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
- Scholastic BookClub is still happening! You can peruse the catalogue and order your books online by using this link: scholastic.com.au/loop until Monday 9 August. Books can be delivered to your house (for a fee), or sent to school for free. We will contact you when they arrive, and you can collect them by parking at the gate and calling the Office.
- Parents are reminded to read the Google Meet Guidelines for Appropriate Use. In particular, please note that for privacy and protection reasons, no images of other students or their work should be captured or shared outside Google Classroom. Students (and parents) must not take photos, screenshots or record the meeting.
- In light of current conditions, all off-site events/excursions on our calendar in August have been cancelled or postponed. The Book Week Parade (26 Aug) and Healthy Harold incursion (30 Aug – 1 Sept) may still be able to proceed pending the lifting of restrictions. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation changes, and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
- Unfortunately, the Bible Society Masterclass for Year 9 – 11 will not go ahead. We look forward to participating in this valuable event next year.
- Sadly, the 5/6 Canberra Snowy Camp also cannot proceed. Remember to check the Event Updates on the School@Home webpage for all the latest changes.
Prayer & Praise
- Give thanks to God for His provision and protection. Give thanks for His authority and sovereignty over all things.
- Pray for our world, as many other countries suffer greatly under the weight of the pandemic. Pray for our country, our leaders and our people. Pray for peace and hope as we wait to be released from this trial. Pray for Christians around the world, that we would speak and act with faith, hope and love. Petition the Lord with repentance for mercy, healing and protection for all nations and people.
- Pray for the Walker family, with mother Christine undergoing Chemotherapy. Pray for peace, confidence, provision, unity and healing.
- Continue to pray for the Miller family and for Josh. Give thanks for his progress. Pray for wisdom and healing as he continues his journey.
- Give thanks for all our families and staff as they teach through School@Home. Pray for protection over our community; that the Lord would be our unity, encouragement and peace and that we would communicate that to each other, holding each other up.
Everyone is welcome to attend our next prayer meeting which will be held online on Wednesday 18 August, 7 – 7:30pm. Please join us!
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 Gear
This is the final shout-out to any Seussical cast or crew member wanting to strut their stuff in a Kuyper Seussical shirt or hoodie. The order form can be downloaded below. Orders must be received by Friday 26 June and will be available in the first week of Term 3.
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.