News & Updates: 11 June 2024
-
Principal's Update: Term 2, Week 7
-
Safe On Social - Parent Session Recording
-
Hot Potato Band Incursion
-
'The Alive' CCAS Creative Arts Production
-
Year 2 Excursion To Wetlands
-
Extension 1 English Incursion
-
Primary CIS Cross Country
-
HRIS 14's Netball Gala Day
-
Secondary HRIS Soccer
-
Bush to Beach: 600km Walk for Blood
-
Happy Families: Phones Are Wrecking Us
-
Gosford SDA Church Holiday Program
-
Bible Verse Of The Week
Principal's Update: Term 2, Week 7
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3093/kent_tony.jpg)
I am hoping that you all enjoyed the long weekend. From a school perspective, it is always a timely break, giving us all a mini mid-term breather and also hopefully a circuit breaker for sickness going around as we enter the winter months. It may be timely to remind everyone of the importance of not sending your children to school if they are sick. Whether it is the flu, coughs and colds, COVID or other illnesses, we need to protect each other from the potential spread by remaining at home until symptoms have passed. I am sharing the same message with our staff that now is not the time to soldier on and end up passing on sickness to colleagues or students within their care. I appreciate that managing sick kids at home can be an inconvenience but let’s all work to keep our community healthy – it is better for everyone in the long run.
Despite the wet weather of late, our building program remains on track for completion and handover at the end of Term 3. Although there may be some residual landscaping to complete, we are aiming to decommission our temporary admin building and remove it from the site over the term 3 break, enabling the reopening of Kiss and Drop early in Term 4. Again thank you for your ongoing patience as a community – the end is in sight!
Hope you enjoy the rest of this week’s newsletter.
Mr Tony Kent
Principal
Safe On Social - Parent Session Recording
CCAS in partnership with Kirra Pendergast, founder of Safe on Social, hosted a parent session where Kirra addressed critical cyber safety topics that every parent should know.
The recording of the session is now available in SEQTA. To access it go to your SEQTA Engage account, and click in PORTALS > SAFE ON SOCIAL.
Some of the topics that were covered during her presentation were:
Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Wellbeing:
- Social media can significantly affect children's and teens' mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
- It's important to monitor social media use and be aware of the signs of distress in children and teens.
Protecting Privacy:
- Educate children and teens about the importance of keeping personal information private.
- Use privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see posts and personal details.
- Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
Image-Based Abuse and Online Sexual Harassment:
- Teach children and teens about the risks of sharing intimate images and the potential for image-based abuse.
- Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable reporting any incidents of online harassment.
- Use reporting tools on social media platforms to report abusive behaviour.
Managing Screen Time and Digital Addiction:
- Establish clear rules and routines around screen time, including setting limits and having device-free zones and times.
- Encourage alternative activities that don't involve screens to promote a healthy balance.
- Be a role model by managing your own screen time effectively and demonstrating healthy digital habits.
More than showing all risks and issues, she emphasises the importance of ongoing conversations with children and teens about their online experiences and maintaining a supportive, open environment where they feel comfortable discussing any issues they encounter online.
CCAS Marketing Team
Hot Potato Band Incursion
On Thursday 30th May, our school had the exciting opportunity to host the Hot Potato Band. Famous for their dynamic brass performances, the band conducted energetic and interactive workshops throughout the day, culminating in a concert for Year 7 and 8 students. Their lively music, featuring tracks from their two studio albums, demonstrated what it means to be a performer and involved various aspects of music making including composition and improvisation.
Before the concert, our High School Band students engaged in hands-on workshops where they learned about performance and playing techniques directly from the musicians. These sessions provided a unique chance for students to interact with professional musicians and delve into their own musical interests.
This incursion was not only a fun and memorable event but also an inspiring educational experience. We look forward to more events like this in the future!
Mr Bart Reathel
Head of Music
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3298/img_9929.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3299/img_9892.jpg)
'The Alive' CCAS Creative Arts Production
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3219/alive_poster_final1.png)
You are invited to 'The Alive' an original CCAS Production.
'The Alive' is a themed performance event and the culmination of our High School Creative Arts Camp with food trucks, live music, and a captivating concert showcasing the incredible talents of our students. A place where creativity meets worship, where art, music, dance, and drama come together to celebrate the gifts of creation; to celebrate being ‘The Alive’.
Date: Thursday, 20th June
5 pm: Please join us at the Primary picnic tables for light entertainment, food, and drinks. Various food trucks will be on campus with dinner and dessert options (proceeds will go toward our 2024 Vanuatu service project)
What's on the menu?
-Savour some delicious wood-fired pizza
-Indulge in a crepe
-Enjoy refreshing gelato
-Treat yourself to some tasty gnocchi
7 pm: The program starts in the Naomi Frew Hall for a one-hour performing arts showcase.
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.
We hope to see you there!
CCAS Music & Drama
Year 2 Excursion To Wetlands
On Thursday, June 6th, 2024, Year 2 students visited the Hunter Valley Wetlands Center, located in Awabakal country. Blessed with sunshine all day, the cohort had an excellent opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation as they explored nature.
The day was filled with engaging activities. Highlights included the bug-fishing in the pond, where students captured and examined aquatic creatures using fancy microscopes, and exciting encounters with Australian animals, including tree frogs, eels, snakes, and lizards.
They also enjoyed playing Bird Bingo with binoculars. A swan was spotted building its nest, which definitely added to the excitement of their adventure.
Through these hands-on activities, Year 2 students not only created lasting memories but also gained a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature. They returned inspired to continue learning and caring for the world around them.
Mrs Lauren Luchow
Primary Teacher
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3316/img_6353.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3317/img_6373.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3323/img_1573_copy.png)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3324/img_6345.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3325/img_1567_copy_2.jpg)
Extension 1 English Incursion
Last Monday, the Extension 1 English class was visited by esteemed poet Eileen Chong, author of their prescribed poetry suite Burning Rice.
Teaming up with extension students from Greenpoint Christian College, the students were treated to a two hour session that was insightful and humanising. Addison reflected that "This has well-equipped me for the HSC" and Sienna thought that "She [Eileen] was lovely".
Mrs Renee Van Heerden
Secondary Teacher
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3300/jhbjh.png)
Primary CIS Cross Country
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3312/dkjvvf.png)
Braving cold, wet, and muddy conditions, 14 dedicated primary students from CCAS participated in the CIS Cross Country (mud run) held in Sydney on Thursday. Despite the challenging weather, our runners showcased remarkable determination and resilience. Each student ran extremely well, pushing through the tough conditions to achieve impressive results.
Their performance is a testament to their hard work and perseverance:
Mila C - 42nd
Nella F - 16th
Lacy G - 79th
Matilda M - 23rd
Emily M - 20th
Mary-Rose V - 44th
Macy W - 94th
Samson M - 95th
Fletcher G - 64th
Jackson M - 55th
Joel M - 63rd
Bohdi S - 24th
Oliver S - 94th
We also had some fantastic team results:
9 yrs Girls Team - 3rd overall
10 yrs Boys Team - 2nd overall
Congratulations to all our runners for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments in this demanding event!
Mr Michael Kosmeier
Primary Sport
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3301/20240606_123537.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3310/img_6145.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3303/img_4230.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3304/unnamed_73_.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3305/1000020074.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3307/20240606_135927.jpg)
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3313/image5_1_.jpg)
HRIS 14's Netball Gala Day
Our HRIS 14's Netball team recently participated in the HRIS Netball Gala Day held in Maitland and finished 9th overall, showcasing their skill and determination throughout the competition.
The team faced tough competition from schools across the region but managed to secure some impressive wins. Their performance on the court was marked by excellent teamwork, strategic plays, and unwavering spirit.
A significant part of the team’s success can be attributed to the exceptional leadership and coaching provided by some of our senior netball players, Ellen L and Lucy F. Their guidance, strategic insights, and motivational support have been instrumental in developing the team’s skills and fostering a cohesive and positive team environment. Ellen and Lucy’s involvement and commitment to the team was invaluable.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Asha C for her excellent umpiring on the day. Her professionalism and keen eye ensured that the matches were conducted smoothly and fairly.
The event was held on a cold and windy day, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of our players or the supporters. We greatly appreciate the parents and family members who braved the elements to cheer on our team. Your support and encouragement were greatly appreciated and made a significant difference to our players.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for our players to experience high-level competition and grow both individually and as a team. Their effort and dedication were evident in every match, and they have set a strong foundation for future competitions.
We are proud of our HRIS 14's Netball team for their achievements and for representing our school with such enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the team, Ellen Leahy, Lucy Ferguson, and Asha Crowder for their hard work and commitment.
We look forward to seeing their continued progress and success in future events.
Mr Tyson Dunne
Secondary Teacher
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3297/img_8082.jpg)
Secondary HRIS Soccer
Our junior boy's soccer team came away with 4th place after topping their pool last Tuesday.
They narrowly got knocked out in the semi-final 1-0. Very proud of how they represented CCAS.
Mr Andrew Bateman
Secondary Teacher
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3296/unnamed_72_.jpg)
Bush to Beach: 600km Walk for Blood
Scott Worgan, Dad to our students Scarlet, Sienna and Mace will soon be walking 600 km from his hometown of Inverell, Northern NSW to Terrigal on the Central Coast. This is to raise awareness of the importance of blood donations.
"Our gorgeous daughter Sienna (SJ) was always the life of the party, but that spark was almost all but blown out when she was diagnosed with Leukaemia in August last year. Since her diagnosis SJ has received 30 blood transfusions. Like many cancer patients, SJ requires blood transfusions due to low blood cell counts caused by chemotherapy treatment and the cancer itself.
But, SJ isn’t alone. One in three Aussies will need blood during their lifetime, however, only 3% donate today.
My goal is to change this. "
If you want to learn more or donate, please click the link below.
Mrs Katie Tipple
Primary Wellbeing
Happy Families: Phones Are Wrecking Us
Screens are the new smoking. The data is coming in highlighting the risks, and parents need to be on the front lines in the relentless push of big tech into our kids’ lives.
If you would like to learn more about how phone use and screen time impacts children's development, please hit the link to Happy Families below.
Gosford SDA Church Holiday Program
![](https://ccas.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3227/ghghh.png)
For all inquiries please call or text Pam on 0415465747
Bible Verse Of The Week
John 1:4-5
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it."