Stillness
Martin Gee, Secondary Teacher
Things seem to be busy at the moment. Last week passed by in a blur. I do remember Mr Cavens chatting in the staffroom. He was speaking to someone else while I was rushing around. Mr Cavens said that it is satisfying to sit down in a clean house, once all the work is done. I can relate to that. However, it is becoming harder to get all the work done. The closer I get to the weekend, the greater my motivation is to tick things off my list. I love a Friday afternoon when I can walk away from my work with the sense that all jobs are done. Last Friday I got to school early and my desk was still strewn with Thursday’s chaos: exercise books, SLR cameras, insects from Mr Shadie, two dirty plates and a coffee plunger with tea leaves in it. The end of the day approached and I knew there was little chance of finishing things off. As the weekend loomed, I was cast upon its shore like a shipwreck survivor.
The best thing about my weekend is the ancient Hebrew idea of the Sabbath. I stop, for a day, and consider that God is indispensable, while I am not. Most often I go into the bush, down to a creek, and make a coffee. I sit still and I look at all the things that God has made. Most of them have grown silently, taking their natural time: a tree leaning by the water, lichen spreading its patterns over a rock. After my Sabbath, the week grinds into gear once again.
I sometimes wonder whether our jobs are becoming more demanding. I had an appointment at the medical centre on Monday. A young doctor and an older nurse were saying the same thing; they felt like they were rushing from one patient to the next. I have friends who are tradies and it seems to be the same. It’s especially true if you are a parent, or caregiver, who is trying to work and still be present for your family.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about balance in the midst of this busyness. I’ve been thinking about this statement:
You teach what you know, but you reproduce who you are.
That’s a sobering thought. It means that I can work hard, and my students could learn well, yet they may be released into the world too much like myself; hardworking, busy and anxious. Last week, a colleague tried talking to me twice. I was in a rush, and she was apologetic for taking up my time. She said, ‘I’m sorry, I can see you are busy.’ That made me stop and think. ‘Busy’ is probably not what I want to be known for, nor what I want to reproduce.
It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in…
C.S Lewis
I would like to teach by heeding that other voice; by letting the Spirit’s stronger, quieter life come flowing in. In the midst of a busy day, and a chaotic lesson, I would like to be able to stop and heed. I need to pay honest attention to my students, to my colleagues, and especially to the quiet voice of God Himself.
I wonder how I can do this in the midst of a busy day. Perhaps I can learn a lesson from King David. David’s domain was a whole kingdom, and yet he begins with this prayer:
My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul…
Psalm 131:1-2
Starting in stillness is an interesting idea. In the midst of busyness, sometimes standing still is a greater act of faith.
In Elective Art we are learning about photography. We have been exploring the idea of using a camera to help us stop and pay attention; to see the extraordinary in the day’s ordinary moments. Here is something I noticed while our class was walking around the school and trying to pay attention:
I am wondering about how to smuggle Sabbath moments into Monday mornings. I don’t get to sit by a creek, far from the concerns and demands of work. I can, however, be still and pay attention. I can consider what this caterpillar chrysalis reminds me of as I think about my students. I can start each English lesson with ten minutes of silent reading; using this brief moment to be still before God and to attend to my students.
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
Graduate Update
Ian Shaw, Principal
I am pleased to report that our students have achieved some excellent results in the 2021 HSC Examinations. Kuyper students were listed in the NESA Merit List as distinguished achievers in Visual Arts, Chemistry, Advanced English, Extension 1 Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, and Industrial Technology. One student was listed in the NESA All Rounder Merit List for consistently high results in every subject.
It is pleasing to hear about from graduates as they move into further study and opportunities. So far, all have gained offers for University positions including: Education, Medicine, Music, and Screen Media. Some will be exploring Youthworks Year 13, while others will take a gap year. We congratulate all our students on their dedication and effort in seeking to equip themselves for a life of service beyond school.
COVID-19 Update 24
RAHT Kits & Reporting
Schools have been issued with a further supply of RAHT kits for students to use at home in Term 1. Each student will receive ten RAHT kits this week. We encourage families to continue testing twice weekly, on Monday and Wednesday morning, and to administer a RAHT at any other time if symptoms occur.
Any student who returns a positive RAHT must record the positive RAHT result through the Service NSW website or Service NSW app. Enhancements have been made to the Service NSW portal to enable notifications of positive results to also indicate the student’s school. Parents should still notify the School Office of a positive RAHT or PCR test result as soon as possible. Negative results do not need to be reported to Service NSW or the school.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must follow NSW Health Advice regarding self-isolation.
Parents are reminded that students displaying symptoms cannot attend school, even if a negative RAHT result has been returned. Any student with other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms must provide the school with a letter from their GP.
The RAHT kits being sent home this week are packaged in lots of five, and instructions are on the box. Refer to our Administering your RAHT video for helpful visual instructions.
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
Optional (opt-in) COVID Vaccination Clinic
On Monday 14 March and Wednesday 6 April, at 9:15am, NSW Health are offering an opt-in clinic at school for students aged 12 years and older. Parents who consent can book their child in to receive two doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer (COMIRNATY) vaccine. Only students whose parent/carer has returned a consent form to the Office can be vaccinated. You may download the consent form, information sheet and privacy statement below, or request hard copies from the Office.
If you have any questions at all, please contact us.