Digitally Creative
Kae McCaull, Primary Teacher & Head of Primary P – 2
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Have you ever thought about the fact that we have more ‘spaces’ to apply this verse to than ever before? I might be showing my age, but when I was younger, this meant every place that I visited and every word that I spoke. And that was it. Year 1 and 2 have been learning about a whole other realm where this verse applies to our lives; the digital world. As we learned about what makes a digital system, and the difference between software, hardware and peripheral devices, we also considered how we use these things. How do we honour God, and serve each other with digital devices?
This is a massive topic that includes questions such as “Are we putting our device time before God, our family and friends?” and “How are my words and actions online showing that I trust God, or not?” The class learned some important online safety rules, and also spent time considering the effect of digital words and actions and how ‘hiding’ behind a screen can allow us to be braver (or meaner) with what we say. They were also asked to consider this question: “Will we use our words to serve others or hurt them?” The digital realm is another space in our lives where we must choose to trust God and his Word and live out what he says.
In his loving mercy, God has allowed us to create the digital world for our use and enjoyment. Class 1/2 got to experience this first hand. We used the Pages app to record information and design headings. We collaborated on a topic and shared our ideas using a Padlet then emailed others so that we could communicate from a distance. We used QR readers to find information and a Kahoot to show what we learned. We used the Sketchbook app to create digital artworks; reflecting God’s creativity by being creative ourselves.
He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work … all of them skilled workers and designers.
Exodus 35:35
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
PeaceWiseKids
We invite all parents of Primary children to the PeaceWiseKids information session tomorrow, Wednesday 24 August at 2:45pm in the Library. Find out about PeaceWiseKids and what your children are learning, whilst enjoying freshly made Barista coffee courtesy of our Student Baristas. You do not need to RSVP.
All Primary classes have recently started a weekly program called PeaceWiseKids. PeaceWiseKids is a Christian program that equips young people to deal with challenging relationships and conflict in healthy, constructive and life-changing ways. We are excited to see students already utilising the skills they are learning.
We will begin PeaceWiseYouth with Year 7 to Year 12 next year.
Last RAHTs
By the end of this week, all students should have received one last RAHT kit. Please use them as necessary, when symptomatic, and also before returning to school next term. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 now needs to isolate for 5 days, instead of 7, and wear a mask for a further 5 days upon their return to school. If you need extra RAHT kits, please contact the Office and we will send more home.
NSW Health advice also confirms that if a student is unwell and has any symptoms they should always test for COVID-19. If the test comes back negative for COVID-19, the student should still not return to school until either:
- they no longer have any symptoms, or
- a medical certificate is provided to the school confirming that symptoms are explained by another diagnosis (such as hay fever).
It is still important that students do not attend school if they are unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19. It is also important that families follow NSW Health self-isolation and close contact guidelines if someone in their household has tested positive to COVID. If a person in your household who has tested positive cannot isolate from other family members, those family members should not attend school during the 5-day isolation period.