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
- Scholastic BookClub is still happening! You can peruse the catalogue and order your books online by using this link: scholastic.com.au/loop until Monday 9 August. Books can be delivered to your house (for a fee), or sent to school for free. We will contact you when they arrive, and you can collect them by parking at the gate and calling the Office.
- Parents are reminded to read the Google Meet Guidelines for Appropriate Use. In particular, please note that for privacy and protection reasons, no images of other students or their work should be captured or shared outside Google Classroom. Students (and parents) must not take photos, screenshots or record the meeting.
- In light of current conditions, all off-site events/excursions on our calendar in August have been cancelled or postponed. The Book Week Parade (26 Aug) and Healthy Harold incursion (30 Aug – 1 Sept) may still be able to proceed pending the lifting of restrictions. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation changes, and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
- Unfortunately, the Bible Society Masterclass for Year 9 – 11 will not go ahead. We look forward to participating in this valuable event next year.
- Sadly, the 5/6 Canberra Snowy Camp also cannot proceed. Remember to check the Event Updates on the School@Home webpage for all the latest changes.
Prayer & Praise
- Give thanks to God for His provision and protection. Give thanks for His authority and sovereignty over all things.
- Pray for our world, as many other countries suffer greatly under the weight of the pandemic. Pray for our country, our leaders and our people. Pray for peace and hope as we wait to be released from this trial. Pray for Christians around the world, that we would speak and act with faith, hope and love. Petition the Lord with repentance for mercy, healing and protection for all nations and people.
- Pray for the Walker family, with mother Christine undergoing Chemotherapy. Pray for peace, confidence, provision, unity and healing.
- Continue to pray for the Miller family and for Josh. Give thanks for his progress. Pray for wisdom and healing as he continues his journey.
- Give thanks for all our families and staff as they teach through School@Home. Pray for protection over our community; that the Lord would be our unity, encouragement and peace and that we would communicate that to each other, holding each other up.
Everyone is welcome to attend our next prayer meeting which will be held online on Wednesday 18 August, 7 – 7:30pm. Please join us!
News & Notices
Operation Christmas Child
Thank you everyone for donating so diligently to bless children all over the world.
This will be our last week and we would now like to focus on:
- Small sizes of clothing – shorts or shirts for kids in infants or primary school
- Thongs or crocs for kids in infants or primary school
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.