Term 2 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers, Home Tutors, Students and Community Members,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying Term 3 so far. It’s been a dynamic and exciting period for our school, and I’d like to share some recent highlights and updates with you.

Recently, a team from Cairns SDE attended the 2025 EduTECH in Sydney—Australia’s largest education technology conference.

The experience was both energising and enlightening, offering a glimpse into the future of education and what’s here right now for students to enhance their learning. From AI-powered learning platforms to immersive digital environments, the innovations showcased and reaffirmed the importance of keeping pace with technological change within our digital learning space. By embracing these tools, we can better engage students, personalise learning, and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.

I’m proud to share that our committed teaching team is about to embark on their own professional learning journey, exploring AI platforms to enhance teaching planning, pedagogy, and student engagement. This initiative reflects our school’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in education.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newly elected P&C. Your enthusiasm and commitment to supporting our school community are already making a positive impact. We look forward to working together to enhance student outcomes and strengthen our partnerships with families.

A sincere thank you to all the parents and carers who participated in our recent Biannual forum. One comment that particularly resonated was: “Learning is for everyone, not just students.” This powerful reminder reflects our shared belief in lifelong learning and community growth.

At the end of term, I was thrilled to attend our recent Sports Carnival where students participated wholeheartedly in events across the day.  I was particularly impressed by the numbers of families and loved ones who were in attendance.  There was a magical atmosphere on the day – giving rise to some impressive performances from our athletes.  My sincere thanks to our HPE team who orchestrated the event and the many staff from across our school who worked on the day.

Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to our school.

Warm regards
Peter Linnehan

Years Prep-6 Deputy Principal Report

Hello Parents and Home Tutors,

Thank you to all our students and families for a fantastic Semester 1.   There has been so much happening in the primary space as we aim to increase student engagement and provide students with multiple opportunities to learn and progress.  Our teachers have been working very hard to complete the final two English v9 units, and work on Maths v9 ready to implement in 2026.  A huge thank you to all the families who have provided feedback so that we know what is working well and what we need to do to improve.

This year the department is focussing on attendance through engagement and reading.  Our teachers and teacher aides are constantly improving their skills to ensure that we are up to date with current research and best practices for our students.

How Parents and Home Tutors influence children’s attitudes to reading

Parents and Home Tutors play a vital role in practicing and improving their child’s reading at home.  Reading with your child every day has a huge impact.  An Australian study (Australia Reads, 2025) identified the following key findings:

• Encouragement from parents has an impact – shared reading with both the parent and the child reading builds a sense of self as a reader
• Children observing their parents reading and enjoying reading encourages their child to read
• Girls received higher levels of encouragement on reading than boys – higher expectations on boys will improve reading
• Reading attitude has the greatest impact on reading fluency – if children don’t perceive reading as valuable and enjoyable, they are less likely to do it

Read the full research article here.

Reading at Home

To help your child read at home, the ‘Pause-Prompt-Praise’ method is research-based and effective.  When your child is a beginning reader and has difficulty reading a word, the following has been shown to be the best way to help them (fivefromfive, 2026)

1. Pause for around 3-5 seconds—this is important because children can often work it out if given the time. They read more slowly than we do and need time to think. If we jump in too quickly, not only do we make them reliant on us to help them, but we undermine their self-confidence.
2. Prompt - if the child cannot read the word, we can offer them a phonic prompt.  
   a) The first prompt should be a phonic prompt: “What’s the first sound in that word?”
   b) If they still can’t get it, sound the word for them with a slight pause between each sound (e.g., f..r…o…g). Encourage your child to sound out and then blend all through the word.
   c) You could also identify the first sound and encourage them to sound out the rest or break the word into its syllables. It may be useful to cover the word and reveal it slowly, looking at the sounds or the sections of the word.
   d) If they still have difficulty, tell them the word - and move on.
3. Praise is an important part of reading, and you should give specific praise when they have corrected an error or read the word correctly after a prompt. Praise should be specific, e.g: “You figured that out by yourself” or “You worked that out with only a little bit of help.”

For older students who might misread a word and continue, wait until they get to the end of the sentence before stopping them. Sometimes the reader will realise their mistake because it doesn’t make sense—and then self-correct—but they often need to get to the end of the sentence to realise this. We want readers to be able to read for meaning, and it’s an important skill for them to develop. If we immediately stop and correct them again we undermine the development of this process.

1. If they read on into the next sentence you may then want to ask them: “Did that make sense?”
2. If they think it made sense, then ask them to read the sentence again. Sometimes they get it correct because they read more carefully this time.
3. If they have misread a word for the second time, go back to the word and ask them to have a close look at it. If they recognise their mistake, read the sentence again with the correct word.
4. If they cannot read the word, help them to break it up using the strategies above.
5. If they still have trouble, provide the word and move on—but make a note of the word and have a look at it later. Talk about the meaning of the word, perhaps it’s a new word for them, there’s an unfamiliar part of the word, or they don’t know how to pronounce it.

For more information on how you can support your child at home, please visit: https://fivefromfive.com.au/parent-resources/ 

Tips to help read with your child every day

• Make reading fun and enjoyable. Children learn about reading by watching, copying and interacting with others.
• Let your child choose and re-read books they are interested in.
• Talk about the book before you start reading. Talk about the title and what could happen in the story.
• Discuss the pictures and how they add to the story.
• Whilst reading ask your child questions about the story such as "What do you think might happen next?" "Why do you think that?"
• After reading talk about the story. Ask questions such as “Which part of the story did you like best?” “What was exciting, funny or sad in the story?”
• Take turns at reading favourite stories with brothers, sisters or friends.
• Choose a variety of reading materials such as newspapers, magazines, posters, street signs, recipes and shopping lists.

Happy reading!

Years 10-12 Deputy Principal Report

Term 2 has been a busy time across senior secondary. As year 11 commences Unit 2 and Year 12’s move into Unit 4, there are some check points to observe.

Year 11 and 12 students – have you registered with QCAA’s myqce and completed the Academic Integrity course?  The QCAA Student Portal gives you secure access to your personal learning information: https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/portal/student_portal/student_portal_registering.pdf

Why register?

• My Details — where you will see your personal details and can update your email address and/or mobile phone number (use an email address that is NOT your school email - because when you finish year 12 – you can no longer access your school email)
• My Learning Account — where you will find your subject and course enrolments and learning providers, get your final results at the end of Year 12 and access statements and certificates. Unit results and assessment results will be displayed as they become available. You will also see results for any vocational education and training (VET) qualifications and QCE-recognised studies, once they have been entered by the relevant learning provider.
• My Online Learning — where you can complete the QCAA academic integrity course and print a certificate of completion. (QCAA has added the completion of this course as a mandatory component for eligibility for a QCE from Year 11 2025 onwards).
• My AARA — where you will see any approved access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA).
• My Timetable (Year 12 General subjects) — where you will see your external assessment timetable when it is available.

What do you need?

• LUI number (Learner Unique Identification number) – if you don’t know this – ask your Connect teacher or locate in your OneSchool student profile.

Year 10 SET Planning – Preparing for 2026

During Term 2, Year 10 students focused on career pathways and subject selection through their connect lessons. They explored future options, developed career profiles on the MyFuture platform, and updated their SET (Senior Education and Training) Plans to reflect goals for senior schooling and beyond.

Students learned to distinguish between General and Applied subjects and aligned their choices with personal strengths and aspirations. They also explored Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, gaining insight into workplace expectations and essential skills like teamwork and communication.

In Week 9, students heard directly from Heads of Department to help guide subject choices for Years 11 and 12. All Year 10 students are required to complete a SET Plan and engage in a Senior Pathways Conference with their parent and a member of staff, regardless of their plans for 2026. Information and forms were emailed to all Year 10 parents on 19 June 2025 and can also be located on our website: https://cairnssde.eq.edu.au/curriculum/senior-secondary

Please note updates to the Key dates for Planning for Cairns SDE Year 10 students in Term 2 & 3

We look forward to supporting students and families throughout this planning journey. For enquiries, please contact Mrs Jennifer Harburn-Vicig at jharb27@eq.edu.au or (07) 4080 9185.

Many thanks to Mrs Amanda Taylor (Industry Vocational Training Officer) and Mrs Jennifer Harburn-Vicig (VET HoD) who coordinated Work Experience for Year 10 students during Term 2 Week 10.

Many thanks to Mrs Taylor, Mrs Harburn-Vicig and Mrs Preston who prepared and hosted the Cairns SDE Careers Expo during Term 2 Week 10 catering for face-to-face and online students with a variety of industry training organisations on Tuesday 24 June 2025 as part of the Annual Camp Week activities.

We look forward to completing the 240 Year 10 Senior Pathways Conferences by Week 4 of Term 3. If you haven’t yet booked, parents and carers are asked to check the email sent to all Year 10 parents/carers on Thursday 19 June 2025.

Subject Changes

Subject changes for Year 11 students for Unit 2 close Thursday 17 July (as we have the Cairns Show holiday on Friday 18 July). Year 10 students can change subjects for Semester 2 up until Friday 1 August 2025. Subject change forms are available on the school website: https://cairnssde.eq.edu.au/curriculum/senior-secondary

QTAC Applications Open Tuesday 5 August

Queensland Year 12 students can begin their QTAC Application for courses commencing in 2026 from Tuesday 5 August.
Please use a personal email address and ensure you have your LUI, DOB, and full name (as on QCAA record).

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Cairns SDE is a Positive Behaviour for Learning school. Our three foci for Cairns SDE are identified in our Matrix for Expected Behaviours: Responsible, Respectful, Resilient.  Teachers and Home Tutors are encouraged to identify and acknowledge our students when they demonstrate these behaviours.

VET Coordinator Report/News

Year 10 Career Pathways & Subject Selection – SET Planning for 2026

As part of their Connect lessons, students have been exploring future career options, training pathways, and making subject selections for senior schooling in 2026. This period has been crucial in helping students align their strengths, interests, and aspirations with real-world opportunities.

Throughout Term 2, students have engaged in a series of activities designed to support confident and informed decision-making as they complete their SET Plan and prepare for 2026—whether continuing at school, transitioning to further training (such as apprenticeships or traineeships), or entering the workforce.

The learning intention of this unit was to introduce students to the distinctions between General and Applied subjects, assisting them in selecting subjects aligned with their individual goals. By the conclusion of the process, students were equipped to choose senior subjects that support their chosen career pathways and enable them to reach their full potential.

During Term 2, students completed their Career Profile using the MyFuture platform, which guided them through exploring various occupations, industries, and their personal strengths. They also revisited their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan and updated their Pathway Profile to reflect their current intentions for senior schooling and beyond.

These activities encouraged students to reflect on their interests, skills, and personal attributes to better understand how these relate to different careers and work environments. They considered how relationships with family, friends, and school influenced their decisions and evaluated their personal achievements to identify strengths and areas for growth. Students also explored how the rapidly evolving world of work presents new opportunities and challenges, and how developing transferable skills will assist them in managing future transitions and career changes.

As part of this ongoing exploration, students learned about Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways. VET provided practical, real-world experience through workplace learning, helping students understand employer expectations and how businesses operate. It also fostered essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills valuable across all industries. Importantly, VET enabled students to explore career options before committing to further study or entering the workforce, and completing a VET qualification can significantly enhance future employment prospects.

In Week 9, Year 10 students had the opportunity to hear directly from Heads of Department across faculties, providing valuable insight into the broad range of subject choices available in Years 11 and 12 for their senior schooling.

Please note that all Year 10 students must complete a SET Plan, regardless of whether they plan to continue at Cairns SDE or exit in 2026.

We look forward to continuing to work with parents and students on their SET Plan goals to consolidate their career and senior schooling pathways throughout Term 2. For further information, please contact the Head of Department, Mrs Jennifer Harburn-Vicig, via email at jharb27@eq.edu.au  or by phone on (07) 4080 9185.

Parent Liaison Officer News

Ciao Parents and Home Tutors!

We have already made it past the halfway mark and continue into completing another year of learning, study, and community engagement events at Cairns SDE.

Look out for our communications coming your way soon, as we have another couple of months full of important activities, for both our students and Home Tutors. For example, straight up at the start is Senior Pathway Conferences and Parent Teacher Conferences. Also, keep your eye out for details about the STEM Workshops, Instrumental Music Workshop and Term 3 Mini Schools.

Annual Camp Week

It was wonderful to see all the families during our Annual Camp Week at the end of Term 2. It is such a great week to attend considering all the natural and easy-going meeting and networking opportunities there are for parents. Connecting with other parents in your year level and in your region is a fantastic way to support and encourage engagement for your student. Children who feel connected are more likely to engage and succeed as a distance education student. We hope that all our families who took part in the week felt just a little bit more connected to their cohort and to your school as a whole.

The verbal reports that came back from camp were filled with news of students thoroughly enjoying themselves. They tried new activities, thrived in unfamiliar environments and established bonds with teachers and new mates.

Cultural Day was fabulous with so many teachers stepping out in cultural attire to celebrate the languages we offer here at Cairns SDE, as well as the cultural diversity evident amongst teachers and staff across the school, and within our families. This day for Cairns SDE is a very special opportunity to show respect, learn, and value the richness of cultures from our community, around Australia and across the world. Developing an understanding of the differences culture contributes to values such as empathy and tolerance, fostering inclusivity and collaboration through innovation.

The Sports Carnival was also hit for our families and school staff. It was truly exciting to see students of all abilities run, jump and throw their way to success. Some kids tried track and field activities for the first time, some gave it their all to get to the finish line and some found hidden talents that I hope they continue to pursue. There is one way to describe the experience for all involved and the word for this is unequivocally FUN!!! It was again inspiring to see the Spirit Awards go to students who really deserve them.

The Distance Dialogues

Last month we were very excited to launch a school podcast, The Distance Dialogues. Our plan is to have an episode released each month and topics will be relevant to learning, engagement, schooling insights, delving into all the good work that goes on here, and general tips for Home Tutors. A playlist has been set up on our YouTube account to add in each new episode. Episode 1 and 2 are out now, so be sure to check them out here!

Home Tutor Inductions

In a few weeks I will reach out to our new families via a Microsoft TEAMS Home Tutor Induction. To assist this process, we have created a video dedicated to supporting new families. This is then followed by the offer of a “Check-In” with me. I am always here to assist you with any Home Tutor support queries so please feel welcome to get in touch directly.

Home Tutor Connect Sessions

These online sessions will continue this term in Week 3 and Week 7. Week 3 is likely to be an external provider with a presentation dedicated to mental health. Full details will be emailed to all families in Week 2, with the Microsoft TEAMS link included to access the session. I look forward to joining with you then!

Clare Macpherson | PLO@cairnssde.eq.edu.au | 07 4080 9208

Cairns SDE Official School Song and Video out now!

At the end of term, we officially launched the Cairns SDE School song and video "Global Learning". In collaboration with renowned singer, songwriter and filmmaker Josh Arnold, we are pleased to present our official school song and video. We love it and we know you will too!

Global Learning can also be downloaded on Spotify.

Annual Camp Week

Prep to Year 3 Camp Photos

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Years 4 to 6 Camp Photos

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Years 7 to 9 Camp Photos

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Years 10-12 Careers Expo Photos

Cultural Day - Ayo, Ayo, Ayo – Cha, Cha, Cha 

Thank you to all the students and Home Tutors who attended Cultural Day 2025. Your enthusiastic participation helped the day run smoothly. Cultural Day is not only an opportunity to truly demonstrate our school’s Positive Behaviour for Learning by participating, considering others and being resilient when trying new things.  

Home Tutors enjoyed cooking demonstration and tried their hand at Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting.  The students, learned about traditional arts like Indonesian Angklung music, French stained-glass windows and Spanish cubism. They also learned about the contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, tried out German soccer and Indonesian Independence Day games. Everyone enjoyed the multicultural lunch menu, which is always one of the most popular parts of the day. 

Cultural Day not only brings learning to life but also helps our students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and values that sit behind the languages we teach here at Cairns SDE. We look forward to sharing this wonderful day with you again next year. 

Special mention: 

As part of Cultural Day, students learned about the life and work of iconic contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. She is best known for her Obliteration Rooms—interactive art installations where visitors transform entirely white rooms, filled with white furniture and household items, by covering them with colourful dots.

Our table will be in the library for viewing next time you visit CSDE.

Cultural Day Photos

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Sports Carnival

The final day of our 2025 Annual Camp Week wrapped up on Friday with a full program of events at the school’s Sports Carnival.

Students from Prep to Year 12 took part in a wide range of activities, including track and field events, high jump, long jump, shot put, and novelty games that encouraged participation and teamwork.

The day concluded with the always popular Colour Run and Obstacle Course, a fun and energetic way to finish the week’s activities.

Congratulations to JARDINE House, who earned the highest overall points, and to all individual event winners for their achievements on the day.

Thank you to the families who came along to support our students. Your involvement added greatly to the atmosphere. And a special thanks to all the staff whose organisation and effort ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

It was a successful end to Annual Camp Week 2025, and we look forward to doing it all again next year!

Age Champions
2015 Boys	Colby J
2015 Girls	Chelsea A
2014 Boys	Reuben E
2014 Girls	Maddy A
2013 Boys	William J
2013 Girls	Pippa P
2012	Harry H
2011 Boys	Braxton P
2011 Girls	Kelly P
2010 Boys	Frederik W
2010 Girls	Ahaan S
Opens	Anna P
Spirit Awards
Junior Spirit Award	Misha C
Senior Spirit Awards	Anna P Kelly P Pippa P

Sports Carnival Photos

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Author Sally Rippin visits CSDE!

A Special Visit from Sally Rippin – Australian Children’s Laureate 2024/25

We were thrilled to welcome the incredible Sally Rippin to our school this term! As the current Australian Children’s Laureate for 2024/25 and author of over 100 beloved books, Sally’s visit was an unforgettable experience for students and staff alike.

During her visit, Sally captivated us with stories from her life as a writer, sharing the inspiring journey that led her to become one of Australia’s most loved children’s authors. One of the highlights was seeing the very first book Sally ever created — made from an old cereal box and A4 paper when she was just a teenager. This powerful moment encouraged many of our students to begin crafting their own stories, proving that every author starts somewhere. We are hoping these students might start sharing in our Lunchtime Stories.

Sally wrapped up her session by reading one of her award-winning books, leaving us all inspired, entertained, and eager to write.

We are so grateful to have had Sally visit and share her passion for storytelling. Her words reminded us that every story matters — especially the ones we create ourselves.

National Simultaneous Storytime 2025

National Simultaneous Storytime 2025 - A Purr-fectly Special Reading Event!

This year, Cairns SDE proudly joined over 2.2 million participants across the country for the 2025 National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) which is a much-loved annual event that celebrates the joy of reading together. On Wednesday, we gathered to share in the reading of The Truck Cat, and what a memorable experience it was!

With approximately 60 families joining us online, the event was a wonderful example of how reading can bring communities together—whether in the classroom, at home, or through a screen. The excitement was extra special this year, as we were incredibly lucky to have none other than Sally Rippin, the current Australian Children’s Laureate, read the story to us.

Being read to by Sally not once, but twice in one week, was a real treat! Her warmth, humour, and love for storytelling brought The Truck Cat to life in a way that left us all smiling—students, staff, and families alike.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this a celebration to remember. We can’t wait to see what next year’s story will be!

Listen to Sally read here 🔗Sally Rippin reading The Truck Cat

Open Learning Campus - ADF Visit

Students and staff at the Open Learning Campus were thrilled to welcome ADF personnel of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for an exciting and informative visit during Week 5. Students had the opportunity to learn about diverse career pathways within the Navy, Army and Air Force, and hear firsthand what life in the Defence Force is really like. The visit wasn’t all talk though—everyone got active with a push-up challenge and the famous beep test, joined by some enthusiastic ADF recruits! It was a fantastic afternoon filled with energy, insight, and inspiration.

A big thank you to the ADF team for taking the time to connect with our students and share their experiences. We truly appreciate your visit!

Term 2 STEM Workshop

STEM Workshop Ignites Innovation and Collaboration

At the end of last term, students from across the school took part in an exciting STEM workshop focused on robotics and engineering. Over the two-day event, budding innovators began designing and building robots in preparation for this year’s upcoming VEX IQ and VEX V5 competitions.

With creativity and teamwork at the heart of the workshop, students explored key concepts in robotics, problem-solving, and mechanical design. It was a hands-on opportunity to dive into the engineering process, experiment with ideas, and begin shaping robots that will take on real-world competition challenges later this year.

The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event were truly inspiring. Students worked collaboratively, supported each other’s ideas, and showed great determination—laying a strong foundation for a successful robotics season ahead.

Looking Ahead - Next STEM Workshop - 7 to 9 August (Term 3, Week 4)

Our next STEM Workshop is just around the corner and open to all students! Further information has been emailed to all families. Registration closes Friday 25 July.

Whether you're just getting started or already deep into your next build, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, test your designs, and connect with fellow STEM enthusiasts.

Build. Code. Compete. Collaborate.

Let’s make the next workshop even bigger and better — we can’t wait to see what you create!

Term 2 Instrumental Music Workshop

Making Music Together - Term 2 Workshop Recap

Our Instrumental Music students took part in a focused and productive two-day workshop as part of the Term 2 program. Held across Thursday and Friday, the workshop provided students with valuable time to develop their ensemble skills and refine their concert band pieces.

Day 1 saw students working with concentration and purpose under the guidance of Mrs Taylor. The workshop allowed them to step away from their regular routines and engage in face-to-face learning with their peers. When asked about the experience, Fred said his highlight was simply “learning,” while Justene appreciated “the face-to-face interaction and having a break from the computer screen.”

On Day 2, students built on the progress made the previous day, using the opportunity to strengthen their playing and ensemble coordination. The workshop concluded with a concert performance for staff and parents, where students demonstrated the results of their efforts with confidence and skill.

Thank you to Mrs Taylor for her expert guidance and support throughout the workshop. It was a rewarding experience and a valuable opportunity for students to grow as musicians.

Readers Cup

Readers Cup Teams Shine!

We are incredibly proud of our two Readers Cup teams who recently took part in this year’s competition. Our Year 7/8 team competed against 22 other schools and achieved an impressive 5th place overall - what an outstanding effort! Our Year 5/6 team went up against 48 schools and placed 37th! They won a book for our CSDE library by answering a ‘spot’ question correctly. Both teams should be congratulated for the way they represented our school with pride, determination and teamwork.

These students showed real commitment throughout the term, meeting weekly to discuss and analyse five novels in preparation for the big day. They worked collaboratively, built strong teamwork and leadership skills, and tackled every challenge with enthusiasm.

The competition itself was fast-paced and intense - with only 30 seconds to answer each question, our team members showed courage, quick thinking and a willingness to give it a go. What a fantastic achievement!

• Year 5/6 team: Maddy, Isabelle, Isabella and Scarlett.
• Year 7/8 team: Will, Allira and Kaylee. 

We are all very proud of you - Congratulations!

Both teams have been supported by our Teacher-Librarian Faith McDonald and we’d like to extend thanks to Jodie Williams who helped with the Yr 5/6 team on the day of the competition. 

Our Readers Cup journey isn’t over yet - our Year 9/10 team is still preparing and will compete in August. Best of luck to you all!

Reading in all different places

Bond University Visit

Professional Inspiration Visits Cairns SDE’s Media Arts in Practice Class

This year, CSDE proudly launched a new Senior subject—Media Arts in Practice (MAP) - now being offered to Year 11 and 12 students under the guidance of teacher Ms Kyalea Young. With a strong focus on industry knowledge and real-world learning experiences, this innovative course recently welcomed an inspiring guest: professional filmmaker Christopher Boyd.

As part of the Bond University 2025 Roadshow, Mr Boyd visited CSDE on Monday May 13, sharing his extensive expertise with our Year 11 MAP students.

Christopher Boyd is a seasoned Executive Producer with over 25 years of experience across film, television, and media production. His impressive credits include popular TV series such as Tastes of Australia with Hayden Quinn, The Brighter Side, Big Brother, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. He has also run successful production companies in Southeast Queensland, collaborating with major clients such as McCann Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Education Queensland.

In addition to his production work, Mr Boyd is a dedicated educator. An adjunct lecturer at Bond University since 2005, he’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. His achievements also include founding the award-winning Stop Bullying Now campaign, which empowered over 400 students to create compelling anti-bullying commercials that reached millions of viewers.

During his visit to CSDE, Mr Boyd shared his insights on cinematography and documentary filmmaking - a perfect fit as our MAP students prepare to begin production on their Micro Documentaries. He also collaborated with Ms Kyalea Young to create new video resources on sound and post-production techniques that will support future Media classes at CSDE.

Mr Boyd also introduced students to the BUFTA (Bond University Film & Television Awards) - a prestigious film competition for school students. Not only does it offer an exciting creative challenge, but the winner also receives a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University.

On behalf of CSDE, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr Christopher Boyd for his time, inspiration, and generosity in supporting our students’ creative journeys. This was an incredible opportunity for MAP students to connect with industry-level expertise, and we look forward to seeing their projects come to life.

Year 3 - Native Bee Incursion

As part of our English unit Beeing Writers, Year 3 students have been exploring the fascinating process of how bees make honey. This unit has supported students in developing their skills in writing clear and informative explanation texts.

To enrich our learning, students participated in a special virtual incursion on June 9 with Zac from Cairns Native Bee. During the session, Zac gave us an up-close point of view look at his beehives and the tools he uses as an apiarist. He explained each stage of the honey-making process and highlighted the important role that native bees play in pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Following the tour, students were able to ask Zac their own questions in a live Q&A session. Their questions showed a great deal of curiosity and understanding, and Zac provided detailed, engaging answers that brought real-world context to our writing task.

Ms Carly and Mrs Enever are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and high-quality work shown by all students throughout this unit.

Student Alumni Achievement - Dale

We are beyond proud to share the journey of Dale. Dale graduated Year 12 at Cairns SDE in 2014 and was the recipient of the prestigious DUX award. Fast forward to the end of 2024, completing his degree at James Cook University - Bachelor of Science with honours, and a PhD in medical physics. A huge congratulations Dr. Dale on such an outstanding achievement!

Continue reading as Dale shares his story below

I grew up on an orchard farm in Mutchilba, one and a half hours west of Cairns. My time at Cairns SDE started in grade 2 and culminated in graduating with an OP of 2 in 2014. In 2015 I started a Bachelor of Science (with honours) majoring in both maths and physics at James Cook University. In 2019, I then started work on my PhD in medical physics under the supervision of Prof. Ronald White before graduating in 2024.

I look back on my years studying at CSDE fondly. Progressing through schoolwork at home with Mum working as a home tutor for my three brothers and I had its challenges, but I am thankful for that upbringing. Honestly, Mum deserves the title of home teacher for the sheer mountain of effort she put in. Her dedication and commitment to us is an inspiration and something that I strive to honour and replicate in my own life.

Studying at CSDE embedded some invaluable skills that I was able to leverage in my transition to university study. Studying from home required a lot of self-determination and discipline. There was never a dull moment on the farm, there was always something more 'fun' to do than read a textbook. We had to take responsibility and do a full day's worth of schoolwork, which often meant working late into the evening despite our protests.

During high school, I developed a keen interest in astronomy. This led me to an interest in science more broadly and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge. I was fascinated by people like Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson, their documentaries and books helped fuel the passion I had. When I finished school, I chose to chase a newly found dream of becoming a scientist by starting my Maths and Physics degree at James Cook University.

I quickly found the self-discipline skills I needed at CSDE were well suited for university study. Knuckling down in my room and studying until the task was done was something I was very used to. As I found my footing, I also found a close group of other maths and physics students and I don't know where I would be now without their support and help. Towards the end of my degree, one of my lecturers, Prof. Ronald White, asked if I wanted to take on a side project during a semester break and I jumped at the chance. I then continued this project through my honours and PhD. The thrill of discovering something new and contributing to the collective knowledge of science is something I will never tire of.

Now, I am working as a full time Post-Doctoral Research Fellow where I am developing numerical techniques that aim to advance our knowledge of electron interactions in biological matter, which has promising medical applications. After this, I hope to continue to build upon my research and explore new fields of physics for as long as I am able.

What an amazing journey so far Dale, and definitely more to come! From everyone here at Cairns SDE we wish you all the best as you pursue your passions and your dreams.

Student Achievement - Bailey

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the recent accomplishments of Year 11 student, Bailey, whose dedication and talent in golf continue to impress.

In January, Bailey competed in the Toowoomba Middle Ridge Junior Cup, delivering an exceptional performance with a 2-under-par round of 69. This outstanding result not only secured him the tournament win but also qualified him for the prestigious 2025 Greg Norman Junior Masters, to be held in December.

Adding to his list of achievements, Bailey was honoured with a Youth Achievement Award at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on January 26, presented by Mr Peter Dutton.

To top it all off, Bailey has once again been selected for the Golf Australia QLD High Performance Tier 4 Squad, marking his second consecutive year in this elite program.

Congratulations, Bailey, on your incredible achievements. We look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next!

Student Achievement - Cooper

Congratulations to Year 6 student Cooper, who recently competed in the Victorian Junior Amateur Golf Championship under extremely challenging conditions - wind, rain, and freezing temperatures across four tough days. Despite the weather, Cooper delivered an outstanding performance, finishing as the Nett Runner-Up in the Under 14 Boys division. What an achievement!

Showing remarkable resilience and dedication, Cooper backed it up the very next day at the Men’s Country Week Qualifying Day in Euroa. After 72 holes of junior competition, he set a new personal best with an incredible -1 under-par 71, his first sub-par round, and took out the top spot overall—qualifying for the Country Week Representative Squad in Mildura this September.

Well done, Cooper! Your school community is proud of your ongoing dedication and incredible talent.

Student Achievement - Jett

Following on from our last newsletter, where we celebrated Year 12 student Jett’s qualification for the Track and Field National Titles in Perth, we now have an exciting update on his achievements over the past few months.

Jett proudly represented Queensland in the 3000m at Nationals in Perth on April 6. Despite being struck with the flu on the day of the event, Jett showed incredible determination and resilience. Even while unwell, he gave it everything he had, finishing 9th overall in a tough field of 24 athletes. To put his performance in perspective—his State-winning time of 8.30 would have taken the gold medal at Nationals. A remarkable effort and proof of the elite level Jett is competing at!

Jett's focus now turns to cross country—and he’s been on fire. On May 10, he placed 2nd at the Athletics Australia State Cross Country Championships held at Nudgee College, conquering 6km of mud and fun terrain. That outstanding result means Jett is now preparing to compete at the All Schools National Cross Country Championships in Ballarat, Victoria, this August.

Jett’s momentum continued at the Brisbane Marathon Weekend on June 1, where he ran in the State 10km Championships. He claimed 1st place in the U18 division with a blistering time of 32.48 and finished 7th overall. Just two days later, on June 3, he won the Regional Cross Country Championships in Noosaville, securing his place at the upcoming School State Championships in July.

Adding to his impressive season, Jett recently competed in the Queensland 5km Championships, clocking an incredible 14.54—placing 2nd in his age group and 7th overall.

As he now heads into the Queensland Representative School State Cross Country Championships this weekend, we wish Jett the very best. With Nationals in Ballarat still ahead, Jett continues to inspire with his drive, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Go Jett! Your school community is behind you all the way.

Just in - We’re thrilled to share that Jett placed 2nd at the Queensland Representative School State Cross Country Championships (6km) in the 17 Years age category. He also secured 2nd place the following day in the 17 Years Boys 5 x 1.5km relay. Jett is now off to Nationals for QRSS Cross Country in September, as well as the much anticipated All Schools National Cross Country in mid-August.

Student Achievement - Emily

We are proud to share that one of our Year 12 students, Emily, was selected to attend the prestigious 2025 QUT Future You Summit earlier this month.

Chosen from a competitive pool of 541 applicants, Emily joined 342 other high-achieving Year 11 and 12 students from across Queensland and northern New South Wales at QUT’s Brisbane campus from 1–4 July.

The summit, designed to prepare students for the careers of the future as Brisbane looks ahead to the 2032 Olympics, offered participants hands-on experiences linked to real undergraduate disciplines, interactive workshops, and the chance to connect with academic leaders and industry innovators.

Throughout the four days, Emily developed valuable skills in creativity, critical thinking, and leadership—skills that will no doubt support her future ambitions.

Congratulations, Emily! We are so proud of your achievement and can’t wait to hear all about your experience.

Term 3 Mini Schools - 16-18 September

We are excited to announce our next big event of the year, Term 3 Mini schools - 16-18 September 2025 (Week 10)

Full details of the event, and registration information will be sent to families soon.  Keep an eye out on your inbox and our Facebook and Instagram page.

Save the Date - Celebration Week Term 4

Save the Date! Get ready to celebrate the end of a wonderful year at the 2025 Cairns SDE Celebration Week from Monday 17 - Friday 21 November (Term 4, Week 7)

Event Details

Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 November

• Years 10-12 Senior Camp - Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre, Black Gully Campus

Monday 17 & Wednesday 19 November

• Swimming Program - Marlin Coast Swimming & Fitness Centre, Smithfield

Tuesday 18 November

• Excursion - Go Bowling, Cairns

Thursday 20 November

• Prep to Year 12 Presentation Day - Cairns School of Distance Education, 26-62 Hoare St, Manunda
• Year 12 Graduation Celebration Dinner & Formal - Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns

Friday 21 November

• Years 10-12 Reef Trip - Sunlover Cruises 
• Sugarworld Water Slide Park - Edmonton

More information will be shared in Term 3, but for now mark your calendar for the event of the year!

Save the Date - Year 12 Graduation Celebration

An extra special Save the Date

Year 12 Graduation is a very special and memorable time. This year we have locked in the date Thursday 20 November. The celebration will be made up of Formal arrivals and a Celebration Dinner for in-person attendance. We will also have options for virtual attendance, so you can make it special in your own way wherever you are. Either way, dress to impress!

Full details will be shared in Term 3. For any questions, please feel welcome to contact Ms Preston spres40@eq.edu.au 

Lunchtime Stories - Monday & Wednesday at 1pm.

Join us for Lunchtime Stories, every Monday and Wednesday at 1pm in CSDE Student Space. Check Student Notices weekly to see who the special guest reader is.

Who to Contact

Do you have a question about your child or student? Not sure who to contact? Here's a quick reference guide 📩

Student Achievement - Let us know

If your child has an achievement or you would like to share a story about your child with our school community, please send us an email with information and photos regarding your child’s achievement and it will be shared in our newsletter and on social media. Email: marketing@cairnssde.eq.edu.au 

SchoolTV

Have you seen SchoolTV?  

You will find a range of topics published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations. You will find fact sheets, suggested books, apps, websites and much more. Because SchoolTV is independent, they’ve pulled in some great content from organisations such as Beyond Blue, ReachOut, HeadSpace and others.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact our school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
We trust you get great value from every edition and happy, safe parenting!  

Link: https://cairnssde.eq.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter 

QParents

Attention Parents & Carers!

If you haven't yet downloaded the QParents app, now is the perfect time! The QParents portal will provide secure online access to your child’s student information in one place, anywhere, anytime.

Here’s how to register

1. Have your QParents invitation email ready. If you haven't received it, please contact us at: QParents@cairnssde.eq.edu.au
   
2. Gather documents for identity verification
3. Your child/children’s EQ ID (Education Queensland Identification number)

Check out the attached QParents guide for detailed registration steps. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3Weol5b.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay connected with your child's learning!

Did you know we have a Facebook and Instagram page?

Follow us for regular updates, news, photos & more.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cairnssde 

Instagram:  #cairnssde

Support Organisations

Did you know that Lifeline has the option of text support counselling?

2025 EQ School Calendar

Start planning with the 2025 school calendar now available on the Education Queensland website.

The calendar features school term dates, school holiday dates, public holidays and staff development/student free days.

If you’re looking for more room to write, check out the 2025 school planner which is now bigger and better at A3 size per term and notes each term week.