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Newsletter – 15 September 2020

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

Keep up to date with important information for this week.

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  • 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

Please join us in bringing our community before our great God.

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  • 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

Non-Uniform Day this Friday

On Friday (the last day of term), we will be launching the Kuyper Karnival. Students are encouraged to wear non-uniform and bring a gold coin to support flood affected families.

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On Friday 8 April (the last day of term), Kuyper will be holding a non-uniform day and enjoying the first (hopefully annual) Kuyper Karnival. Bring a gold coin if you are wearing non-uniform, and attending school. There will be activities and experiences on the theme of remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection; the first Easter.

If you are on an excursion on Friday, you will need to wear full sport uniform.

All money raised will go to support communities affected by recent flooding.

Online Tips for Parents from Ian Shaw

Following some recent distressing online events, Ian Shaw has some tips for parents regarding safety for children.

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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. If you would like to fill a shoebox, email the Office. We are glad to be involved again this year.

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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 continue to contribute to this worthy cause.

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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.

In This Issue

Calendar

June 2022

  • Wed 15: Kuyper Soup Drive for Secondary students, lunch time
  • Wed 15: Kuyper Community Prayer meeting, Office, 7 – 7:30pm (new location)
  • Wed 15: Kuyper Board Meeting, Library, 7pm (rescheduled)
  • Friday 17: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 17: Positive Paws program for selected Secondary students
  • Sat 18: Seussical Full Day Rehearsal, 9am
  • Tues 21: Primary Assembly, 2:50pm, Library. Parents welcome!
  • Wed 22: Kuyper Soup Drive for Primary students, lunch time
  • Friday 24: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 24: Positive Paws program for selected Secondary students
  • Friday 24: Year 10-12, Western Sydney Careers Expo
  • Sun 26: Friends & Students of Jodie Paul Recital, Hall, from 11:30am
  • Tues 28: Limetime Leaders’ Event

July 2022

  • Friday 1: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 1: 40 Year Celebration Assembly, 9am, Hall
  • Friday 1: Last Day Term 2
  • Sat 2: 40 Year Anniversary Dinner, 5pm, Hall
  • Mon 18: Curriculum Week begins (staff only)
  • Mon 25: First Day Term 3
  • Thur 28: K – 10 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Library, from 4pm
  • Friday 29: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 29: CSSA Secondary Zone Athletics Carnival

August 2022

  • Mon 1: Seussical Rehearsal Week begins
  • Tues 2: K – 10 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Library, from 4pm
  • Sat 6: Working Bee, 8am – 12noon
  • Sat 6: Seussical Full Day Rehearsal, 9am
  • Mon 8: Seussical Production Week begins
  • Tues 9: CSSA Primary Zone Athletics Carnival
  • Tues 9: Primary Assembly, 2:50pm, Library. Parents welcome!
  • Wed 10: Seussical Performance #1, 7:30pm, Hall
  • Thur 11: Seussical Performance #2, 7:30pm, Hall
  • Friday 12: Seussical Performance #3, 7:30pm, Hall
  • Sat 13: Seussical Matinee, 2pm, Hall
  • Sat 13: Seussical Final Night, 7:30pm, Hall
  • Mon 15: Seussical Production Week concludes
  • Wed 17: Kuyper Community Prayer meeting, Library, 7 – 7:30pm
  • Wed 17: Kuyper Board Meeting, Library, 7:30pm
  • Thur 18: CSSA Secondary State Athletics Carnival
  • Friday 19: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Mon 22: Book Week begins
  • Mon 22: Trial HSC Exams begin
  • Tues 23: 9/10 Dubbo campers depart
  • Thur 25: Vaccination Clinic for Years 7, 8, 10, 9:30am
  • Friday 26: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 26: K/1 Transport Excursion
  • Friday 26: 9/10 Dubbo campers return
  • Tues 30: Prep – Year 6 Book Week Parade, 9:15am. Parents welcome!
  • Wed 31: Year 4 CARES Bike Safety excursion

September 2022

  • Friday 2: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 2: CSSA Primary State Athletics Carnival
  • Tues 6: Primary Assembly, 2:50pm, Library. Parents welcome!
  • Wed 7: State 6 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Library, from 4pm
  • Friday 9: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Wed 14: Elective PASS campers depart
  • Friday 16: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 16: Elective PASS campers return
  • Tues 20: Primary Assembly, 2:50pm, Library. Parents welcome!
  • Wed 21: Dream Cricket excursion for selected Primary & Secondary students
  • Wed 21: Kuyper Community Prayer meeting, Library, 7 – 7:30pm
  • Wed 21: Kuyper Board Meeting, Library, 7:30pm
  • Friday 23: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 23: Celebration Assembly, 2:30pm, Hall. Parents welcome!
  • Friday 23: Last Day Term 3

October 2022

  • Mon 10: First Day Term 4

December 2022

  • Thurs 8: Last Day Term 4

January 2023

  • Mon 23: Curriculum Week begins (staff only)
  • Mon 30: First Day Term 1 for Years 1 – 12
  • Tues 31: First Day Term 1 for Prep & Kindy
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