Alexis Clarke, Head of Secondary – Welfare, and Core Teacher Year 11 & 12
This week, Year 11 and 12 students are busily preparing for their upcoming HSC exams. The HSC examinations launch on Tuesday 20 October for students across the state, beginning with English and continuing, depending on subject selection, until Wednesday 11 November. This has definitely been a year of challenges of historical significance as our students learned to cope with countless changes to routine, and disruptions arising from COVID-19, bushfires and floods. Our Year 11 and 12 students have persevered admirably.
For some of our students, their school journey at Kuyper began in Kindy. These students like to call themselves the ‘Originals’. For others, the journey at Kuyper began when they started Secondary, but for all of them – Grace A, Declan, Daniel G, Tom, Daniel I, Jasmine, Bethany, Matthew, Grace P, Sierra, Zoe, Lauren and Damian – these exams signal the end of Secondary Education.
Although this year was full of trials (and I’m not referring to the Trial HSC Examinations), great blessing has come from this.
These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:7
There is clearly purpose in our difficult and challenging times, and there are also benefits to come from these trials. They may cause us stress, but they shouldn’t prevent us from rejoicing. When trials come, we are encouraged to make a choice to continue to trust God. God promises to provide, and when He does, our faith grows stronger. Our senior students have demonstrated perseverance through all kinds of trials.
This year has become a year of choosing to focus on the positives. Some of our Year 12 students have shared a few of theirs:
If I had to condense all of my time at Kuyper into one thing that I value above all else it would be (without a doubt) the teachers’ support. Through the struggle that is growing up, I have been able to unquestioningly lean on their guidance both through my education and the general burdens of life. As a young Christian, this has been monumentally important for me. The witness for Christ that they have borne has been a foundation both on which to build my faith and return to in my sinfulness. I am very blessed to be part of Kuyper and very blessed to be under the guidance of staff that care so much for the betterment of God’s kingdom.
Matthew McCaull
I’ve enjoyed experiencing my schooling journey and hanging out with others in my class since Kindergarten. A highlight for me was being able to play sport in PASS during Year 9 and 10. My favourite camp was going to Cockatoo Island.
Zoe Stewart
Some of my favourite highlights at Kuyper have been through interacting with other students as we explored the diverse array of challenges and experiences life has to offer with camaraderie and humour.
Sierra Sparks
For the last 13 years, I have had the pleasure of attending Kuyper Christian School. It is here that I have not only learnt about how to read, write, “math” and remember all the unnecessary facts about the ‘Boston Tea Party’, but also how doing so can honour God. Our teachers have made this clear throughout all stages of our education; one of which being our trip to Vanuatu, last year, where we used our various gifts to spread the gospel throughout Port Vila, whilst learning more about ourselves and God’s creation.
Bethany Lawless
I have really enjoyed my years at this school. The friendships I made and the community I got to be a part of was excellent. Everyone was there to bring you up and put a smile on your face. I have made many friends who I know will stay friends for many years to come.
Declan de Vries
After the examinations we will be celebrating our first ever COVID safe Graduation Dinner and Celebration Assembly. At this stage, we are planning our Year 12 Graduation Dinner for Thursday 12 November at Loxley on Bellbird. The Celebration Assembly will occur on Friday 13 November and will be organised and run by the Year 12 group. This will be an opportunity for the school to farewell and celebrate with our students. COVID-19 recommendations change constantly and we will continue to provide, and respond to, updates as they are made available.
In the meantime, I will be praying for Year 12 and ask that you also continue to pray for Grace A, Declan, Daniel G, Tom, Daniel I, Jasmine, Bethany, Matthew, Grace P, Sierra, Zoe, Lauren and Damian as they prepare for their HSC exams.
