Capricornia School of Distance Education eNewsletter

Principal's Pen

It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of another fantastic term! We are now in Week 8, with only 13 days left of school. Our recent Mini-School was a huge success, bringing plenty of excitement to both campuses.

It was great to see students engaging in face to face and online learning during Mini-School. A reminder that all students are expected to attend either the online lessons or face-to-face programs on offer throughout Mini-School week.

NAPLAN is also done and dusted for another year. Our Year 3,5,7 & 9 students approached the tests with confidence and a positive mindset. These tests provide valuable insights into student progress and help guide future learning, and we appreciate the effort each student put in. Results from NAPLAN are generally available in September and will be communicated with families once received.

A special thank you to all the staff for their dedication in planning and delivering such a great experience. It was also wonderful to see strong attendance at the PD on Aus Identities for home tutors—thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to its success!

Looking ahead, planning is now underway for our Term 2 Mini-School, which will be held in Week 5 (May 19–23, 2025). More details will be shared soon, but please mark these dates in your calendar.

Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

With so much happening across the school, I’d also like to take a moment to outline our communication process to ensure we can support students effectively. If you have any questions, concerns, or classroom-related matters, we encourage you to follow the appropriate channels. Your first point of contact should always be your child’s class teacher, as they are best placed to provide insight and assistance. If further support is needed, please reach out to the Head of Department, followed by the Deputy Principal, and finally, myself as Principal, if necessary.

Staff contact details can be found on QLearn, or you are always welcome to call our reception for assistance:
📍 Rockhampton Campus – 4931 4800
📍 Emerald Campus – 4987 9100

Our friendly reception team is happy to direct your call to the right person.

I hope you enjoy the remainder of the term and take a moment to celebrate the achievements of Term 1!

Warm regards,
Amanda Rynne

Student Spotlight - Jayde

CapSDE Year 10 student Jayde, recently travelled to Scone NSW to compete for a spot on the National Team heading to Wyoming USA later this year for the National High School Rodeo Finals. Jayde was successful in making the team and we couldn't be prouder of her achievement. Congratulations Jayde!

Home Tutor Sessions at Mini-school

The Home Tutor Session held in Mini-school 'Microsoft Tips and Tricks' was well received, and we received numerous requests for the PowerPoint, by those that attended. Thank you to Mrs Muller for sharing your expertise with our school community.

If Home Tutors would like the information, click on the link below.

Click here to download the Microsoft Tips and Tricks

Home Tutor Sessions - Aus Identity

Home Tutors in both Rockhampton and Emerald were invited to attend the Aus Identities Home Tutor Sessions during Mini-school last week. Michael White, our guest presenter explained and helped our Home Tutors to identify and unpack the different personality types. This knowledge can then extend to the home classrooms, to assist Home Tutors to understand their student and learning style.

Sourced from https://ausidentities.com.au/

Mini-school Recap - Primary

Mini-school Recap Secondary

Verdora Triumphs in the Mini-School Planet Challenge!

After an intense and highly competitive challenge, the results are in—Verdora (Planet 3) has been crowned the winning colony in the Mini-School Planet Challenge!

With 12 planet teams vying for the title, it was a tough contest right to the very end. The final vote count was incredibly close, showcasing just how much effort, creativity, and innovation each team poured into their vision. Every planet demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, teamwork, and futuristic thinking, making the decision no easy task for those voting!

In the end, Verdora stood out with its lush landscapes, self-sustaining ecosystems, and a governance model that prioritises unity, sustainability, and innovation. Their vision of a thriving off-world settlement captured the imagination of parents and teachers alike, earning them the title of the most promising planetary colony.

Verdora Team Members

Charleigh Belford - Team Leader

Serenity- Lee Taylor

Nate Brown

Sophie McDonald

Harry Pitchford

Connor

Caitlin Saron

Dominic

Hannah Stockwell

Kayla Jocelyn

Selina Malcolm

Logan Higgins

A huge congratulations to all teams for their imagination, collaboration, and problem-solving skills throughout the challenge. Each planet brought something unique to the table, and the creativity displayed was truly out of this world!

Look forward to seeing you all again in Term 2, both online and face-to-face, for the next challenge!

Secondary Mini-school Survey - we want to hear from you!

Secondary Mini-school for Term One is complete and

\=\we would love to hear your feedback as to how it went.

Please complete the survey below and let us know your thoughts!

Secondary Students - Click here to share your feedback

Team work makes the dream work!

Our Secondary Aviation Students braved the wet weather to attend their practical face to face at the Central Qld University.

A big thank you to Ms Baggett, Mr Bruggeman, Mrs Wheatley and staff from Aviation Australia for making this day possible for our students.

Oshu Japanese Student Exchange Homestay Opportunity for CapSDE Families

EXCITING NEWS! 15 HOST FAMILIES WANTED!

Did you know that CapSDE has our very own Sister School in Japan?
Last year CapSDE hosted a Japanese student exchange for the first time. This was a fantastic experience for both hosts and visiting students, with lifelong friendships formed. Great news, we have the privilege of hosting this exchange program again in 2025 and we are looking for families to volunteer to host our visitors once more.

DETAILS

Thursday 31 July - Wednesday 6 August (Week 3/4 of Term 3)
15 students (ages 14/15 years)
3 representatives from Oshu City Board of Education (these delegates will be hosted by our teaching staff)

Opportunities for Host Families (Please see attached itinerary for more details)

Such a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to welcome, support and get to know these exchange students during their Australian trip.
Host families will be invited to join with us for lunch at the Welcoming Ceremony at the Botanical Garden Tea Room (lunch provided)
‘Buddy’ students in the host family are able to attend a day excursion with their exchange student.
Saturday – Sunday, host families will be able to spend time with their Japanese student at their home.
Host families will be invited to the Farewell Ceremony and tea before the students leave the next day (tea provided)

What you need to know:

The student will require their own bedroom
Provide meals during the 6 night stay (6 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 5 x dinner)
Being a host family is voluntary (no payment provided)
Being a host family is such a rewarding experience. You will make contacts who will become friends for life.
The students will be arriving into and departing from Rockhampton airport.
Host families need to have a child (primary or secondary) enrolled with Cap SDE – they do not need to be currently studying Japanese.
Itinerary will be provided in Term Two.

If you would like to put in an Expression of Interest to be a host family, please complete the attached form by April 4th.

For any further information, please contact Georgina Harch (49314855).

Additionally, please see documents below for more information regarding Oshu City and the Exchange Program.

Click here to add your details if you would like to volunteer to be a host family by April 4th 2025

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

Please e-mail khawl7@eq.edu.au if you are interested in your student participating.

Who: Anyone in Prep - Year 6 who is enthusiastic and willing to be involved. Mrs Ward, Mr Scheuber 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.

Whitsunday Voices - Years 4 - 6

Winchester Foundation is gearing up for this year’s Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and are excited at the prospect of inspiring young minds, fostering a love for literature, and providing a platform for students to engage with authors, illustrators, and fellow book enthusiasts.

The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival is committed to making literature accessible and engaging for children and young adults. It is a celebration of stories, ideas and creativity that has, over the years, become a cornerstone event for schools across the region. The aim is to ignite a passion for reading and writing in students, offering them unique opportunities to interact directly with authors and illustrators.

As in previous years, there will be two staff from CapSDE attending to assist with supervision of Year 4-6 students throughout the days and overnight boarding, however families are to organize their own transport to the venue.

In previous years, students have raved about how great these couple of days are!

More detailed information was forwarded to families via email on the 13th March. Please familiarise yourself with the information and complete the required RSVP, shirt order and webform.

Visit the Whitsunday Voices website for more information: https://www.whitsundayvoices.com.au/

RSVP and Shirt Order due by Friday 20th March (this week)

Click here to complete the RSVP, Shirt Order and access forms

Consent Form - Whitsunday Voices 2025.pdf

Please note that CapSDE is offering this event to students in Years 4 - 6.

Families can choose to take younger students to the festival privately, however these students are the responsibility of the parents and not CapSDE staff.

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: Thursday, 8th May - 8:40am - 2:30pm
📍 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! 🚀🔬

Click here to RSVP

STEM Challenge Consent Form

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

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'

Exam stress tips

Kids Helpline has put together a list of strategies that may help young people manage exam stress.

It lists what signs parents should look for and what students can do to help themselves through effective study as well as sleeping and eating habits.

Click on our CapSDE SchoolTV link below to see how to manage exam stress.

Sourced by: https://schooltv.me/ https://capricorniasde.eq.schooltv.me/newsletter-resource/6468/50

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

There is also just a couple of business stalls left. Interested businesses are invited to register their interest at

https://forms.office.com/r/65mDJkQPQC ASAP.

What's on in your community?

Performing Arts Foundation to help future generations of performers
If you are a talented performer between the ages of 12 and 23 years and are looking to develop your skills, the Central Queensland Regional Performing Arts Foundation would like to hear from you.

The foundation, the gift fund of the Friends of the Theatre Rockhampton, has announced its 2025 Youth Bursary program which provides financial assistance to young people in the Central Queensland region to attend a range of short courses in the performing arts in the fields of acting, dance, drama, music and music theatre.

Applications are now open from residents of the Rockhampton, Isaac and Central Highlands Regional Councils and Livingstone, Woorabinda and Banana Shire Councils local government areas and will close 5.00pm on 15 April 2025, for courses to be undertaken between 15 May 2025 and 31 January 2026.

Foundation Chair Karen Capon said that “Central Queensland had been the starting point for many international careers in the performing arts.”

“The Foundation provides opportunities for young people with a demonstrated interest in the performing arts to further develop their skills,” she said.

“The courses undertaken by past bursary winners have proven to be a marvellous stepping stone for not only developing skills but also making all-important professional contacts in the performing arts industry,” she said.

The program application kit is available at https://cqrpaf.com.au/programs.html

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.

Click here to download all the details.

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

Click here to provide 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

10 Sep	Woolworths Cricket Blast Rockhampton All day

15 Sep	Year 7 - 9 Camp 15 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

15 Sep	Storyfest 15 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

15 Sep	WOOLWORTHS CRICKET BLAST 2025 Emerald 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

19 Sep	Data day - no online lessons All day

20 Sep	School Holidays 20 Sep 2025 - 05 Oct 2025

6 Oct	King's Birthday (Public Holiday) All day

CapSDE - Week Eight 18th March 2025 Newsletter