News & Updates: 7 April 2025

Principal's Update: Term 1, Week 10

As we commence the last week of Term 1 here at CCAS, I want to take a moment to express my thanks to our community. I have expressed this sentiment many times over the years, however, one of our greatest strengths at our school is the supportive and inclusive community - for which I am always grateful. It is a unique reality of our school which is widely acknowledged in the broader community on the Central Coast. The partnership we have with you, our parents, is fundamental to our success as a school.

As most will know, ANZAC Day this year falls on the last Friday of the Term break. Our student leaders from CCAS will join me to participate in the dawn service at Terrigal, as is our tradition. It is always a solemn and moving service as we remember the sacrifices made by the men and women of previous generations to keep our country safe, and I count it an honor to march alongside our students as they represent our school.

As you prepare for the upcoming break, I trust that you will be able to enjoy some quality time together as a family, particularly over the two long weekends that fall during this Term break. For those travelling, I pray for safety on the roads, and we look forward to everyone returning refreshed for Term 2 starting Monday, April 28.

Best wishes.

Mr Tony Kent 

Principal 

Uniform Reminder

Firstly, a reminder that Winter uniform commences at the beginning of Term 2. 

Each year, thousands of dollars worth of UNNAMED uniform items are left in locker rooms and sports centre or handed into Primary and Secondary Administration. Please check that all school uniforms have your child's name clearly marked on them. We email students if they have a uniform item that has been handed in so that they can come and collect it. If you purchase second-hand items, please rename them.

Finally, we ask you to check the length of your daughter's skirt. Many students have grown a lot and their hem has not been let down to comply with the uniform policy. Skirts need to be just above the knee. 

Thank you for noting this before we commence Term 2. 

Mrs Tracey Bennetts

Head of Secondary School

Secondary Mufti Day Reminder

A reminder that this Thursday is Mufti day in the Secondary School. Bring a gold coin donation that will be collected in period 1.

Mufti clothing rules apply-

• Wear enclosed shoes.
• Bring a change of clothes if sport or pe in on so that students can participate.
• Tights are NOT pants.
• Shorts need to be longer than pockets.
• No singlet tops (shoulders need to be covered).
• Bring a hat for outside play or breaks (recess/lunch). 

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

Primary Easter Mufti Day

Primary School will be having a mufti day this Friday. Please bring a gold coin donation for the Ronald McDonald House and dress to the theme of Easter. Think Easter bunny, Easter hat, or let the creative juices flow for the last day of Term 1. 

Mr James Crabtree 

Assistant Head of Primary

Levelling Up With Matt Cogin: Students Step Into Their Spotlight

Over the past 5 weeks, 20 students from grades 9-12 have been on an incredible journey of growth and self-discovery through Matt Cogin’s Levelling Up workshop. Designed to build confidence, communication, and personal leadership, this transformational program culminated in a powerful finale—each student delivering their very own TED-style talk.

It was nothing short of inspiring to watch our students apply the skills they’ve developed—public speaking, storytelling, self-awareness, and resilience—while speaking from the heart about topics that mattered to them. The courage and authenticity they demonstrated is a testament to how far they’ve come.

We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to Matt Cogin for empowering our students to level up and share their voice with the world and community around them. 
There will be another opportunity for your child to attend this workshop later in the year. We will keep you posted when registration opens. 

Mr Andrew Bateman 

Library Book Week Competition

Exciting news for our creative young minds! As part of the CBCA Book Week theme, 'Book an Adventure,' we invite all aspiring writers and illustrators from Years 3 to 6 to participate in our exciting competition.

This is your chance to unleash your imagination and craft an original story or illustration that embodies the spirit of adventure. All submissions must be presented in their original format and submitted to the Library by the 9th of May.

Eight talented participants will be chosen to attend the Ripples Primary School Program at Ourimbah University, where they will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with famous authors and illustrators. Plus, winners will receive gift vouchers to spend at our upcoming Book Fair next term. So, start brainstorming your reading adventures and bring your stories to life!

Mrs Donna Robertson 

Librarian

Year 10 Geography

After completing an audit of waste management practices in the Secondary School, students were given a driving question, "How can we influence and impact the waste management practices of the CCAS school community?"

With the help of recycled products, students are now creating a product to address this question. On Friday, May 2nd, all Year 10 students will showcase their innovative solutions to select members of the CCAS community.

Mrs Fiona Beams 

Secondary Teacher

Junior Girls Bill Turner Cup

The Junior Girls team (Years 7–9) played their first round of the Bill Turner Trophy last week, putting in a strong performance against St Joseph’s.

Although they fell short with a 3-1 loss, they showcased integrity, passion, pride and determination throughout the match.

A special thank you to Annabel and Bella for their invaluable support as senior mentors and coaches. We look forward to our next gala day later in the year!

Mrs Angela Hamilton 

Secondary Teacher

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

Careers You Should Tell Your Child About

Struggling to talk to your child about their future? You’re not alone. The best thing to do is to arm yourself with heaps of information and think about all the ways they could combine their interests, hobbies and passions with a career that’ll provide them with happiness and stability.

Below, you’ll find the article with A-Z of careers you should tell your child about. These are ones that are already in-demand, set to boom or match up really well with other areas a lot of teens are interested in, like gaming, creativity, design, animals and communications.

Mrs Narece Thapa

Careers Coordinator

Vacation Care

There is still time to book your Primary child for the Vacation Care Program.

See below the activities available for this autumn school holidays.

Mrs Lisa Petheram 

Vacation Care

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

Safe on Social: Boys Aren’t Just Watching It. They’re Producing It

Not with cameras or with consent. But with screenshots, casual photos, AI, and the faces of real girls they know. This isn’t about looking at the plethora of pornography sites on the net a click away. It’s about making it, manipulating it, reshaping what used to be an innocent image into something sexualised, that objectifies and is completely non-consensual.

And no, it’s not happening in the deep web or some sketchy Reddit 18+ forum. It’s happening on school buses, screenshots taken in class group chats, on Snapchat threads that should have vanished in 24 hours. In the pockets of children with fully charged smartphones and zero accountability...............There’s another siren going off and too many adults are still not hearing it.

Parenting Toolbox: Finding The Off Switch For Kids Who Constantly Worry

Rumination is the ruination of a peaceful mind. Here are seven easy-to-apply, evidence-based strategies for teaching your kids to stop ruminating (repeating the same thoughts and worries):

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

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

CCAS Uniform Shop: Updated In-Store Payment Options

Due to a shift in how shoppers spend and the way banks are transacting, Alinta has decided to become a cashless company. This decision has come due to several factors:

• Consumers no longer carry cash.
• Local branches are closing.
• Local branches are becoming cashless and making depositing cash difficult.

Cash will no longer be accepted in store as of 1 June 2025

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

Alinta Management.

Bible Verse Of The Week