Mitch Cavens, Head of Secondary
As we return from the summer break and begin a new school year, it is a joy to warmly welcome our Secondary students and families back to Kuyper Christian School. The beginning of a year always brings a sense of anticipation, and we step into this year with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and genuine excitement for what lies ahead.
We are delighted to welcome several new students and families to the Secondary School. It has been a joy to witness God at work in this way—strengthening our school community and entrusting us with the privilege of partnering with parents in the nurturing and shaping of young people. We look forward to helping these students feel known, valued, and deeply connected as they join in the life of Kuyper.
This year, we are strengthening a Secondary culture that is purposeful, relational, and deeply grounded in our Christian identity. Many of the initiatives we are introducing or reintroducing this year reflect our commitment to support students not only academically but also pastorally, socially, and spiritually as they grow in wisdom, strength, and humility.
Screen-Free Fridays
One notable feature of this year is the introduction of Screen-Free Fridays for Years 7-10. This initiative is designed to foster attentiveness, presence, and deeper relational engagement within the school day. As we intentionally create space away from screens, we hope to encourage students to connect more meaningfully with one another, with their learning, and with the life of the classroom.
Senior Connection Initiative
For our senior students, we are excited to launch a Senior Connection Initiative, led by Mr Daniel Nixon. As part of an elective activity, students will spend intentional time building community, engaging in guided pastoral conversations, and receiving career advice. This initiative is designed to support students holistically as they navigate senior schooling and discern future pathways, while also strengthening peer relationships and a sense of belonging.
Senior Mentorship Program
We are also continuing our Senior Mentorship Program, coordinated by Mrs Sandra Daly, which provides each senior student with regular one-on-one time with a staff mentor. This programme remains a vital part of our pastoral framework, ensuring students are known, supported, and encouraged as individuals during these formative years.
House Culture
Another exciting development is the return of House Culture in Secondary. Under the coordination of Mr Ja Baldwin and our student representative team (the Representative Council for Growth), our Hawkesbury, Redbank, and Colo Houses will meet weekly during Friday Core time, followed by friendly House competitions during Recess. We look forward to seeing Houses become spaces where students grow in teamwork, leadership, service, and healthy competition, contributing to a vibrant and unified school culture.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Friday afternoons will also take on a new rhythm for Years 7-10, with students participating in Extra-Curricular subjects, including sport, service-based learning, and interest groups. These opportunities are designed to broaden students’ experiences, cultivate gifts beyond the classroom, and encourage joy, service, and creativity as part of school life.
Single-Week Timetable
To support organisation and clarity, a Single-Week Timetable has been introduced this year. We are confident this change will help students develop stronger routines and greater independence in managing their learning.
Breath Prayers
As part of our pastoral program, we are introducing Breath Prayers at the beginning of each class. These short, Scripture-shaped prayers are intended to help students settle, refocus, and grow in awareness of God’s presence in the classroom, reminding us that all learning takes place before Him and for His glory.
New Subjects
In Years 9 and 10, Mr Tim White will lead a Hybrid PACTAP and Study Skills program designed to strengthen learning habits and better prepare students for the demands of Stage 6. Alongside this, we are pleased to reintroduce Christian Studies for Years 7-10, reaffirming our commitment to explicitly teaching and forming students in a Christian worldview.
As we begin this year together, we do so with confidence that God is at work in and through our Secondary School. We look forward to partnering with you as we seek to cultivate a community where students grow in strength, wisdom, and humility, equipped to contribute faithfully to God’s world. We pray that this year would be one marked by deep learning, strong relationships, and a growing love for Christ.