A Word from Ian Shaw
When Jesus prayed in John 17:20-23, He was seeking to encourage His followers to live as a united community, maintaining a culture of peace. Recently, all Kuyper staff completed PeaceWise training with a view to rolling out an ongoing learning program across the school that fosters peace in relationships.
We are not doing this because we have noticed any extraordinary unrest or disharmony, but rather because we want to further a faithful response to the biblical mandate of peace with God and peace with each other.
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23
Building and maintaining a culture of peace is important and worthy of our time and energy. There are reasons why Jesus made this a focus of His prayer.
Jesus knew that the community of people would be made up of natural enemies. Jesus prays for unity because he knows that one of the greatest threats to the community is that people take their eyes off the gospel that unites, and look back to ethnic and cultural differences. Or in our case differences in; non-core belief, baptism, vaccination, perceived understanding, interests, financial wellbeing, where we live… By being unified, we show the power and priority of the gospel in our lives.
Jesus prays for unity, because in unity, we reflect the nature of God. Through our relationship with each other we reflect the nature of who God is: three in one.
Through unity we make Christ known.
D.A. Carson (paraphrased)
For these excellent reasons we will continue to foster peace in our community. We plan to embark on a PeaceWise learning journey throughout the coming year. My prayer at the first School Assembly for the year went like this:
Our gracious Father. Thank you for sustaining us over the past 40 years as a school. Thank you for what you have done in students’ lives who have come to Kuyper. We ask you to bless the people of this community this year with understanding and wisdom. Lord may we understand more deeply your grace and mercy and your sovereign rule over the universe. May it help us respond to each other with kindness, respect and peace. We ask for protection over coming weeks especially confronting COVID. We know that nothing surprises You. Lord we put our trust in You again this year. We pray these things in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
I trust you will pray with us this year, seeking to put Jesus in His rightful place as King. He is the One who can make true peace possible between God and mankind and peace among all people.
Reminders
- The Parent Portal and Kuyper App will be the primary vehicle for day-to-day communications between the school and parents in 2023. The School Calendar, weekly news, event advice and other essential functions will only be available in the Parent Portal and Kuyper App. At least one parent/carer from each household where your child resides needs access to the portal or app. If you are not already using the App, or need assistance resetting your user account and password, call 4573 2999 and we will assist you to connect.
- Nurture Magazine has been sent home to each family via their eldest child. Look for an article by our very own Ruth Thompson on page 20.
- Lost Property is over-flowing. Please come and check if any of it is yours, as lost property will be discarded or re-sold at the end of the year.
- Parents are reminded to continue testing for COVID and advise us if there is COVID in their household. If concerned, we encourage students to wear a mask at school for their own and others’ protection. In line with NSW Health recommendations, we also ask that close contacts wear a mask indoors and on public transport (including the Kuyper bus) and test regularly. We still have a good supply of RAHT kits. Contact the Office if you would like some sent home.
- Reminder to parents to ensure that all fees are paid by the end of year. Contact the Office if you have any concerns.
- Families who rely on the Busways service need to know that there have been some changes to the timetables until the end of term. Use the buttons below to access the temporary timetables for Term 4.
Prayer & Praise
- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise him that he is “the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God” (1 Timothy 1:17), and that he loves us.
- Give thanks for holidays, breaks and changes in rhythm. Pray for connection, peace and safety for all our families during these school holidays. Pray for connection and community to grow for all at Kuyper Christian School, particularly at Limelight!
- Pray for school families and staff families who are coping with illness and accident: Faithfull, Hill, Eastlake, Armstrong, Gubbins, Huxley, Daly. Pray for good rest, connection and healing for all our families, staff and students.
- Give thanks for our Government and those in authority. Pray that they would be led in wisdom and truth to lead our country for the future good of all. Pray that “every person be subject to the governing authorities.” Give thanks that our government has been “instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive team as they interview potential new staff members. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association as they plan, prepare and budget for 2023. Praise the Lord for His provision to us all the time.
News & Notices
New Staff at Kuyper
We welcome the following new staff for 2022 and look forward to working with all these new appointments. We rejoice in God’s faithfulness to our community over 40 years.
Mrs Caz Lauter brings a wealth of experience to the role of Administration Assistant, having worked in both commercial and church administration.
Miss Jade Spillane joins us each Tuesday to assist Mrs McAlpine with Prep, as well as other student gatherings. Jade is completing a Year 13 program with Youthworks College.
Mr Fred Wong comes to us this year as additional IT support 2 days per week, working with Mr Rhys Andrews. Mr Wong previously worked in IT at Toongabbie Christian School.
Mrs Steph Hargans, a recent Kuyper graduate, is now completing educational studies at Sydney University. She joins us in the role of Teachers’ Aide.
Kuyper Christian School Swimming Carnival 2022
The Kuyper Christian School Swimming Carnival will be held this Friday, 11 February 2022, for competitors who have registered. Registration for this event is now closed. If you have missed the deadline and your child still wishes to compete, please contact the Office on 4573 2999.
Regular classes will run at school for students not competing in events. Students not registered to compete in the carnival should come to school as normal.
In line with current Public Health Orders, parents/carers of competitors can attend as spectators under special conditions:
- Parents will be asked to QR code into the venue and sign on the school register.
- Parents will be seated separately to students and must physically distance.
Parent spectators will also need to bring their own seating and shade and pay the $1 spectator entry fee.
We are looking forward to a fabulous day of camaraderie and aquatic competition.