Thrive Newsletter ~ Term 3 Week 2 ~ 2025
Homework in Stage 4: Backed by Research, Designed for Growth
At Casino Christian School, we are committed to providing teaching and learning that is grounded in strong educational research. As we continue to embed evidence-based strategies into our classrooms, we also want to ensure that learning at home supports what students are doing at school.
Recent studies in the Science of Learning demonstrate that the way we revisit and practise information over time significantly influences how well we remember and use what we’ve learned. Specifically, there are three key concepts that shape our approach to homework in Years 7 and 8.
Cognitive Load Theory
This theory explains that our brains can only take in and process a limited amount of new information at one time. When students are overwhelmed with too much content at once, they are less likely to learn effectively. Small, focused tasks — like our weekly one-page homework sheets — reduce cognitive overload and help students learn in manageable steps.
Curve of Forgetting
Research shows that we start to forget what we’ve learned soon after we learn it — unless we review and practise it regularly. This predictable pattern is called the Curve of Forgetting. Without revision, students can lose up to 80% of new information within a week. Homework helps address this by offering timely review, just when students are beginning to forget — strengthening their memory and understanding.
Spaced Retrieval Practice
This is the practice of recalling information over gradually increasing periods of time. Instead of cramming, students are more likely to remember knowledge when they review it over days or weeks in small, repeated sessions. Our homework tasks are thoughtfully spaced to help students recall what they’ve learned in class, ensuring it stays in their long-term memory.
How This Looks in Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8)
Beginning this term, each subject in Years 7 and 8 will assign a single one-page homework sheet per week. These will:
- Be directly linked to classroom learning
- Be differentiated to support students at different ability levels
- Be designed to be completed independently or with minimal help
The classroom teacher will also email a copy home weekly for your information also. If your child finds the task too difficult to complete on their own, please contact the school so we can provide the support they need. While these homework tasks are expected to be completed weekly, we understand that life is busy — if your child is unable to complete their sheet on a given week, please write a short note in their diary to inform the teacher. This helps us maintain a balanced and supportive approach.
We also want to clarify that in Stage 4, all formal assessment tasks will be completed in class only. No assessment work will be sent home. This ensures that every student has the same support, time, and environment, which is vital for equity and fairness.
We are grateful for your continued support as we work together to develop not just good students, but lifelong learners. With consistent habits, well-designed homework, and ongoing communication, we can help our students succeed academically and grow in confidence.
Let’s continue to support our students to build strong learning routines and habits that last a lifetime and set them up for success.
Yours sincerely,
Faith Hull
Principal
School Updates
Parent Teacher Interviews
Semester 2 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Thursday, 7th August from 3.30 to 8 pm.
The Booking Link has now been emailed out to all families. Please follow the guidelines sent out with the link for booking your appointments.
Primary interviews will be held in Primary Classrooms and Secondary interviews will be in the MPC. All interviews will be in 10 min time slots.
We highly recommend parents attend the interviews as they are an integral part of the Parent-School Partnership we seek to develop.
Now is a great time to talk with teachers and discuss how your child is progressing at school and ways you may be able to help your child.
If you are unable to book an interview with a specific teacher on interview night, please email them directly or contact the office for assistance 6662 5599 admin@ccs.nsw.edu.au
Bookings will open from 31.07.2025 to 6.8.2025
Farewell Mrs Day
It is with sadness that we share the news that our school counsellor, Mrs Liz Day, will be leaving us. We thank Liz for the absolute pleasure, professionalism and care that she has shown all of us during her time here. You will be greatly missed!
Dear Staff and Parents,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my resignation from my role as School Counsellor at Casino Christian School.
My time here has been a richly blessed, God-led journey, and I am deeply grateful for the encouragement, kindness, and unwavering support I have received from each one of you.
Witnessing all that God is accomplishing through this school has been an extraordinary privilege. Being part of this community has brought me immense joy and purpose. As I prepare to step away, I want you to know how much I will miss the students, staff, and families who have made this place feel like family.
My decision to resign comes after much prayer and reflection. Due to changes in my family circumstances, I must prioritise being fully present for my husband and our two sons during this season. Though it has been a difficult choice to make, I believe it is right for our family.
In the coming weeks, I would love the opportunity to see you all one last time, to say thank you and to bid farewell personally. Your encouragement and friendship have meant the world to me.
Thank you once again for your support, understanding, and partnership throughout my time here.
With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,
Liz Day
School Counsellor
NAIDOC Celebrations
On Friday, 4th July, we wrapped up Term 2 with a very special assembly to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
This year’s theme, Walking Together, is a beautiful invitation from our First Nations people—to walk side by side and care for the land we share.
As part of the celebration, we highlighted the Waratah Project at CCS, which gives students opportunities to receive learning support, set personal goals, and grow their understanding of Aboriginal culture.
Last term, students created a talking stick, which we now use to encourage respectful listening and sharing during discussions. Twice a week, they also work with Mr Coutts on literacy, personal learning goals, and cultural activities.
Over the past two terms, students have taken on “perseverance projects”—hands-on activities designed to build resilience and persistence. These included woodworking with fallen branches from our school grounds, creating rope by hand, and crafting unique wooden bookmarks. Students also contributed to a net for a wall mural, each piece telling part of their own story.
Our learning has also extended into the bush, where we’ve explored local foods and medicines such as lomandra, lilly pilly, finger limes, lemon myrtle, and tea tree. At times, we’ve gathered in the talking circle, a special place for listening, reflection, and learning about the importance of caring for Country—a responsibility we all share.
It was a truly meaningful way to finish the term, celebrating culture, connection, and community.
Our students took part in cultural festivities with our Decorate Your Door competition! All of the entries were incredible! Congratulations go to :
Year 3 – Third place
Year 6 – Second place
Yarn Group – First place
Creative & Performing Arts
Over the years, our school musicals have been truly outstanding, with productions such as Matilda and The Lion King showcasing the incredible talents of our students and staff. Given the significant time and effort involved in staging these large-scale events, we have made the decision to hold musicals every third year. This means our next musical will take place in 2027, with the title to be announced closer to the time.
In the meantime, we are excited to invite you to our Creative and Performing Arts Evening on Thursday, 11th September at 6:00pm. This special event is a celebration of our students’ artistic and performance talents across a range of disciplines.
We warmly welcome and encourage all families and community members to attend. It promises to be a wonderful evening of creativity, expression, and celebration.
We look forward to seeing you there!
School Photo Groups Re-shoot
As mentioned in the last newsletter, 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.
IMPORTANT!
Please ensure students are dressed in the FORMAL SCHOOL UNIFORM.
Primary Girls: Royal blue blouse and skirt, white or royal blue socks.
Primary Boys: Royal blue polo shirt and royal blue shorts, white 0r royal blue socks.
Secondary Girls: Blouse and Navy skirt, trousers or shorts. Navy or white socks.
Secondary Boys: Navy polo shirt and Navy shorts. Navy or white socks.
Senior Secondary Girls: Blue blouse and navy skirt, trousers or shorts. Navy or white socks.
Senior Secondary Boys: Blue button-up shirt with navy shorts or trousers. Navy or white socks.
What not to wear:
- Tights, leggings
- Sports tracksuit pants
- Sports uniform
- Jumpers/jackets – these can be worn but need to be taken off for the photo.
- No excessive makeup, jewellery or hairstyles – as per uniform policy.
Primary School Updates
100 Days of Kindergarten
Grandparents Day & Book Week Dress Up
On Friday, 8th August, we are excited to host Grandparents Day again this year in conjunction with Book Week Celebrations!
This year’s theme is ‘Book an Adventure’. Students are encouraged to choose a costume that reflects this.
Grandparents are invited to join us from 9 to 11.30am.
Swimming Intensives
Students from Kindergarten to Year 3 will have their Intensive Swimming Program from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd August 2025 held at Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The students will be sorted into ability-graded groups at the pool and instructed by qualified swimming instructors in a 30-minute water safety and swimming sessions. The students will also have a 30-minute session on the slide.
There is no cost for this program, as it is covered under the Sports Levy in the school fees.
Please complete the permission note attached in the link below and return it to your to your classroom teacher by Friday 8th August 2025.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN results have arrived and been sent home with students in Year 3, 5 and 7. Those Year 9 students on camp will receive theirs upon their return, either tomorrow or Monday.
Year 4 Ukulele
Stage 3 Camp – CYC Camp Drewe Lennox Head
22nd – 24th September 2025 | (Mon-Wed, Week 10, Term 3)
On Monday 22nd September – Wednesday 24th September (2025) the Year 5 and 6 students will be attending Camp Drewe – Lennox Head for their Stage 3 camp. This will be run in partnership with CYC.
The aim of this camp is to grow quality relationships amongst the students, have fun together, build the qualities of leadership and generosity and contribute to a positive school culture.
Activities will include:
- Low Ropes Course, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Raft Building, Swimming, an Amazing Race, a night beach walk, and games.
- Students sleep in cabin accommodation, and all meals are included.
- Students will travel by our school buses. The buses will leave school around 9am on
- Monday morning and students will return to school by 3pm Wednesday afternoon.
The total cost of the camp per student will be $320, made in three installments:
● $100 deposit – due by Friday 15th August (Wk 4, Term 3) – NON -REFUNDABLE
● $110 – second payment – Friday 29th August (Wk 6, Term 3)
● $110 – third payment – due by Friday 12th September (Wk 8, Term 3)
For more information and a copy of the permission note, please view the link below.
Along with the paper permission note, parents will also need to register their child for the camp with the online registration at the link below.
https://book.venue.life/cycburleigh/register/2245-year-56-camp
Kinder & Year 1 Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Unfortunately due to wild weather conditions along the coast the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary closed, sadly cancelling Kinder & Year 1’s planned excursion in Term 2.
We are pleased to say the excursion has been rescheduled for this term, Week 2, Wednesday 6th August.
Welcome to Our New Transition Students!
We have officially welcomed our 2025 Transition to School students! It has been a successful week for the 24 new students, who have adapted to CCS exceptionally well during their first week!
High School Updates
Belle Shakespeare – An amazing performance and incredible audience!
Today we had the pleasure of Bell Shakespeare coming to perform for our Year 7 and 8 cohorts. It was a fantastic and engaging performance, which posed some really insightful questions and ideas about Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
A massive shout out to our Year 7 and 8 crew, who were an amazing audience! They listened well, took in the scenes and story line, laughed at the jokes and were very respectful.
After the performance we had opportunity for a Q and A with the performers. Our students asked some really interesting and thoughtful questions and listened purposefully to the answers given.
The players from Bell Shakespeare said they were a fantastic audience to perform to and chat with!
Thanks so much to Bell Shakespeare and Year 7 and 8! We had a great afternoon ‘at the theatre!’
Careers Expo Excursion
On Tuesday, years 10-12 went to the Northern Rivers Careers expo to explore career and post-school opportunities. Students were able to try a great number of activities to see what skills might be needed for different careers. Our school also participated in the “Ready, Steady, Cook display, where a student and teacher from our school competed against another school in a ‘Cook Off’. The guest chefs were impressed by our dish, and the MC was even more impressed by the school spirit and encouragement from the students watching and cheering us on.
PASS Incursion – Laser Skirmish
As part of the Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) elective, students will be participating in a Laser Skirmish activity on Wednesday 20th August 2025. The session will run from 3:30pm to 9:00pm and will take place on-site at Casino Christian School.
Laser Skirmish is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in physical activity that also promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and strategy in a fun and safe environment. The session will include games, pizza, and drinks for dinner.
For more information and a copy of the permission note, please view the note below.
Year 10 Careers Excursion – Casino Food Company Ltd
Thursday 14th August
The Casino Food Company (CFC) is one of the largest employers in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, providing its employees with the opportunity to combine great career opportunities with an excellent lifestyle. At CFC we believe our people are our greatest assets. Joining us is the start of a career not just another job. The company is proactive with its training programs.
Students have the opportunity to tour the Casino Food Company to explore the processes involved in meat production. This excursion will also introduce them to a range of career pathways available in the meat processing industry. To learn more about the different careers associated with meat processing, visit https://careers-portal.ampc.com.au/find-your-career
Year 10 students who wish to participate in the excursion need to complete the permission note attached in the link below and return to school by Friday 8 August 2025.
Year 9 Phototographic and Digital Media and Visual Arts Excursion
Wednesday 13th August
Attending the Archibald Prize 2024 exhibition at Lismore Regional Gallery offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with Australia’s most esteemed portraiture award. This immersive experience allows students to observe diverse artistic techniques and narratives firsthand, fostering inspiration and informing their own creative practices. Such excursions not only enhance academic performance but also support critical thinking skills, as students connect with contemporary issues through art. By stepping outside the classroom and into a professional art setting, students gain valuable insights that enrich their understanding of artistic expression and its role in society. After visiting the Art Gallery, students will then explore the art of the buildings and structures around the CBD.
Year 9 students who wish to participate in this excursion need to complete the permission note attached below and return it to school by 8 Aug 2025.
Sports Updates
CSSA Zone Athletics Carnival - Results
Congratulations to those students who were selected to attend the Zone Athletics Carnival hosted by Coffs Harbour Community Christian School at CEX International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, on Wednesday, 30th July 2025.
It was a big day with many competing at a high level! Results are to come, stay tuned!
Zone Basketball Tournament – Port Macquarie
Congratulations to our U15 Boys who have been selected to represent Casino Christian School in the North Coast CSSA Basketball Championships held at Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium on Friday, 15th August.
Those selected have been issued permission notes; however, a copy is attached in the link below. Please sign and return the note along with payment by 9.30am on Friday 8th August.
Library News
Book Club – Issue 5 Due Friday 1st August
To view Issue 5, click on the link below
https://scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/issue-preview/
To order from Book Club online:
- Log in, or create a new account at LOOP
- New parents can follow the Wizard to set up a child’s profile
- Click the ORDER tab, and select the child’s school and Issue of Book Club
- Select your child’s name
- Enter the product item number from the Book Club catalogue
- Apply promotional codes that children may have earned from previous issues
- Make a payment via credit card. Please note a 1% surcharge applies to all card payments.
- Feel great about the Scholastic Rewards that have been earned from the school!
Book Week News
Children’s Book Week turns 80 in 2025
2025 is also a milestone year for The Children’s Book Council of Australia as they celebrate 80 years of Children’s Book Week! For 8 decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer. Jess McGeachin’s imaginative artwork reflects this mission perfectly, encouraging children to set off on adventures through time, lands, and imagination with this year’s theme –
Book An Adventure!
Term 3 Calendar
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
~ K & Year 1 Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Excursion
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
~ 2026 Year 7 Information and Meet & Greet Evening 5.30 pm
Thursday 7th August
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
~ Parent Teacher Interviews – 3.30 to 8pm
Friday 8th August
~ Book Week Dress up Day & Grandparents Day Morning Tea Assembly
Week 4 – (B)
Book Week 11th – 14th August
Monday 11th August
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 12th August
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 13th August
~ Netball K-6
~ Year 9 Visual Art & Photography Excursion to Lismore Art Gallery
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
~ Senior School Information Night – 6.30 pm
Thursday 14th August
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 15th August
~ Zone Basketball – Port Macquarie
Week 5 – (A)
Monday – Thursday ~ Swimming K- 3
Monday 18th August
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 19th August
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 20th August
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 21st August
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 22nd August
~ CSSA Primary State Athletics – Sydney
Week 6 – (B)
Monday 25th August
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 26th August
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 27th August
~ Netball K-6
~ 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 28th August
~ CSSA Secondary State Athletics – Sydney
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 29th August
Week 7 – (A)
Monday 1st September
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 2nd September
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
~ Primary Spring Social
Wednesday 3rd September
~ Netball K-6
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 4th September
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 5th September
~ Father’s Day Breakfast
~ Primary Assembly 9.15 am
Week 8 – (B)
Monday 8th September
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 9th September
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 10th September
~ Vaccinations – Year 7 & 10
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 11th September
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
~ CAPA Night – Creative Performing Arts Showcase – 6pm
Friday 12th September
~ Zone Netball & NRL – Ballina
Week 9 – (A)
Monday 15th September
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 16th September
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 17th September
~ Lunchtime Maths Help for High School
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 18th September
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 19th September
~ Primary Assembly 9.15 am
Week 10 – (B)
Work Experience Year 10 22nd – 26th
Stage 3 (Year 5 & 6) Camp 22nd – 24th
Monday 22nd September
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
~ Maths Help for High School – 3.15 to 4 pm
Tuesday 23rd September
~ Junior Rock Band – Lunchtime
~ Lunchtime Bible Groups – Year 5 & 6 Girls, Year 5 & 6 Boys and Year 7-10 Boys
Wednesday 24th September
~ 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 25th September
~ Lunchtime Art Club & Yarn Circle
~ Lunchtime Worship Band
~ Lunchtime Bible Study Groups – Year 7-10 Girls and 11 & 12 Boys & Girls.
Friday 26th September
~ Year 12 Graduation Ceremony – 11.30 am
Community Events
