Principal’s Report
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
