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


- 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
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