Riverside High School eNewsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians

On Wednesday we held our final whole school assembly for Term 1. It has been a busy term, but we would like to congratulate our students on their application to learning, engagement in extracurricular activities and our student leadership groups for their coordination of school events. The Prefects and Student Councils this week organised a lunchtime fundraiser. The day included a barbecue, food stalls and several bands playing on the outside stage. The theme for the event was ‘purple’ with all funds raised going towards the Cancer Council.

NHSSA Swimming Carnival

Riverside High School participated last Thursday in the Division 1 Swimming Carnival held at the Aquatics Centre. This year Mr Sanders HPE Coordinator organised for the team to train at the centre prior to the carnival and to ensure our relay teams were fully prepared for the competition. Thank you to the parents/guardians who attended the carnival and supported our team. Riverside High School placed third overall with our junior swimmers winning the Junior Shield.

Relay for Life

Relay for Life was held last Saturday at the Athletic Centre in Launceston. The Prefects and Year 10 students were provided the opportunity to participate and were well supported by our teachers. Thank you to our Prefects and Mr Lee for organising the participation of Riverside High School students.

Headspace Presentations to Year 7 and 8

Each year Riverside High School engages with Headspace who provide important information to students on their wellbeing and mental health. Headspace is a youth-focused health service for young people aged 12-25. The information sessions were held last week and were supported by our school support staff.

Staff Changes Term 2

On Friday we farewelled an exceptional teacher who has been an integral part of the Riverside High School community for 17 years, Mr Tim Elliott. While we will certainly miss Mr Elliott in the corridors, on the sports fields, and in the gym, we also know that the legacy Mr Elliott leaves behind will continue to inspire, motivate, and shape generations of students. On behalf of the entire school community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the years of dedication, passion, and heart Mr Elliott has given Riverside High School. We wish him well in his new role as Assistant Principal at Port Dalrymple School.

We also thank Ms Brooke Van Ruiswyk for her time teaching at Riverside High School. We appreciate your leadership in the Art Department. Best wishes.

Miss Jessica Shaw who works in Administration at Riverside High School will also be leaving us. Miss Shaw will be missed by the school community for her hard work, motivation, commitment to the school and care of our young people. We wish her well on her new adventure!

MacqLit 2025 Reading ‘Evidence Based’ Intervention Program Year 7-10 Students

MacqLit is an explicit and systematic reading intervention program for small groups of older low-progress readers. It provides teachers with a comprehensive sequence of lessons that includes all the key components necessary for effective reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Riverside High School again this year will be supporting the program but in Years 7-10. The small Tier 3 groups are coordinated by Mr Ben Gadsby, Assistant Principal and Teacher Assistants who have been explicitly trained in the program. If you have any questions regarding the program, please make contact with Mr Ben Gadsby.

Reminder - Compulsory Safeguarding Training for Workers

All DECYP workers must complete annual safeguarding training. A worker is any individual engaged by the department who is an employee, volunteer, trainer, trainee or student on work placement, contractor or sub-contractor over the age of 18 years.

Requirements

Non-DECYP employed workers (volunteer, trainer, contractor or sub-contractor, external service provider), aged 18 years or over, must complete the Your Obligations – Safeguarding Training 15-minute video each year before engaging with children and young people.
Certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of completion.

For further information, access the frequently asked

Helpful links

Learn more about DECYP’s Safeguarding Training.

Learn more about DECYP’s efforts to be a child safe organisation via the Safeguarding Children and Young People website.

School Parking for Visitors and Parent/Guardians

At the end of the school day, we have a large amount of traffic in the school. A reminder to parents and guardians to drive slowly and please ensure you are parking in the dedicated parking bays only and that you are not obstructing buses. The school buses must be able to enter and exit the turning circle to ensure they collect and drop off students at the allocated times. Your understanding is appreciated.

State and National Representation

Riverside High School often has students who represent the state in academic, sports or arts and cultural events. We would love to continue to recognise and celebrate our currently enrolled students in our newsletter with photos where appropriate. Please inform the administration office if you and your child are willing to share their success in our newsletter. We love photos!

Reports

This week, students will receive their Interim Reports. This is a progress report that presents a snapshot of how the year has started in each subject area. The report provides a rating on key attributes that are important for successful learning. While it is too early in the year to include an academic achievement rating, this report will give a clear indication of how your child is working in each area.

Our Parent/Teacher/Student Interview Evenings will be held on Monday, 19th May from 3:30 to 5:00pm and Tuesday, 20th May from 3:30 to 6:30pm in Building 2 (our Grade 9/10 area, located directly above the Administration area). This will give both families and teachers an opportunity to discuss how to best support students’ ongoing learning and allow evidence of learning or student work samples to be shared. Students are strongly encouraged to attend with their parents/carers. Interview appointments are for 10 minutes. Details on how to book a Parent/Teacher/Student interview will be sent home at the beginning of Term 2. 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 the School Admin to make alternative arrangements.

Energy Drinks

A reminder to students that energy drinks are not permitted on the Riverside Primary School grounds or High School. This includes the beginning and end of the school day.

If purchasing energy drinks before school, they must be stored in lockers or school bags.

Bikes

Riverside High School provides bike racks at the front of the school for students to store their bikes during the day.

Students are reminded that they MUST be wearing a bike helmet if they chose to ride to and from school.

Students MUST walk their bike through the Riverside Primary School grounds and onsite at Riverside High School.

Jeanna Bolton
Principal

Why is everyone in a circle?

Adolescence Netflix Series

2025 levies are now due for payment. Invoices for 2025 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 2025 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.

We welcome to our staff Amelia who will be our new AFL Trainee. Hope you have a successful year with us.

The 2025 NHSSA Inter-High Swimming Carnival was held in Week 9 of Term 1 at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. It is always fantastic to be able to provide our students with the opportunity to compete in this great facility and compete against the best swimmers from rival schools within the NHSSA district.

This year, we introduced a training session at Launceston Aquatic Centre the week prior to the carnival to help build confidence and team spirit. This session was invaluable, particularly for our students who do not swim regularly at club level, as they were able to practice their stroke technique and starts from the blocks. Some of our more experienced swimmers helped others with technical tips to build confidence and proficiency.

Riverside High started the carnival well with strong performances in the Medley Relay races. We were able to win several 1st places in the 50m Freestyle events, our Grade 7 and 8 girls; and Grade 10 boys performed particularly well in these events. Competition was strong from other schools, with Queechy High School and Prospect High School providing strong swimmers. By the halfway mark of the carnival, Riverside High School were winning the junior shield, although we were sitting in third place behind Queechy High School in the Overall Shield.

With relays worth double points, Riverside High School were confident we could close the overall shield points gap to Queechy High School and Prospect High School. We performed well in several of the relays, with the Grade 7 and 8 girls, and the Grade 10 boys dominating their 4 x 50m freestyle relay races.

Riverside High School managed to slightly close the gap in the overall shield, however we were not able to advance further on our 3rd placing that we found ourselves at the halfway mark. On a positive note, our junior team were able to regain the Junior Shield with strong performances across our Grade 7 and 8 boys’ and girls’ competitors. On an individual note, Ruby L from Grade 7, broke both the Grade 7 Girls 50 metres Freestyle and Butterfly records by approximately half a second in each race and was also able to take out the Open Girls 100 metres Freestyle event against the older competitors. Archer R performed very strongly in the Grade 10 boys, winning multiple individual events and relays. All students displayed great determination and passion in representing Riverside High School.

Congratulations Ruby and Archer.

Although we were not able to regain the Senior and Overall shields for the school, we should all be proud of our students’ efforts at the carnival. We will once again look forward to next year and aim to return all shields to the school.

We offer our thanks and congratulations to our fellow competition schools, parents for coming out and supporting our students, and all members of the Riverside High swimming team for the way that you competed and represented our school with pride.

Adam Sanders
HPE Coordinator AST

On Thursday, 3^rd April, the Inter-High Swimming Carnival was held at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. Riverside High School sent a team of 43 students, made up of swimmers, Health and Wellbeing Prefects, and a Journalism student.

The day started well with some early wins in the Junior division. The senior students competed well; however, they were not able to match the points accrued by Queechy High School.

Year 7 student Ruby L was exceptional, breaking long-standing records in the 50m butterfly and the 50m freestyle. With sustained success in many year 7 and 8 races, Riverside High School ran away with the Junior Shield, winning over Prospect High School with Queechy High School in third place.

The Year 9 and 10 students, despite their outstanding efforts and commitment, were unable to bridge the gap to Queechy High School, who were victorious in the senior shield, with enough points to take home the overall shield ahead of Prospect High School, with Riverside High School in third place.

It was an amazing way for our students to showcase their swimming talents and compete against other high schools in northern Tasmania. The atmosphere was filled with positivity, cheering, and amazing sportsmanship.

Congratulations to all participants and thank you to all the staff for making this event possible. Also, thanks to the Newstead College sports students and our Wellbeing Prefects for their assistance in ensuring this event ran smoothly.                                        

Jaelyn H
Journalism Student

What a game! Riverside High School batted first on a blustery but sunny day at Faulkner Park, our openers Declan and Hudson got us off to a solid start, Declan was first to go after a brisk innings, Mitch came in next and showed defensive prowess facing his maximum of 25 balls before retirement. Hudson also faced the maximum 25 balls for his 3^rd retirement of the year, to be our best batter. Then there was a massive partnership between Will and Brad who both made very quick and useful runs, including many boundaries, with our final score being 101.

When Grammar came into bat, our opening bowlers started superbly keeping the run rate right down. Well bowled Lachie and Declan. The rest of our attack bowled tightly and after 10 overs, Grammer needed a run a ball with 7 wickets in hand. We were now favourites to cause a big upset. The rest of our bowlers Mitch, Xavier, Will and Lincoln toiled hard and were disciplined in their line and length.

The game went right down to the wire, with Grammer needing 11 off the last 2 overs. Lachie bowled the last over with Grammar needing 4, with 3 balls left they still needed 2. The field moved in and the batter went over the top for a boundary, seeing us defeated with only 3 balls left in the match. This was a great effort from the Riverside Cricket Team. Congratulations to Grammar who remained undefeated for the season.

Clint Bolton

Every school year begins with new classes. This applies not just to students but also to teachers. Students get to know their new teachers and teachers get to know their students.

One way that teachers may do this is by reading a student’s Learning Plan. With over a 120 Riverside High School Learning Support Learning Plans, great commitment from our very hardworking staff is required. Teachers use Learning Plans to personalise learning and note adjustments made for each student.

Once these plans are read, they are reviewed and updated for the first of a minimum of three times over the course of the year. This all happens in Term One. So, it’s a busy term but, as you can see from the smiles on our students’ faces and from their work shown, the process produces very worthwhile outcomes. We’re sure you’ll agree.

We would like to acknowledge the magnificent work of our 2025 Teacher Assistants who provide unwavering support and critical guidance for our students who are fortunate enough to be directly supported by them.

Jo Faulkner & Darren Hanson
Student Learning Support

This Term Mr Woodley’s STEM classes worked on a Robotic Hand Challenge where students used their skills to create and craft a hand using selected materials.

The second project the class worked on is a wind turbine, in preparation for the Science and Engineering Challenge.

What a great start to the year for the STEM students.

Samuel Woodley
STEM Teacher

My name is Bonnie, and I am a proud Learning Prefect this year at Riverside High School. I can honestly say that I love my role as Prefect because it focuses on both the arts and academic subjects, which I would say are my specialties. Much like the rest of the Prefect Board, I cannot wait to experience all the fun, interesting, and sometimes challenging activities and events coming up throughout the year.

I am already seeing the progress and positive changes around school, thanks to our amazing board of creative leaders. This makes me confident that no matter what 2025 has in store for us, we will conquer it all with Growth Mindsets.

Outside of school, I am often occupied with my part-time job. However, in my free time, my many hobbies, including painting, sewing, baking, running, and netball, keep me busy.

My goal this year is to take on every opportunity that comes my way because you never know when something brilliant can come from simply saying “yes”. While demonstrating this myself, I am determined to encourage each and every student to get out there and try new things. If I can persuade even just a few more students to seize the moment, countless possibilities could open up, leading to a brighter experience at school.

Alongside my fellow Learning Prefects, I am certain that we will graduate from Riverside High School with nothing but happy memories and proud achievements, knowing that we truly made a positive impact on both the students and the school environment.

My name is Angus, and I am a member of the Learning Portfolio for 2025.

I’ve always aspired to become a Prefect, and now that I am here, I am happy to take on any role I can. I look forward to being part of everything our Prefect Board does for our school and community throughout the rest of the year. If I could make a positive change at our school, it would be to continue to create welcoming and inclusive environment where no one feels left out.

I’m someone who loves to make people happy, I never want to see them disappointed. This has always been one of my personal goals.

In the Learning Portfolio, we focus on fun activities and events that foster the academic and artistic talents of students at our school. This is something I am particularly passionate about because, outside of school, I love to act and have been involved with local theatre groups since I was in Grade One. In 2025, I was a part of Encore’s Billy Elliot production which improved my teamwork skills and gave me experience in working in major productions. I also enjoy computer gaming in my downtime.

Hi, I am Charlie and I am a Learning (Academic & Arts) Prefect. For me, leadership isn’t about a title or recognition, it’s about showing up with intention. It’s about listening and leading with empathy. I believe the best leaders aren’t always the loudest in the room; sometimes, they’re the ones making sure others feel seen and confident enough to step forward. Being a Prefect gives me the opportunity to do that on a bigger scale, to help students feel inspired and included, no matter their year level or interests.

Outside of school, I spend my time playing netball and basketball, and I love Art and STEM. Although I’m not too great, I really like Music. All these things make me super passionate about my role in the learning and arts team.

Over the years, I’ve thrown myself into all sorts of opportunities. I believe that every role, no matter how big or small, is a chance to show effort and make an impact.

What drives me most is the hope that I can be for someone else what past leaders were for me, a friendly face in the crowd. If I can help just one student feel more confident or excited about school, then I know I’ve done my job.

My goal is simple: to be someone who brings energy, empathy, and encouragement into every room.

A group of sixteen Prefects from Riverside, along with Grade Ten students, set out to relay for the Cancer Council, raising money to fight against cancer, a disease that has taken loved ones from almost all of us.

The day started with a mix of excitement and nerves, as for most of us, this was our first Relay for Life. During the first few hours of relaying, we walked around the track in high spirits, only to find out that we needed to wear hats to avoid being sent to "jail", where we had have to pay Monopoly money to get out!

The day was packed with activities and fun. One of the most memorable moments came at the end of the night, after the candlelight ceremony, when we got to hear a cancer survivor’s story about their treatment. This experience will stay with us forever.

By the end of the event, our team had covered an impressive distance of 203 laps, equivalent to 90km, which was an outstanding effort! Two of our devoted Prefects, James G and James L, went above and beyond, running and walking over a marathon distance of 42km.

Our fundraising efforts paid off, we raised $1,445 through our relay, a fantastic contribution to the fight against cancer. This money will go towards providing SunSmart education for 903 kids, funding 22 calls to trained cancer professionals, and supporting 12 days of a PhD student's world-class cancer research.

And this is just the beginning. We have additional fundraisers planned for Thursday, where we hope to raise an additional $1,000, bringing our total contribution to an incredible $2,500 in support of the fight against cancer.

manina Kanamaluka Group have had some special experiences this term with Aboriginal Education Officer Legana Hughes.

To begin the term, we made bracelets for ourselves and our friends using traditional string making techniques. Legana harvested some tea tree limbs for students to make clapsticks which students are still working on. They have cooked kangaroo burgers with Mrs Flakemore to share with staff.

On Wednesday students enjoyed having a yarn with professional NRL player Tyrone Roberts and had a chance to speak to Cody about our Deadly Choices program running in term 2.

Jodi Flakemore

Riverside High School manina Kanamaluka students had a visit from the Deadly Choices team along with Australian professional rugby player and ambassador Tyrone Roberts.

Deadly Choices is a program that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices.

The students had a great time chatting with Tyrone and the team about all things sport, culture and the upcoming 'Healthy Choices Program' which will run in Term 2.

Jodi Flakemore

As the weather is starting to cool off a reminder that Riverside High School Beanie’s are in stock at our Uniform Shop. Please order on the Qkr App - $15 each.

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

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
When LEAVING our school for an appointment, students must have a green leave form which has been signed by Admin Staff and an 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.

Get tickets on Humanitix - Launceston Tertiary Information Service (TIS). Workshop Floor 1 and the Rory Spence Construction Lecture Theatre, UTAS, 6 Invermay Rd, Invermay TAS 7248, Australia. Wednesday 4th June 2025. Find event information with the following link:

https://events.humanitix.com/launceston-tis

Little Circus, Big Impact

AFS Global STEM Changemakers