Week 9 Term Four, 25 November CapSDE newsletter

Principal's Pen

Dear Parents, Guardians, Home Tutors, Students and Staff,

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I’d like to remind our Prep to Year 9 students that there are just 13 school days remaining before we wrap up what has been a truly memorable year.

For our Year 10, and 11 students, the school year for them officially ended last Friday, and we wish all of our Senior students and home tutors all the best for a well-earned break or exciting next steps ahead.

The coming weeks are filled with opportunities to celebrate together.  Every year we swap the campus our Primary events are held at.  This year our events will be held in Emerald which includes our Primary Awards Ceremony, the always-anticipated Primary Swimming Carnival, and the festive Whole School P&C Dinner. These events highlight the strength of our community and the achievements we’ve shared.

Reflecting on 2024, it’s been a year of challenges, growth, and celebration. Together, we’ve navigated the ups and downs, supported one another, and embraced opportunities to learn and thrive. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to advise that planning for induction days for all students and home tutors is well underway.  Induction is always a key part of our plans to ensure a positive and connected start to the new year.

Additionally, our 2025 calendar of events is available in this newsletter, outlining what promises to be another exciting and productive year for our school community.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. I look forward to seeing many of you in Emerald next week!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the Capricornia School of Distance Education mascot competition. Your creative entries were truly inspiring, and the judging panel had a very tough time selecting a winner. After much deliberation, we are proud to announce that the winner is Sophia Lazarevic!

Sophia’s mascot, Capri the Kangaroo, perfectly represents our school and its values. The name "Capri" not only draws from the shortened version of our school name but also incorporates the initials of our school and core values: C for CapSDE, Accountability, Positive Relationships, Resilience, Respect and Integrity.  (all three R’s are represented by one R).

Capri is a kangaroo with human traits, symbolising our school values.

Kangaroos are social animals that thrive in groups and can build positive relationships with other species—a great representation of fostering connections. They are also highly resilient, leaping forward with strategy and bouncing back from challenges, even surviving droughts and bushfires.

Most importantly, Capri embodies our school's dedication to supporting every student in reaching their highest potential, no matter how far apart we are geographically. This kangaroo symbolises opportunity, perseverance, and connection, qualities that unite us as a school community.

Congratulations, Sophia, and thank you for creating such a thoughtful and inspiring mascot for our school!

I would like to give a special mention to our talented runner-up, Connor Hollywood. His Kookaburra mascot, 'Ari', stood out with its creativity and was highly commended by the judging panel. Connor's hard work and dedication truly impressed us all.

Also, to Grace Hollywood as our third-place winner with her cow mascot design 'Rai', another impressive and creative entry.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of our entrants. Each and every one of you should feel incredibly proud of your efforts, as your creativity and enthusiasm made this competition a wonderful success.

'Mini school, geez where do I start?'

Mini school, geez where do I start? I suppose I should introduce myself, I’m Bill, a year 10 student at CSDE for 2 and a half years, and I can tell you right now, making the move from my old school to CSDE, despite the lack of social interaction, was the best decision I ever made. I have made the decision to leave school and go into an apprenticeship, and thanks to the endless support from the amazing teachers, I am able to do that. Enough about me now, let’s get into my final mini school, and arguably the best I’ve ever been to.

First of all, mini school in general is one of the best parts of online school, and that isn’t opinion, that is fact. Being able to finally meet your teachers and classmates in person or catch up with the ones you already know. It’s awesome when you find your group of people, and you just click with them, and you stay by each other’s sides, all week. And then you’ve got even more to talk about outside of class.

 Monday was like any other Monday, we got to school, talked way too loud for 20 minutes before school started. We were then told what we would be doing for the day and were split off in our groups. To start Monday off we did a drama activity where we were put in groups and had to modify and act out a script. My group was definitely the best. We were so funny, and interactive, and made lots of jokes. We had a guest speaker, Scott, the CEO and Founder of BOP industries, come in and talk to us about how his company, which is now a multimillion-dollar company, started off as a ninth-grade business class assessment. His motto is, “good things don’t come from inside comfort zones”, and I cannot agree more. We ended the day with a fun art lesson drawing self-portraits.

Tuesday our first task was film review, where we sat down and enjoyed some very very plain popcorn, and watched some short films, that we then had to break down and explain. After doing that in period 1, we then moved into academic integrity, which basically covers how to behave during exams, and just in school in general. For period three and four, we had a guest speaker, the founder of galactic donuts, come and tell us the story about the origin of galactic donuts. However, I think the most memorable part of Tuesday was either the vouchers for 2 free donuts for the store, or when we got to design, make and eat our own donuts, yummy.

Wednesday. By far the most memorable day of the whole week. Wednesday, well, it was the swimming carnival, always the most fun day, everyone is so happy, and has so much energy, and it just makes me happy to see all of my mates enjoying themselves. I love it when everyone is screaming, and cheering on for their mates, and their house, motivating your mates to keep pushing, always feels great. My house, and the best house, is Wattle. We have the best house mascot, GERALD! Gerald is our beautiful duck, and he represents the wattle house with pride. Unfortunately, Banksia did beat us this year, by 400 something points, but it’s just going to make it all better when we whoop them next year. In all seriousness, congratulations to Banksia for absolutely cleaning us up this year and watch out for next year. I would also like to congratulate all the age champions, and especially my little brother who got age champion for 14 years boys, so proud of you little man. When we went back to campus, we did Japanese activities, we got to see some Japanese kimono, and some karate uniforms, that we were lucky enough to be able to try on and take photos with.

Thursday was an amazing time. We did a science activity at the uni, but not before we did the secondary awards. I cannot put on paper how proud I am of everyone who got awards, and the year 12’s who are leaving us this year, these year 12’s are a prime example of how we as people should be. Dedicated to your future, enjoying life, and having fun. So again, congratulations all. In the afternoon we did the science rotations activity, we did an obstacle course with a robot, we did CPR races, one of my favourites. Another one of my favourites was the mirror glasses activity, where you had to wear glasses, and everything was inverted, and you had to complete a maze on pen and paper, very fun. The final activity, at least for the year 10’s was an engineering challenge, which really tickled my fancy. Our objective was to design and build a bridge with the limited materials, to see whose bridge could hold the most 600 mL water bottles, congratulations to the winning team who got 6 whole water bottles.

Friday, some people’s favourite day of the week, but when it comes to mini school, its most people least favourite day of the week. It is a half day of small activities, that we do in rotation. It was a very fun day, but unfortunately that signalled the end of mini school.

Overall, mini school this term, was the best I’ve been to, and unfortunately the last one I’ll go to. However, this isn’t all mini school is, it’s the best week of the term for a lot of people, including myself. What does mini school mean to me? It’s a place where I can see me friends, and my close mates that I call my family, where I can be myself, and I feel safe, and not judged. Mini school is an extremely welcoming experience, and if you have never been before, I am telling you, you must go at least once before you graduate. I wish everyone the best in the rest of their schooling career, and the rest of their life. Please look after my mates for me and be nice to the teachers. Hopefully I haven’t lost your attention yet, because there is one more thing I have to say.

WATTLE IS THE BEST!!!

Key Dates - 2025

Our Key Dates are available below for families looking to plan for 2025.
Whilst we don't anticipate changes, we are aware that due to unforeseen circumstances at times changes are unavoidable. 

2025 Booklists

In the 'Forms & Documents' content holder on the left-hand side column in the newsletter, you will find the 2025 Booklists. these have also been emailed to families and can be found on the website under the Curriculum tab.

CapSDE understands the difficulty some families face when trying to purchase booklist items, whilst living remotely, or difficulty accessing stores. As a result we offer families the opportunity to purchase their booklist items through Campion online. Campion has the complete list of all items on CapSDE book lists available, with delivery before the start of school.

Due date to ensure delivery before the start of school is Friday 27th December.

Families can order online at www.campion.com.au

Ensure you enter the school code when ordering through Campion, 96V8

Using Campion for your back-to-school supplies is not compulsory, however this convenient option is available to families who may like to utilise the service. Families can choose what they would like to purchase out of the booklists, so if you have left over items from the year before, you can choose not to add them to your cart for 2025 items.

Instructions are below for those that are interested. 

Teams 2025

Teams Update:- The remainder of CapSDE teaching staff will be in the process of commencing trials now, until the end of the year. 

As mentioned in the last SZine update, all CapSDE staff have been asked to nominate and run a class through Teams. The purpose of the trial is to build Microsoft Teams competence amongst teachers and students, and to iron out potential issues with the platform, ahead of all lessons being run through Teams, in 2025. Please keep an eye on your e-mails, and listen to instructions from teachers, in the coming weeks.      

Well done to the Home Tutors who were able to attend Week Seven’s Mini-school sessions (either face-to-face or online). You have given yourself the best possible chance of being as ready as possible, for the full transition to Teams, in 2025.   

There has been some pleasing information from the department’s IT Branch, confirming that students are unable to private chat other students. Home Tutors were previously advised that this would be possible (at the Week Seven Home Tutor sessions). We apologise for the misinformation (this had been based on school-initiated trials) but are certainly pleased with this news. 

P & C General Meeting - Tuesday 26th Nov

The P&C will be holding their next meeting this afternoon Tuesday 8th October at 3:30PM.
Come along and join the team that is working to support our students to reach their highest potential. 

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 418 936 823 308
Passcode: cxr74X

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What's happening in Primary?

Staffing 2025

2025 Year Level Transition Home Tutor Sessions - this week.

This week, Home Tutor sessions will be held for year level transitions.

Please see timetable below for the times and links to online sessions. 

Week 10 Primary key dates, times and venues

Year 6 Fun Day

Save the Date: Monday 2 December for the Year 6 Fun Day.

Private Drop Off - 44 Borilla Street, Emerald (behind the Emerald Town Library)

RSVP due by Wednesday 27th November

Secondary Scoop

Swimming Carnival Age Champions

Age Champion medallions were awarded to students aged 13 - 18 at the recent Secondary Swimming Carnival. A huge congratulations to the following students for their efforts on the day.

13yrs Girls - Skyla Bradford

13yrs Boys - Tim Torrisi

14yrs Girls - Sophie McQuade

14yrs Boys - Simon Jones

15yrs Girls - Stella Wailes

15yrs Boys - Samuel Morice

16yrs Girls - Bella Southern

16yrs Boys - Kaden Luck

17yrs Girls - Jacinta Morice

18yrs Girls - Selina Edmistone

18yrs Boys - Riley Hindmarsh

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There were also some impressive new records set on the day! 

Dakota James - 13yrs Girls 25m Freestyle (OLD 20.22, NEW 16.72)

Ella Thomson - 14yrs Girls 25m Freestyle (OLD 19.69, NEW 19.19)

Serenity-Lee Taylor - 14yrs Girls 50m Freestyle (OLD 43.56, NEW 43.43)

Jacinta Morice - 17yrs Girls 50m Freestyle (OLD 37.87, NEW 34.41)

Serenity-Lee Taylor - 14yrs Girls 25m Backstroke (OLD 28.53, NEW 26.91)

Ella Thomson - 14yrs Girls 25m Breaststroke (OLD 39.97, NEW 29.06)

Brad Gould - 15yrs Boys 25m Breaststroke (no previous record, NEW 26.44)

Jacinta Morice - 17yrs Girls 50m Breaststroke (OLD 56.88, NEW 53.72)

Serenity-Lee Taylor - 14yrs Girls 25m Butterfly (OLD 29.87, NEW 24.94)

Amelia Braybrook-Shanks - 15yrs Girls 25m Butterfly (OLD 33.75, NEW 28.91)

Jacinta Morice - 17yrs Girls 50m Butterfly (OLD 50.43, NEW 41.71)

Samuel Morice - 15yrs Boys 50m Butterfly (OLD 56.66, NEW 56.16)

Senior Schooling & VET

As we near the end of another successful school year, we take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible achievements of our senior students in 2024.

Firstly, we extend heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024. Completing Year 12 is a significant milestone, and we are so proud of your hard work and determination. As you embark on your post-school pathways—whether in further study, the workforce, or other pursuits—we wish you every success and encourage you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

We also recognise the outstanding efforts of students who have successfully completed their Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, both internally at Capricornia School of Distance Education and through external providers. Your commitment to developing practical skills and earning nationally recognised certifications will provide you with a strong foundation for your future careers.

A special commendation goes out to those students who have undertaken and completed school-based traineeships this year. Balancing study and workplace commitments is no small feat, and your dedication to building valuable industry skills is commendable.

Well done to our Year 9 and 10 students who have thoughtfully selected their subjects for 2025 as they prepare to embark on their senior schooling journey. This is an important step in shaping your future pathways, whether you're aiming for university, vocational training, or entering the workforce. Your careful consideration of your interests, strengths, and goals demonstrates maturity and a commitment to success. Remember, the choices you make now set the foundation for your personal and professional growth, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Great work on taking this exciting step toward your future!

To all our senior students, your achievements are a testament to your resilience, determination, and enthusiasm for learning. We are immensely proud of all you have accomplished this year and look forward to seeing the amazing paths you forge in the future.

Guidance 'Go-2'

What's on in your community?

Marlborough Cluster Swimming Carnival

If you reside in the Marlborough area and would like you child to participate in the Marlborough Cluster Swimming Carnival, on the 29th November at Clarke Creek State School, please complete the nomination form below and return it to jblac386@eq.edu.au

Support Agency Contacts

Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or email.

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, Monday – Sunday between 9am – 5pm AEST or via email helpline@blueknot.org.au.

Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline is a free, confidential service that provides information, counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673, 8am-midnight AEST / 7 days a week, chat online or email.

eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, 9am – 1am AEST / 7 days a week, chat online or email.

FriendLine supports anyone who's feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free 24/7 confidential and private counseling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.

Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 (12pm to midnight AEST) or chat online.

MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or organise a video chat.

MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.

QLife provides nationwide telephone and web-based services for lesbian peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm – 12am (midnight) AEST/7 days a week.

SANE Australia provides support to anyone in Australia affected by complex mental health issues, as well as their friends, family members and health professionals. Call 1800 18 7263, 10am – 10pm AEST (Mon – Fri), or chat online.

Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.

Lifeline  on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Source from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines

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