A Word from Elizabeth Porter
Secondary Science Teacher
Some mysterious things have been happening in the Science laboratory lately…
Preliminary investigations have uncovered some unusual sightings that began on Wednesday of Week 2. Excitement and interest were generated by an organ donation of an unexpected kind. Multiple organs, in fact, were supplied to the Science department by a curious courier of benevolent nature, while the Science teacher was not in the room…
To investigate this intriguing occurrence, Year 9 students began dissecting the organs. Their cutting edge technology hit right on the bull’s eye and was most illuminating. They even read some news reports through the lense that they discovered; what a spectacle!
Was there any link between these organs, which had clearly been extracted from mammals, and Year 7’s investigation of vertebrates? Or did it have more to do with the fingerprints of Year 10 students studying Forensics? And what about the discovery of one large footprint and some yet-to-be-identified fibres? Is there any truth to the rumour that someone suffered a critical misadventure in the laboratory and is now only a skeleton of his former self? Could he have died from wounds inflicted by a (toy) sword wielded by a Year 9 student who was play-acting fighting viruses? Or was it blunt force trauma from a trophy? Investigations will continue this week when the Debating Club meets in the lab on Thursday at recess to consider the topic, “We give children too many trophies.”
In these unprecedented times, can the delivery of these organs be linked to the new radiation warning signs that went up on the doors of the lab and the chemical storeroom this week, ahead of the arrival of apparatus for the HSC Major Research Project? Could our Extension Science student be a suspect? He is conducting an investigation into the possible effects of radiation on various types of plastics; that sounds very environmentally unfriendly! Or does it have anything to do with the pathogens that Stage 6 Biology students are cultivating in the incubator? Year 8 students are also conducting some chemical investigations, including some precipitation reactions; a valuable tool in Analytical Chemistry.
So many questions, and, so far, the secret identity of this agent of benevolent appearance (yet potentially dubious character) is CLASSIFIED, or will be by Year 7…
Biblical scholars have also been consulted on these issues; investigating the 564 references to the eye in God’s Word.
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.
Luke 11:34
How important it is to take care of our eyes! Imagine life without them. I recall my grandmother memorising Bible verses for many years. When she was old and her sight failed, she grieved that she could no longer read God’s Word, yet she was able to repeat much of it because she had memorised it. Last week, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) held their Miracles Day. We are blessed in Australia with medical care. CBM facilitates cataract removal surgery in Third World countries. It requires only $33 and twelve minutes to give someone surgery that allows them to see, be employable and provide for their family.
How important to have healthy spiritual eyesight! We need to see and acknowledge our sin; our failure to put God first and its impact on others. Then we need to see and acknowledge God’s amazing Grace in Jesus’ death that paid the price for our sin, along with the joy of His Resurrection, the blessing of forgiveness and the enormous privilege of eternal life. As we allow God to work in us by His Holy Spirit, our whole body will grow to be full of light.
While CBM’s surgeons (having more experience with cutting edge technology than Year 9) can fix someone’s eyes in twelve minutes, investigators noted another “coincidental” pun on “fixing our eyes.”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
May He reveal more of Himself to each of us this week, as we look forward to seeing His return!
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
Place Your Order at the Kuyper Canteen
As part of their studies, our Elective Food Technology class will be holding the annual Kuyper Canteen at lunch time on Tuesday 8 September. They will be preparing two options that students can pre-order. All meals will be prepared in the School Kitchen using safe, sanitised and hygienic work practises, and will be individually packed and delivered to classrooms. Download the order form below.
On the menu, there will be:
World’s Best Sausage Roll
From the Kuyper Canteen you can order your serve of the finest sausage rolls this side of the River. Carefully prepared beef mince is wrapped in crispy golden pastry, oven-baked and served with your choice of tomato or BBQ sauce. The mince contains a delicate blend of onion, carrot and zucchini. Gluten and dairy-free options are available. These delicious sausage rolls are only $3.00 each.
Taco Bowl
Imagine you want a taco bowl… Now stop imagining because it’s reality, the Kuyper Canteen is offering their amazing taco bowls, filled with delicious chicken, topped with creamy avocado, salsa and sour cream. For vegetarians, a tofu option is also available. Take advantage of this unmissable opportunity at only $5.00 per bowl.
Homework Insights #6
Learning Styles, by Bill Rusin
When assignments are set, try not to take over the assignment. This is tempting if the assignment is challenging. Remember that the assignment is a learning experience not one that “grades” your child. Be careful to support, and not do your kids’ assignments.
Think about your child’s learning style. Here are some clues about how your child can learn best:
- Does your child learn best if they see things things, such as diagrams or drawings?
- Does your child learn best from a spoken explanation?
- Do they learn best when they handle or move things?
Each of these are legitimate learning styles. You may ask a teacher who can give you some clues about your child’s preferred learning style as you seek to help them.
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.