Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking the truth. John 1:4

 

The Importance of Teachers, Parents and Carers

Who is influencing your child? Are you as parents and carers? Your church or wider family? Or is it the media? A child’s early years lay a foundation for life. In our modern society many things will influence your child.

The 1,200 hours spent each year in school over 13 years are seen as very influential. Together with you, your child’s teachers will have a significant influence.

Jesus said: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher: Luke 6:41.

Teachers are significant role models. . As parents and carers, it’s important we help ensure our children have suitable role models. In selecting a school, parents and carers are choosing who they will partner with for the education of their child. Education is more than gaining knowledge about the world around us. It is learning how to respond to and live out that knowledge.

In Christian schools, parents, carers, and teachers can work together to influence children positively. This sense of community and common values can make the role of parenting much easier.

The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6. 

This is why choosing a school that employs practising Christians as teachers gives parents and carers a greater say in who will be a role model for their children. Christian teachers are not perfect. Nor do they have all the answers. Yet they are part of a wider Christian community working together with and on behalf of parents and carers.

In our society, parents and carers are expected to consider so many important factors when choosing a school for their children. Location and transport are obvious ones. There are factors such as opportunities for sport or creative expression in drama, music and art. Is the school too big or too small? What are the class sizes, teacher qualifications, facillties and use of technology? Will our children be safe? Is there a caring atmosphere? What are the costs including uniforms, camps and excursions? Will my child do well enough academically for university and career choices? Will they make good friends?

These are all important considerations. CCS is working faithfully to address these major considerations in an affordable, academically rigorous manner which also honours the role of parents and carers in the school. Schools, together with parents and carers have a powerful impact in helping children decide what is and is not important. At a Christian school, children are able to receive reinforcement of how parents and carers teach their children beliefs, values, and how they see the world around them.

CCS has a partnership between Christian teachers, parents and carers. Jesus Christ, God and the Bible, as well as the role of parents and teachers, are honoured.

Mr Jeff Allen

Caretaker Principal

A brief message regarding the use of kind language as well as Hate Speech Laws. 

During the past week, the New South Wales Education Standards Authority has instructed all schools in New South Wales to ensure their codes of conduct for all persons employed or engaged by the school, including as a volunteer, explicitly prohibit hate speech. This has been confirmed at Casino Christian School (CCS).

Section 93ZAA of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) identifies that it is an offence to publicly incite hatred on the grounds of race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, descent, or ethno-religious background).

The threshold for an offence includes the following:

• The conduct must be public (e.g., in a public place, online, or in media) and
• would cause a reasonable person to:

(i) fear harassment, intimidation or violence, or

 (ii) fear for the reasonable person’s safety.

It also identifies that this offence does not apply to an act that consists only of directly quoting from or otherwise referencing a religious text for the purpose of religious teaching or discussion.

At CCS we remember that language is a wonderful gift to us from the Lord Jesus Himself. At CCS we also have high expectations of each other in how we communicate. How we speak to each other impacts for good or bad across the entire school. We also believe it is cruel to ridicule others or seek to make people feel afraid or anxious because of their physical appearance, circumstances in life or for any other reason.

It is important as a school community more broadly that students, parents and carers are also aligned with these standards in relation to their interactions with others associated with the school. All negative language and hate speech is a genuine concern in the context of a school, but especially a school, that seeks to honour the Lord Jesus and provide a safe environment for all students. It is a shared concern that can be effectively addressed when home and school work together to make expectations clear for our children. The words contained in Scripture also provide truth and context for positive and meaningful interactions at CCS.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”   1 Corinthians 13:4-7

A Splashing Success at the CCS Swimming Carnivals

Dear Parents & Carers

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026. NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests.

The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available for you to see the format of the online tests.

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website (https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/naplan) and the NAP website (https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers).

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

Welcome to 2026 at CCS Primary!

The team are thrilled to be back in the classrooms with our students!

This Term we have a number of community events that we’d love for you to be a part of:

• Meet ‘n Greet – Come along on Thursday 19th February 3:30-5:30 to get to know your child’s teacher and see their classroom. This is a great, informal opportunity to say hello and meet the team here at CCS.

• Primary Assemblies – Friday at 9:10am in MPC – Week 2, Week 4, Week 6. All welcome to attend as we share together!

• Kindy for 2027 Information Night – Learn about our Kindy and Transition to School programs for students commencing in 2027. Tuesday 24th March, 6-7pm

Our Vision in 2026 is to Honour Christ, Build Community so that our students Grow in Grace and Knowledge. Looking forward to partnering with you in this Vision!

 Mrs Coulter and CCS Primary Team

We Value Your Feedback

Parents and carers are encouraged to share their thoughts by completing the Homework Expectations Survey that has been emailed to families. Your feedback is important in helping us review current practices and ensure our approach to homework best supports our students and families. Thank you for taking the time to have your say.

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details. 

If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Scholastic Book Club Issue 1

Our first book club for the year is due 18th February.  Orders can be placed online using LOOP or by bringing in the order form with money in an envelope to the office.

Casino Pool – Aqua Aerobics and Games – Friday 20/2/26

On Friday 20th February 2026, the class will be travelling to Casino Memorial Pool to participate in an aquatic excursion as part of our Aquatics and Healthy Lifestyle unit. Please check your notes for more information.

All forms and payment are due by Thursday 19 th February 2026.

If you have any queries, please contact Mr D McPherson – dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au

Wet’n’Wild (Gold Coast) – Thursday 26/2/26

On Thursday 26th February 2026, the senior SLR class and the PASS elective class will be travelling to Wet’n’Wild on the Gold Coast to participate in a full-day excursion.

The aim of this excursion is to engage students in a unique physical activity experience that cannot be replicated at school. Wet’n’Wild offers a wide range of aquatic and land-based activities that require endurance, strength, coordination, teamwork and resilience. Please refer to your notes for more information.

All forms and payments are due by Monday 23 rd February 2026. For a copy of the note please click on the link below

1 Wet N Wild Note

If you have any queries, please contact Mr D McPherson – dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au