A Word from Jason Baldwin
Primary Teacher, Year 3
Throughout this term, Stage 2 students have been using their God-given abilities to observe, think about and question the patterns built into solids and liquids. The intricacy of Creation gives us more reason to marvel at our wondrous Creator. Every day we see or use things that have been melted or frozen, heated or cooled. All around us are items that we find both useful and attractive, that have been moulded into different shapes by heating and cooling. As students have gained an understanding of the properties of materials and how they change state under different conditions, we have been thinking about all the different conditions that we ourselves have been forced to try and adapt to throughout the first half of this year. We have also considered how these conditions have placed us “under heat” and how we may have “changed state” as a result.
There was obvious and literal heat which we had to endure during the bushfires that were still raging at the beginning of this year. Then came the floods. Although there was no physical heat in the flooding, we may have felt the metaphorical heat, as we monitored the situation and decided what needed to be done to keep ourselves, our families and our properties safe. Most recently, racism-related issues which have of course been more prevalent in certain parts of the globe than others, have caused even further divides between people groups. This is despite the fact that “God created mankind in his own image…” (Genesis 1:27).
Probably the most significant amount of heat that we have been placed under this year though, is the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout Australia and the world. The ever-changing state of this virus which continues to linger, has forced us to continually and immediately adapt to the conditions and restrictions that the government have had to implement. There is no doubt that the heat we have been placed under during these recent times has made life as we know it, rather difficult and uncertain. There are, however, some things that we can be certain of; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”, as Hebrews 13:8 tells us. His unchangeable nature is a comforting assurance that His Word is faithful, and His many promises are true.
God does not change His “state”. Therefore, neither should we, no matter how much heat we are placed under. We are empowered to have the same unwavering faith in God that Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego had, for example, when they were thrown into the fiery furnace which had been heated seven times hotter than normal. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it…”, and they did not flinch from the trial (Daniel 3:17).
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
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
Animals and Outdoor Activity
Agriculture has been a hive of activity since our return to school.
We have welcomed lots of new bantams, and some baby guinea pigs were born just last week. The meat chickens went to market and the layers have returned from their COVID carers. We welcomed a new Rhode Island Red Rooster and are planning to breed some new layers soon.
We have new coops and new fencing, and gravel has been laid behind D Block to improve the functionality of this area. Some beautiful native plants, fruit and coffee trees are ready to be planted in our gardens soon.
Primary and Secondary students have really enjoyed being industrious in the the sunshine and glorious winter weather over the last few weeks as they Learn in God’s World.
Kuyper Pioneers Series #2: Deciding to Start
Almost 40 years ago, a group of ordinary people stepped out in faith to start Kuyper Christian School. Meet some of these pioneers in the second of a series of five videos exploring the commencement of our School.
Homework Insights #2
Why do Teachers Give Homework? by Bill Rusin
Teachers give homework for a number of reasons. It can help children to:
- Review and practice what they have learnt
- Prepare for the next day’s class
- Learn how to use resources such as libraries, information technology, reference materials etc
- Extend and enrich the learning experience in a way that is not available in the classroom
- Learn how to learn independently
- Encourage children to learn self-discipline and time management
- Develop an attitude of life-long learning
Approached properly, homework can be the vehicle through which the link between home and school is strengthened. It is important that as parents, you do not use homework or assignments as a punishment. This approach teaches children that it is not a good thing to do. Children need to know that their parents value homework. This is communicated best, not just by telling them, but by the way in which you order your home life. A busy life that places homework around the edges of your lifestyle is one that encourages children to see it in the same light. When quality time is given to the completion of school work it sends a strong message to the children about the importance of study.
Term Dates 2021
Hot Lunch Day - Order Now!
We will welcome Term 3 with a Hot Lunch Day on Monday 26 July. Download the order form below and return it to the Office, with the correct money, by this Thursday 24 June (last Thursday of Term 2), then look forward to your hot lunch!
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
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.