Week 5, 22nd May 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Beware The Buzz

Ai Character Bot programs have been in the media lately, programs that allow a user to engage in a realistic online relationship with a computer generated program. These programs have already caused concern for parents and carers as it relates to their children with one mother taking a company to court over the suicide of her son.

The founder of Internet Safe Education Brett Lee recently conducted a webinar about one of these programs called PolyBuzz. In the webinar, Brett outlines what these programs are and everything we need to know as a parent or carer to protect our children from potential issues surrounding them.

We have been invited to share the link to this webinar with our school community as many parents may not understand the seriousness of this new technology. Click on the link below to watch the webinar.

2025 Spaghetti Bridge Building Competition - open to Years 5 - 12.

We are entering into the 2025 Spaghetti Bridge Building Competition, where we are simply taking a packet of spaghetti and turning it into a bridge structure that supports the weight, and then we're finding out what bridge structure can hold the maximum weight. It's a great competition where you'll learn some STEM skills in terms of design concepts and engineering.

Win up to $700 prize money participating in the 2025 Spaghetti Bridge Building Competition! Watch the video below to learn more, or chat to Mr Bruggeman.

What's happening in Primary?

Eisteddfod Success!

Eisteddfod Success!

A huge congratulations to our Rockhampton Primary Choir who proudly represented CapSDE at the Eisteddfod this week — placing 3rd with their vibrant performance of "Living in the Jungle"

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and dedication of our team:

Mrs Ward – our talented vocal coach

Mr Scheuber – providing piano accompaniment

 Mrs Hawley – supervisor and coordinator extraordinaire!

Thank you for your time, energy, and passion. Your efforts made this opportunity possible and gave our students a moment to shine!We are so proud of our young performers — what an amazing experience!

Whole School Disco Prep - Year 12 Rocky

Thursday evening students have the opportunity to attend the Whole School Disco. The theme is athletics/ sportsperson. A consent form will be required for this event, see link below. All information regarding this event is detailed in the consent form below. 

Location: James Lawrence Pavilion Rockhampton Showgrounds

Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm

Theme: Athletics Sportsperson (dress up is optional)

Students will not be permitted to leave the premises throughout the event and parents will be required to sign students out at the end of the evening. 

While the Disco is for students (and those parents who are volunteering for the P&C), those parents not volunteering have organised to 'mingle' at the Rocky Sports Club during the duration of the disco if parents wish to attend. This is also open to students and families from 7:30pm. 

Secondary Scoop

Year 10 Aerospace & Engineering Taster Elective

If you're curious about how things fly, how systems work together, and how to solve real-world problems using innovative technologies, then our Semester 2 Year 10 elective is for you!

Designed as a taster for the senior Aerospace Systems and Engineering subjects, this course introduces you to the fundamentals of aeronautics, aerospace operations, engineering principles, and systems thinking. You’ll investigate how technologies are developed and applied to solve complex, open-ended problems, just like professionals in the aerospace and engineering industries.

Through engaging, hands-on learning, you'll develop critical and creative thinking, teamwork, communication, and ICT skills that are essential for success in any future pathway. Whether you're interested in drones, aircraft, design, or sustainable solutions, this subject will challenge and inspire you while preparing you for the exciting opportunities available in senior STEM subjects and beyond.

Teenage Takeover

TEENAGE TAKEOVER at Mini-School!

Our Years 7–10 students stepped up and took over this week at Secondary Mini-School with the theme: Teenage Takeover – Reimagining the Zoo!

On Tuesday, students explored the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens & Zoo. For those online, Mr Tregilles and Mr Bruggeman went the extra mile, broadcasting live from the zoo so no one missed out!

On Friday, students present their final pitches to a local councillor, sharing their imaginative ideas for reimagining the zoo. Presentations will be live in the hall at North Street, online, and via QLearn and parents are invited to attend.

We can't wait to see their amazing work come to life!

Astronomy Evening - Secondary

✨🔭 Stars, Stories & Stargazing! 🌌🌕

After a few weather issues during Term One Mini-school, our secondary students kicked off Term Two Mini-School week with an unforgettable Astronomy Evening on Monday night — and the weather was perfect! 🌟

Under clear skies, students explored the wonders of the universe, asked big questions, and got hands-on with telescopes to spot stars, planets, and more. It was a night full of curiosity, connection, and cosmic discovery!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success, especially Mrs Hood for being the brains behind the event.  💫

John McGrath also briefly mentioned us on Wednesday morning on ABC Capricornia! 

IT Support - Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade

After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.

Windows 11 is a new Windows experience, bringing you closer to what you love. With intuitive navigation and easy organization, Windows 11 has a whole new look, more apps, and efficient ways to be creative and productive.

This guide helps you get ready for Windows 11 and make the move. When you sign in with a Microsoft account, your files and Favourites come with you to Windows 11, helping you quickly get back to doing what you love.

Decide which device to use to run Windows 11

Windows 11 can run on PCs that meet the minimum hardware requirements. It might come pre-installed on new PCs, or you might be able to upgrade PCs currently running Windows 10.

Note: Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11. System requirements to experience some Windows 11 features and apps might exceed the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements.

To check if your current Windows 10 PC can run Windows 11, download the PC Health Check app once it becomes available. Download PC Health Check.

For more about system requirements, see Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements.

If you're running a version of Windows that is out of support, or if your PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11, consider moving to a new Windows 11 device. 

Back up your files

By default, your files, and data transfer to your new PC. We recommend you back up your files before you install Windows 11. To learn how, see Backup your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive.

Install Windows 11

Once the Windows 11 upgrade is tested and validated for your specific PC, Windows Update indicates that it's ready for installation.

To check if Windows 11 is ready for your device:

1. Select Start  and then select Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update .
   
   Or
   
   Select the following Windows Update shortcut:   Open Windows Update

1. In the Windows Update window that opens, select the Check for updates button.

Note: If there are updates available for the current version of Windows, the Windows 11 upgrade might not be made available until those updates are installed. Install any updates for the current version of Windows, restart the device, and then try checking for the Windows 11 upgrade again.

1. If Windows 11 is ready to be installed on the device, a message is displayed in the Windows Update window showing that Windows 11 is ready.
2. To proceed with the upgrade to Windows 11, select the Download and install button.

Note: Downloading and installing Windows 11 usually takes longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use your PC while Windows 11 downloads. Additionally, the install can be scheduled to happen at a specific time when you aren't planning on using your PC.

If you require any support with updating to Windows 11, please email it.support@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au or call IT on 0498 232 677.

Farm Safety Calendar Competition

More than 1500 students from all over Queensland entered last year’s Farm safety calendar competition with 12 brilliant artworks selected for the 2025 calendar. We’re calling for entries for this year’s competition and asking for your help to spread the word to your school community.

The Farm safety calendar competition raises awareness among primary school students and their communities of common hazards on farms and other rural properties. The published calendar is an opportunity for safety messages to be prominently displayed in the home throughout the year, reminding Queenslanders of all ages to work and play safely on farm properties.

Queensland primary school students (prep to grade 6) are encouraged to draw and colour a picture to illustrate a farm safety message.

Winning students receive a $250 gift card and $500 for their school!

Guidance 'Go-2'

What's on in your community?

ATTN: Year 9-12 students & parents whose children are considering a career in medicine.

We would like to remind students who are considering a career in medicine that places in 'The Future Doctors Australia' 2025 program are filling up fast. If you would like to inform your students about the upcoming program, please include the announcement below (or a similar version) in your school newsletter or share it with students on your school’s social media platform. Share on Facebook

The Future Doctors Australia program offers a unique opportunity for school students (ages 14-18) aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. 4-days of high-impact, engaging sessions led by experienced medical specialists, practical learning activities, and insights into the admission process, the program aims to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their medical journey.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance from medical professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of healthcare.

Program Details | Fees | Enrolment Form

Photo gallery of previous programs

List of Medical Specialists & Clinical Staff Guest Speakers and Presenters

Beginner Language Bootcamp

Translation services available!

At the Institute of Modern Languages, we provide NAATI-certified translation services designed to deliver accurate and culturally relevant content tailored to your audience. Our expertise spans a wide range of documents including marketing materials, legal contracts/agreements, medical content, and personal documents.

We also deliver fully formatted, web-optimised and print-ready brochures, flyers, and fact sheets—ready to connect with your audience.

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