A Word from Amanda McAlpine
As we all know, this year has been a rollercoaster ride. There have been constant changes, restrictions and challenges faced by the world and felt here at Kuyper. One of the positives to come out of all this upheaval, has been the opportunity for Prep to run for 3 days instead of 2 during Term 4. The Prep class are enthusiastic and excited to be “God’s Little Explorers” as they prepare for Kindergarten.
One of the exciting learning opportunities that Prep has been involved with this term is hatching chickens right here in the Prep room. We would like to thank Mrs Allen and the Elective Agriculture class for supporting our learning about God’s world.
We may have been restricted in the usual ways from being part of the Kuyper community, but this opportunity has proven to be a precious and exciting time. There have been so many questions. “How long till they hatch?” and “How many will hatch?” “ How will they get out?” “ How much longer?” “ Will we see them hatch?” We definitely learned about being patient! 21 days is an eternity when you’re 4 or 5 years old. But it was wonderful to experience the life-cycle of a chicken. We watched and waited (and waited and watched) until we had some tiny, adorable creatures to look after.
We were shown how to “candle” the eggs to check the chickens’ growth. We saw the fetus, veins and air sack. 
First to hatch was Sunshine; he’s turning into a very handsome rooster. Then came Squeak and Fluffy.
It was tricky deciding on names for our feathered friends, but Preps are very creative and they named the first 3 chicks Sunshine, Fluffy and Squeak. We also adopted another chick which we called Popcorn. They started out as tiny little chicks who slept most of the day and woke up and cheeped when we talked to them. As they grew, we noticed their changing colours and size. Sadly, they grew much too big for our classroom. But the Preps enjoy being able to visit them in the high school.
The chickens are now big enough for them to hold and pat and we are amazed at how big they are and how smooth and soft their feathers feel. The Preps have learned the difference between hens and roosters and discovered that it’s very tricky to tell the difference between them when they are tiny, but it gets easier as they get bigger. We even know where their ears are now! The Prep class love all of God’s creation and have a special connection to these little Belgium Bantams.
God’s creation is wonderful. The way the Preps view the world reminds me constantly of how God views His creation. It is good! There is so much to be excited and blessed by if you look at the world from a child’s perspective. Take the time to be amazed, enjoy all the blessings that God gives us every day, and be thankful.
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:15-16
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
Nurture Magazine
Nurture Magazine is a regular publication by Christian Education National (CEN). If you have been at Kuyper for a while, these publications may look familiar to you. The latest one was sent home with your child today. CEN have released a short survey about Nurture Magazine and would appreciate your participation. Please follow the link below:
BBQ Fundraiser this Thursday
Don’t forget, if you have placed an order, that the BBQ Fundraiser for our Compassion Child, Mehedi is on this Thursday at lunch time.
Limelight is Tonight!
Limelight is here! From 5pm – 6:30pm today all kinds of stalls will be operating on the Village Green. Eftpos will be available for a limited number of stalls, so you will need to bring cash. Food and drink will be selling for $1 – $5. Some craft and speciality items may cost more. Christmas hampers are on sale for $35 – $75 each. All money raised by Kuyper at Limelight will be donated to Vanuatu.
From 6:30pm, stalls will close and students will entertain and delight us with their performances in the Hall. We are planning, preparing and praying for a wonderful evening of celebration and fellowship. We look forward to celebrating 40 years of Learning in God’s World with you.
Employment at Kuyper Christian School
Applications are invited from Christians of Reformed persuasion who identify with the School ethos and can demonstrate their Christian faith in Jesus as a priority in their life.
Bus Driver
This is a temporary part time position, 5 days per week – split shift. The successful applicant will be responsible for bus driving duties which will include, but not be restricted to, morning and afternoon school bus runs, excursions and sporting activities during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Requirements:
- MR driver’s licence
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
Administration Support
This is a temporary part time position, 2 days per week, during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Duties:
- Supporting the Administration team
- Administering First Aid
- Managing a busy reception, serving staff, parents, and students
Requirements:
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination certificate
- First Aid certificate
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Strong organisation skills, and flexibility
- Competent computer skills including MS Office and Google
- Ability to prioritise and work independently
Desirable:
- MYOB
- Edumate
- Adobe
All applicants must complete an application form which can be found on our website https://kuyper.nsw.edu.au/employment/
Applications close 5:00pm Friday 24 December, 2021.
Please send your application, including CV, to Ian Shaw: ishaw@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
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
QR Code at Kuyper
Kuyper Christian School has a QR code. We ask that anyone who steps onto school grounds use the QR code to sign in. We advise you to download the Service NSW app, if you haven’t already got it, as this will make it quicker and easier to sign in.
Therefore, when you step onto school grounds the following now applies:
- If you are dropping off or picking up a child, dropping off an item, or dropping in to ask a quick question, please register using the QR code attached to the tree inside the main pedestrian gate.
- For Prep parents, the QR code will also be available at the Prep room.
- If you will be on site for longer than 5 minutes, you will need to register using the QR code AND sign the visitor register as well. This is to satisfy COVID guidelines and emergency evacuation procedures.
If you have any questions at all, please ask! Thank you all for your assistance and understanding.
Return & Earn for Vanuatu
Our Return & Earn fundraising for Vanuatu continues. Please deposit your aluminium cans and plastic bottles in the lime coloured recycling box in the sails area, or place them alongside in a labelled bag. All donations need to be clean, whole (not crushed) and eligible for the 10c recycling refund.