Week 7, 25th August 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Last Chance! Have your photo feature in the 2026 CapSDE School Calendar

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 - TONIGHT!

Get snapping and share your unique view of CapSDE!

Great shots from previous calendars!

Capri visits Rocky Campus

Premier's Reading Challenge - Last Chance!

SchoolTV

Digital Media Literacy and Safety Free Webinar

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

Secondary Leading Edge

Hello all!

It’s now week 7 – only 3 weeks to go! A lot of us will be neck deep in assessments right now – or very close to it, so I figured I’d offer some advice that I’ve picked up over the years which has helped me get through things.

My biggest piece of advice would have to be this – Don’t be afraid to get things wrong. You don’t need to get things perfect – nobody is expecting you to, so don’t put so much pressure on yourself! There’s always next term – another chance to try again. And as I’ve said before, school is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t leave things to the last second, just chip at things little bit by little bit. One paragraph every day for a week is a lot easier than a whole essay in one night! Maybe even try to plan your week ahead of time, it makes pacing yourself a lot easier. And don’t forget to rest! Close your school tabs, go for a walk, do something you enjoy. Rest isn’t actually meaningful if you’re stressed about assessments in the back of your head the whole time, so make sure to get school out of your mind when you’re not working on it. And my last piece of advice would have to be this – don’t be afraid to ask questions! That’s what teachers are here for, it’s literally their job to answer our questions. If you don’t understand, just ask. To succeed, it’s important to understand your task.

I hope this advice has been helpful, if you ever need you can contact me at hlawr37@eq.edu.au.

Good luck and farewell!

RBM Photo Competition WINNERS!

The RBM photo competition has concluded for another year, and we had some great entries! Capricornia School of Distance Education made a clean sweep for 2025, winning all the themes! Congratulation to all the entrants!

The themes were 

Illuminated - Capture an image of lights that is illuminating. Light can be bent, refracted or reflected, show spectrums of colour and much more.

Creatures - An image of creatures in your environment that amaze and delight you.

Motion - Motion in an act, process or instance of changing place. Be creative and inspiring!

Urban Life - Uncover the beauty of overlooked or forgotten places in your hometown. Showcase the energy diversity and architecture around you. 

P & C Fundraisers - Supporting Your Student

Scrap the Christmas Pyjamas!!!!
Get onto these Christmas Fishing Shirts instead!!

🎣 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!

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.

What's happening in Primary?

Year 6 Legacy Project - Emerald Campus

Year 6 Legacy Project – Our Rainbow House

The Year 6 Emerald students have chosen Our Rainbow House as their 2025 Legacy Project charity. Our Rainbow House supports children in Zambia by running a school for Years 1–7, providing education as well as two meals a day.

Last week, our Emerald campus was privileged to host special visitors from the charity. Alison, who coordinates fundraising locally, introduced us to Mary and Henry, visiting from Zambia.

Mary, the Principal of the school, enjoyed exploring our classrooms and seeing the differences between schools in Australia and Zambia. Henry, a former student of Our Rainbow House, shared his inspiring story of success. He joined the school at age 11, excelled in his studies, and went on to complete secondary school with the charity’s support. Henry is now in his third year of university, studying Computer Science – a remarkable achievement!

Our guests joined Year 6 and Year 4 Hit Lit lessons and a Year 3 Maths lesson, before Henry wowed us with his musical talents, performing a rap for staff and students. Henry also performed with Kacey Chambers at last weekend’s gala, hosted by Alison, to raise further funds for the school.

We are proud that our Year 6 students have chosen such a meaningful cause for their legacy, and we thank our visitors for sharing their time, stories, and inspiration with us.

Year 6 Legacy Project - Rockhampton Campus

This year, our Year 6 students have chosen the RSPCA as their legacy charity. The RSPCA works across Australia to rescue, care for and rehome animals in need, and to support families in giving their pets a safe, happy life.

Many of our students live on properties and understand firsthand the important role animals play in our daily lives. Others live in town but are just as passionate about caring for their pets and protecting animals in the wider community. Supporting the RSPCA has felt like a natural choice for this group, who are all big animal lovers.

So far, students have been fundraising this year, selling Zooper Doopers at mini-school and also running discos. Every dollar raised goes toward food, shelter and medical care for animals, as well as the RSPCA’s education programs.

The students are proud to know that their legacy will help animals across Queensland, and they hope their efforts inspire future Year 6 groups to keep making a difference in their communities.

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

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.

HPE, The Arts, and Technology

We’re now well into Term 3 and it’s been an exciting time across HPE, The Arts, and Technology. Across our year levels, students have been engaging in a wide variety of creative, physical, and critical thinking activities. It’s fantastic to see students experimenting, taking risks, and growing their skills across so many areas. We can’t wait to see what they produce by the end of term!

Here are some highlights of the learning happening in our secondary classes:

Our Year 7 students are embracing a unique cross-curricular experience, combining Japanese and Music. They are exploring the sounds, rhythms, and cultural traditions of Japan while learning how music can be used to communicate meaning across cultures. This fusion of subjects allows students to deepen their understanding of language, culture, and creativity.

The Year 7 Digital Technology

HPE

Students in Years 9 and 10 are going to be taking on the challenge of learning circus skills! This new unit not only develops coordination, balance, and resilience but also builds confidence. From juggling to acrobatics, students are pushing themselves to try new skills and celebrate their progress along the way. Across all years in HPE, students are engaging with important content around respectful relationships. They are reflecting on the values of respect, empathy, and inclusivity while developing strategies for building positive relationships with others. These lessons provide valuable life skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Year 8 Design & Technology

In Year 10 Design & Technology, students are applying the design thinking process to create apps that encourage young people to make healthier food choices. They are analysing nutritional values, considering the purpose and impact of their apps, and ensuring accessibility for all users. Using PowerPoint, they are bringing their app concepts to life with interactive features.

Year 11 Early Childhood Studies – Reading with the 3S Strategy with Mrs Willis

This term, our Year 11 Early Childhood Studies students have been stepping into the role of storyteller, learning how to share picture books with young children using the 3S Strategy – See, Show, Say. The strategy helps children engage more deeply by:

• Seeing the illustrations and noticing details,
• Showing how to follow the story through actions and gestures, and
• Saying words and ideas to encourage conversation and prediction.

A special highlight has been the sense of nostalgia as students revisited some of the much-loved picture books from their own childhoods. Stories like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo sparked memories of being read to when they were young, reminding them of the joy and comfort that books can bring. Now, they are learning how to pass that same experience on to the next generation.

Year 7 Digital Technologies

This term, our Year 7 Digital Technologies students have stepped into the role of computer engineers! Since the start of term, they investigated how the internet works, including networks and security protocols. Now they are exploring the inner workings of a PC by designing and planning their own custom computer builds. Through hands-on activities, they’re learning about essential components such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage, while also considering how different parts work together to power a computer. This project will boost their technical knowledge but also their problem-solving skills.

Year 7 Design Technology and Prototype it Unit

In Year 7 Design, students learn to use the Design Thinking process during their first unit of work in Term 1. During this assignment students designed a Protective product for a personal item. In the 2^nd unit – Term 2, student learned about cardboard, its sustainability, innovative uses for it and how to safely prototype with it at home. Below are classroom views of the 7C Design class showing cardboard skills and final prototypes.

End Products produced by students

Joel Otto’s protective product for paper files

Creative Generation 2025 - Excellence Awards in Visual Art

Each year, the 'Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art' recognises and celebrates the artistic achievements and creative talents of senior high school students from across Queensland.

The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognise and promote excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland state and non-state schools.

The 'Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art' is an initiative of the Queensland Department of Education, supported by QAGOMA.

Only four students from each school are selected to represent the region, with each student allowed to submit one artwork only. The standards are very high, and these CapSDE Year 12 students have demonstrated this level of quality in their artwork submissions displayed below.

Year 7 History

Last semester our Year 7 students completed an impressive inquiry project in History, focusing on a significant individual, event, or site relating to the histories of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Each student developed their own inquiry question to guide their investigation, encouraging them to think critically and explore their topic in depth.

The showcase highlighted the diversity of subjects chosen, ranging from important artifacts to key events that shaped Australia’s history, as well as culturally significant sites. Students demonstrated strong research skills, creativity, and respect in the way they presented their findings.

Year 8 Design and Technology

In Term Two, students played in the AI space known as Canva AI. Students were asked to generate a ‘scene’ of their chosen party theme revealing various aspects from the party, using a prompt. Would you like to attend these parties?

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This term, design students have been tasked to create a new skate shoe for VANs incorporating a real-world issue. They have been using the VANs customisation software to generate some funky shoe designs. We are still learning and experimenting but having loads of fun with the design features.

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Students learn from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority!

This week our certificate III students attended a webinar from Chase Eldridge from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority providing a great presentation and consolidation of chapter 3 Air Law and how the regulator can assist our remote pilots to operate their aircraft in Industry and under the Rules and Practices.  We are very thankful for this opportunity for our students as we can grow as a Gateway School to have these links to industry

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.

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.

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.

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.

What's on in your community?

Regional Queensland Football Club (RQFC) is hosting a girls only football (Soccer) clinic this September school holidays in Mackay. The clinic is for girls aged 5 years to 16 years.

RQFC is a Mackay based not for profit organisation focused on creating opportunities and future pathways for girls football in Regional Queensland.

The clinic will be held over three days and will be led by former Matilda and current Paramatildas head coach Alicia Ferguson.

• Thursday 25 September – private sessions only (limited to 2 players per group)

• Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September – group sessions and private sessions.

This is a very exciting opportunity for girls in our region 

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