Creative by Design
Mitchell Cavens, Secondary Teacher
The start of a new term brings with it the excitement of new learning. This semester, Year 8 students will undertake the Engineered Systems course through their mandatory Technology class.
As students completed this course last semester, it became clear that each one possesses a uniquely creative mind. As their teacher, the challenge was not to increase their creativity, but to help them learn that they are creative, and then give them the tools to utilise their creativity for God’s glory.
This term, students will create a bridge structure from spaghetti. They will make a battery-powered race car by re-using products from around the house, and they will design a 3-dimensional digital model of a structure using Google SketchUp.
It is a joy to be a part of our students’ journey as they practice innovating and creating, rather than consuming. In a world which increasingly preaches the right to individual gratification and the power of wealth, it is refreshing to witness students using their creativity to re-create together, for others.
And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.
1 Thessalonians 4:11
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
Working Bee, this Saturday 15 October
Our Term 4 Working Bee will be held this Saturday 15 October. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. Morning tea will be provided. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.
Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au and bring along your gum boots, shovels, whipper snippers and safety gear. We need you!
Parent/Teacher Interviews for Senior Students
Parent/Teacher interviews for Senior students will be held in the Library on Wednesday 14 September, from 4pm. Use the button below to make your bookings.
Bookings close on Thursday 8 September. Academic Reports for Senior students will be emailed to you before 14 September.
Seussical Tickets: still some left!
Only 7 days until Opening Night (and counting), and Seussical tickets are still available! They can be booked online, by using the button below. It’s going to be amazing, so please join us and bring your family and friends!
- Performance Dates:
- Opening Night – Wednesday 10 August, 7:30pm
- Thursday 11 August, 7:30pm
- Friday 12 August, 7:30pm
- Matinee – Saturday 13 August, 2pm
- Closing Night – Saturday 13 August, 7:30pm
The show runs for approximately two hours including Interval. The Seussical Cafe will be in operation before each show and at Interval, selling delicious Seussical themed food and drinks. If you have any questions at all when purchasing your tickets, please contact the Office on 4573 2999 or email admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
Healthy Harold
Healthy Harold will be visiting Kuyper again. You will see the Life Education van in Primary soon, and students from Prep – Year 6 will enjoy a lesson with Healthy Harold and their class. These lessons are planned and delivered with class teachers, tailored to our school and the age of each group. If you have any questions at all, please contact your class teacher.
The timetable for Healthy Harold’s visit is as follows:
- Wednesday 3 August, 9:15am, Year 5
- Wednesday 3 August, 11am, Prep & Kindy
- Thursday 4 August, 9:15am, Year 4
- Thursday 4 August, 11am, Year 3
- Friday 5 August, 9:15am, Year 6
- Friday 5 August, 11am, Year 2
- Friday 5 August, 1:45pm, Year 1