News & Updates: 3 March 2025

Principal's Update: Term 1, Week 5

Raising our children in today’s society is a challenging responsibility. Although we are blessed to live and reside in such a lovely area here on the Central Coast, we are not immune from societal issues that plague today's generation. At the risk of sounding old, life was a lot simpler when I was a child, and I suspect to some degree this was your experience as well. One of the strengths of the CCAS community is our capacity to partner together as we navigate the journey of both education and the broader life journey for your children- our students.

Last week Paul Dillion, one of our country's leading experts in Drug and Alcohol Education, visited our school and presented educational sessions to our Years 10,11 and 12 students. We have partnered with Paul in this program for more than 15 years and always appreciate both his insights and straight-talking style, which seems to resonate when talking to our students about the risks inherent in drug taking and alcohol consumption.
He followed up in the evening with a presentation to parents – ‘Teens, Parties Alcohol and Vapes: What Parents Need to Know’, and it was a privilege to join with the 70 or so parents who were able to attend. For those who couldn’t make it, we have recorded his presentation for your benefit and I would highly recommend you take the time to watch this, particularly if the teenage years for your children are fast approaching or you are already there.

The mantra ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ has never been more true, and I am glad to be a part of the CCAS village, a supportive and inclusive community with shared values.

Enjoy this week’s newsletter.

Mr Tony Kent 

Principal 

Paul Dillon Presentations

On Thursday, February 27, Paul Dillon spoke to our Year 10, 11, and 12 students and also hosted a parent session in the evening. As the founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia and a former school teacher, Paul has dedicated over 30 years to drug education. His knowledge, passion, and genuine care for young people have allowed him to build a strong rapport with our senior students, who respect both him and his message. His sessions were incredibly well received and provided invaluable insights.

 Information Covered in the Student Sessions:

Year 10 – Looking After Your Mates:
This session debunked myths about alcohol and highlighted that many young people choose not to drink. Students learned essential skills for handling alcohol-related emergencies, including when to call an ambulance.

Year 11 – Alcohol & Cannabis: Staying Safe:
Building on the Year 10 session, this presentation covered cannabis use, its impact on mental health, and warning signs of problematic use. It also reinforced strategies for looking after friends and explored the effects of alcohol & cannabis on the adolescent brain.

 Year 12 – Alcohol, Drugs, & Your Future: 
With many students driving or preparing to get their licenses, this session addressed drink/drug driving laws and testing procedures. Paul emphasised the legal consequences of drug possession and the importance of seeking help in emergencies.

Parent Session:
Paul’s presentation provided the latest data on teen socialisation, as well as alcohol, drug, and vape use. He shared practical strategies to help parents support their teens in social settings while minimising risk and offered guidance on fostering open, honest family discussions.

 If you missed the chance to hear Paul speak, he kindly allowed us to record the parent session. A link to the presentation will be available in SEQTA for two weeks only. 

Accessing Paul Dillon's presentation: Go to SEQTA Engage > Portals > Paul Dillon's Portal. Please note that the presentation will only be available for two weeks (final date to watch: 17/03).

Mr Adam Kranz

Assistant Head of Secondary 

Early Student Pickups

To ensure your child is ready to be collected early, please notify the school of your pickup time well in advance, and do not expect your child to be ready until this time. You can do this via phone call or email.

We ask for plenty of notice as staff may not have a phone in their classroom, or be able to check emails regularly and won't be aware of the details of students leaving. Giving us this notice avoids a last-minute scramble, prevents any confusion, and keeps everyone running on time (without having us run to collect your child!)

Please also ensure that students check out through Primary/High School Reception so that their leave is recorded.

Thank you in advance. 

Administration Team

The Hilarie Lindsay Short Story Competition

The Hilarie Lindsay Short Story Competition is on again for 2025, and we are inviting aspiring writers to begin working on a submission for this excellent event. A past CCAS student won the prize for her category in 2023!

Entries are sought in the following categories:
SECTION 1: Years 10, 11 & 12 up to 2500 words Prize $150
SECTION 2: Years 7, 8 & 9   up to 2500 words Prize $125

The English Department will enter up to 5 entries per Section (see below).

If you are interested, you should:

1. Speak to your English teacher to demonstrate your interest
2. Begin drafting your submission and submit this via your English teacher for feedback by Week 9 of Term 2 (we will have reminders in the newsletter for this)
3. Continue drafting and refining your work for final submission with Mrs Rappell in Week 5 of Term 3  (we will have reminders in the newsletter for this)
4. Closing date for the competition is 31 August.

Mrs Hannah Rappell

Head of English

Library: Ready For A Challenge?

The Annual NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge has started!

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more, and to read more widely. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10. 

All Primary students at CCAS are automatically registered and participation is encouraged during Library classes.  

2025 Challenge Dates
Challenge opens: Monday 24 February 2025
Challenge closes to students: Friday 22 August 2025

PLEASE NOTE: 
All usernames and passwords have been reset for 2025. If you would like your child’s login information please contact us: library@ccas.nsw.edu.au  

Mrs Donna Robertson 

Librarian

Year 11 Geography Excursion

Last week our Year 11 geography students consolidated their learning of the unit Earth’s Natural Systems by visiting Wamberal Beach and The Haven.

Through conducting fieldwork activities such as sand nourishment, students saw how this dynamic environment functions.

Mrs Fiona Beams 

Secondary Teacher

Legal Studies Incursion

Last Wednesday, Dr Gordon Reid came in to speak to the Year 11 Legal Studies and Economics class.

Gordon taught students about the operations of Parliament and his experiences as a politician over the last few years and took time to answer numerous student questions. These questions ranged from Australian foreign policy, Gordon's journey from medicine into politics, his experience attending the United Nations and the benefits of compulsory voting in Australia when compared to other political systems.

We thank Dr Gordon for his time in assisting the Legal Studies and Economics class. 

Mr Martin Kane 

Secondary Teacher

CCAS Exchange Program: Hosting A Student

Each year, CCAS welcomes exchange students through the ‘Students of the World’ Exchange program. Our CCAS students get to interact and build friendships with these students. For some of our early exchanges, these friendships have now spanned over a decade, with Australian families visiting the exchange family in their home country.

We are currently desperately looking for 1, 2, or 3 families willing to co-host a student from France.

Jeanne is 15 years old and is looking to improve her spoken English as she wants to study and later, work in tourism. Her dates are flexible but she is hoping to stay as long as possible between April and August.

If you feel your family could host her for 3-4 weeks, please let me know as soon as possible. If we have several families, she could stay a few weeks with each family and thus stay for longer than if only 1 family offers to host. Of course, if you are interested in hosting over a longer period, that would be great too! Jeanne’s family are also willing to host in return if that is of interest to you.

If you would like more information about Jeanne (before making a decision), please contact Mrs Grange via email or phone: marilyn.grange@ccas.nsw.edu.au  / 0415 92 32 75 (text or leave a message and I will return your call)

Mrs Marilyn Grange 

Secondary Teacher 

Library: Parent Library & Borrowing

Did you know that parents have their own section in our CCAS Library and can borrow? We want to invite all new and existing parents to pop in and visit our beautiful new library and have a look at what's on our shelves.

Does the thought of homework make you shudder? Please bring your child/ren to the library after school to do their homework.  Parents have found fewer struggles when they tackle homework in a different environment.  

Better still, come in and enjoy a story or two with your child to wind down from the busy day. An extra special invitation is extended to our Pre-Kindy families to pop in and borrow on behalf of your child.

We are open until 4 pm Monday-Thursday and 3.30 pm Friday. All Primary students need to be accompanied by an adult after school. 

Mrs Donna Robertson 

Librarian

Secondary Homework Help

Homework help is a time for Secondary students to come and get specific help with work that they might be struggling with during class time. 

Students will get the most out of these sessions if they come with specific questions for the teachers or explain areas where they need a bit more help. 

Homework  Help runs between 3 - 4 pm after school. Tuesday is for Maths and HSIE, and Thursdays is for English and Science.

Tracey Bennetts 

Head of Secondary School

Help Keep Our School Healthy

With one of our students immunosuppressed, we must maintain a vigilant approach to illness prevention. We urge you to keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. This not only helps safeguard their own health but also protects their classmates, especially those who may be more vulnerable.

If your child contracts Measles, Chickenpox, Shingles, Influenza or COVID-19, please notify us immediately so we can take appropriate measures.

Additionally, please reinforce the importance of proper hygiene practices with your children. Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with others when feeling unwell are simple yet effective measures in preventing the spread of illness.

Your support and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated as we strive to foster a healthy and thriving learning environment for all.

Thank you for your understanding and commitment to our school community's well-being.

CCAS Team

Safe on Social: How Social Media Stole Our Presence

In its current form, social media is more than a mere distraction. It’s a force eroding our ability to be present, think critically, and take meaningful action.

In this article, you will learn how Social Media stole our presence and why we must reclaim it.

Parenting Toolbox: Developing Resilience in Your Kids.

Resilient families develop their own words and phrases to help each other get through the inevitable tough times that each person experiences.

Children and adults in resilient families tune into each other's needs, choosing situation-specific language rather than regurgitating generalised ‘feel-good’ or ‘get-on-with-it’ platitudes.

The following are 10 examples of the language of resilience, the coping skills each reflects, and the situations in which they are applicable.

Vaccination - Year 7 & 10

If your child is in Year 7 or 10, please provide consent for their vaccinations using the QR code or the Service NSW Health Website link below.

Vaccination Dates
Year 7  - Wednesday 9th April
Year 10 - Wednesday 30th July  

Secondary Administration

Reminder: Update Your Child's Image Use Preferences On Pixevety

This is a last reminder for parents to please update their child's image use permissions in Pixevety for this year.

We rely on these permissions to feature your child in newsletters, social media, and other school-related publications. With many Camps happening, it's important that these permissions reflect your preferences.

How to Update Your Preferences:
Please click here for a User Guide on how to update your child’s consent settings in Pixevety.

New Parents:
If you haven't registered with Pixevety yet, please click here for instructions on setting up your account and updating your preferences.

Important Notes:

• Opting for "No" on image usage may mean your child will not be included in group photos during school events and activities.
• If you select "Private" visibility, only parents of the children in the photos and school staff will be able to view the images.

 If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at marketing@ccas.nsw.edu.au.

Marketing Team

Bible Verse Of The Week