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
- TOMORROW Secondary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Families are reminded to ensure that at least half of your school fees for the year are paid by the end of June. If you need to discuss this, please contact Tina in the Office Monday – Thursday.
- We have oodles of lost property here in the Office following the athletics carnival. Please come and claim some!
- Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be held in the Office from 7 – 7:30pm. All welcome.
- We would still like some help with morning tea on Friday 1 July for the 40 Year Celebration Service. Please email admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au if you can assist.
- All students, staff and their families should be aware of NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and other illnesses that may affect schools this coming winter, such as the flu. Please note the following NSW Health messages: stay home if unwell; keep up to date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, or for a small charge for those aged 5 years and older; get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result; even if you receive a negative result, do not attend school whilst symptomatic; practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water; take a RAHT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
- Eczema Support Australia has recently released a new video series with Dr Justin Coulson on Practical Parenting for Eczema Families. The video resource provides an insight into the daily challenges faced by families with eczema. It also provides strategies to help develop positive coping mechanisms and reduce feelings of isolation for the family unit. Please use this link to view the video series.
Prayer & Praise
- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise God for His grace towards us through Jesus Christ. He is worthy of all of our love and devotion. Worship and thank Him for His sacrifice that rescued us from death.
- Give thanks for our athletics carnival; for great weather and friendly competition. Give thanks for our staff and volunteers who contributed so much to the day.
- Give thanks for our staff. Pray that the Lord would restore us all to full health and strength to finish Term 2 well.
- Give thanks for all our students and their families. Pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit through those who know Him, to lead us in prayer, words and deeds to encourage and exhort each other and find our health, peace and direction in the Lord. Pray for protection over the hearts and minds of our children and young people.
- Give thanks for our CEN schools. Pray for Dubbo Christian School, and their Principal. Pray for healing, fellowship and peace.
- Pray for our 40 year celebrations; that we would be truly thankful and joyful for what God has provided and achieved for us and through us. Pray that we would continue in the spirit we began with in 1982.
- Give thanks for our Kuyper families. Pray for connections to strengthen and grow in genuine community and care for eachother.
- 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).
- Praise God for the faithful Pioneers of Kuyper Christian School. Give thanks for those who have continued to nurture and grow those beginnings. Give thanks for Abraham Kuyper, his vision and his teachings. Give thanks that our foundations are in Christ, who is the source of all Truth. Give thanks that we are in partnership with each other – staff, parents and carers – as we serve the Lord by nurturing children in the knowledge and love of Him. Thank Him for each individual who makes up the Kuyper Community and lead us to value the whole person, so that each one may be encouraged in their relationship with God. Thank God for the students he has entrusted to our care, made in His image, to glorify Him. Worship Him because He is holy. Thank Him for His love and faithfulness towards His creation. Praise Him as Creator God, from whom we inherit our creativity. Give abundant thanks for his mercy and grace, without which we would be lost indeed. Give thanks also for His justice, that will not fail, and His forgiveness which is freely extended to all who would accept it. Give thanks for our God and his omnipotence; his power and influence is unlimited! Give thanks for our God and his omniscience; his universal understanding and complete knowledge.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
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/
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.