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
- 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
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, 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!