A Word from Cassie Dixon
Core Teacher, Year 8
Students in Year 7 and 8 had a wonderful time last week at Cru Camp Lake Macquarie. Although the camp was originally planned for early Term 2, it was a tremendous blessing to be able to spend three days with the campers as they took to the water, faced their fears, and spent time learning about the character of God.
It was full of fun and sharing great experiences with friends. My favourite things about camp were sailing, rock climbing and the lake walk. First of all, sailing felt like I was like a bird flying over the top of the water. Second of all, rock climbing – my heart was pounding so much that it felt like I was bungy jumping out of a plane cause I made it that high! Third of all, the lake walk was amazing as we learnt about all those old things that had been dissolved and taken away through erosion. Also, I loved how we could talk and learn more about our class and school mates.
Georgia
Despite a couple of ‘accidents’ which caused some of the canoes to capsize, great fun was had as students went sailing, canoeing and fishing. These activities were new and exciting for many of the students, and proved to be very popular.
My favourite part of camp was sailing. It was a great feeling, being out on the lake with my friends with no distractions of technology.
Matilda
After these activities (which some might say they sailed through), students faced the challenge of the 12 metre rock climbing and abseiling walls. While some students had a strong grasp of these tasks and took to them easily, others struggled to overcome their fears. It was heartwarming to be surrounded by the cheers of the students on the ground as they encouraged their peers.
The Cru leaders were able to use activities like this to challenge how we think about our relationship with God and to increase our understanding of His character. In the same way that we create our own goals based on our own abilities, we should not be tempted to compare our God-given journey with the journey of others. As the harnesses and ropes kept us safe, God is even more trustworthy and will always be with us to catch us when we fall. What a wonderful reminder as we enter the Christmas season and contemplate the depth of God’s love for us and the lengths to which He will go for our salvation.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
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.
Secondary Sausage Sizzle Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, students will be holding a sausage sizzle for Secondary students and staff (sorry Primary students!).
Sausage sandwiches will be $3 and drinks will be $2. Come to the Food Technology room at lunch time to purchase.
For all students, Zooper Doopers will be sold at the Hall during recess and lunch for $1. Don’t forget to also wear non-uniform and bring a gold coin!
All money raised will be donated to Compassion and Operation Christmas Child. Thank you all very much for your support.