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Newsletter – 11 October 2022

Being Well

Alexis Clarke, Head of Secondary – Wellbeing

The word ‘wellbeing’ has increased in usage over the last decade and is now a familiar buzzword. It was used frequently by the media during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to mental health. However, unlike other fashionable words coined by transitory events or cultural fads, ‘wellbeing’ may be here to stay.

So, what does wellbeing actually mean?

In the 1600s, the Italians used the word ‘benessere’ to refer to one’s mental and physical health. Although it has been widely accepted that this is where the concept of wellbeing originated, Greek philosopher Aristotle’s idea of ‘eudaimonia’, coined in the 4th Century BC, can also be translated as ‘welfare’ or ‘happiness’. Both words refer to mental and physical health; however, if you google the definition of wellbeing today, you will discover a variety of synonyms. Wellbeing is not just about mental health, nor is it about feelings. It encompasses more than just physical wellness. It is about recognising how we manage our emotions from day to day and about developing the resilience required to deal with difficult times. It can be concluded that wellbeing is subjective, complex, and contextual.

Over the past couple of years, I have been reflecting on where and how wellbeing fits at Kuyper. The importance of wellbeing is not a new idea to God’s people, or to Kuyper. As Christians living in a fallen world, our approach to wellbeing is Christ-centred and framed by a Biblical worldview. We understand the importance of spiritual wellbeing, as we foster and encourage our relationship with Christ and each other. And over the past 40 years Kuyper staff have been committed to providing for and addressing students’ wellbeing, not only spiritually, but also physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially, using a variety of resources and tools.

This year, we shifted terminology and focus from ‘welfare’, which often has negative, reactionary connotations, to ‘wellbeing’. We feel this better reflects our core values and the important role we play as parents and teachers of young people. This change has been timely, given the events of the past few years. Recent evidence confirms the benefit of openly discussing and actively promoting spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social health and wellness.

At a recent Wellbeing Symposium, I was reminded of research into the impact of organisations, such as schools, on a community’s wellbeing. When community organisations are intentional and proactive in addressing wellbeing, community members learn the skills they need to regulate their emotional responses and build resilience.

At Kuyper, wellbeing has always been part of our culture. We already do so much in this area. As we adjust to a new outlook post-COVID, it is essential that we model and teach our students the ways in which we care for our own wellbeing and that of others. Doing this openly will encourage a generation to approach wellbeing from a Christian perspective, by including spiritual health and wellness and imitating Christ by considering the wellbeing of others above their own. As scripture teaches us:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

But also:

Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up.

Romans 15:2

Reminders

Keep up to date with important information for this week.

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  • 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.
Busways Route 680 – AM
Busways Route 5060 – AM
Busways Route 5572 – PM

Prayer & Praise

Please join us in bringing our community before our great God.

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  • 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

Working Bee, this Saturday 15 October

We are looking forward to our next Working Bee for 2022. Come along any time between 8am and 12 noon on Saturday 15 October. Register your intention by emailing the Office.

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Our Term 4 Working Bee will be held this Saturday 15 October. Come along between 8am and 12 noon. Morning tea will be provided. You are welcome to attend part or all of the time; any help is welcome! Children may attend, but they are the parents’ responsibility.

Please register your intention to participate by emailing admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au and bring along your gum boots, shovels, whipper snippers and safety gear. We need you!

School Tour Morning, this Saturday 15 October

We are looking forward to our School Tour morning for non-Kuyper families. We encourage our Kuyper community to invite their friends and colleagues to come and see for themselves.

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We are looking forward to our School Tour morning this Saturday for non-Kuyper families. Classrooms will be open and staff will be hosting tours any time between 9:30am and 1pm. We will also be serving free barista coffee for anyone curious about Kuyper Christian School or interested in enrolling.

We encourage our Kuyper community to join us in inviting their friends and colleagues to come and see the school for themselves. You can download or share the brochure.

In This Issue

Calendar

November 2022

  • Wed 30: 5 – 6 Swim School, 11am, Richmond
  • Wed 30: 3 – 4 Swim School, 12pm, Richmond
  • Wed 30: K – 2 Swim School, 1pm, Richmond
  • Wed 30: Year 6 Graduation Dinner, 5:30pm

December 2022

  • Thurs 1: Year 8 Japanese Tanken Centre Excursion
  • Thurs 1: Year 6 Fun Day (for everyone!)
  • Friday 2: Kuyper Concert Band Rehearsal, 8am, Hall
  • Friday 2: Selected Secondary students, Positive Paws Program
  • Friday 2: Year 9 Swimming Program, Richmond
  • Friday 2: Parent Connect, 6:45pm, Library for dessert and prayer. All welcome!
  • Tues 6: Limelight! from 5pm
  • Wed 7: Year 6 Big Day Out!
  • Thurs 8: Parent Connect, 2pm, Hall, prior to the Assembly. All welcome!
  • Thurs 8: Celebration Assembly, 2:30pm, Hall.
  • Thurs 8: Last Day Term 4

January 2023

  • Mon 23: Curriculum Week begins (staff only)
  • Mon 30: First Day Term 1 for Years 1 – 12
  • Tues 31: First Day Term 1 for Prep & Kindy
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