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
- 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
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, this Saturday 15 October
Our Term 4 Working Bee will be held this Saturday 15 October. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. 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.
Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au and bring along your gum boots, shovels, whipper snippers and safety gear. We need you!