A Word from Mitchell Cavens
Secondary Teacher; Music, Christian Studies & TAS
As staff at Kuyper, we are encouraged to deeply challenge our students and to expect that it won’t always be a comfortable process for them! I believe that this element of teaching is growing in importance as our students live in a world that preaches false messages about the necessity for self-comfort and self-importance above all else. Students are constantly exposed to this false wisdom through relentless advertising, opinions and messages shared on social media, through films, TV and radio as well as other entertainment and information mediums. We would be foolish to believe that our students and children are exempt from deception by these means, so it is all the more important that we challenge our students and children with the truth of God’s Word.
Sadly, the message that every person deserves happiness, comfort and prosperity is not only untrue, but it stands against the very grace of God. Scripture teaches that what we deserve is eternal separation from God because we decided to sin against Him.
In our Year 9 Core classroom, we have been working through the book of James during devotions. For those of us who have been raised in the Church, we know that James is a book which confronts and challenges, and very few readers come away from it without feelings of personal conviction. It has been deeply encouraging to listen to the responses of Year 9 students as they attempt to navigate these truths and come to an understanding of the reality of the grace of God, daily given to us, along with the ultimate act of grace offered by Jesus Christ Himself, who took the punishment of our sin so that we can live in restored relationship with Him for eternity.
Joy does not come from receiving everything you want, especially when the heart believes that you deserve blessing and comfort. Joy comes out of a humble heart that has been transformed by the grace of God; a heart that knows that every good gift comes from above, and receives it with thankfulness.
My hope and prayer is that together, parents and teachers would learn to better challenge our kids and students with the truth so that they might recognise the importance of accepting the incredible gift of an eternal relationship with God, through Jesus. I pray that this knowledge would prompt a change of heart that can respond to daily challenges with thankfulness and joy.
“Do not be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good gift comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.”
James 1:16-18
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
Operation Christmas Child
We are sure that you have all heard about Operation Christmas Child and the wonderful work they do in communities around the world. This year, Kuyper Christian School will again be participating, albeit a little differently from last year.
If you would like to fill a shoebox to bless a child overseas, email the Office to request a box (or two). We will send them home with your child. Please fill and return your boxes to the Office by Wednesday 10 November 2021. Some instructions and ideas can be found by following this link: https://samaritanspurse.org.au/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoebox/
Homework Insights #9
Breakfast and Sleep, by Bill Rusin
Many studies have shown the importance of a good breakfast so that students can deal with the rigours of school. Children in particular need to eat well because it helps them stay alert during the day. They also need extra nutrition to fuel their physical growth.
In general, fast food breakfasts are not ideal, as they often have too much fat and not enough fibre children. Parents are also encouraged not to allow their children to have soft drink, as the high sugar content can lead to a significant drop in concentration when blood sugar levels drop. Parents should also be wary of both fruit juice drinks and packaged fruit juice as these often have high levels of sugar. Children are much better off with a piece of fruit and water.
Parents need to ensure that their children get enough sleep. This too can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to concentrate during the day. The effects of lack of sleep and poor breakfast habits are often noticeable by teachers when interacting with the children who frequently become tired and irritable in the middle of the day.
Return & Earn for Vanuatu
Our Return & Earn fundraising for Vanuatu continues. Please deposit your aluminium cans and plastic bottles in the lime coloured recycling box in the sails area, or place them alongside in a labelled bag. All donations need to be clean, whole (not crushed) and eligible for the 10c recycling refund.