A Word from Kae McCaull

For me, the online google meetings in the morning with my class have been one of the highlights of my day. During this time, we share what’s been happening for each other, pray, look at God’s word and reconnect as a class. In our devotion time Year 1 and 2 have been working through a book called “How Great is Our God” by Louie Giglio. This book looks at some of the awesome things that God has created and, through them, encourages us to think about the truths that God has taught us in His word. I would like to share something very interesting that we have learned in our time together.
Plants, as you well know, are unable to move around to disperse their seeds. Class 1/2 were amazed as we looked at some of the ways that God has provided for different plants to disperse their seeds. We considered the coconut, which drops its giant seeds into the water that then carries them far away to different places. We looked at maples and dandelions whose seeds fly away on the wind. We chuckled about the squirting cucumber, whose fruit fills with liquid until it explodes, squirting seeds up to 6 metres away. But the most impressive, and dangerous, is the Sandbox Tree. This tree can be found in South America and the Amazon Rainforest.
The Sandbox Tree is also called the Dynamite Tree because it has fruit like little bombs. When they are ripe, they explode, sending out seeds at approximately 240 km/h and making a sound like a gunshot. This tree is also called the ‘monkey-no-climb’ tree because it is covered in spikes. The sap of this tree can cause a terrible rash and even blindness.
After marvelling at God’s creation, Class 1/2 went on to discuss the type of seeds that we can sow. God calls on us to sow seeds of righteousness and kindness. A quote from our devotions book reminded us that “being kind means more than just smiling and being nice. It takes courage to be kind to the person that is different from you. And it takes strength to be kind when you’re tired or when others aren’t so kind to you.” I am sure you could add some more situations, such as being in lockdown for months, to the list of things that make being kind difficult. Thankfully we don’t have to be courageous and strong on our own. God gives us all the courage and strength we need to do the things He wants us to do.
Just like the seeds of a plant, any seeds of kindness we sow will grow and spread. When we are kind to others, it encourages them to be kind to their fellow humans as well, therefore spreading seeds of kindness far and wide. In our current trying times it takes a God-given amount of strength to be kind day after day. While we are all locked down it may take a little more creativity to think of ways that we can be kind or reach out to others, but it is certainly worth it and definitely what our hurting world needs at this time. The family that we share a home with is a great place to start. I hope you can sow some kindness today and that you are blessed enough to see some kindness from others.
Just don’t try to climb a Sandbox Tree, that’s not being kind to anyone.
Reminders


- TOMORROW Primary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Reminder to all parents, not to use the Bus Bay to drop off or pick up your children as it hinders bus movements and is unsafe.
- 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. We will send home any that is labelled today.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pray for Joshua Miller, who is unwell in hospital at present. Please pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and hope and strength for Josh’s family.
- 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 God and his omnipresence; he is present everywhere at the same time.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
News & Notices
Book Week Fun 2021


A big Thank You to all the parents, staff and students who got involved with Book Week online. It was a fun time. Mrs Kean set the students a choice of activities, and the results were amazing; from Lego libraries to colourful baking to reading books with animals and toys. It was a wonderful Book Week lockdown celebration.
Thank You also to the students and families who joined in the Premier’s reading challenge for 2021. We trust you have enjoyed all you read!
Volunteers Needed for Secondary & Senior Exams


With the upcoming HSC and Secondary exams, some of our students are entitled to a reader and/or writer in order to facilitate a fair assessment of their knowledge. There are two types of volunteer needed, as outlined below:
Volunteers to work with HSC students
Strict rules apply to the position of reader and/or writer in HSC examinations. Volunteers are not allowed to have been employed at the school and cannot support a student who is a friend or family member. Due to the importance of this role, volunteers would be asked to participate in practice sessions with the student they will be supporting in order to build a rapport and help them to become confident in the process. HSC examinations are being held during November this year.
Volunteers to work with students in Years 7-10
Volunteers in this role would register their availability in the lead up to the exam week and may or may not be assigned to exam/s, depending on demand.
If you are a confident reader and writer, with legible handwriting and reasonable spelling, please consider making yourself available for one or both of these roles.
Please email the Office to register your interest (admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au).
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