Week 8, 1st September 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week

This week (1–5 September), we celebrate the incredible work of our Teacher Aides!

Teacher Aides play such an important role in supporting our students’ learning, wellbeing and success every single day. Their dedication, patience and kindness make a huge difference in our classrooms and across our school community. A big thank you to our amazing Teacher Aides — we truly appreciate everything you do!

Student Free Day this Friday

This Friday, the department has scheduled a professional development day for staff, and there will be no online lessons.

On this day, you are expected to use your time for consolidation and catch-up work.

This is a great opportunity to review what you have learned, complete any outstanding assignments, and ensure you are up-to-date with your studies.  Please note that some teachers may have specific tasks for you to complete, and they will contact their classes individually if required.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers before Friday.

Save The Date - Get Set For 2026 Days

To support families and ensure a smooth start to the school year, our traditional Induction has been renamed as Get Set for 2026 Days. These sessions are designed to prepare both students and parents—new and returning—for the year ahead.

The program will run across two days, offered both face-to-face and online to provide flexibility and access for all families. These days are packed with important information, introductions, and preparation to help everyone feel confident and ready for the year.

Key Dates:

• 27 January – Initial teacher contact with families

• 28 January – Get Set for 2026 Day 1 (Face-to-Face & Online)

• 29 January – Get Set for 2026 Day 2 (Face-to-Face & Online)

• 30 January – Lessons commence

We encourage all families to take part in the Get Set for 2026 Days to ensure a positive and informed start to the school year.

Student Spotlight - Harriet

Last week, Harriet proudly represented CapSDE at the 2025 Fraser Coast Interschool Equestrian Challenge, where 160 students from 33 schools competed. Harriet achieved outstanding results, placing in all 11 of her events on her horse Shot Gun Shirley. Her consistency and skill earned her second place overall in the Year 4 age group, missing first place by just two points!

What stood out even more than her results was Harriet’s attitude.
Harriet shared that she:

“Just went for the fun, and placing was a bonus.”

Her horsemanship, determination, and humble spirit shone throughout the week, making her a wonderful role model for her peers. We are incredibly proud of Harriet and the way she represented both her family and our school.

Secondary Leading Edge

Hey all!
Wow isn’t this year flying by!
Currently Week 8, starting to get hectic for everyone with assignments due or exams being held. With saying that, as stressful as exams are make sure you take some time for yourself. Whether that be a play with your animals or a walk outside. Enjoy the little things in life and enjoy the freedom of school while you have it.
My piece of advice is try your best! If you are trying your best, you’re being the best self that you can be, and everyone fails sometimes, but keep trying your best and you will succeed!

A saying we always use with horses is “If you fall off always get back on”, if you fall down, always get back up!

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson Mandela

That’s my update for this week, hope you all have a great week! Catch up with you all in Term 4!

Thank you 

Brielle Murray
CSDE Secondary Vice Captain
bmurr178@eq.edu.au

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Father’s Day

For many years now, the role of fathers has changed and evolved. During the industrial revolution, fathers were often considered detached and distant due to working long hours in factories. However, today things have changed dramatically with many dads being celebrated for being sensitive, caring and more hands-on.

Recent studies have shown that children benefit greatly from having fathers who are present and interacting in everyday activities. This has transformed the understanding of how fathers shape children’s lives from the start, challenging conventional ideas of parenthood and gender.

Research also suggests that fathers influence their sons and daughters in different ways, which is especially true during their transition to adolescence. Engaging in regular physical activities can play a key role in influencing children to learn self-control, face challenges, regulate emotions and take manageable risks.

In this Special Report, fathers will learn about the positive impact they can have on their child’s mental health and wellbeing, whilst also ensuring they indulge in a little self-care.

On Sunday, we celebrate and thank all the amazing dads and father figures in our CapSDE community for the positive impact you make every day.

SchoolTV

Multilingual videos now available on SchoolTV!

Because wellbeing shouldn’t get lost in translation, SchoolTV has introduced a powerful new feature — multilingual videos.

Until now, families could access written content in more than 60 languages. Now, expert-led videos are also available in Chinese, Hindi and Arabic, with more languages to be added next year.

This new feature ensures every family can access trusted, practical guidance in a way that feels familiar, inclusive, and easy to understand.

Explore this feature for yourself by clicking the link below to view SchoolTV content in your preferred language.

http://capricorniasde.eq.schooltv.me/stv-multilingual-feature

SchoolTV is proud to continue supporting your school by strengthening the partnership between families and school.

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.

Premier's Reading Challenge - Last Chance!

What's happening in Primary?

Year Four

CQ Sevens

On Thursday 16 October we will be providing students with an opportunity to participate in the
QRU CQ Sevens Primary Schools Competition in Rockhampton.

This event is open to students aged 9, 10, and 11, noting that this is a full-contact sport and event.

Venue: Colts Rugby Union, Tom Nutley Field, Park Street, Park Avenue, Qld 4701

RSVP and Consent Form due 7th October     Consent form in RSVP link and below

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. 

Top Effort for Jesse and Brydee

Jesse and Brydee recently competed in the Regional Track and Field.

Brydee came away with 4th place in the 1500m and smashed a PB in the process.

Jesse placed 3rd in the 1500m and 8th in the 800m with a personal best in both events.

Congratulations to both students for their determination and effort!

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 NOW. 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 5th September.

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

HASS

Supreme Court Library Queensland incursion – 23 May 2025 

Our school is lucky enough to have two classes of 12 Legal Studies for 2025. 
Engaging with our students remotely is an essential element and where we can, offering opportunities to engage with legal professionals to enhance student learning.

On 23 May, classes joined in an online session with the Supreme Court Library (SCLQ) research team to discuss best practices for implementing legal research and essay writing. In the session students were able to see the intricate details required when breaking down a task to then begin their research. Emma, an experienced legal research librarian, guided the students through locating primary and secondary sources and demonstrated advanced search functions. Students were then able to confidently search legal records and articles which would assist in their preparation of inquiry-based assessment.  

The Year 12 Legal Studies classes had the privilege of attending an online workshop with a representative from the Supreme Court Library of Queensland. This highly beneficial session introduced students to real-world research techniques, including the use of the “Boolean Operator”. Mastering this fundamental skill not only supported students in completing their research assignments but also provides a strong foundation for future academic and professional projects.

Students found the workshop engaging and practical, with many noting how valuable it was to see the direct application of legal research skills beyond the classroom. We are grateful to the Supreme Court Library of Queensland for generously sharing their expertise and for helping to equip our students with essential research skills.

Zara Biesse, Year 12 Student

"It was a great experience to speak with Emma from the Supreme Court Library, she provided a lot of advice when it comes to researching - something especially useful considering we're all looking at Uni soon! It was also good to see students interested and involved in the underappreciated subject of Law. Personally I hope the school is host to the Supreme Court Library again at some point!"

Harrison Lawrence, Year 12 Students and School Captain

Mr Rowlands goes to Washington… and New York and Virginia

Earlier this term, I had the opportunity to participate in a once in a lifetime professional development experience. After applying last year, I was selected to participate in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s Summer Seminar Series for High School Educators, focusing on the American perspective of the Cold War - the topic of the 2026 Modern History External Exam. Hosted at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Arlington, Virginia, the event involved a week of lectures and tours with expert academics, Marine veterans and pedagogical coaches. Tagging a few extra days onto the trip, I built out an itinerary that also took in a some of the historical highlights of New York City and Washington DC.

In New York, I visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the United Nations Headquarters before heading to Washington, D.C. Everywhere I went I was reminded of how closely linked Australia’s history is with that of the USA. Highlights included walking the National Mall to see the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and standing where Martin Luther King Jr made his ‘I have a dream speech’ before heading to the Arlington National Cemetery. Of course, no history trip to Washington, D.C. would be complete without a visit to (the fence of) the White House. However, of all the experiences in Washington DC, there was no more poignant than my visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum where I was fortunate to spend 30 minutes speaking with 94 year old Holocaust survivor, Susan Warsinger. She was amazing: funny, generous with her time and stories, and deeply passionate about the importance of history education.

The week in Arlington was every modern history teacher’s dream week with classes, tours and exclusive access in, on and to a world-class museum, a lecturer with first-hand knowledge of and interactions with some of the 20th Century’s most iconic leaders, veterans of military campaigns and 30 phenomenal American teachers, drawn from across the country because of their passion and dedication to excellence in teaching. Collectively, these men and women generously shared their personal experiences and insights, offering invaluable perspectives on how to bring complex ideas, source documents and perspective to life in the classroom.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip. From standing before some of America’s most iconic monuments to engaging with world-class educators and veterans, the experience was nothing short of unforgettable. I would like to thank the Gilder Lehrman Institute for the opportunity to participate in their outstanding program. I am certain that the knowledge (and countless photos) I’ve gained will be invaluable as future CSDE Modern History students engage with topics directly related to the places I saw and the topics we studied. I look forward to bringing these insights and experiences to my classes and continuing to share the excitement of history with our school community.

Mathematics

We are thrilled to congratulate our outstanding students who have recently achieved significant milestones in their Math Pathways journey! Several students earned their Bronze Certificates for completing 25 modules by the end of Term 2, while others have achieved the impressive Silver Certificate for mastering 36 modules within the same timeframe. This dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are incredibly proud of your achievements.

Silver

• Imogen Tennent

• Zanda Hungerford

• Harry Rogers

Bronze

In addition to these milestone certificates, we want to highlight the students who have demonstrated exceptional growth, surpassing the 100% growth mark in Math Pathways. These students are learning at an accelerated pace, completing more than one year's worth of learning in just one calendar year—a truly remarkable accomplishment! Your commitment to mastering new skills and pushing your limits is inspiring to all of us.

Keep up the fantastic work, and we look forward to seeing even more successes as you continue to advance in your math journey!

Growth Rate Super Stars - Year 7 

Growth Rate Super Stars - Year 8

Growth Rate Super Stars - Year 9

If you would like more information on how your student is tracking, log into your child’s account and select the Test Results or Learning Profile options.  This will be given to your child at the beginning of the year, and it changes every year.

The test results will show a table listing the growth, modules and questions results from cycle tests.

The Learning Profile will show students attainment of each strand based on diagnostics, previous year’s learning and current year’s learning.

Maths Pathways Expectations

Students are expected to complete all of the purple ‘Explicit Exposure’ modules assigned to them (generally 6).  These are short five minute exercises to help us ascertain if students are understanding the current topic.  These modules are completed online.

Students are also generally expected to complete a minimum of 5 blue ‘Differentiated Mastery’ modules.  These modules take an average of 30 minutes and include an Entrance Ticket to determine the students current understanding and an Exit Ticket to determine if the student understands the topic before they have the content put on their cycle test.  These modules are completed in the students’ workbook.  Samples of this workbook should be scanned and sent to the class teacher.

If you have any concerns, please contact your student’s teacher or the HOD – Mathematics, Julie Hood jhood7@eq.edu.au

Good luck to our Year 12 students who are currently working hard in readiness for their external exams early next term.

QCIA Art Exhibition

QCIA Art Topic:  Neurographic Watercolour 2025

Our QCIA students were introduced to Neurographic watercolour painting by Mr Tregilles to explore the connection between colour, emotion, and mental well-being. Through intuitive lines and fluid pigments, students created compositions that reflected their inner thoughts and provided a sense of calm. The meditative process of drawing and painting helped them manage stress and anxiety, offering a mindful escape.

Colour played a vital role in student work, with harmonious blends fostering peace and contrast adding depth and energy. The organic flow of watercolours mirrored the unpredictability of emotions, transforming them into something beautiful and expressive.

Students said this painting unit was both healing and positive to their well-being. Students hoped their work inspired others to explore art as a tool for mindfulness, self-expression, and emotional balance.

Artwork shown is by Shanon, Ashton and B and will be exhibited for two weeks.

Mr Tregilles

Nominations now open for the myQCE Student Reference Group

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is recruiting new members for the myQCE Student Reference Group in 2026. 
The group gives students the chance to have their say about the QCE system processes and senior schooling.  
Queensland students who will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2026 are eligible to apply. 
The group meets four times per year and membership is ongoing until students graduate from Year 12. 
Nominations close on Friday 26 September 2025 — for more information and to 
nominate, visit the myQCE website on https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/get-motivated/get-involved 

Year 12 Students - Don't Miss This Opportunity!

HPE Week 1 - 5 September 2025

Kids Helpline Qld HPE Week celebrates the role of Health and Physical Education in schools and communities and promotes the importance of HPE in the Australian Curriculum and highlight the importance of HPE to the learning and development of children and young people.

Get ready to move!  For HPE Week, Year 7 student Billie Kirkwood is showing off her Salsa style Zumba routine from Mrs Huff’s HPE class. Originating from Cuba and Puerto Rico, Salsa Zumba mixes classic dance moves with high energy fitness fun! 

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?

Fitzroy Frogs Triathlon Club is a community sporting organisation, encouraging outdoor activity for all ages and abilities.

They are hosting a Kids Triathlon with Splash Aquatics at the Southside Pool on Sunday 21 September.

Kids aged up to 12 years can swim, ride and run in a non-competitive environment, with distances appropriate to their age.  

CQ Dads For Kids

𝘿𝙖𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙣 

 We have the following free program for Dads coming up in Rockhampton in Term 4. Join our CQ Healthy Families facilitators to learn about building strong, safe and secure connections with our children. Children that have secure relationships will have higher self-esteem, self-worth, healthy coping skills, can manage their emotions better and have better relationships with their parents, siblings and friends. 

This program incorporates Circle of Security Parenting and respectful relationships education, helping families to have a calmer home and understand children's behaviour. 

Saturday the 11th and Saturday 25th October

9am to 3:30pm 

Rockhampton, location advised on registration. Refreshments and lunch provided.

 Register now via: 

💻 website: https://strongcommunities.org.au/rockhampton gracemere-programs/ 

📲 Call or text 0433 019 172

 📧 admin@strongcommunities.org.au 

 This program is 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 for Dads to attend, as it has been funded by Capricorn Communities for Children Facilitating Partner, which is funded by the Australian Government and facilitated by The Smith Family.

Youth Communication Engagements & Gen Z Workshop

FREE half-day interactive workshop in Emerald!

Don’t miss this chance to gain practical skills for engaging and communicating with young people while boosting your confidence in youth engagement.

Whether you're a youth worker, educator, service provider, or community leader, this session will help you:
✔ Build rapport with Gen Z
✔ Foster safe and supportive environments
✔ Enhance communication and connection skills

📅 When: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Where: McIndoe Function Room, Emerald
🍽️ Catering: Morning Tea & Lunch provided

🔗 Register now (FREE): chrc.info/genz

Seats are limited — secure your free spot today!

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