Capricornia School of Distance Education

Do you know a creative kid who loves to draw?
Queensland primary school students (prep to grade 6) are invited to unleash their creativity by drawing and colouring a farm safety illustration for this year’s Farm safety calendar competition. Students have the chance to win a $250 gift card for themselves and $500 for their school. Plus, the 12 winning artworks will be featured in the free 2027 Farm safety calendar.
For entry details, template downloads and terms and conditions, visit:

Farm safety calendar competition Competition now open! Queensland primary school students are encouraged to draw and colour a picture to illustrate a farm safety message.

Student Spotlight – Jack

Jack recently spent three days learning the traditional art of blacksmithing at the Monto Historical and Cultural Complex, taking part in an intensive, hands-on course with instructors Emma and Gilbert.

Over the three days, Jack developed some incredible skills and gained an appreciation for a craft that is becoming increasingly rare. He learnt how to set a wheel onto a wagon and created a range of items from scratch, including a large metal and copper spoon, hooks, a fire stick and bridle pieces.

Jack has a genuine interest in blacksmithing and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from experienced craftspeople. His enthusiasm and willingness to learn certainly didn't go unnoticed, with Jack already invited back for the next course!

What a fantastic opportunity to explore an age-old craft, develop some very specialised skills and discover where a passion might lead. Well done, Jack!

SchoolTV - Smartphone Readiness Quiz

Deciding when a child is ready for their first smartphone can be a challenging parenting decision. Readiness is not just about age. It also depends on a child’s maturity, self-regulation, judgement and ability to manage the responsibilities of being connected online.

The Smartphone Readiness Quiz is designed for parents and adult carers to complete with their child, encouraging important conversations while exploring the key skills that support safe and responsible smartphone use.

Rather than providing a simple yes or no answer, the results highlight areas of strength and where further development may be helpful. Families are also guided through suggested next steps, including a Family Smartphone Agreement and practical guidance on setting up parental controls before introducing a smartphone.
We encourage you to complete the quiz together and use the results as a starting point for ongoing conversations about safe, responsible and healthy smartphone use.

Here is the link to this topic http://capricorniasde.eq.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-smartphone-readiness-quiz-au

Book Week fun in Rockhampton!

Our Rockhampton students finished off Book Week in style with a fantastic Dress-up Parade at Friday’s assembly!

There were some seriously cool costumes, with horses, dinosaurs, Where’s Wally, Cat in the Hat, butterflies, elephants, foxes, Minions, cats, monkeys and plenty more wonderful animals, creatures and book characters making an appearance.

It was great to see so much creativity and imagination on display as students celebrated the joy of books, characters and reading together.

Well done to everyone who dressed up and joined in the fun!

Our Rockhampton Primary students swapped their schoolwork for a little hands-on fun at Make and Meld during their Mini-school after-school activity.
With plenty of imagination at the ready, students got stuck into their projects and enjoyed making their own unique creations.
Judging by the smiles, concentration, creativity and finished pieces, it was an afternoon well spent!

Our Emerald students had the chance to get creative during Mini-school, taking part in a special after-school Open Your Art workshop with Amie Follett.

It was an opportunity for students to explore their creativity, try something different and enjoy spending time together outside the classroom. There were plenty of fantastic creations and smiles along the way!

🚨 Did you leave a state school in 2025 in Year 10, 11 & 12 before completing Year 12? We want to hear from you! Complete the 5-minute survey for your chance to WIN an iPad Air 🎉. Find your personalised link in the mail.

👉 More info: qld.gov.au/nextstep
📞 (07) 3055 2845

During Bullying No Way Week (17–21 August), we’re asking students, families, and communities to take action. Small actions, like including someone, speaking up, or showing kindness can make a difference and can help effect change. Actions don’t need to be big to change someone’s world.

We were delighted to welcome author Melissa Hill (aka Nanny Crickets) to both our Rockhampton and Emerald campuses during Mini-school last week!

Nanny Crickets spent time with our students sharing her love of books, storytelling and creativity, giving them a wonderful opportunity to connect with an author and learn more about the world behind the stories they read.

Book Week fun in Emerald!

Our Emerald students brought their favourite stories to life during our Mini-school Book Week Parade, with plenty of wonderful book characters making their way around the parade.

It was fantastic to see the creativity and effort that went into the costumes and, most importantly, students having fun celebrating their love of books and reading together.

A big thank you to our families for helping make the day so much fun!