Good Stories

Anna McQueen, Primary Teacher
Nothing captivates our imaginations, pulls on our heart strings or sends us on a rollercoaster of emotions like a good story. It’s the reason many of us spend hours with our noses in a book, or eyes glued to a cinema screen. We love stories. Who has not laughed at one character’s comedy of errors, felt rising joy at another’s triumph, or shed a tear at an unfolding tragedy? Stories also offer an escape from our own lives. We get lost in the amazing, fantastical, idyllic worlds that are before us on screen or page. Sometimes we wish we were part of those worlds.
But of course, those stories are not real. When we fold the book shut, or switch off the screen, we go back to our familiar, and not-so-idyllic reality; a reality that may be unspeakably tragic or unbearably difficult.
Last term in Year 3, we read a story. It was called The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross. The tagline reads “The true story of how Jesus died and rose again.” It is a story based on the great and true reality of the Bible.
The Garden: The first part of the story focuses on a world, a garden. God created it. He created it all. He created people to live with Him and enjoy being with Him. As a class, we observed that Adam and Eve were so close to God that they could walk and talk with Him. This made it all the more sad when they turned away from God. Like a scratched CD, the shattered fragments of a priceless heirloom, or the lost pieces of an unfinished puzzle, we can never repair the consequences of turning away from God.

The Curtain: The next part of the story is about the curtain; not just any curtain; the temple curtain. It was an impressive 18 metre tall, purple, hand-embroidered piece of tapestry. It stood between God’s people and the Most Holy Place in the Temple. It reminded people that “It’s good to live with Him [God] but because of your sin, you can’t come in.” The curtain represents the lasting effects of our turning away from God, and the way we hurt each other by turning away from people too. This is called sin. Our world can never be perfect because there is sin. We long for perfection but we can see how unattainable it is. Without God, our world and our selves will always be broken.

The Cross: The final part of the story focuses on Jesus. He came to fix the imperfection and brokenness we experience with each other and with God. He paid the price for our sin by dying on a cross. He did not stay dead. He rose to life again. He will return to restore His people to a perfect relationship with God. The curtain has been torn in two. There is no barrier between God and His people any more.

This may be a story that you are very familiar with. It doesn’t take us to another planet; a fantastical realm of elves and hobbits, knights, heroes and romance. It is not a comfortable story or an escape, and it is a story that is too wonderful for our minds to fully grasp. It reveals our deepest flaws. It challenges and confronts us. It also comforts and leads us, teaches and saves us, because it’s all true.
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
Seussical Tickets: still some left!



Only 7 days until Opening Night (and counting), and Seussical tickets are still available! They can be booked online, by using the button below. It’s going to be amazing, so please join us and bring your family and friends!
- Performance Dates:
- Opening Night – Wednesday 10 August, 7:30pm
- Thursday 11 August, 7:30pm
- Friday 12 August, 7:30pm
- Matinee – Saturday 13 August, 2pm
- Closing Night – Saturday 13 August, 7:30pm
The show runs for approximately two hours including Interval. The Seussical Cafe will be in operation before each show and at Interval, selling delicious Seussical themed food and drinks. If you have any questions at all when purchasing your tickets, please contact the Office on 4573 2999 or email admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
Kuyper Kolouring in Face Off


Entries for Kuyper’s 40th anniversary Kolouring in Face Off need to be returned to the Office by this Friday 24 June. Please contact the Office if you need a fresh sheet. Each Primary student can submit one entry. They are age specific.
Prep & Kindy will be colouring the birds, by Lucy
Year 1 & 2 will be colouring the chicken and koala, by Georgia
Year 3 & 4 will be colouring the bible stories, by Georgia
Year 5 & 6 will be colouring the lizard and cicada, by Lucy
Non-Uniform Day


On Thursday this week, the last day of Term, Kuyper will hold a non-uniform day to raise money for Operation Christmas Child. Usually we fill shoe-boxes, but as we were unable to do that this year, we will support the delivery of other people’s shoe-boxes to their destinations.
So, on Thursday, wear non-uniform and bring a gold coin.
Special 40 Year Event


Parents, Association members, alumni and staff are warmly invited to celebrate the significant milestone of our 40 Year Anniversary with two special events:
Celebration Service
Friday 1 July (last day Term 2)
9:00am in the Hall for 9:15am start. Arrive early to ensure a seat.
Morning Tea will follow.
We will thank God for 40 years of Kuyper Christian School; many of our Kuyper Pioneers will join us for the service. This is a unique opportunity to honour Kuyper’s founders and join them in praying for the future of our school.
We look forward to celebrating 40 Years of Learning in God’s World with you.
