CapSDE - Week Seven 10th March 2025 Newsletter

P & C AGM & General Meeting - Today Monday 10th March - 3:00 - 4:00pm

Our AGM/GM is scheduled for Monday 10th March from 3-4pm.  The meeting link is below should you be unable to attend in person:

Join the meeting now

Venues for the meetings:

Staff room – Emerald

Outstation - Rockhampton

SchoolTV - Managing Screen Time

In this edition of SchoolTV - Managing Screen Time

As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.

Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.

Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.

In this edition of SchoolTV, care-givers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Managing Screen Time edition of SchoolTV
https://capricorniasde.eq.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time

What's happening in Primary?

Rockhampton Eisteddfod Choir

The CapSDE Rockhampton Eisteddfod Choir is looking for singers. We’ll prepare one song, and present it in front of other schools’ students, parents, teachers, and an adjudicator.

When: Monday or Tuesday of Term Two Mini-school. Date to be advised

Practice Mini-school Week 7 - Tuesday afternoon 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Please e-mail khawl7@eq.edu.au if you have any questions.

Who: Anyone in Prep - Year 6 who is enthusiastic and willing to be involved. Mrs Ward and Ms Hawley will be helping students to prepare.

Where: Eisteddfod performance will be held at the Pilbeam Theatre – Victoria Parade & Cambridge Street, Rockhampton City, Qld 4700

What to wear: School uniform. Please contact the administration ladies if you don’t currently own a school uniform.

What Next? Please e-mail khawl7@eq.edu.au if you think your student would be able to attend the eisteddfod. But, even if you don’t think they can, and would like to participate in practices, please e-mail to register interest by the 4th April. 

Year 4

SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORY  

Look at our marvellous work this term in HASS! We have been studying the idea of local communities, the migration of peoples into Australasia, the First Nations people of Australia and contact with the Macassar from Indonesia. These students have really tried hard during class to finish tasks on time and to a high standard:   

Year 4 Camp Recap

In Week 4, Year 4 attended camp at Cooee Bay in Yeppoon. This was a week of challenging ourselves, getting to know each other and having fun.  It was wonderful to see the kids grow in their independence and relationships with each other.  We are blessed that our students have this opportunity to spend the week with their dads (or other significant person), their peers and their teachers.  

What did you like about camp?

Elsie – I liked swimming in the water because it was so fun with all my class members. At the caves I liked sliding down the slippery bit and turning off the torches and walking in the dark.  I loved going on the high log and being able to demonstrate the high ropes.

Georgia:  I especially liked when we went into the caves and got all muddy and smelt like bat poo.  I liked playing families and acting like babies at the lagoon.  I liked going on the high ropes and facing my fears.

Johannah:  My favourite part of this week was the high roping because I was scared of heights and now I am not.  I defeated my fear.  I also think that the Caves were good but I didn’t like it when they turned all the lights off.

Aria:  My most favourite bit in the whole world was the fashion runway show because we had to figure out a whole outfit for adults with only a garbage bag and some toilet paper. 

Makayla:  The Caves were the highlight of my week because they were really fun and I enjoyed spending time with my friends and my Grandad while we were there.

Ben:  The rope course was fun but I liked the Caves more because we got to squeeze through dark, small spaces and explore little caverns.  I also enjoyed the laser skirmish because we got realistic guns and I found really good hiding spots.

Garrett:  What I liked about this week is that we did a lot of fun things.  Every day was packed full of action.  A highlight was going to Causeway and building little rafts.  I also liked going to the Caves because you had to crawl through the little tunnels.  Some were tight but you knew you could get out.  My Dad made a new record for the tallest person to get through the Whale’s Belly without getting stuck.

Harriet:  The best bit was the sleeping part because I was sleeping in a cabin with my friends.  It was fun being able to chat before we went to sleep.  I also loved spending time with my Dad because I rarely see him because of his work.

Joe:  The best of my week was laser skirmish because in the last round I kept getting everyone from a back attack.  I am proud of everyone (including myself) for achieving things they have never done before.  Even my Mum climbed the rock wall which she has never done before.  I also liked going to the caves and squeezing through the small gaps.

Hugh:  My favourite bit of camp was laser skirmish because it is fun playing around with guns and shooting other people without them getting hurt.  The drive to camp with Dad was pretty good because I was sitting in the front.  The week was enjoyable because I got to spend time with Dad and my mates and the lagoon was nice and cold.

Year 4 Camp

Year 5/6 Students STEM Challenge

Exciting STEM Opportunity for Year 5 & 6 Students – Science & Engineering Challenge!

Capricornia School of Distance Education is excited to invite our Year 5 and 6 students from Rockhampton and Emerald to participate in the Glencore Outback Exploratorium Science & Engineering Challenge!

📅 Date: Friday, 9th May
📍 Location: Emerald Showgrounds – Main Pavilion

This event gives students the chance to compete against other schools in fun, hands-on STEM challenges. They will work in teams to complete two of eight exciting science and engineering activities, designed to test creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Last year’s inaugural event in Emerald was a huge success, and we’re excited to be part of the event in 2025.

How to Register

If you would like your child to participate, please complete the following RSVP form by Wednesday, 26th March.

RSVP Link: https://capricorniasde.schoolzineplus.com/form/134 

Important Information

• A minimum number of students is required for a CapSDE team. If we don’t meet these numbers, students will be placed in teams with students from other small schools.
• This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in STEM learning in a dynamic and competitive environment.

We encourage interested families to reach out and secure a spot for this exciting day! 🚀🔬

Prep

Prep students have been actively learning their letter sounds to build a strong foundation for reading and writing.

Through engaging activities they are developing the ability to recognise, blend, and segment sounds in words. This essential skill helps them decode new words while reading and spell with confidence when writing.

Their growing phonemic awareness is paving the way for literacy success!

Prep

ICPA Sports Camp Save The Date

ICPA sports camp will be held from 24 - 29 August and the ICPA Clermont Branch would like to extend an invitation for students who are in Years 4 - 7 .

Enrolment forms and camp information will be sent out towards the end of this term once we receive these from ISCP.  closing dates for these forms will be towards the middle of Term Two. 

Please contact the Sports Camp Administrator/Treasurer Kelly McDonald is you have any queries.

P: 0408 181 296   E: clermonticpasportscamp@gmail.com 

Rockhampton Show Entries

🎨 Rocky Show Entries – Get Creative! 🎭

Exciting news! Students in Prep to Year 6 have the opportunity to enter the Rockhampton Show and showcase their creativity. With free entry and great prize money up for grabs, it's the perfect chance for students to get involved!

Have a chat to your teacher if you have any questions!

Entries can be completed during Term Two Mini School and must be handed to Ms. Grace by June 3rd for delivery to the show. Families can also drop off completed items during Term One Mini School if they fit the categories.

Competition Categories:

🐣 Prep – Egg Carton Farm Animal
🐦 Years 1 & 2 – Decorative Birds
🦋 Years 3 & 4 – Life Cycle
🌿 Years 5 & 6 – Bush Art

This is a fantastic way for students to explore their artistic side and be part of a community event. We can’t wait to see their amazing creations! 🎨🏆

Secondary Scoop

Student and Business Connect

⭐ Local job opportunities and creating connections ⭐

If you live in Rockhampton QLD and surrounds, mark your calendar for the Student & Business Connect event hosted by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

📅 When: 25 March 2025, doors open at 5 PM

📍 Where: Rockhampton Leagues Club on Cambridge Street, Rockhampton

What to expect:
👉 Meet local businesses
👉 Meet young people looking for work
👉 Hear from a range of businesses about employment opportunities, including a panel discussion.

Whether you own a business and are on the lookout for new staff, about to finish school or a recent school leaver, a parent or you just want to see what’s out there in the Rockhampton job market… make sure you attend this FREE event!

📧 Want to find out more? Email: CentralQLD.RWTO@dewr.gov.au

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Guidance 'Go-2'

Affinity Apps - did you know?

Free Affinity Apps Now Available for Students!

Great news! Students can now access the Affinity creative suite for free through their Canva account.

Affinity offers three powerful programs:
🎨 Design – Perfect for creating stunning visuals.
📖 Publishing – Ideal for layout and document design.
📷 Photo Editing – A versatile tool for image enhancement.

Similar to the Adobe suite, Affinity apps work seamlessly on both desktops and iPads. For more details and to get started, visit: Affinity for Schools.

What's on in your community?

Students considering career in Medicine / Dentistry: UCAT 2025 Important Dates

SAFEMinds 

QCWA - Children's International Competition 2025

Each year QCWA studies a different country of the world and in 2025 we are recognising and discovering the Canadian Province of Ontario. 

All Queensland primary school and special needs children from prep to Year 6 are eligible to enter. Last year QCWA received 128 entries for eight schools at Emerald Branch Level!

Please refer to the competition schedule and information below. Students attending Mini-school in Emerald will have the required page printed out for them. All other students will need to make a poster or online booklet. 

Entries will close on Friday 2nd May and will be collected from the school campus office in Emerald. If you are entering the competition and would like to post your entry to the Emerald Campus, please ensure it has arrived in Emerald by the 2 May. 

This year Branch winners will receive a small prize, and their entry will progress to the Division level competition. Prep to Year 4 Division Winners will receive a cash prize of $20 and Year Five and Six Winners will receive $30. Certificates are awarded to all placegetters. 

More information is available via the link to the QCWA Website: https://www.qcwa.org.au/School-Childrens-Competition 

Please contact Fiona Bailey for more information if required. 

Emerald Careers Expo

On behalf of our partners and local schools in the Central Highlands region, CQUniversity is delighted to be delivering the Emerald Careers Expo in 2025.

The 2024 Emerald Careers Expo saw over 700 high school students and job seekers join us for this valuable community event.

The Emerald Careers Expo is an exciting opportunity for our local schools and students to engage with businesses, industries and universities to discuss future job opportunities and career paths.

The Expo will take place on Friday 16 May 2025 at Emerald the Emerald Town Hall.

An official invitation seeking school registration will be distributed in January 2025.

We encourage you to put this placeholder in your calendar, please forward to the appropriate school contact if this is no longer you.

If you have any questions, please email Kaylee Taylor or Kim Harrington.

Kind regards,

Kaylee Taylor

Executive Assistant to Ms Kim Harrington

Associate Vice-President Rockhampton and Central Highlands Regions

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