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
- This is the last week that you may take advantage of the 5% fee discount if all 2021 fees (excluding Prep fees) and any carried forward balance from 2020 are paid by this Friday. Otherwise, you may arrange to pay your fees using the SchoolEasyPay system. We also accept periodical payments via direct deposit, cheque, cash or EFT. All fees for 2021 must be paid by the last day of Term 4 2021.
- A reminder that you may not stop at all in the bus bay, or indeed within 20 metres of it, as this is unsafe for families and students and in breach of Council road rules.
- The proposed Education Legislation Amendment (Parent Rights) Bill 2020 is before NSW Parliament at the moment. It affirms parents as the primary educators of our children and promotes greater transparency in teaching. NSW Parliament wants to hear from parents and education professionals with your thoughts on the proposed Bill, so they have compiled a survey. We strongly urge you to complete it, by Sunday 28 February, and have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VSPC2FX
Prayer & Praise
- Give thanks for our camps and activities. Pray for participation, connection and learning in God’s world.
- Continue to pray for the Miller family and for Josh. Give thanks for his return to school and ability to be daily involved in activities. Pray for protection and encouragement as he continues this journey.
- Continue to pray for other families in our community who are experiencing sickness and hardship. Petition the Lord for provision and healing, and ask for opportunities to be His hands and feet.
Our next prayer meeting will be held in the Library on 17 March 2021, 7 – 7:30pm.
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 Term 1, 2021, this Saturday
The Working Bee is a great opportunity to meet other families and contribute to the place your children attend almost every day. Our first Working Bee will be held this Saturday 13 February from 8am until 12 noon and a COVID friendly morning tea will be provided. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.
These families have been rostered for Saturday’s Working Bee:
Abraham, Allen (M & C), Allen (G & S), Anderson, Aoun, Armstrong, Baldwin, Baxter, Beckhaus, Beech, Bellamy, Bennett, Birrell-Luttrell, Block, Bloodsworth, Burton, Butler, Catt, Clarke, Cooke (D & R), Coppack, Crawford, Cumming, Daly, Daniels, Davis, De Vries, Delgado, Edwards, Elliott
Please bring your own safety gear, and a rake and shovel if you can. Please also note your attendance when you arrive. If you cannot attend, contact the Office and we will move you to another Working Bee.