Welcome to CapSDE - Week 0 2025 eNewsletter

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. 

Home Tutor Induction Days 2025

At the start of Term One, 2025, Capricornia School of Distance Education will be holding Face-to-face and Online Home Tutor Induction Sessions and Student Induction Sessions.

Families have the option of choosing either the online sessions, or the Face-to-face sessions in either Rockhampton or Emerald. Families are not required to attend both, as the information from the Online Sessions will be repeated in the Face-to-face sessions.

Tuesday 28 Jan – Wednesday 29 Jan – Online Sessions

Thursday 30 Jan – Friday 31Jan – Face to face (with some streaming for cross-campus sessions)

Sessions are designed to support new and existing Home Tutors with the skills required to assist students with their online learning. Various topics will be covered, including among other things: individual Year Level Sessions, AARA, Systematic Synthetic Phonics, Spelling Mastery, subject-specific Secondary Information, Camp Information, and Microsoft Teams. It is highly advisable for Home Tutors to commit to either the Online or Face-to-face option.

Note, full timetables including Microsoft Teams links for all online Student and Home Tutor sessions are available below.

Online Student Induction Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th January. But families are welcome to bring students to either campus on Thursday 30^th and Friday 31^st January, for Face-to-face Student Induction Sessions. Again, attendance at both sets of sessions is not required, as information from the Online Sessions will be repeated in the Face-to-face sessions.

Face to Face Sessions Rockhampton

For Home Tutors new to CapSDE, please see below a map of the Rockhampton Campus.

• Primary Home Tutors are asked to enter via the McLaughlin Street entrance and make their way directly to the Primary Buildings for student drop off.   

Here you will be asked to sign in and then escorted to the Library where the Primary Home Tutor sessions will be held.

• Primary students will be supervised in activities in the Primary Buildings.
• Secondary Home Tutors can come directly to the Administration office via Farm Street, Gate 5 to sign in and will then be escorted to I Block.
• Secondary students will be supervised in activities in the Outstation.
• Morning Tea (10:00-10:30) and Lunch (12:15-1:00) for Home Tutors will be provided in I Block at the designated times on the timetable.
• Please send your student to campus with a packed lunch and water bottle, school uniform, hat and closed in shoes.

To assist us with our catering for Home Tutor Sessions, if you plan on attending the ‘Face to Face’ sessions in either Emerald or Rockhampton, please indicate your intention by completing the form via the link below before Friday 24th January. 

LINK:  Please click here to indicate your attendance to assist our catering numbers.

Face to Face Sessions Emerald

Emerald Home Tutors should go directly to the Library. If you are unsure where the Library is located, please check in at the Administration Office.

Home Tutor Induction Day Timetables

Below you will see the timetables for the Home Tutor Induction Days.

All Home Tutor sessions are run in Microsoft Teams.

• The Home Tutor online session timetable is complete with direct links to sessions.
• To access these links, click on the download link so you are able to access the timetable as a .pdf.
• Click on the link for each session in the timetable to access the session.

Student online sessions will also be held in Teams. Students will access these via the links in the Primary and Secondary Student Online Timetables below.

Senior Shirts - Year 6 and Year 12

The Second round of orders for 2025 Senior Shirts for Year 6 & Year 12 are now available for families to purchase on Qkr! Please instructions below for purchasing through the Qkr! platform.

The cost of the shirts:

• $39.00 – Sublimated Polos (Year 6 & Year 12) 

• $80 – Year 12 Senior Jerseys

The order for this final round of senior shirts is due on 21 March, at which time the item on Qkr will be unavailable and there will be no further opportunities for 2025 to order senior shirts. 

Please ensure that you indicate in the notes section in Qkr! what name your student would like on the back of their shirt. If your student does not wish to have a name, please write 'no name' and the shirt will be printed with the standard '25' on the back. Nicknames are permissible; however, these will be vetted to ensure appropriateness. 

Qkr - The way to purchase items from CapSDE

Just in case you are new to the Qkr! platform, please see below information that will guide you through the process of purchasing your formal tickets.

The app can be downloaded in either IOS or Android. Alternatively, you can access Qkr! via the following link:  https://qkr-store.qkrschool.com/store/#/home    

The Qkr! app/platform is the one stop shop for ordering uniforms, paying camp fees, purchasing tickets and much more.

It ensures a smooth transaction for families to order and pay for items with the convenience of using your mobile device.

If you have any issues with using Qkr!, please contact our Accounts Team on E: Accounts_CSDE@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au or phone 4931 4800

What is Qkr?

Qkr is a mobile app for iPhones and Android smartphones that provides secure purchases, protected by Masterpass security for administrators and parents.  Qkr will be used for  uniform and senior shirt payments, replacing my school connect as the Uniform Shop is being transferred to the school to manage. Qkr will also be used in the future for other school payments as the system is rolled out within the finance department. 

What do customers pay to access Qkr?

Qkr is free for customers, there is no transaction fee charged to customers making payments via the app.

Important to enable notifications...

Welcome from the Head of Special Education Services (HoSES)

Welcome Home Tutors and families,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and outline a couple of specific facets of my role as HoSES, (Head of Special Education Services), at Capricornia School of Distance Education.

My role is essentially defined as promoting an inclusive culture and practices within the school community to ensure equity and excellence for students with disability and secondly, to develop and support a high quality of teaching and adjustments for students with disability in accordance with related legislation and policies.

Over the years we have found that a significant number of our students with ASD and/or ADHD struggle with what has been termed, executive functioning skills.

These skills are a set of abilities which include:

• the ability to hold information in the mind and work with it, (working memory)
• the ability to plan ahead, (planning)
• the capacity to organise and complete tasks efficiently, (organisation)
• the ability to problem solve, (problem solving)
• to have the capacity to see things from other’s point of view and switch between tasks, (cognitive flexibility)
• the ability to manage emotions effectively and finally, (regulating emotions)
• the ability to start a task, even if you don’t want to. (task initiation)

One support which we have offered to students previously has been a ‘touch base’ call.  The Touch Base sessions are generally short Collaborate sessions which occur once or twice a week, usually in the morning for about 10 to 15 minutes, prior to lessons starting.  These sessions enable our Teacher Aides to provide encouragement and support to students in a one-to-one setting where they may be struggling in one or more areas of the executive functioning skills areas.

If you think your student would benefit from support of this kind, then please email me at cmhay0@eq.edu.au and I will be happy to work with your student’s Head of Departments to find a Teacher Aide that could be a good ‘fit’ for your student and put together some key points to guide this weekly interaction.  Sometimes just having some support to check in on the progress of assignments or to confirm that a student is keeping pace with the lessons can really boost a student’s self-confidence and success with their learning.

I am also very keen at the start of the year to make contact with any Year 11 or 12 student who has a diagnosed disability such as ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, Dyslexia, Depression, etc to see if we can provide additional support for your student during assessment and examination periods using the AAAR process, (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments).  Please email me if you would like additional information on the AARA process.

With assessment starting very soon, it is imperative that you begin this process early this term to give your student the support they are entitled to.

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any other concerns around specific learning supports for your student.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cathryn Haywood-Batchelor
HoSES

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, H8Y3

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. 

Student Term One Timetables

Week One will see students access sessions according to the Induction Day timetables. 

For the rest of Term, students will need to download their timetable by logging into OneSchool. These will be completed by Wednesday 29th Jan, and while we do not envisage changes, unforeseen circumstances may require tweaking to classes. 

Students are expected to obtain a current and correct version of their timetable at the beginning of each term in case there have been changes over the holiday break.

Information on how to access and download your timetable can be found on the school website, by entering Oneschool into the search bar.

The following link will also take you there: https://capricorniasde.eq.edu.au/curriculum/daily-timetables 

Timetable Breakdown and Information

2025 Primary Timetable Information
Years 3 - 6

• 9.00am - 3.00pm school day with HITLit and five periods per day.
• HITLit will be for 30 minutes, every morning, commencing at 9am.
• Periods 1, 3, 4 & 5 are 55 minutes in duration.
• Period 2 is 40 minutes in duration.
• Students have scheduled online lessons for HITLit, English, Maths, HASS, Science and Languages (Year 5/6). Students may also have intervention lessons timetabled, as required.
• Lunch breaks:
• Rest Pause 10.25-10.35am
• First Lunch 11.15-11.55am
• Second Lunch 1.45-2.05pm

CapSDE will be commencing a new pastoral care program called “Capri-Connect”. Capri-Connect will be on Mondays, Period 5 (during the time previously called Care Group). What this looks like, will vary, depending on year level. Further details will be provided by the Primary team.

Years 1 - 2

• 9.00am - 3.00pm school day with HITLit and six periods per day.
• HITLit will be for 30 minutes, every morning, commencing at 9am.
• Periods 1, 2 & 6 are 55 minutes in duration.
• Periods 3 is 35 minutes and Periods 4 & 5 30 minutes in duration.
• Students have scheduled online lessons for HITLit, English, Maths and Science. Students may also have intervention lessons timetabled, as required.
• Lunch breaks:
• First Lunch 11.20am-12.00pm
• Rest Pause 1.35-1.45pm
• Second Lunch 1.45-2.05pm

Prep

• 9.00am - 3.00pm school day with five periods per day.
• Students have 30 minutes of Phonics during Period 1 (Period 1A or 1B).
• Students have 30 minutes of English during Period 2 (Period 2A or 2B).
• Students have 30 minutes of Maths during Period 3 (Period 3A or 3B).
• Students may also have reading/intervention lessons timetabled, as required.
• Lunch breaks:
• Rest Pause 10.00-10.10am
• First Lunch 11.10-11.50am
• Second Lunch 1.45-2.05pm

2025 Secondary Timetable Information

• 9.00am - 3.00pm school day with four periods per day.
• Lunch break times remain the same – 11.30am - 12.10pm and 1.20 - 1.50pm.
• Care Group will no longer be at the start of each day (previously 9.00 - 9.10am).

CapSDE will be commencing a new pastoral care program called “Capri-Connect”. Capri-Connect will be every Wednesday, Period 4 (1.50-3.00pm). Students will be grouped within their year level, with lessons covering a range of age-appropriate topics focusing on (but not limited to): self-development, wellbeing, study skills and career pathways.

Student attendance at weekly Capri-Connect sessions is compulsory.

Staff Update

Deputy Principal Primary - Katrina Hawley

This Semester we welcome Katrina Hawley to the role of Deputy Principal for Primary, Rockhampton whilst Lachlan Scheuber is on leave. Katrina comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge having worked in a Distance Education setting prior to her role here at CapSDE, and we look forward to having her join our Team.

Introducing Our New VET Coordinator – Tiffany Wheatley

We are excited to welcome Tiffany Wheatley as our new VET Coordinator! Tiffany will oversee all Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications at our school, ensuring students have access to meaningful pathways that prepare them for their future careers.

Tiffany brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this role and is committed to supporting both students and staff in achieving excellent outcomes through our VET programs.

We would also like to acknowledge that Jodie Benfer will continue in her role as VET RTO Manager, maintaining her valuable leadership in managing our Registered Training Organisation.

Together, Tiffany and Jodie will provide a strong foundation for our VET programs, and continue the work with outside RTOs, ensuring VET Qualifications remain a vital part of our students' educational journey. Please join us in welcoming Tiffany to the team!

Farewell Portia Simelane

We also say farewell to secondary teacher Portia Simelane, who has made the decision to pursue other ventures; we wish her all the best. 

Secondary Scoop

Introducing the Capri Connect Program

You may have noticed Capri Connect Session that has been included on all student's timetables. The weekly 70-minute Capri Connect lesson for Years 7 to 12 integrates respectful relationships education and career education, fostering both personal and academic growth. This lesson will also provide the platform for Secondary Assemblies.

The Capri Connect lesson equips students with the social, emotional, and practical skills necessary for building respectful relationships and pursuing successful careers, while also providing opportunities for school-wide engagement and celebration.

Year 11 & 12 Exam Supervisor requirements

From the start of 2025 planning and preparation for Year 11 & 12 exams is underway. With this in mind it is important that you are aware of an important Senior School process and what it means for you and your student/s.

Exams in 11 - 12 are to be completed in person under the direct supervision of an approved exam supervisor, meaning that your student will no longer be able complete all exams online during class time.

Home Tutors will not be able to supervise exams for your student.

Supervision for senior exams can either take place at:

1. a) one of Capricornia School of Distance Education Campuses (Rockhampton or Emerald), or
2. b) at an approved location with a nominated supervisor of your choice.

Examples of who may qualify as your student’s approved supervisor are listed on page 3 of the document below. This list is not exhaustive. Nominating a local school is preferred.

Please Note: Exam supervisors cannot be related to your student, cannot be a close family friend, nor reside with the student. Parents are not able to supervise students at home.

The role of this supervisor is:

• To receive and possibly print your students exam papers; keeping them in a secure location until the assessment
• Ensure that the exam is sat under exam conditions and that the student has the equipment required
• Supervise your student whilst they undertake the exam
• Scan and return the completed exam via email and paper to Capricornia School of Distance Education.
• Sign a declaration stating that the above conditions have been met

School App - Szapp

Don't forget to download the school app for information at your fingertips.

Year 4 'Dads and Students' Camp

The Year 4 'Dads and Students' Camp (or significant adult role model) will be held on the 17th - 21st February
at Cooee Bay Yeppoon. All the information for this camp is available in the Year 4 Camp Newsletter, available in the newsletter archive. By now, those attending should have already rsvp'd and paid the deposit. Invoices for camp fees being sent out this week.

Please ensure you have completed all the forms as outlined in the Camp Newsletter including informing us of all dietary requirements.

Mobile Phones - 2025

About

'Away for the day' – mobile phones and wearable devices at school

The Queensland Government is committed to reducing the distraction of mobile phones and other devices to provide optimal learning environments for all state school students.

From the beginning of Term 1 2024, all Queensland state school students were instructed that they must keep their mobile phones switched off and 'away for the day' during school hours. Notifications on wearable devices, such as smartwatches, must be switched off so that phone calls, messages and other notifications cannot be sent or received during school hours.

The decision to implement a consistent, statewide approach to putting mobile phones away during the school day was based on an independent review of Queensland's approach to mobile phones, which was completed in July 2023.

The statewide review heard from students, parents, school staff and experts about the changing impacts of technology on the health, wellbeing and education of young people, with a number of key themes emerging.

Impact on student learning, engagement and wellbeing

Students and teachers shared concerns about distractions to the learning environment caused by student personal use of mobile devices. This included receiving notifications, messages and phone calls during class time, with students commonly reporting feeling pressure to respond immediately.

In those high schools with mobile phone restrictions and systems already in place, both school staff and students reported benefits, including:

• more face-to-face interactions during class time and lunch breaks
• increase in focus and concentration during learning time
• increase in the wellbeing and physical activity of students
• reduction in misuse of mobile phones during school hours.

The review found that more than 95% of Queensland state schools are already implementing restrictions on the use of mobile phones for students during the school day, under existing policy.

It is also important to acknowledge the role that mobile phones can play in providing innovative learning opportunities for all students, and access to the learning environment for students with medical, disability or wellbeing needs.

Appropriate engagement with technology

Children generally receive their first mobile phone in the transition to high school, but some students as young as 7 to 8 years-old own phones. The need for more education to help young children safely use technology was highlighted in the review.

Some high schools shared that they were taking a proactive approach to online safety, working with local primary schools to educate young students about the appropriate use of mobile phones as they move into high school.

Partnership between families and school communities

Principals and parents saw further opportunities to work together to support young people to build digital literacy and online safety skills. Providing resources to build this knowledge and a clear statewide policy direction on suitable mobile phone use in schools would offer benefits for everyone.

Equity of access

It was widely recognised that as 21st century learners, students across Queensland require access to reliable internet and technology devices. Stakeholders emphasised the need for a balance between statewide restrictions that would promote student wellbeing and engagement, while meeting the diverse learning needs of students through equitable access to technology.

We welcome your feedback

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