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
- TOMORROW Secondary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- 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 following the athletics carnival. Please come and claim some!
- Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be held in the Office from 7 – 7:30pm. All welcome.
- 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.
- All students, staff and their families should be aware of NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and other illnesses that may affect schools this coming winter, such as the flu. Please note the following NSW Health messages: stay home if unwell; keep up to date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, or for a small charge for those aged 5 years and older; get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result; even if you receive a negative result, do not attend school whilst symptomatic; practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water; take a RAHT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
- 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.
- Give thanks for our athletics carnival; for great weather and friendly competition. Give thanks for our staff and volunteers who contributed so much to the day.
- 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 Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
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
To celebrate Kuyper’s 40th anniversary, colouring sheets were sent home with Primary students. The illustrations to be coloured were done by two of our talented Senior students, Lucy Mann and Georgia Huntington. 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
Each Primary student can submit one entry. If they need a fresh sheet, they can request one from the Office. Entries are to be returned to the Office by Friday 24 June. Winning entries will be put on display in the Admin Building. Please contact the Office if you have any questions.
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.