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
- 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/
Kuyper Canteen Open for a Limited Time!
There is still time to order your fresh lunch from the Kuyper Canteen. Our Elective Food Technology class are preparing three options that students can pre-order. All meals will be prepared in the School Kitchen using safe, sanitary and hygienic work practises, and will be individually packed and delivered to classrooms on Monday 19 September, at lunchtime.
You can still place your order by Friday 9 September. Last chance!
On the menu for $6 each:
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Delicious homemade basil pesto tossed through penne pasta and served with parmesan and fresh tomatoes.
Vietnamese Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (GF option available)
Nutritious rice roll of chicken, lettuce, carrot and noodles, with a hint of mint and served with hoisin dipping sauce.
Mediterranean Chicken Wrap (Vegetarian option available)
Mouthwatering wrap of chicken, cucumber, tomato, spinach and feta, with lemon, garlic tahini and hommus.
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.