A Word from Kae McCaull
Primary Teacher, Year 2
In Year 2 we end our day by taking a few moments to reflect on and respond to this request. Answers often relate to lessons they have enjoyed, people they have had fun playing with or special events that made the day memorable. We then take time to thank God for those parts of our day that have been a blessing. You see, no matter what happens, there is always something to be grateful for. It is important to remember where all these good things come from. Without our God ordaining it, not one of us would take a breath, have a heartbeat or be able to exist.
One of the best things about thankfulness is that the more you choose it, the easier it gets. The more you profess gratitude, the more you notice things to be grateful for. The thankful muscle responds to exercise.
Katie Taylor, World Vision
Here at Kuyper, God has given us many things to be thankful for.
Lately in my class we have been going a little deeper than just being thankful for the things that we liked. We go on to consider the things that have challenged us and then taught us or helped us grow. It is in the waiting that we learn to be patient. Not giving up when something is hard to learn or master teaches perseverance (as well as the concept that we were struggling with). By withholding a sharp answer, we practise our self-control. These things are not fun or enjoyable but they help us learn and grow, they are definitely blessings. They are things to be thankful for.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In Colossians 3:15-17 we read “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (emphasis mine). Without a doubt, what I am most grateful for is Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me (and everyone else) through his death and resurrection. If that was all He ever did, then I would still have reason to be grateful. It is absolutely amazing that God still adds more things every day to my list of things to be grateful for. When we have the peace of Jesus in our lives, thankfulness overflows. Even when life is not as we would have it, or it feels out of control, we can still praise God for hope, freedom and forgiveness. We can be grateful for God’s sovereignty and His promise to never leave us.
Gratitude is something God would have us practise so that we become the people He wants us to be.
So I encourage you to take a moment or two to reflect and ask “What was good about today?“
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
Hot Lunch Day - Order Now!
We will welcome Term 3 with a Hot Lunch Day on Monday 26 July. Download the order form below and return it to the Office, with the correct money, by this Thursday 24 June (last Thursday of Term 2), then look forward to your hot lunch!
Seussical Cafe
The Seussical Cafe will be in operation before each show and at Interval, selling delicious Seussical themed food and drinks. Prices are $1 – $5 and our catering team have been working hard to bring you the best and most creative treats! We are looking forward to your enjoyment.
What Absorbs My Heart and Imagination
As we start to re-emerge…it’s good to think about what we have learned and what we are going to pick up again, or not pick up again.
Don’t miss this last biblical reflection in the COVID-19 series with Michelle Dempsey, CEO, Christian Education National (CEN).
Christian Education National (CEN), a community of school communities unified around the common goal of authentic, Bible-based, Christ-centred education.