Exploring God's World
Amanda McAlpine, Prep & Primary Teacher
Life is hectic. It seems to go too fast, and we often miss the tiny things that God gives us to remind us of the wonder of his creativity and love.
Two weeks ago, I was walking the Prep class from the hall to our classroom. This is not a particularly long walk, but my mind was already busy thinking about our plans for afternoon lessons. As we hurried along, I heard one of the Preps say “Mrs McAlpine… look!” I heard the urgency in the voice and stopped in my tracks. I turned around, expecting something wrong.
“Look, it’s a beetle!” said the Prep Explorer. At first I couldn’t even see the insect; it was hidden on the other side of the handrail. Once I saw, I wondered how on earth I had missed it, as this was no ordinary beetle. The back and wings were the most amazing combination of metallic and iridescent colours! We were all in awe of its perfect miniature beauty. Despite its size, the Preps insisted I take a photo. It was difficult for my camera to focus, but I managed to get a couple of shots. When we got back to the classroom, we watched the photographs on the television so we could have a closer look. We counted the colours, spots, and legs as we zoomed in on this most beautiful and intriguing insect. We thanked God for creating such an amazing creature.
Life is hectic. It seems to go too fast, and we often miss the tiny things that God gives us to remind us of the wonder of his creativity and love.
My Preps are experts at noticing amazing things in God’s creation, everyday. Not only do they notice, they are desperate to share it with everyone around them! That is why I call them “God’s Little Explorers”; they see and seek God in all the little things, and they rejoice! It is natural for them to be in awe of everything God has made and done for us.
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
I think we can learn a lot about our wonderful God by looking at life through the eyes of our youngest Kuyperians.
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
Seussical!
This Saturday is our next Seussical Saturday – the last before our holiday break.
We want to run through the whole show at the end of the rehearsal, so keep learning lyrics and dance moves.
Time: 9am – 3:30pm, in the Hall (of course)
Date: this Saturday! (18 June)
BYO: all food and drinks
Wear: comfortable, warm clothes
It’s only 58 days until Opening Night!
Special 40 Year Events
Parents, Association members, alumni and staff are warmly invited to celebrate the significant milestone of our 40 Year Anniversary with two special events:
Celebration Service
Friday 1 July (last day Term 2)
9:00am in the Hall for 9:15am start. Arrive early to ensure a seat.
Morning Tea will follow.
We will thank God for 40 years of Kuyper Christian School; many of our Kuyper Pioneers will join us for the service. This is a unique opportunity to honour Kuyper’s founders and join them in praying for the future of our school.
40 Year Anniversary Dinner
Saturday 2 July in the Hall
RSVPs will close promptly on Friday 17 June, or when tickets are sold out.
There will be two special guest speakers, as well as Kuyperians from across four decades. The evening will be imbued with Kuyperian history and is a wonderful opportunity to connect or reconnect with Kuyper’s greater story.
We look forward to celebrating 40 Years of Learning in God’s World with you.
Kuyper Kolouring in Face Off
To celebrate Kuyper’s 40th anniversary, colouring sheets were sent home with Primary students. The illustrations to be coloured were done by two of our talented Senior students, Lucy Mann and Georgia Huntington. They are age-specific.
Prep & Kindy will be colouring the birds, by Lucy
Year 1 & 2 will be colouring the chicken and koala, by Georgia
Year 3 & 4 will be colouring the bible stories, by Georgia
Year 5 & 6 will be colouring the lizard and cicada, by Lucy
Each Primary student can submit one entry. If they need a fresh sheet, they can request one from the Office. Entries are to be returned to the Office by Friday 24 June. Winning entries will be put on display in the Admin Building. Please contact the Office if you have any questions.