Week 2, 21st July 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Student Spotlight - Jessie

Over the school holidays, Capricornia School of Distance Education student Jessie competed at the 2025 Interschool State Championships in Toowoomba — and achieved outstanding results!

Riding her horse Karouselle Kat Walk, Jessie competed in Novice Dressage, placing 7th overall in a highly competitive field. She also took on Combined Training 80cm, where she secured an incredible 1st place out of 39 riders! 

Although Jessie wasn't representing CapSDE at this event, we are incredibly proud of her dedication and success. Her impressive performance has earned her and Kat Walk a golden ticket to Nationals, where they’ll represent Queensland in Sydney later this year.

Well done, Jessie — we’ll be cheering you on as you take the next big step on your equestrian journey!

IT Support - Update on SDE Loan Devices

We would like to inform you about an important update regarding SDE Loan devices. If you currently have a SDE LOAN DEVICE – YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK IN TO GET IT UPDATED.

This is due to necessary Windows 11 updates.

We will be collecting all SDE devices during the mini-school period in Week 5 at our Emerald Campus (If you are attending Rockhampton you can email it.support@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au and organise either before Mini-School or after) and have them back to you the same day.

IT SUPPORT will be taking bookings from 8 am on Monday, August 11th to 5 pm Thursday, August 14th, 2025.

If you currently have an HP SDE Loan device, it will be swapped for a new Lenovo 13w device.

Week 5 Schedule: Term 3 Mini-School at EMERALD CAMPUS

• Emerald Campus: Monday 11^th – Thursday 14^th August 2025 – Please email it.support@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au to book.
• Rockhampton Campus: Contact it.support@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au for a suitable time and date

For all bookings, please email it.support@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au or call IT at 0498 232 677.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Regards
Shannon Dohl

Enrol Now for Prep 2026 - Interviews Week 5 at Rockhampton and Emerald Campus

Opportunity to Complete Prep Enrolment Interview and Forms During Term 3 Mini-School

Families are invited to learn what CapSDE has to offer your prep student, at a face-to-face interview on either Emerald or Rockhampton Campus.

During Term Three Mini-school, parents will have the option to:

• ask questions
• commence the enrolment process
• complete an enrolment interview
• submit enrolment forms

📅 What to Bring:

✅ A copy of your student’s birth certificate
✅ Proof of residence (only if applying as Geographically Isolated)

📍 Where: Rockhampton Campus
🕒 When: Monday 11^th and Tuesday 12^th August

📍 Where: Emerald Campus
🕒 When: Monday 11^th, Wednesday 13^th, Thursday 14^th or Friday 15^th August

If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, please contact enrolments@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au

Bitesize Biscuit Box Fundraiser - BOX ORDER FORMS DUE FRIDAY

P & C General Meeting - 5th August 3:30pm

Our next general meeting will be held on the 5th August at 3:30pm. 

There will also be a special meeting at 3:20pm to discuss proposed amendments to the constitution. All members welcome to this special meeting and voting will take place. 

Just Do One Thing!

Secondary Leading Edge

Hi-diddly-ho Neighbourinos!

I’m Harry, your other School Captain alongside Alanah, and I’m glad to be writing here in this new segment for the school newsletter! First, I would like to show my appreciation to the secondary school leaders for making this happen – amazing work everyone!

Now, about me – I’ve been at the school for quite a few years now, since 2018, and I’ve got to say it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me! I love to get involved wherever I can so I’m sure most of you have seen me somewhere, whether it be at school events or gabbing about something in class.

I love learning in all forms, but I have a soft spot for history and law – really any of the humanities. I also enjoy cinema and literature; my favorite book is The King in Yellow. And while I’m not big on sports, I do enjoy hiking!

I firmly believe that everyone has a place in this school whether they be loud, quiet, sporty, arty, or still figuring it out – there’s a place here for you. If you ever need a hand with anything school-related, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the other leaders. We know our way around the school pretty well, and even if we can’t help directly, we’ll know someone who can. I’ll leave my school contact at the end of this segment.

Good luck to everyone with the rest of the term - and remember, school is a marathon, not a sprint! Pace yourself well and you’ll get there.

See you all again with my next segment in Week 7,

Your School Captain,
Harry
Hlawr37@eq.edu.au

What's happening in Primary?

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 3! We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable school holiday period where you were able to spend time with family and friends and undertake activities that the hustle and bustle of school life and work may not always allow you to undertake.

Firstly, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Campbell family in Agnes Waters and the Bradford family in Moranbah for so generously hosting our students and teachers at their properties for Cluster Days on Wednesday 25th June and Thursday 26th June. These face‑to‑face learning opportunities provide invaluable social interaction and connection for students with their peers and teachers, and your warm hospitality made these days possible.

The Rockhampton Cluster Day on Thursday 26th June saw our students challenge themselves and their peers through a range of engaging, hands‑on activities delivered by our teachers, with teamwork as the key focus. Students from across Prep to Year 6 worked together to create an artwork from natural materials found in the school environment, build catapults to launch ping pong balls into containers with varying values, and complete Blindfolded Cereal Threading, where team members guided their challengers to thread fruit loops onto wool. They participated in a Tennis Ball Relay using only their feet, tested their observation skills by finding differences between two images, and demonstrated problem‑solving by matching items to cryptic clues. Students also enjoyed matching childhood photos to their teachers, used their research skills to plot a tourist’s travels on a globe, and finished the day by showing off their dance moves with the Robot, Chicken Dance, Macarena, The Floss, The Running Man and plenty of freestyle fun.

Lots of fun and lasting memories were created across these two days, and we sincerely appreciate the support of the Campbell and Bradford families in making these experiences so special for our students.

We’ve already had a fantastic start to Term 3, with a group of students and staff travelling to Mackay last week to participate in the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with authors, illustrators and other creative minds, and they all represented our school with pride and enthusiasm.

We have a busy and exciting term ahead with a range of learning opportunities, camps and sporting events for our students. Please see below for key dates and details to help with your planning:

⚽ Western 7’s
Our students will be competing in the Western 7’s on Friday 1st August in Emerald, with Kim attending to support our team on the day.

🏫 Mini-school (Prep to Year 4)
Our next Mini-school for Prep to Year 4 students will be held from Monday 11th to Friday 15th August. We look forward to a fantastic week of face-to-face learning, engaging activities, and opportunities for our younger students to connect with their peers and teachers.

🏕️ Year 5/6 Camp
The Year 5/6 Camp will also take place from Monday 11th to Friday 15th August. Students will be travelling to Canberra. Staff attending include:

• Emerald Campus: Fiona and Belinda
• Rockhampton Campus: Georgia, Nikki, Katrina, Lachlan and Georgina

🏃‍♀️ Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Sports Camp
In Week 7 (Monday 25th August to Friday 29th August), students will have the opportunity to take part in the ICPA Sports Camp, which promises to be a fantastic week of skill-building and teamwork.

🎾 2025 Tennis Primary School Cup
On Thursday 4th September in Biloela, students will be supported by Paula and Katrina as they participate in the Tennis Primary School Cup.

📘 Staff Professional Development Day
Please note that Friday 5th September (Week 8) is a Staff Professional Development Day. There will be no classes held for students on this day.

🏏 Woolworths Cricket Blast Cup
Two Cricket Blast Cup events are coming up:

• Wednesday 10th September in Rockhampton with Paula
• Monday 15th September in Emerald with Kim

We look forward to seeing our students actively involved in these events, representing our school with pride and enthusiasm. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring students are prepared and ready to participate.

Fiona Bailey and Katrina Hawley

Returning Resources

If you are attending Mini-school in Term Three, could you please return Primary Resources that were sent out in Term One and Term Two. 

Rockhampton Primary: Families can drop resources off at the Primary Buildings or directly to the administration office.

Emerald Primary: Resources can be dropped off in the mailroom. 

Western Sevens Competition

On Friday 1st August, we will be providing students aged 9, 10, 11 and 12 with an opportunity to participate in the QRU Western Sevens under 10 and under 12 Primary Schools Competition. The Western 7s is the largest regional school Rugby Sevens tournament outside of the Southeast corner providing opportunities for junior players to enjoy this exciting, fun and fast-flowing game - and even pursue their Olympic and Commonwealth Games aspirations.

 Excursion details: 

• Qld Rugby Union Western Sevens Competition
• When: 1st August 2025
• Where: McIndoe Park, Opal Street, Emerald Q 4720 & Morton Park, Dundas Street, Emerald   Q   4720 – Venue and times to be advised once program is available.
• Students will be playing in an U10s and U12s mixed Rugby Union primary schools competition
• Inherent risk level of the excursion is high and students will be provided with instruction on correct techniques (e.g. safe play, first aid support). Qld Rugby Union Organisers have level 4 Smart Rugby accreditation.
• Private transport to and from the venue by parents is required.
• Students must wear enclosed sports shoes, hats and school jersey supplied as well as bring water bottle, sunscreen and lunch.
• Student Code of Conduct 
• Please bring sunscreen and water bottles 

If you wish for your child/student to participate in the event,
please complete the RSVP by Friday 25th July

📚✨ Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival 2025 ✨📚

Last week, a group of our students had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival in Mackay, accompanied by Mrs Wex, Ms Vella and Ms Smith.

Over the course of the festival, students were inspired by incredible authors, storytellers and illustrators. They participated in workshops, listened to engaging talks, and immersed themselves in the world of literature and creativity.

A huge thank you to our wonderful staff for supporting this enriching experience—and to our students for representing CapSDE with enthusiasm and curiosity!

📸 Swipe through to see some highlights from the week!

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Secondary Scoop

Welcome Back to Term 3 from the English Department

I’d like to extend a warm welcome back to all students and families as we begin what promises to be another exciting and engaging term in English.

This year has seen monumental work across our department as we continue to design and implement the Version 9 Australian Curriculum. Our teaching team has been working diligently behind the scenes to create accessible, challenging, and future-focused units of work that meet the needs of our learners. We’re incredibly proud of the way students have adapted to these changes with focus, creativity, and resilience. Term 3 brings in our Short Course Literacy program, which will run across Semester 2. This course provides targeted support for students, helping to build confidence and functional literacy skills in a practical and supportive environment.

Across all year levels, our students have been engaging with complex themes and producing some truly impressive work. I’d like to highlight the work of two Year 7 students, Ethan and Kurt, who produced thoughtful and powerful memoirs as part of their Term 2 work exploring ethical issues. After exploring a range of texts focused on poverty, inequality, and hardship, students were challenged to write from the perspective of a child in another part of the world. Ethan’s piece, Stolen Childhood: The Factory is My Cage, explored the experience of a young boy working under harsh conditions in a garment factory. Kurt’s memoir, The Life of Sumting, followed the daily struggle for water and survival in a remote village. Both pieces showed a strong command of language and an ability to write with empathy and purpose.

Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy one, packed with engaging content across year levels, the introduction of new class novels, and a continued focus on external exam preparation for our Year 12 students. We’re looking forward to a productive and rewarding term of learning.

Warm regards,
Angela Brigg, Head of Department

My QCE Competition

The myQCE competition is here! To help you #getacademic in 2025, QCAA are giving away a MacBook Air, an iPad Air with Magic Keyboard and a pair of AirPods Max headphones to three lucky winners, and you could be one of them!

This competition is open to Queensland high school students who are in Years 10 to 12 with access to the Student Portal.

The competition closes on Friday 19 September 2025. Click below to find out more information and to enter!

2026 Senior Shirts

If you have a student currently in Year 5 or Year 11, the first round of orders for 2026 Senior Shirts for Year 6 & Year 12 are now available for families to purchase on Qkr!

Please note: As orders are opening earlier than usual this year, we kindly ask parents to ensure they are ordering for students who will be in Year 6 or Year 12 in 2026. (This is not for current 2025 Year 6 or Year 12 students.)

Final orders for Round 1 will close on 2nd October 2025 This will ensure delivery to families before the end of the year.

The cost of the shirts:

• $39.00 – Sublimated Polos (Year 6, 2026 & Year 12, 2026) 

• $80 – Year 12 Senior Jerseys (Year 12 2026 only)

Payment Options:
Payments can be made via EFT at the Rockhampton office or through the QKR app.

🔗 QKR Link: Click here

Please ensure that you indicate in the notes section in Qkr! what name your student would like on the back of their shirt. If your student does not wish to have a name, please write 'no name' and the shirt will be printed with the standard '26' on the back. Nicknames are permissible; however, these will be vetted to ensure appropriateness. 

There will be a second round for these shirts available in January 2026 so that any new families will be able to place an order. The second round of orders will close in March 2026.

QTAC Information Webinar

Hosted by JCU and QTAC, this one-hour live session will provide clear, expert advice to help you guide Year 12 students through the QTAC application process when it opens on 5 August.

In this session, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of:

• How ATARs and other Year 12 qualifications are assessed
• Key QTAC application steps including how to select and order preferences
• Entry requirements and pathway options
• Adjustment factors and special admissions schemes like the Educational Access Scheme
• Key dates, deadlines, and how to respond to offers

Webinar Details

Date: Tuesday 29 July 2025

Time: 7 pm - 8 pm (AEST)

Join via: Zoom. Watch the webinar via phone, tablet, or other computing device (no webcam needed)

This session is ideal for school staff, students and families. A live Q&A will follow the presentation – a great opportunity to get your questions answered.

If you’re unable to attend live, please register and we’ll send you a link to the recording the following day. 

Guidance 'Go-2'

Important Dates

QTAC Applications Open Tuesday 5 August

Queensland Year 12 students can begin their QTAC Application for courses commencing in 2026  from Tuesday 5 August.
Encourage students to use a personal email address and ensure they have their LUI, DOB, and full name (as on QCAA record).

ATAR Release - 18 December

QTAC will release the ATAR to students 9am Thursday 18 December via the ATAR Portal. A reminder students can register for their ATAR in the ATAR portal from Tuesday 5 August. 

ATAR Reports will be available via the QTAC School Portal for authorised users from midday onwards Thursday 18 December.

QTAC - Remind Me

QTAC Remind Me is a service run by QTAC that enables adults interested in study, students preparing to study and their parents, guardians and teachers; to opt-in to receive timely reminders regarding ATAR release, application reminders, upcoming key dates and important admissions information. Subscribers of Remind Me benefit from receiving reminders via both SMS and email, beginning in mid-July, and finishing in February, with a break in between for Year 12 students during the block-out period for exams.

Sign up now to go in the draw to win prizes such as Google Nests, Beats Headphones and more.

CQU Open Day Experiences - A closer look at courses, campuses and careers.

From July to August, CQUniversity is hosting Open Day events across their Queensland campuses, plus online webinars for flexible access. These events are a great opportunity for your students to explore both TAFE and University pathways, meet CQU's expert staff, and get their questions answered about courses, applications, scholarships, and more. Encourage them to discover their options and experience what life at CQU is really like.

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?

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