A Word from Ian Shaw
Jesus taught us to pray, “our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:9-10)
As I think of God’s kingdom, it helps me put into perspective the dramas of life that are happening around me. We now have hope, irrespective of our personal circumstances, because of what Jesus has already done in His coming to earth, His death and resurrection. This is a huge comfort as we face uncertain times. Therefore, as we live day by day, the commands and life of Christ inspire and compel us.
But seek first the Kingdom of God…
Matthew 6:33
What does this mean? It seems to me that seeking the kingdom is not something we should only do on Sundays or when we feel religious, but something that we take seriously in every sphere of life, in every square inch of life, in fact. This Kuyperian thinking was something that I heard expressed in a song recorded in the United Kingdom recently. We Seek Your Kingdom speaks of the everyday and the earnest desire of a Christian to honour God with their life, work, play, relationships, possessions, every square inch. The lyrics go like this:
- We seek Your kingdom throughout every sphere, We long for heaven’s demonstration here. Jesus, your light shine bright for all to see. Transform, revive and heal society.
- Before all things, in Him all things were made, Inspiring culture, media and trade. May all our work serve Your economy. Transform, revive and heal society.
- Peace, truth and justice reign in every way, With us be present in our public square. Fill all who lead with Your Integrity. Transform, revive and heal society.
- Faithful to govern ever may we be, Selfless in service, loving constantly. In everything may Your authority, Transform, revive and heal society.
- Lyrics by Andy Flannagan, Noel Robinson, Graham Hunter. Melody by William Henry Monk (public domain). Eventide (Abide with me).
These words reflect my deep hope for our Kuyper community, that even though we are apart and indoors, the kingdom is so important that we might take every opportunity, in every sphere, even locked away, to be repentant people of peace, truth and justice, seeking to serve and make much of God’s kingdom.
Nothing matters but the Kingdom. Because of the Kingdom, everything matters.
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
Standing Firm
Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…
2 Chronicles 20:17
As we “stand firm”, we follow the good advice of those God has placed in authority, we speak positively and act hopefully. We are thankful, prayerful and we trust the Lord who is over all things. We also accept and make use of the helps and resources he has given us and engage with our community for our own benefit and the benefit of others. Here are some things you can do:
The link to a survey was sent to you via text message today. Your responses will help us prepare for and support you during School@Home. Please complete it promptly and accurately. We need your response by midday tomorrow (Thursday 25 July) so that we can contact those who need extra help with resources and plan and prepare for a good start to Term 3 learning. Here is the link again: https://forms.gle/K4rmihy85caCCStL7
In yesterday’s email, our Principal also mentioned some resources to help you keep your kids safe online, now that they will need to be there more often. This link contains some helpful tips as well: https://online.kuyper.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/07/ySafe-Top-Tips-for-Staying-Safe-Online.pdf
And some fun resources for you to explore with your kids around their School@Home schedules: https://www.digitallunchbreak.nsw.gov.au/activities
Working Bee, this Saturday 15 October
Our Term 4 Working Bee will be held this Saturday 15 October. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. Morning tea will be provided. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.
Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au and bring along your gum boots, shovels, whipper snippers and safety gear. We need you!
COVID-19 Update 15
Requirements for Schools in Greater Sydney
Masks and face coverings
While at school, masks or face coverings are required in all indoor settings for:
- all students in Year 7 or above
- all staff in school settings
Some exemptions apply:
- Staff are not required to wear a mask or face covering where it may affect the ability of a student or students to hear or engage with them, such as where clear enunciation and communication is essential.
- Masks or face coverings are not required to be worn by a staff member or student who has a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a mask unsuitable. For example, if they have a skin condition, an intellectual disability, autism, or trauma, they are not required to wear a mask. Refer to Face mask rules on the NSW Government website
Masks are mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 13 years and over and staff when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport or chartered or private transport services.
Cyber safe families
The following resources are available to assist families in supporting their children in being responsible online users:
- Cyber safe families – an overview of cyber safety
- Technology and wellbeing – useful tips and tools
- Digital citizenship – a collection of articles and resources to maximise students’ use of technology.
Visitors
Non-essential visitors are not permitted on school sites. Parents should:
- Follow the physical distancing advice for their local area and avoid gathering outside of school gates.
- Remain outside of school grounds (some exceptions may exist re. vulnerable students or students with disability)
- Adhere to mask-wearing requirements and sign-in using the Service NSW QR code when entering the school.
- Call the Office rather than visit unless it is essential.
QR code sign-in process for all staff and visitors
The NSW Government have introduced mandatory QR codes across a range of additional settings, including schools. Staff and on-site visitors, including contractors, will be required to check in every day.
COVID-19 Update 14
Dear Kuyper Families,
As we approach a new term, I wish to assure you of our full attention to developing workable solutions for the new learning environment brought on by the latest outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Staff are working hard to recommence School@Home on Monday 19 July 2021. We are back to online learning for next week and until the restrictions ease.
You will be receiving a technology-at-home survey via email. This survey will assist us in our planning and support of your needs at home. We are assuming that most families will have the ability to connect their children online and print from home, reducing the risk of virus spread. We understand that some need additional support, and we will endeavour to provide whatever each family needs.
A refreshed School@Home webpage will be accessible on our website before the end of this week. It will continue to be an information source for parents and students regarding the School’s response to COVID-19 and learning from home. You can also find detailed instructions about using Google Classroom and other useful information in the Resources section of our website.
Next week the following changes will unfold.
Prep
- The Prep class will not run. Families will receive a work pack emailed home to each family.
Primary
- K-6 students will be using Google Classroom as the hub for their learning.
- Google Classroom will be the primary place for students to communicate with teachers, access and complete work and receive feedback.
- Printable paper resources will accompany online work. Teachers will advise students regarding the storage and marking of completed worksheets.
- Pre-recorded instructional videos will be central to the delivery of some lessons.
- Live video sessions using Google Meet will run each morning, commencing at 9:00 am. Teachers will use this time to share devotions with students, pray and talk about the day ahead. (See the Google Meet Appropriate Use Guidelines found in the Resources section of our school website.)
The changes brought upon us by the COVID-19 crisis have been stressful and far-reaching. New technologies can be daunting at first, especially for those with children in the early years, where greater levels of parental assistance are required. Please be assured that we desire to support and assist you as much as we possibly can.
Secondary
- 7-12 students will continue using Google Classroom as the hub for their classwork.
- Google Classroom will be the primary place for students to communicate with teachers, access and complete work, and receive feedback. Students may also choose to email their teachers as required.
- Teachers will schedule lessons to follow the current student timetable. This will ensure that work for each subject is available across multiple days in the week. Students will be responsible for completing work requirements for each class at pace with the timetable.
- The Secondary timetable will be made available in Core classes.
- Printed textbooks will not be required in Week 1. All resources will be in the Google Classroom.
- Pre-recorded instructional videos will be central to delivering some lessons, these will be available in Google Classroom.
- Live video sessions using Google Meet will be used each morning in Core classes commencing at 9:00 am. Teachers will use this time to share devotions with students, pray and talk about the day ahead. Students should expect an invitation via email in readiness for Monday morning. Please ensure students have dressed appropriately for this online meeting. (See the Google Meet Appropriate Use Guidelines found in the Resources section of our school website.)
- Stage 6 students will have more personalised support as they prepare for HSC exams. Staff will communicate regularly with students from Years 11 & 12. Year 11 & 12 HSC students may have an exemption to come to school for specific HSC classes only during the lockdown, following strict COVID-safe protocols. More information about this will be provided.
We will continue to work in partnership with families to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for our students in these challenging circumstances. More than that, we look forward to seeing the ways in which our students will grow in perhaps unexpected ways as our good God continues His work in their lives.
If you are an essential worker or unable to accommodate learning from home, the school will be open with reduced staffing to facilitate online learning with small numbers of students. They will have the same online work to complete as those at home. Wearing masks indoors is now essential onsite for students in Years 7-12 and staff. (Read more about the latest requirements for schools in Greater Sydney).
I trust that your time at home in the role of learning facilitator will be rewarding for you. Look for ways to make this lockdown a memorable time with your family, turning the negative into a positive wherever possible. Don’t be afraid of confronting the horror either. Christ’s death was great horror, but it brought great wonder for those who understand Jesus’ offer of amazing grace.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Yours in Christ,
Ian Shaw
Principal