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


- TOMORROW Secondary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Families are reminded to ensure that at least half of your school fees for the year are paid by the end of June. If you need to discuss this, please contact Tina in the Office Monday – Thursday.
- We have oodles of lost property here in the Office following the athletics carnival. Please come and claim some!
- Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be held in the Office from 7 – 7:30pm. All welcome.
- We would still like some help with morning tea on Friday 1 July for the 40 Year Celebration Service. Please email admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au if you can assist.
- All students, staff and their families should be aware of NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and other illnesses that may affect schools this coming winter, such as the flu. Please note the following NSW Health messages: stay home if unwell; keep up to date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, or for a small charge for those aged 5 years and older; get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result; even if you receive a negative result, do not attend school whilst symptomatic; practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water; take a RAHT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
- Eczema Support Australia has recently released a new video series with Dr Justin Coulson on Practical Parenting for Eczema Families. The video resource provides an insight into the daily challenges faced by families with eczema. It also provides strategies to help develop positive coping mechanisms and reduce feelings of isolation for the family unit. Please use this link to view the video series.
Prayer & Praise


- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise God for His grace towards us through Jesus Christ. He is worthy of all of our love and devotion. Worship and thank Him for His sacrifice that rescued us from death.
- Give thanks for our athletics carnival; for great weather and friendly competition. Give thanks for our staff and volunteers who contributed so much to the day.
- Give thanks for our staff. Pray that the Lord would restore us all to full health and strength to finish Term 2 well.
- Give thanks for all our students and their families. Pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit through those who know Him, to lead us in prayer, words and deeds to encourage and exhort each other and find our health, peace and direction in the Lord. Pray for protection over the hearts and minds of our children and young people.
- Give thanks for our CEN schools. Pray for Dubbo Christian School, and their Principal. Pray for healing, fellowship and peace.
- Pray for our 40 year celebrations; that we would be truly thankful and joyful for what God has provided and achieved for us and through us. Pray that we would continue in the spirit we began with in 1982.
- Give thanks for our Kuyper families. Pray for connections to strengthen and grow in genuine community and care for eachother.
- 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).
- Praise God for the faithful Pioneers of Kuyper Christian School. Give thanks for those who have continued to nurture and grow those beginnings. Give thanks for Abraham Kuyper, his vision and his teachings. Give thanks that our foundations are in Christ, who is the source of all Truth. Give thanks that we are in partnership with each other – staff, parents and carers – as we serve the Lord by nurturing children in the knowledge and love of Him. Thank Him for each individual who makes up the Kuyper Community and lead us to value the whole person, so that each one may be encouraged in their relationship with God. Thank God for the students he has entrusted to our care, made in His image, to glorify Him. Worship Him because He is holy. Thank Him for His love and faithfulness towards His creation. Praise Him as Creator God, from whom we inherit our creativity. Give abundant thanks for his mercy and grace, without which we would be lost indeed. Give thanks also for His justice, that will not fail, and His forgiveness which is freely extended to all who would accept it. Give thanks for our God and his omnipotence; his power and influence is unlimited! Give thanks for our God and his omniscience; his universal understanding and complete knowledge.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
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, Saturday 14 May


After an extended break due to COVID, our first Working Bee for 2022 will be held on Saturday 14 May. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. Morning tea will be provided. Please bring a shovel, safety gear, whipper snipper and fuel, if you can. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.
The Working Bee is a great opportunity to meet other families and contribute to the place your children attend almost every day. If you are bringing your child to the Seussical Rehearsal, why not stay and help?
Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au