Dirty Water
Jemima Robinson, Secondary Teacher
A few weeks ago, as Year 9 were finishing their unit on Ecosystems, I challenged them with the task of creating a filter system to clean dirty water, made of natural materials. I wanted them to consider how natural waterways maintain a level of water quality, because of their design. Students brainstormed, collected materials and created their filter, then tested, evaluated and recreated it. We had some impressive results!
Students considered how each of the substances they chose for their filter worked, whether rocks, sand, grass, bark or flowers. We also considered how each of these elements could be found in or around natural waterways, such as the creek behind our school. God has cleverly designed waterways, especially creeks and streams, to supply clean, filtered water to plants, animals and humans.
Here at Kuyper, we acknowledge that God doesn’t just make creeks clean. Through Jesus, he makes us clean. We are like the dirty water, but Jesus’ death on the cross means that we can be made clean. Our sins no longer stain us. This wonderful truth is in the Bible.
But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4 – 7
While some of my students joked about drinking the water after they filtered it, in reality, even though much improved, it was still dirty and undrinkable. But Jesus’ death is enough to cover all our sins. We are not left with bacteria, or a smell, or a slightly dirty colour (like our filtered water). Forgiveness leaves us completely pure and blameless, able to be a blessing and provision to those around us.
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
Athletics Carnival
On Friday this week, our Kuyper Athletics Carnival will be held at McMahons Park, Kurrajong. We are looking forward to an enjoyable day. Please see useful information for the day. As always, contact the Office if you have any questions on 4573 2999 or admin@kuyper. nsw.edu.au
- Parents are welcome! Bring a chair or picnic rug to sit on, if you wish.
- We will have a BBQ and canteen on the day. Bring the correct cash. There are no EFT facilities, and limited change. The price list is below.
- Students may dress in their house colours; Blue for Colo, Green for Hawkesbury, Red for Redbank. Check with your class or core teacher, or the Office, if you are unsure which house you are in.
- Arrive from 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM start.
Kuyper BBQ & Canteen
Lollies & Snacks ….. $0.50 – $1.50
Fruit ….. $1.00
Drinks ….. $2.00
BBQ Sausage on a Bread Roll ….. $3.00
BBQ Sausage & Drink Meal Deal ….. $5.00
Hot Soup for Lunch
This month, our Elective Food Technology students will be preparing hot soup for us to enjoy at lunch time. Secondary students will be catered for on Wednesday 15 June, while Primary students will enjoy their soup on Wednesday 22 June. Orders and payment for Secondary have closed. Orders for Primary can still be placed. Here is the menu!
Lemon Chicken Soup
with Dinner Roll
DF GF
$6
Minestrone Soup
with Garlic Bread
VE DF option
$6
Pumpkin Soup
with Sour Cream & Garlic Bread
VE GF VG option
$6
Kuyper Kolouring in Face Off
Entries for Kuyper’s 40th anniversary Kolouring in Face Off need to be returned to the Office by this Friday 24 June. Please contact the Office if you need a fresh sheet. Each Primary student can submit one entry. They are age specific.
Prep & Kindy will be colouring the birds, by Lucy
Year 1 & 2 will be colouring the chicken and koala, by Georgia
Year 3 & 4 will be colouring the bible stories, by Georgia
Year 5 & 6 will be colouring the lizard and cicada, by Lucy
40 Year Celebration Service
Kuyperians old and new are warmly invited to join us for a special Celebration Service to commemorate our 40 Year Anniversary on Friday 1 July, 9:15am – 10:30am in the Kuyper School Hall. The celebration will be followed by Morning Tea.
Meet some of our founding pioneers, discover more about the Kuyper story, and celebrate with current staff and students as we give thanks for 40 Years of Learning in God’s World.
Some parent assistance will be required with serving morning tea. Please contact Ruth Thompson on 4573 2999 or admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au if you can help.
Mission Australia Youth Survey
For several years, our Secondary and Senior students have been invited to participate in the Mission Australia Youth Survey. It is the largest annual survey of young people across Australia and is open for people aged 15 – 19. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Our Principal has looked over the questions that will be asked of our students and has decided that they are appropriate. Therefore, time will be set aside during Core for eligible students to participate.
If you have any questions or concerns, or to register your non-consent, please contact the Office.
Happy Birthday!
For anyone celebrating a birthday with their classmates, cupcakes are now back on the menu! Food may be shared in the classroom. May we be encouraged by being able to share and celebrate together again.
Please remember to speak with your child’s teacher before planning any shared food so that everyone’s needs may be taken into account.