A Word from Jennifer Gardiner
Secondary Visual Arts Teacher
Fear is a difficult topic. 2020 has been a time of fear on many levels and this article isn’t about the pandemic; it is about living with courage and opening our eyes to the ways God works through fallen people. Educationally, the art room is generally not a place we associate with fear. However, I am aware that students face fear with art over and over again.
In Visual Arts we are called to learn art-making skills and interpret and critically analyse ideas. Often, with individual interpretation and the pressure of making it ‘look’ a certain way, students bring fearful thoughts to their art-making. A class test is one thing, but putting an artwork on display is another. How do you react if your work is misinterpreted or criticised? In John 4:18 we read that love can cast out fear, and there is another quote that I like to lean into.
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
Scott Adams
Recently, students in the Stage 5 Elective Visual Arts (Years 9 & 10) made clay vessels using slab forms and designs they developed in class. The surface was embossed with textures and the forms were assembled using stiff side slabs. It was a specific process that meant decisions needed to be made along the way. It could also be fraught with fearful possibilities as students manipulated the clay to create the ideas they envisaged. Students encouraged each other to work through the process, and all vessels were completed with great results.
Robyn Ewing is a Professor Emerita in teacher education and the Arts at the University of Sydney, and has undertaken extensive research on education, the Arts and creativity. She says this current season gives us the opportunity to make long-needed changes to the way we approach education. The research is unequivocal: the Arts are central to our emotional and social wellbeing as humans. Further, embedding quality creative arts processes and experiences in our curriculum enables learners to engage in deep learning where they develop their own identity and grow in understanding and compassion for the way others see the world.
Art is a form of play, rejoicing before the face of God.
Hans Rookmaaker
As a teacher and an artist I think of ‘play’ as being purposeful, as we seek to reflect the way God has made us in his image; creative beings. Making art is a form of worship. I am the person God made me and I glorify Him by expressing myself that way.
With creativity, it is often just a matter of getting started. Beginning a task means marking a fresh blank page. It involves facing the fear of making a mistake that others will see. Here at Kuyper Christian School, we celebrate learning through the words of Abraham Kuyper, who said “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” Christ’s sovereignty includes the mistakes that we find so fearful. Mistakes move us to look beyond our human view of judging and measuring against preconceived standards, and to simply rejoice in the process of being creative.
Art can also challenge us and give us a platform to wrestle with what it means to exist in a world torn and broken. Year 8 recently looked at artists who challenge viewers to care more for issues that hurt the world. As art-makers, they created a series of artworks that both glorified Creation and challenged others to care for it more dutifully. Many of the ideas that were discussed involved fear about the way the world is suffering. However it is important to remember the words of Jesus.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
So what can we do with the fear in our lives, beyond the classroom? Seek God and our worth in Him. When I see my life as a reflection of His glory, then everything, including art in the classroom, is separated from fear.
The motive of art comes to us not from what exists, but from the notion that there is something higher, something nobler, something richer, and that what exists corresponds only partially to all of this.
Abraham Kuyper
Reminders
- Thank you to Year 6 families for your RSVP to the Graduation Dinner. If you haven’t already, please pay for your seats (and your child’s) using this link. There is also a Year 6 Big Day Out on Wednesday 7 December. Check the App or contact the Office for assistance.
- Parents who have received notification about their password for the expiry of the Kuyper App. Please call 4573 2999 to reactive your Parent Portal access.
- Nurture Magazine will be sent home to each family via their eldest child this week. Look for an article by our very own Mrs Ruth Thompson on page 20.
- Borrowing from the Kuyper Library has ceased. All library books need to be returned. We will be invoicing families for any books that we do not receive.
- 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. There have been a few cases in the Primary school. 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 excursions, school events and celebrations for families to enjoy together. Pray for connection and community to grow for all at Kuyper Christian School as we look forward to Limelight!
- Pray for school families and staff families who are coping with illness: 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. Ask the Lord to provide, as he has always done.
News & Notices
Non-Uniform Day
On Friday this week, the last day of Term 3, Kuyper will hold a non-uniform day to raise money for Tearfund Pakistan Flood Emergency Appeal. It is estimated that over 33 million people have been displaced by destructive monsoon rains and flooding in the southern part of Pakistan. The millions who have lost homes, livelihoods and personal possessions are at risk of water-borne diseases and food insecurity, and the Pakistani government has declared a national emergency. Tearfund is partnering with local agencies to provide emergency resources and support for impacted communities.
Wear green in support of Pakistan and bring a gold coin donation on Friday. We will also be doing some fun activities on the day.
Online Tips for Parents from Ian Shaw
Following some recent distressing online events, Ian Shaw has some tips for parents regarding safety for children:
- Engage in your child’s online activities – ask what apps, sites and games they’re using and make sure they’re age appropriate
- Use parental controls on all devices to help limit what your child is exposed to (Google Family Link is one easy-to-use free app)
- Help your child report and block any upsetting content they see on social media sites and teach them to “scroll past” anything potentially harmful
- Let your child know they can come to you about anything upsetting they have seen online
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/
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.