Thrive Newsletter Term 2 Week 8 – 2025
Let’s Talk About Bullying
Bullying continues to be a hot topic in schools across Australia—and with good reason. The latest national data reveals that around 1 in 4 students report being bullied every few weeks or more. It’s a serious issue, and one we care deeply about here at Casino Christian School.
But what actually is bullying?
Bullying is not every conflict or disagreement between students. It’s important to recognise the difference between a one-off incident and ongoing, targeted behaviour. Bullying is repeated and intentional—where a student uses power to hurt, intimidate, or exclude another. It can be physical, verbal, social, or psychological. And increasingly, it happens online.
Cyberbullying doesn’t stay online. It often spills into the school environment, impacting students emotionally and socially during the day. That’s why it’s vital for us to partner with families to address issues as soon as they arise—both in person and online.
What Can You Do?
Early communication is key. If your child tells you something concerning, or if you notice a change in their behaviour, please reach out. We take all reports seriously and thoroughly investigate every concern. Whether it’s a single incident or signs of more systematic bullying, we want to know.
We also discuss the bystander effect with our students—that standing by and saying nothing can allow harmful behaviour to continue. Instead, we encourage our students to speak up, support one another, and report issues, whether they’re a target or a witness.
At Home
Here are a few simple ways you can help from home:
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Keep communication open—ask questions about their friendships and school experiences.
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Supervise online activity and discuss respectful behaviour online.
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Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
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Remind them that being kind, including others, and seeking help shows strength—not weakness.
Let’s Work Together
Our school has a clear and proactive Anti-Bullying Policy, which is available on our website here: https://www.ccs.nsw.edu.
If you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly—my door is always open, and my inbox is too. You can also reach out to our Deputy Principals:
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Mrs Carolyn Coulter for Primary School matters
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Mr Matt Lake for Secondary School matters
We’re here to listen, to support, and to act. Let’s continue working together to create a safe and caring environment at Casino Christian School for every child.
Yours sincerely,
Faith Hull
Principal
School Updates
School Photos Update
Our school photos, taken earlier this term, are almost ready! We have proofed the students’ portrait photos, and they look fantastic!
Unfortunately, due to a malfunction with the camera used for our group/class photos, which was not visible until the images were uploaded for editing, our group/class photos will need to be done again. Due to this we have been booked in for a re-shoot on Tuesday, 5th August, Term 3 Week 2.
Orders should arrive within 2 weeks after the group/class re-shoot. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order please contact East Point Pro Studio by emailing hello@eastpointprostudio.com.au or by phoning 0408 970 923.
Dress Like a Pirate Day 2025 Update
Fete & Open Day
Primary School Updates
Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – Kindergarten & Year 1
On Wednesday the 2nd July, Kindergarten and Year 1 students will be travelling to Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, previously known as the Macadamia Castle. The aim of the excursion is for students to apply the knowledge they have learnt through our Science Units on Living Things and Geography Unit on Places and how we look after them. The cost of the excursion is Free.
Permission notes need to be returned to the office imediately.
For further information, please find a copy of the note in the link below.
High School Updates
Batyr Program – Year 9 & 10
Batyr’s unique, evidence-based programs are designed to support students in Years 9 to 12, engaging them on their level to embed positive attitudes towards help-seeking and wellbeing.
Delivered by their trained team of young and enthusiastic facilitators (rather than teachers or mental health professionals) their programs connect with students as peers. These programs are strengths-based and positively framed, with students walking away with practical tips and tools on how to look after their mental health and support their friends.
Storytelling and peer-to-peer voice are the core of Batyr’s work and what sets them apart. Their programs centre around real-life lived experiences of young people overcoming mental ill-health. These safe stories are carefully developed to focus on themes of help-seeking, hope, resilience, and the positive outcomes of reaching out for support.
Batyr will deliver programs at CCS for our Years 9 and 10 students on Wednesday, 25th June, and for Years 11 and 12 on Thursday, 26th June, accompanied by teaching staff and at least one member of the wellbeing team. Please let your children know and encourage them to engage with these valuable programs. Each session will go for approximately one hour each.
If you have any questions, please contact Jacqui Nott at jnott@ccs.nsw.edu.au.
National WorldSkills Championships
Last week, Angus Gibson in Year 12 attended the National WorldSkills Championships in Brisbane to compete in Commercial Cookery.
Angus competed against students from several NSW Independent schools, including The King’s School, St Columba Anglican School, Kinross Wolaroi School, St Philip’s Christian College – Newcastle and Pacific Valley Christian School.
Angus competed very well, placing 4th! We are extremely proud of Angus and his achievement!
Screen Futures Expo
On Friday, June 13th, our Year 10, 11, and 12 Photography and Digital Media Studies students attended the 2025 Screen Futures Expo in Lennox Head.
The students had the opportunity to learn about various pathways to careers in film and digital content, as well as gain insight into the process of producing a live TV show.
They met industry professionals and participated in interactive sample sessions.
Overall, the students had a fantastic day and found the excursion to be extremely valuable for their understanding of the industry.
Sports Updates
Athletics Carnival Results
Thank you to all staff, parents and students for your incredible support and hard work across both days of the Athletics Carnivals. A two-day event of this scale simply couldn’t run smoothly without the dedication, cooperation, and hands-on help from so many of you.
Over the two days, many students achieved fantastic milestones, whether it was setting personal bests, breaking school records, placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, or participating in an event for the first time. All of these accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, and we congratulate you!
House Results
Record Breakers
Age Champions
Secondary Carnival
Primary Carnival
CSSAA Gymnastics
On Wednesday, 18th June, Makayla Kemsley in Year 9 travelled to the Sydney Gymnastics Centre to compete at the State Carnival.
Makayla competed beautifully, receiving:
- 2nd place for vault
- 3rd place for beam
- 2nd place overall for Level 4 Division 2
Congratulations on your outstanding effort Makayla!
Netball Season is Coming!!
Dear Parents and Carers,
We’re excited to announce that netball season is just around the corner!
We are now calling for expressions of interest for the Under 15s and Opens Netball Teams. If your daughter is keen to get involved, we’d love for her to sign up on the Netball Sign-Up Board located outside D7.
For any questions, students can speak to Mrs Wade or Mrs Tessmer.
Let’s make this a fantastic season full of teamwork, fun, and school spirit!
Warm regards,
Mrs Wade & Mrs Tessmer
Library News
2025 Book Week & Fair
Term 2 Calendar
Week 9 – (A)
Monday 23rd June
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 24th June
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 25th June
~ Batyr Year 9 & 10
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
~ P&F Meeting 6-8 pm – School Library
Thursday 26th June
~ Batyr – Year 11 & 12
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band – D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 27th June
~ Primary Assembly 9.15 am
Week 10 (B)
Monday 3oth June
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 1st July
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 2nd July
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 3rd July
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band – D8
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 4th July
~ NAIDOC Assembly – Whole School – 1.45 pm
Holidays – 7th to 18th July 2025
School Returns – Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Term 3 Calendar
Week 1 – (A)
Monday 21st July
~ No School – Staff development day
Tuesday 22nd July
~ First Day Term 3 – All students & Transition to School.
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 23rd July
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 24th July
~ ADF Visit Year 11 & 12
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 25th July
~ Primary Assembly 9.15 am
Week 2 ~ (B)
Monday 28th July
~ 100 Days of Kindergarten
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 29th July
~ Careers Expo – Year 10 – 12
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 30th July
~ Zone Athletics Carnival – Coffs Harbour
~ Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10) CYC Adventures Camp
~ Bell Shakespeare – Year 7 & 8
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
~ P & F Monthly Meeting 6-8 pm
Thursday 31st July
~ Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10) CYC Adventures Camp
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 1st August
~ Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10) CYC Adventures Camp
~ Primary Assembly 9.15 am
Week 3 ~ (A)
Book Fair 4th – 7th August
Monday 4th August
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 5th August
~ School Photo Group Re-Shoot
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 6th August
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 7th August
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 8th August
Community Events
