What is Truth?

Is truth absolute, or does it vary according to circumstances and opinions? Is it merely a philosophical argument? What is truth according to the Bible? Can anyone really know ‘the truth’? Or is truth subject to human interpretation?

These are good questions to consider in the educational setting of our school.

If it is correct that truth for one person is not necessarily the same for everyone then how can we know with certainty what to believe and how we should live? What truth should define these things?

Philosophers and scientists have discussed the issue of absolute truth for centuries. Ironically, if one were to say, “There is no such thing as absolute truth”, he or she might be asked, “Are you absolutely sure that no absolute truth exists?” To make such a statement is itself the claim of an absolute truth and, therefore, illogical eg. Simply because no one may choose not to believe in the law of gravity does not mean that gravity does not exist.

The same can be said of God’s existence. What one person believes about God’s existence has nothing to do with the fact that He indeed exists.

Yet God, through the pages of the Bible, states that absolute truth truly exist. The Bible shows truth to be found in the person of Jesus. This truth is highly regarded at the School and needs to be the standard for our discussions.

• The Christian faith is one based on the historical claims found in Scripture, particularly but not limited to the resurrection of Jesus, and we see that history verifies that fact.
• The Christian faith is also backed up by scientific discoveries about the beginning of the Universe.
• The Christian faith informs who we are, who God is, the potential of mankind, our purpose in life and what it means to be in relationship with Him.
• The Christian faith carries Amazing Grace and provides us with grateful hearts for the difference that knowing God through Jesus, makes as we follow Him.

Thankfully the answers to life’s big questions are not hard to find. They are recorded in the Bible. However, for some the answers may be hard and take time, often weeks, months or even years to accept, as we come to terms with what the Truth means for living in His Way.

At our School we seek to express this truth with love, compassion and respect because it is such good news and Life for those who believe and liberating to those who discover it, having never before known it.

As human beings we are far more than just another animal or just the product of genes and chemical reactions.

In the fourth book of the New Testament John records Jesus’ words in Chapter 8:32, which says “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

Four verses later John records, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus, the Son is the Truth.

In the person and work of Christ, we see that we have been made in the image of God, designed for relationship with God and that even though none of us have fully lived according to that purpose, by obedience of His Son and God’s own love, He has provided a way to restore that purpose.

C.S Lewis, the well-known 20^th C author once said if we look for truth, we may find comfort, but if we look for comfort, we will get neither truth nor comfort – only soft soap to begin with, but in the end, despair.

Each member in our school community has value and meaning not because of what we are or aren’t good at but because of the truth that we are all people made in the image of God.

The Psalmist wrote:

“The entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160).

In an interesting rotation on the above, Jesus said to the disciple Thomas,

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).

The word truth is actually mentioned more than 200 times in the Scripture.

Paul said to the Ephesian Church in the 1^st C A.D,

“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21).

Jesus, as God, is the personification of truth. He embodies truth.

Knowing the truth is wonderful, but God then expects us to live out the truth as he helps us learn it. Wisdom, knowledge, understanding and truth are all attributes of God. If you diligently and prayerfully seek the truth you will find Him. This is the good news and the absolute truth.

A former Principal, incoming Principal and existing Caretaker Principal at the National Leaders Summit in Sydney at Martin Place.

Feedback – Casino Truck Show

Richmond Valley Council has invited a member of Casino Christian School staff to attend a meeting next week to discuss the future of the Casino Truck Show.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to explore how Council can work more closely with local schools and the wider community to minimise the impacts of the event and improve traffic and transport arrangements for future Truck Shows.

As part of this discussion, Council is seeking feedback about this year’s event — what worked well, what didn’t, and where improvements could be made.

If you would like to share your thoughts or have feedback that you would like us to pass on to Council, we would particularly appreciate hearing about any impacts the Truck Show had on Friday afternoon school pick-up, including difficulties collecting your child, delays or congestion, or bus routes being diverted without prior notice.

Please email your feedback to feedback@ccs.nsw.edu.au by Tuesday, 1 September.

Your feedback will help us provide Council with a clear picture of the experience for our school community and contribute to planning for future events.

K–3 Swim School Intensive Makes a Splash at GSAC

What a fantastic week it has been at GSAC! Our K–3 students have made a huge splash during their intensive swim school program, showing incredible enthusiasm, confidence and determination in the water.

Throughout the week, students have worked hard to develop and master new swimming skills. It has been wonderful to see their progress as they challenged themselves, celebrated their achievements and grew in confidence with each session.

Beyond building water skills, the intensive has also been a fantastic opportunity for students to strengthen friendships and build new relationships. There has been plenty of encouragement, laughter and teamwork along the way, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for everyone.

And, of course, no swim week would be complete without some fun! Students had the chance to enjoy the water slide, adding an extra splash of excitement to an already memorable week.

We are incredibly proud of the effort, resilience and enthusiasm our K–3 students have shown. Well done to everyone for making this intensive such a fun and rewarding experience!

Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)

Students from our school have recently undertaken, an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $67.50 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Stage 5 Snow Camp: Learning, Adventure and Plenty of Fun

What a fantastic week our Stage 5 students have had at snow camp!

The week has been filled with exciting lessons, new challenges and, of course, plenty of time to hit the slopes and enjoy skiing. Our students have embraced every opportunity to learn new skills, build their confidence and make the most of their time in the snow.

The weather may not always have been on our side, but even the wet conditions couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. With great food, comfortable accommodation and lots of fun shared along the way, there has been plenty to smile about.

It has been wonderful to see the students supporting one another, giving things a go and creating memories that they will be talking about for a long time to come.

We are looking forward to welcoming our Stage 5 students back tomorrow morning and hearing all about their adventures. What a memorable snow camp it has been!

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

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.

Scholastic Book Club – Issue 6

Scholastic Book Club Issue 6 orders are due Friday, 11 September. Don’t miss out on the latest books and great reads! 

 Week 8(B) – 7th – 11th September

Monday 7th

Tuesday 8th

Yr5/6 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room

Yr7/8 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G2/3

Yr11/12 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime A12

Wednesday 9th

Yr3/4 Boys Bible Study – Lunchtime YR3 Room

Yr5/6 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr6 Room

Yr9/10 Mixed Bible Study – Lunchtime G1

Thursday 10th

Primary Spring Social Event – 5-7pm

Maths Help at Lunch in G2

Yr3/4 Girls Bible Study – Lunchtime Yr4 Room

Friday 11th

Zone Netball & Rugby League – Ballina

Last Day of Term 3 

Friday 25th September

Students Return to School

Tuesday 13th October