Week 9, 16th June 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Happy School Cleaners’ Day!

Today, we give a huge shoutout to our incredible cleaning team who keep our school looking its best every single day. Thank you for the early starts, the late finishes, the endless vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing and sanitising – and for doing it all with care and pride.

Your hard work makes a big difference to our students, staff and school community. We appreciate you more than words can say!

Expression of Interest: High School Campdraft Team 2025

We are excited to announce that planning is underway for this year’s High School Campdraft, which will be held in Pittsworth from 4–6 October 2025.

We’re currently calling for Expressions of Interest from students who would like to represent our school in this exciting event.

If your child is keen to participate and are enrolled in our Secondary School and you’d like more information, please get in touch with Hayley Ahern elystanschool@gmail.com.

Clusters - Cancellation of Springsure Cluster

Unfortunately, due to low numbers, we have made the decision to cancel the Springsure Cluster. 

Upcoming Events - Impacts on lessons

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 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.  

Athletics Carnival

What an incredible day of competition, spirit, and celebration at our 2025 CapSDE Athletics Carnival!

Congratulations to Banksia, our overall Carnival Champions!

Wattle took home the Principal’s Spirit Award for outstanding sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and team pride.

It was fantastic to see both teams cheering each other on and showing what true CapSDE spirit looks like!

A huge shoutout to our Age Champions, who are pictured here proudly receiving their medals from our Principal, Amanda.

Special congratulations to our Fastest Boy and Fastest Girl of the Carnival – an incredible achievement!

We’re so proud of every student who participated, supported their teams, and made the day so special.

Age Champions

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Congratulations to our Age Champions

Premier's Reading Challenge

Prep to year 9 students are invited to join in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC).

The PRC is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 6 May to 22 August. Enclosed is a reader record form to tally book read throughout the challenge.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books
• Years 5 to 9 must read at least 15 books.
• Send your completed Student Reader Record form to administration@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au by the 25 August 2025.

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books. The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 216,000 children from around the state participate.

Book suggestions are available on the PRC website:

https://prc.median.com.au/BookList

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form, will receive a Certificate of Achievement. I look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Report Cards

Semester One Report Cards will be sent to families on Monday 21 July, 2025.

What's happening in Primary?

A Special Honour at the Capella Show

Capricornia School of Distance Education was proudly represented at the Capella Show on Friday 23rd May when Mrs Matthews, with the support of Principal Ms Rynne, had the honour of meeting Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, 27th Governor of Queensland.

Her Excellency took a genuine interest in learning more about Mrs Matthews, who proudly shared that she teaches Year 3 at CapSDE. She also spoke about the excitement of her students upon hearing she would be meeting such a distinguished guest.

As part of the Governor’s visit, Mrs Matthews was presented with a special Challenge Coin to share with her students — a moment she described as incredibly memorable. The coin was shown during an online class and later brought along to the Athletics Carnival where students were able to see and hold it in person. The Year 3 students were particularly fascinated by the Roman numerals marking Dr Young’s position as Queensland’s 27th Governor.

The Challenge Coin, featuring the Queensland State flag, a Crown, and the floral emblem of the Cooktown orchid, is a symbolic gift distributed by the Governor during her travels to individuals or groups who have contributed meaningfully to their communities.

This experience was not only an honour for Mrs Matthews, but a proud moment for our school community, celebrating connection, service, and the value of education.

Struck as a challenge coin, it symbolises the Governor’s commitment to connecting with Queenslanders in their communities, particularly young people. One side features the Queensland State flag and a Crown, representing her role as the King’s representative. The other side bears the Cooktown orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum), the floral emblem of Queensland.

Mrs Matthews, Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, 27th Governor of Queensland and Mayor of the Central Highlands Regional Council, Janice Moriarty at the Capella Show.

Outstanding Results on the Track

Congratulations to Brydee and Jesse for their fantastic performances on the track! Both students took out first place in the 1500m and 800m events for their age groups.

Brydee had an exceptional run in the 1500m, not only winning her event but also breaking the 10–12 girls record by an impressive one minute. Jesse was just one second shy of breaking the record in his own 1500m race.

The pair also achieved several second and third-place finishes throughout the day and will now go on to represent at the Roma Districts competition in July. We wish them all the best as they continue their athletics journey!

Year 5 Emerald Campus

Secondary Scoop

Psychology Launches at CSDE!

Year 10's Get a Head Start on the Science of the Mind

We’re excited to announce that Psychology is now officially offered to Year 10 students at CSDE as part of our evolving senior pathways. This engaging subject sets students up for success ahead of Psychology being formally offered as a General subject in Year 11 and 12 from 2026 under the QCAA curriculum.

Already, our pioneering Year 10 Psychology students have completed their second unit, diving deep into the fascinating world of performance and motivation. From exploring what makes people strive—or stall—to learning practical tools they can apply to their own lives, students are finding the subject both meaningful and surprisingly relatable.

One highlight was a lively investigation into the audience effect—that peculiar psychological phenomenon where people underperform simple tasks when being watched. “I’m sure the participants of our experiment would say it was an uncomfortably close look,” one teacher joked, “but our students agreed it was all worth it for science!”

Now, as they move into their next unit—rumoured to be about memory (if only we could remember)—students are beginning to explore strategies to enhance their own recall and learning habits. With topics that span real-world application and teenage relevance, Psychology is fast becoming a student favourite.

As CapSDE continues to expand subject offerings that prepare students for both academic success and lifelong curiosity, Psychology is already proving itself a valuable addition to our curriculum. Stay tuned for more updates as we build toward a full senior Psychology offering in 2026!

eSports Update

Aviation Gateway School

CapSDE Launches First Aviation Gateway Webinar

As a proud Aviation Gateway School, CapSDE was excited to host the first session in our new Aviation Webinar Series.

Students were joined by special guest Oliver Veitch, a student pilot currently completing his flight training to obtain his Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

Oliver shared his journey into aviation, giving our students valuable insight into what it’s like to learn to fly. He spoke about how the theory taught in the Certificate III in Aviation directly connects to real-world flying, helping students see the practical value of their studies.

We look forward to continuing this series and providing more opportunities for our students to engage with industry professionals and explore pathways in aviation.

Did you hear?

The Honourable Company of Air Pilots are, once again, offering Trial Instructional Flight (TIF) Awards to Aerospace Gateway School students. If you have a passion to become a pilot this could be you! Up to eight successful students will win a TIF (valued up to $300) at a CASA approved flight school of their school’s choice anywhere in Queensland!

Applicants must:

Have NO flying experience

Be 16 years old by 30 June 2025

Be enrolled in an Aerospace Gateway School

Senior Schooling

Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students have been fully engaged in a dynamic and demanding period of senior schooling. From completing work experience placements and attending the Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo, to undertaking First Aid training, assessment tasks, and examinations, our senior students have shown impressive commitment and resilience. It’s a busy and important time in their learning journey, and we commend them for their continued focus and determination.

The Short Course in Career Education via Capri Connect is an engaging Year 10 subject designed to help students build their future pathways. Students explore their skills, interests, and career options, aligning with clear learning objectives. This course empowers students to make informed decisions about their study and work futures, encouraging self-awareness and goal-setting. By the end of the course, students develop a comprehensive Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan, guiding their journey for post-year 10 pathways.

A Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan is developed by Year 10 students in partnership with their parents and school to map out their pathway through senior schooling, further education, and work. It is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure students stay on track during the compulsory participation phase, with schools providing learning aligned to the plan. Students will explore their career interests and pathways during their Capri Connect / Short Course in Career Education lessons.

From Week 6 of Term 3, SET Plan Interviews will take place with Heads of Department to support students in making informed decisions about their future. These interviews will guide students through their 2026 subject selections for senior schooling and provide valuable support in exploring post-Year 10 pathway opportunities, including senior schooling, apprenticeships, traineeships including school-based, full-time or part-time work, and Certificate studies at Registered Training Organisations. This personalised approach ensures each student is well-prepared and confident as they plan their next journey.

Year 11 students have now commenced Unit 2, following their participation in the recent subject change process. This transition allows students to tailor their studies to best suit their interests and career goals as they progress through senior schooling.

The Year 11 and 12 senior assessment calendar in progress, it’s a busy time, and we commend all students for their dedication, time management, and strong commitment to their learning. It has been fantastic to see students both on campus and offsite approaching their assessments with focus and determination.

We also acknowledge our Year 12 students studying Essential English and Essential Mathematics, who have recently completed their Common Internal Assessment (CIA) examinations. These assessments are a key part of their results, and we commend them for their focus, effort, and commitment throughout the process.

Year 12 students undertaking General subjects are currently preparing for the upcoming external assessment four-week period, also a key component of their final results. These QCAA-developed exams provide a consistent and rigorous measure of achievement across the state. We acknowledge the focus and effort students are putting into their preparation and wish them all the best as they continue to work towards this important milestone.

With flu season occurring, if illness or unexpected events affect a senior student’s ability to complete assessments, please contact the Head of Department Senior Schooling for support with Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA). They can guide families through the application process to ensure students receive the appropriate support they need.

All Year 11 and 12 students have had the opportunity during Capri Connect to engage in Academic Coaching with their Capri Connect Teacher and actively work on their own QCE tracking using the school’s provided tracking resource. We encourage all senior students to regularly discuss their progress and tracking with their Home Tutor to stay on top of their goals and achieving their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).  Families are also encouraged to book an appointment with the Head of Department Senior Schooling for personalised QCE advice and support.

As we move forward through this busy and important time, we want to acknowledge the dedication and resilience shown by all our Year 10, 11, and 12 students. Their commitment to their learning, pathway planning, and assessment tasks is commendable, and we are proud to support them every step of the way. With ongoing guidance, personalised support, and strong partnerships between students, families, and staff, we look forward to helping each student confidently navigate their senior schooling journey and prepare for a successful future; well done students!

Preparing for SET Planning – Pathways for Your Child’s Future

As we head into the second half of the year, it’s time to start thinking about Senior Education and Training (SET) Planning. In Term 3, all Year 10 students across Qld will participate in SET Plan interviews to map out their learning pathway through Years 11 and 12 — and beyond.

SET Planning is a key part of ensuring each student is on track to achieve their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and is working toward their individual goals, whether that's:

• University

• TAFE or other training

• Apprenticeships or traineeships

• Direct entry to the workforce

Students will be exploring a wide range of learning options, including General and Applied subjects, VET qualifications, Short Courses, and even university subjects studied while still at school.

We encourage all families to start having conversations at home about future plans, interests, and strengths. The decisions made during SET Planning play an important role in shaping your child’s senior years and their post-school pathway.

To support these discussions:

• 📽️ Watch our short Senior Pathways Planning video with your child

• 📄 Download the QCE Learning Options flyer below to see what’s possible

SET Planning interviews will be held Term 3. More details will be provided closer to the date.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with one of our staff members about your child’s options, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can support your child to build a meaningful and successful pathway.

TAFE at school newsletter

As we look forward to a busy career expo season, we’re excited about the many opportunities for high school students across the state to discover more about their future career and training options. These events are pivotal on the calendar each year, providing valuable information on courses, pre-apprenticeship programs, traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities, and other career resources. These events are also excellent platforms to connect, share insights, and inspire. Our TAFE at School staff look forward to meeting with students, their families and VET coordinators at these events.

Additionally, find out more about the exciting school holiday workshops at various Brisbane campuses from 1 - 11 July. These workshops offer a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in hands-on activities, and meet TAFE Queensland’s industry experts.

With Semester 2 around the corner, we encourage you to get in touch with your TAFE at School team to explore course availabilities and opportunities. Our team is here to help you find the best fit for your students and ensure they make the most of their educational journey this year.

Enjoy this newsletter, which includes a snapshot of student and educator stories, as well as more information about upcoming careers events and open days.

Robyn Fraser
Project Manager, School Engagement, TAFE at School

Click the link below to read the TAFE at School Newsletter and access more information.

Ergon Apprenticeship Program

Guidance 'Go-2'

Stressed about end of terms exam?

Family? Friends? Life?

Do you need someone to talk to?

Check out Kids Helpline – there for all your needs

 Open 24/7 - 365 days

What's on in your community?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation - 2025 Creative Arts Competition

The 2025 QATSIF Creative Arts Competition is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary (Yr 7 – 12) students across all Queensland schools.  There is no limit to the range of creative arts that can be entered, so please don’t be limited by the suggestions on our poster and entry form.

This will be our 8^th annual QATSIF Creative Arts Competition.  You can check out our deadly 2024 QATSIF Creative Arts Competition entries at:  https://www.qatsif.org.au/qatsif-creative-arts-competition

All students entering our competition will receive a certificate and either a trophy or medallion.  Griffith University will be sponsoring our competition again and are planning to connect with some of the young artists to offer additional opportunities. 

Please do not send original artworks.  We just require good high-quality images of the artworks.  It is important that artworks (eg. paintings) are square within the photo frame so that the image is not distorted when reprinted.

The competition will close at 5pm on Friday, June 6, 2025.

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