A Word from Elizabeth Porter


Much of the time, I dislike Facebook, as many people use it for bragging. However I haven’t deleted it because my Kuyper colleagues post beautiful photos, wise comments and sometimes poetry. Unsolicited advertisements pop up, and the quilt in the picture caught my eye recently.
Life in lockdown is not fun for most of us. I could write a long list of the events my family has been forced to cancel, activities my students have had to miss, and even harder experiences for several friends, but I doubt there would be much edification to my readers in doing that; we all have our own lists of disappointments and cancellations. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party, a holiday or a visit. Perhaps its something not even for recreation; elective surgery, a cancer-research fundraiser, or planning work for one’s business. There is no certainty that anything will actually be allowed to go ahead. It seems risky to dare to look forward to anything, as our hopes might be dashed.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:13-15
Some may say that we shouldn’t have taken for granted all the activities that we had planned before COVID. As the apostle James says, we shouldn’t boast about our plans, as we do not know what will happen tomorrow. How often has that been affirmed in the past 18 months! Does this mean we shouldn’t try to plan ahead? I don’t think so, as the Bible also calls us to be wise and discerning and to have a Kingdom-of-God perspective. James’ warning is set in the context of boasting about our plans to go somewhere, make money and pursue “arrogant schemes”. The message is that we must not be arrogant nor selfish in our plans, but humbly acknowledge that everything is under God’s sovereign control. We are able to plan, but under His Sovereignty. He “works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28), even though particular times involve disappointment and suffering. Remember that He holds the BIG picture, while we can only see a little piece of the jigsaw puzzle, and He cares about what we are going through (1 Peter 5:7), so we can tell Him about our worries and take heart.
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:6-7
So how should we respond in these difficult, and often lonely, times? We don’t have to feel strong all the time (but remember that He is strong). There are times when it’s okay not to be okay, and have a good cry. The Facebook quilt advertisement challenged me though, to “remember whose daughter you are”, and to fight on. I’d like to consider whose daughter I am on two levels.
My Dad is a (retired) world-class Scientist. Though not a household name in Australia, he is well-respected internationally in his field of expertise. He has led Christian ministries and he was Mayor of Parramatta. Should these attributes give me confidence to stand before life’s challenges? Perhaps, and I’m proud of him, but from another perspective, my Dad is as valuable as any other human being. We have all been created by God, in His image. I take just as much inspiration from my Mum, who was a Primary School Teacher. She is the reason I dislike the spelling of “Mom” on the quilt. I annoy people by correcting their grammar and I understand the irony of “you cannot use a preposition to end a sentence with!” However the real reason I am inspired by my Mum is her quiet faithfulness to Jesus, her diligence in prayer and her life of humble service to others. Yes, I should remember whose daughter I am and follow this example.
It shouldn’t be too hard for all of us to find things to respect in our parents. Of course, all have their failings, but all also have their strengths and all love their children more than their own lives and have made sacrifices for them. A good challenge might be to look at whose daughter or son each of us is, and imitate their strengths, taking courage in the tough times.
However, on another level, we should remember that God has called us to be His children. What a privilege! Our Heavenly Father is the Lord Almighty. Our Father owns the “cattle on a thousand hills” and knows “every bird in the mountains” (from Psalm 50:10-11). He provides all our needs and loves us so much that he sent His Son to die for us. His power is demonstrated in so many ways, but especially in Jesus’ Resurrection. Yes, we should remember that we are children of the King, and as the writing on the quilt says, “straighten your crown”. You actually need to do this with humility, because it’s for His glory, and we will be receiving our crowns a bit later. Take courage from remembering that our Father, the King, is in control, whatever the circumstances.
At the Olympics in Tokyo, it is sad to see the empty seats arranged for thousands of spectators. The athletes must be so disappointed to be competing without family, friends and fans to cheer them on, yet grateful that the Games have gone ahead. I’m told that the Japanese have a saying, “knocked down seven times, get up eight”. Let’s be inspired to remember whose children we are, remember who our Father is and get up again in His strength.
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
A Word from Orlando (Year 4)



Being in lockdown has been hard for everyone… but there are some positive things about being at home.
I’m going to mention some great things I enjoy whilst being at home. Firstly, getting to see my family throughout the day (even though my brother is annoying). Such as having chats with my parents and squeezing them all day… and a very occasional hug with my brother. Also seeing my mum running around spraying Glen-20 is hilarious… it still smells good even after mum sprayed it a million times!
This is one of my favourites… home made food. I get to choose what I want to eat for lunch… and eating together with my family at the table! My dad makes me laugh a lot with his funny jokes. Also I get to see my dog Luna all day, cause she is extremely cute. I know this sounds silly but I get to wear super comfy clothes like for example my track suit pants and sloppy joe. The last thing that I would like to add to this list is going down my fire trail for walks on my property whenever I can, I get to see lots of wildlife that I like (that does not include spiders and snakes).
OH! I nearly forgot, doing school work at home is fun as well.
On a serious note: I pray that everyone who is feeling sick due to COVID-19 gets better and the world gets back to normal one day… Amen.
A Letter from our Chaplain, Mr H



Dear Kuyper Community; here we are in another crazy time of Lockdown! I hope that everyone has had a restful break, and that you’re not too overwhelmed by having to do School@Home again. As we all know, it’s really important to try to get this virus under control, but it can also be a SUPER tough time for all of us in the Kuyper community – students, staff AND parents & carers.
Teachers will be reminding students every morning to turn to God daily and keep relying on Him. They will pray with your kids and read from God’s Word to encourage and help them get through the day.
I am also here, so if you need prayer, or if you want to just have a chat, feel free to send me an email: mhottinger@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
And remember,
We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him.
Romans 8:28
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!