Week 10, 23rd June 2025 CapSDE Newsletter

Lost Property

Upcoming Events - Impacts on lessons

Cluster Days – Week 10 (25–26 June 2025)

Our 2025 Cluster Days will take place in Week 10, on Wednesday 25 June and Thursday 26 June. These special days are designed to bring students together in locations where there is a higher concentration of students, providing a valuable opportunity for face-to-face learning and connection.

Clusters comprise of engaging, hands-on activities delivered by teachers. The Cluster Day program is designed to be fun, collaborative, and enriching—supporting both social and academic development.

For students who do not attend the Cluster Days, an online program will continue. Attendance is still expected on these days, and students who are not participating in Cluster activities will be required to engage in the online learning provided.  Rolls will be marked.

We look forward to connecting with many of our students in person and making these days both enjoyable and impactful.

Online Lessons During Primary Cluster

As we prepare for our upcoming Cluster Days, we would like to share the arrangements for our online learning sessions during this time. We are excited to offer a special schedule of interactive and engaging online activities for all P–6 students.

These sessions have been thoughtfully designed to promote teamwork, problem-solving, social interaction, and—most importantly—fun! Students will have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers from across the P–6 cohort in a supportive and dynamic online environment.

All online Cluster Day activities can be accessed through the Primary Mini-school course in QLearn. Scroll down to find the Cluster Days logo. Directly beneath the logo, you will see a table outlining the session times.

To join each session:
👉 Click on the Amazing Race image within the table at the scheduled time, and it will take your student directly to the organised Microsoft Teams meeting for that session.

To prepare for your online lessons on Cluster Days, please ensure you have the following equipment ready for the Leaf Art Challenge on Thursday:

• Scissors
• Glue
• Sticky tape
• Paper
• A collection of leaves (different colours and shapes if possible)
• Small sticks
• Sand/rocks/gravel/dirt

We look forward to seeing our students join in the fun, develop new friendships, and challenge themselves in new ways during these exciting Cluster Day activities.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Premier's Reading Challenge

Prep to year 9 students are invited to join in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC).

The PRC is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 6 May to 22 August. Enclosed is a reader record form to tally book read throughout the challenge.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books
• Years 5 to 9 must read at least 15 books.
• Send your completed Student Reader Record form to administration@caprrocksde.eq.edu.au by the 25 August 2025.

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books. The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 216,000 children from around the state participate.

Book suggestions are available on the PRC website:

https://prc.median.com.au/BookList

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form, will receive a Certificate of Achievement. I look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Report Cards

Semester One Report Cards will be sent to families on Monday 21 July, 2025.

What's happening in Primary?

Year 6

Year 6 Integrated Unit – Exploring Natural Disasters Around the World

This term, our Year 6 students have been diving deep into the world of natural disasters through an integrated unit across English, HASS, and Science. Their major task is to create an engaging, webpage-style information report on a natural disaster of their choice.

In Science, students have been learning about the formation and impact of cyclones. They’ve explored how improved prediction methods are helping communities better prepare for these increasingly intense and frequent events. Discussions have included the science behind cyclone formation and the technologies used to track their paths and forecast their strength.

The class also explored earthquakes – how they are caused by tectonic plate movement, and how traditional cultures have passed down earthquake survival knowledge through stories and building practices. Students were fascinated to learn that in many cases, it’s not the earthquake itself that causes harm, but the collapse of poorly constructed buildings. They also examined the architecture of ancient structures, which cleverly combine strength and flexibility to help buildings withstand seismic activity.

The unit also covered tsunamis, a dangerous follow-on effect of undersea earthquakes. Students investigated how global warning systems can give coastal communities the time needed to evacuate and stay safe.

Throughout this unit, students are discovering how traditional knowledge and modern science can work hand-in-hand. By learning from the past and embracing innovation, we can help build safer, more resilient communities – without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of modern living.

Year 5 E Teach

From Plan, to Build, to Successful Bird Implementation...

Congratulations to Eli Campbell, on his recent Design Technology Project Success - a bird feeder made from repurposed materials.

Students participating in the upcoming 1770 Cluster will be able to see Eli's project in person.

Third Place - Rockhampton Show

We’re proud to share that our Capricornia SDE entry in the Rockhampton Show placed third this year!

The collaborative piece was inspired by our Mini School lesson "Bower Bird Blues", which was based on a book purchased at last year’s Whitsunday Voices Festival. Students from all year levels contributed to the artwork.

True to the bower bird’s nature, the creation featured a variety of recycled materials—most notably a leftover bollard from our primary building construction, which formed the base of the tree. The nest itself was crafted from blue-coloured rubbish collected by Mini School attendees.

A huge congratulations to all involved—what a creative and resourceful effort!

Student Artwork Shines at the Rocky Show

We were recently delighted to receive a beautiful piece of artwork in the office, created by Year 6 student Shiny Lim and entered in this year’s Rockhampton Show.

Shiny had taken part in Mini School art lessons online, where we explored opportunities to submit work to both the Emerald and Rockhampton shows. Her stunning collage was the outcome of those sessions.

While the entry didn’t place, we were incredibly impressed by two things:

1. The incredible attention to detail Shiny demonstrated in creating her collage—she followed the brief to perfection.

2. The amazing support from her family, who ensured the piece arrived on time by express posting it to the school.

Well done, Shiny, on your creative effort and dedication!

Marlborough Sports Day

On Friday 20^th June CSDE students Luke Lindley, Lucy Geddes, Tim McIntyre, Zac, Joe and Max McKee and Sydney and Brennan Dennis competed in the Marlborough District Sports Day – 63^rd Annual Athletics Carnival.

Students competed in the long distance, sprints, relays, high jump, long jump, shot put and ball games.  All students had a fantastic day with their mates from CapSDE and made some new mates from other schools.  They displayed great sportsmanship all day.  Thank you to the parents and to Mrs Goodman for coming along and supporting the students. 

RESULTS:

Lucy – 1^st in 800m, long jump, high jump and shot put. 
            2^nd in 100m and 200m
            12 year old Girl Age Champion

Luke – 3^rd in 800m, 200m, high jump, long jump
            2^nd in 100m

Tim – 2^nd in 800m, shot put, long jump and high jump

Max – 1^st in 50m, high jump and shot put
           5 year old Boy Age Champion

Joe – 2^nd in long jump and shot put
          3^rd in 90m, 200m and high jump

Zac – Had fun and gave it his all.

Brennan – 1^st in 70m, high jump, long jump and shot put

                  6 year old Boy Age Champion

Sydney – 2^nd in high jump and long jump

                 3^rd in 200m, 800m and shot put

Overall CapSDE won

• CBV Brahmans Perpetual Trophy Field Events
• MDSSA Perpetual Trophy Track Events (We won this event last year)
• Broadsound Shire Council Perpetual Trophy Highest Average along with a Clock for the school. (We won this event last year)

The Corner Spy Ball Game Team made up of Mrs Goodman, Bonni, Meagan, Susan, Stacey and Tanya took out the competition showing a rather valiant show of competitiveness! Unfortunately, this wasn't the case with the Relay Team of Tanya, Ella Geddes, Kinley Dennis and Dean McKee. 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next

Secondary Scoop

CapSDE Students Ride High at Ridgelands Show

It was lovely to spot three of our Capricornia SDE students—Sophie McQuade, Holly McQuade, and Jade Lyons—competing in the horse events at the Ridgelands Show over the weekend.

With all three girls together and proudly competing, it was the perfect opportunity to snap a photo! They each had a fantastic day and showcased great skill and sportsmanship.

Well done, girls!

Bringing Medicine Home: Why Regional QLD Students Should Consider UQ’s Regional Medical Pathway

Have you ever thought about becoming a doctor without leaving your hometown?

UQ’s Regional Medical Pathway (RMP), delivered in partnership with CQUniversity and the Wide Bay / Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services, makes this possible—and it's making waves in places like Bundaberg, Rockhampton, and Hervey Bay.

What is the Regional Medical Pathway?

• An end-to-end medical training journey right in regional QLD, from undergraduate to MD—no need to relocate to Brisbane. medical-school.uq.edu.au+13medical-school.uq.edu.au+13study.uq.edu.au+13stories.uq.edu.au+3medical-school.uq.edu.au+3medical-school.uq.edu.au+3
• Students begin with the CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) in Rockhampton or Bundaberg. Upon completion (with a GPA ≥ 5.0), you're directly guaranteed entry into UQ’s Doctor of Medicine program. en.wikipedia.org+4medical-school.uq.edu.au+4medical-school.uq.edu.au+4
• From 2025 onwards, the full MD program (Years 1–4) is delivered entirely in regional hubs like Rockhampton, Bundaberg, and Hervey Bay. couriermail.com.au+12medical-school.uq.edu.au+12medical-school.uq.edu.au+12

Life as a Regional Med Student

• Stay close to family and community—study where you live, work alongside local health teams, and give back to the people you grew up with. couriermail.com.au+2medical-school.uq.edu.au+2medical-school.uq.edu.au+2
• Enjoy strong cohort bonds, mentorship by regional clinicians, and real-world learning from Day 1. One student said, “It’s an experience that will change the way you view medicine… shape your future career.” medical-school.uq.edu.au+4medical-school.uq.edu.au+4medical-school.uq.edu.au+4
• Lower living costs, less traffic stress, and a genuine community lifestyle await in Central Queensland and Wide Bay. study.uq.edu.au+7stories.uq.edu.au+7medical-school.uq.edu.au+7

Voices From the Regions

• Varun Lad, a student who relocated from Sydney to Bundaberg:
  “It’s been life‑changing … I’ve already established local professional networks and made lifelong friends.” medical-school.uq.edu.au
• Tylin Guthrie, a proud Darumbal woman studying in Rockhampton:
  “It gave me the opportunity to complete the entirety of my medical studies on Country.” medical-school.uq.edu.au+1couriermail.com.au+1

Who’s Eligible?

• School-leavers (provisional pathway): Queensland Year 12 students can start the BMedSci at CQU and transition to UQ MD upon completion with the required GPA. couriermail.com.au+15medical-school.uq.edu.au+15en.wikipedia.org+15
• Graduate-entry: Already have a bachelor’s? You can apply directly through GEMSAS for the CQ–Wide Bay MD pathway. Preference is given to those from regional areas (CQ/Wide Bay), then rural backgrounds, and finally others. medical-school.uq.edu.au+10study.uq.edu.au+10study.uq.edu.au+10

Strengthening Regional Health Outcomes

This pathway isn’t just about training doctors—it’s about building a sustainable healthcare workforce in regional QLD. By nurturing local students, it ensures future GPs and specialists stay where they're needed most. medical-school.uq.edu.au+3stories.uq.edu.au+3couriermail.com.au+3

Getting Started

1. Explore the BMedSci (Pathway to Medicine) at CQUniversity’s Bundaberg or Rockhampton campuses.
2. Meet the GPA target (≥ 5.0) and complete your prerequisite courses.
3. Apply via UQ or GEMSAS for the MD program—don’t forget to indicate your regional pathway preference!
4. Immerse yourself throughout the journey—in community mentorships, rural clinical placements, and regional practice settings.

Why It Matters to You

• Live and study locally—no Brisbane move required.
• Smaller cohorts = strong friendships, hands-on learning, and quicker clinical responsibility. couriermail.com.au+6medical-school.uq.edu.au+6medical-school.uq.edu.au+6study.uq.edu.au+1medical-school.uq.edu.au+1
• Make a real impact—help close healthcare gaps in your region, especially First Nations health disparities.

Final Thoughts

UQ’s Regional Medical Pathway offers more than a degree—it offers a future where you can be the doctor your town trusts, in the place you call home. Whether you're straight out of high school or shaping your next career move, this pathway is a brilliant choice for committed and community-minded students across regional Queensland.

Guidance 'Go-2'

With Term Two about to wrap up, we wanted to remind you to take the time with your students to reflect on Semester One.

We have seen so many students achieve their own success over the semester, whether it be academics, sporting, personal, re-engagement, gaining employment, improved mental health, building resilience, making positive relationships, integrity, working on their accountability, and so much more. What success have you seen in your child? Share that with them. Help them reflect on this success and set goals for success into the future, short term, long term and future.

With that, we wish you all a great holiday break and leave you with a little read to remind you all to never give up……….

A great reminder ❤️:

• At age 23, Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first reporting job (famous American talk show host).
• At age 24, Stephen King was working as a janitor and living in a trailer (famous movie director).
• At age 27, Vincent Van Gogh failed as a missionary and decided to go to art school (famous artist).
• At age 28, J.K. Rowling was a single parent living on welfare who was clinically depressed and at times has contemplated suicide (Harry Potter author).
• At age 30, Harrison Ford was a carpenter (famous actor – Indiana jones).
• At age 30, Martha Stewart was a stockbroker (famous American talk show host)
• Vera Wang failed to make the Olympic figure skating team, didn’t get the Editor-in-Chief position at Vogue, and designed her first dress at age 40 (world famous fashion designer).
• Samuel L. Jackson didnt get his first major movie role until he was 40 (famous actor).
• Morgan Freeman landed his first MAJOR movie role at age 52 (famous actor).
• In high school, Michael Jordan was kicked off the high school basketball team for not being good enough.

Whatever your dream is, it is not too late to achieve it. You aren’t a failure because you haven’t found fame and fortune by the age of 18, 21, 30 0R EVEN 50.

It’s okay if you don’t even know what your dream is yet. Even if you’re flipping burgers, waiting tables, or answering phones today, you never know where you’ll end up tomorrow.

Never tell yourself you’re too old to make it.

Never tell yourself you missed your chance.

Never tell yourself that you aren’t good enough.

You can do it. Whatever it is that sets your soul on fire.

P & C Pie Drive

🥧 P&C Pie Drive – Raising Funds for 2026 Camps! 🥧

The P&C is excited to launch a Pie Drive to help raise funds for our 2026 school camps!

This is a delicious way to support a great cause — all money raised will go directly towards supporting students to attend camp experiences in 2026. Choose from a range of tasty pies that the whole family will enjoy!

Please note this is only available for those that can pick up their pies from the Rockhampton Campus during Term 3 Mini-school. 

Key Dates:

• Order forms and payment due: Thursday 1st August

• Pie pick-up: During Term 3 Mini-school at Rockhampton Campus

The Order Form is available via the link below, so get your orders in early.
All forms to be returned via email to csdepnc.secretary@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting our school community — and happy eating!

What's on in your community?

Are You A Parent of a Child Between 0 to 12 Years Old?

Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland and The University of Queensland, are conducting research into parents’ opinions about parenting and the natural environment.

If you are a parent (18+ years) of a child aged 0 to 12 years and live in Australia, we would love to hear your views. You will need to complete a short online survey. To find out more or to participate, please visit https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/526111

This research has been approved by the UniSQ Human Research Ethics Committee (ETH2024-0126)

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