Week 5, 11th August 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Principal's Pen

Dear Home Tutors/Parents/Caregivers,

We’ve reached the halfway point of Term 3, and as always, Week 5 is one of our busiest!

Our P–4 Mini-school has kicked off with great energy in Emerald and Rockhampton. It’s been wonderful to see our youngest learners engaging face-to-face, building friendships, and enjoying hands-on learning experiences.

Meanwhile, our Year 5/6 students are Canberra-bound! With bags packed and excitement in the air, they’re heading to the airport for a week full of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories in the nation’s capital.

For our Year 7–12 students, lessons continue as usual. However, students in Years 10–12 can access the Study Hub onsite from Tuesday to Thursday this week—an excellent opportunity to stay on top of lessons while connecting with teaching staff in person.

Staffing is stretched this week with camps and activities underway, but as always, our team is doing an incredible job making it all happen.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and photos from all our Primary activities this week!

Kind regards,
Amanda Rynne

Student Spotlight - Talis

Student Spotlight – Talis Throws Big!

Congratulations to Talis for securing a spot on the Central Highlands team to compete in Discus at the upcoming Capricorn Trials in Mackay later this month!

Talis placed second with an impressive throw of 19.43m — a fantastic effort and a testament to his hard work and determination.

We’re proud of your achievement, Talis, and wish you all the best at the Capricorn Trials!

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.

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

Hey people!

My name is Lachlan Wilson, your proud 2025 Banksia House Captain and I think that we should get to know each other a bit better; I’ll start.

I have been a part of this incredible CapSDE family for around three years now. I have three Dachshunds at home; Daisy, Pepper and Lilly, who are the cutest little terrors, that will bark at ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.

My passions are basketball and videogames. My NBA team is the Oklahoma City Thunder (they just won this year’s championship, and no I’m not on a bandwagon, I’ve been going for them since they were a bottom team in the league.)The games I play are Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, Valorant and NBA 2k.

I hope to lead this incredible community as best I can and create, along with all the other leaders, an environment where EVERYONE feels welcome and can have a good time.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to flick any one of us leaders an email and I’m sure we’ll be happy to help!

Thanks, Lachlan

Study Hub Reminder

Pssst… Hello hello everyone! Its Alanah!

I am popping in a week early to remind you about the study hub that is happening this week from Tuesday the 12^th to Thursday the 14^th.

If you can come, please do even if it's for one of the three days.

It is for Years 10-12 and is what 11s and 12s Mini-school is like, so you get a sneak peek into the next couple of years.

Okay I will talk to you more next week!!

CapSDE and Oshu Study Tour – 2025

From July 31 - August 6, CapSDE hosted 15 students and 3 Board of Education officials from Oshu City, Japan. The 7 days went very quickly and were jam-packed with lots of fun and memorable experiences for both our CapSDE families and Japanese visitors.

Welcome Ceremony

This is the most formal component of the study tour, yet being set against the backdrop of the fig trees at the Botanical Gardens made this ceremony a very warm and picturesque occasion. Speeches from Principals Ms Rynne and Ms Chida, Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson, School Captain, Alanah Rooney and Year 10 Japanese student Archie Johansen were followed by a very delicious lunch, where the food was a big hit!

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City Hall reception

Rockhampton Regional Council very generously invited students and host families to City Hall for a tour. Students were brought into the Mayoral Chambers for a mock election. Students had to nominate to be Mayor, do speeches and then vote. The new ‘mayor’ and ‘deputy mayor’ then were able to take their positions in the official chairs, and the real mayoral chains were brought out for a try. Such an amazing experience not only for the visitors, but for all of us! Deputy Mayor Wickerson then provided us with a freshly baked damper for afternoon tea. The hospitality provided by Rocky Regional Council was incredible and very much appreciated.

School Experience Day

Students logged in to their lessons with their host student also joining in as special visitors. Being able to experience a typical school day of a Distance Education student was a very different experience for our visitors. Thank you to our teachers who welcomed the Oshu students into their lessons. Also, thanks go to The Cave State School, St Brendan’s College, The Cathedral College and Emmaus College for their involvement in the day.

Culture Connect Day @ Couti-Outi

This day was an absolute highlight of the study tour. The visitors and host buddies travelled by bus to Couti-Outi Station, home of the Geddes family for a day of cultural exchange and fun. The Oshu students did their presentations on aspects of Japanese culture in English, with it livestreamed to their families and Board of Education officials back in Japan. Students then played a variety of games and experienced the farm yards, with Ella and Lucy very capably showing everyone the horses, bulls and poddy calves. Morning tea of lamingtons and delicious slices and a lovely Aussie BBQ for lunch kept everyone very well fed. The finale for the day was the CapSDE + Oshu Mini-Farmers Challenge. Students and staff competed in small groups to be the fasted team to:

• Roll up a swag and wheel it around the markers in a wheelbarrow
• Move 6 bales of hay
• Find 4 eggs in the hay
• Ride a hobby horse over an obstacle course
• Move a large tyre to the finish line

The challenge was so much fun for everyone, and the show ribbons provided to the winning teams are a lovely keepsake to mark the occasion. Thank you to the Krulic family for their support with the morning tea and lunch, and to the Geddes family for welcoming 40 visitors to their property.

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Excursion day – Capricorn Caves, Emu Park, Koorana Crocodile Farm

Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the Cathedral tour at the Capricorn Caves. The Cathedral Cavern provided the perfect setting for an impromptu singing of a J-Pop song by Archie Johansen and the Japanese National anthem by a group of female Oshu students. It was just beautiful! A picnic lunch at Emu Park was the perfect opportunity for the visitors to see our beautiful beaches, and the weather was just perfect. The crocodile farm didn’t disappoint, with some huge, cranky crocs putting on their best performances. Holding a baby croc was a memorable experience for everyone.

Farewell Party

This event was held at the Kershaw Gardens and provided a nice, relaxed atmosphere for the official end of the study tour. Principals Ms Rynne and Ms Chida overcame the language barriers to deliver heartfelt speeches, and Primary School Captain Lucy Geddes provided a well-detailed speech summarising all the experiences and memories made over the past week. Year 10 student, Maya Krulic then showcased her Japanese skills by providing a thank you speech in Japanese. Pizza and cake went down well for everyone!

The study tour may only be a short 6 nights, yet the friendships and memories made will last a lifetime. Thank you to all of our host families from the CapSDE community for welcoming a Japanese student/official into your homes. The study tour will occur again next year, so please keep an eye out in the newsletter for when the host family expression of interest comes out.

Georgina Harch

Deputy Principal – School Operations and Languages

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.

Exciting Visitor on Campus Today!

Our school mascot CAPRI made a visit to the Rockhampton Admin Office this afternoon to wish everyone a great weekend!

Staff were thrilled to meet CAPRI in person and share some fun and laughs. This is just the beginning — keep an eye out for more CAPRI sightings soon!

What's happening in Primary?

Year Two

This week in WWF Year 2 used modal verb to express their opinion about ice cream. 

'I have to eat ice cream because it makes me feel hungry'.   Bjorn

'I certainly love bubble gum ice cream'.  Cash

'I like mint chocolate chip ice cream you should try it'.  Levi

'You must have mint chocolate ice because it is the best in the world'. Teddy

Woolworths Cricket Blast Cup

Brisbane International Primary Schools Cup

Capricornia (Emerald Campus) School of Distance Education is excited to offer our Prep – Year 6 students the opportunity to participate in the Brisbane International Primary Schools Cup at the Callide Valley Tennis Association complex in Biloela.

Event Details:

• Dates:
• Wednesday 3 September 2025 – Orange Ball (Year 5 and under) & Green Ball (Year 6 and below) competitions
• Thursday 4 September 2025 – Red Ball (Year 4 and under) competition
• Transport: Families are responsible for transporting their child to and from the venue.
• Cost: Free
• Equipment: Students will require an appropriate size racket, closed-in shoes, hat, water bottle, school shirt, sunscreen, snacks or money for food, and a backpack.
• Accommodation: Not organised by the school; families will need to arrange their own if required.

Families will be informed of start and finish times once nominations are finalised and competition timings are confirmed. Students may nominate to compete on one or both days.

To confirm your child’s participation, please complete the consent form by Monday 18 August 2025.

👉 RSVP HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Paula Goodman, Year 4 Maths teacher, at
📧 administration@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au or 📞 4920 1681.

Fire Safety Fun at Rockhampton Primary Campus! 🔥🚒

Today our Rockhampton Primary students had an exciting visit from the QFES team!

They learned all about fire safety and got an up-close look at a real fire truck. The highlight of the day? Having a turn with the firehose! 

A big thank you to our local firefighters for sharing their time, knowledge, and equipment — and for making safety education so much fun!

Year 5–6 Students Take Off for Canberra Adventure

Excitement was in the air this morning as our Year 5–6 students, accompanied by seven of our dedicated teachers, boarded planes from Emerald and Rockhampton, bound for Canberra.

This highly anticipated trip will see students explore our nation’s capital, bringing their learning about Australia’s history, government, and culture to life. From visiting Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial to discovering the treasures of Questacon and the National Museum, the week ahead promises to be full of new experiences, knowledge, and memories.

Families, staff, and classmates waved the travellers off at the airport, wishing them a safe journey and an unforgettable adventure. We look forward to sharing more highlights and photos from their trip in upcoming newsletters.

Waiting for the connecting flight to Canberra

Prep - Emerald

“Today the Prep students explored how plants grow with Miss Smith and created their very own mini greenhouses.

The students carefully planted the seeds and watered them, and then sealed them inside their mini greenhouses.

It was a fantastic hands-on activity that combined science with lots of excitement!

Year 3 Hands-on Learning in Emerald!

Our Year 3 Emerald students have been exploring 3D objects—learning about their shapes, features, and how they’re made.

After studying the different forms, students put their perseverance to the test, using playdough and toothpicks to construct their own creations. It was a great mix of maths, creativity, and problem-solving in action! 🧮✨

Who knew learning about prisms and pyramids could be so much fun (and a little bit sticky)?

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Kids Helpline - Anti bullying sessions

Primary Recording + resources link: 

https://kidshelpline.info/anti-bullying-video-primary

Secondary Recording + resources link: 

https://kidshelpline.info/anti-bullying-video-high

Secondary Scoop

Year 12 Mock Exam Timetable Now Available

Year 12 students undertaking General Subjects will have the opportunity to sit mock exams on Friday of Week 9 and throughout Week 10. These exams are a valuable chance to practise under exam conditions before final assessments.

Students can choose to:

• Sit their exams under Exam Supervisor supervision, or

• Complete the exams at home.

Exam Papers
CSDE will print and post hard copies of exam papers to students’ home addresses. School-based students will have their exams posted directly to their base school. If you have not received your papers by Week 9, please contact your class teacher.

After the Exam
Completed exams should be scanned and emailed to your class teacher on the day of the exam. Teachers will provide feedback during class time.

Class Attendance During Exam Weeks
Students are not expected to attend classes while sitting a mock exam:

• 9:00am exams – no Period 1 & 2 classes.

• 12:00pm exams – no Period 3 & 4 classes.

Students should attend all other scheduled classes when not sitting an exam. School-based students should negotiate with their school for suitable exam times.

Download the timetable below to see your scheduled exam times and plan your study accordingly.

Term 3 Airport Excursion and Fly Day – Thursday 11 September 2025

Dear Students and Families,

We are excited to invite all Year 10–12 VET students to participate in the Term 3 Airport Excursion and Fly Day on Thursday 11 September 2025.

The day will be split into two parts:  RSVP due by 28^th August. Link below.

Morning: Airport Excursion (All Year 10–12 VET Students)

Please note that spaces are limited for the Airport Excursion, so first in best dressed

Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Drop-off & Pick-up Location: Rockhampton Airport, Short Term Drop Off Point (Staff will be there waiting)

Students will explore various aspects of aviation operations, including:

• Trident Airport Screening
• Airside Tour with Airservices Australia Firefighting and Rescue Services
• Peace Aviation
• Alliance Aviation Heavy Aircraft Maintenance Facility

Families are asked to drop students off at Rockhampton Airport by 8:30am sharp and collect them at 12:00pm from the same Short Term Pick Up Point. .

Afternoon: Flying Day (Cert III Aviation Students Only)

Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: CQUniversity Baseball Oval

Certificate III in Aviation students will continue their learning in the afternoon with a Flying Operations Training Session at CQU. A bus will transport Aviation students from Rockhampton Airport to the CQU Flying Fields at 12:00pm.

Families are asked to collect these students from the CQU Flying Field at 3:00pm.

Please note:

• This excursion is optional and not compulsory to attend.
• Students who choose to attend are responsible for catching up on any missed work or classes.

Please find the attached Consent form, which must be completed with the RSVP and returned to administration@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au  by 28^th August.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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.

Year 11 and 12 Students – Be Prepared for QTAC application!

All Year 12 students and their families are invited to attend our upcoming QTAC session (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) —an important opportunity to gain insightful information on the application process.

📅 When: Wednesday 27^th August
🕡 Time: 1.50 – 3.00pm
📍 Where: Year 12 Assembly during Capri Connect online link

What is QTAC
QTAC stands for the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre. It is the centralised organisation that processes applications for most undergraduate university and tertiary courses in Queensland.

QTAC is responsible for:

• Managing applications for university and TAFE courses
• Calculating ATARs (Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks) for eligible students
• Providing course information and guidance on entry requirements
• Assisting with preference changes and key dates for offers

This valuable session is being delivered by QTAC and will include:

✅ Understand the Application Process: Learn how to apply for university or TAFE courses step-by-step through the QTAC portal.
✅ Understand ATAR and Entry Requirements: Learn how their ATAR is used for selection, what thresholds mean, and how adjustment factors may apply.
✅ Plan for Deadlines: Stay on top of key dates for applications, offers, and preference changes.
✅ Ask Questions: Get real-time answers to individual queries about courses, prerequisites, or unique situations.
✅ Gain Confidence and Clarity: The session can reduce confusion and help students (and parents/carers) feel more confident and informed as they prepare for life after school.

All Year 12 students are required to attend as the session is catered to University and TAFE pathways that require the QTAC application process which may be applicable now and into the future.

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. 

Guidance 'Go-2'

Below is a link to an interesting resource about anxiety and the Default Mode Network.
With the rate of anxiety diagnoses among today’s youth continuing to rise, this video explains how anxiety can be linked to an unresolved alarm system in the body. According to the presenter, when our needs aren’t met, the amygdala creates worry as a way to protect us from this alarm.

Dr. Russell Kennedy suggests that “all anxiety is separation anxiety”—a separation of the mind from the body, and the earlier self from the mature self. He explains that the alarm in the body is best addressed through somatic methods, using both bottom-up and top-down approaches.

He identifies the sources of somatic “alarm” with the acronym ALARMS:

• Abuse

• Loss

• Abandonment

• Rejection

• Maturity – anything that forced you to grow up too soon

• Shame

Dr. Kennedy also notes that it’s never too late to give yourself SHOULD:

• Seen

• Heard

• Open to

• Understood

• Loved

• Defended

Check out the link below—it’s powerful and well worth the time:

How To Fix Your Brain’s Addiction To Anxiety & Worry - Dr Russell Kennedy

Sourced from: Simple Psychology – Default Mode Network

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?

Rockhampton Baptist Church, Norman Road North Rockhampton presents the below Movie Night Fundraiser. 

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. 

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