CSDE Weekly eNewsletter, Week 10, Term 3, 2023
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Principal's Pen
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School Reviews - information for parents and the community
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Latest in Languages
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What's happening in Primary?
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Primary Captain Speeches Yr 3-6
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Year 6 News
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Student Spotlight
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Could the next Student Spotlight be YOUR student's success story?
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Secondary Scoop
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School Leadership Positions - Nominations Open Now! Are you a Year 11 student wanting to make a difference? We want you!
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SPARQ-ed Senior Immersion Program: Targeting DNA Replication in Cancer
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Visiting the Teacher!
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Subject Selections - Years 8-9
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Elective Opportunities
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Save The Dates, September - December
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Opportunities
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Guidance 'Go-2'
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Cultural Snapshot
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Tech Support
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Sports Person of the year award 2023
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We welcome your feedback
Principal's Pen
Dear students, home tutors, parents and staff,
As we approach this much-anticipated holiday break, I want to send my warmest wishes to each of you.
While you relax and recharge during the well-deserved Term 3 break, please take a moment to acknowledge your achievements over the past three terms, both big and small.
Whether you're starting new adventures or simply finding comfort at home, I hope you enjoy the September break.
School resumes on Tuesday, October 3rd, and we can't wait to see you back, refreshed and ready to tackle Term 4. Until then, make the most of this holiday.
Kind regards, Amanda Rynne
School Reviews - information for parents and the community
Our school review — an opportunity to have your say
Our school is scheduled for a review from 13 - 17 November 2023
The Department of Education regularly reviews the teaching and learning practices of Queensland state schools. The reviews are conducted by the department’s School and Region Reviews branch.
The reviews do not rate or compare schools, but provide us with independent feedback so we can continue to improve learning outcomes for students.
All schools have a review at least once every 4 years.Key findings from the review will be made available to parents and the community on our school website.
The review team would like to hear from the school community and I encourage anyone who is interested to have their say. Your feedback is important and will help us continue to deliver a great education for students.
Feedback can be provided to the review team by phone or in person. All feedback remains confidential.
Please contact the school office if you are interested in speaking to a reviewer. Alternatively, you can register your interest by emailing reviews@qed.qld.gov.au.
More information about the review process is available from the department’s website at www.schoolreviews.education.qld.gov.au.
Latest in Languages
Recently two of our Year 10 CSDE Japanese Students from Moura, Hope and Yasmine, attended the Moura Coal and Country Festival. They kindly volunteered their time at the Mitsui Tent where they assisted with Japanese yukata wearing and Japanese flower arranging. The girls received a lovely letter of thanks for their efforts from Mitsui Resources.
On the 20th August, Akemi Evans, one of our Year 11 Japanese students from Nambour State College, received a gold medal for her speech regarding Ginko Ogino who was a Japanese female doctor in 19th century.
The speech contest was held at the Sunshine Coast by the Modern language teachers association of Queensland (MLTAQ).
What's happening in Primary?
Primary Captain Speeches Yr 3-6
WANTED! Year 5 Students who are...
- Innovative
- Kind
- Helpful
- Proud
- Enthusiastic
- Reliable
We want you for our 2024 Student Leader Team! See information below and link to be able to nominate.
Year 6 News
This term, at the Emerald Campus, has seen movement of classrooms so the younger students (Kindy to Year 3s) are now located together in one building while the older students (Year 4 to 6) are together in the other building. Currently Year 6s classroom will be undergoing dramatic changes – so we are keen to see what it will look like.
In Maths there has been a huge learning curve with learning new content or extending old content in preparation for Year 7 – wow not long to go now!
While many Years 5/6 students were able to attend the Year 5/6 camp at Apex Camps, Sunshine Coast, some had to - Escape the Room! This involved solving English, Science and Maths problems which provided the “key” to escape the room. “Escape the Lighthouse” was the most popular.
Year 6 Science Update
Yr 6 Science Update - Courtesy of Mrs Megan Pedler & Mrs Belinda Dendle.
Term 3 saw us learning about Natural Disasters and their impact on our lives and our natural environment. Understanding how simple heat transfers, such as convection currents (e.g. thermal air and water currents and magma/mantle flow under our Earth’s crust) can shape our weather, water cycles and even create natural disasters such as Cyclones and Earthquakes. We had a great time and shared some great discussions. This coming Term 4 will see us moving into the world of Biology – What keeps living things alive? What do they need to survive? How does their environment shape them? All big questions that need our brilliant Yr 6s is answer. We are so proud of our CSDE Students; They ask the best scientific, critical thinking questions I’ve heard in a very long time. Their creativity and sense of fun in learning never fails to inspire me. Here’s to a brilliant Term 4! See you all again soon. 😊
Student Spotlight
Could the next Student Spotlight be YOUR student's success story?
Secondary Scoop
School Leadership Positions - Nominations Open Now! Are you a Year 11 student wanting to make a difference? We want you!
Nominations are open for our Secondary Leadership Positions.
Nominating for a secondary leadership position at CSDE presents a remarkable opportunity for personal growth and contribution to our CSDE school community. This role offers a chance to develop essential leadership skills, foster teamwork, and make a positive impact on our school's culture and initiatives.
Year 12 students in 2024 can actively contribute to CSDE's improvement and success. This experience will not only enhance students own leadership abilities but allow them also to serve as a role model for younger students, inspiring them to pursue their passions and take an active role in shaping our school's future.
If you are a Year 11 student and interested in nominating for a Leadership Position in 2024, click the links below to Nominate and to view more details in the Secondary Leadership Handbook.
SPARQ-ed Senior Immersion Program: Targeting DNA Replication in Cancer
Year 12 student Alex recently participated in the SPARQ-ed program run through the University of Queensland. As part of the opportunity and scholarship acknowledgement. This is what Alex had to say about this program.
During week 1 of term 3 I was accepted into a SPARQ-ed research immersion program run by University of Queensland through the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane. The program ran for five days, and our project was to investigate targeting DNA replication in cancer. We were taken to the research laboratories to observe cells under advanced microscopes. Through the week we were lucky enough to sit in on two lectures. During the program we completed two involved experiments where we were taught how to use lab equipment. The experiments required us to work with breast cancer (MCF7) and healthy (RPE1) cells treated with five different drugs at different concentrations by staining them with different chemical mixes so we could later see them under their microscopes. After the experiments were complete, we used advanced software to analyse the data collected by developing graphs that we could analyse. To complete our week, we gave an oral group presentation where we discussed our findings.
Throughout my week at SPARQ-ed I gained a more in depth understanding of how the cell cycle works and how cancer treatments are developed. During this project we spent a lot of time in the lab where I learnt how to use a range of equipment to complete the experiments. The goal of the experiments was to understand which drugs and at what concentration had the biggest effect on cancer cells but the smallest effect on healthy cells. As cancer treatment can have a range of negative side effects, more cancer specific treatments would be valuable. Overall, I learnt that a drug called ATR inhibitor was the most cancer specific while another drug called CDK4-6 had the biggest effect on stopping cell replication.
Working with like-minded people where our results go towards solving real-life problems was a truly great experience. We would spend hours working on our experiments and then got to see the results of that work under the microscope and then later when the data was transformed. I got to learn from real experts and had the opportunity to ask them questions about their research. To be involved in a small part of a real research project to save lives through developing new treatments for cancer has been incredible. I got to see a snapshot of what a future in science and university could look like. For students in year 10 to year 12 who are curious about university and enjoy science I would highly recommend applying to SPARQ-ed’s next research program.
I would like to thank Dr Schmidt for making this experience possible by encouraging me to apply and wrote me a recommendation that resulted in my acceptance into the program.
I would like to thank Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) for providing me with a Beryl Phippard Memorial Scholarship for accommodation in Brisbane.
I would like to thank SPARQ-ed, Charmaine Keal, program leader, Jessica Malcolm, program teacher, Dr Matthew Jones, UQ Frazer Institute, and David Cullen, PhD student for the fantastic experience and opportunity.
I would like to thank CDSE for approving my week at SPARQ-ed.
Alex Lemon-Scott
Visiting the Teacher!
Recently one of our students Krystel eagerly popped into the Rockhampton campus to introduce her service dog 'Yoda'. Unfortunately our senior school teachers were off-campus on their staff professional development day, however we felt that Yoda and Krystel's visit exemplifies how student engagement can bridge the gap and foster relationships with our teaching staff.
Subject Selections - Years 8-9
Current Year 8 Students
SUBJECT SELECTION Year 9 2024
Subject selections are now open for Year 8 students to complete.
Please see below information regarding 2024 Year 9 Subject Selection. You will also see the link to the Junior Secondary Handbook.
Subject Selections need to be completed by students no later than Wednesday, September 13.
Instructions on how to complete subject selections are included in the documents below.
Current Year 9 Students
SUBJECT SELECTION Year 10 2024
Subject selections are now open for Year 9 students to complete.
Please see below information regarding 2024 Year 10 Subject Selection. Above you will see the link to download the Junior Secondary Handbook.
Subject Selections need to be completed by students no later than Wednesday, September 13.
Instructions on how to complete subject selections can be found via the link below.
Elective Opportunities
2024 elective opportunity
Who: Years 9, 10 and 11 students
What: Certificate II Electrotechnology course
Why: Elective opportunity for 2024 subject selection
Are you interested in an Electrical career?
Capricornia SDE offers an opportunity to study an online, 12 month duration, Certificate II in Electrotechnology course. This course is delivered completely online by the Gold Coast Trade College and is built into a student’s CSDE timetable.
UEE22020 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) is a pre-trade qualification to kick start a career in the electrical sector. Learn safety and basic electrical skills that will prepare you for a trade apprenticeship or career of your choice.
This course is included in the VET in Schools funding (VETiS) which is free for students who have not yet accessed their VETiS funding.
Attached is a course flyer for an overview of the course.
If you are interested in studying or learning more about this qualification as one of your electives in 2024, please contact VET@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au .
Who: Years 9, 10 and 11 students and parents
What: Certificate II in Health Support Services
Why: Elective opportunity for 2024 subject selection
2024 elective opportunity for students in the Rockhampton or Yatala areas
Are you interested in a Healthcare career?
HLT23215 – Certificate II in Health Support Services:
- 12 months duration
- RTO – Blue Stone Medical & Professional (Rockhampton and Yatala)
Begin your career in healthcare with this entry-level course. This qualification will give you the foundation skills necessary to work in an assistant role in a health, aged or residential care setting, or to undertake further study in the health care field.
Successful completion of this course will quality you to work in an assistance role in a health care facility.
This course is included in the VET in Schools funding (VETiS) which is free for students who have not yet accessed their VETiS funding.
Attached is a course flyer for an overview of this specific RTO course.
If you are interested in studying or learning more about this qualification as one of your electives in 2024, please contact VET@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au .
Who: Years 9, 10 and 11 students and parents
What: Certificate II in Rural Operations course (Horse Husbandry Assistant or Horse Health Foundation)
Why: Elective opportunity for 2024 subject selection
2024 elective opportunity with International Horse College
Are you interested in a career pathway in the equine industry?
AHC21216 Certificate II in Rural Operations is an entry level qualification for Yr 10, 11 and 12 students for horse husbandry, first aid, nutrition, catching, floating, grooming, horse behaviour, environmental impact and safety etcetera.
Duration of this course is 40 weeks with both theory assessment completed online and practical component completed at one of the state wide workshops located at one of the below venues:
- CABOOLTURE - Bribie Island Saddle Club, 392 Bribie Island Road, Caboolture, QLD 4510
- CAIRNS - Tait's Wongabel Stables, 148 Deep Creek Rd, Wongabel QLD 4883
- TOWNSVILLE - Adelmo Park. 118 Williams Road, ALLIGATOR CREEK, QLD 4816
- ROCKHAMPTON - Capricorn Equestrian Centre. 291 Mt. Wheeler Rd, CAWARRAL, QLD 4702
- WARWICK & SURROUNDS - Condomine Ponds. 195 Wickhams Road, MURRAYS BRIDGE, QLD 4373
- SUNSHINE COAST - Horses and Humans. 92 Lockes Lane, BELLI PARK, QLD 4562
- GOLD COAST - Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat. 97 Aylesham Drive, BONOGIN, QLD 4213
This course is included in the VET in Schools funding (VETiS) which is free for students who have not yet accessed their VETiS funding.
Attached is a course flyer for an overview of the course.
If you are interested in studying or learning more about this qualification as one of your electives in 2024, please contact VET@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au .
Who: Years 9, 10 and 11 students and parents
What: CQU Start TAFE Now enrolments open reminder
Why: Elective opportunity for 2024 subject selection
CQU START TAFE Now enrolments open (reminder)
ATTENTION: Years 9, 10 & 11 Students
2024 CQU Start TAFE Now enrolments
Reminder the 2024 CQU Start TAFE Now course applications opened on Tuesday, 22 August 2023.
With strong demand for Start TAFE Now courses and limited places in on campus offerings, we recommend students apply as soon as possible. Applications require:
- Organise a completed Start Now Study Authorisation Form. This will be uploaded as part of the online application supporting documentation section. All sections must be completed.
- Create a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This will be required to submit the application online.
For more information on key dates, student eligibility and the application process visit our how to apply page.
If you require further information and support please contact VET@capricorniasde.eq.edu.au .
Save The Dates, September - December
Opportunities
Guidance 'Go-2'
Self-Care September
Sourced from:
https://actionforhappiness.org/
Cultural Snapshot
Helping your child embrace their cultural identity
Children with two different cultural backgrounds can sometimes feel as if they live in “two different worlds.” When they visit one side of the family, they may feel like they do not quite fit in, and then have the same feeling when visiting the other side of the family. Sometimes people feel like they must reject one culture to belong to the other, which is then rejecting a part of themselves, suggesting something is wrong.
Acculturation is the balance of both, being able to adapt within the dominant culture for “survival,” but also maintain a connection to the home culture. This is the healthy balance that we would want people to have.
However, children who have been able to develop this healthy balance can still have a feeling and experience of not quite belonging to one culture or another. For example, when visiting family where another language is spoken, relatives might note a child speaks the language with a different accent, but when they go home and speak the local language there, people may remark on an accent as well, making the child feel like an outsider in both places.
Here are some ways to help your child celebrate and appreciate their cultures and feel at home in their experience.
Acknowledge differences
For children, as little social scientists, making observations of their surroundings and experiences every day is part of their learning and development process. When your child observes similarities and differences, acknowledge their observation and help them to learn and understand. Accept that there are differences, and not only note the differences exist, but discuss why. Is it because of religion? Is it because of regional food? This, in effect, discourages any developing thoughts or feelings that a difference in culture is wrong. It gives meaning.
Support exploration
Children start to identify with their own cultural/racial identity around the age of 3-4. This identification comes from the interactions they have with their family members, teachers, and community. By age 7-9, children are more aware of the group dynamics around culture and race. This includes the histories of their own culture and how their culture is similar, different, or a combination of other cultures.
This is even more important for children of multiple cultural histories. A child may, at certain times in their life, feel more identified with one or the other culture in their background. This is part of their cultural experience and identity development. Be supportive and accepting of their exploration. By celebrating a child’s unique individual culture and highlighting the beauty both cultures can bring into their lives, you are celebrating the beauty of your child.
Talk about cultural identity
Cultural identity is made up of the multiple pieces that influence an individual’s personal identity. These include the social construct of race, but also the person’s language, food, music, family role, town, hobbies, profession, and so on. Have conversations with your child about culture and cultural identity. Relate these pieces to yourself and your child.
A fun and easy way to help visually depict cultural identity is to create a list of what makes up your own cultural identity. For example, mother, daughter, wife, Euro-American descendant, English and Spanish speaker, author, piano player, aspiring gardener, etc. Make a list for yourself and help your child make their own. Note that through life, this list may grow or shorten. Other ways to proactively talk about cultural identity include learning new recipes, language, or music and dance. There are lots of opportunities to highlight the beauty of culture all around us, from our own cultures to those of others.
Deal with discrimination
Unfortunately, our children will likely experience, in one way or another, conflict around racial tensions. Sometimes it can be overt, in the manner of comments, posted signs, or aggressive action. Or it can be covert, such as being excluded in a game on the playground or dropped from a social group. Fostering positive conversations and development around cultural identity with your child builds a strong foundation of the cultural self and helps protect against these unfortunate experiences.
When your child has a conflict:
- Provide empathy and compassion, listen to and hold their emotions surrounding the situation.
- Let them express their emotions.
- Answer questions they may have with appropriate age level responses.
- Do what you can to protect them. This will differ by situation. It could be speaking with the school staff if something occurred at school, or with a parent if appropriate.
- Reassure your child that it was not their fault, and they are not responsible for the actions of others.
- Remind them of their strength and beauty, and to celebrate who they are, in and out.
As parents and caregivers, we are the best resource for helping our children respect and celebrate their own identities and those of others. We are our child’s mirror, and what we reflect to them contributes a significant part to their perception of themselves and their identities. We can help our children learn to value their own unique identities, and to find beauty and joy in the differences around them.
Sourced from:
*This article is not Australian, but still very relevant in our very culturally diverse communities we all live in.
Tech Support
Is your student's laptop in need of an update? Does your mind boggle at the myriad of options availalbe on the market? Where to start?!
Here are specifications that may assist you in your purchase and help you to navigate the many options that are out there.
You will also find a technical specifications fact sheet on the CSDE website under the Student Resources tab > IT Support
Link - https://capricorniasde.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/student-resources/i-t-support
Accessories
To get the most out of your new laptop or tablet computer/s, you may wish to consider accessories that will improve the usability or overcome their form factor limitations.
USB Type-C Dock (or "docking station")
- Ideal for staff who use their laptop between work and home
- Thunderbolt docks provide the best performance, but require a compatible laptop.
- Some high performance laptops will require more power than certain docks can supply. If you are unsure, technical staff or vendors may be able to assist.
- Can be paired with an external monitor for increased screen real estate
- Also available as a Monitor with built in USB type-C Dock, resulting in increased desk space and ease of cable management
- The supplier’s contact point can assist with compatibility
https://intranet.qed.qld.gov.au/Services/Procurement_Purchasing/Supplyarrangements/DesktopsLaptopsTabletsandServers/Pages/Suppliers.aspx
External/Additional Monitor
- 24" to 34" screen size is ideal (one large ultrawide monitor may replace two smaller monitors and is great for spreadsheets)
- If you’re implementing a dual monitor setup, try to get a matching pair (same brand and resolution) for less eye strain
- Ensure that the resolution is at least 1920 x 1080
Carrycase / Backpack/ Bag
- Ensure that the size listed matches the device it is being used for, the size of the laptop is generally measured by its screen size (e.g. 12.5" – 14.1" bag will not fit devices with a 15" screen)
Keyboard and Mouse
- Wired accessories are preferred due to simplicity and cost, however, wireless options are available for a neater install
- Wireless accessories usually run on AA or AAA batteries that need to be factored into the total cost over time
- Ergonomic options are also available from some suppliers
- Wireless accessories can be connected by USB "dongle" or Bluetooth
- Dongles can be lost over time and are often unique to the keyboard and/or mouse, keep them safe
- Bluetooth is more expensive and doesn’t require a dongle, but the computer you’re connecting to must have Bluetooth (normally available with a WiFi card, so laptops will normally have Bluetooth and desktops without WiFi normally do not)
Other Considerations for student devices
- Devices need to be assessed for robustness and transportability e.g. shock proof, handle, screen structure
- Whether you intend to use Charging stations i.e. ability to securely store in suitable in accessible/lockable stations
- Support processes including access to tech, teacher training and software partnerships
- Blended learning requirements
- Increasing use of Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) and game based learning in classrooms
- Student engagement with devices e.g. colour choices, aesthetic
- Consider the full details when purchasing Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) - some have a low purchase price but a high excess (cost to initiate claim), while others might limit the number of claims per period (i.e. 1 claim per year)
Sports Person of the year award 2023
CSDE 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 acheivement. Do not place all acheivements 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 CSDE 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.
* Unfortunately, camp-drafting, is not a recognised school sport and so would not apply for Sportsperson of the year.