when your child is absent from school there are a variety of ways that you can communicate with us about that. These are:

• Phoning the Administration Office which is open between 8:00am – 4:00pm.
• Using the Schoolzine App, Absentee button.
• Sending an email to either the Home Group teacher or our school email address Riverside.High.Admin.Staff@decyp.tas.gov.au
• Sending a text message on 0418 140 427 (MGM OutReach)

Ms Jeanna Bolton
Principal

Grade 7

Outstanding Academic Achievement Certificates

Outstanding Effort Certificates

Grade 8

Outstanding Academic Achievement Certificates

Outstanding Effort Certificates

Grade 9

Outstanding Academic Achievement Certificates

Outstanding Effort Certificates

Grade 10

Outstanding Academic Achievement Certificates

Outstanding Effort Certificates

A reminder that, 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/carers.  Interview appointments are for 10 minutes. 

Please be aware that some staff are part-time and their availability will be shown in the booking system. For these teachers and others who you may find are fully booked on the night, please make contact with them directly through our School Administration Team to make alternative arrangements.

Here are the steps involved in booking a Parent/Teacher/Student interview:

• Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au, select ‘Make a Booking’ and enter the code hc8s9. Alternatively, you can scan the QR Code below.
• Enter your details and select your preferred meeting type.
• Select RHS from the subject drop-down menu.
• Select the teachers you wish to see from the drop-down menu.
• Select the appointment times that best suit your family.
• Click on Finish. Your selected bookings will be emailed to you immediately. If you do not receive your email, please check your junk-mail and/or enter the event code again and check the spelling of your email address. Update your details if the email address is incorrect. Please do not delete the email you receive.
• as you may need to refer to later. Please add your appointments to your calendar as we are, unfortunately, not in a position to send reminders home.
• Bookings must be finalised by Friday, 23 August at 3:00 pm.
• If you need to view, cancel, change or print your bookings, please click on the confirmation email you received after you made your bookings or return to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code and the email address you used when you made your bookings.

This week, we were pleased to offer our Grade 10 students the opportunity to participate in the highly effective 2024 SPEAK UP Stay ChatTY Schools Program. This saw them participate in a 1.5 hour mental health literacy workshop which supported students to keep mentally fit and assist their friends.

The program is based upon evidence and is aligned with the Australian secondary school curriculum. It focuses on:

• Demonstrating the importance of resilience and sharing emotions
• Increasing students’ understanding of where to find support both in school and in the broader community
• Encouraging young people to consider how they can look after their own mental health

The feedback from our Grade 10s has been extremely positive and demonstrated that the students found the sessions to be both highly engaging and beneficial. We were also incredibly impressed by the mature, thoughtful, and attentive attitude our students displayed during the program.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers and presenters for all their work in providing our students with this outstanding opportunity, our Riverside High Support Team for attending the sessions and our families for their support of this initiative.

Grade 10 Leadership

This year, our Year 7 students have explored various aspects of the HaSS curriculum, broadening their understanding of History, Geography, and Civics.

In Civics and Citizenship, students explored the foundations of our democratic system, learning about the structure of government and the roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.

Our historical studies took us back to the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. Students delved into the rich history of this civilisation, examining the significance of the Nile River, the wonders of the pyramids, and the beliefs and practices surrounding life and death. They investigated how the legacy of Ancient Egypt has influenced modern society.

Currently our Geography lessons have focused on "Water in the World," where students are studying the importance of water as a vital resource. This unit encourages students to think critically about sustainable water use and the impact of climate change on global water supplies.

This year in HaSS, Grade 8’s have expanded their understanding of both local and global histories helping them engage with the world around them more critically.

In History, students have studied the Middle Ages, spanning from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance. They explored the social, political, and cultural changes that occurred throughout this time including the Feudal System, Medieval life, and the Black Death.

In Civics and Citizenship, we have examined the Australian Government Structure, the Constitution and legal system, electoral systems, voting, and the rights and responsibilities of all Australians.

This term in Geography, students have been exploring various aspects of our planet, from landscapes and landforms to human-environment interactions. Key focus areas have been plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, population, urbanisation, and First Nations' spiritual connection to the land.

In Year 9, students acknowledged different perspectives in history with reference to the podcast titled Stuff the British Stole – Shots Fired. In Term 2 the focus shifted to the Industrial Revolution, examining child labour via the documentary series Children of the Revolution, and a study of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

The Australian Wars unit included a look at the impact of British Imperialism on colonisation; truth telling and what it means to First Nations people.

The historical period studied in Year 10 focuses on the Interwar years, the Treaty of Versailles, the Great Depression, and examining the political landscape of Europe leading to World War 2. 

In Term 2 the study of WW2 included an investigation of the rise of Hitler, a source analysis of the Appeasement, and a film study (Schindler’s List) exploring the Holocaust in more detail.

This study culminated with the students completing an Exam in Term 3 that tested their understanding of historical events, concept definitions, and the analysis of primary and secondary sources.

Ben Gadsby

Our Senior Firsts boys football team has played 11 rounds of the NHSSA Senior Firsts football roster, where the team is currently sitting second on the ladder with a 6-win, 3-loss record. With only three rounds plus finals to play, the performances of individuals and the team have been very encouraging. After a slow start in Round 1 and the bye in Round 2, the boys demonstrated improvement throughout Term 2 to establish themselves as a consistent and hardworking team. The best attributes the team have shown are their work ethic and competitiveness around the ball that has enabled the team to forge some hard-fought wins. Our Riverside High School Senior Firsts football team has represented the school with pride, with umpires in particular being impressed with the boys’ maturity, respect and effort.  As coach I have been really impressed with their ability and willingness to listen to instruction and fulfil their role for the team.

Round 1:

Riverside High School 17 was defeated by Queechy High School 46. In the first game for the year, in a game where kicking goals became virtually impossible for our boys, kicking 1 goal and 11 points, we were defeated by 5 goals. Jack, one of our soccer converts, made a very strong debut for the Riverside High School football team, with Finn and Colby working hard throughout the game.

Round 2: Bye.

Round 3:

Riverside High School 61 was defeated by Launceston Church Grammar School 50. With a better understanding of their roles after a week of match simulation during the bye week, we were able to produce some reasonable football throughout the first 3 quarters of the game, although lapses in concentration enabled Launceston Church Grammar School to have a 2 goal lead heading into the last quarter. With Kayden and Isaac providing reliable avenues to goal. Riverside High School was able to climb their way over the top of Launceston Church Grammar School to record a hard fought 11 point win. Jordan, another of our multi-sport athletes, was a driving force through the midfield and half-forward throughout the game.

Round 4:

Riverside High School 71 defeated Prospect High School 64. With Jordan and Finn dominating around clearances, and Oryn, another one of our soccer converts controlling his wing, Riverside High School was able to keep Prospect High School at arms length all game. Our boys really started to gel as a team and understand the role they need to play to have success.

Round 5:

Riverside High School 79 defeated Kings Meadows High School 39. The Riverside High School boys ventured to the windswept surrounds of Kings Meadows High School for Round 5 in what could have been a danger game for the team. After a slow start kicking with the advantage of a strong breeze, our boys were able to grind out a typical hard-fought win. Kayden was once again our main avenue to goal through his elusiveness and clever finishing. Loti played his best game of the year in the ruck and Finn was again a hardworking and effective player around the contest. With a 3-win, 1 loss record, the Riverside High School boys were starting to see the benefits of their ‘team first’ mentality.

Round 6:

Riverside High School 46 defeated Queechy High School 22. Coming up against Queechy High School for the second time, the boys had a steely determination to respond to Queechy High School. With conditions ideal for football at Queechy High School, our boys came out firing from the start, slowly building a lead through a ferocious attack on the ball; improved ball use; and great teamwork. Queechy High School knew they were facing a much-improved outfit and were not able to match Riverside High School. Kayden, Finn and Jordan led from the front; Sam and Lachlan controlled each end of the ground and our wingers, Hugh, Oryn and Harvey controlled the outside space. The boys returned to school with a positive outlook and were greeted with congratulations from students and staff for their efforts.

Round 7: Washed out.

Round 8: Riverside High School defeated Launceston Church Grammar School (forfeit)

Round 9:

Riverside High School 21 was defeated by St Patricks College 49.  Round 9 signalled the first game back after school holidays. Having had a wash out and a forfeit win in the last two weeks of Term 2, our boys hadn’t played together for 5 weeks. Against a very strong St Patricks College in extremely windy conditions at their school, we were able to get off to a good start, kicking the first two goals of the game. Unfortunately, we were unable to sustain the scoreboard pressure against a very strong team. Finn, as usual, worked very hard around the contest and Oryn never stopped running and linking up the play. Sam played a great game at full back, repelling many attacks.

Round 10:

Riverside High School 32 was defeated by Prospect High School 69.  Once again on the road, our boys travelled to Prospect Park to take on Prospect High School. Having won a close game earlier in the year against Prospect High School, the team maybe went in a touch over-confident, which resulted in an uncharacteristic performance where Riverside High School lacked its usual effort. Loti again played a huge role in the ruck, giving 100% at each contest. Finn was again a consistent performer, and against the odds Lachlan provided a strong marking target across HF. With the team going through a tough patch, with injuries to key players, the team was looking to bounce back quickly.

Round 11:

Riverside High School 65 defeated Kings Meadows High School 31.  Having lost the last two games, Riverside High School was looking to bounce back on our home ground. With a sodden ground meeting the teams, it was Riverside High School who started well, hungry to get back to our hard working best. With the game in the balance at half time, Riverside High School’s midfield took control with Jordan, Finn, Oryn and Jack feeding off the great ruck work of Loti. Kayden rediscovered his goalkicking form and Harvey added 2 goals to take his tally to 4 goals over the last 3 games. As has been the case all year, Clay, Ziggy and Addis were strong rebounding defenders.

Adam Sanders

It has been a mixed season for the Senior Seconds and Thirds. Whilst we have not had a lot of victories, a core group of players have maintained a positive attitude through the season, trying their very best.

One player who will be prominent in our best and fairest will be Goncalo who made a transition over to football this year. Goncalo has been rewarded for his efforts by gaining a Senior 1^st selection late in the season. Flynn and Sam along with William have been stalwarts in defence, rebounding many an attack.

Lincoln is our leading goal kicker obtaining 5 goals in one game. Lachie and Angus have provided plenty of run on the outside. Ben had displayed his leadership skills as captain before James took over late in the season.

We are looking forward to the progress of our Grade 9’s as they continue their football journey to the Senior 1^st team next year. Hopefully this season and the resilience they have shown will hold them in good stead for 2025.

Clint Bolton & Timothy Elliott

Our Thursday Junior Winter Sport Roster is well under way for our netball teams.

Since the beginning of the season, the level of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship across all teams has progressed significantly. Supporting one another has been a focus across all teams and will continue to be for the rest of the roster. All teams are to be commended on their continuous support and encouragement of one another while taking on new playing positions and filling in across teams in cases of illness and injuries. The girls have continued to develop their understanding of the game and skills over the past eleven weeks. 

There have been many admirable performances throughout this season with special mention to Issy, Grace and Nataya for stepping up and filling in across teams when needed, and Mia, for always working hard and developing her sense of the game by asking for and taking on feedback. The Riverside High School netball girls are to be congratulated on their performance this year so far and we are looking forward to a strong finish from our girls.

Georgia Rolls and Emma Groves

2024 levies are now due for payment. Invoices for 2024 levies were posted to families in March. If you did not receive your invoice or would like a copy, please contact our administration office on 6327 6333.

Payment for school levies can be made against this invoice, payment details can be found on the invoice.

Payments can be made via:

• bPay
• Internet payments
• Via our school QKR App
• Over the phone at our school office or in person
• CentrePay deductions (can be arranged through our administration office) 

If you would like to pay in instalments or complete a payment plan, we are happy to assist you in this process. Please contact Cynthia Pearce, School Business Manager on 6327 6333.

Applications for 2024 Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) are still open, please check your eligibility via this online link: Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) (education.tas.gov.au)

Please contact our School Business Manager to discuss your levies and payment options.

What should you do if your child needs to leave school early?

For attendance register regulations students are required to sign out at the Student Admin Counter if they have to leave school early for any reason. Communication from parents/guardians can be via:

• Phoning the Administration Office which is open between 8:00am – 4:00pm (6327 6333)
• Using the Schoolzine App.
• Sending an email to either the Home Group teacher or our school email address Riverside.High.Admin.Staff@decyp.tas.gov.au
• Sending a text message to 0418 140 427 (MGM OutReach)
• When LEAVING our school for an appointment, students must have a green leave form which has been signed by Admin Staff and Assistant Principal.  The Leave Pass is preferably completed before school and must be left with a member of our Admin Team at the time of leaving.  The student must also sign out at the time of departure.   Students who sign out for appointments should sign back in at the Student Admin Counter on their return. 

Following this process ensures that students meet their parents for collection promptly without interrupting classes.

If a student is feeling unwell or injured, the correct procedure is for them to get a signed pass from their teacher to go to the Admin office and ask for First Aid assistance.  The First Aid officer will then determine if the student is well enough to stay at school or needs to go home.  The First Aid officer will then contact parents/carers if the student needs to go home.  Could parents/carers please discourage their child from messaging or calling home during class time instead of going to First Aid.