CapSDE Week 3, Term Three 2024 eNewsletter
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Message from the Principal
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Calendar Photo Competition
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School Opinion Survey
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Student Spotlight
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P&C Picture Products Fundraiser
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What's happening in Primary?
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Year One Rockhampton
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School Dental Van, CQ Oral Health Services Rockhampton Campus
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Premier's Coding Challenge #digitalinnovationqld
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Secondary Scoop
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SET Plan Interviews
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Science
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My QCE Competition
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Guidance 'Go-2'
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Opportunities and Employment
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What's on in your community?
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Sports Person of the year award 2024
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We welcome your feedback
Message from the Principal
Building Strong Positive Relationships through Communication
Dear Parents and Guardians,
At CapSDE, we believe that one of the core values that shape our community is the value of Positive Relationships. A strong, supportive network between home and school creates an environment where our children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Importance of Positive Relationships
Positive relationships are the foundation of a successful educational journey. When students feel supported by both their families and their teachers, they are more likely to engage fully in their learning, feel confident to take on new challenges, and develop a sense of belonging within the school community.
Key Benefits of Strong Home-School Positive Relationships:
Enhanced Student Performance:
Research shows that children perform better academically when their parents are involved in their education. Consistent communication between home and school ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed.
Improved Behaviour and Attitude:
When parents and teachers work together, children understand the importance of education and are more likely to develop positive attitudes towards school and learning. This collaboration helps in addressing behavioural issues promptly and effectively.
Emotional Well-being:
A strong positive relationship between home and school provides a stable support system for students. Knowing that their parents and teachers are working together to support them can significantly boost their emotional well-being.
Building Strong Communication Channels
To foster these essential positive relationships, open and effective communication is key. Here are some ways we can strengthen our communication:
Regular Updates:
We will continue to provide regular updates about your child’s progress, school events, and any important announcements through our school newsletters, social media and emails.
Open Door Policy:
Our teachers and staff are always available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to reach out to us via email, phone, or make a time to come and see us in person.
Parent-Teacher Meetings:
Our next scheduled parent-teacher meetings will be held in Week 3 of Term 4. Parent-Teacher meetings offer a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, address any concerns, and set goals for the future. Your participation is crucial to these meetings' success.
Mini-school workshops:
Throughout the year we host various workshops and seminars during Mini-school’s focused on effective parenting strategies, understanding the curriculum, and other topics of interest to help you support your child’s learning journey.
Feedback:
We welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve our communication and support systems. Please share your thoughts with us anytime. Together, we can create a nurturing and enriching environment where our children can flourish. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Let’s continue to build strong positive relationships that will benefit our students for years to come.
Warm regards,
Amanda Rynne
Principal Capricornia School of Distance Education
Calendar Photo Competition
School Opinion Survey
The suite of School Opinion Surveys is undertaken each year by the Department of Education to
obtain opinions about our school from families, school staff and students in target year levels (5,
6, 8 and 11).
The surveys will help identify what we are doing well, and understand where we can
improve. The survey invitation will be emailed in the week beginning 15 July and is titled School
Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2024.
Each school family will receive one email invitation from the Department of Education to complete
the Parent/Caregiver Survey. The survey is anonymous, and the results are reported in ways that
an individual’s response can be identified by the school.
Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to complete the survey. The survey can be completed via
computers, tablets or smart phones with an internet connection.
For Parents/Caregivers who do not have access to the internet school computers/tablets will be
available. Parents/caregivers who experience difficulties accessing the survey can request a new
survey from the School Opinion Survey team via email schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au.
It’s important that as many parents/caregivers as possible complete the survey, so we would
appreciate if members of this committee would raise awareness of this survey with other parents
and caregivers.
Can’t find your invitation? If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they
haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.
Student Spotlight
P&C Picture Products Fundraiser
During the upcoming Mini-school, the Parents and Citizens Association are running a Pictureproducts melamine plate activity fundraiser, and we'd love you to join in.
Your child's unique artwork is transformed into durable, high-quality melamine Pictureplates.
Both decorative and useful, Pictureplates are simply beautiful. Children love eating off their very own Pictureplates, and as the years go by and they grow up and have their own families, their Pictureplates will bring back memories of those happy childhood years.
Your child can use photos, markers, paints and handprints to create their artworks, and you can have as many copies made as you'd like, so it's a fantastic gift idea for grandparents and other family members. (Remember Christmas is coming up!) What will your child draw?
We are also offering a range of other products decorated with your child's artwork, such as the functional and beautiful Pictureclocks, plastic or ceramic mugs, water bottles and calendars.
How to get involved
- Fill out the order form attached to this email and return it to comms@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au
- Pay for your order online at https://pay.pictureproducts.com/CAPROA/97495/ All prices are outlined in the Order Form attached. Please note a $1 payment processing surcharge will be applied per payment.
- Orders and payments are due in by 16th August (late orders will not be accepted).
2. Children in Years Prep – 4 will complete their artworks during Mini-school, 5th – 9th August. If you’d like your child to include any photographs on their artworks, be sure to send them in to mini-school.
- Items offered to design at mini-school will be: plates, clocks, mugs, water bottles, calendar, tote bags
What if my child is not attending campus for Mini-school, will be on camp or they are a secondary student?
- If your child would still like to do the activity, templates are available online to print and complete at home. Pens, paint, stickers, fingers, feet and photos—the brighter the better!
- Download the special drawing paper for the products you'd like to order from www.pictureproducts.com.au/drawing/ and print it out. The paper should be printed at A3 size. If you don't have an A3 printer, print shops and Officeworks can do this for you. If you print at A4, your products can still be made but the drawings will be scaled up.
- The at-home designs can then either be posted or scanned (not photographed) and emailed back to the school. Scans should be 300DPI or greater and in colour. See the following video for scanning tips https://upload.pictureproducts.com/help/#scanner
- Please remember to keep the design FLAT and preferably post it back in a cardboard folder or between two pieces of card. Any folds will show up in the final design.
- Drawings and completed order form can be emailed back to comms@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au Please include your completed order form in this email as well. This will ensure the school knows what you have ordered and what items your student has created.
- Drawings for those completing designs at home are due in by no later than 16th Aug
How will I receive my order?
Once your order is completed at the Pictureproducts factory, it will be posted back to the school.
For those that are attending Mini-school your designs should be ready to collect at mini-school Term 4. For those that won’t be at mini-school, collection or delivery can be organised.
What's happening in Primary?
Year One Rockhampton
English - Retelling Cultural Stories
This term we are looking at Cultural Stories. We have been looking at Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories like How the Birds got their Colours. We wrote our own retells using some descriptive language.
Outside of online lessons, Year 1 students have been working hard on their units and daily must do tasks.
Hugh doing his daily writing.
School Dental Van, CQ Oral Health Services Rockhampton Campus
We are pleased to be offering full dental treatment to the students currently enrolled at your school from Prep to Grade 4. This service will be provided by the Mobile Dental Clinic 122B which is located at the Glenmore Primary School, 241-259 Farm Street, North Rockhampton 4701. This service will commence on 5th August 2024, the week of Mini School.
A letter from our Chief Executive is below, detailing the information that we legally be given access to.
If you would like to take advantage of this dental treatment for your student, please scan the QR code below to access the medical history/consent form.
If you experience difficulty scanning the QR code with your phone the link below can be clicked: https://forms.office.com/r/VG8yu20GPd.
If parents still have trouble accessing the QR code, they can ring 4920 6372 or email cqhhscaohs@health.qld.gov.au.
Oral Health Therapist, Anna Flint will be our health professionals on site. Please direct any enquiries to the school dental administrative team on 4920 7556 / 4920 6372 or Liza Pretorius on 4920 7553 during business hours.
Good oral health is an important part of healthy living and we appreciate your cooperation and welcome any questions you may have regarding our service.
Parents will be responsible for ensuring their child/children attend at the agreed appointment times.
Premier's Coding Challenge #digitalinnovationqld
Link to more information: https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/events-awards/awards-competitions/premiers-coding-challenge
The Premier's Coding Challenge is an annual, statewide initiative for all Queensland students in Year 3 to Year 10. The Premier's Coding Challenge aims to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Queensland students.
The theme for 2024 is #digitalinnovationqld. Students are aware of the challenges that they face each and every day and the ones which are impacting on their lives and others. They are living in a world where technologies enrich and impact on the lives of people and societies globally.
This year, all Queensland students in Years 3–10 are invited to develop an innovative digital solution to help make their school a better place to teach, learn and play.
Students could address topics such as:
- redesigning school facilities
- supporting visitors to your school
- making learning fun
- redesigning teaching tools
- cultural awareness and inclusion
- healthy habits
- school safety (classroom, playground, pool, outside the gate, emergency procedures)
- sustainable practices
- study tools
- student, staff and community well-being
- safe environment
- assistive technology
- augmenting teaching and learning
- understanding school history
- school information
- building school spirit and teamwork
- being happy and healthy
- pathways beyond school
- school celebrations
- connecting schools with their communities
- exploring future opportunities in quantum computing
- being safe online.
Students can develop an app, game or website and they must also submit a short video to explain or evaluate their entry.
Students can enter as individuals or pairs in 1 of 8 categories. Examples from previous winners will be available soon.
Winners will receive prizes of coding and robotic kits (total prize pool $15,000), attend an awards ceremony and engage with tech experts to develop their talent and awareness of future pathways.
Secondary Scoop
SET Plan Interviews
Science
We have an exciting semester ahead, filled with engaging experiments, hands-on learning, and academic challenges that will help our students grow and excel in their scientific pursuits.
To ensure a smooth and productive semester, I would like to provide the following important reminders:
Be Prepared for Experiments
Hands-on experiments are a vital part of our science curriculum. Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate fully. This includes:
- Bringing all necessary materials such as lab notebooks, safety goggles, and any specific items requested by their teacher.
- Wearing appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes on lab days.
- Reviewing any pre-lab assignments or safety guidelines provided by the teacher.
Returning Mailed Equipment
Some students have been issued equipment for home use or projects. It is crucial that all borrowed items are returned promptly and in good condition. Please ensure that any equipment mailed home is:
- Checked for completeness and any damages.
- Cleaned and securely packaged in the reply envelopes provided for their return.
- Returned to the school by the end of the term.
Ensuring Suitable Exam Conditions
As we prepare for the upcoming semester's assessments, it is important that students have a conducive environment for studying and taking exams. To help, parents can:
- Ensure the integrity of exams by supervising your students fully during the exam time allocated. Supervisors should not leave the room during the exam and students should not have access to devices or subject notes.
- Supporting academic integrity is not only a requirement for curriculum authorities, it is also key to ensuring students achieve an accurate result to support future subject selections and pathway conversations.
- Designate a quiet, well-lit space at home for studying and completing assignments.
- Minimise distractions during study times and ensure all necessary supplies are readily available.
- Encourage a consistent study schedule to help manage time effectively and reduce stress.
Year 11 Students Starting Year 12 Curriculum and Assessments
In Term 4, our Year 11 students will begin their Year 12 curriculum and assessments. This transition is crucial for setting the foundation for their final year. To prepare:
- Ensure all Year 11 students have their required textbooks and resources for Year 12 subjects.
- We encourage students to engage actively in their new curriculum and seek help early if they encounter any difficulties.
- Please note how important it is to submit full drafts of assessments so students can receive effective teacher feedback prior to final submissions.
- Any illnesses or misadventures need to be advised to the school urgently and medical certification or supporting documentation provided to support an AARA application. Extensions cannot be granted for any reason other than supported by a documented AARA.
- Stay organised and manage time effectively as you adapt to the increased academic demands.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of our Science faculty.
We look forward to making this semester a successful one for our students.
Karen Knowles
Head of Department - Science
My QCE Competition
Guidance 'Go-2'
Children often present with behaviours that look like the shark, but if we look below the water, we will realise they are really just scared goldfish trying to have a need met. Their behaviours might communicate anger and hostility, but below the surface is fear and a hurting child. It is our job as adults to stop parenting/adulting the shark fin. and look below the surface and meet the needs of the goldfish.
A psychologist was sharing this picture with inmates in a jail. One of the inmates raised her hand and said, “I'm a lot like that picture. I act all tough and mean, but I'm really just a scared fish. I wish when I was a kid, someone would have thought to look for the goldfish, instead of just seeing me as a shark”.
May we all spend the day looking for the goldfish instead of punishing the shark.
@Stacey Jackson Gagnon
Opportunities and Employment
Opportunities are currently open to First Nations Students aged 15- 18 years of age. (Years 10 – 12)
These programs are sponsored by Army and Army will book and pay for transport from the closest transport hub from the participants home location
- Exercise First Look – Indigenous Youth Program- Soldier: Army Logistics Training Centre
- A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army(Indigenous students only)
- Location: Bandiana
- Placement Dates: 07 – 11 October 2024
- Application closes: Sunday 28 July 2024 11:30pm
- Link to apply: Exercise First Look - Indigenous Youth Program - Bandiana
- 2. Exercise First Look – Indigenous Youth Program- Simpson Barracks
- A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army(Indigenous students only)
- Location: Simpson Barracks, MacLeod
- Placement Dates: 25 – 29 November 2024
- Application closes: Sunday 18 August 2024 11:30pm
- Link to apply: Exercise First Look - Indigenous Youth Program - Simpson Barracks
For further information please contact the Work Experience Manager listed in the Information Pack on the links above.
What's on in your community?
Youth Fest 24 is happening on 14 September from 3-8 PM in Blackwater.
Event Highlights!
- Live Performances: Incredible live music from Denvah, Trent Richardson and local artists
- Exciting Activities: Thrilling rides, including camel rides!
- Delicious Food: A variety of mouth-watering food options
- Giveaways: Fantastic giveaways with amazing prizes
- Transport: Buses from across the Central Highlands
And the best part? Everything is FREE!
This event is specially designed for youth aged 12-18 years (year 6 to Year 12) and aims to provide an unforgettable experience for our youth.
Sports Person of the year award 2024
CSDE annually acknowledges the sporting achievements of a Primary and Secondary Student, who has excelled throughout the year at the end of year awards.
The presentation of the Sports Person of the Year Award goes to the student who has accumulated the most amount of points throughout the year in their various sporting achievements.
Parents are asked to advise the school throughout the year of the sporting achievements by completing this online form. Scores are based on events, the level of the event (district, regional, state, national etc) and the students placing within those events. You will need to complete the form for each individual acheivement. Do not place all acheivements on the one form.
At the end of the year, points are collated, and the winner announced.
Information to note:
* School sports are what counts for CSDE Sportsperson of the year. Students are recognised for their achievement in other non-school fields; however, these achievements are not part of the accumulation of points towards the CSDE Sportsperson of the year.
* You should list the highest level that your student has represented in that sport, noting that the points are only entered if the student represented, and not if they were selected and did not attend.
* Unfortunately, camp-drafting, is not a recognised school sport and so would not apply for Sportsperson of the year.