A Word from Ian Shaw
Abraham Kuyper was a Dutch clergyman, author of over 200 books, journalist with over 20,000 articles, and prime minister of the Netherlands. He was known for speaking into the public square on a variety of theological and social justice issues, often campaigning for the rights of the working class and oppressed. You could almost think he was super human doing all these things. He was described as ‘the man with ten heads and a hundred arms’. This sounds scarily overwhelming. I cannot imagine he would have had time for TV or social media, if he were around today. He did have his detractors though, and I have heard that he could be aggravating. But he certainly got things done, and had a drive to honour Christ in all he did. He was imperfect, like all of us, yet he pointed people to God’s kingdom and the saving work of Christ.
Last week I shared the lyrics of a song, “We Seek Your Kingdom”, which speaks to our belief, as Christians, that we are to bring God’s kingdom into every sphere of life, into every square inch. Abraham Kuyper sought to transform, revive, and heal society from the injustices he saw in his country and time. He modelled his actions on the life of Christ, the perfect One, who brought to earth a new way of understanding people and leadership. Through Jesus, God gave up the security of heaven and came to earth to die a horrible death so that he could rescue us and provide a way for us to escape our own sinfulness. Jesus demonstrated care and concern for others and an attitude of service and sacrifice. Our country still values these traits, ushered in by Jesus at a time when leaders of the Greco-Roman world saw leadership as dominance, squashing the weak and getting the competitor out of the way. Humility did not exist in their actions and worldview. In sharp contrast, Jesus demonstrated servant leadership. You can read how He lived this out in the Bible.
Abraham Kuyper said that our faith is worthless unless we apply it to every square inch of our lives; actions not just words. We must apply our faith in how we speak, in how we relate to others, in how we work, play and serve. May peace, truth and justice reign in our lives and be present wherever God has placed us. We thank God for the enabling message of the Gospel in our lives. May we be encouraged, with God’s help, to transform ourselves with repentance and then seek to transform the world in which we live.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Mrs Sue Huxley has been living God’s story in her life, including serving on the Kuyper Education Sub Committee of the Association, then as a Primary teacher and Executive member of staff. Since 1987, Mrs Huxley has faithfully served many generations of Kuyper families and now, she has announced her retirement at the end of this year. We are deeply saddened by the news, yet excited for her as she embarks on new challenges, potentially exploring more of this wonderful country with her husband in their caravan. I regularly sit in on the Kindy classes and watch Mrs Huxley teach. It is a joy to behold. Teaching children to read and write is a fundamental skill for our staff. It is wonderful to see the children begin to understand, and start their reading journey. Mrs Huxley will be leaving Kuyper as a teacher in her prime. From my observation, she has not slowed down in any way.
Mrs Huxley is and has been committed to teaching children for several decades and I am sure there are many great memories to reflect on. As the year concludes, there will be an opportunity for you to pass on your thanks for her life of service to this community.
Reminders
- TOMORROW Primary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Reminder to all parents, not to use the Bus Bay to drop off or pick up your children as it hinders bus movements and is unsafe.
- 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. We will send home any that is labelled today.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pray for Joshua Miller, who is unwell in hospital at present. Please pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and hope and strength for Josh’s family.
- 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 God and his omnipresence; he is present everywhere at the same time.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
News & Notices
A Letter from our Chaplain, Mr H
Dear Kuyper Community; here we are in another crazy time of Lockdown! I hope that everyone has had a restful break, and that you’re not too overwhelmed by having to do School@Home again. As we all know, it’s really important to try to get this virus under control, but it can also be a SUPER tough time for all of us in the Kuyper community – students, staff AND parents & carers.
Teachers will be reminding students every morning to turn to God daily and keep relying on Him. They will pray with your kids and read from God’s Word to encourage and help them get through the day.
I am also here, so if you need prayer, or if you want to just have a chat, feel free to send me an email: mhottinger@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
And remember,
We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him.
Romans 8:28
WHOKing with Google Meet
During School@Home, staff will occasionally connect with students using the Google Meet video conferencing service. All participants in these online sessions are expected to behave in ways that promote a supportive, inclusive and effective learning environment. Students should adhere to the following guidelines when using Google Meet:
- All content that students share must be respectful, inclusive and polite.
- Disruptive, disrespectful, racist, sexist, bullying and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated in any form. Students will be removed from Google Meet sessions should they engage in any of these behaviours or other inappropriate behaviour.
- Students should dress in modest and appropriate clothing, per regular school guidelines. School uniform is not required.
- Students should sit somewhere they can be supervised by an adult and not be disturbed during the session. A bedroom is not suitable or appropriate.
- The background of the video should not be distracting for other participants. If a virtual background is being used, it must be appropriate and per regular school guidelines.
- Use of headphones with a microphone is encouraged. Headphones improve audio quality for both the user and the other participants and prevent disruptions to others at home.
- Students should not invite others to a school Google Meet session. If they think that someone is missing from the invite list, they should let the teacher know.
- Students should connect to the Google Meet with ‘video on’. Video connection communicates to staff that it is the student online and not someone else. If internet bandwidth is problematic, students may revert to just audio. However, they should always try to connect with video first.
- Audio should be on mute for everyone except the person speaking. Muting audio reduces unnecessary background noise.
- Students should use the Google Meet ‘Raise Hand’ function to ask questions, just as they would in a regular class.
- During the Google Meet session, students are expected to be attentive and sit still and to avoid distracting other participants.
- Students should avoid using abbreviations, acronyms, and other slang in the message feature during a Google Meet. Do not use all-caps (this signifies yelling at others).
- Phones should be switched to silent while participating in a Google Meet session.
- Only work-related windows on the computer should be open during a Google Meet. All other windows should be closed before commencing the session.
- 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.
- Students should respect the views of others at all times in the same way that they would do if meeting in person.
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