A Word from Gareth Thompson
Teacher, Secondary & Senior Maths
As Term 3 draws to a close, we would like to thank our generous Kuyper community for their support of Operation Christmas Child. Our collection baskets are overflowing with many wonderful gifts that will again bring joy to many children somewhere in the world.
The current situation confronting a world struggling with COVID-19 has brought several changes to the groups and communities we support.
COVID19 Update from Samaritan’s Purse
Our top priority is to ensure the safety of the receiving children and their parents who participate in Operation Christmas Child around the world. The Samaritan’s Purse Incident Management Team, based in North Carolina USA, has been monitoring the virus from the beginning. They have been working with local authorities around the world, as well as the World Health Organisation to develop policies and establish guidelines for our shoebox receiving countries. At this point, all the Shoebox distributions have been paused. All the shoeboxes have been put into secure storage until the situation passes and the ministry can continue as planned.
At this time, we are planning to collect your gift-filled shoeboxes this OCC-tober as we have done in previous years. If you would like to start your shoebox packing preparation early, we encourage you to do so only in accordance with the current self-isolation guidelines set by our government; your own safety is most important at this time.
Finally, we encourage you to pray for our country’s leadership, the individuals and communities affected by COVID-19, and for the villages, towns and cities who will be receiving the shoeboxes when the coronavirus situation has passed.
In response to this information, Kuyper will keep collecting items into the first two weeks of Term 4. We would like to focus on:
- Tennis balls – we aim to put a quality brand tennis ball in every box we pack
- Wrapped bars of soap – either wrapped as sold or, even better, wrapped in a face washer
- Small sizes of clothing – shorts or shirts for kids in infants or primary school
- Thongs or crocs for kids in infants or primary school
During Term 4 we will be fundraising for the cost of delivering these boxes, as well as raising money to support our friends in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is one of the very few countries in the world that has managed to avoid any virus infections. Although this is positive, it has come at the cost of ceasing all tourist visits to the island nation. This has significantly impacted their economy. We have already been able assist Scripture Union Vanuatu to maintain key staff and keep their campsite open for local use.
We are currently arranging support for the children’s ministry work at Pango Point Presbyterian church. In 2019 we were able to fund the commencement of their Pikinini Play Group. This year we hope to assist them in continuing to develop their Sunday School program. The Ni Vans have a great love for their children. You can catch a glimpse of our friends at Pango Presbyterian celebrating International Children’s Day via the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/606083529752575/videos/749026062538116/
2020 has brought challenges to many people around the globe. As a community at Kuyper we can continue to show God’s love to others by giving generously and praying faithfully. Remember the gold coin, non-uniform day this Friday. If you would like to give more generously, cash donations can be accepted by the Office.
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
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.
QR Code at Kuyper
Kuyper Christian School has a QR code. We ask that anyone who steps onto school grounds use the QR code to sign in. We advise you to download the Service NSW app, if you haven’t already got it, as this will make it quicker and easier to sign in.
Therefore, when you step onto school grounds the following now applies:
- If you are dropping off or picking up a child, dropping off an item, or dropping in to ask a quick question, please register using the QR code attached to the tree inside the main pedestrian gate.
- For Prep parents, the QR code will also be available at the Prep room.
- If you will be on site for longer than 5 minutes, you will need to register using the QR code AND sign the visitor register as well. This is to satisfy COVID guidelines and emergency evacuation procedures.
If you have any questions at all, please ask! Thank you all for your assistance and understanding.
Newsletter - 22 September 2020
Operation Christmas Child
We are sure that you have all heard about Operation Christmas Child and the wonderful work they do in communities around the world. This year, Kuyper Christian School will again be participating, albeit a little differently from last year.
If you would like to fill a shoebox to bless a child overseas, email the Office to request a box (or two). We will send them home with your child. Please fill and return your boxes to the Office by Wednesday 10 November 2021. Some instructions and ideas can be found by following this link: https://samaritanspurse.org.au/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoebox/
Return & Earn for Vanuatu
Our Return & Earn fundraising for Vanuatu continues. Please deposit your aluminium cans and plastic bottles in the lime coloured recycling box in the sails area, or place them alongside in a labelled bag. All donations need to be clean, whole (not crushed) and eligible for the 10c recycling refund.