Thrive Newsletter – Term 2 Week 8
This is how God showed His love for us; He sent His One and Only Son that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9
For more than six generations, my father’s and mother’s families, as well as my own, have either lived in Sydney or Northern NSW. Together we have freely lived in Australian society.
The famous line from the Australian National Anthem, “Australians all let us rejoice for we are one and free”, represents one of the great privileges we have experienced during this time.
Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom of worship, freedom of conscience, and the right of private decision-making have all flowed from a framework that recognises the inherent worth of the citizens of our country.
Many members of our families have come to believe that Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.
Australia is indeed a great country. As Christians we can:
- worship freely;
- read the Bible in public freely;
- interpret the Bible without government interference freely;
- declare our beliefs and share the good news about Jesus to others freely; and
- affirm our beliefs, freely.
As of 2006, approximately twenty-one of the top twenty-five charities, in terms of income, were affiliated with Christianity in Australia, which is unique in the Western World.
In the past 200+ years, Australia has been an excellent example of the fruit of Christian faith and endeavour. God’s word has been at the centre of so much of our nation’s heritage.
The Bible teaches that God is not only a God of awesome creational genius and power, but a God of compassion, mercy, justice, beauty, holiness and love, who cares for His creation and for human beings as part of it. According to the Bible, human beings are special: every man and woman and child is made in His image.
The importance of this biblical teaching is essential for understanding the value of each individual human life and of human rights. It lies behind and energises the values that most of us hold to be unbreakable.
History confirms this view. In his detailed discussion, historian Arnold Angenendt points out, for instance, that the early church condemned slavery on the basis that no one made in the image of God should be bought with money. In the seventeenth century, John Milton said that “all men are born free because they are made in the image of God”.
Long may this freedom live in our great country for the benefit of all and the Glory of God.
School Updates
CSSA State Cross Country
On Friday 29th May, CCS students proudly represented our school at the CSSA State Cross Country Championships, held in the beautiful surrounds of the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
With 12 Primary students and 4 Secondary students making the journey to Sydney, we congratulate each competitor on this outstanding achievement. After a cool and overcast start to the day, we were blessed with clear skies and perfect conditions for the remainder of the event.
Every student demonstrated determination, resilience, integrity, and excellent sportsmanship as they competed against some of the state’s strongest runners.
Special congratulations to our outstanding performers:
🏅 Top 5 Finisher
- Myburgh Blom – 4th place (out of 202 competitors)
🏅 Top 10 Finishers
- Hannah Robinson
- Lucia Formaggin
🏅 Top 50 Finishers
- Rachel Green
- Bradley Newby
- Timothy Kemsley
- Rosa Young
We are incredibly proud of all our CCS runners for their dedication and effort. Thank you for representing our school so well and achieving such fantastic results at a state level.
Well done, everyone!
A fantastic achievement for the entire CCS team. Congratulations to all students, families, and staff who supported this journey.
CIS Cross Country – Thursday 25th June 2026
Congratulations to Myburgh, Lucia, and Hannah on their selection in the CSSA Cross Country Team!
This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they have represented our school.
We wish Myburgh and Hannah all the very best as they compete at the next level. Run strong, enjoy the experience, and know that the entire Casino Christian School community is cheering you on!
K–12 Athletics Carnival a Great Success
Despite a wet start to the day, our combined K–12 Athletics Carnival was a tremendous success, with students embracing every opportunity to participate, compete, and support one another.
The rain greeted us in the morning, but it certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm, determination, and school spirit on display. From Kindergarten through to Year 12, students threw themselves into each event with energy and excitement, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to give their very best.
One of the highlights of the day was the strong sense of community evident across all year levels. Students enthusiastically cheered on their peers, celebrated achievements, and encouraged one another to strive for personal bests, regardless of the outcome.
A special thank you goes to our dedicated staff, volunteers, officials, and supporters whose hard work and organisation made the carnival possible. Their commitment ensured that students enjoyed a safe, enjoyable, and memorable day of competition.
The carnival was filled with exciting events, outstanding performances, and plenty of house spirit. Congratulations to all students for representing their houses so positively and contributing to a fantastic celebration of participation, perseverance, and school community.
We will update results and achievements as they are finalised!
Primary Updates
Tumble Monkeys 10-Year Celebration
Secondary Updates
Wet Weather Sport Year 7 to 10
There are quite a few secondary sport days throughout the year that are generally cancelled due to wet weather. It would be fantastic if students could still participate when it is wet. In order to do this, we need parental approval and a guarantee that students will bring to school a spare school uniform to wear after sport is finished.
In order for your child to participate in sport during wet weather they will need to wear their sports uniform to school with their school shoes. They will also need to bring the following items to school in a bag:
- Change of clothes to get wet and muddy (they must be appropriate, or you won’t participate)
- Football boots or joggers (to use during sport)
- Towel
- Water bottle & hat
They will only be allowed to participate in wet weather sport if they bring the above items.
Please see the link for more information – Sport Wet Weather Note 2026
D. McPherson
Sports Coordinator
Sport Updates
Yr 9 & 10 PASS and Yr11 & 12 SLR – Night Games at School
On Tuesday 2nd June, students from the PASS and SLR classes enjoyed an action-packed evening at Casino Christian School, staying on campus from 3:30pm until 8:30pm for a special Night Games event.
The evening was designed to give students the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting, high-energy activities that are not normally possible during regular school hours. Students demonstrated enthusiasm, teamwork, resilience, and great sportsmanship throughout the event.
Some of the favourite games played during the evening included Build-Up Tips, Gaol, Sardines, and Hunters and Seekers. These games had students running, strategising, and working together across the school grounds, creating plenty of fun and memorable moments.
A highlight of the evening was sharing dinner together, with everyone enjoying Domino’s Pizza before heading back out for more games and activities.
Thank you to Mr McPherson, Mr Young, Mr Prozinski, Mrs Howes, Mrs Oosterbeek, and Mrs Watson for supervising and helping make the evening such a success. Their willingness to invest time and energy into providing these opportunities is greatly appreciated.
It was a fantastic evening of fun, friendship, and community, and one that our PASS and SLR students will remember for a long time.
Bill Turner Double-Header Shows Determination and Team Spirit
On Thursday 4 June, our U15 Girls Bill Turner Trophy team and U15 Boys Bill Turner Cup team travelled to Rovers Fields in East Lismore to take on Trinity Catholic School in a Double-Header fixture.
The girls were first to take the field, competing with determination and resilience throughout the match. Despite a strong effort and excellent teamwork, Trinity Catholic School came away with a 5–0 victory. The girls displayed great sportsmanship and never stopped encouraging one another from the first whistle to the last.
The boys followed in the second match of the day and worked hard against a well-organised Trinity side. Although the final score was 4–0 in favour of Trinity, the team showed commitment, perseverance and positive attitudes throughout the game. Players continued to support one another and represented Casino Christian School with pride.
While the results did not fall our way, both teams should be congratulated on their effort, teamwork and sportsmanship. The games were played in an excellent spirit, with players demonstrating respect for their opponents, officials and teammates.
Well done to all students involved for the way you represented Casino Christian School on and off the field. Your determination, encouragement of one another and positive team spirit were a credit to our school community.
Yr 9 & 10 PASS and Yr11 & 12 SLR Bush Walking at Minyon Falls Excursion
On Friday 5th June, students from the Senior SLR class and PASS elective class enjoyed an exciting excursion to Minyon Falls as part of their learning program focused on physical activity, outdoor recreation, and personal challenge.
The group departed Casino Christian School early in the morning and arrived at Minyon Falls ready to tackle the challenging bushwalk from the lookout down to the base of the spectacular falls. Students demonstrated determination, resilience, and a positive attitude as they navigated the steep tracks and varied terrain.
A key component of both PASS and SLR is promoting learning through movement and participation in physical activities that extend beyond the experiences typically offered through school sport and PE lessons. The Minyon Falls walk provided students with an opportunity to challenge themselves physically while appreciating the natural beauty of our local environment.
After completing the return hike, students enjoyed a well-earned lunch at the Minyon Grass picnic area before heading back to school. Throughout the day, students displayed excellent behaviour, encouraged one another, and embraced the opportunity to learn outside the classroom.
Congratulations to all students for their effort and participation. Thank you to the staff who organised and supervised the excursion, making this valuable learning experience possible.
Yr 9 & 10 PASS and Yr11 & 12 SLR – Gold Coast Suns vs. Hawthorn Hawks
On Friday 19 June 2026, the Senior SLR class and PASS elective class will travel to Metricon Stadium, Carrara (Gold Coast) to attend the AFL Round 15 match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn Hawks. This excursion directly supports outcomes and content studied in both PASS and SLR by exposing students to a unique sporting experience that cannot be replicated within the school environment.
For PASS students, the excursion supports their study of Physical Fitness by allowing them to observe elite athletes competing at the highest level and to analyse the physical demands of AFL competition.
For SLR students, the excursion complements their recent study of Sports Administration by providing insight into the planning, organisation, staffing, facilities, and logistics required to deliver a major sporting event within a national competition.
Students will also have the opportunity to:
- Explore the stadium prior to the match.
- Observe pre-game preparations and activities.
- Participate in the post-game Kick-to-Kick experience on the field (subject to AFL and stadium conditions).
Permission Note and Payment
To participate in this excursion, students must return the completed permission note and payment of $45 by Friday 12 June 2026 (Week 8, Term 2)
Please read the attached note for more information: Suns Vs Hawks Note
Contact Mr McPherson with any queries: dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au.
Casino Golf Course (Yr 11 & 12 SLR)
On Monday 22nd June 2026, the Senior SLR Class will be travelling to Casino Golf Course to play nine holes of golf between 10:50am and 2:45pm. This excursion is part of the unit “Games and Sports Applications II.” The main aim is for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of individual sports and games. After the game of golf, students will have the opportunity to purchase something to eat at McDonald’s before returning to Casino Christian School for the afternoon buses.
Important Information
Date: Monday 22nd June 2026
Departure Time: 10:50am (leaving from Casino Christian School)
Destination: Casino Golf Club
Cost: $15 (includes game and club hire)
What to Bring:
• School hat and sunscreen
• Plastic water bottle, lunch and snacks
• Asthma puffer or other required medication
• BYO golf tees and golf balls (if available) – Tees can be purchased at the golf club (bag of 15 for $2). Golf balls may be borrowed from the school at $1 each if lost.
• Equipment for Period 1 & 2 (we leave towards the end of Period 2)
Returning Time: Approximately 2:45pm (returning to school for buses)
To participate in this excursion, please complete the permission note and return it to the Office with $15 by Wednesday 17th June 2026. Please contact Mr McPherson with any queries: dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au
Uniform Updates
New Uniform Orders: Just a reminder that Year 7 – 12 are required to wear a navy tie with their formal uniform. These are now back in stock and available to order.
Scan the QR code on your order form or visit www.teamspiritschools.com.au/school-shop. Enter the PASSWORD: uniform36
Regular fitting and collection days during school terms will be on Wednesdays, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Students can schedule fittings by emailing uniform@ccs.nsw.edu.au with their student’s name and year. Parents do not need to attend fittings; uniform staff will ensure they are correctly fitted and sent home with a list of sizes for each item.
We also have a limited amount of our current uniform stock available at 50% off (excluding hats). These items may be purchased directly from the Uniform Shop while stock lasts.
For more information about our school uniform requirements, please read our uniform policy.
Just a few notes regarding the uniform:
- We now have available to order two styles of girls’ blouses – the slimfit and a normal fit blouse. This will be clearly labelled on the new order forms, with the slimfit shirts in a red font. Please order according to the size indicated on the size sheet brought home from your child’s fitting.
- We have amended the girls’ uniform slightly so that during colder weather, navy opaque stockings can be worn with the skort or skirts, as an alternative to pants.
Library Updates
Book Fair 2026 – Monday 3rd August – Thursday 6th August
Our Scholastic Book Fair is coming up in Week 3 Term 3. This will end with our annual Book Week parade for Primary students on Friday 7th August. More details will be shared in our next newsletter.
Term 2 Dates
Week 9(A) – 15th – 19th June
Monday 15th
Maths Help at Lunch in G3
Tuesday 16th
Secondary Assembly – 9am
Yr5/6 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr7/8 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G2/3
Wednesday 17th
Yr3/4 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime YR3 Room
Yr3/4 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr4 Room
Yr5/6 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr9/10 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G1
Thursday 18th
Yr11/12 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime A12
Friday 19th
Primary Assembly – 9am
Suns Vs Hawks Game – Metricon Stadium
Week 10(B) – 22nd – 26th June
Monday 22nd
Maths Help at Lunch in G3
Yr11 & 12 SLR to Casino Golf
Tuesday 23rd
SALT Leadership – Grafton
Staff Vs Students Volleyball – 1pm
Yr5/6 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr7/8 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G2/3
Wednesday 24th
Yr3/4 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime YR3 Room
Yr3/4 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr4 Room
Yr5/6 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr9/10 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G1
Thursday 25th
Yr11/12 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime A12
Friday 26th
Week 11(A) – 29th June – 3rd July
Monday 29th
Maths Help at Lunch in G3
Tuesday 30th
Staff Vs Students Volleyball – 1pm
Yr5/6 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr7/8 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G2/3
Wednesday 1st
Year 6 RnR Day
Yr3/4 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime YR3 Room
Yr3/4 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr4 Room
Yr5/6 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr9/10 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G1
Thursday 2nd
Yr11/12 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime A12
Friday 3rd
NAIDOC Assembly – Whole School
Last Day Term 2 – Friday 3rd July
School Holidays – Saturday 4th July to Monday 20th July
Students return Tuesday 21st July 2026
Week 1(A) – 20th – 24th July
Monday 20th
Staff Development Day – No Students
Tuesday 21st
K-12 Students Return Today
First Day of Transition Program
Staff Vs Students Volleyball – 1pm
Yr5/6 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr7/8 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G2/3
Wednesday 22nd
Yr3/4 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime YR3 Room
Yr3/4 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr4 Room
Yr5/6 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr9/10 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G1
Thursday 23rd
Yr11/12 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime A12
Friday 24th
Week 2(B) – 27th – 31st July
Monday 27th
Maths Help at Lunch in G3
Tuesday 28th
Yr 10-12 Careers Expo
Yr5/6 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr7/8 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G2/3
Wednesday 29th
Yr3/4 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime YR3 Room
Yr3/4 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr4 Room
Yr5/6 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room
Yr9/10 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G1
Thursday 30th
Zone Basketball – Port Macquarie TBC
Yr11/12 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime A12
Friday 31st
2026 Term Dates
Community Events & Services
