Dear Parent and Families,

The last two weeks have been an eventful time on our school calendar. Sidefest, held on Friday, 5^th November, was a huge highlight! It was a wonderful school community event and it was fantastic to see so many students, families and community members in our school interacting and enjoying the fabulous food, entertainment and activities on offer. There was a wonderful atmosphere that showcased the skills, talents and commitment of our students and staff.  I commend our hardworking committee who were toiling away behind the scenes for many months and would especially like to acknowledge the School Association for their support and contribution.  I thank all of those who supported the evening and hope you enjoyed it!

At this stage in the year many students are working on a range of significant assessment tasks as a culmination of their learning. It is great to see students continued commitment to their learning and I encourage all students to maintain their focus as we approach the end of the year. We have also been impressed by the enthusiasm and high levels of participation from our students in a range of events and activities. Term 4 is always busy, but it is an extremely rewarding and enjoyable time of the year.

Our Athletics Carnival held last Thursday and Friday was a great two days. While the weather posed some challenges for us, there was a positive and supportive atmosphere, with high levels of participation and a spirit of sportsmanship. I would like to commend students on their participation and was extremely impressed with their camaraderie and support of each other. We look forward to recognising achievement from our carnival at our whole school assembly in a fortnight. A special thankyou to all staff, volunteers who assisted and in particular our dedicated HPE team for their efforts to ensure that the carnival was well organised and successful, providing a range of activities and events that were accessible to everyone.

Our Athletics team competed in the Inter-High Carnival at St Leonards on Wednesday. It was fantastic to hear such positive feedback about the efforts of our students who as competitors gave their ‘absolute all’. Congratulations on winning both the Junior Shield and the Aggregate Shield and most importantly, for representing our school with pride and a great sense of sportsmanship.

During the last fortnight our Grade 10 students have attended enrolment appointments with staff from both Launceston College and Newstead College. Well done to Grade 10 students for being so well prepared and organised for these conversations. We know that these are important decisions and that much thinking and planning goes into preparing for the enrolment interview. It was also fantastic to see so many of our students’ supported by parents in these appointments.  We know that education is a partnership between school and home - your support on enrolment day sent a very strong message to both our young people and the colleges about the value you place on this ongoing partnership. The colleges frequently comment on the strength of this support.

There are a range of Information Sessions aimed at parents and carers that will be available in early December and are designed to support with pathway planning and transition. These are available online and will be held during the evening, making the sessions easily accessible. Sessions include:

• Tools for building career competencies and exploring pathways – Showcasing digital career services
• Pathways to post school life and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• Pathways from school to further education and training
• The role of Apprenticeships and Traineeships for School-Aged Learners (ApTSLs) for preparing learners for work and life

Further details including a link for registration are available in the attached handout.

2022 Student Leaders

Recently all Grade 9 students who have worked through our selection process for leadership roles in 2022 received letters notifying them of the outcome of this process. I appreciate that this can be a challenging time for students. I would like to thank the Grade 9 team for the way they have worked with and supported students throughout this process. This includes clear communication to all those involved and helping to build the understanding of the important role student leaders play in our school. The Grade 9 team provided high levels of support to students, which along with celebrating their success, also includes building resilience and bouncing back when things don’t go our way.  

I commend all students for their willingness to contribute to our school as leaders. I would like to share with you the members of our Prefect Board and Peer Mentors for 2022.  Congratulations on your selection to these important roles and we look forward to working with you as our incoming Grade 10 leaders. 

Prefect Elect

Peer Mentors

In closing

With four weeks until the end of term, there is much to look forward to. During these weeks it is important that all students remain focused on using this time to get the very best out of our learning program and that expectations regarding behaviour, uniform, attendance and learning remain high. Your support with this is much appreciated and will contribute to a successful and positive end to our school year.  

Ms Natalie Odgers

The Career Awareness Program provides students with real world, practical experience in an industry setting of their choice. Our program has been running for many years and has been a great success in 2021.

At the start of the year, students identified a career pathway and sought a potential work placement. Students were supported in making a call to a workplace and introducing themselves. From here, students attended two days a week on the work site. The workplace learning provides relevant and authentic learning for students and can include experience such as:

• Practical skill development in the workplace under supervision.
• Observing practice in the workplace.
• Project based learning.
• Mentoring.
• Work shadowing.
• Volunteering and community involvement.

Students were supported by teachers to further develop authentic and relevant skills and understandings to support their vocational pathway, including communication skills, resume writing, interview and presentation skills.

As a result of their efforts on their work placements this year, some students have secured apprenticeships for 2022 and some have part time work. Other students have established connections through their work placements and will look to further pursue these industries via VET courses, School Based Apprenticeships of Year 11 Pathways.

It has been exciting to see our Riverside High School students excel on their work placements this year. We are so fortunate to have so many workplaces support our work experience program – this program would not be possible without the ongoing support and opportunities offered by these businesses.

In 2022, we are looking at making this program bigger and better than ever, with a focus on supporting students to have a greater understanding of career pathways. If parents would like more information about this provision, please contact Rohan Pooley at rohan.pooley@education.tas.gov.au or 6327 6333.

Rohan Pooley

This year the Grade 9/10 Child Development class have had a lot of fun understanding how humans develop from a foetus to a five-year-old.

To begin with, we looked at the ways a healthy pregnancy can be supported. For these lessons, students investigated prenatal influences on development, including teratogens, to construct their very own ‘Guide to Pregnancy’. This activity was framed as a precursor to the much-anticipated activity for students, the making and caring for their own ‘flour baby’.

Although the ‘flour babies’ were not highly realistic - being constructed from a 2kg bag of flour, a foam ball, stockings and polyester fibre - students were nevertheless enthusiastic about the task. Students created and looked after their flour babies for one week and treated them as if they were real, inclusive of night-time feedings and organising day care for them. The sight of these babies around the school during this week certainly caused a stir, but the students were happy when the week was over and they could pass them back.

During the flour baby experiment and in the following weeks, students concentrated on caring for newborns and babies up to 1-year-old. It was in these lessons that students looked at cognitive, physical, social and emotional development in children. In one of these lessons, students had to answer quiz questions while a track of babies crying was playing – not an easy task! As an assessment, students then created their blueprint for a toy that would help a baby develop cognitively, physically, socially or emotionally, or a combination of each.

To prepare ourselves for a visit to Riverside Primary School, we then jumped to investigating 4–5-year-old development, in particular literacy. We are currently finishing writing a picture book and have learnt about the seven significant benefits of reading aloud to children, including:

• Develops stronger vocabulary
• Builds connections between the spoken and written word
• Provides enjoyment
• Increases attention span
• Strengthens cognition
• Provides a safe way of exploring strong emotions
• Promotes bonding

We hope to pass on this love of reading to the Kindergarten students when students visit Riverside Primary School before the end of the year. After this, students will be completing the subject by developing their understanding of toddlers and that play is children’s primary way of learning and growing.

Naomi Hack

Saturday, 6^th and Sunday, 7^th November saw the Regional High School Basketball Championships played across Elphin Sports Stadium and the Silverdome.

We had some outstanding results across the board:

Senior Boys Division 1 Northern Champions

Reversing last year’s shock loss to Grammar had been foremost in coach Gibson’s mind for 12 months and the boys didn’t disappoint. Led by their big 3, Lachy B, Aiden G and Lachie M throughout the tournament, the boys came to play and a fantastic team effort from Campbell A, Will B, Caleb B, Daniel H and Arie S saw them crowned North regional champs again. They will go in as favourites to win in this weekend’s State Championships held here in Launceston at Elphin Sports Stadium. Saturday game times are 10:00am, 3:00pm and 8:00pm.  

Junior Girls Division 1 Northern Champions

Even with Mollie P and Sophie B unavailable for Sunday’s final due to netball commitments in Hobart, this team of future Torns finished as number 1 in the North.

Congratulations to coach Alicia R and remaining team members: Sophie W, Lara D, Zoe U, Mia P, Sophie R and Ami S who were too good for St Pats. Saturday game times for State Champs are: 9:00am, 2:00pm & 5:00pm

Junior Boys Division 1 Runners Up

An injury to star point guard Lucas W in game 2 on Sunday put a dent in the boys confidence and despite Lucas powering through to play the whole final with a heavily strapped ankle the team never found their offensive groove against a deep St Pats team to finish Northern runners up. The team of Lucas, Logan G, Sam R, Caleb B, Georgie L, Lewis B, Harry G and Noah H are looking forward to their chance at redemption at states this weekend, however a major injury to Logan will see him unable to take the court. The boys will need to be at their best to cover his loss, but adversity might see them rise to the occasion. Saturday game times: 4:00pm and 7:00pm

Senior Girls - Division 2 Runners up

The girls had a brilliant Saturday with 3 wins from 3 starts but Sunday saw them lose their semi-final by 3 points. This relegated them to the Division 2 GF game where they lost to a very strong Scotch Oakburn team. However, they have still managed to qualify for states this weekend and the girls will look forward to some competitive games.

The team consisted of Loganne F, Bree I, Maddi M, Alice E, Anya D, Millie H, Holly J, Annique E, Lily M and Darcie R. Saturday game times are: 9:00am and 4:00pm.

Senior Girls Div 2 (9’s)

2 wins and 2 losses to finish 4th overall

Senior Boys Div 2 Team A (9/10’s)

2 wins and 2 losses - 4th overall

Team B (9’s)

2 wins and 2 losses

Junior Boys Div 2

Team A

3 wins 1 loss

Team B

3 wins 1 loss (loss was by a point to put them out of making the semi-final)

Team C (Grade 7’s)

4 losses but some by under 10 points.

Junior Girls Div 2

2 wins and 2 losses.

It was fantastic to see so many students wanting to represent their school and a huge thank you to the staff and parents who volunteered as coaches and managers for the weekend. Looking forward to a big weekend at State Championships this weekend and with 4 Riverside teams qualifying, there will be plenty to cheer about.

Mandy Gibson

The Athletics Carnival was held last week on Thursday and Friday after being washed out on Wednesday and what a great two days they were. There was genuine excitement amongst the students and staff to be back out on the sporting fields. Students participated in the events on offer with enthusiasm and a determination to produce their best effort for their respective houses. The house spirit and support of one another was a highlight of the carnival. Outstanding performances were produced by students across all grades, with a number of records broken.

The success of the Athletic’s Carnival relies on the contribution of many community members and organisations.

We would sincerely like to thank the Launceston Little Athletics Club for their wonderful support by allowing us to use their timing gates and athletics’ equipment.

Thank you to the West Tamar Council and the Launceston Football Club for allowing us the use of the sporting grounds, buildings and toilets at the Windsor Park precinct.

Thank you to all the staff and students who turned up early to help set up the events to ensure that the carnival was ready to start on time each morning.

We are also grateful to the RHS canteen team and the Grade 10 Council who ran the BBQ non-stop over the two days. The food and drink supplied from both ensured that students and staff had high levels of energy and were well hydrated.

Finally, to all staff and students, thank you for your positive attitude and excellent contributions over the two days. The success of whole school events relies on everyone playing their part.

Results:

As always, there is a very healthy rivalry between the four Houses at our school carnivals. In 2021, it was Forrest who came out on top of our Athletics Carnival. This gave Forrest the clean sweep of all three carnivals in 2021.

The final results were as follows:

Grade 9 Boys

Grade 10 Girls

Grade 10 Boys

HPE Department

On Friday, 5^th November, the Prefects along with numerous students, parents, volunteers and staff hosted Riverside High’s Sidefest for the first time in five years. With 1000 tickets selling out in just a couple of weeks and multiple teasers and planning through the year, anticipation and expectations were high for Sidefest’s huge comeback.

We were lucky enough to avoid the rain throughout the day providing us with a clear warm night, perfect for all the exciting festivities. Stalls included a silent auction, Zorb balls, student businesses and subject displays, amazing food from both external food vans and our very own catering class, carnival games and activities, amazing student bands and musicians and much more. The night started off well with many food, retail and entertainment stalls being set up through the courtyard and quickly being swamped with keen attendees ready to revel in the delicious food, emptying their wallets on the retail businesses and entertaining themselves with the broad range of games and activities provided. The haunted house was a particular highlight. The crowd's ears were nourished with the many amazing musical performances by the school’s talented bands and musicians through the night creating the perfect atmosphere.

Thank you to all the teachers and volunteers, Prefects, parents and students who put time and effort into creating such a successful Sidefest and to everyone who attended to support the school. It was without a doubt an extremely successful night which will hopefully continue for future years to come.

By Bree Ikin
Deputy Head Prefect

It has been a busy start to Term 4 with a lot of events happening. It started off with SideFest, which was a big event as a lot of planning went into to it. SideFest allowed us to proudly display the work students have accomplished, utilise the new spaces our school has to offer and support school councils and other groups. We would like to thank everyone, students, staff, donors, parents and extended family for supporting and attending SideFest 2021!

Thursday, 11^th November marked Remembrance Day for all those who have served in battle. Kara and Lachlan addressed the school regarding the importance of the event, which followed by one minute of silence at 11:00am on the first day of the Athletics Carnival. Sungjoo, Ava, Willem and Kuba attended the Remembrance Day service on behalf of Riverside High School.

Our annual Athletics Carnival on the 11^th & 12^th November saw our school competing against the best in their grade to earn points for their house, with a huge number of participants from across all grades. This year the Athletics Champions were Forrest closely followed by Lawson, Monash and Kingsford-Smith.

After an incredible performance from all of our Forrest members, we dominated the competition in the Athletics Carnival. Special mention to some Forrest legends including Will B, Jackson W, Izzy W and Charlie Q for winning a lot of events. The Swimming Carnival, House Challenge Day and Athletics Carnival Shields are all ours, not that we’re surprised of course. 

Kara and Lachlan

Wednesday, 3 November 2021, Grade 9 and 10 French students had an excursion to Manu Bakery to meet with one of their French bakers.  We met with Prosper Orsoni to find out about French bakery culture. The French term for a bakery is a boulangerie and a person who bakes bread is a boulanger. Prosper is an amazing boulanger but he is also a great French pâtissier, being responsible for the many delightful, sweet treats to be found in the Manu Bakery refrigerated display case.

During our tour of "la cuisine" (the kitchen) students noted the many racks of croissants and loaves of bread being stored in large refrigerators. Prosper explained to us how important it is to let these products that had been made today, rest during the day for baking in the early hours of the next morning. This process allows flavours to develop.

Students had prepared questions in French for Prosper and had a lot of fun interacting with him. He shared with standards where he grew up in France, some of the challenges about moving to Australia and the similarities and differences between bakeries in Australia and France.

Our students were delighted to learn about how croissants are made. Prosper demonstrated how the dough is first rolled out in a long rectangle and then a large flat square of butter is folded inside. The baker uses a large rolling machine to continue a process of rolling and folding the layers of butter and dough. Every few folds, the dough required resting for 2 hours to prevent cracking, then the folding and rolling could continue. The French word for this process is "mille-feuilles" which literally translates into one thousand leaves or sheets. We were amazed to realise that there would be approximately 1000 layers of butter and dough by the time he finished folding and rolling it.

The excursion was a fascinating learning experience, and we are very thankful to Prosper for being so welcoming and engaging, even after just finishing a shift starting at 2am.

Mr Dan Chapman

A small group of Grade 9 girls have been participating in a 9 week program called Shine, designed to help build self esteem and teach the value each person brings exactly as they are.

A Pamper night was held to celebrate the completion of the program and to celebrate the girls that came along. Lots of fun was had with hair and makeup stations, yummy food and smoothies, and a hilarious talk. The girls enjoyed the opportunity to hang out together and be spoilt by the community and walked away knowing their worth.

Just a brief update for the Exeter Community Carols on Sunday, 12^th December, 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the Exeter Showgrounds. We are encouraging children to dress up in their favourite Christmas story character and there will be prizes throughout the evening. Santa will be coming for photos with the children and there will be food available through the Kiosk, BBQ and food vans.

Finally, there will be a free bus service from Beaconsfield leaving from the RSL Park at 4:00pm. It would be advisable to register for the bus so we can ensure there are enough buses. This can be done by contacting Pete on exetershow.secretary @gmail.com