Esther

Anna McQueen, Primary Teacher

During Science last term, Year 3 explored the weird and wonderful behaviour of heat, light, and electricity. We conducted a few interesting experiments:

I was personally struck by just how much we NEED light. Many objects that are hot emit some form of light. Who knows where we would be without the sun shining on us each day and a light in our house each night. In the same way that we need light, we need Jesus. Actually, we need Him more.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

John 8:12

Jesus illuminates the brokenness in our lives. Jesus shows us that He is the only solution to the problem of sin. Jesus reveals God to us so that we can live in deep friendship with Him forever.

As we enjoy the light and warmth of another day, as we flick on a light when dusk begins, as we admire the vast array of stars in our night sky, may we give thanks to Jesus, for being the light of our world.

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 neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Romans 15:2

Mark Ramsay, Assistant Principal

Recently, in Year 8 Mathematics, students created a scale drawing of the footprint of the Kuyper Hall. For many students, their first effort was a rectangle. Then the extra rooms on the side and back of the Hall were added (which I like to call the “sticky-out-bits”). Finally, doors were added to the drawings as well. Each stage in this process made the scale drawing that little bit more accurate and reflective of reality. And if the students had more time, I’m sure they would have been able to produce some amazing scale drawings. They have been exploring similar skills in other subjects. In Technology classes, some of the Year 8 students have created digital models that represent the 3-dimensional nature of buildings.

However, as good as it is, no drawing is able to properly replicate the actual Hall; the Hall is real and has a function. A drawing, or even a scale model, can only ever represent the reality and the function; it can help us understand what the real Hall is like, but it cannot do what the real Hall can do.

Early in the Old Testament, God asked His people to make a Tabernacle where they could meet with Him. Later, God asked King Solomon to build a Temple in Jerusalem to replace the Tabernacle. This is documented in the Bible, in the book of 1 Kings. Both the Tabernacle and the Temple, though, were only models of a profound reality. The reality is that God meets his people in Jesus. In John 1, the writer says that Jesus “tabernacled” with people. In John 2, Jesus refers to himself as the Temple. Therefore, the Tabernacle and the Temple can help us to understand what Jesus is able to do. Jesus allows us to come face-to-face with God. Jesus deals with our sin problem. Jesus opens a way for us to have eternal life.

It would be such a shame if I treasured the scale drawing of the Hall and ignored the real Hall, where I can enjoy Celebrations, and sport, and Seussical! It would be even more of a shame if I treasured temples and church buildings, but ignored Jesus. Only in Him can we enjoy meeting with God, experience forgiveness, and look forward to eternal life.

Rob Weule, Head of Primary 3 – 6 (on behalf of the Seussical Production Team)

It was September 2018 when the Production Team started thinking about staging a musical. We planned the performance for Term 4 2019 … then September 2020 … then May 2021. After re-auditioning many parts and applying for yet another date, we were so pleased and excited to (finally) present the August 2022 production of Seussical the Musical Jr to five sell-out shows.

The patience and understanding of the cast has been astounding, as we navigated our way along the COVID journey. We acknowledge the ‘original’ cast members, who rehearsed and committed to the show but were unable to bring it to an audience. Thank you for launching the musical, and being wonderful examples of leadership for our final cast.

There will be a moment, before the overture begins. A moment of deepest silence – between breath, between thought and between sound itself.

Ed Ayres 2021 “Whole Notes” page 3

In this moment, the performers, both on and off stage, gathered their bravery and every rehearsal memory and they brought it all to you, as audience members. They brought the story to life. The young people who performed on and behind the stage are precious and unique. Well may Dr Seuss say, Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. We praise God for every single one of these students.

Thank you for clapping, laughing, crying, empathising, and enjoying with great enthusiasm because the story they presented to you is not just Seussical. It is their own story as well; their doubts, fears, flair, talent, celebration and struggles were on show for all to see. We appreciate the cast, crew and volunteers deeply. We, as a production team, have been blessed throughout this whole adventure.

It truly was a 110% effort. And so …

That’s a wrap!

Jason Shadie, Secondary Coordinator

Interaction between people and their environment can be both helpful and hurtful. Our students will develop an informed perspective on local and global issues. It is our aim to nurture our students towards peace with their Creator, other people and the environment. Geography presupposes the responsibility people have in caring for the earth and submitting to God’s will for both our individual lives and the created order. In the context of God’s existence and the creation being subject to His rule, people are to find purpose in coming to grips with what our task on earth is.

This is an extract from the introduction of the Stage 4 and Stage 5 Geography curriculum documentation. To care for God’s creation, we must better understand God’s creation.

Year 9 is nearing the end of a unit called ‘Sustainable Biomes’ which has been a rich learning experience. We focussed on understanding different biomes, including large ecosystems such as deserts, rainforests, and tundra. Students have worked hard to understand the different characteristics of biomes and the climatic conditions needed to sustain these environments. Of particular interest has been human interaction with, and impact on these environments, both positive and negative.

Some of our discussions have been confronting. Inevitably, many of the questions have complicated, and often uncomfortable answers:

• Why are so many animal species threatened, endangered, and on the verge of extinction? More than 10% of the land mammals known to have lived in Australia in 1788 are now extinct.
• Why is there so much food wastage in the world? An estimated 14% of the world’s food is lost between harvest and retail, and an estimated 17% is wasted in retail and at the consumption level. This comes at a time when 811 million people go hungry (https://www.unep.org/).
• Can the earth’s biomes sustainably feed future world populations? Australia’s population in 2017 (24.6 million) is projected to reach between 37.4 and 49.2 million people by 2066 (https://www.abs.gov.au).

Of course, part of our discussions focus on finding solutions for these problems. As a school, we encourage students to be creative, critical and discerning thinkers. An example of this problem solving can be seen in recent work Year 9 completed in the area of food wastage.

You may already know that there is a staggering amount of food that is wasted or lost within the production process in Australia. It is estimated that 20%-40% of fruit and vegetables are rejected before they reach a supermarket, based solely on the way they look. Ugly vegetables? Odd looking fruit? The idea seems ridiculous, but unfortunately it is the reality we face. Year 9 were given the opportunity to create a business that worked to mitigate food wastage in society. I was encouraged by their creativity and enthusiasm to take on this challenge. Food wastage is so problematic worldwide that there is an International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (29 September 2022).

Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.

Genesis 2:15

It is important that students have a safe place to wrestle with local, state, national and global issues, and that they do so within a Christian framework. My prayer is that Year 9, and the rest of our students at Kuyper, mature into discerning, caring, servant-hearted adults with a love for God and His creation. We should never forget that sustainability is about caring for people. The wellbeing of future generations relies heavily on the integrity of stewardship of God’s creation here and now. God calls us to be good stewards of creation, and in doing so, demonstrate His love for people.

Shareen Liggins, Secondary Teacher

Recently, I was at a church event where a sad little story was told to illustrate the changed landscape for Christians in Australia. A teacher had been introducing some kindergarten students to the Bible and had asked “Does anyone know who Jesus is?”. One of the students raised their hand and replied “What’s a Jesus?!” The student had clearly never heard of Jesus and, sadly, wasn’t the only one. Moreover, this story is a depressing confirmation of what many of us have perhaps been experiencing; the decline of even nominal Christianity in our community. Children now grow up in households where Jesus has been completely erased from cultural consciousness.

One of the brilliant things about working in a Christian school like Kuyper is that I have many opportunities to discuss and explore the importance of Jesus. Year 10 are studying To Kill A Mockingbird, which is set in the Southern state of Alabama. The citizens of Maycomb County are portrayed as practising Christians. This novel gives us opportunities to talk about what Christianity is and means, and what a truly Christian life looks like. It also allows us to talk about the fact that Christians are flawed, often unjust and prejudiced, and how we should respond to that. Shakespeare, too, is packed with Biblical references and allusions and a worldview that acknowledges the existence of God and His rule over His creation. As we study Othello in Year 11 English, we have rich opportunities to consider the claims of the Bible; the nature of humanity; God’s plan to invite people into relationship with Him through Jesus; wisdom and godly character. It is noticeable that, although not all my students profess to be Christians, there is a good foundation of shared Biblical knowledge which points to the work of faithful teachers at Kuyper and to you, the families who make up the school. This is a gift to me and I treasure it as I partner with the Kuyper community in trying to provide an education that is both academically rigorous, and acknowledges that all good things come from God.

Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.

James 1:17

So, as I contemplate the ‘cancel culture’ of this age and fear for the children who do not know who Jesus is, I am grateful to know that God hasn’t cancelled us. He is faithful to His promises and He never changes. The end of the story for that child was that, some years later, the teacher asked a similar question of the same class who were now in Year 2. That child was the first to have their hand up and, this time, knew who Jesus was. My prayer for all our students is that they will come to truly know Jesus who “is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

Kae McCaull, Primary Teacher & Head of Primary P – 2

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Have you ever thought about the fact that we have more ‘spaces’ to apply this verse to than ever before? I might be showing my age, but when I was younger, this meant every place that I visited and every word that I spoke. And that was it. Year 1 and 2 have been learning about a whole other realm where this verse applies to our lives; the digital world. As we learned about what makes a digital system, and the difference between software, hardware and peripheral devices, we also considered how we use these things. How do we honour God, and serve each other with digital devices?

This is a massive topic that includes questions such as “Are we putting our device time before God, our family and friends?” and “How are my words and actions online showing that I trust God, or not?” The class learned some important online safety rules, and also spent time considering the effect of digital words and actions and how ‘hiding’ behind a screen can allow us to be braver (or meaner) with what we say. They were also asked to consider this question: “Will we use our words to serve others or hurt them?” The digital realm is another space in our lives where we must choose to trust God and his Word and live out what he says.

In his loving mercy, God has allowed us to create the digital world for our use and enjoyment. Class 1/2 got to experience this first hand. We used the Pages app to record information and design headings. We collaborated on a topic and shared our ideas using a Padlet then emailed others so that we could communicate from a distance. We used QR readers to find information and a Kahoot to show what we learned. We used the Sketchbook app to create digital artworks; reflecting God’s creativity by being creative ourselves.

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work … all of them skilled workers and designers.

Exodus 35:35

Sarah Allen, Secondary Teacher

Carnivals are back! Community is back! Celebrations are back!

It has been wonderful to be able to come together again with other Christian schools and compete in the Metropolitan West Zone Athletics Carnivals. Over the past 2 weeks more than 60 students have represented Kuyper at the Secondary and Primary Carnivals, competing with skill and confidence against a strong field of athletes from other schools.

Our Kuyper students always ‘stand out’ on the field; partly because of our lime green sports uniform, but mostly because of the way in which they conduct themselves. They support one another, standing at the side lines and cheering one another on, celebrating each other’s wins and consoling each other when goals are not reached. They not only support the Kuyper Team but cheer and encourage all the athletes from other schools. It is not uncommon to hear students chatting about the new friend they just made in the marshaling area, or old friends from the last carnival they caught up with during a long and grueling track event.

Our students are always willing to serve and work hard at the carnivals, filling roles such as coach, marshal, technical assistant and runner. At the conclusion of the Secondary Zone Carnival, I was approached by Athletics Australia Officials who wished to tell me about the exceptional service that Elsie Baldwin provided for the day at the Javelin Event. They wanted to encourage her to complete her official badges for Athletics Australia and be part of the Olympics in 2032.

As a school, we aim to help students “unwrap their God-given gifts not primarily for their personal growth and advantage. Rather, they develop their individuality in order that they may offer their unique gifts to the body of Christ and to society” (Stronks & Blomberg, 1993). Our students bring me much joy. They represent our school with pride and participate with commitment. They do their best with a servant heart.

I congratulate all our competitors. It is a great achievement to qualify for Zone. I was privileged to watch some outstanding performances from students who will be representing our school and zone at the state carnivals. We know you will continue to strive for excellence and bring glory to God.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 4-6

Sandra Daly, Secondary Teacher

I was privileged to visit northern Italy during the last school holidays. The weather was glorious and I managed to miss the devastating floods which again ravaged the Hawkesbury. Italy is full of amazing castles, cathedrals and cafes. On every street corner there are infinite choices for cappuccino and cake. 

I particularly enjoyed visiting the majestic cathedrals and churches and I was constantly reminded of the timeless nature of the Gospel. I gazed on 1,000 year old frescoes, still as fresh and vibrant as the day they were painted. They all told stories from Scripture, some in rather gruesome detail, but all faithful to the Truth.  We know that the Gospel does not change; the truth “is the same yesterday, today and forever”, but to see the stories  displayed by painters from so long ago was humbling and reassuring. The baptistry of Parma Cathedral showed the whole creation story in 12 majestic panels that left the viewer in no doubt of the might and power of our great God.

In this celebration year for Kuyper I am reminded of our pioneers, their faithfulness to God and their dream of teaching children about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have been associated with Kuyper for 37 years and in all that time the Board and staff have never wavered from their original purpose, to glorify God; the same purpose that inspired the painters of Parma cathedral, 1,000 years ago.

Mitchell Cavens, Secondary Teacher

The start of a new term brings with it the excitement of new learning. This semester, Year 8 students will undertake the Engineered Systems course through their mandatory Technology class.

As students completed this course last semester, it became clear that each one possesses a uniquely creative mind. As their teacher, the challenge was not to increase their creativity, but to help them learn that they are creative, and then give them the tools to utilise their creativity for God’s glory.

This term, students will create a bridge structure from spaghetti. They will make a battery-powered race car by re-using products from around the house, and they will design a 3-dimensional digital model of a structure using Google SketchUp.

It is a joy to be a part of our students’ journey as they practice innovating and creating, rather than consuming. In a world which increasingly preaches the right to individual gratification and the power of wealth, it is refreshing to witness students using their creativity to re-create together, for others.

And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Ian Shaw, Principal

As we begin a new term, I would like to look back to the end of last term. Our 40th Anniversary celebrations were a high point of activity and rejoicing. I am deeply thankful for those who committed time, energy and resources to make our 40th Anniversary events so successful. I can confidently declare that people who came, particularly the Pioneers, enjoyed their time with us. The two days were a wonderful celebration of God’s goodness to this school community. God is good all the time!

At the Anniversary dinner, we were blessed by Kuyperians from all stages of our journey coming together to hear two guest speakers. Dr Paul Roe (The Outback Historian) and Mr Tim White (Former Kuyper Principal) spoke about keeping the vision of Jesus alive and central to life today as we look forwards, and backwards, into history. Tim’s presentation reminded us of the strong bonds that people form through serving at Kuyper. Passion for Christian Education was strong.

Our next big event is Seussical the Musical! This will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the gifts of our talented students. It will be an amazing spectacle and an experience that won’t be forgotten. Musicals are great moments of learning, connection and encouragement for students and preparations continue with much energy and anticipation. Purchase your tickets now before they sell out!

You may recall that last term our community experienced a great deal of sickness among staff and students alike. Term 3 will bring similar challenges. The NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, briefed principals from independent schools yesterday and warned of the expected impact of BA.4 and BA.5 COVID variants in schools. Please see the latest COVID update in this Newsletter for more information on how to protect and care for our school community. Although strong restrictions have lapsed, wise measures are still required to navigate coming weeks. I must emphasise how important it is that students and staff stay away from school if they have flu-like symptoms. The diligence of parents and staff in this area will help normal classes to run without disruption. Mask wearing indoors is strongly encouraged for all students, with either re-usable or disposable masks being acceptable. Mask wearing indoors will be essential for staff, and students who travel on public transport, including the Kuyper bus. The peak for virus activity is expected around the end of August.

You are welcome to drop in and speak with me without an appointment. You are also most welcome to make an appointment with me via the Office if you have something that requires more time. In conclusion, I leave you with a quote from Lamentations, shared today by Mrs Kae McCaull in Staff Devotions. We are reminded of the deep hope that we share in an enduring and faithful God. “Therefore, I will hope in Him.”

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:21-22

Jemima Robinson, Secondary Teacher

A few weeks ago, as Year 9 were finishing their unit on Ecosystems, I challenged them with the task of creating a filter system to clean dirty water, made of natural materials. I wanted them to consider how natural waterways maintain a level of water quality, because of their design. Students brainstormed, collected materials and created their filter, then tested, evaluated and recreated it. We had some impressive results!

Students considered how each of the substances they chose for their filter worked, whether rocks, sand, grass, bark or flowers. We also considered how each of these elements could be found in or around natural waterways, such as the creek behind our school. God has cleverly designed waterways, especially creeks and streams, to supply clean, filtered water to plants, animals and humans.

Here at Kuyper, we acknowledge that God doesn’t just make creeks clean. Through Jesus, he makes us clean. We are like the dirty water, but Jesus’ death on the cross means that we can be made clean. Our sins no longer stain us. This wonderful truth is in the Bible.

But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4 – 7

While some of my students joked about drinking the water after they filtered it, in reality, even though much improved, it was still dirty and undrinkable. But Jesus’ death is enough to cover all our sins. We are not left with bacteria, or a smell, or a slightly dirty colour (like our filtered water). Forgiveness leaves us completely pure and blameless, able to be a blessing and provision to those around us.