News & Updates: 6 May 2024
-
Principal's Update: Term 2, Week 2
-
Reminder: Complete our Community Survey
-
Primary Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale for a Cause!
-
Safe on Social Parent Session - Cybersafety with Kirra Pendergast
-
SEQTA Navigation Tutorial
-
School Photographs 2024
-
Friday Fams Kick-Off
-
Experiment Day - HSC Chemistry Class
-
Primary Cross Country
-
Infant Cross Country
-
Primary PSSA Swimming
-
Year 7 Science & Ice Cream
-
CCAS Exchange Program
-
Years 7 Immunisations
-
Bible Verse Of The Week
Principal's Update: Term 2, Week 2
Welcome to our first newsletter of Term 2. I am happy to report that we have settled back into the rhythm of school here at CCAS – despite the wet weather – and are looking forward to the term ahead.
I thought I would comment this week on some of the media reporting that has been filling the airwaves over the last few weeks regarding the ‘new’ Behavior curriculum being touted for rollout, the need for more explicit teaching of appropriate behaviour and manners, and a return to a more structured and controlled classroom setup.
I appreciate that for some schools and teachers across NSW, classroom control is a huge issue. Although I would not be naive enough to suggest that our students are perfect, we are fortunate that our students and classrooms, overall, are productive learning environments where students can engage, collaborate and benefit from a whole range of learning opportunities which we believe are fundamental to quality education.
But to be honest, this is no accident – as well as having wonderful students to start with, we (and many other schools) already teach students from a young age manners, respect, and how to engage appropriately with their classmates and teachers. It is called the CCAS way – you may have heard of it – and incorporates our school values of Respect, Compassion, Integrity and Perseverance. This explicit teaching enables us to then create the kinds of flexible learning environments and teaching practices to ensure the delivery of not just content but Global Competencies – Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking – the skills for life in a rich and engaging environment.
Ok, I will get off my soapbox, but I hope this reassures anyone who may have wondered what this is all about and the implications for what we are doing and will continue to do here at CCAS.
Hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.
Mr Tony Kent
Principal
Reminder: Complete our Community Survey
As per email sent last Wednesday, CCAS is conducting a Community Survey to gather insights from our school community. Your feedback is very important to us, as it helps us better understand what you value most about our school and how we can continue to improve and best support our families.
The survey will close at 5 pm on Tuesday, May 7th. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking the link below. Your responses will remain anonymous and confidential.
Thank you for your time and your continued support.
Marketing & Communications Team
Primary Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale for a Cause!
Calling all CCAS Primary Mums! You are invited to our Primary Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast on Friday, May 10th, Week 2, starting at 8 am. Join us for a delicious morning filled with fluffy pancakes, sweet syrup, and warm community vibes.
But that's not all! In addition to our scrumptious pancake feast, we'll be hosting a bake sale with a special mission. All funds raised will be dedicated to supporting Cancer Council Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. It's an opportunity for us to come together, enjoy delightful treats, and contribute to a vital cause.
Here's what you need to know:
Date: May 10th, Friday, Week 2
Time: 8:00 am onwards
Location: CCAS sports centre steps.
Bring your appetite and your generosity! We're also welcoming donations for the bake sale. Bake sale donations can be delivered to the primary admin the day before the event (if it doesn't need refrigeration) or brought to the stall on the day.
Get ready to treat your taste buds and support a great cause!
Mrs Katie Tipple
Primary Wellbeing Teacher
Safe on Social Parent Session - Cybersafety with Kirra Pendergast
Join us on May 23rd for a Cybersafety Session with Kirra Pendergast, Founder of Safe on Social, as she addresses critical cybersafety topics that every parent should know!
Kirra Pendergast will be at CCAS addressing several student groups on the critical subject of Cybersafety. This event marks a continuation of CCAS's partnership with Safe on Social, which provides invaluable support to our students in navigating the ever-evolving online landscape.
We are also hosting a session for our parents. Kirra brings over three decades of experience in technology, cybersecurity, and business consulting to this discussion. Her expertise extends to pressing issues such as cyberbullying and the ethical use of AI in education, reflecting her commitment to fostering responsible digital citizenship.
Some of the topics that will be covered during her presentations include:
- The impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing
- Online Ethics
- Online safety and privacy for children and teens
- Legal responsibilities
- Group chat management
- Respectful online relationships
- Managing cyber bullying
- Image-based abuse and online sexual harassment
- Strategies for managing screen time and digital addiction.
When: Thursday May 23rd, 5 - 6pm
Where: CCAS, Naomi Frew Hall
How: Please register your interest below.
Mr Adam Kranz
Assistant Head of Secondary School
SEQTA Navigation Tutorial
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting students and parents in their educational journey, we have developed a walkthrough video to guide you through the platform's features for tracking assessments and feedback.
Keeping track of assessments and feedback is crucial for academic success and by familiarizing yourself with the platform, you can stay informed and actively support your child's learning journey.
What does the walkthrough cover?
Our walkthrough video provides a step-by-step guide to navigating SEQTA, including:
Courses: Access an overview of each subject a student is taking at school.Assessments: Discover how to view detailed information about upcoming and past assessments, including due dates, instructions, grades and feedback.Reports: Learn how to access past and present Semester Transcripts.
Additional resources: Find out where to access supplementary materials, such as resources, newsletters, finance, etc.
Where can I find the walkthrough video?
You can access the video by clicking on the link below. Additionally, the video will be prominently featured on the SEQTA landing page in the near future, making it readily available whenever you need it.
Issues with accessing SEQTA?
If you have not accessed SEQTA before, please contact Primary or Secondary Reception and request a new 'welcome' email so that you may activate your account.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Together, we can empower our students to thrive academically and reach their full potential.
Mr Ryan Starrett
Teaching & Learning | SEQTA | Data
School Photographs 2024
School photographs are coming up soon!
MSP Photography will come to our school on three days, May 22, 24 and 27, and specific photos will be captured each day.
Students must be in full winter school uniform and follow the jewellery and hair length policy for their photographs.
Wednesday, 22 May
- Secondary year level groups photos;
- Individual secondary student portraits;
- Year 6 group - whole year level;
- Extracurricular groups over 40 students (from both Primary & Secondary - we will notify you if your child is in one of these groups);
Friday, 24 May
- Primary class groups
- Individual primary student portraits
- Extracurricular groups under 40 students (from both Primary & Secondary - we will notify you if your child is in one of these groups)
Monday, 27 May
- Sibling photographs - Please note this is the only day for sibling photographs;
- Absentee photos (portraits only for students absent on Tuesday or Wednesday).
Further details about school photos and ordering details will be shared in the coming weeks.
UNIFORM
Please ensure that students wear their full winter uniform on the day/s they will be photographed. If students have sports on that day, they should also bring their sports uniform.
Marketing & Communications Team
Friday Fams Kick-Off
Last Friday, after assembly, the Primary school officially kicked off its very first Friday Fams session for the year.
Students gathered in their new groups across our Primary school for an initial meet-and-greet, before playing a short game of Eye Spy.
As the year progresses, the groups will play a variety of games, participate in many get-to-know-you games, as well as create some fantastic arts and crafts to display across our school.
Friday Fams are a fantastic way for our Year 6s to grow in leadership abilities; it is also an opportunity for students to get to know a variety of students from other grades, and grow in their sense of connectedness to school by seeing more familiar faces when out in the playground.
Mr James Crabtree
Assistant Head of Primary
Experiment Day - HSC Chemistry Class
The HSC Chemistry class travelled to Avondale University on Wednesday, May 1 to participate in what the university refers to as 'Experiment Day'.
After an orientation and lab safety induction, students were taken to a staged crime scene to collect samples for analysis. They used spectroscopy instruments to identify white powders and determine concentrations. Other analytical techniques were used to identify toxins recovered from the victim's waterbottle.
There was a lot of hands-on participation and students were able to determine the likelihood of the 'death' being accidental.
Students also participated in a tour of the campus and were treated to a free lunch at the university restaurant. Overall, it was an engaging day that gave context to a number of concepts in the HSC Chemistry course.
Mrs Leanne Kirby
Secondary Teacher
Primary Cross Country
On April 9, we held our Primary Cross Country, and 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 NEWCOMBE, house champions for 2024. Also congratulations to the following students for their individual results :
7/8 yrs girls and boys
1st - Lily S and Jackson M
2nd - Ruby M and Daniel P
3rd - Pearl M and Sonny G
9 yrs girls and boys
1st - Nella Win F and Casper K
2nd - Macy W and Rocco P
3rd - Mary-Rose V and Leo A
10 yrs girls and boys
1st - Darcel P and Bohdi S
2nd - Miley G and Nash G
3rd - Rachel P and Joel M
11 yrs girls and boys
1st - Matilda M and Logan M
2nd - Amelia D and Kane R
3rd - Talia R and Jayden K
12/13 yrs girls and boys
1st - Emily M and Fletcher G
2nd - Ayla G and Nixon T
3rd - Lacy G and Lennex R
Mr Michael Kosmeier
Primary Teacher
Infant Cross Country
What a great afternoon—just before the rain! 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 Teacher
Primary PSSA Swimming
On April 11 and 12, Rory G and Darcie H showcased their remarkable skills at the PSSA Swimming Championships, proudly representing CIS. Rory's determination propelled him to a stellar performance, securing a 2nd place finish in the multi-class 50m backstroke, alongside an impressive 6th place in the multi-class 50m freestyle. Despite not feeling her best, Darcie exhibited sheer talent and resilience, claiming victory in the 50m butterfly event.
Congratulations to Rory and Darcie for their outstanding accomplishments!
Mr Michael Kosmeier
Primary Teacher
Year 7 Science & Ice Cream
On the last week of term 1, Year 7 students finished off our topic of "solids, liquids, and gases" in Science by making ice cream. Despite the cooler morning, it was thoroughly enjoyed!
Dr Charlotte Martin
Secondary Teacher
CCAS Exchange Program
We still have exchange students from ‘Students of the World’ Exchange program looking for host families.
Our CCAS students get to interact and build friendships with these students. For some of our early exchanges, these friendships have now spanned a decade, with Australian families visiting the exchange family in their home country.
If you and your family are interested in hosting a student from Estonia, Germany, Italy, Spain, or France sometime this winter, please email Mrs Grange (marilyn.grange@ccas.nsw.edu.au) for
Thank you for considering this enriching opportunity!
Mrs Marilyn Grange
Secondary Teacher
Years 7 Immunisations
A reminder for Year 7 parents to provide consent for the upcoming immunisation.
Year 7 vaccinations will be on 24 June.
Mrs Tracey Bennetts
Head of Secondary School
Bible Verse Of The Week
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears."