Student Information

GRADE 7 ACTIVITIES DAY

A Grade 7 Activities Day is held each year.  Grade 10 Peer Mentors attend the Grade 7 Day to assist with the induction of Grade 7s into the school.  We strongly encourage all students to attend.

A range of outdoor recreational and personal development courses are offered to other grades throughout the year in Grade Time and through optional half-year courses.

PEER MENTORING

PEER MENTORING is a program based on the principle that, at every level and in every age group in society, people absorb information and values from each other. The program aims to develop communication, self-esteem and leadership skills in secondary students, through small caring Peer Mentoring groups.   These groups provide a safe and friendly environment where all participants have the opportunity to experience success in group work.

Positive peer influence is introduced into our school community by training senior students to act as group leaders to a small group of Grade 7 students. The program provides senior students with an opportunity to accept responsibility within our school and educates our Grade 7 students so that they are more able to resist negative peer pressure and to care for each other.

Peer Mentors make their first contact with Grade 6 students on Orientation Day which this year will be on Wednesday, 27 November 2019.   During Term 1 Grade 7 students participate in Peer Mentoring sessions during Grade Time and Peer Mentors conduct sessions and visit during Home Group periods. Grade 10 Peer Mentors attend the Grade 7 camp to assist with the induction of Grade 7s into the school.

While it is not mandatory, many of our Peer Mentors maintain close ties with our Grade 7 students by organising and supervising activities for them during the remainder of the year.

STUDENT WELFARE

1. Financial Assistance
   Information about all forms of government assistance for students is available from our Admin Team.  It is a requirement that applications for assistance be completed via the online link; Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) (education.tas.gov.au)
   
   
2. Attendance and Punctuality
   Schools are required by law to keep an accurate record of attendance.   When a student is absent or late, our Admin Team may be contacted by phone, SMS, email, message via the Schoolzine App or a note.
   Riverside High has introduced an SMS messaging system to alert parents/carers of unexplained absences.  After morning attendance has been entered, an SMS message will be sent for that particular day and a reply message with an explanation would be appreciated.  This enables us to keep accurate records and means that we can target those who are regularly absent rather than those whose absence is explained by illness, other learning activities or the like.  If you have changed your mobile phone number or know that we do not have a record of your mobile phone number, we would appreciate a contact to inform us.
   Absenteeism, including continued lateness, has a serious effect on learning, so further contact will be made when our school has a concern about a student’s attendance.
   
   
3. Care of Property
   All personal items should be clearly labelled.  Students are issued with a locker and a combination lock.   Students should not leave possessions, including lunch and money, in school bags.
   Students are not permitted to bring valuable personal items to school.   Where it is unavoidable, such items can be left with a teacher or at our Admin Office.
   Our school does not accept liability for the theft of items when it has been made clear to students that such items should not be brought to school. 
   
   
4. Health
   It is a parental responsibility to ensure that our school is fully informed of all health matters which affect a student’s safety, behaviour and/or performance.  Such information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, although with some conditions such as anaphylaxis or diabetes, it is important that all staff are informed.
   
   
5. First Aid
   We have several staff who are qualified to provide First Aid Support to our students and staff.

Some key points for you to be aware of:

• The health and well-being of our students and staff is our priority - all matters will be managed in a caring and respectful manner
• The purpose of our First Aid Support is to provide care and follow up when an incident/accident occurs at school (we are unable to provide medical advice and follow up from injuries that occurred outside of school hours)
• If a student becomes unwell at school, and is unable to participate in our normal learning program, our Admin Team or First Aid Officer will contact home and arrange for a parent/carer to take the student home.
• We will seek professional support as required and be guided by professional advice and DoE Guidelines.

A reminder that we follow Department for Education,  Children and Young People guidelines regarding the use of medication by students:

• Please be aware that students who require an Epi Pen must carry it with them at all times.  Spare Epi Pens will be available, in an emergency, from First Aid/Admin Office
• Medication cannot be given to students without written permission from parents (DoE letter template to be completed)

We are unable to issue any medication including Panadol to students unless:

• Parents/carers complete a written request to the school to administer the medication. You can download this form from the department’s website at: www.education.tas.gov.au 
• Provide signed authorisation from your medical practitioner/pharmacist or nurse giving specific instructions for the administration of the medication (Panadol)
• Transfer the medication (Panadol) safely to the school
• Provide the medication (Panadol) in the originally prescribed containers only

• Students who require a Medical Action Plan need to have this updated at the beginning of each school year
• It is important that parents are aware of our First Aid processes; please contact the Admin Team or Grade Leaders if you have further information that needs to be provided/updated or any matters that may need further discussion.

STUDENT SUPPORT:  ADDITIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Additional Education Programs endeavour to equip students with the skills necessary to develop independence in learning and to achieve individual potential. This is achieved by supporting students who need assistance beyond that offered by mainstream subject programs. Our program focuses on Grades 7 and 8 and continues into Grades 9 and 10 depending on student needs.

Additional Education Programs aim to:

• Develop self-esteem in students so that they may function confidently in the regular classroom situation and fulfil their potential as learners
• Equip students with literacy/numeracy and organisational skills
• Develop in students the skills necessary to make independent judgements about, and assume responsibility for, individual learning
• Help teachers to modify programs to enable students to participate fully

Programs include:

• Shine Program – a 7-10 week program for girls that focuses on self- esteem and self-worth.
• Drumbeat – a 7-10 week program that aims to build student resilience and social skills through the use of rhythm.
• Connections Mentoring Program (through Teen Challenge) – “Encouraging life ready young people through positive role modelling relationships”
• Healthy Headspace Program – a 6 week program that aims to develop students’ self-esteem, confidence, interpersonal skills and resilience

Implementation

Students are selected for involvement in the Additional Education program as a result of any combination of:

• Specific literacy/numeracy testing and assessment
• Teacher recommendation
• Student request for assistance
• Parent request

STUDENT SUPPORT:  SERVICES

Social Workers employed by the Department of Education offer a confidential support service to students, families and teachers.

 

1          Who are School Social Workers?

School Social Workers are qualified Social Workers who work with children, adolescents, parents/carers and school staff within a school community.

2          What do Social Workers do?

The aim of School Social Work is to act to optimise educational opportunities for all young people and to identify and address barriers to these opportunities.

School Social Workers accept the values and direction of the DOE, ie. Equal Access,

Equal Opportunity, Gender Equity and aim to assist schools in the provision of appropriate programs sensitive to the needs of disadvantaged students.  Social Workers draw on the values of the Professional Code of Ethics of the Australian Association of Social Workers (1994).

2.1       Statutory Duties

• Investigating and supporting families and students around attendance issues.
• Supporting Exemption and eSchool applications where appropriate.
• Investigating and reporting of paid employment of children under the age of fourteen years.
• Liaising with Child Protection and Tas Police when dealing with safety and legal issues.

2.2       Administrative Tasks

• Procurement of financial assistance for school uniforms, shoes, books, school excursions and camps, and assistance with applications for Centrelink Allowances.
• Letters and reports to parents and other agencies.
• Reports and follow-up concerning referrals from school or Department officers.
• Maintenance of records and statistics.
• Preparation of reports regarding students referred to the eSchool, Special Education facilities or other Department placement initiatives.

2.3       Professional Tasks

• Home-school liaison.
• Support and advocacy for students, parents, school staff and principals.
• Personal counselling and/or group work.
• Liaison with other agencies (government and non-government) and community groups.
• Mediation between home, school and/or other agencies.
• Referral of students and parents to other agencies.
• Information and resource person for students, teachers, principals and other agencies.
• Consultation with Departmental officers.
• Professional Development.
• Social Workers give assistance and support to students in schools and colleges, parent/carers, school personnel and others within the DOE.
• Social Workers are also able to provide information and give advice to schools and other community groups concerning the needs of children and how best to help them.

3          How Do Social Workers Work?

3.1       Social Workers may work directly with students, as well as indirectly, through parent/carers, teachers and other health and education professionals.

4          Social Workers do this by:

4.1       Working with students who have difficulties with:

a) coping with their peers, parent/carers, teachers, communicating with people;

b) taking responsibility for their behaviour, for example, controlling their temper, stealing, withdrawing;

c) adjusting to issues which arise for them, for example, grief, stress, pregnancy, conflict, school refusal, parents’ separation/divorce;

d) coping with their emotions;

Referral to specialists in each of these areas is initiated when found necessary.

 

4.2       Working with parent/carers regarding;

a) understanding their children

b) seeking solutions to their difficulties

c) parenting programs

d) counselling and consultation

 

4.3       Working with teachers and schools by being involved in:

a) the management and support of students with the difficulties outlined above

b) policy making such as discipline, pastoral care, health policies

c) programs, for example:

Peer support	Social skills
Self esteem	Supportive school environment
Stress management	Anger management
Assertiveness	Effective communication
Conflict resolution	Mediation

d) in-service training of teachers

e) teacher consultation, programs and counselling

f) providing vocational guidance advice

 

4.4       Liaising and advocating on behalf of schools, parent/carers and students with other agencies,

doctors, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, school psychologists, special education teachers and other support staff.

4.5       Assisting parents and teachers in making decisions about the education of students with

special needs, appropriate class placements and alternative programs.

5          Who Can Refer?

Social Workers accept referrals from:

• Teachers
• Parents/carers
• Health and Education Professionals
• Students themselves
• Practitioners from other agencies

Support staff have a busy case load therefore not all students who are referred can be seen immediately.  However, Social Workers assess the urgency of new referrals and adjust their care accordingly in negotiations with Principal and other support staff.

If you have an urgent referral you should talk to our School Principal.

Riverside High School has a Social Worker based at our school three days per week. Parent/carers and students are welcome to contact our Social Worker on 6327 6333 to discuss any matters of concern.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST SERVICES

Who are School Psychologists?

School Psychologists are registered Psychologists with The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency.   They work with children and adolescents within a school community.

What do School Psychologists do?

School Psychologists support the development of students by providing a psychological service to the school community.   This Service includes:

• Student assessment (educational, behavioural, social, emotional and cognitive)
• Special educational and behavioural management programs
• Parent consultation
• Teacher consultation and programs
• Student programs and personal counselling
• Critical incident management
• Policy planning and development

How do they do this?

By working directly with students in need, or indirectly with others, for example, teachers, parent/carers, peers, health and educational professionals.

Who can refer?

School Psychologists accept referrals from:

• Teachers
• Parents/carers
• Health and Education professionals
• Students themselves

How to contact School Psychologists

Riverside High School has a School Psychologist based at our school two days per week. Parent/carers and students are welcome to contact our School Psychologist on 6327 6333 to discuss any matters of concern.

SCHOOL HEALTH NURSE

This program aims to support schools to create a physical and social environment that promotes health and wellbeing and assists to improve the health and education outcomes for young people.

Who are School Health Nurses?

School Health Nurses are trained health professionals.

What do School Health Nurses do?

School Nurses provide students with an easily accessible point of contact for health care and will subsequently address a wide range of health related issues. This includes:

• Promotion of good health and wellbeing;
• Sexual health and relationships;
• Addictions and risk taking behaviours;
• Body image, physical activity and nutrition
• General hygiene
• Mental health and resilience

How do they do this?

• By working directly with students in need, or indirectly with others, for example, teachers, parent/carers, peers, health and educational professionals.

Who can refer?

School Health Nurses accept referrals from:

• Teachers
• Parents/carers
• Health and Education professionals
• Students themselves

How to contact the School Health Nurse

Riverside High School has a School Nurse based at our school two days per week. Parent/carers and students are welcome to contact our School Health Nurse on 6327 6333 to discuss any matters of concern.

SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

Who are School Chaplains?

School Chaplains are important members of the RHS Support Team who are employed in accordance with the Department of Education’s Chaplaincy guidelines.

What do School Chaplains do?

School Chaplains provide:

• Mentoring and role modelling and assistance to young people to develop positive and supportive relationships
• Educational support in classroom activities under the direction of teachers
• Opportunities to build strong links between the school and the wider community
• Social and emotional support through bereavement, difficult family and peer relationships and other life issues
• Support for extra-curricular activities including excursions, carnivals and camps

How do they do this?

• By working directly with students requiring additional support or indirectly with others, for example, teachers, parents/carers and health and educational professionals.

Who can refer?

School Chaplains accept referrals from:

• Teachers
• Parents/carers
• Health and education professionals
• Students themselves

How to contact School Chaplains?

Riverside High School has a School Chaplain based at our school one day a week. Parents/carers and students are welcome to contact our School Chaplain by phoning 6327 6333.

PARENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK

TRANSPORT

Buses

All buses arrive and depart from bus stops on the school side of Brownfield Lane.

Crossings

1. All students should exit our school via Brownfield Lane where two crossings are provided or use the footpath near the Primary School.
2. West Tamar Highway - students are required to use the underpass provided and should NOT cross this road at any other point.
3. Due to the volume and speed of traffic on the highway, all other crossings should be at traffic light control points, near either the shopping centre or Ecclestone Road.
4. Parent pick up and drop off bays are provided in our turning circle. These are short term parking bays.  A crossing provides easy access across Brownfield Lane.
5. Students on excursions will leave the school from either the bus stops on Brownfield Lane or the bus bays in the adjacent turning circle.

Bicycles

Bicycles must be placed in the bike racks, which are out of bounds to all students during the school day.  Bikes must be walked into the school grounds from the highway. On departure, bikes must be walked to the highway.

Helmets must be worn at all times as required by law. 

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in withdrawal of permission to bring bikes to school.  Skateboards, scooters etc may not be brought to school and are not used at school unless they are included in a specific Health and Wellbeing program.

Parent/Carer Cars

Parent/carers are advised that for reasons of safety they should use Brownfield Lane and its adjoining car parks for delivery and collection of students.

TRANSPORT

STUDENT CODE OF BEHAVIOUR WHILE TRAVELLING ON SCHOOL BUSES

TRANSPORT – BUS TIMETABLE

State Growths Passenger Transport team have produced some public transport guides for the following schools for 2023 to assist parents, carers and students when planning travel to and from school.

PHONE NUMBERS

Metro	6336 5888  OR Bus Timetable Hotline – 132201
Manions	6383 1221
Redline	6336 1444

METRO LAUNCESTON

All buses arrive and depart from the bus turning circle.   Stops are numbered starting with Stop No 1 which is nearest to Brownfield Lane (near brown rubbish bin).

Regularly updated information on:  www.metrotas.com.au/timetables (then look in School Routes, Launceston tab, Riverside High School) - this is a user friendly website.

TRANSPORT – BUS TIMETABLE

METRO LAUNCESTON

AFTERNOON DEPARTURES

METRO services leave mostly from STOPS 1 & 2

MANIONS and other services mostly from STOPS 3 & 4

Refer to Metro Tasmania, Manion’s and other transport providers’ websites for specific detail and route planning.

https://www.metrotas.com.au/schools/riverside-high-school/ 

https://www.manionscoaches.com.au/school-timetables/riverside-schools/riverside-high-school-am-morning.html

https://www.manionscoaches.com.au/school-timetables/riverside-schools/riverside-high-school-pm-afternoon.html

https://www.tasredline.com.au/index.php/student-services/

Brendan Manion’s Coaches Pty Ltd:  Regularly updated information on:  www.manionscoaches.com.au

UNIFORM

Riverside High School Dress Code

The purpose of the Riverside High School Student Dress Code and Uniform Policy is to promote social equity in terms of clothing, ensuring that students are safe, easy to identify and enhancing a sense of pride within our school.

The aim of the Dress Code is to support the Uniform Policy through clearly outlining the school’s expectations and standards with regards to personal presentation.

Personal presentation

• Students are expected to be well groomed, have a cleanly presented uniform and good personal hygiene. All visible clothing needs to adhere to uniform policy.
• Students representing the school and attending excursions are expected to be in full school uniform at any school sanctioned activity outside of school grounds, including travelling both to and from school.

Jewellery and Make-up

• The wearing of excessive amounts of jewellery with our school uniform is considered inappropriate. One small piece of each type is adequate; nose and eyebrow piercing to be a small stud for safety reasons.
• Make-up is expected to be minimal, with a subtle natural appearance. This includes nail polish; nails are to be kept at a reasonable length for health and safety reasons.

Practical Considerations and Requirements

• Ear pieces from phones are not to be displayed while you are walking around. Please make sure that these are tucked away and out of sight.
• Every item of clothing should be clearly and permanently marked.
• During practical MDT lessons where machines or moving equipment is present, suitable protective hair covering in the form of an approved type of hair net or cap must be worn.
• With the exception of MDT/HPE classes, hats are not to be worn inside and are not to be taken to class.
• During Food and Technology subjects long hair is to be tied back.
• A complete change of clothing is required for Health and Wellbeing and sports activities. Students are expected to arrive in school uniform and change back into school uniform at the end of HWB classes and activities.
• Hoodies are not part of our uniform and shouldn't be worn to school. Our Spray Jacket is the Uniform item for students to wear during colder weather. Spray jackets are not to be taken to Foods/MDT subjects.
• Students are encouraged to ensure that they are Sun Smart when outdoors including wearing hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Sun screen is provided by the school and available for students to use both during breaks, HPE lessons and other outdoor activities and events.

Non-Compliance

• Where students are out of uniform, contact will be made with parents/carers to discuss whether support is required with the provision of uniform and to enlist parental assistance with complying with uniform policy. Every effort will be made to work in partnership with parents/carers.
• Students who are out of uniform or who wear non-school outer garments will remain in the Quadrangle at recess and lunchtime so that duty staff in other areas can quickly recognise intruders.
• Ongoing non-compliance may result in students being unable to participate in excursions or events that are held outside of the school.
• Consequences such as detentions may be applied in circumstances where students have access to all uniform requirements but are being defiant of school policy and expectations.

Winter Uniform	Shirt	Blue
	Skirt	RHS tartan
	Jumper	Navy, with school gold logo
	Stockings	Navy
	Trousers	Grey school trousers
	Shoes	All black – substantial schools shoes
	Spray Jacket	RHS design and school colours
	Tie	Optional – RHS school tie
	RHS Beanie	Optional - available from our Uniform shop
Summer Uniform	Dress	RHS check
	Shorts	Grey school shorts
	Socks	Navy
	Bucket Hat	Optional - available from our Uniform Shop
Sports Uniform
For HPE Lessons		Full change of appropriate clothes – trackpants/shorts, t-shirt, jumper, sandshoes and socks.  School sports uniform can be worn.
For Sports Teams	Polo Shirt	Navy with RHS logo
	Rugby Top	RHS design and school colours
	Track Pants	Navy
	Shorts	Navy
	Shoes	Sandshoes or sport specific footwear
	Spray Jacket	RHS design and school colours
	Bucket Hat
	Beanie
Summer & Winter	Trousers	Grey school trousers
	Shorts	Grey school shorts
	Shirt	Blue
	Tie	Optional – RHS school tie
	Shoes	All black – substantial school shoes
	Socks	Grey
	Jumper	Navy with school gold logo
	Spray Jacket	RHS design and school colours
Sports Uniform
For HPE Lessons		Full change of appropriate clothes – trackpants/shorts, t-shirt, jumper, sandshoes and socks.  School sports uniform can be worn.
For Sports Teams	Polo Shirt	Navy with RHS logo
	Rugby Top	RHS design and school colours
	Track Pants	Navy
	Shorts	Navy
	Socks	Football – 1sts Adelaide Crows, all other teams Maroon
	Shoes	Sandshoes or sport specific footwear
	Spray Jacket	RHS design and school colours

 

UNIFORM SHOP

Riverside High Uniform Shop is able to supply a full range of uniform requirements, stocking new and some second hand uniforms.

The shop will open every Tuesday and Thursday between 8:30am and 11:00am.  To make things easier, we offer you the chance to come in and lay-by the items your child requires, with completion of payment due upon collection.

For any enquiries please contact Sue Purcell (0438 302 810)) (Uniform Shop Coordinator) or
Email:   riversidehighuniforms@gmail.com

SCHOOL CANTEEN – QKR

Qkr has been introduced at Riverside High School for parents and students to use. Qkr allows student/staff lunch orders to be ordered and paid for on line (prior to 8:30am). Instructions on how to upload and set up the Qkr App can be found on pages 51 & 52.  (Daily Specials can be found on the QKR App)