Who Knew?
Gareth Thompson, Secondary Teacher
Did they sing?
Did they dance?
Sing and dance, and prance by chance.
Was there colour?
Was there sound?
Colour, sound and lights – profound!
With clothes and hair and make-up too
So much talent – WOW – who knew?
The wonderful thing about school musicals is the hidden talent they reveal. The recent Kuyper production of Seussical was no exception. From my backstage vantage point, I saw first-hand the talent of our students as they lifted their performance each day to a crescendo, culminating in Saturday’s two spectacular shows. No matter the challenges faced each day, students stepped up and dealt with them. As confidence grew, so did their energy and enthusiasm.
But, not everything ran as smoothly as the audience may have imagined! From disappearing props to a system problem with lights, failing microphone packs to cast and crew being felled last minute by COVID. Behind-the-scenes could have been a comedy of errors, however the audience remained unaware. All these things were handled without missing a beat. How could this be? None of these issues could be ignored. They had to be dealt with immediately for the show to go on. Someone had to step up and take responsibility for finding a solution, and someone did. Cast and crew cooperated, improvised and helped each other when things didn’t go to plan. The situations took students and staff by surprise, so managing them took courage and commitment to the team over self. As wonderful as the ‘performance’ was…
The set, the costumes,
The singing, the dancingThe colour, the sound
And even the prancing
… the real talent was in the teamwork and other-centredness of everyone involved; from the front-stage performers to the backstage volunteers, from the ushers who didn’t see the show to the patient volunteers doing hours of hair and make-up. Performances tempt us to put the limelight on individuals, or particular talents. While striving to do something well is honourable, the Bible tells us that our striving should not just be for our own good, but for the good of one another as well.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5
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
PeaceWiseKids
We invite all parents of Primary children to the PeaceWiseKids information session tomorrow, Wednesday 24 August at 2:45pm in the Library. Find out about PeaceWiseKids and what your children are learning, whilst enjoying freshly made Barista coffee courtesy of our Student Baristas. You do not need to RSVP.
All Primary classes have recently started a weekly program called PeaceWiseKids. PeaceWiseKids is a Christian program that equips young people to deal with challenging relationships and conflict in healthy, constructive and life-changing ways. We are excited to see students already utilising the skills they are learning.
We will begin PeaceWiseYouth with Year 7 to Year 12 next year.
Parent Connect
We love to see our families at school and taking opportunities. Parent Connect is an easy way to participate in the Kuyper Community and enjoy what makes our school so special. We warmly invite parents, carers, grandparents and special friends to any or all of these events. We hope to see you soon!
Celebration Assembly: enjoy a barista coffee and chat from 2pm in the Hall on Thursday 1 September (this Thursday), before the Celebration Assembly.
Dessert Evening: join us for barista coffee and dessert from 6:45pm in the Library on Friday 2 September (this Friday). This is a new opportunity to connect through fellowship and prayer for our community from 7:30pm.
Book Week Morning Tea: on Tuesday 6 September after the Primary Book Week Parade. Stay and enjoy each other’s company over barista coffee and morning tea. Please bring a plate to share.
Cars & Cook Up: on Saturday 17 September from 9am – 1pm, we will be holding our annual Cars & Cook Up community event. All families are invited to bring their remote controlled devices for some competitive fun, and enjoy cooking together for families in need in our community. Don’t miss out!
Dreaming of Book Week
On Tuesday 6 September, we will be holding our Book Week Parade for Prep to Year 6. We will be in the Hall and on the “Village Green” from 9:15am. Parents, carers, grandparents and special friends are all invited. Afterwards, there will be barista coffee in the Hall for our visitors. Please bring something to share for morning tea.
The theme for this year’s Book Week is “Dreaming with Eyes Open”. Students are to dress as a book character and bring the book which features their character.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Kuyper Canteen Open for a Limited Time!
There is still time to order your fresh lunch from the Kuyper Canteen. Our Elective Food Technology class are preparing three options that students can pre-order. All meals will be prepared in the School Kitchen using safe, sanitary and hygienic work practises, and will be individually packed and delivered to classrooms on Monday 19 September, at lunchtime.
You can still place your order by Friday 9 September. Last chance!
On the menu for $6 each:
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Delicious homemade basil pesto tossed through penne pasta and served with parmesan and fresh tomatoes.
Vietnamese Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (GF option available)
Nutritious rice roll of chicken, lettuce, carrot and noodles, with a hint of mint and served with hoisin dipping sauce.
Mediterranean Chicken Wrap (Vegetarian option available)
Mouthwatering wrap of chicken, cucumber, tomato, spinach and feta, with lemon, garlic tahini and hommus.