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
- 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
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