Week 6, 18th August 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

2026 School Calendar Photo Competition

We’re calling all budding photographers!

We’re looking for stunning images that capture the spirit of Capricornia School of Distance Education.

The winning photo will feature on the front cover of our 2026 school calendar!

Photos could showcase students at sporting events, a “day in the life” of a CapSDE student, or moments that highlight our school community.

Email your entries to comms@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au

Entries close - Monday 25 August 2025.

Get snapping and share your unique view of CapSDE!

SchoolTV

Secondary Leading Edge

Hello hello everyone!! 

It’s me Alanah! I hope you enjoyed reading everyone’s articles and you got to know a little bit about each of us as your secondary leaders. You really got to see how different we all are, but how at the end of the day we all love CapSDE. 

Now I have had quite a big five weeks so I gotta update you all!

Firstly, my family and I hosted a Japanese student again this year which was incredible, it was a wonderful experience, and I am so grateful for it. This year I hosted Rin who was amazing to get to know and it’s always fun to learn new things about the language and culture. I learnt about their 7/11 (it is apparently much better than ours) and about other shops. I also got to touch up on my K-pop knowledge it is small but slowly getting bigger! I also got to show off my limited Japanese words, I can count all the way to 10… I know I am talented. I honestly am always impressed what I remember from grade 8 and get a little sad I didn’t stick with it. This is obviously my last year hosting, which is sad, but I am just glad I got to have 2 amazing years of it!!  

Secondly the Study Hub which as I have sent this off it is day 2 out of 3 and it’s been great to see everyone! I have talked to new people spent time with teachers waved to my peers through my teachers’ cameras and overall, I am just having fun! 

And I am looking forward to my last few months (or 65 days if I did my maths right) of school which is crazy to say but its true. But I still have time before I go all sappy… just prepare for my last article that will be sappy.  

So far Term 3 has been pretty good so far, a little busy but that’s okay! I do know that term 3 is always a bit harder than the rest for both students and teachers but I know you have got this, and it will be the holidays before you know it! I wish you all the best of luck and remember I am here if you need anything!  

Talk to you all soon!! 

Alanah! 

P.S Gerald had a great time meeting new people at the farewell party and loves you all!! 

Week 4 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!

This week's theme is 'Urban Life'
ENTRIES 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.

P & C Fundraisers - Supporting Your Student

🎣 P&C Secondary Fishing Shirt Fundraiser🎣

Need new long-sleeve shirts?  Looking for a Christmas gift that isn’t socks again?

Hook yourself one of our stylish fishing shirts and help our Secondary Fundraising Sub-Committee reel in some much-needed funds to support future camps, activities and end of year events.

.💲 Price: $60 each
📏 Sizes: For the whole family
🎨 Designs: 24 to choose from

🗓 Key Dates:

• Order Forms Due: 8th September 2025
• Payment Cut-off: 12th September 2025
• Order Delivery: During Term 4 Mini School

The Fishing Shirt Design Catalogue, Order Form, and Size Guide are attached below.

📧 All forms to be returned via email to

pandc@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au

by 8th September 2025.

⚡ Order now before they all swim away!

What's happening in Primary?

Mini-school Recap

Rockhampton Book Week Dress Up

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Emerald Book Week Parade

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Rockhampton Students of The Week

Congratulations to our Rockhampton Students of The Week

Prep - Cody Waugh

Year 1 – Ava-May Mann

Year 2 – Brennan Dennis

Year 3 – Jacob Schuh

Year 4 – Aria Torrisi

Year 2 - 3 Fairbairn Dam

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Year 3

Check out our Year 3 persuasive writing introductions!

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 (Wednesday only)
• Thursday 4 September 2025 – Red Ball only (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.

Year 1 - Early Numeracy Screening Project

Project title: Development of a Numeracy Screening Tool to Identify Students At Risk of Low Mathematics Achievement.

Students in Year One are invited to participate in a study that is aiming to develop a quick and easy measure to screen all Foundation and Year 1 students number skills.

The overall aim is to understand whether this screening measure can help us identify children who will need additional support with mathematics, and to provide that support at the earliest opportunity. The classroom teacher has agreed to participate, and all children in the class are being invited to take part in the study.

If you accept this invitation for your student in Year One to participate in this study, please download > save > complete > and return the below consent form to administration@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au before Friday 22nd August. 

Secondary Scoop

SET Plan Interviews

During Weeks 6 to 8, our Year 10 students will participate in their SET Plan (Senior Education and Training Plan) interviews.

These 30-minute online interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams and involve your student, accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Interviews will be conducted by our Heads of Department and Guidance Officers, who will guide the discussion and planning process.

Year 10 Families and Students received an email last week, with more information and their designated staff member. 

The SET Plan is a mandatory requirement of the Department of Education.

It helps students, families, and schools make informed decisions about subject selections, pathways for Years 11 and 12, and post-school options. Thank you for supporting your student in this important step towards their future.

Check your emails for your instructions (including your spam folder)

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.

Cert III Aviation

The Cert III students attended an online webinar from the Australian Space Agency.  This Webinar gave students valuable insight to this expanding industry and the opportunities in Engineering, Aerospace, Manufacture and Operations.

Our students joined over 200 students across Queensland online of the exciting developments in Central Queensland and future defence projects and training pathways for employment.

As a gateway school we are committed to industry engagement to help our students to apply their skills from our course!

Next Step Survey - Year 10 - 12 before 2024

The Department of Education is keen to hear from Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school during 2024, before completing Year 12.   

Eligible students will shortly receive a letter with a personalised link to complete a 5-minute survey. Students may also be contacted by email or phone and have the chance to win an iPad Air for participating. 

The results will help us improve learning experiences and supports for future students. We ask that parents and carers please encourage them to take part. 

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

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.

Engineering Link Project (ELP) Roadshow

The first Engineering Link Project (ELP) Roadshow, is taking place from Friday 26^th September through to Thursday 2^nd October 2025 (the September school holidays), at locations right down the east coast of Queensland, hosted by CQUniversity. And the best part – all workshops are FREE!

What is the Engineering Link Project?

The ELP is an award-winning program that inspires and empowers Year 10, 11 and 12 students to see engineering as a force for positive change. With a strong focus on the humanitarian and human-centred side of the profession, this event invites students to tackle real-world challenges affecting communities today. Through two hands-on workshops, they will collaborate with professional engineers and university staff to design solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and create a more sustainable future.

Event Highlights:

• Dates & Locations: 
• Townsville – Friday 26^th September 2025
• Mackay – Monday 29^th September 2025
• Rockhampton – Wednesday 1^st October 2025
• Bundaberg – Thursday 2^nd October 2025

Not from any of these cities and can’t make it this year – we are planning on visiting different locations across Queensland in 2026 (including Cairns and Emerald).

• Workshop Times: All workshops start at 8.45 am and finish by 3 pm.
• Workshops: Students will participate in two engineering workshops, designed to challenge their problem-solving skills and creativity.
• Professional Interaction: Students will have the chance to interact with professional engineers, ask questions, and receive feedback on their projects.
• University Experience: Participants will work in university classrooms, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to study engineering at CQUniversity.

Why Should Your Students Attend?

• Hands-On Learning: Students will engage in practical activities that demonstrate the real-world applications of engineering.
• Career Insights: Professional engineers will share their career journeys, providing students with a clear understanding of what a career in engineering entails.
• Teamwork and Creativity: The workshops are designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.

Registration Details:

• Cost: Registration is FREE, thanks to the generous sponsorship by The Queensland Government and CQUniversity.
• Lunch: Students should bring their own lunch and water.
• Registration: Students are encouraged to register themselves (with parental permission of course) via our website.
• Do teachers have to attend? No, the Project is facilitated by a registered teacher and university staff (all with current Working with Children checks), However, teachers are welcome – contact us for information.

Quotes from Previous ELP Participants:

• “It helped me gain a better understanding of the whole engineering major and helped me make up my mind on what I want to do after school.”
• “It was the best experience that I have ever had. It has made my future engineering pathways clear.”

For more information and to register, please visit the event page.

Guidance 'Go-2'

SchoolTV

SchoolTV is holding an exclusive, one-off event which is fast approaching and we’d love to see your families benefit from the insights of two of Australia’s leading experts, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part III)
DATE: Tuesday, 2 September 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm

Topics in this webinar include:

• New Social Media Regulations
• Digital Footprint and Reputation
• Screen Time and Brain Development
• Parental Controls

**** IMPORTANT ****

This webinar will not be available to replay later. 

Please note: Participants MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.

We look forward to having you join us for this insightful and engaging session.

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?

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