Reconnecting
Mark Ramsay, Assistant Principal
During the recent term break, I had the great privilege of visiting Vanuatu. Kuyper students will be returning to Vanuatu next year and I was able to reconnect with Jim and Charlotte (and their four children under five) who run the Scripture Union campsite at Pango Point. I was able to revisit and reconnect with friends I had made in the local businesses and market, and with the school I had visited five times previously, while working at another Christian School.
I was reminded of the beauty and joy in reconnecting. The people of Vanuatu have experienced many of the same disconnections that we have during the last few years. Most shops had signs on the front door asking people to keep a distance of 1.5 metres, and to wear masks whilst inside the shop. Schools in Vanuatu were closed for many months earlier this year (just like our long lockdown of 2021) and students were forced to learn from home. Many businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors have not yet reopened, and some of them never will. The people of Vanuatu, just like many in Australia, are hoping to leave the disconnection behind as they enjoy reconnecting with others.
This should come as no surprise to us. The Bible tells us that God made people to live in the connection of relationships. We see his design in the opening chapters of Genesis. Our desire to connect is seen throughout the Bible; indeed, it is also seen throughout history. If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that messing with the connections people have with each other can have some pretty serious consequences. Hopefully we are all treasuring the connections we have in our lives. More importantly, I hope we are all treasuring the connection with God that is offered through Jesus.
Next year, the reconnecting that I did in Vanuatu will lead to more connecting, this time by students in the Kurrajong Programme* with people in Vanuatu. I look forward to seeing the joy and blessing that connection brings to the lives of all involved.
*The Kurrajong Programme is for students in Years 11 & 12 at Kuyper.
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
Farewell Mr Gee
Ian Shaw, Principal
I write with much disappointment and sadness to tell you that Mr Gee will be leaving us at the end of Week 5 this term. Mr Gee has decided not to continue working at Kuyper next year and intends to pursue other work. As the Stage 6 compressed courses begin midway through this term, Mr Gee has graciously allowed the opportunity for a new teacher to commence at the beginning of these courses.
We will miss Mr Gee. His love for Jesus and intent to be faithful to Him, his diligent colleagueship, creative curiosity and humour will be sadly missed.
Please pray for Mr Gee as he embarks on new challenges, and pray for a replacement teacher.
The KUKEumbers are Back!
Got a ukulele? No? Then borrow one, and join the KUKEcumbers.
Come to the music room on Fridays at recess so we can prepare for our comeback performance at LimeLight!