Week 4, 4th August 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Principal's Pen

Dear Home Tutors/Parents/Caregivers,

I wish to inform you that members of the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) at Capricornia School of Distance Education have advised the Department of Education of their intention to participate in a 24-hour stop work action on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.

As a result, some teachers will not be attending school on Wednesday, 6 August 2025 as part of a statewide strike related to ongoing Teachers’ enterprise bargaining negotiations between the Department and the QTU.

I want to reassure you that while there will be a reduced number of school staff onsite during this day of industrial action, arrangements have been made to ensure students are supported.  

The safety and wellbeing of students remain our highest priority, as does ensuring that appropriate supervision is provided to all students attending school during the industrial action.

At this stage, it is unclear on how many teachers from Capricornia School of Distance Education will be participating in this industrial action. However, please be assured that the school will remain open during this time, though normal classes are likely to be disrupted.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work through this matter.

Kind regards,
Amanda Rynne

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

School Fees - Support Available

Invoices for school fees for our Home-Based enrolments were sent out at the start of the year. Many of these are still outstanding.

We recognise that, for a range of personal reasons, some families may be experiencing financial difficulty.

If this is the case for you, we encourage you to contact the school so we can work together to find a supportive solution—this may include, for example, the option of a payment plan.

Our priority is to ensure that every student has access to their education without unnecessary stress on families.

We are here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our finance department via the phone prompts on PH:4931 4800 if you’d like to have a confidential conversation about your situation.

P & C General Meeting - Cancelled

Hello Members,

Due to unforeseen circumstances next week's Special and General Meetings will not go ahead.  Instead we will hold these on the 9th September (and there will be no meeting on the 16th September - so essentially combining both Term 3 meetings into one).  The Special Meeting will be held at 3:20pm, 9th September & the General Meeting at 3:30pm, 9th September.

Should you have any queries, concerns or items you need to discuss prior to this new meeting date, please contact the P&C Executive Committee via the emails listed above in the recipients list.

A friendly reminder to check out the P&C Newsletter (I've reattached it in this email), to keep track of our P&C fundraisers and upcoming events.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind Regards,
Suzie Pedersen

Student Spotlight - Amelia

A big congratulations to Amelia competed at the District Sports Athletics yesterday, competing in both Javelin and Triple Jump.

🥈 Amelia placed 2nd in Javelin
🏅 And achieved a strong 4th place in Triple Jump

Thanks to her outstanding performance, Amelia has qualified to attend the Regional Championships in Mackay next month! We’re so proud of your achievements, Amelia, and can’t wait to see you soar at regionals!

Sports Person of the year award 2025

CapSDE annually acknowledges the sporting achievements of a Primary and Secondary Student, who has excelled throughout the year at the end of year awards.

The presentation of the Sports Person of the Year Award goes to the student who has accumulated the most amount of points throughout the year in their various sporting achievements. 

Parents are asked to advise the school throughout the year of the sporting achievements by completing this online form. Scores are based on events, the level of the event (district, regional, state, national etc) and the students placing within those events. You will need to complete the form for each individual achievement. Do not place all achievements on the one form.

At the end of the year, points are collated, and the winner announced.

Information to note: 
* School sports are what counts for CapSDE Sportsperson of the year.  Students are recognised for their achievement in other non-school fields; however, these achievements are not part of the accumulation of points towards the CSDE Sportsperson of the year. 

* You should list the highest level that your student has represented in that sport, noting that the points are only entered if the student represented, and not if they were selected and did not attend. 

Borrow Library Books Through Orbit

Did you know students can borrow books from our school library using Orbit? We've created a simple step-by-step process to help families and students access and enjoy our wide range of library resources—wherever they are!
Check out the attached document to get started with borrowing books through Orbit today.

Secondary Leading Edge

I had so many plans for my piece in the newsletter. It was going to be different. It was going to stand out. I wanted to make jokes. I wanted to make it hilarious. That was on Monday. But I couldn’t write it Monday afternoon, because I had to go to the gym, and I was too tired once I arrived home. I wanted to write it Tuesday, but my morning was taken by homework, my spare second period was spent at the gym, and after school I had a long shift at the local supermarket. Wednesday went very much the same. Gym in the morning, work in the afternoon. I got home at 9:00pm exhausted. Thursday was the day my article was due, but I didn’t realise, I just assumed I could do it Friday. I took time from school on Friday to drive around a nearby town where my 4^th driving test would be held, which I failed at the very last intersection for failing to judge the distance of a car that was breaking the speed limit, but I need to be safe, so that’s on me. That takes us to 10:00pm, Friday night, realising that my article is already overdue. I stress, I freak out, but you know what? Guess how long it actually took me to write this article. Under 10 minutes. I could’ve easily fit this in on any other day with plenty of time to spare, but I kept telling myself I was too busy. That I hadn’t enough time. But I did, and I just didn’t want to write the article, because I’m lazy. This has now put me in a position when my article is overdue, rushed, and I don’t even know how to send it in.

It's not worth it. Whatever you need to do, however big the task, start now. It’s not nearly as scary, or daunting, or time consuming as your brain tricks you to think. Get it done, then relax. I’ll see you all again in a few weeks with a hopefully less rushed article written by a more prepared and time efficient version of myself.

Better every day.
Kian Barram

School Opinion Survey

The suite of School Opinion Surveys is undertaken each year by the Department of Education to obtain opinions about our school from families, school staff and students in target year levels (5, 6, 8 and 11).

The surveys will help identify what we are doing well and understand where we can improve. The survey invitation was emailed last week and is titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025. 

Each school family will receive one email invitation from the Department of Education to complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey.  The survey is anonymous, and the results are reported in ways that an individual’s response can be identified by the school.  Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to complete the survey. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with an internet connection.  

For Parents/Caregivers who do not have access to the internet school computers/tablets will be available. Parents/caregivers who experience difficulties accessing the survey can request a new survey from the School Opinion Survey team via email schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au . 

It’s important that as many parents/caregivers as possible complete the survey.

Can’t find your invitation? If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder. 

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.

RBM Photo Competition

Win A Camera For The School

Students have the opportunity to win a Camera for the school, with the RBM Images of CQ 2025 Competition.

There is a different theme each week and students can enter as many photos as they like, with winners being announced each week for four weeks.

On the week of the Theme, the team at RBM will post all entries onto the Facebook page and Website for you to view.  We would like to encourage friends, family and the community to like, share and comment on their favourite image to grow community spirit.  

There will be a winning school awarded each week.  And the winning school will receive 2 Canon Digital Cameras. 

Photos get emailed to agric19@eq.edu.au and these will then be submitted on the students behalf.

The competition commenced yesterday and students are welcome to start sending entries in now!

ENTRIES FOR EACH WEEK CLOSE AT 12PM  FRIDAY

Conditions:

• Images are not to contain any faces, or offensive depictions
• Images of Adults need to have approval prior to submission
• Images are to be in Facebook accepted format: .jpg, .gif, and .png file types
• Submissions are to be given to the school and submitted here
• Submissions will be posted on RBM’s Facebook and Instagram feed so the community then has the chance to like or love any photo they appreciate
• All photos must be loaded by Friday Midday for selection by the panel
• RBM will then announce the winners by Saturday of each week
• Each week there will be a winner of 2 Canon digital Camera

Judging Criteria

• Is the theme the focus of the image
• Is the composition of the image of quality
• Is the subject in high definition
• Is the lighting of the image of quality
• Is the image clear and in focus
• What is the impact of the image?
• Does the composition, focus, focal length, tone and light of the image draw you to theme

On Friday of each week at Midday the images will be submitted to a panel for judging, the winner will then be selected by the team at the Canon.

The winning school will be announced on Saturday, on the original week post along with an additional post.  The winners and the photos from the week will be on the RBM Website.

What's happening in Primary?

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. 

Year One Rockhampton

In English this term, our students have been diving into the world of informative texts.
We’ve been learning how these texts are structured and the special language features that make them effective. One exciting project involved writing a recount of a day at the beach. The children worked hard to choose vivid verbs and descriptive adjectives to bring their experiences to life.
They also practised sequencing their ideas clearly using time connectives such as first, then, next and finally. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they experiment with new language choices. Go Year One!

A Day at Agnes Water Beach

At the end of Term 2, we had a wonderful day at Agnes Water Beach for our Cluster event. It was a beautiful winter's day with bright sunshine and clear blue skies. I was lucky to spend the day with a lovely group of students and parents, who were full of energy and smiles.

First, we ran across the soft sand and felt the cool breeze on our faces. The students were so excited to be at the beach and couldn’t wait to get started without activities.

Next, we had some fun with three-legged races. There were lots of laughs as we worked together to keep our balance and move in time with our partners. After that, we had a go at vortex throws. Some of the students threw them really far!

After that, we had a spelling competition. I was so proud of how confidently the students had a go and encouraged each other.

Finally, we sat together and enjoyed the view. It was such a fun and happy day at the beach. I’m so proud of the students and how beautifully they represented our school.

By Mrs Borg

Secondary Scoop

From Sea to Space - Apply now for this Incredible Scholarship Opportunity

From Sea to Space – Endeavour Scholarship Applications Now Open!   

AMDA Foundation Limited, organiser of the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition, has announced the next edition of the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship – a life-changing opportunity for Australian secondary students and STEM educators.  

In July 2026, four students and one teacher will represent Australia as Mission Team Australia at the internationally acclaimed Space Camp USA in Huntsville, Alabama – an immersive, week-long program modelled on real astronaut training.  

Presented in conjunction with #IndoPacific2025, the scholarship celebrates the shared frontier spirit of maritime and space exploration. As we honour 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy, this initiative highlights how innovation in one domain inspires progress in the other.  

If you're a student passionate about STEM or a teacher inspiring the next generation of leaders, apply now and take your journey from the classroom to the cosmos.  

 Applications close Wednesday 6 August 2025  

 https://indopacificexpo.com.au/program/initiatives/endeavour-scholarship/ 

#EndeavourScholarship 

Year 10 SET Plan Twilight Session

Be prepared for Your Set Plan

All Year 10 students and their families are invited to attend our upcoming SET Plan Twilight Session—an important opportunity to gain the information you need before your SET Plan interview.

📅 When: Wednesday evening 13^th August
🕡 Time: 6:00 – 6:30pm
📍 Where: Online via the following link:   Join the meeting now

What is a SET Plan?
The Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan is a Queensland Department of Education requirement for all Year 10 students.

It helps students plan their senior pathway by identifying their goals and outlining the subjects, courses, and experiences they will undertake in Years 11 and 12 to support those goals. Developed in partnership with parents/carers and school staff, the SET Plan ensures each student is on track to achieve a meaningful Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and a successful transition beyond school.

This valuable twilight session will support you in making informed decisions about your senior schooling and future pathway. We’ll cover:
✅ CapSDE senior subject and VET course offerings
✅ School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
✅ External course options
✅ QCE and ATAR pathways
✅ Short Course in Career Education
✅ The SET Plan process and what to expect employment

Whether your goal is university, a trade, further study or this session will help you and your family feel confident and informed.

We strongly encourage all families to attend.

Asia Pacific Young Audience Award 2025

This is a unique opportunity to view films that may never receive an Australian release, to speak to the actual filmmakers (who will join for a Q&A via livestream). Students view the three nominated films, determine the winner through facilitated critical discussions, connect with the other jury members, and after each film, receive an EXCLUSIVE opportunity to speak with the filmmakers themselves! For example, last year, right after viewing award-winning ‘Rice Boy Sleeps’, students were joined via live Zoom with director and writer Anthony Shim, who they were able to ask questions of. Amazing!

Applications to join are due by Tuesday 5th August. (If you’re Brisbane-based there are only 40 spots, so students need to apply ASAP!)

If you would like to apply, contact Mrs Lomas on aloma13@eq.edu.au

Senior Study Hub - Years 10-12

We are excited to invite our Year 10–12 students to take part in our upcoming Senior Study Hub, held at the Rockhampton Campus from 12–14 August.

This initiative offers our senior students a valuable opportunity to come together on-site to strengthen both their academic progress and social connection. While students will continue attending their scheduled online classes, the Study Hub provides the added benefit of face-to-face support from staff and the chance to work and connect alongside their peers.

We know how important this stage of schooling is, and the Study Hub is part of our commitment to walk alongside students during this key phase in their learning journey. Whether it's seeking help with a subject, building study habits, or simply enjoying the company of fellow students, this experience is designed to support and uplift.

Location: L Block, Outstation and I Block – Rockhampton Campus
Dates: Tuesday 12 August to Thursday 14 August

What to Wear: students will be required to wear their school uniform including enclosed shoes.

What to Bring:

• Laptop & Charger (make sure your student know their log in details)
• Headset and mouse
• Mtea, Lunch

We strongly encourage our senior students to take advantage of this opportunity.

To register for this Study Hub, please complete the Registration Form below by Monday 4^th August.

Senior Secondary Social Dinner

The parents of senior students are organising a social dinner at the Lionleigh Pub on Wednesday 13 August.

This coincides with the Year 10 - 12 Study Hub.

Families purchase their own meal from the restaurant. 

Time: Dinner from 6pm and if you would like to try your hand at trivia, this starts at 7pm.

Address: 1 Wandal Road, Wandal

All family members are welcome.

RSVP below by Tuesday the 12th of August. 

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.

Guidance 'Go-2'

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.

QANTAS Engineering Apprenticeships 2026

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.

What's on in your community?

Students in Year 12 Maths and Science, have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Maths and Sciences Academic Bootcamps . The flyer above provides all the relevant registration information. 

The Online Academic Bootcamps courses are designed as interactive online workshops and are delivered by experienced Year 12 teachers who are subject specialists and are currently teaching these units in schools. The interactive and practical courses will assist students to: 

• build exam confidence and understanding 
• learn invaluable study tips and tricks 
• revise and consolidate subject knowledge 
• prepare for tertiary study

Students will receive an electronic study booklet along with other online study materials. All interactive sessions will be recorded and shared with participating students on course completion, to use as an additional personalised study tool. Course materials will remain accessible to students until 18 November to facilitate their continued engagement with the content as part of their EA study plans.

Registrations and payment for Griffith University's Online Academic Bootcamps are now officially open. These interactive sessions are delivered by experienced science and maths teachers and are perfect for students who are unable to attend the workshops in Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

Dates: (September School holidays)

• Mon 22^nd Sep - Thurs 25^th Sep (9am -3pm) - Mathematics Methods or General Mathematics
• Mon 29^th Sep - Thurs 2^nd Oct  (9am -3pm) - Physics, Chemistry or Biology
• Cost: $90 / subject

Once you submit your details using the above Online Academic Bootcamp link, you will be sent a message with individual subject links for password set-up and payment.

If you would prefer to attend a face-to-face bootcamp at the Gold Coast or Brisbane Griffith University campuses, please register and pay your $200 / subject using this link- On-Campus Bootcamps

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