A Word from Kae McCaull
One of the things I love about teaching is that every day is different; different information to learn and experience, different conversations to share and different challenges to overcome. Some days we’re in the classroom thinking about numbers and learning the meaning of new words or patterns that God has built into His creation. On other days we are investigating our amazing natural surrounds. And on yet other days we’re beside a pool cheering our classmates on as they try out new swimming skills or use the abilities they have been practising and developing to push themselves further.
God blessed us with some beautiful weather last Friday for our swimming carnival. We saw many students give their best to participate in their races. One of my favourite parts of the swimming carnival every year is watching the Secondary students help the younger students swim in their 25 metre race in the ‘big pool’. For Kindy students, this is their first experience of swimming in the carnival and the support and encouragement of their school community is a fabulous way to start. For some of the Year 1 and Year 2 students this support allows them to do something they would never feel brave enough to do alone. Thank you to all those Secondary students who helped the younger kids and gave them a great first experience at our school carnival. And this reminds me of another of God’s gracious blessings to us: community.
The Bible has many verses and passages that make it clear that God created us to be in community.
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…
Romans 12:4-6
This passage makes it very clear that we are better together. Even Jesus, who is perfectly capable, and does not need human help, chose to surround himself with a large community, that included His 12 disciples. At Kuyper, community allows us to use the gifts we have been given by God to serve and love others. It provides a place where we are encouraged to be who God created us to be. Community provides help and support when life is hard and it can also challenge us and “rub off” those rough edges that we all have. Community isn’t always easy but a God-honouring community is always worth it.
Community has become a bit of a theme in our class this year as we participate in activities that remind us that we work best when we are working together under God, rather than competing with each other. We made elephant toothpaste by using some ordinary ingredients that, together, make something pretty awesome. We put our heads together to solve many different puzzles and reveal a secret code. We are now working on a whole-group artwork which is beginning to look really good.
As we enter a new year, let’s thank God for the amazing community of students, staff and families that He has blessed us with. It is my prayer that we contribute to and build up this community.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24
Reminders
- TOMORROW Primary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Reminder to all parents, not to use the Bus Bay to drop off or pick up your children as it hinders bus movements and is unsafe.
- 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. We will send home any that is labelled today.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pray for Joshua Miller, who is unwell in hospital at present. Please pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and hope and strength for Josh’s family.
- 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 God and his omnipresence; he is present everywhere at the same time.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
News & Notices
Working Bee, Saturday 14 May
After an extended break due to COVID, our first Working Bee for 2022 will be held on Saturday 14 May. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. Morning tea will be provided. Please bring a shovel, safety gear, whipper snipper and fuel, if you can. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.
The Working Bee is a great opportunity to meet other families and contribute to the place your children attend almost every day. If you are bringing your child to the Seussical Rehearsal, why not stay and help?
Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
Meet the Kuyper Team Evening tonight
Thank you to all the parents who responded to our invitation to the Meet the Kuyper Team evening tonight. Come to the Hall where you will be asked to hand sanitise and sign in, and then be shown to your seat. You will hear from the Principal and new staff and have an opportunity to speak with your children’s teachers. You will also hear about our plans for the coming year and enjoy a delicious supper together. We are looking forward to it!