Thrive Newsletter – Term 4 Week 2 – 2025
🧠 Preparing Our Students for Assessment — More Than Just Marks
We are currently in the thick of HSC Exams for our Seniors, and we’re praying for them as they complete this important milestone in their schooling journey.
At the same time, Term 4 is a key season for assessing all our students against their learning goals and key expectations across each stage of schooling. It’s a time to reflect on growth — not just what has been learned, but how students have developed in their habits, understanding, and character.
1. The Science of Effective Revision
Current research reminds us that revision is most effective when it happens early and often, rather than crammed in at the last minute. The brain forgets quickly if learning isn’t revisited — something known as the Curve of Forgetting. Each time students review material, they strengthen memory and understanding. Short, regular review sessions are far more effective than one long study marathon.
2. Drawing, Not Just Highlighting
Surprisingly, one of the most effective study tools isn’t highlighting or re-reading notes — it’s drawing. Studies show that sketching out concepts (even with simple stick figures or diagrams) significantly improves recall. Why? Because drawing requires students to process, translate, and represent information in their own way — engaging both creativity and comprehension. Encourage your child to draw what they learn: timelines, flowcharts, mind maps, and visual summaries all work wonders.
3. Balanced Preparation
Good preparation includes spaced revision, practice under test conditions, and retrieval practice — asking yourself questions to strengthen recall. But balance is essential. Quality sleep, good nutrition, and physical movement all play crucial roles in helping the brain retain information. Students who study well and rest well are more likely to perform with clarity and confidence.
4. Keeping Results in Perspective
Assessment results provide valuable feedback, but they do not define a child’s worth or future potential. Every student has God-given strengths and a unique purpose that can’t be measured by a test score. It’s helpful to discuss results with curiosity — “What can we learn from this?” — rather than judgment.
5. Building Character That Lasts
At Casino Christian School, we believe that while we can teach skills and content, it’s character that ultimately sets students up for life.
The courage to persevere, the humility to learn from mistakes, and the compassion to encourage others — these are the qualities that endure long after exams are forgotten.
As Scripture reminds us, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
So as we support our students through assessments — from Kindergarten to Year 12 — let’s keep perspective: prepare diligently, revise wisely, and remember that true success is not just in what we know, but in who we are becoming.
Sincerley
Mrs Faith Hull
Principal
🌟 Vision Project Focus – Week 2 Term 4
This week at Casino Christian School, our Vision Project continues exploring the value of Compassion — showing the kindness, patience and encouragement that Jesus modelled toward others.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” – Ephesians 4:32
These two key statements remind students that compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone; it’s about celebrating others, cheering them on, and taking time to include everyone.
This Week’s Focus
• We celebrate strengths, attempts and achievements.
• We are patient and include others.
In Class This Week
Students are learning that compassion grows when we recognise effort, not just success, and when we slow down to make space for others.
They’ll be taking part in these learning activities:
• Encouragement Brainstorm – ways to celebrate others’ strengths and efforts.
• Kindness Notes – writing encouraging notes to classmates.
• Patience Challenge – practising patience during group activities.
Each activity helps students see that every person has value and that recognising others’ contributions builds community and confidence.
How Families Can Join In
The Parent Handbook explains that the Vision Project connects home and school, helping families share the same language of compassion and community.
You can help reinforce this week’s focus by:
• Noticing your child’s effort and saying, “I’m proud of how hard you tried.”
• Encouraging siblings or friends to celebrate one another’s wins and attempts.
• Talking about patience – “How can we show patience when others need extra time or help?”
• Asking at dinner, “Who did you include today?” or “How did you encourage someone?”
These small, heart-level conversations help children see that God’s love is shown in everyday compassion and inclusion.
Why This Matters
At CCS, behaviour and character are taught intentionally through our Vision Project. By focusing on compassion, encouragement, and patience, students learn that every word and action can build others up and reflect the heart of Christ.
Together, as families and as a school, we are helping children grow into people who:
Honour Christ, Build Community, and Grow in Grace and Knowledge.
School Updates
Staying Connected – School Stream is Our Main Communication Platform
Dear Parents and Carers,
Good communication is an important part of our partnership with families at Casino Christian School, and we want to make sure you never miss important updates.
Our preferred communication platform is School Stream. This is where you’ll find:
- Notices about upcoming events, excursions, and permission slips
- Class news and learning updates (shared in Weeks 2, 5, and 8 for Primary and Weeks 3, 6, and 9 for Secondary)
- Uniform information and helpful links
- General announcements and reminders from the office
If you haven’t already downloaded the School Stream app, we encourage you to do so today.
To get started:
Go to the App Store (for Apple) or Google Play (for Android).
- Search for “School Stream” and download the app.
- Open the app, type Casino Christian School, and follow the prompts to register.
If you need any help setting this up, please come and see our Office staff, who will be happy to assist.
Thank you for helping us keep communication clear and consistent across our school community.
Kind regards,
Faith Hull
Principal
CCS Cookbook
I would like to introduce an exciting new fundraiser that we will be running this term at Casino Christian School. We are going to be creating our very own CCS cookbook! We would like you to share your family favourites and tried and tested recipes for our cookbook. We would like to have this cookbook printed and ready to purchase before the end of the term – the perfect Christmas gift for loved ones! More information on that to follow.
Along with your recipe, please include your name or family name you want to include with your recipe and if you have a photo of the completed recipe or, even, of you or your children creating the recipe, send that along as well.
Recipes do not need to be in any particular format or layout, as we will be editing and compiling them into a book. Please send all recipes and photos to sranger@ccs.nsw.edu.au Printed copies are also welcome and can be sent to Mrs Ranger or Mrs Watson in the office.
We ask that all recipes are in by the end of Week 4.
We look forward to collaborating with you in this exciting project for our school.
Regards
Mrs Sharlaine Ranger
Saver Plus Initiative
We’re excited to share that the Saver Plus program is now available to families at our school. Previously limited to select areas, recent changes mean this government-funded initiative is now available to eligible families.
Saver Plus is a free matched savings and financial education program designed to support families on a low income. Participants can receive up to $500 to help cover educational expenses.
Program Highlights:
- Matched Savings: Participants who save regularly over 10 months will have their savings matched by ANZ, up to $500.
- Education Support: Funds can be used for a wide range of educational costs, including uniforms, books, laptops, camps, and excursions.
- Financial Education: Participants join MoneyMinded workshops to build lasting budgeting and savings skills.
Eligibility Criteria:
To participate, individuals must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- Receive an eligible Centrelink payment
- Have a child in school (or starting next year), or be studying themselves
- Have a regular income (from paid work, child support, carers’ payment, or cash-in-hand)
- Be willing to join free online financial education workshops
Note: All eligibility criteria must be met.
If you meet the eligibility criteria above, contact the school finance department bursar@ccs.nsw.edu.au for a Referral Form.
Council Notice
BITE Size Cookie Fundraiser!
Thank you to all families who have taken part in the Bites Cookie Fundraiser! It has been a massive effort!
For anyone yet to return their money, please do as soon as possible. If you still have cookies left but no longer wish to sell them, please return them to the school so someone else can do so.
High School Updates
PASS Elective Golf Excursion
On Monday 3 rd November 2025, the PASS elective class will be travelling to Casino Golf Club to play nine (9) holes of golf between 10:00am and 1:00pm. This excursion is part of the unit “Fundamentals of Movement Skill Development.” The main aim is for students to experience both fundamental and specialised movement skills in a sport that many are unfamiliar with.
After the game of golf, students will have the opportunity to purchase something to eat at McDonald’s before returning to Casino Christian School.
Notes need to be returned to the office, with $12 payment by Tuesday, 28th October
For more information and a copy of the permission note, please see the link below or contact Mr Dave McPherson dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au
1 Permission Note Game Of Golf
Tree Tops Challenge (Currumbin) – PASS/SLR Excursion
On Tuesday, 25th November 2025 2025, the PASS elective group will be travelling to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast to participate in the Tree Top Challenge. The aim of this excursion is to engage students in a unique physical activity experience that cannot be replicated at school.
The Currumbin Tree Top Challenge features 80 high ropes challenges and 11 zip lines across five courses. Students will move through the treetops above beautiful bushland and animal enclosures. Before beginning the course, all participants will receive full instruction and training on the correct use of safety equipment.
Although this excursion is primarily for the PASS elective class and the Senior SLR class, students from Years 9, 10, and 11 have also been invited to attend. Participation is limited to the first 30 students who return their permission note and payment. If spaces remain after the due date, Year 8 students may be offered the opportunity to attend.
For more information, see the permission note in the link below or contact dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au
1 Tree Tops Challenge Note (1)
3 Risk Warning And Consent Tree Tops
All forms and payments are due by Monday, 10th November 2025.
Mr David McPherson
PASS/SLR Teacher
Library Updates
Book Club Issue 7
Issue 7 is out now and can be viewed at the link below.
https://scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/issue-preview/
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
Rugby League Games
Every year, more than 950 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in Australia. With treatment starting instantly, they face, on average, more than 6 months away from their school and school friends. This year, we are taking part in the Fight Cancer Foundation’s Footy Colours Day to help these kids!
Every student is allowed to wear their favourite footy jersey to school for the day. Plus on the oval from
12pm onwards there will be:
– U14 & U16 boys rugby league games
– Year 8 to Year 10 girls League Tag game
– Competitions: (1) Catch a bomb, (2) Grubber kick closest to the hoop and (3) Pass the footy
(each competition costs $1 to enter)
– BBQ, drinks and music
For more information on this event, please see the information below or contact dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au
20/20 Cricket – Internal Game
On Friday, 31st October, from 9:30am to 2:30pm, we will be holding a 20/20 Cricket Game at school. This event is for students who are keen to play a competitive game of cricket and would like to be considered for selection in the upcoming Zone 20/20 Cricket Tournament on Wednesday, 19th November. Students from Years 7 to 10 were given the opportunity to nominate themselves if they were interested in participating, and your child has expressed interest in being part of this event.
For more information, please see the note below or contact dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au
20 20 Cricket Internal Game Note
CRICKET COACHING – Year 7 & 8
Cricket coaching for Year 7 and Year 8 students will take place in Term 4 on Thursdays during Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 (a total of four weeks) thanks to a grant from Sporting Schools Australia.
The grant enables us to provide lessons from a coach within Cricket NSW.
For further information please contact our Sports Coordinator, Mr David McPherson, dmcpherson@ccs.nsw.edu.au
Term 4 Calendar
Week 2 (B) 20th – 24th October
Monday 20th
HSC Exams
Lunchtime Groups:
- K-2 Bible
- Computer Club Year 3-6 – A3
Tuesday 21st
HSC Exams
Lunchtime Groups:
- Year 5-6 Girls Bible
- Year 5-6 Boys Bible
Wednesday 22nd
HSC Exams
Footsal – Woolgoolga
Lunchtime Groups:
- Year 3-4 Girls Bible
- Year 3-4Boys Bible
- Secondary Girls Bible – Mrs Lake
- Maths Help for High School – G1
- Junior Rock Band – Music Room
Thursday 23rd
HSC Exams
Year 7 & 8 Cricket Lessons
Lunchtime Groups:
- Art Club & Yarn Circle – D9
- Worship Band – Music Room
Friday 24th
HSC Exams
Tweed Valley Art Gallery Excursion – Year 9 Art & Year 9 & 10 Photography
Week 3 (A) 27th – 31st October
Monday 27th
HSC Exams
Lunchtime Groups:
- K-2 Bible
- Computer Club Year 3-6 – A3
Tuesday 28th
HSC Exams
Grip Leadership Conference – Lismore
Lunchtime Groups:
- Year 5-6 Girls Bible
- Year 5-6 Boys Bible
Wednesday 29th
HSC Exams
Rugby Day
Lunchtime Groups:
- Year 3-4 Girls Bible
- Year 3-4Boys Bible
- Secondary Girls Bible – Mrs Lake
- Maths Help for High School – G1
- Junior Rock Band – Music Room
P&F Meeting 6pm – School Library
Thursday 23rd
HSC Exams
Year 7 & 8 Cricket Lessons
Lunchtime Groups:
- Art Club & Yarn Circle – D9
- Worship Band – Music Room
Friday 24th
HSC Exams
20/20 Cricket
Week 4 (B) 3rd – 7th November
Monday 3rd
HSC Exams
PASS Elective – Golf Excursion
Lunchtime Groups:
- K-2 Bible
- Computer Club Year 3-6 – A3
Tuesday 4th
HSC Exams
Lunchtime Groups:
- Year 5-6 Girls Bible
- Year 5-6 Boys Bible
Wednesday 5th
HSC Exams
Lunchtime Groups:
- Year 3-4 Girls Bible
- Year 3-4Boys Bible
- Secondary Girls Bible – Mrs Lake
- Maths Help for High School – G1
- Junior Rock Band – Music Room
Thursday 6th
HSC Exams
Year 7 & 8 Cricket Lessons
Lunchtime Groups:
- Art Club & Yarn Circle – D9
- Worship Band – Music Room
Friday 7th
HSC Exams
Year 7 Orientation Day
Community Events & Services
