Week 7, 2nd June 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Athletics Carnival

A reminder that our 2025 Athletics Carnival is almost here!

📍 Event Details:

• 1500m Competition
  🗓 Monday 9 June | 🕒 3:30pm
  📌 Denison State School Oval

• Athletics Carnival (Main Event)
  🗓 Tuesday 10 June | 🕒 8:45am–3:00pm
  📌 Marist College Oval, Jeppesen Dr, Emerald

🔸 Primary Students – There will be no lessons on Tuesday 10 June.
🔸Secondary Students – For those not participating, tutorial-style consolidation lessons will be available on Tuesday. These will follow students’ regular timetables and no new content will be introduced.

📌 Important: Please notify the school of any absences as rolls will be marked.

We look forward to a fun and energetic day celebrating student participation and school spirit. 🏆

Our P & C will be holding a sausage sizzle, and a cake stall on the day to keep energy levels up and bellies full! 

Clusters

We’re excited to invite you and your children to our Term Two Cluster Events, held in Week 10 (Wednesday 25 – Thursday 26 June).

These days are one of many highlights in the school calendar, bringing together students in regional hubs where there is a larger concentration of families. Cluster Days provide a valuable opportunity for face-to-face learning, social interaction, and connection with peers and teachers.

Clusters comprise of engaging, hands-on activities delivered by teachers. The Cluster Day program is designed to be fun, collaborative, and enriching—supporting both social and academic development.

Clusters will be held across a number of locations, with options for single-day, multi-day, and overnight events.

These Clusters are not mandatory to attend. For Primary students who do not attend the Cluster Days, an online program will be provided. Attendance is still expected on these days, and students who are not participating in Cluster activities will be required to engage in the online learning provided. Secondary lessons will continue as per student timetables; however, these will be a consolidation of prior learning with no new content. Rolls will be marked.

✅ RSVP Deadline: Wednesday 11 June

Please complete your RSVP using the relevant link(s) below and return the signed consent form to admin@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au by the due date.

Should you have any questions about the events or travel arrangements, feel free to contact the staff member mentioned on the consent form for that area.

We look forward to sharing this special time with your family!

🔔 Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the important information detailed in the Additional Requirements section of the Agnes Waters Consent form. 

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.

Digital Media Literacy and Safety

Due to your school’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth wellbeing through its partnership with SchoolTV, we would like to invite parents, carers, grandparents, educators and school leaders to attend an exclusive webinar supporting primary and secondary students.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)
DATE: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Join us for an exclusive session with two of Australia's leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Topics in this webinar include:
•    Artificial Intelligence
•    Misinformation & Algorithms
•    Sexting and Sextortion
•    Online Grooming

**** IMPORTANT ****
Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.

Participants must register prior to the commencement of the webinar to gain access. 

Alternatively, you may click on the link below to register for the webinar.
http://capricorniasde.eq.schooltv.me/webinar/qld-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-2  

We look forward to having you join us for this insightful and engaging session.
From the SchoolTV Team

Upcoming Events - Impacts on lessons

Athletics Day 2025, Tuesday June 10 – Important Information for Families

Athletics Day in 2025 will be held in Emerald on Tuesday June 10. All students from Prep to Year 12 have been invited to nominate and attend this event. We strongly encourage as many students as possible to participate and represent our school; however, we understand that attendance may not be possible for everyone.

Please note the following arrangements for the day:

• Primary School: All lessons for Primary students from both the Rockhampton and Emerald campuses will be cancelled for the day.
• Secondary School: While there will likely be lower attendance from our Secondary cohort, tutorial-style sessions will still be held. These sessions will focus on consolidating current learning and offering additional academic support. No new content will be introduced, ensuring that students who attend Athletics Day are not disadvantaged.

We look forward to a fantastic day celebrating student participation and school spirit.

Show Holidays - Staffing and Lesson Impacts

Students are encouraged to observe the Show Holiday in their own locality. Please note that this may differ from the scheduled Emerald and Rockhampton Show Holidays.

If your student attends on a day that coincides with a staff member’s local Show Holiday, lessons with that teacher will not occur. All other lessons will proceed as normal.

Emerald Show Holiday – Wednesday, 4th June

All Emerald staff, administration, and leadership based at the Emerald Campus will observe the Emerald Show Holiday on Wednesday, 4th June. As a result, the Emerald Campus will be closed.  

The following Emerald Primary staff will not be delivering lessons on this date:

• Michelle Jensen
• Melinda Shepherd
• Meredith Smith
• Kristie McEwan
• Christine Rapmund
• Kathryn Rix
• Courtney Hawkins
• Kim Cheal
• Yvonne Hodgson
• Kellie Dobson
• Elizabeth Insch
• Meredith Smith

Rockhampton Show Holiday – Thursday, 12th June
Secondary Department

All Rockhampton Primary and Secondary staff, administration, and leadership based at the Rockhampton Campus will observe the Rockhampton Show Holiday on Thursday, 12th June. As a result, the Rockhampton Campus will be closed, and no lessons will be held for Secondary students on that day.

In addition, the following Rockhampton Primary staff will not be delivering lessons on this date:

• Sheree Campbell
• Amelia Borg
• Jo Long
• Michelle Gettinby
• Jo Grace
• Paula Goodman
• Tegan Kime
• Gabby Keenan
• Sheridan McIntyre
• Nikki Wex
• Megan Pedler
• Tamara Elgowhary
• Douglas Rutherford
• Natalie Wilkes

Cluster Days – Week 10 (25–26 June 2025)

Our 2025 Cluster Days will take place in Week 10, on Wednesday 25 June and Thursday 26 June. These special days are designed to bring students together in locations where there is a higher concentration of students, providing a valuable opportunity for face-to-face learning and connection.

Clusters comprise of engaging, hands-on activities delivered by teachers. The Cluster Day program is designed to be fun, collaborative, and enriching—supporting both social and academic development.

For students who do not attend the Cluster Days, an online program will continue. Attendance is still expected on these days, and students who are not participating in Cluster activities will be required to engage in the online learning provided.  Rolls will be marked.

We look forward to connecting with many of our students in person and making these days both enjoyable and impactful.

P & C Cake Stall

A friendly reminder that the P&C will be running a free BBQ (consisting of sausages in bread, poppers and fruit) next Tuesday 10th June at the Athletics Carnival.  

(If you can lend a hand to set up, prep or serve on the day it would be most appreciated). 

In addition to running the free BBQ sausage sizzle at the Athletics Carnival, the P&C is holding a fundraising home bake stall and is calling for donations from any Emerald and Rockhampton families that are willing to donate home bake to sell on the stall.  (If you are able to donate home bake, please consider the weather conditions for storage and if possible, individually wrap/package items or we can sell from a container on the day.  Could you please also include an ingredients list and note, nuts cannot be used in any cooking).  

Funds raised will go towards P&C end of year expenses!

Thank you for considering cooking and donating and we look forward to seeing you at Athletics!

Kind Regards,
CSDE P&C

P & C Pie Drive

🥧 P&C Pie Drive – Raising Funds for 2026 Camps! 🥧

The P&C is excited to launch a Pie Drive to help raise funds for our 2026 school camps!

This is a delicious way to support a great cause — all money raised will go directly towards supporting students to attend camp experiences in 2026. Choose from a range of tasty pies that the whole family will enjoy!

Please note this is only available for those that can pick up their pies from the Rockhampton Campus during Term 3 Mini-school. 

Key Dates:

• Order forms and payment due: Thursday 1st August

• Pie pick-up: During Term 3 Mini-school at Rockhampton Campus

The Order Form is available via the link below, so get your orders in early.
All forms to be returned via email to csdepnc.secretary@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting our school community — and happy eating!

P & C General Meeting - 17th June 3:30pm

Our next general meeting will be held on the 17th June at 3:30pm. 

There will be a short Special Meeting at 3:20pm on the 17th June, just before the general meeting to discuss the possible amendments to the constitution that were raised during the AGM.  

Preparing for the Emerald Show!

Behind the scenes today at the Emerald Showgrounds, Mrs Bailey was busy assembling a vibrant display of student artwork in preparation for the upcoming Emerald Show.

The display showcases the creativity, colour, and effort of our students from across year levels, and is a wonderful reflection of the artistic talent within our school community.

A huge thank you to Mrs Bailey for her dedication and time in pulling everything together – we can’t wait for visitors to enjoy the final result!

If you're visiting the show, don’t miss the opportunity to see our students’ work on display – it’s sure to impress!

Student Spotlight

Georgia Rides to Success at Bouldercombe Pony Club Event

Student Spotlight: Georgia

We’re thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Georgia, who recently took part in her first official rally for 2025 representing The Caves Pony Club at the Annual Bouldercombe Pony Club Gymkhana and Sports Day.

Georgia impressed with her strong riding skills, taking out three 1st places and placing in every event she entered. Her consistency and sportsmanship throughout the day earned her a 3rd place overall in the 11/12 years age group.

Congratulations to Georgia on this fantastic result – a great start to the Pony Club season! We look forward to following her journey and future successes.

📷 See some great shots from the day below.

Spinal Health Week 2025: Get the Heads Up on Tech Neck!

📅 26 May – 1 June 2025

Last week was Spinal Health Week and the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) was raising awareness about tech neck—a growing health concern caused by prolonged use of phones, tablets, and computers with poor posture.

Tech neck (also known as Tension Neck Syndrome) can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain, as well as headaches. It affects adults and children alike, especially with the increasing use of digital devices at work, school, and home.

Chiropractic care offers a drug-free, holistic approach to treating and preventing tech neck. ACA chiropractors provide expert advice on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle to improve spinal health and overall wellbeing.

📱 Did you know?

• 1 in 5 Australians experience neck pain.

• 46% of children aged 6–13 own or have access to a mobile device.

• MSDs, including tech neck, cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually.

Top Tips:

• Limit screen time.

• Encourage good posture.

• Set up ergonomic workspaces.

• Take regular breaks from devices.

To learn more, access free resources or find an ACA chiropractor near you, visit:
👉 www.spinalhealthweek.org.au

Online Japanese Exchange between Longreach School of Distance Education and Inase Elementary School.

On Thursday, 29^th May, 37 students and teachers from LSODE joined a 4^th grade class from Inase Elementary School in Japan for an online exchange. Students from Inase ES told the LSODE students what they liked in English and asked a variety of questions such as:

• What is your favourite anime?
• What food do you like to eat?
• What sport do you like to play?
• What is your favourite song/artist?

Students from LSODE answered the questions in English. The Year 5 students then presented information about themselves in Japanese and the Year 6 students presented information about their pets in Japanese and asked some questions.

The students from Inase Elementary school were very impressed with LSODE students’ level of Japanese.

We also shared a PowerPoint about Longreach and LSODE with Inase ES. The Japanese students and teachers were particularly interested in the students’ timetable. At Inase ES, students go to school from approximately 8:15am in the morning to 4:15pm in the afternoon. They then do their sports, hobbies and homework after that.

Overall, the experience was very worthwhile and valuable for both schools.

What's happening in Primary?

Scholastic Book Club - Issue 4 Out Now!

Book Club provides families with an affordable and convenient way to access the best in Australian and international children's literature. As well as bridging the important class-to-home reading gap, Book Club also benefits Australian schools—for every Book Club order placed, Scholastic gives back 15% of the order spend to schools to spend on valuable educational resources via its Scholastic Rewards program.

Marlborough Sports Day

Any students who are interested in attending the Marlborough Sports Day on 20^th June, please complete the attached Word document, and e-mail it to Sharon Polkinghourne (from Marlborough State School) on spolk1@eq.edu.au.

Secondary Scoop

CapSDE eSports Club

Last week marked our very first Esports game meeting, and what an exciting start it was!

Our secondary student gamers came together to connect, compete, and collaborate in an awesome afternoon of gaming and learning.

Everyone was added to the new Esports QLearn classroom, where we’ll be sharing updates, game schedules, and wellbeing tips and most importantly – eSport comps. We kicked things off by discussing the importance of balancing gaming with mental health—because being a great gamer starts with a healthy mindset. Then, we hit the virtual field and played some matches of Rocket League, with plenty of laughs and teamwork on display!

If you’re a secondary student who loves gaming and wants to be part of a fun, supportive team, there’s still room to join. Jump into the game—Esports is just getting started!

eSports Gaming Club

Are you ready to level up? Our new eSports Gaming Club has now launched in Term 2, and we want YOU to be part of the action! Whether you're a casual player or a competitive gamer, this is your chance to hone your skills, connect with like-minded students, and experience structured gameplay in a fun and supportive environment over an 8-week trial period.

No experience needed—just bring your passion for gaming!

Spots are limited, so register your interest now by emailing Mrs Schofield. Let’s game on!

Real-World Learning: Week 5 Work Experience Highlights

During Week 5, several of our secondary students took part in Work Experience, gaining valuable insight into life beyond the classroom and exploring future career pathways.

Jayde Lyons - Capricorn Veterinary Surgery

Jayde shared: 

I did my work experience at Capricorn veterinary surgery. I enjoyed going to the race track and watching the horses run. It was mostly fun at the clinic too, animals, other than cats and dogs came in, such as a kookaburra and a lamb. It was a happy environment and all the staff were great to be around, though I wouldn’t want to be a Vet it was a good experience.

Archie Johanson – Bolsover Dental Practice
Archie spent the week at Bolsover Dental Practice in Rockhampton, experiencing some hands-on dental procedures.

Archie shared:

I worked at Bolsover Dental Practice and really enjoyed getting to see how different Dental Assistants and Dentists work with different patients depending on their needs. It was a great learning opportunity for me and I'm very grateful for the experience. I learnt how to set up trays for different works that needed to be done and how the sterilisation room is operated. It's defiantly something I am interested in. 

Well done, Archie, on representing our school so positively and making the most of this valuable experience!

Kayla Jocelyn – Primary School
Kayla shared: 

I did my work experience at a local Primary School; I worked with the lower grades like Prep classrooms all week. I helped students with the classwork and activities. I set up playground activities in the mornings and other activities throughout the day. I really enjoyed my time there and I would definitely consider going there again, and I could see myself in that field of work. 

Logan Higgins - Sunwater Biloela
Logan shared: 

I worked at Sunwater in Biloela and they showed me how the pumps run and operate. I really enjoyed learning and getting to see and do different things. Everyone who showed me around were good guys who were keen to answer my questions and teach me. I'm grateful for the experience and look forward to possibly doing more work experience with them in Term 4.

Senior HaSS Snapshot

Future Accountants at Work: Students Dive Into MYOB Assessment

Year 11 Accounting students have been hard at work this term, applying their skills and knowledge in a hands-on assessment using MYOB (Mind Your Own Business) — one of Australia’s leading accounting software platforms used by small to medium-sized businesses.

The MYOB assessment forms a key part of the practical curriculum, giving students real-world experience in managing financial transactions, recording journal entries and producing financial reports. It allows them to step into the shoes of a professional bookkeeper or junior accountant and better understand how technology integrates with accounting principles. This kind of practical training not only reinforces classroom learning but also strengthens employability. As businesses increasingly seek graduates with hands-on software experience, mastering tools like MYOB gives students a competitive edge in the job market.

In addition to technical skills, students have been developing attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and time management — all critical for success in the accounting profession.

Year 12 Accounting students are rapidly approaching the completion of their senior course. This term they will complete a major project also using MYOB, in addition students are also developing and analysing cash budgets, a key financial planning tool. This part of the assessment enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, helping them understand the importance of cash flow management for business success. As Term 3 concludes, students will begin preparing for their external exam, the final assessment that marks the culmination of their studies. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied accounting, students are well-positioned to tackle the challenge ahead with confidence.

Congratulations to our Year 12 Accounting students for their dedication and persistence. The finish line is in sight — and their hard work is adding up to success.

Economics Students Explore the Brisbane Rental Crisis Through Supply and Demand Assessment

Year 11 Economics students have been sharpening their analytical skills this term with a timely and challenging assessment: analysing the supply and demand dynamics of the Brisbane rental property market.

Amid ongoing headlines about rising rents, low vacancy rates, and housing affordability concerns, the assessment invited students to explore real-world data and apply key economic models to current market conditions. The goal was to assess how various factors — from population growth to construction delays — are influencing the rental sector in Queensland’s capital.

The project not only reinforced fundamental concepts like elasticity, equilibrium, and market failure, but also encouraged critical thinking and policy evaluation — core skills for any future economist.

Well done to all the students who tackled this complex issue with curiosity and rigour. The Brisbane rental market may still be under pressure, but these students are proving more than capable of analysing it with insight and depth.

Legal Studies

Year 12 Legal studies students have been fabulously engaged and working very hard to analyse and make law reform recommendations regarding hate, abuse or defamation online.  This is a very complex and difficult area of law that governments all over the world are currently finding very challenging because these laws are about protecting people from harm whilst balancing freedom of speech.  The students are ‘nailing’ the work and developing fantastic recommendations for law reform.

Social and Community Studies

This term in Social and Community Studies, students have been diving into the exciting world of recreation and leisure! We’ve been exploring how these activities play a vital role in our health, happiness and community connection.

Now, it’s time for our young changemakers to put their learning into action! Students are stepping into the shoes of community advocates as they prepare to pitch their proposals to town planners, arguing for new facilities that will benefit a specific demographic.

From Catnip Cafe for animal lovers, to heated town pools for families, and gaming cafés to bring young people together — the ideas are creative, thoughtful and full of passion.

We can’t wait to see which proposals will win the hearts (and plans!) of our town planners. Stay tuned for updates on these fantastic projects!

Highlight on Student Pathways & Traineeships

Hi, my name is Alanah, and I am currently completing a Certificate III in School-Based Education Support, which I expect to finish around July or August. This certificate is training me to become a teacher aide for both primary and secondary schools, but right now, I’m focusing on primary education.

Every Monday, I do my placement at Taranganba State School. During the first term, I switched between different classrooms and grades each week, which gave me a chance to learn in a variety of settings. This year, I’ve been working with the grade 1s, and I’ve loved getting to know the students and staff better.

I’ve really enjoyed working on this certificate because it’s taught me so much about teaching kids, managing a classroom, and even how a workplace operates. The teachers and staff at Taranganba have been so supportive—they treat me like part of the team and still give me helpful feedback to help me learn and grow.

It’s taken me less than two years to work through this certificate, even though it’s usually expected to take longer. I’m really grateful that CapSDE lets us focus on just four subjects while completing a Cert III because it gave me more time to work on my assignments. I won’t lie—balancing school, work, and life has been tricky at times, especially since I can procrastinate. But having spares and setting up a routine has made it much easier to stay on top of everything.

Overall, working on my Certificate III has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to handle responsibilities, which I know will help me in the future. If you already have an idea of what you want to do after school and there’s a certificate available for it, I highly recommend giving it a shot!

Guidance 'Go-2'

What's on in your community?

WEP Australia is pleased to announce a special promotion for all students enrolled in QLD schools.

Students aged 14-17 can now apply for an exchange program departing between January-March 2026, allowing them to broaden their horizons and experience life and schooling overseas for a short term (under 90 days), a semester or a year.

The best part? To allow more QLD students to apply, we are offering $750 off the program fee! This is in addition to other discounts we have available.

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