A Word from Ian Shaw
On Monday staff and students gathered together in the Kuyper Christian School Hall. It was so good to see everyone’s smiling faces! Because parents were not able to attend due to COVID-19 guidelines, here is what we did:
The gathering commenced with a video of A Current Affair news story about of one of our students, Josh Miller and his remarkable recovery from Leukaemia. Josh was in the audience yesterday and it is wonderful to have him back at school after more than two years under medical treatment. Please continue to pray for him and his ongoing recovery.
We were treated to a duet of our National Anthem by Miss Clucas and Mr Weule, which focused on us being one. Miss Clucas reminded us that true one-ness comes from being one in Christ Jesus. New and nearly-new staff were introduced to students via a school game. Mrs Allen enthusiastically promoted the swimming carnival this Friday by wearing flippers and toting a kickboard and a huge blue peacock swim ring. Mr Shaw challenged students that knowing God is a gift not to be overlooked. The Bible tells us about God and how we can know Him. What will we learn about God this year?
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.
Ephesians 1:17
This is our prayer for students at Kuyper Christian School. We long for them to personally know God through His son Jesus Christ. We pray that His truth might establish a firm foundation in their lives to prepare them for the good plans He has for them. I trust that this is your heart’s desire for your children too; a holistic education, grounded on the Word of God, that will equip them to deal with the wonder and horror that comes to us all as we move through life.
And what is in store? I can report many happy stories from our graduating students; a large number of university placements, apprenticeships and employment. We celebrate them and hope to share some of these individual stories over the coming year.
On a practical note, although there are limitations on casual visits to the School property, I am able to meet parents who have important things they would like to discuss with me. I welcome this contact if you are well. 😊 Please make an appointment with the School Office.
Finally, I would like to mention some Kuyper families who are doing it tough right now. Orson, husband to Jo and father to Madison Tonkin is suffering with a serious cancer. There are no easy answers or comforts at present. Please pray for the family as they live day by day with chemotherapy and the hardship that sickness brings. Pray too for the Abraham family with Samara starting Kindy at Kuyper; mum Sarah will be undergoing surgery soon. Pray for James Hansen’s ongoing recovery and treatment. These are just some of the journeys within our community. There are others you may know about too. May our community bring support and comfort to all our parents who are in need.
Reminders
- 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
- 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
Whole School Swimming Carnival 2021, this Friday
This Friday, 5 February, we will be enjoying our Whole School Swimming Carnival! Advice for this event was emailed to you. We need your reply to that advice by tomorrow, Wednesday 3 February. Please email rthompson@kuyper.nsw.edu.au and complete the booking form for the Kuyper bus if necessary. More details are listed below:
- Location: Richmond Pool, East Market Street, Richmond
- Arrive: 8:45am at Richmond Pool. If you cannot drop your child at the pool, you may book a seat on the Kuyper bus from school by following the link in your advice email.
- Pick up 1: K-2, 12:30pm. Students who are not collected by this time will be transported back to school on the Kuyper bus to await their normal departure from school.
- Pick up 2: 3-12, 2:30pm. If you cannot collect your child from the pool, you may book a seat on the Kuyper bus from the pool to school by following the link in your advice email.
Students are to wear the following:
- Full sport uniform
- Sunscreen
- When competing, boys may wear swim trunks, speedos or board shorts.
- When competing, girls may wear a full one-piece swimsuit, or “tankini” that covers the midriff completely.
- A rash shirt, sport shirt or “house” coloured t-shirt and board shorts must be worn by all students when not competing.
Students are to bring:
- Morning tea
- Lunch
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Rash shirt, sport shirt or house coloured t-shirt
- Board shorts
- School hat (or cap for Secondary)
- Towel
Further information:
- The canteen will be available at selected times during the day.
- Free swimming time for Year 3-12 students may occur during the course of the day. To participate, students must demonstrate their ability to swim 50m competently.
- In line with current Public Health Orders, the pool will be closed to the general public during our carnival. Parents and carers are able to attend as spectators, however they must register with both the school and the venue on the day, sit separately, abide by the 1.5m physical distance guidelines, BYO seating and shade and pay the $1 entry fee.
Working Bee, Saturday 14 May
After an extended break due to COVID, our first Working Bee for 2022 will be held on Saturday 14 May. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. Morning tea will be provided. Please bring a shovel, safety gear, whipper snipper and fuel, if you can. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.
The Working Bee is a great opportunity to meet other families and contribute to the place your children attend almost every day. If you are bringing your child to the Seussical Rehearsal, why not stay and help?
Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au