Thrive Newsletter Term 3 Week 6 ~ 2025
The Lasting and Priceless Benefits of School Camps
At Casino Christian School, we believe in providing our students with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. One of the most effective ways we do this is through our school camps and outdoor education programs, in partnership with a Christian organisation that seeks to honour Christ and build community. CYC Adventures (formerly CYC Burleigh) have supported our students over the years, and these camps have been invaluable in building resilience, independence, and confidence in our students.
This term, our Year 9 students attended an unforgettable Adventure Camp, where they faced physical challenges, developed teamwork skills, and deepened their relationships with each other and with staff. They had to carry their own gear, cook their own meals and complete various activities together. This time, spent away from the usual routines, is priceless. Personally, every time I have the privilege of attending, I treasure the conversations, the laughter, and the chance to see these amazing young people grow.
But the benefits of camp extend far beyond just one year group. In 2025 alone, we have seen:
- Year 7 & Year 8 Beach Camp at Burleigh, where students embraced the surf, the sand, and plenty of team-building fun.
- The Amazing Race at the Gold Coast with our Senior students, testing their problem-solving, teamwork, and determination in an action-packed adventure.
- Year 2 & Year 3 Beach Day, introducing our youngest students to the joys of outdoor learning and community connection.
And we aren’t finished yet—our Year 5/6 Camp at Lennox Head is coming up at the end of this term, and the excitement is already building (amongst both students and teachers!).
Looking ahead, plans are also underway for the much-anticipated Year 9 & 10 Ski Trip in 2026. This camp has always been a highlight of our student’s high school journey—often spoken of as one of the most memorable experiences of all. Spaces will be limited, so we are registering interest now. If you haven’t yet let the office know, please do so soon!
From Year 3 onwards, every student at Casino Christian School has the opportunity to participate in these experiences, and the benefits are significant. They provide chances not just to learn and develop, but to thrive, connect, and grow in grace and knowledge.
I always come home from camp physically exhausted but spiritually refreshed, inspired by the growth and happiness I witness in our students. These moments are worth every effort, and I genuinely encourage every family to recognise the deep value of camps in nurturing the whole child.
Yours Sincerley,
Faith Hull
Principal
School Updates
~ Daffodil Day ~
SRC Update – Term 3
Our SRC team have been in organisation mode for some key events that we are running this term.
Next week our Primary School will enjoy a Handball competition. This will be happening at lunch time. In Week 8 our High School students will have an opportunity to show their handball skills!
We are also participating in Operation Christmas Child again this year.
We will be collecting items for our boxes between Weeks 7 and 9!
More details about what to donate for these boxes will be sent out soon!
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!
Primary School Updates
K-3 Intensive Swimming
Last week, our Kindergarten, Year 1, 2 and 3 students took part in swimming intensives at the Goonellabah GSAC. Across the week, students participated in daily lessons designed to build water confidence, develop essential swimming skills, and promote water safety awareness. With the support of experienced instructors, the children enjoyed practicing a range of strokes, floating techniques, and safe water habits. A highlight for many was getting to enjoy the waterslide at the end of their sessions, which brought lots of laughter and excitement. We are so thankful for this valuable program that equips our younger students with lifelong swimming and safety skills.
Father’s Day Stall
Thursday 4th September
On Thursday, the 4th of September, the P&F Committee will be running our annual Father’s Day Stall for Primary students.
For things to run smoothly on the day, we are asking students to pre-pay and indicate the number of gifts they wish to purchase. There will also be $5 and $10 gift selections.
On the day, students will then get to select their gift/s in their class group.
Notes will go home with students tomorrow, and a copy is attached below.
Please complete the note and return it to the office with payment by Friday, 29th August 2025
Library News
Scholastic Book Club Issue 6
Issue 6 orders are due Friday, 5th September. To view the catalogue, click on the link below.
Supporting your school with Book Club
15% of every purchase on Book Club goes back to your school in Scholastic Rewards to buy valuable educational resources that benefit your child.
- Place your Book Club order
- Your school earns Scholastic Rewards
- Your school redeems Scholastic Rewards for additional school or classroom resources!
How parents 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!
Sports Updates
State Athletics Results
Congratulations to our talented CCS Primary students, Zamira Wade, Makenzie Bosh, Victoria Kemsley and Eli Skinner who proudly represented our school at the CSSA Athletics Carnival in Sydney last Friday.
All of these students performed to the best of their ability in some unfavourable weather conditions, with most improving their personal best in their respective events.
We are especially excited to celebrate Zamira’s outstanding achievement in the Girls 12-13 Years High Jump, where she secured 1st place with her winning jump an impressive 1.37m, beating her personal best! This incredible effort has earned Zamira the opportunity to compete at the prestigious CIS State Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday the 5th September.
Well done, Zamira, Makenzie, Victoria and Eli – we are so proud of your commitment, effort, and the way you represent CCS!
Congratulations to our outstanding secondary students – Madison Steele, Lincoln Davis, Ryan Francis, and Angus Gibson – for proudly representing our school at the Secondary State Athletics Carnival on the 28th August!
Competing at this level is an incredible achievement that reflects your dedication, hard work, and passion for sport.
A special mention goes to Madison, who has qualified for the CIS Secondary Athletics Championships next month in both the 200m and Long Jump – an amazing accomplishment!
We are so proud of you all for the way you trained, prepared, and competed. Well done on this fantastic achievement!
David McPherson – Sports Coordinator
PASS Laser Skirmish
On Wednesday Night (20th August) our Year 9 and 10 PASS students enjoyed an action-packed evening of Laser Skirmish, filled with energy, strategy and plenty of fun! Students battled it out in a range of exciting game modes, showing teamwork, resilience and great sportsmanship throughout the night. A huge thank you to the staff who made the event possible and joined in the fun – Mr Prozinski, Mr Convery, Mr Matthews, Mr Young, Mr Wade, Mrs Holliday and Miss Stewart (student teacher). We also extend our thanks to Aim-to-Please for supplying the top-quality equipment and to Domino’s Pizza Casino for providing the excellent, steaming-hot pizzas that kept everyone fuelled for the evening. It was a fantastic night of fun, laughter and memories that our students won’t forget!
David McPherson – PASS Teacher
Rugby League Tackle Training
Term 3 & 4 Starting Friday 22nd August
Select students who have expressed an interest in participating in Rugby League training sessions have received permission notes. These need to be signed and returned to participate in this training program.
These sessions will focus on developing tackling skills (both how to tackle and how to be tackled) and general Rugby League skills. Training will also support preparation for possible involvement in internal school games, the CSSA Christian Schools Tournament, the Titans Nines, and the Summer Sevens (Term 4).
The program aims to promote the safe growth of Rugby League in our zone. Sessions will be overseen by either Mr Matthews, Mr Prozinski and Mr McPherson. As Rugby League is a contact sport, it carries inherent risks. To minimise these risks, all students will receive explicit instruction in safe tackling methods, which will form part of the selection process for future games.
For more information and a copy of the note, please see the link below:
David McPherson – Sports Coordinator
Netball
Over the past four weeks, our Year 7 and 8 students have enjoyed the opportunity to take part in netball coaching sessions thanks to the support of a Sporting Schools Grant. Under the guidance of a qualified coach, students have been developing their skills, learning new techniques, and working together as a team. These sessions have not only helped to build confidence and fitness but have also encouraged a love for sport and teamwork. We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity, and it has been fantastic to see the students engaging with enthusiasm and enjoying the game of netball.
David McPherson – Sports Coordinator
Term 3 Calendar
Week 7 – (A)
Monday 1st September
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
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 Bible Study Groups – Year 3 & 4 Boys and Year 3 & 4 Girls
Thursday 4th September
~ Fathers Day Stall – Primary School
~ 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 7.30 am – 8.45 am
~ Primary Assembly 9.15 am
Week 8 – (B)
Monday 8th September
~ K-2 Bible Study – Lunchtime
~ Computer Club Year 3-6 – Lunchtime
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 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
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 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
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 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
