A Word from Mitchell Cavens


One difficulty of living in a sinful world is that we come under the illusion that it is better to rely on oneself than be dependent on others.
Timothy Jennings in ‘The God Shaped Brain’ illustrates this point using the example of God’s creation. In any ecosystem, the survival of every being is dependent on another. He observed that for animals to survive, a plant or another animal must be ‘sacrificed’ and consumed. A plant’s survival depends on nutrients from the soil, rain, and sun; it cannot possibly grow on its own. There is not one member of creation that can be entirely independent.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Romans 1:20
We should expect God’s creation to reflect His nature. Timothy Jennings argues that the sacrificial nature of all creation reflects the love of God, because love is, by nature, sacrificial. From this perspective, love really does make the world go around. If an element of creation decides not to love and not to sacrifice, its community risks loss of life.
The same is true for humans! For some reason, we have decided that self-dependence is best, but actually, it halts the cycle of love and hurts families and communities. I think we know this to be true from our own experiences. When we live isolated lives, we tend to lack joy, but when we choose to love others by sacrificing our time/money/attention, we receive joy. Communities that help and rely on each other for their needs, tend to be relationally close, more joyous communities. Truly it is “better to give than receive” as the Bible says.
Last week, we spent time with Year 7 and 8 students at Galston Gorge camp. The students participated in bushwalking, archery, abseiling, and climbing, as well as other activities. At the end of every activity, Crusader staff gathered the students together to reflect on the importance of encouragement and teamwork. Many students recognised the importance of working as a team, particularly as they experienced failure when they did not practice effective teamwork!
I would like to encourage you to reflect on your need for Christ, and other people; we can’t live life in isolation. I also encourage you to be that help for others; sacrifice your time and resources for your neighbour and follow the greatest example of love, Jesus Christ.
If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
1 Corinthians 12:17-20
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!
School Tour Morning, this Saturday 15 October


We are looking forward to our School Tour morning this Saturday for non-Kuyper families. Classrooms will be open and staff will be hosting tours any time between 9:30am and 1pm. We will also be serving free barista coffee for anyone curious about Kuyper Christian School or interested in enrolling.
We encourage our Kuyper community to join us in inviting their friends and colleagues to come and see the school for themselves. You can download or share the brochure.
Colour Explosion Fun Run - this Friday



In response to student initiative, we will be holding a Colour Explosion Fun Run to raise money and awareness about bullying and cyber bullying in schools. We are looking forward to a fun event as we support an Australian charity, Dolly’s Dream.
The Colour Explosion Fun Run will be held after lunch, this Friday 14 May. To participate, students must wear non-uniform that includes a white t-shirt and bring a gold coin donation. During the fun run, students will be covered in non-toxic, biodegradable coloured powder from head to toe. If you do not wish your child to participate, you must submit a non-consent form (below). Your child would have already received a sponsorship form that explains the event and how they can fundraise.
If you have any questions at all, or would like another sponsorship or non-consent form, please contact the Office.
NAPLAN Online, Tuesday 10 May


NAPLAN Online for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will begin on Tuesday next week (10 May). All participating students will need to bring plug-in headphones. Secondary students will need to ensure that their Chromebook is fully charged for the start of the day.
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. All NSW schools will sit NAPLAN online in 2022.
Please contact the School Office if you need more information on special provisions or the process required to gain a formal exemption.
Where possible, we will arrange for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests at another time during our test schedule.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact the Office or your child’s teacher.
Additional resources: