Week 1, 15th July 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Principal's Pen

Dear Students, Home Tutors, Families and Staff,

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope this newsletter finds you rested, recharged, and ready for the next exciting chapter in our school year. I had a lovely break myself, spent with close family and friends—something I always treasure. A real highlight for me was seeing Dorothy the Dinosaur live with my daughter and granddaughters. It was a beautiful full-circle moment, as I remember seeing the same show years ago with my own daughters when they were little. Moments like that remind me just how important it is to prioritise family, friends, and meaningful connection—values that sit at the heart of who we are as a school community.

Term 3 is shaping up to be another big one! We have an incredible line-up of activities, events, and learning opportunities ahead:

• Week 1: Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival (16–18 July) – A great way to ignite a passion for reading and creativity.
• Week 4: School Support Staff Recognition Week (4–8 August) – A time to thank those who keep our school running smoothly.
• Week 5:  
• Prep–Year 4 Mini-school and Year 5/6 Camp to Canberra – Two wonderful experiences designed to build independence, learning, and friendships.
• Year 10–12 Study Hub (Tue–Thu in L Block/Outstation) – The Study Hub for Years 10–12 is an exciting opportunity to bring our older students on-site to support both their academic and social connection. They’ll still attend their online classes while benefiting from face-to-face time with peers and staff. This initiative will help us better support these students during a key phase in their journey.
• Week 7: ICPA Years 4–7 Sports Camp – A fantastic opportunity for students to develop teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Week 8: Teacher Aide Appreciation Week
• Friday 5 September: Student-Free Day (no lessons)
• Week 10: Years 7–9 Camp to Noosa
• Friday 19 September: Data Day (no lessons)

Also, dotted in amongst all of the above are numerous sporting events including Western 7s, Cricket Blast, Camp drafts, and Tennis competitions, to name but a few of the wonderful things our students get to participate in.

I am also thrilled to welcome back an exciting international experience:

• Oshu City Student Exchange: CapSDE is proud to be hosting the Oshu City Student Exchange Program, with homestay taking place from Wednesday, 30 July to Wednesday, 6 August. A heartfelt thank you to Georgina Harch and her team for their outstanding work in organising what promises to be another memorable and meaningful experience for our visiting students and families. This cultural exchange continues to strengthen global connections and build understanding across communities.

Amidst all the excitement, we remain deeply focused on learning. We also continue to embrace the joy that comes from learning—whether it’s on camp, in the classroom, or through connection with others.

This term, I’ve found myself reflecting on our school values—accountability, integrity, respect, resilience, and relationships. In particular, one “soft skill” keeps coming to mind: reliability. In a world that’s ever-changing, being someone others can count on is a powerful asset. Reliability builds trust. It means showing up, doing your best, sticking to routines, following through on your commitments, and being consistent in your actions.

For our students, learning reliability starts now. That includes small but significant habits like being on time, being prepared, and doing what you say you’ll do. Being late, or failing to follow through, doesn’t just impact you—it can inconvenience classmates, teachers, teammates, and others who are relying on you. These may seem like minor things, but together they shape who we are and how others see us.

As parents, home tutors, and educators, our role is to guide and model this skill—through regular routines, clear communication, and follow-through. When students see this in action, they begin to understand just how important it is—not just for school, but for life.

Tomorrow, I’ll be attending the Future Pathways Forum Breakfast—an event that brings together schools from across Central Queensland along with business and industry leaders. It’s an incredible initiative now in its second year, focused on building stronger, more effective employment pathways for high school students. We’ll be hearing from Simon Kuestenmacher from The Demographics Group, who will share insight into future workforce needs.

The forum reminds us how vital it is that we, as educators, stay connected with industry to ensure we are equipping students with the right tools for their futures. I suspect one of the most sought-after traits will be—you guessed it—reliability.

Employers are looking for young people who show up, take initiative, and follow through. Together, we can help our students build these qualities every day.

Let’s make Term 3 one to remember—full of learning, laughter, connection, and growth.

Warm regards,
Amanda Rynne

Report Cards

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

Bitesize Biscuit Box Fundraiser

Secondary Leading Edge

Hello, Hello!

My name is Alanah Rooney, and I am one of the Secondary School Captain, as well as being Wattle House Captain!

I’m thrilled to announce that this segment is becoming a regular feature. (Hopefully, it will continue even next year!) Each week, one of the 5 Secondary School leaders will share an article. These will give you a little insight into who we are and keep you updated on what’s happening in the school.

Here’s a quick “get to know me”: I absolutely love animals, especially dogs. I’m also a dancer and once attempted to eat a 1kg doughnut at Kenilworth bakery! (Spoiler: I didn’t make it.) I think I got halfway, but my dad insists it was only a third… you can decide who to believe. For the record, he finished his doughnut and then spent the rest of the day sleeping.

At home, I have one puppy named Banjo. He’s three years old, a 5kg cavoodle, and the cutest fluffball of love. My favourite colours are purple and sage green. In fact, I even painted my room sage green and decorated it with purple accents. My idea of a perfect afternoon is reading a good book with a cup of tea in hand.

Being both School Captain and Wattle House Captain is such an honour. It’s given me many opportunities to be a part of our school community, such as the school disco. If you were at the disco, I was the one at the front getting the YMCA confused because letters are hard! The disco has been a big highlight of my time as School Captain, and I can’t wait to take part in more school events. Speaking of the disco, some of you may have seen my trusty sidekick there… Gerald! If you don’t know Gerald, he’s an adorable duck balloon (but very real in our hearts) who was gifted to me at the last swimming carnival. He quickly became Wattle’s unofficial mascot and has been my loyal companion ever since, joining me at mini-schools and even some events outside of school!

Thank you for taking the time to read my “get to know me”! I can’t wait to share more with you soon. If you have any questions for us leaders or ideas for things you’d like us to talk about, feel free to send me an email.

Talk to you next time!

Alanah

What's happening in Primary?

Capri Connect - Primary

At Capricornia School of Distance Education, we know that learning isn’t just about lessons and assignments—it’s also about feeling connected, supported, and a part of our school community. That’s why we have Capri-Connect, a school-based program designed for our Prep to Year 6 students and their Home Tutors to come together each week in a relaxed and friendly environment online. 

Secondary Scoop

Esports Program Now Underway at CapSDE

Valor Esports Inclusion Grant: Esports Program Now Underway at CapSDE

We are excited to announce that CapSDE has been awarded the Valor Esports Grant, launching a brand-new structured esports training program for our students.

This initiative is about more than just games. It’s about helping students build essential life and career skills through an activity they love. Through weekly sessions powered by the Valor platform, our students will grow in areas such as:

• Communication & Teamwork: Students practice clear communication and cooperation under pressure — vital for both school and future work.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Over 60% of student esports participants nationwide were previously uninvolved in school life. Esports offers a welcoming space for everyone.
• Attendance & Motivation: Some schools report up to 10% increases in attendance, as students become excited to engage.
• Digital & Critical Thinking Skills: From game strategy to hardware use, esports enhances digital literacy, strategic thinking, and even interest in STEM fields.

We’ve already kicked off our first sessions and are thrilled by the enthusiasm and engagement from our learners. Over the past few weeks, we've tracked how our team feels during training — and here's what we've learned!

• Challenge Level stayed steady, meaning our sessions are hitting the right balance to help players grow.

To support our team, we’ll continue to:

• Celebrate small wins to build confidence
• Add variety to keep excitement high
• Refine sessions to maintain focus

The esports program helps students develop:

• Problem-solving under pressure
• Resilience and leadership
• Focus and memory
• A sense of school pride and connection

We’re proud to be at the forefront of this exciting educational movement. Stay tuned as we share our students’ progress and success stories throughout the year! Let’s keep levelling up together team!

#ValorEsports #EsportsInSchools #DigitalLiteracy #STEMEducation #FutureReady #Teamwork #StudentEngagement #InclusiveEducation

Jayde Lyons

Wishing the very best of luck to Jayde Lyons from Morinish, QLD, as she represents Australia at the Cinch National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming, USA! 

Jayde is competing in Girls Cutting and her first event kicks off today! We're so proud of her journey with the Australian High School Rodeo Association and can't wait to see her shine on the world stage.

Let’s cheer her on as she rides with heart, grit, and Aussie spirit!

STEM in Action

Students from Cert I in Agriculture and Cert III in Aviation had an exciting day at the Integrated STEM event at the Smart Cropping Centre in Emerald at the end of last term.

They explored the future of AgTech with hands-on activities including drone demos, Swarm Farm autonomous tractors, machine vision programming, and building soil moisture sensors and greenhouse grow lights.

Big thanks to Mrs Wheatley and Mrs Hinchliffe for supporting such a fantastic opportunity!

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Aerospace Gateway Schools - Opportunities

We are pleased to share with you that QANTAS have opened applications for their 2026 engineering apprenticeship program. 

Please note:  These are FULL TIME roles commencing in 2026 (ie NOT school based)

Below are the links to application forms and further information.  If you have students that are interested please encourage them to apply:

• Mechanical, Avionics & Structures -  https://au.smrtr.io/8Cry
• Fabric - https://au.smrtr.io/8CrK  (responsible for the manufacture and repair of aircraft fabric, trimming and furnishings)

Applications close Saturday 10^th August 2025.

Guidance 'Go-2'

NAIDOC Week is an important time to recognise and celebrate indigenous history and culture.

NAIDOC celebrations occurred during the school holidays between 6-13 July and we here at CapSDE, wanted to recognise and acknowledge the importance of NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future.  The below link from our School Tv is a great watch to understand further the meaning and importance of NAIDOC week.

https://capricorniasde.eq.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week

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!

Employment, Apprenticeships & Traineeships

🔧💼 Employment, Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Looking to get started on your career while still at school—or right after graduation? Explore current apprenticeship, traineeship, and entry-level job opportunities across Central Queensland and beyond.

These roles are a great way to gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and take the first steps toward a meaningful career.

Check out the latest opportunities here:

SBT/A Vacancies QLD

Apprenticeships/Traineeships Jora - QLD

Apprenticeships/Traineeships Indeed QLD

https://www.apprenticeshipcentral.com.au/

https://www.megt.com.au

https://masnational.com.au/jobs-board/ 

https://www.seek.com.au/apprenticeship-jobs 

💡 Remember: Talk to your VET Coordinator or Senior School Head of Department if you need help finding a pathway that suits your interests.

What's on in your community?

Parentline is funded by the Qld government to offer free and confidential, one-off or ongoing telephone counselling and support for parents and others who care for young people. 

We know that families are complex and that anything can affect the functioning of a family. We are available from 8am - 10pm, 7 days per week. Every day of the year. Parents and carers have the option to call or use our web chat. Regardless, you are always speaking with a degree qualified counsellor who is able to offer support, guidance, and therapeutic care.

Whether you concerns feel big or small, we are here to support Qld families. Phone 1300 30 1300 or visit www.parentline.com.au 

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