News & Updates: 20 May 2024

Principal's Update: Term 2, Week 4

At what age do you allow your children to have a social media account? How do you monitor their activity? What can you do to protect your child from the dangers of the online world? This week we welcome Kirra Pendagast, Director of ‘Safe on Social Media', a nationally recognised provider of education and advice on keeping our children safe from the dangers of the online world.

Kirra has been presenting to CCAS students for several years now – a key aspect of our commitment to this important area of our student's education. Kirra will present to students from  Years 5–10 in three age-appropriate sessions this coming Thursday. We will then host a parent information session on Thursday evening, starting at 5:00 pm in the Hall.

So, whether you are grappling with the challenges of parenting your teenage or pre-teen children in this digital age, or parents of younger children looking to equip yourselves for the years ahead – Kirra will share the latest insights, trends and tips to keep our children safe.

See you there.

Hope you enjoy this week's newsletter.

Mr Tony Kent 

Principal 

School Photographs 2024

School photographs are this week! 

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 Wednesday or Friday).

UNIFORM

Students must be in full winter school uniform and follow the jewellery and hair length policy for their photographs. A school tie is required and no jumpers are to be worn.  If students have sports on that day, they should also bring their sports uniform. 

Girls: Skirt length should be just above the knee, black stockings or CCAS socks, and black school shoes. Natural makeup and hair colour.

Boys: Shirts tucked in, CCAS socks, black school shoes and hair above the collar, and natural in colour.

Uniform Policy

Uniform Shop

For information on how to order please click here or see the email sent on Monday 13th May titled "Primary (or) High School Photos".

Marketing & Communications Team

Scholastic Book Fair & The National Simultaneous Storytime (17th - 23rd May)

Scholastic Book Fair is back along with NSS.

Our Book Fair will run until Thursday 23rd May, so please make sure you pop in to have a look around. 

Every Book Fair we transform the library to reflect a theme. This year we have chosen to use the 2024 National Simultaneous Storytime book, ‘Bowerbird Blues’ by Aura Parker as our inspiration.

You are also invited to join us for the National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 22nd May at noon in the Sports Centre to listen to the 2024 NSS story ‘Bowerbird Blues’ by Aura Parker. 

Dress up this year will be shoulders up only for the NSS (22nd May)

• Students wear full school uniform 

• Shoulders up, wear blue accessories
  

Book Fair: Online Ordering

Students and families can pay with either cash or eftpos at Book Fair.

For all online orders and wishlist purchases made online, please follow the instructions below using the QR Code or web link provided. 

Please do not order stationery or posters through Wish Lists or the catalogue order form.  To purchase stationery or posters, students must bring the cash payment to the library and purchase what is available at the time.

Book Fair Volunteers 

Our Book Fair can get very busy with students buying before school and during lunchtime and recess. If you can spare an hour to volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

Please pop in or email me (donna.robertson@ccas.nsw.edu.au) with days and times you may be available (timeslots below).

Days
Monday 20th - Thursday 23rd 

Times:
8am-8.40am
10.40am-11.00am
12.30pm-1.15pm
2.45pm-3.00pm

Mrs Donna Robertson 

Librarian

Safe on Social Parent Session - Cybersafety with Kirra Pendergast

Join us on May 23rd for a cyber safety 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 cyber safety. 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

Basketball: CCAS vs Sports College (Junior Exhibition Games)

With the Basketball Program well and truly underway, CCAS has commenced its ongoing local school series in preparation for the tournaments ahead. The Sports Centre was buzzing as our Junior Boys and Junior Girls basketball teams took to the court against Central Coast Sports College during Thursday lunch.

Despite facing tough competition from Central Coast Sports College, our teams displayed determination and put their systems to the test, supported by a home crowd. The matches provided valuable learning experiences as we prepare for the upcoming Basketball NSW State Championship and HRIS Tournament.

While the scoreboard may not have been in our favor this time, our players showcased sportsmanship and resilience throughout the games. The challenges posed by older and bigger opponents offered insights that will inform our training sessions as we refine our strategies for the upcoming tournaments.

Congratulations to all our players for their dedication and hard work on the court. Your commitment to representing CCAS with integrity and passion is commendable, and we're proud of your efforts.

As we continue to push ourselves, let's remember that every match is an opportunity for growth. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our teams!

Central Coast Sports College will be returning in Week 5 for Senior Boys and Girls matchups. Additionally, mark your calendars for our next visiting school, Wahroonga Adventist School, for the Senior Boys matchup on Tuesday, May 21st.

Stay tuned for more basketball action!

Mr Ryan Starrett 

Basketball Coach

Basketball: CIS Team Selection

Congratulations to Caleb Dunstan and Oliver Power who not only represented CCAS but also the HRIS and AICES at the CIS Basketball Trials at Newington College last week.

These trials see the top basketball players who attend Independent Schools in NSW take to the court with the aim of being selected for the CIS NSW team to compete against the top students from the Public and Catholic School systems.

Making these trials is a significant achievement and underscores the work that the boys have put in their own time, in the Gosford City Rebels program as well as the CCAS Basketball program.

It is well worth mentioning that Caleb was successful in being selected for the U16 Boys CISNSW team. He will look to compete in the State Tournament in the upcoming months.

Mr Ryan Starrett 

Basketball Coach

AFL: CIS Team Selection

We want to commend Addison G and Elora A on their recent efforts at the HRIS AFL last week.  From all accounts, both girls had a fantastic performance on the day.

A massive congratulations to Addison, who was selected for the NSW CIS Team. 

Well done girls!

Secondary School 

Basketball: BNSW Schools Tournament (U16 Boys and Girls)

Last week our CCAS Under 16 Boys and Girls competed at the Basketball NSW Regional Championship in Maitland. This new BNSW State Championship format is an exciting event to include in our basketball season and serves as a good opportunity to consolidate the learnings from training and will help serve as preparation for the students as they aim for selection for HRIS later this year.

The boys faced tough competition in their first match against St Phillips Waratah where they struggled to face slightly older and larger competition, the second game was against St Joseph's College where they had more of an opportunity to consolidate what was learned from game one. The final match of the day was against Tomaree High School and it was great opportunity for the boys to play their own style of basketball.

The girl's team was also a fresh outfit with many new players debuting for CCAS. The first match was a close win against St Philip's Christian College, giving them the confidence to carry into a dominant game against St Paul's Catholic College. The girls managed to make the grand final at the end of the day where they played against St Clare's from Taree in a tough match. The girls competed well and closed the game out for the win 32-18 allowing them to make their way to the State Championship in Penrith later this month. Congratulations girls!

The next BNSW Regional Championships will be taking place in June for the Open Boys and Open Girls where preparations are well and truly underway. The goal for both sides will be to take out the Regionals and progress to the State Championship at the end of June. The Open Boys and Girls will have the opportunity to use their HRIS competition in the weeks prior as preparation for the tournament.

Mr Ryan Starrett 

Basketball Coach

Year 11 Textiles Excursion

Our Year 11 Textiles & Design students enjoyed a big day out last Tuesday. Beginning with a Screen Printing Class at Bobbin & Ink. Students were lucky enough to learn from the amazing Laura - specifically the art and care required when printing an image onto fabric.

Check out their amazing designs below! 

But that wasn't all!

Students were also lucky enough to rub shoulders with the stylish and elite at Australian Fashion Week, witnessing and celebrating the classic silhouettes delivered by Acler fashion duo - Kathryn Forth & Julia Ritorto.

While the parade may have been over all too quickly, memories were made and hearts inspired.

Thank you for an epic day Year 11! 

Mrs Abby Davis 

Secondary Teacher

Year 11 Multimedia Excursion

Last Wednesday, a group of Year 11 students who are studying Multimedia travelled to various locations on the Central Coast to film footage for an upcoming assessment.

Their journey to Norah Head and Catherine Hill Bay was fruitful and uneventful, but they struggled to film at Somersby Falls as it was closed due to carpark renovations. So, being the intrepid crew that they are, they located some unnamed alternate waterfalls and trekked through mud (and leeches) to get their footage. 

Mr Christopher Tedds 

Secondary Teacher

Year 11 & 12 Shape Exhibition Excursion

Last Monday, Year 11 and 12 students from Design and Technology and Industrial Technology classes travelled to Walsh Bay in Sydney to visit the 'Shape' exhibition. This exhibition showcased some of the outstanding projects of different HSC technology students.

It allowed the students to see examples of exemplary senior work as they plan and work on their own major projects for the HSC.

Mr Christopher Tedds 

Secondary Teacher

Indigenous Voices With Year 7

Year 7 were invited to an Indigenous Culture incursion with Jonno from Dhinewan Mentoring. Jonno led an exciting and energetic exploration of his indigenous cultural story and demonstrated his own journey through interactive song and dance. 

Here's what Year 7 thought about the event:

"It was really good! I enjoyed his inclusive and interactive activities. I learned that the didgeridoo got its name from the sound that it makes" - Ava Johnson 7A 

"It was great to learn about indigenous culture and to hear Jonno's own cultural story. I liked how he involved us all in the dances and the questions."- Tarn Boulton 7A 

"I liked how Jonno engaged us all and showed real indigenous artefacts. I learned some interesting facts about indigenous culture." -Sari Crever 7C

"I learned some indigenous language and words for the sun, land and family. I also learned the different uses of boomerangs."- Coby Grant-Morrison 7C 

Mrs Laura Aspen 

Secondary Teacher

Year 9: Shakespeare Is (NOT) Dead!

Through dynamic theatre, Year 9 were taken on a funny and fast-paced journey to Shakespeare's London by Bell Shakespeare, Sydney. 

His life, plays, sonnets, Globe Theatre, alongside the sights and sounds (and smells!) of Shakespeare's world were explored in a 50 minute showcase theatre event. 

This interactive and entertaining experience captured the imagination and attention of our Year 9 classes as well as giving them an opportunity to see what life is like as a professional actor on tour across Australia via the John Bell Shakespeare

Mrs Laura Aspen 

Secondary Teacher

Interested in a career as a performer and attend school in a regional area? Audition for the John Bell Scholarship

A life-changing opportunity for budding performers, three students will spend one incredible week training with Bell Shakespeare at our HQ in Sydney.

Year 8 Pocket Farm Excursion

Year 8 Technology Mandatory students (Food / Agriculture)  enjoyed a visit to the City Pocket Farm in Camperdown last week. 

They carried out farming activities and enjoyed seeing regenerative farming at its best. 

It was a great day. 

Mrs Maree Curdie 

Secondary Teacher

CCAS Creative Arts Production: 'The Alive'

Save the date: June 20

Join us for a spectacular evening celebrating the talents of Central Coast Adventist School's creative arts enthusiasts!

An event where creativity meets worship, where art, music, dance, and drama come together to celebrate the gifts of creation; to celebrate being ‘The Alive’.

Experience the culmination of our Creative Arts Camp with food trucks, live music, and a captivating concert showcasing the incredible talents of our students.

Date: 20/06/2024
Performance Time: 7:00 pm (gates will be open from 5 pm for food)
Performance Venue: CCAS Naomi Frew Hall

Tickets are available for $5 (children 3 years old and under are free). All proceeds go towards our Vanuatu Service Trip 2024. You can also make extra donations to this great cause at the checkout. 

Don't miss this opportunity to support our young artists and be part of this inspiring event.

CCAS Music & Drama

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 more information. 

Thank you for considering this enriching opportunity!

Mrs Marilyn Grange 

Secondary Teacher 

Happy Families: Family Goal Setting

How do you get specific on what happy means? How do you measure happiness in your family? And when? Is happiness all the time even achievable? Realistic? · What about the time element?

Happiness today isn’t happiness forever. There is no doubt that goals help us achieve. The evidence overwhelmingly supports this. But success with goal-setting, especially in family life, is more about a combination of knowing what you want and then building the system to underpin it. 

To learn more, please hit the link below to see Dr Justin Coulson's insights into family goal setting. 

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

To learn more, please hit the link below.

Mrs Gaye Menzies 

Learning Support

Bible Verse Of The Week