News & Updates: 31 March 2025

Principal's Update: Term 1, Week 9

It was wonderful to welcome so many people to our school campus for our annual Open Day last week and to have so many of you take the opportunity to check out the new facilities your children have been enjoying this year. Thank you for your ongoing support for our school and your positive recommendations to friends and neighbors, which were evident in the many conversations I had with prospective families last week.

This week is WOSE (Week of Spiritual Emphasis), a biannual event in our school calendar that is always a highlight for students and staff alike. There will be a daily presentation (similar to our regular chapel programs) with guest speakers, student-led praise and worship, and fun activities with a focus on the spiritual dimension of our program. Please keep this program in your prayers as we share Jesus with our students.

Hoping you enjoy this week’s newsletter – just 2 weeks left before the Easter Holiday break!

Mr Tony Kent 

Principal 

Secondary School Mufti Day Reminder

This is a reminder that on Thursday, April 10, the Year 12 leadership team is hosting a jersey mufti day.

Students can wear their favourite sports team jersey in exchange for a gold coin donation.

Also, students can enter a raffle to win a signed Mariners FC soccer ball by buying a sausage roll from the sausage sizzle down at the sports centre.

Student Leadership Team

Year 6 Student Leaders Receive Their Badges

At assembly on Friday, our Year 6 student leaders were presented with their leadership badges. They were excited to take on their responsibilities and set a positive example for the school in their various roles.

From House Captains to Chapel Leaders and more, these students have stepped up to lead and make a difference. We look forward to seeing them continue to show leadership throughout the year.

Mrs Rhian Dennis

Primary Teacher

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HRIS Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday, 6th March, our talented CCAS swimmers took to the pool for the annual HRIS Swimming Carnival, delivering an incredible performance across the day. With determination, teamwork, and a whole lot of school spirit, our squad powered through event after event, securing an amazing 2nd place overall in the Division 2 competition.

Every athlete gave their absolute best, and seeing the dedication on display was inspiring. A special shoutout to those who put their hand up to swim additional events, pushing themselves to help boost the school's overall score – your commitment and team-first attitude didn’t go unnoticed.

The support from our squad was just as impressive as the swims themselves, with cheers ringing out across the pool deck all day long. Whether in the water or on the sidelines, CCAS showed what it means to compete with heart and sportsmanship.

A huge congratulations to all our swimmers for their outstanding efforts. You should all be incredibly proud! We can’t wait to see what you achieve next. 

Please note:
CCAS Age Champion Correction: In the newsletter on the 24th of February, there was an error in the announcement of the age champion for the 16-year-old girls from the CCAS Swimming Carnival. It should have read:
Age Champion: Melina McPherson
Runner-Up: Addison Gale

Mr Tyson Dunne 

Secondary Teacher

High School Cross Country

Our High School Cross Country Carnival at Adcock Park, West Gosford was one to remember. With perfect weather conditions – cool, overcast skies and the rain holding off just long enough – the stage was set for a great day of running and house spirit.

We were blown away by the amazing turnout, with students from all year groups getting involved. Whether they were racing for a place, jogging with mates, or walking in support of their house, the atmosphere was buzzing. It was fantastic to see so many students giving it their all across the course.

A big congratulations goes to our top performers in each age group – your determination and effort were incredible!

And of course, a massive shoutout to our House Champion for 2025 – Newcombe, who stormed home with a dominant score across all age groups.

A huge thank you to all the staff and student helpers who made the day run so smoothly, and to everyone who came along with a positive attitude and team spirit. Bring on next year!

Mr Tyson Dunne 

Secondary Teacher

Primary Cross Country

Well, what a day! We managed to get through the carnival, second time lucky.  Congratulations to all the students for participating and a huge thanks to our teachers and House Captains for all their work.  Well done BRADMAN, house champions for 2025.  Also congratulations to the following students for their individual results :

7/8 yrs girls and boys
1st - Blakely C and Coby K
2nd - Isabella M and Billy T
3rd - Zoe K and Leo M

9 yrs girls and boys
1st - Lily S and Jackson M
2nd - Pearl M and Marcel C
3rd - Emilie L and Daniel P

10 yrs girls and boys
1st -  Nella Win F and Casper K
2nd -  Mila C and Leo A
3rd -  Bayla C and Rocco P

11 yrs girls and boys
1st - Charlotte T and Joel M
2nd - Miley G and Bohdi S
3rd -  Ashlyn B and Nash G

12/13 yrs girls and boys
1st -  Matilda M and Logan M
2nd - Isla M and Nicholas C
3rd - Darcie H and Kane R

Mr Michael Kosmeier 

Primary Sport

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Infant Cross Country

What a great afternoon!  It was wonderful to see all the students running around the oval being cheered on by their parents, friends, and other students.  Thank you to the Infant Teachers, House and School Captains for their help on the day.

Mr Michael Kosmeier 

Primary Sport

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Primary CIS Swimming

On Wednesday, Lara B, Oliver B, Rory G, Darcie H, Elsie H, Casper K, Hudson M, Daniel P, Tiziana P, Oliver S and Amalia U travelled to Sydney to proudly represent CCAS and HRIS. Their energetic and enthusiastic performances showcased remarkable talent.

Congratulations to Rory G. on clinching 3rd place in the multi-class 50m freestyle and 1st place in the multi-class 50m backstroke. Darcie H also excelled, securing 1st place in the 50m Butterfly with a new CIS record, 1st place in the 50m Freestyle and 2nd place in the 100m Freestyle.

Well done, students!

Mr Michael Kosmeier 

Primary Sport

Student Achievement: Caleb Dunstan

We are excited to celebrate an awesome achievement for one of our CCAS basketballers—Caleb Dunstan who has been selected to represent New South Wales at the U18 Australian National Championships in Brisbane this weekend.

Caleb’s journey to this prestigious opportunity has been nothing short of impressive. After a standout season with the Gosford City Rebels in 2024, he quickly caught the attention of Basketball NSW coaches. Through his selection in and progression through the NSW High Performance Programs, Caleb has continued to develop his skills and confidence, earning his place in the squad after a strong performance in Albury earlier this term at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup, where he competed for the NSW Kookaburras.

This selection is a testament to Caleb’s dedication, hard work, and passion for the game. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and look forward to seeing him compete on the national stage. Congratulations, Caleb, and best of luck in Brisbane!

Mr Ryan Starrett

Basketball Coach

Student Achievement: Cash Milner

We want to congratulate Cash Milner on his recent swimming achievements.

Cash placed  5th in the 100m Butterfly in the Open Field at the 2025 NSW State Open Championships with a time of 53.8 seconds. This new PB places him in the top 20 in Australia. He is currently the fastest under-18 swimmer in the event and in the top 10 "all-time" achieving under-17-year-old males in Australia. 

He is now training for the Australian Age Championships in April in a high-performance squad under ex-Olympian Ashley Delany. Cash will be continuing his swimming journey over the next 4 years aiming to be selected on the 2028 Olympic team going to LA,  Commonwealth Games, and World Championship events. 

These are amazing results Cash, CCAS is so proud of your hard work, and we know you will keep ticking off your goals one swim at a time. 

CCAS Marketing & Communications 

CCAS Basketball: AICES Cup

The CCAS Senior Boys and Girls basketball teams recently took part in the AICES Cup, facing strong competition and delivering impressive performances throughout the day. After falling just one point short of the title in last year’s final, the girls entered the tournament knowing they faced a tough challenge—especially without key senior players Annabelle Hedger and Hayley Douglass. The boys also had their own challenges, with Caleb Dunstan on a minutes restriction as he continued to manage his return from injury.

The boys opened the tournament with a thrilling win over The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS). A strong outside shooting performance from Ashton Hayes kept the team in the game, and with the result hanging in the balance, Oscar Puckeridge stepped up to drain a game-winning three-pointer. Their next match against Penrith was a more dominant display, with CCAS controlling the tempo early and cruising to a comfortable 20-point victory. Against William Clarke, the boys faced intense defensive pressure but managed to create enough scoring opportunities to secure another win.

The challenge intensified against Reddam, where CCAS struggled against defensive pressure and conceded too many open shots, leading to a tough loss. In the quarter-final against Moriah, the boys fought hard in a back-and-forth contest but were edged out by a three-pointer in the final seconds. Missed chances and defensive lapses proved costly in an incredibly close game. The key takeaways for the boys were the importance of looking after the ball, minimising unnecessary turnovers, and continuing to improve help defence and rotations to limit easy scoring opportunities for opponents.

The girls started strong, defeating Thomas Hassall comfortably before securing a forfeit win over Hunter Valley Grammar and Immanuel College. They continued their momentum with a commanding 20-point victory over William Clarke, displaying great teamwork and control. Their quarter-final matchup against TIGS was a fiercely contested battle that went down to the wire. Despite a determined effort, CCAS fell agonizingly short by just one point. Given the absence of two key senior players, it was still an impressive showing from the team, proving they could compete at a high level. For the girls, the biggest learning points were that they looked strongest when pushing the ball in transition, but they need to focus more on boxing out, securing rebounds, and fighting for loose balls to maintain control in tight contests.

Despite the heartbreak of close losses, the tournament was a valuable learning experience, and both teams will take these lessons forward as they continue to develop. 

Mr Ryan Starrett 

Basketball Coach

Support Laisani in Her Fight Against Leukaemia

We are deeply saddened to share that one of our brave Year 2 students has recently been diagnosed with Leukaemia (ALL). Since her diagnosis in early February, Laisani has been undergoing treatment at Westmead Children's Hospital while staying at Ronald McDonald House with her parents. 

Despite facing this difficult journey, Laisani has shown incredible courage and determination. She has decided to take part in the World's Greatest Shave to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, helping families affected by blood cancer. Her strength and generosity have already made a huge impact.

How You Can Help:
💙 Donate to Laisani’s fundraising campaign and support vital research and support services at the link below. 
🙏 Pray for Laisani and her family as they navigate this challenging time.
❤️ Join her team or consider making a Lifeblood donation to help others battling blood cancer.

Let’s come together as a community to show Laisani and her family that they are not alone. Your support can make a real difference!

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers for the Gardner family at this time.

Mrs Katie Tipple 

Primary Wellbeing

NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge has officially begun, and we’re excited to celebrate the first four students who have already completed their personal challenge! 

Congratulations: Mason Lynch, Isla Dobbin, Spencer Grice & Valentina Duarte - Well done being the first to complete the 2025 Challenge.

Each year, our library creates excitement around the event by using the CBCA Theme. This year’s theme is Book an Adventure, and we’re embarking on an incredible journey through reading. Each class is ready to launch their Hot air balloons however ALL students in the class need to receive their tickets before the journey can continue. Our bags are ready to be packed, the hot air balloons are ready to take flight, and the tickets have been printed! Students who complete the challenge get to choose which adventure they’ll embark on. We can't wait to see more students join the fun and reach their reading goals!

The student website is a fantastic resource—easy to navigate and full of great recommendations to help students explore and discover their next exciting book to read. It’s a great place to get inspired for the adventure ahead. You may even have many of the books on your bookshelves at home, so this is a great opportunity for you to work on this challenge together with your child.

Students in K-2 are completing the challenge as part of their library classes however if you wish to help support your child at home to finish earlier that would be great.

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

Ripples Writing Competition Now Open

It’s Story Comp time!

Ripples is celebrating their fifth anniversary of their Schools Program and to celebrate, their annual writing competition is centred around the traditional fifth anniversary gift, wood. 

This writing competition is now open to Years 4-9. The challenge is to create a compelling short story with your interpretation of Into The Woods, making sure to incorporate the five given words: Five, olive, minute, thump, wood. 

Head to the link below to find out more and to enter. 

Mrs Donna Robertson 

Librarian

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

Parenting Toolbox: Raising Well-adjusted Kids in a Digitally-dominant World

The digital age has brought incredible opportunities for learning and connection, but it also presents unique challenges for primary school-aged children and their parents.

These formative years are essential for building social skills, emotional resilience, and a healthy sense of self, which can be significantly affected by technology's widespread influence.

Read this article and find the practical solutions for parents are at hand.

Safe on Social: The Good, The Cringe and The Dangerous - The Digital Language of 2025 Teens

Your teen’s not turning into a jerk, they’re shape-shifting. Right now, they’re under pressure to be someone. And fast.

Online, there’s no room for uncertainty. No space to figure it out slowly. So they start trying on identities like outfits, seeing what gets a reaction, what makes them feel powerful, what helps them belong. That’s not evil. It’s survival.

They’re not aiming to hurt anyone. They’re just navigating a world where being bold, even if it’s toxic, feels safer than being unsure.

Thank You for Making 2025 Open Day a Success

On Wednesday, 26 March, we opened our doors to around 130 new prospective families, offering them a glimpse into life at CCAS. From engaging conversations to vibrant classroom displays and creative performances, the day reflected the strength of our staff and student community.

We also welcomed our current families to visit our new addition: the Learning Hub, which includes our new Administration, Library and Senior Studies spaces. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed — from preparing learning spaces to engaging with families, your work helped create a welcoming and informative experience for our guests.

We also acknowledge the excellent support from our student helpers, including our School Captains, prefects, and Primary Captains, who guided tours and represented the school with maturity and enthusiasm.

The Creative Arts Showcase added a special touch to the day, with performances that demonstrated the breadth of talent within our student body.

Thank you again for your contributions to the success of Open Day 2025. These collective efforts help ensure that CCAS continues to thrive.

Marketing Team

Primary School Harmony Day Celebrations

Last week CCAS celebrated Harmony Week, a celebration that recognises diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Our Primary School created a map of the world showcasing the different backgrounds and cultures that make up our student body. On Friday, we had a mufti day encouraging students to wear orange in support of Harmony Day, or a piece of traditional clothing to celebrate their own background.

It was great to see our students celebrating diversity and learning more about each other and the world.

Marketing & Communication Team 

Bible Verse Of The Week