When parents/guardians are exiting our school between 8:00 - 9:30am and 2:30 - 4:00pm on School Days, please note, turning right is prohibited. Violation of this rule may jeopardize your safety and others, and impacts on the traffic flow of our buses.

Over the past Term, students in Riverside High School’s Making Computer Games option class have been diving into the exciting world of game development. Meeting once a week, these budding designers have seen the foundations of game design through Microsoft MakeCode Arcade; a beginner-friendly platform that blends creativity with coding.

Students have been working through interactive tutorials that guide them step-by-step in building classic arcade-style games. These tutorials introduced key programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, and event handling, all within a visual block-based coding environment.

But the real magic happened when students began customizing their games. They designed their own sprites, the characters and objects in their games, using pixel art tools, and added personal twists to the gameplay. From quirky characters to unexpected power-ups and imaginative level designs, each game became a unique expression of its creator’s vision.

As the class wraps up its MakeCode phase, students are now preparing to level up their skills with GDevelop, a more advanced game development platform. GDevelop allows for drag-and-drop logic and visual scripting, enabling students to build more complex games with richer graphics, sound, and interactivity. It also supports publishing games to multiple platforms, giving students a taste of professional game development. In the coming weeks, they’ll begin planning their projects in GDevelop, storyboarding ideas, creating custom assets, and learning how to structure game logic in a more advanced environment.

Making Computer Games not only offers a glimpse into real-world software development but also enhances student’s digital literacy and problem-solving abilities. Riverside High School is proud to nurture these future innovators and game designers. We can’t wait to see what they create next!

Kylie Jago

Riverside High School proudly participated in the 2025 Big Science Competition, with students from Years 7 through 10 showcasing their scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills on a national stage.

Across all year levels, students demonstrated commendable effort and enthusiasm. Here's a snapshot of the school's performance:

All participating students will receive a certificate along with a transcript of their results.

These results reflect the dedication of both students and staff in fostering a strong science culture at Riverside. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and achievements!

Kylie Jago

In the words of author Anne Lamott, “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” This sentiment resonates deeply as we guide our students on their creative writing journey.

This year, we welcomed a fresh intake of Creative Writers, and some super keen writers returning for another year.  Term 1 was aimed at highlighting the pivotal role that planning and idea generation play in the development of good writers. Students embraced numerous challenges designed to stretch their creativity and adaptability in planning for unexpected scenarios. This included writing a story with exactly 100 words from an assigned starting point, and the Frankenstein story, where elements such as the protagonist, setting, and plot were assembled from existing stories. These exercises not only required innovation but also encouraged students to think outside the box.

In Term 2, our focus shifted towards honing creative writing skills. We delved into the intricacies of crafting compelling story openings. We looked at how we employ foreshadowing effectively by studying published examples such as Death by Scrabble by Charlie Fish and The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. Students developed their understanding of how to use dialogue to create character voice and studied how famous authors integrate and tag dialogue. Additional activities worked on implementing plot twists and mastering the 'show, not tell' technique. Each of these elements contributes to a well-rounded narrative and fuels the students' imagination.

This term, we are excited to commence the much anticipated 'Write a Book in a Term' project. This initiative provides students with the unique opportunity to synthesise all they have learned to create a piece of creative writing that reflects their voice and style. Throughout this process, we will conduct regular checks for planning, engage in meaningful conferencing, and guide each student through the editing phase, resulting in a completed story by the end of term.

We are looking forward to reading these amazing and creative narratives.

Ben Gadsby

On Monday, 28^th July, students in Grades 8 and 10 attended performances from Poetry in Action.

The Grade 8 show titled Muse It or Lose It! explored the challenges that artificial intelligence poses to authentic self-expression through poetry and creative writing.

In the play, the Muses had to prove their value to Zeus and inspire works of art, or risk losing immortality. Students were engaged in following many zany characters in a high-energy comedy that explored music and poetry, with pop culture references from Eminem to Justin Bieber. The show examined different poetic styles from sonnets to slam poetry, linked classic literature with contemporary works, and showcased techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and intertextuality.

The life and poetry of Wilfred Owen was the subject of the Grade 10 show titled Words of War. This was a highly engaging and informative play that showcased the powerful poetry of Wilfred Owen, including “Dulce et Decorum Est” and “Anthem for Doomed Youth”. These poems were performed and explained with students gaining valuable insights into poetic techniques such as imagery, irony, and rhythmic schemes while reflecting on the brutal realities of World War I. This show inspired critical thinking about war through the lens of one of history’s greatest war poets, linking text and context to support students in their study of War Poetry. 

All students were commended by the performers for their engaging participation as an audience to what were two high-quality and informative productions.

Ben Gadsby

During Week 2 of Term 3, our Grade 10 students undertook a significant academic milestone, completing four core subject exams across the week. The schedule included English on Monday, Mathematics on Tuesday, Science on Thursday, and History on Friday.

Throughout the week, students demonstrated the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) values of Aspiration, Courage, Growth, and Respect. Their commitment to doing their best, staying focused under pressure, and supporting one another reflected these values in action.

We commend our students for the maturity, resilience, and focus they brought to each exam. Their preparation and conduct were exemplary, and we are proud of the way they approached this important part of their learning journey.

A huge thank you goes to the Grade 10 Core Subject Teachers for their dedication and support. Their guidance helped ensure that students were well-prepared and that the exam experience was positive and well-organised.

Well done to all involved!

Grade 10 Leadership Team

The Senior Seconds football team is enjoying a brilliant season, currently sitting at the top of the ladder as finals approach. After a slow start to the season, the team has shown tremendous improvement week after week, with confidence growing with every game leading to strong wins in recent weeks over Kings Meadows High School and Queechy High School.

A special mention goes to the Year 8 boys who have stepped up to senior football when required. Their outstanding effort and enthusiasm has been invaluable, bringing energy and great skills to the team. The team has been brilliantly led by captain Gregor T, whose leadership skills have been evident both on and off the field. Hudson K has been dangerous in our forward line, finding strong form in recent weeks to lead our goal kicking so far for the season. Jack B and Ashton B have been strong in the ruck, giving our midfielders first use at the centre bounce often.

We look forward to finishing off the season strongly leading into an exciting finals series.

Coleen Elliott & Cameron Doyle

The Junior Girls Football team has shown fantastic growth and determination this season, guided by the encouraging leadership of captain Charlotte and vice-captain Jayde. Their support and direction have helped the team build strong cohesion, with noticeable improvements in skills and teamwork each week.

A standout feature of the team is the dynamic midfield group including Matilda, Matilda, Indianna, and Basquiette as well others who support in when asked, with energy and control that has been crucial in both defence and attack.

A recent highlight was their impressive match against Queechy High School, where Poppy and L'taliyah had an excellent game, and Lottie capped off the performance with a great team goal. The players are growing in confidence and ability, and they should be incredibly proud of their progress. We’re excited to see what the rest of term 3 brings!

Emma Groves

The junior netball roster so far has been full of fun, laughter and team spirit! This year, we have three teams in the competition, one team in Division 1 and two in Division 3. The Division 1 team have remained strong and united so far, winning each game against Kings Meadows and closing the margin against ladder leaders, Prospect High School, each time they meet.

Both our Division 3 teams have shown great enthusiasm for the game and continue to develop their skills each week. Teamwork and communication have been the priorities for the first half of the season which has undoubtedly led to all teams’ cohesion and trust in one another. In the next half of the roster, we will continue to develop our knowledge of the game and hopefully lead to some more wins! We look forward to an exciting second half, watching these girls progress with a few laughs along the way.

Georgia Rolls & Amelia Wing

Our Grade 8 boys football team has now played six games in the NHSSA Junior Football Roster, where the team is currently sitting second on the ladder with a 4-win, 2-loss record. The performances to date have been very encouraging and the boys have shown vast improvement throughout the six games; both individually and as a team. The best attribute the team has shown is their willingness to play different roles and bring their teammates into the game. With quite a number of boys who are relatively new to the game and our this ‘team first’ mentality has enabled all team members to feel confident and supported. The boy’s ability and willingness to listen to instruction and fulfil their role for the team has been a highlight.

Round 1:

Riverside High School 42 def by Queechy High School 100

A tough initiation to the year, coming up against a strong Queechy High team at our home ground. With some of our boys playing their first game of football ever, the team tried their best but were not able to stay with Queechy. Sully, Rueben and Jake were solid 4-quarter contributors throughout the game.

Round 2:

Riverside High School 149 def Kings Meadows High School 6

Again, playing at home, the team found their groove from the start of the game, jumping out to a big quarter time lead that steadily grew throughout the game. Jackson moved to centre half forward and had an immediate impact, and Ethan was excellent across half back. Sully had another very polished game playing through the midfield.

Round 3:

Riverside High School 70 def Prospect High School 46

In our first bus trip, we travelled to Prospect High to take on their strong junior team. In what was an excellent and hard-fought game, we were able to run away in the last quarter for an excellent win. Eden was superb all day, Thomas swung forward and kicked 3 goals, and Sully was again a prime mover through the midfield. All players showed great resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Round 4:

Riverside High School 152 def Brooks High School 10

Once again traveling away from home to Brooks High, our boys jumped off the bus and went ‘whoosh’! playing a superb brand of football. Rueben, Thomas, and Jackson stood out in an excellent team performance.

Round 5:

Riverside High School 28 def by Queechy High School 71

Coming back to play Queechy High at their home ground, our boys were looking for an improved performance from Round 1. Although our team worked hard and were competitive, the Queechy boys proved to be too polished, running out convincing winners. Jackson was strong all day, Jackson was moved into the ruck and did a fantastic job; and Rueben was once again a consistent performer across the game.

Round 6:

BYE

Round 7:

Riverside High School 86 def Kings Meadows High School 22

With another away trip to finish of Term 2, the team was looking forward to the bus trip and taking on the Meadows! In windy and cold conditions, our boys once again got the job done in a strong team performance. Sully jumped out of the blocks and had an excellent game, kicking 4 goals, Jackson N provided a strong target across half forward, and Rueben continued to be ‘Mr Consistent’.

With 3 roster games to go plus finals, our Grade 8 boys are looking to finish the year off strongly and hopefully head into finals chock full of confidence.

Adam Sanders

The Riverside High School senior soccer team has had an excellent start to the season. We have only lost 2 games, and these have both been to Prospect by 1 goal.  Whilst we never use unavailability as an excuse it did not help that both times a couple of our key players did not play.

I am confident that come finals time we will have an extra ‘gear’ that we should be able to engage at ‘crunch’ time.

We have been inundated with goal kicking options, Seb, Ezra, Magnus, Jaxxon and Shaun kicking multiple goals on multiple occasions. Our midfield and defence have been equally as impressive. Camden, Brad, Sam repelling many an attack. Goal keeping has been excellent with Sarah and Satadev almost being impassable. All our bench players have been excellent providing much needed energy and resting our key players throughout the game.

I am hopeful we can go back-to-back for another flag.

Clint Bolton

Huge thanks to AFL Tasmania for their incredible support in supplying and installing brand new goal posts on our school oval! Their generosity is helping us to kick goals on and off the field, giving our students better opportunities to train, play and thrive in footy.

We are proud to partner with AFL Tasmania in building a stronger sporting future for our school community.

Adam Sanders

Ruby (Grade 7) attended the School Sports Games in Brisbane and did a wonderful job in her age group with around 2,000 student athletes from every state, territory and guest country Fiji, she competed in swimming (13–19 Years) and diving (10–19 Years). Ruby achieved three National times to qualify for the 2026 Australian Age Championships at the Gold Coast.

Riverside High School currently offers Certificate II in Resources & Infrastructure Work Preparation (Civil Construction). Now in our third year we have ten hardworking and highly engaged young men who have developed their skills in areas such safe use of power tools, communicating on the work site, setting levels using theodolite and boxing a concrete slab. As part of the course, they also gain nationally recognised qualifications in Working at Heights and First Aid

All these skills will be used over coming weeks as the group installs a concrete floor in the Gazebo overlooking the football oval.

Stage one involved removing the existing tables and seats, setting up some levels for the final concrete floor and removing an adjacent seat and slab that will be replaced.

Coming weeks will see a gravel base laid and compacted, boxing laid out and mesh set up before pouring the first section.

Keep an eye out in the newsletter for future updates!

Stephen Hindrum

Orders can be made on our Qkr App under Sunrise Bakery Fundraiser – Grade 7 Council, Term 3 Fundraiser. Please order by Friday, 22 August to support our Grade 7s.

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 is injured, they need 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.