Culture
Shareen Liggins, Secondary Teacher
Recently, I was at a church event where a sad little story was told to illustrate the changed landscape for Christians in Australia. A teacher had been introducing some kindergarten students to the Bible and had asked “Does anyone know who Jesus is?”. One of the students raised their hand and replied “What’s a Jesus?!” The student had clearly never heard of Jesus and, sadly, wasn’t the only one. Moreover, this story is a depressing confirmation of what many of us have perhaps been experiencing; the decline of even nominal Christianity in our community. Children now grow up in households where Jesus has been completely erased from cultural consciousness.
One of the brilliant things about working in a Christian school like Kuyper is that I have many opportunities to discuss and explore the importance of Jesus. Year 10 are studying To Kill A Mockingbird, which is set in the Southern state of Alabama. The citizens of Maycomb County are portrayed as practising Christians. This novel gives us opportunities to talk about what Christianity is and means, and what a truly Christian life looks like. It also allows us to talk about the fact that Christians are flawed, often unjust and prejudiced, and how we should respond to that. Shakespeare, too, is packed with Biblical references and allusions and a worldview that acknowledges the existence of God and His rule over His creation. As we study Othello in Year 11 English, we have rich opportunities to consider the claims of the Bible; the nature of humanity; God’s plan to invite people into relationship with Him through Jesus; wisdom and godly character. It is noticeable that, although not all my students profess to be Christians, there is a good foundation of shared Biblical knowledge which points to the work of faithful teachers at Kuyper and to you, the families who make up the school. This is a gift to me and I treasure it as I partner with the Kuyper community in trying to provide an education that is both academically rigorous, and acknowledges that all good things come from God.
Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.
James 1:17
So, as I contemplate the ‘cancel culture’ of this age and fear for the children who do not know who Jesus is, I am grateful to know that God hasn’t cancelled us. He is faithful to His promises and He never changes. The end of the story for that child was that, some years later, the teacher asked a similar question of the same class who were now in Year 2. That child was the first to have their hand up and, this time, knew who Jesus was. My prayer for all our students is that they will come to truly know Jesus who “is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
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
Parent Connect
We love to see our families at school and taking opportunities. Parent Connect is an easy way to participate in the Kuyper Community and enjoy what makes our school so special. We warmly invite parents, carers, grandparents and special friends to any or all of these events. We hope to see you soon!
Celebration Assembly: enjoy a barista coffee and chat from 2pm in the Hall on Thursday 1 September (this Thursday), before the Celebration Assembly.
Dessert Evening: join us for barista coffee and dessert from 6:45pm in the Library on Friday 2 September (this Friday). This is a new opportunity to connect through fellowship and prayer for our community from 7:30pm.
Book Week Morning Tea: on Tuesday 6 September after the Primary Book Week Parade. Stay and enjoy each other’s company over barista coffee and morning tea. Please bring a plate to share.
Cars & Cook Up: on Saturday 17 September from 9am – 1pm, we will be holding our annual Cars & Cook Up community event. All families are invited to bring their remote controlled devices for some competitive fun, and enjoy cooking together for families in need in our community. Don’t miss out!
Kuyper Canteen Open for a Limited Time!
There is still time to order your fresh lunch from the Kuyper Canteen. Our Elective Food Technology class are preparing three options that students can pre-order. All meals will be prepared in the School Kitchen using safe, sanitary and hygienic work practises, and will be individually packed and delivered to classrooms on Monday 19 September, at lunchtime.
You can still place your order by Friday 9 September. Last chance!
On the menu for $6 each:
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Delicious homemade basil pesto tossed through penne pasta and served with parmesan and fresh tomatoes.
Vietnamese Chicken Rice Paper Rolls (GF option available)
Nutritious rice roll of chicken, lettuce, carrot and noodles, with a hint of mint and served with hoisin dipping sauce.
Mediterranean Chicken Wrap (Vegetarian option available)
Mouthwatering wrap of chicken, cucumber, tomato, spinach and feta, with lemon, garlic tahini and hommus.
Dreaming of Book Week
On Tuesday 6 September, we will be holding our Book Week Parade for Prep to Year 6. We will be in the Hall and on the “Village Green” from 9:15am. Parents, carers, grandparents and special friends are all invited. Afterwards, there will be barista coffee in the Hall for our visitors. Please bring something to share for morning tea.
The theme for this year’s Book Week is “Dreaming with Eyes Open”. Students are to dress as a book character and bring the book which features their character.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
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.
Staffing News
Our Year 3 Teacher, Anna McQueen, has announced that she is moving from Kuyper to a new challenge next year. Miss McQueen will be a Ministry Apprentice, working with a university group to mentor, assist and minister to students whilst they are studying.
Our prayers follow Anna as she embarks on this new and exciting adventure in 2023. We will farewell her at our Staff Christmas event later this year.