A Word from Ja Baldwin

Something that I can honestly say I always enjoy about my role at Kuyper, is the freedom to talk openly about our wonderful creator, Father God, every single day. Aside from all the learning activities which are delivered from a Christian perspective, through a biblical lens, perhaps some of the most fruitful discussions that occur in the Year 6 classroom are those which are prompted by our daily devotions. Most recently, our School@Home devotions have, at times, been just as fruitful and exciting as those we enjoyed face to face.
Two weeks ago, our daily devotions led us to discuss how Jesus often used parables to speak about the Kingdom of God. What exactly did He mean? Is the Kingdom of God a place and if so, where is it? We learned that rather than simply being a reference to heaven, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom which covers all of God’s creation. This includes the universe and beautiful planet earth, which we call home. During our discussion, we learned that in the beginning, God created the world, along with humankind, and it was perfect. However, when humankind sinned, this led to separation from God.
The devotion which Mr Hottinger shared with the Kuyper community tied in beautifully with the Year 6 devotions: The Good News! Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, rose again, and ascended into Heaven. This is extremely good news! The Gospels are all about this good news, and the Kingdom of God. Mr Hottinger threw out a challenge to all students, to create their own short videos and share the good news, spreading the gospel from person to person.
The Bible tells us that when we repent of our sins and choose to follow Jesus, we not only receive the Holy Spirit and have eternal life with Him to look forward to, but we also become part of God’s kingdom on earth. The Bible also tells us that it is our Christian duty to preach the Gospel. Just a few days after seeing Mr Hottinger’s devotion, three Year 6 students put together their own individual gospel videos, which have been shared with the Kuyper community.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone”.
Mark 16:15
Two of the parables that Year 6 read this term are; the parable of the sower, and the parable of the growing seed. The parable of the sower teaches about the hearts of those who hear the good news. Some hearts are described as hard, some are shallow, some are crowded, and some are fruitful. The primary focus of the parable of the growing seed is the Kingdom of God. Year 6 agreed that most of us have memories of planting seeds which have been lying in a packet for months. We discussed how the seeds are watered and checked often, in anticipation of seeing the seeds come up. To begin with, nothing seems to be happening. How amazing it is though, when after a few days, plants start to become visible.
The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.
Mark 4:26-28
When we first tell others about Jesus, perhaps nothing seems to happen. Yet like the seeds under the soil, we cannot see the work God is doing in the hearts of those with whom we have shared the good news. After a while, we might begin to see a change in one of our friends, and then another, and another. Whether we see the fruit of our labour or not, we should continue doing our part in spreading the Gospel. We must be willing to carry on with confidence that all things, including the growth of the Kingdom of God, are under the control of our heavenly Father.
Reminders


- TOMORROW Secondary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Families are reminded to ensure that at least half of your school fees for the year are paid by the end of June. If you need to discuss this, please contact Tina in the Office Monday – Thursday.
- We have oodles of lost property here in the Office following the athletics carnival. Please come and claim some!
- Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be held in the Office from 7 – 7:30pm. All welcome.
- We would still like some help with morning tea on Friday 1 July for the 40 Year Celebration Service. Please email admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au if you can assist.
- All students, staff and their families should be aware of NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and other illnesses that may affect schools this coming winter, such as the flu. Please note the following NSW Health messages: stay home if unwell; keep up to date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, or for a small charge for those aged 5 years and older; get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result; even if you receive a negative result, do not attend school whilst symptomatic; practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water; take a RAHT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
- Eczema Support Australia has recently released a new video series with Dr Justin Coulson on Practical Parenting for Eczema Families. The video resource provides an insight into the daily challenges faced by families with eczema. It also provides strategies to help develop positive coping mechanisms and reduce feelings of isolation for the family unit. Please use this link to view the video series.
Prayer & Praise


- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise God for His grace towards us through Jesus Christ. He is worthy of all of our love and devotion. Worship and thank Him for His sacrifice that rescued us from death.
- Give thanks for our athletics carnival; for great weather and friendly competition. Give thanks for our staff and volunteers who contributed so much to the day.
- Give thanks for our staff. Pray that the Lord would restore us all to full health and strength to finish Term 2 well.
- Give thanks for all our students and their families. Pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit through those who know Him, to lead us in prayer, words and deeds to encourage and exhort each other and find our health, peace and direction in the Lord. Pray for protection over the hearts and minds of our children and young people.
- Give thanks for our CEN schools. Pray for Dubbo Christian School, and their Principal. Pray for healing, fellowship and peace.
- Pray for our 40 year celebrations; that we would be truly thankful and joyful for what God has provided and achieved for us and through us. Pray that we would continue in the spirit we began with in 1982.
- Give thanks for our Kuyper families. Pray for connections to strengthen and grow in genuine community and care for eachother.
- 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).
- Praise God for the faithful Pioneers of Kuyper Christian School. Give thanks for those who have continued to nurture and grow those beginnings. Give thanks for Abraham Kuyper, his vision and his teachings. Give thanks that our foundations are in Christ, who is the source of all Truth. Give thanks that we are in partnership with each other – staff, parents and carers – as we serve the Lord by nurturing children in the knowledge and love of Him. Thank Him for each individual who makes up the Kuyper Community and lead us to value the whole person, so that each one may be encouraged in their relationship with God. Thank God for the students he has entrusted to our care, made in His image, to glorify Him. Worship Him because He is holy. Thank Him for His love and faithfulness towards His creation. Praise Him as Creator God, from whom we inherit our creativity. Give abundant thanks for his mercy and grace, without which we would be lost indeed. Give thanks also for His justice, that will not fail, and His forgiveness which is freely extended to all who would accept it. Give thanks for our God and his omnipotence; his power and influence is unlimited! Give thanks for our God and his omniscience; his universal understanding and complete knowledge.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
News & Notices
Volunteers Needed for Secondary & Senior Exams


With the upcoming HSC and Secondary exams, some of our students are entitled to a reader and/or writer in order to facilitate a fair assessment of their knowledge. There are two types of volunteer needed, as outlined below:
Volunteers to work with HSC students
Strict rules apply to the position of reader and/or writer in HSC examinations. Volunteers are not allowed to have been employed at the school and cannot support a student who is a friend or family member. Due to the importance of this role, volunteers would be asked to participate in practice sessions with the student they will be supporting in order to build a rapport and help them to become confident in the process. HSC examinations are being held during November this year.
Volunteers to work with students in Years 7-10
Volunteers in this role would register their availability in the lead up to the exam week and may or may not be assigned to exam/s, depending on demand.
If you are a confident reader and writer, with legible handwriting and reasonable spelling, please consider making yourself available for one or both of these roles.
Please email the Office to register your interest (admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au).
Employment at Kuyper Christian School


Applications are invited from Christians of Reformed persuasion who identify with the School ethos and can demonstrate their Christian faith in Jesus as a priority in their life.
Bus Driver
This is a temporary part time position, 5 days per week – split shift. The successful applicant will be responsible for bus driving duties which will include, but not be restricted to, morning and afternoon school bus runs, excursions and sporting activities during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Requirements:
- MR driver’s licence
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
Administration Support
This is a temporary part time position, 2 days per week, during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Duties:
- Supporting the Administration team
- Administering First Aid
- Managing a busy reception, serving staff, parents, and students
Requirements:
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination certificate
- First Aid certificate
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Strong organisation skills, and flexibility
- Competent computer skills including MS Office and Google
- Ability to prioritise and work independently
Desirable:
- MYOB
- Edumate
- Adobe
All applicants must complete an application form which can be found on our website https://kuyper.nsw.edu.au/employment/
Applications close 5:00pm Friday 24 December, 2021.
Please send your application, including CV, to Ian Shaw: ishaw@kuyper.nsw.edu.au