The Urgency of Protecting Our Teens in a Digital World
Dear Parents,
Last week, Daniel Principe visited and spoke to our young men about how to embrace masculinity in a healthy, Christ-centered way. His message was timely, as it came right after I finished watching Adolescence. This current TV series offers a raw, uncomfortable, and confronting look at the struggles teens face today. Watching it was a wake-up call, but what struck me most as I watched the scene between the adolescent and the psychologist was how it mirrored some of the troubling conversations I’ve been having with young people about the pressures they face every day when it comes to social media, online bullying and very unhealthy ideas about what relationships look like.
In our digital age, algorithms online are targeting young men with harmful content—pornography, gambling, and other destructive behaviours. The statistics are shocking: rates of sexual violence against women are at an all-time high, and there’s no significant difference between Christian and non-Christian homes when it comes to these issues. The digital world is shaping our teens in ways that are hard to ignore, and we must ask ourselves: do we know what our teens are looking at? Are we having the difficult but essential conversations with them? What can we do as a school?
Firstly, we are also very glad to welcome Melinda Tankard Reist to our school next term, to meet with our young women. Melinda is a well-known speaker, author, and advocate for the dignity and wellbeing of young people, especially in a culture that often distorts their value. Grounded in her Christian faith, Melinda brings a message that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of respect and love. She will be speaking to students about the pressures they face in today’s media-saturated world and how they can stand strong in their identity and make wise, courageous choices. We also strongly encourage parents to attend her Parent Information Session at school, where Melinda will share practical insights into how families can support their children in navigating these challenges. It promises to be a valuable and eye-opening evening.
Also, beginning in Term 2, we’re launching DigiHelp as part of our wellbeing program for Years 7 – 10. DigiHelp is designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in the overtly sexualised digital environment—safely, wisely, and with integrity. From a Christian perspective, it supports our belief that technology, when used well, can be a force for good. DigiHelp will guide students to honour God in their online choices, show kindness in their interactions, and protect their hearts and minds in a space that often promotes the opposite.
Jesus came so we could have life in its fullest, abundant form. But we must ask the tough questions and have the uncomfortable and confronting conversations. What are we filling our hearts with? What are our teens filling their lives with? Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Our choices—whether what we consume in the digital world or what we allow our teens to consume—shape who we are and who we are becoming, and ultimately how we act and treat each other.
As parents and caregivers, we must intentionally guard what our young people are exposed to. It’s easy to think that if we just provide the right resources or rules, things will be fine. But the real work is in fostering open, honest conversations about what they are seeing, experiencing, and feeling. It’s about encouraging them to embrace a healthy, Godly version of masculinity and femininity, so our young men and women understand their worth, and to protect their hearts from the things that would distort their view of themselves and the world around them.
As a community, let’s not shy away from these tough conversations. Let’s engage with our teens and help them navigate this complex world with wisdom and integrity. Together, we can help them pursue a full, abundant life in Christ, where their hearts overflow with the love, truth, and peace that only He can provide.
In Christ,
Faith
School Updates
NEW G Block Open!
We are excited to announce that our new G Block classroom buildings are now open and ready for use!
Today, secondary students and teachers began utilising these rooms, which are a much needed addition to our school due to the increase in enrolment.
We would like to express our gratitude to our Executive Team for making this building project a reality.
A special thank you goes to Mr Keiran McLeod and Mr Rick Denton for their hard work on the finishing touches of the building and landscaping.
School Photos
School Photo Day is on Tuesday, 6th May.
This year, we are using East Point Pro Studio for our photography. Please see the flyer for prices and packages.
Please go online via the link https://clients.eastpointprostudio.com.au/pages/index/2341857 or use the QR code to register and pre-purchase your photos.
Please note: Sibling photos must be pre-registered by Monday, 5th May. They cannot be requested on photo day.
Dress Like a Pirate Day
Friday 16th May 2025
We are fundraising for Pirate Day because we want to help turn the tide on kids’ brain cancer. More children in Australia die of brain cancer than any other disease, and treatments can result in substantial and permanent side effects. Every dollar counts, so let’s make childhood brain cancer walk the plank!
If you would like to make a donation before the day, scan the QR code or click on the link below.
https://pirateday.com.au/casino-christian-school
On Friday 16th Primary Students may dress up in Pirate attire and bring a gold coin donation.
Primary Updates
Friday Afternoon Enrichment – Nature Play
This term for learning enrichment on a Friday afternoon, we have been completing nature play. Nature play is a research-backed program that brings children back into the bush to not only play and build social skills, but also to develop creativity, resilience, motor skills, imagination and real-life experiences that link into science and geography. So far, we have made bases amongst the trees and branches, formed groups to work in, climbed trees, discovered animals and insects, dug holes, sawed timber, and made fences, wells for water, and swings. While we have been building and creating, we have had a few social difficulties, but these have provided a great platform to talk and adjust our communication skills. Having grades 2-6 has also provided a great peer learning experience where the older children are leading through modelling and providing strategies for the younger children to learn from.
Just last week I introduced currency to the group which was really a wooden block. These were then traded as a currency to gain things. To gain more, the children made different games to attract others to spend their money. One group made a throwing lasso game in which the others had to pay a dollar (one wooden block) to throw the string and loop it over the stick. If they were successful, they received two dollars, and if not, the money was kept by the game owner. Another was similar; it had a swing that held a stick. The contestants had to pay 50 cents (half a wooden block) and underarm throw and hit a stick off the swing. The winner also received two dollars. Another game was tug of war. This game was quite interesting to watch players enter their money and challenge a contestant. The winner would take both players’ money. At the beginning of each lesson, all the players get more money again to try other groups’ games and improve their own. The groups learnt very quickly about probability. If their game were successful, it would have a lot of customers and profit. Sometimes this wasn’t the case, and they had to shut their game and try to think of another idea.
Mr Crowther
Stage 2 (Year 3 & 4) – Beach Day Out
CCS and CYC will partner in Term Two on Monday, May 5th, for a special Beach Day excursion at Lennox Head.
Please complete the permission note and return it with payment by the 30th April.
Students also need to be registered for this excursion through the link below.
https://book.venue.life/cycburleigh/register/2246-year-34-day-camp
Mothers Day Stall
Our P&F Committee are organising our annual Mother’s Day Stall.
This year, to make things easier on the day, we have opted to use a pre-pay system so that students can purchase more than one gift if they wish.
Please complete the note sent home and return it to the school by Monday, 5th May if you wish for your child to participate in Mother’s Day purchasing.
For a copy of the note, please see the link below.
Primary Mothers Day Stall 2025
Secondary Updates
Stage 4 Camp Highlights - CYC Burleigh
Year 7 & 10 Vaccinations
Our school is booked for Year 7 & 10 Vaccinations on Wednesday 7th May – Term 2 Week 2
Your child has received an information flyer about School Vaccination. This is just reiterating this information in case you did not receive a copy. Please note your child WILL NOT be vaccinated unless you give consent by following the registration link below. Please complete the registration as soon as possible. If you need assistance with this, please contact the office.
Kind Regards,
CCS Admin
In 2025, the following vaccines will be offered:
- In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough), (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10, you can give consent online for their routine school vaccinations.
How to provide consent
- To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit the School Vaccination Program online consent portal (https://engage.health.nsw.
gov.au/engage) - For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please refer to the NSW Health webpage How to Provide Consent (https://www.health.nsw.gov.
au/immunisation/Pages/online- consent-school-vaccination. aspx). - Follow the steps to log in to your existing Service NSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to https://www.service.nsw.
gov.au/services/myservicensw- account/how-to-create-an- account to create one. - Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
- Enter your child’s personal details
- Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
- Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement. Translations are available in 27 languages please refer to the NSW Health webpage https://www.health.
nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/ school_vaccination_language. aspx - Provide consent.
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, internet access or you are unable to complete the online consent, ask your child’s school for a paper consent form.
- SMS notification three days before the clinic to remind you of the vaccination day
- easily update your child’s details
- receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
- faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Year 11 & 12 Assessment Reports
Assessment Reports for Year 11 & 12 Students have now been sent out electronically. Parents / Carers will have received them by email today.
Sports Updates
Bill Turner Cup – U15 Girls Game
Our Under 15 girls’ Bill Turner Cup team has been selected!
Their first game is on Friday, May 2nd, at CCS, kicking off at 12 p.m. against Lismore High School.
Spectators are encouraged to join us in cheering our team on!
For those students who have been selected, please return your permission notes by Friday, April 11th. For more information, please view the note below.
Staff vs Students Touch Football
On Tuesday, 1st March, Students faced off against staff and parents in a game of Touch Football. It was a close game, which finished 5-4 in favour of the teachers. Thank you to everyone who participate,d and thanks to the referee Al Kirchen.
Bill Turner U15 Boys Game
On Tuesday 1st March our U15’s Boys Soccer Team played against Summerland Christian College in an exciting game that resulted in an unfortunate loss to Summerland.
We congratulate the Team on their effort and thank Mr Boland for coaching the boys.
State Touch Football
Last week 12 of our students traveled to Sydney for the State Touch Football Championships.
Our students played in teams with other students from across the Northern Rivers with some great results!
Opens boys: 3rd
Opens Girls: 8th
Under 15s boys: 5th
Under 15s girls: 6th
Everyone played well and improved their skills and understanding of the game.
Congratulations CCS students, we commend you on representing the school, and thank you to Mr Dave McPherson for attending as Team Manager.
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Please note: The Uniform Shop will be CLOSED on Monday, 28th April.
Mondays: 8-11 am
Wednesdays: 1-4pm
Closed during school holidays.
Uniform orders can be placed via the School Stream App under the ‘Forms’ tab or by completing a uniform order form found in the link below and emailing it to uniform@ccs.nsw.edu.au
School Calendar
Term 2 Week 1 (A)
Monday 28th April
~ No school (Staff Development Day)
Tuesday 29th April
~ All students return to school
~ Anzac Day Whole School Assembly 9am
~ Lunchtime Worship Band – D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 5 & 6 Boys, Year 5 & 6 Girls and Years 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 30th April
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3-4 Boys and Year 3-4 Girls
~ P & F Monthly Meeting 6pm
Thursday 1st May
~ Photography & Digital Media Excursion – Bangalow Film Festival
~ Melanie Tankard visit for High School Girls
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 2nd May
~ Bill Turner Trophy – U15 Girls Game 12pm at CCS
Term 2 Week 2 (B)
Monday 5th May
~ Stage 2 Beach Day with CYC at Lennox Head
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 6th May
~ School Photo Day
~ Lunchtime Worship Band – D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 7th May
~ Year 7 and Year 10 Vaccinations
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 8th May
~ Day for Dolly – Blue Dress Fundraiser for Bullying Awareness
~ P & F Primary Mothers Day Stall
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 9th May
~ School Cross Country Carnival 9am
~ Mothers Day Morning Tea Drop-in – 9-11 am
Term 2 Week 3 (A)
Monday 12th May
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 13th May
~ Zone Soccer Kingscliffe
~ Lunchtime Worship Band – D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 boys
Wednesday 14th May
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 15th May
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 16th May
~ Dress like a Pirate Day
~ Resilient Kids Program – Year 7 & 8
Community Notices
