Normality & Truth
Leila Thomson, Secondary Teacher
It was lovely to return to school this week and to get back into the routines and traditions that serve our school students well. It was great to see familiar faces and new ones. The first week is always exciting, for both student and teacher alike. Eyes are quick to scan new timetables and classrooms, and hearts are encouraged by the care of the Kuyper School Community.
The new year also invites expectancy and excitement around classes and lessons. This pushes staff to consider the meaning and value of our own lives and the subjects we teach to our students. I asked my Year 9 Core class how the first few days had gone for them, and one student replied that it had felt very “normal”. I thought about that and, given the very abnormal few years we have experienced, normal felt reassuring. I felt much the same.
Of course, our idea of normal is always influenced by our own perceptions, experiences and expectations so that our normal is constantly shifting. The Bible teaches us about “normal” human behaviour and how different it is to the perfection of Jesus, who walked on earth as a man. We want students to learn content, but we also want them to learn the truth about themselves and to take the initiative to work towards their own unique goals.
In my Senior History class, we have started a historical inquiry where students can choose their own topic and essay question. This is a new step for them and they need to acquire new skills, responding to feedback as the investigation progresses. I think our desire to inquire and to know is normal for us as human beings. Parents and teachers want to nurture that desire in their young people. Anyone who has spent time with a three or four year old knows that humans like to ask questions. In History we are always asking questions about the past and putting the pieces together in an effort to learn the truth. Truth in history can be distorted, and there are many factors that make the truth hard to find. As historians, we usually end up with what we believe is the most realistic version of the truth, based on the evidence we have found.
By comparison, Jesus teaches us that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
It is my hope that our students and community will consider what Jesus teaches us about truth. I believe that His truth is not distorted. Therefore, it is His normal that we can truly find comfort in.
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
Kuyper Christian School Swimming Carnival 2022
The Kuyper Christian School Swimming Carnival will be held this Friday, 11 February 2022, for competitors who have registered. Registration for this event is now closed. If you have missed the deadline and your child still wishes to compete, please contact the Office on 4573 2999.
Regular classes will run at school for students not competing in events. Students not registered to compete in the carnival should come to school as normal.
In line with current Public Health Orders, parents/carers of competitors can attend as spectators under special conditions:
- Parents will be asked to QR code into the venue and sign on the school register.
- Parents will be seated separately to students and must physically distance.
Parent spectators will also need to bring their own seating and shade and pay the $1 spectator entry fee.
We are looking forward to a fabulous day of camaraderie and aquatic competition.
School Photographs Next Week
We are looking forward to our School Photographs on Wednesday next week, 16 February. Below is some information for you:
- All students must wear full regular school uniform, regardless of their usual timetable. If sport or PE is usually scheduled for Wednesday, students may bring their sport shoes to change into.
- Envelopes for ordering photographs have been sent home with students today. They are individually coded. If your child is absent, their envelope will be held in the Office for them to collect.
- If you require another envelope (and code), please contact the Office. We will arrange one for you.
- If you would like your children to have a sibling photograph together, you may collect a sibling envelope at the Office.
- Envelopes must be returned to the Office before school photo day. We will not accept envelopes after 4pm on Tuesday 15 February.
- Please pay online, or place the correct money in the envelope. We cannot arrange change.
- School photographs will be held from 9am – midday (approximately).
If you have any questions at all, please contact the Office.