Kuyper

Term 3 2021 has been interesting from my perspective as Chaplain at Kuyper Christian School. Part of my role this term has been to create weekly devotions for the community. I have been so encouraged by the students who have contributed to this process over the past few weeks. Another part of my role has been to contact certain students who I would normally meet with regularly at school.

Each week I am in contact with around 16 boys. I touch base with them, over the phone and via their parents, to see how they are coping with school at home. This includes how they are going with their studies, as well as in themselves. I talk to them about their mood, whether they are getting out and exercising, taking breaks and eating well. I then offer them an opportunity to read the Bible with me. Every boy has opted to do this, which from a chaplaincy perspective, has been a joy and a blessing. 

Appropriate to their age and where they are at in their relationship with God, I have been able to share a variety of passages. With the younger boys I have been able to open to Philippians 2, Psalm 34:4, Joshua 1:9, and others. This has allowed them to hear God’s love for them, his power, and Jesus’ sacrifice and humility. With the more mature Christians, we have been reading through entire books together: Habakkuk and Nahum (by request) as well as 1 Thessalonians.

One student provided the basis for the story I want to share with you. This student would not consider himself a Christian, but is open and willing to investigate philosophies and world views. He was happy to read a denser text (he actually requested we read from the ESV) so I decided to read through Romans 8 with him. This has turned out to be a joy, a privilege and a blessing from God that I couldn’t have predicted.

We established the context by reading through the end of Chapter 7, then began to move through the Apostle Paul’s logic, verse by verse. Around four sessions in, we arrived at Chapter 8:10 – 11. We wrestled with Paul’s distinction between the flesh and the Spirit, and what this means practically.

But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 8:10-11

We spoke about what it means for Christ to be ‘in you’, and the privilege and uniqueness of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We discussed what it means when it says that the same Spirit that raised Jesus to life lives in every Christian person and is God’s gift to His people. We spoke about the same Holy Spirit being completely God. Ultimately we spoke about experiencing the forgiveness and grace of Christ and the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit here on earth, as well as being raised bodily on the last day into eternity, like Jesus was, through the power of God living in us.

At the end of our time, I asked him what he thought of all this:

These are my own words… but that’s pretty cool

I couldn’t have said it better myself. It is pretty cool. I was then able to pray for each of us, that we might never forget just how cool it really is.

For me, the online google meetings in the morning with my class have been one of the highlights of my day.  During this time, we share what’s been happening for each other, pray, look at God’s word and reconnect as a class. In our devotion time Year 1 and 2 have been working through a book called “How Great is Our God” by Louie Giglio. This book looks at some of the awesome things that God has created and, through them, encourages us to think about the truths that God has taught us in His word. I would like to share something very interesting that we have learned in our time together.

Plants, as you well know, are unable to move around to disperse their seeds. Class 1/2 were amazed as we looked at some of the ways that God has provided for different plants to disperse their seeds.  We considered the coconut, which drops its giant seeds into the water that then carries them far away to different places. We looked at maples and dandelions whose seeds fly away on the wind.  We chuckled about the squirting cucumber, whose fruit fills with liquid until it explodes, squirting seeds up to 6 metres away. But the most impressive, and dangerous, is the Sandbox Tree. This tree can be found in South America and the Amazon Rainforest.

The Sandbox Tree is also called the Dynamite Tree because it has fruit like little bombs. When they are ripe, they explode, sending out seeds at approximately 240 km/h and making a sound like a gunshot. This tree is also called the ‘monkey-no-climb’ tree because it is covered in spikes. The sap of this tree can cause a terrible rash and even blindness.

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After marvelling at God’s creation, Class 1/2 went on to discuss the type of seeds that we can sow. God calls on us to sow seeds of righteousness and kindness. A quote from our devotions book reminded us that “being kind means more than just smiling and being nice. It takes courage to be kind to the person that is different from you. And it takes strength to be kind when you’re tired or when others aren’t so kind to you.” I am sure you could add some more situations, such as being in lockdown for months, to the list of things that make being kind difficult. Thankfully we don’t have to be courageous and strong on our own. God gives us all the courage and strength we need to do the things He wants us to do.

Just like the seeds of a plant, any seeds of kindness we sow will grow and spread. When we are kind to others, it encourages them to be kind to their fellow humans as well, therefore spreading seeds of kindness far and wide. In our current trying times it takes a God-given amount of strength to be kind day after day.  While we are all locked down it may take a little more creativity to think of ways that we can be kind or reach out to others, but it is certainly worth it and definitely what our hurting world needs at this time. The family that we share a home with is a great place to start. I hope you can sow some kindness today and that you are blessed enough to see some kindness from others.

Just don’t try to climb a Sandbox Tree, that’s not being kind to anyone.

A big Thank You to all the parents, staff and students who got involved with Book Week online. It was a fun time. Mrs Kean set the students a choice of activities, and the results were amazing; from Lego libraries to colourful baking to reading books with animals and toys. It was a wonderful Book Week lockdown celebration.

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Thank You also to the students and families who joined in the Premier’s reading challenge for 2021. We trust you have enjoyed all you read!

Ja Baldwin, Primary Teacher

Something that I can honestly say I always enjoy about my role at Kuyper is the freedom to talk openly about our wonderful creator, Father God, every single day. Aside from all the learning activities delivered from a Christian perspective, through a biblical lens, perhaps some of the most fruitful discussions that occur in the Year 6 classroom are prompted by our daily devotions. Most recently, our School@Home devotions have, at times, been just as fruitful and exciting as those we enjoyed face to face.

Two weeks ago, our daily devotions led us to discuss how Jesus often used parables to speak about the Kingdom of God. What exactly did He mean? Is the Kingdom of God a place, and if so, where is it? We learned that rather than simply being a reference to heaven, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom that covers all of God’s creation. This includes the universe and beautiful planet earth, which we call home. During our discussion, we learned that in the beginning, God created the world, along with humankind, and it was perfect. However, when humankind sinned, this led to separation from God.

The devotion Mr Hottinger shared with the Kuyper community tied in beautifully with the Year 6 devotions: The Good News! Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, rose again, and ascended into Heaven. This is extremely good news! The Gospels are all about this good news and the Kingdom of God. Mr Hottinger threw out a challenge to all students to create their own short videos and share the good news, spreading the gospel from person to person.

The Bible tells us that when we repent of our sins and choose to follow Jesus, we not only receive the Holy Spirit and have eternal life with Him to look forward to, but we also become part of God’s kingdom on earth. The Bible also tells us that it is our Christian duty to preach the Gospel. Just a few days after seeing Mr Hottinger’s devotion, three Year 6 students put together their own individual gospel videos, which have been shared with the Kuyper community.

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone”.

Mark 16:15

Two of the parables that Year 6 read this term are; the parable of the sower and the parable of the growing seed. The parable of the sower teaches about the hearts of those who hear the good news. Some hearts are described as hard, some are shallow, some are crowded, and some are fruitful. The primary focus of the parable of the growing seed is the Kingdom of God. Year 6 agreed that most of us have memories of planting seeds that have been lying in a packet for months. We discussed how the seeds are watered and checked often in anticipation of seeing the seeds come up. To begin with, nothing seems to be happening. How amazing it is, though, when after a few days, plants start to become visible.

The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.

Mark 4:26-28

When we first tell others about Jesus, perhaps nothing seems to happen. Yet like the seeds under the soil, we cannot see the work God is doing in the hearts of those with whom we have shared the good news. After a while, we might begin to see a change in one of our friends, and then another, and another. Whether we see the fruit of our labour or not, we should continue doing our part in spreading the Gospel. We must be willing to carry on with confidence that all things, including the growth of the Kingdom of God, are under the control of our heavenly Father.

Gwendolyn, our resident koala, is quite the celebrity after returning to Kuyper last Thursday. This feisty lady has brought a community of koala lovers together from around the nation.

Gwendolyn has chlamydia, a debilitating bacterial infection that is one of the leading killers of Australia’s koalas. When she required another trip to the hospital with severe symptoms earlier this year, the outlook was grim. Gwendolyn’s remarkable recovery is the result of a cooperative effort between local groups and wildlife organisations around the country including,

• Hawkesbury WIRES, Richmond NSW
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin Qld
• Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah Qld
• Koala Hospital, Port Macquarie NSW
• Science for Wildlife, Mt Victoria NSW
• Vineyard Veterinary Hospital, Vineyard NSW

Gwen’s surgical success is a first for our local WIRES team, who will continue to monitor her health via a tracker installed by Dr Kellie Leigh from Science for Wildlife. The tracker will enable local experts to trace and examine Gwen in six months using in-the-field ultrasound equipment. In the meantime, our local eucalypts provide an excellent koala habitat, and there is hope that Gwendolyn might produce a joey.

As a school community, we are grateful for the privilege of sharing our beautiful bush location with Gwendolyn and reminded again that it all belongs to Jesus; every square, furry inch.

Read more about Gwendolyn in the Hawkesbury Gazette.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, has posted a message of support and encouragement to all schools across the state.

“Take each day calmly; you will be amazed what you can achieve.”

Jemima Robinson, Secondary Teacher

Within the first few days of School@Home, I was asked by one of my students, “Why does everyone keep telling us to go outside?” Mindful of the need for students not to be glued to their screens while learning from home, we had been setting work, starting discussions and suggesting free time activities focused outdoors. This set me to reflecting, why do I see it as such an essential thing for my students to be outside?

It is true that fresh air and sunlight are needed and that being outside often promotes movement and exercise. Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature has been shown to have many health benefits; it’s even good for your eyesight! But while these are all wonderful reasons to step outside, there is something deeper and more important to be gained from this.

God created the world to be intricate but, at the same time, expansive. When I take a walk each day, I can appreciate not just the order behind what I see but the intrinsic beauty as well. Appreciating creation leads me to worship the Creator, to thank Him for the world He has created, to praise Him for the wonder of it and to acknowledge His power in creating it, purely from words!

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them.

Psalm 8:3-4

Last week, in Year 7 Science, we observed the characteristics of different living things to help us learn how to classify them scientifically. Students observed their pets, insects and birds in their backyards and examined the intricacies of different leaves. Our observations may have been useful in allowing us to identify and classify living things, but these observations can hold a greater purpose of pointing us towards God. God’s creation also helps us to reflect on His characteristics. A friend of mine once said that he surfed because the power of the waves reminded him that God was much more powerful than even the biggest wave.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

When we see the power in the wind and waves, we can be reminded that God is immensely more powerful than these. The disciples experienced this themselves when they were caught in a storm, which Jesus ordered to be calm. And there are many other characteristics of God that his creation reveals; His beauty, glory, wisdom, presence, creativity and loving care. 

So as lockdown continues, I encourage everyone in our Kuyper community to put aside the screens as regularly as possible, take advantage of the benefits of time spent outside and while you’re doing so, reflect on the purpose of God’s amazing creation. Let it prompt us to praise Him for all that He is.

Amanda McAlpine, Primary Teacher

One of the things my family has enjoyed during the last few weeks of lockdown is watching the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Without the need to be up super early in the mornings, we have been able to follow the Australian men’s and women’s football (soccer) journeys. We’ve had some late nights, as we watched them play their hearts out and strive to win their games and get closer to the prize – an Olympic medal. We know that neither team managed to get that far but I am sure they learnt many lessons along the way, improving their skills and showing the world their sportsmanship and determination. The Matildas were so close to getting a bronze medal, yet it wasn’t meant to be, and they now have to show the world how they handle themselves after the disappointment and heartbreak they felt.

We often talk at school about being WHOKstars, which means being wise, happy, obedient and kind. These are all things that we are called to do by Jesus. They all relate to loving God and loving others.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:34-35

There have been amazing highs and lows throughout the Olympics. The most loving and heartwarming moments come from vulnerability and selflessness in a highly competitive environment where everyone should be looking out for their own best interest. These are what us Kuyperians would call WHOKstar moments; when two 800 metre track runners fell over, then walked arm in arm to support each other and  finish the race together; when the 10,000 metre Aussie runner fell not once but twice, and got up and struggled to the end; when competitors in the men’s high jump decided they were both happy to tie for gold, rather than have a jump off; and the many celebrations when athletes were genuinely happy for their fellow competitors to win gold, even though it meant they themselves had missed out.

If you are wise, happy (or help make others happy), obedient and kind in life, you help share Jesus’ love. You can practice these things with your family, your friends, teachers, health care staff, police officers, the supermarket staff, and your neighbours, even during a lockdown situation. Sometimes you need to get creative to reach out to others right now, but I challenge you to think of ways to do this. Lockdown feels like a long distance event; like a combination of all 33 Olympic sports, with the highs and lows of each, and without knowing which one is up next! It’s a challenging time but we have the reassurance that God is still in control.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

I asked Year 4 to share some of the good things about lockdown. I hope they encourage you as we continue this School@Home journey.

• I can pick oranges, mandarins and lemons 
• I can’t be late 
• Mufti clothes every day
• My family is closer than ever
• I can eat whenever
• A really special thing is I get to spend time with my precious dog and my amazing mum
• Being able to ride my bike more
• My mum is now my teacher so we can have lots of hugs
• Given me time to play games like Roblox and make origami
• The day goes quicker and I can go ahead in my work
• You can stay in your pjs!
• I work in my parents’ study which is quite fun
• I get to bake cool things
• I like lockdown life because I get to sleep more

Keep counting your blessings.

Jo Kean, Teacher Librarian

This forced time spent at home has caused many of us to feel stressed and anxious. Maybe it has made you feel annoyed and angry. I can only imagine the pressure of having everyone
home all the time, trying to help your children and do your own work as well. I am sure patience runs thin. I would like to encourage you to keep going even when it is tough.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “the Lord is my portion therefore I will wait for him”.

Lamentations 3: 21 – 24

What wonderful promises we have in these verses! Gods’ compassions never fail. He is faithful. His love for us is amazing. We all need connection with others and in this time of lockdown that has been taken away. We need to be creative and deliberate about keeping in touch. A simple text or phone call to a friend or loved one can be a blessing to you and to them. God knows what we are all going through. He is with us all the time, even when we are doing school at home. He has all of time in His hands. He knows the beginning and the end of all things.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Looking for ways to be grateful has helped me greatly in the past few weeks; adopting an attitude of wonder in the small things; looking at God’s creation and being thankful for the many blessings He has bestowed on me. Spending time meditating on God and praising Him has made a difference, especially to my attitude in lockdown. Whilst I do not know what the future looks like, I have a Saviour who does, and that’s enough for me.

Orlando, Year 4

Being in lockdown has been hard for everyone… but there are some positive things about being at home.

I’m going to mention some great things I enjoy whilst being at home. Firstly, getting to see my family throughout the day (even though my brother is annoying). Such as having chats with my parents and squeezing them all day… and a very occasional hug with my brother. Also, seeing my mum running around spraying Glen-20  is hilarious… it still smells good even after mum sprayed it a million times!

This is one of my favourites… homemade food. I get to choose what I want to eat for lunch… and eating together with my family at the table! My dad makes me laugh a lot with his funny jokes. Also, I get to see my dog Luna all day cause she is extremely cute. I know this sounds silly, but I get to wear super comfy clothes like, for example, my tracksuit pants and sloppy joe. The last thing that I would like to add to this list is going down my fire trail for walks on my property whenever I can, I get to see lots of wildlife that I like (that does not include spiders and snakes).

OH! I nearly forgot, doing schoolwork at home is fun as well.

On a serious note: I pray that everyone who is feeling sick due to COVID-19 gets better and the world gets back to normal one day… Amen.

Abraham Kuyper was a Dutch clergyman, author of over 200 books, journalist with over 20,000 articles, and prime minister of the Netherlands. He was known for speaking into the public square on a variety of theological and social justice issues, often campaigning for the rights of the working class and oppressed. You could almost think he was super human doing all these things. He was described as ‘the man with ten heads and a hundred arms’. This sounds scarily overwhelming. I cannot imagine he would have had time for TV or social media, if he were around today. He did have his detractors though, and I have heard that he could be aggravating. But he certainly got things done, and had a drive to honour Christ in all he did. He was imperfect, like all of us, yet he pointed people to God’s kingdom and the saving work of Christ.

Last week I shared the lyrics of a song, “We Seek Your Kingdom”, which speaks to our belief, as Christians, that we are to bring God’s kingdom into every sphere of life, into every square inch. Abraham Kuyper sought to transform, revive, and heal society from the injustices he saw in his country and time. He modelled his actions on the life of Christ, the perfect One, who brought to earth a new way of understanding people and leadership. Through Jesus, God gave up the security of heaven and came to earth to die a horrible death so that he could rescue us and provide a way for us to escape our own sinfulness. Jesus demonstrated care and concern for others and an attitude of service and sacrifice. Our country still values these traits, ushered in by Jesus at a time when leaders of the Greco-Roman world saw leadership as dominance, squashing the weak and getting the competitor out of the way. Humility did not exist in their actions and worldview. In sharp contrast, Jesus demonstrated servant leadership. You can read how He lived this out in the Bible.

Abraham Kuyper said that our faith is worthless unless we apply it to every square inch of our lives; actions not just words.  We must apply our faith in how we speak, in how we relate to others, in how we work, play and serve. May peace, truth and justice reign in our lives and be present wherever God has placed us. We thank God for the enabling message of the Gospel in our lives. May we be encouraged, with God’s help, to transform ourselves with repentance and then seek to transform the world in which we live.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Mrs Sue Huxley has been living God’s story in her life, including serving on the Kuyper Education Sub Committee of the Association, then as a Primary teacher and Executive member of staff. Since 1987, Mrs Huxley has faithfully served many generations of Kuyper families and now, she has announced her retirement at the end of this year. We are deeply saddened by the news, yet excited for her as she embarks on new challenges, potentially exploring more of this wonderful country with her husband in their caravan. I regularly sit in on the Kindy classes and watch Mrs Huxley teach. It is a joy to behold. Teaching children to read and write is a fundamental skill for our staff. It is wonderful to see the children begin to understand, and start their reading journey. Mrs Huxley will be leaving Kuyper as a teacher in her prime. From my observation, she has not slowed down in any way.

Mrs Huxley is and has been committed to teaching children for several decades and I am sure there are many great memories to reflect on. As the year concludes, there will be an opportunity for you to pass on your thanks for her life of service to this community.

Ian Shaw, Principal

Jesus taught us to pray, “our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:9-10)

As I think of God’s kingdom, it helps me put into perspective the dramas of life that are happening around me. We now have hope, irrespective of our personal circumstances because of what Jesus has already done in His coming to earth, His death and resurrection. This is a huge comfort as we face uncertain times. Therefore, as we live day by day, the commands and life of Christ inspire and compel us.

But seek first the Kingdom of God…

Matthew 6:33

What does this mean? It seems to me, that seeking the kingdom is not something we should only do on Sundays or when we feel religious, but something that we take seriously in every sphere of life; in every square inch of life in fact. This Kuyperian thinking was something that I heard expressed in a song recorded in the United Kingdom recently. We Seek Your Kingdom speaks of the everyday and the earnest desire of a Christian to honour God with their life, work, play, relationships, possessions; every square inch. The lyrics go like this:

• We seek Your kingdom throughout every sphere, We long for heaven’s demonstration here. Jesus, your light shine bright for all to see. Transform, revive and heal society.
• Before all things, in Him all things were made, Inspiring culture, media and trade. May all our work serve Your economy. Transform, revive and heal society.
• Peace, truth and justice reign in every way, With us be present in our public square. Fill all who lead with Your Integrity. Transform, revive and heal society.
• Faithful to govern ever may we be, Selfless in service, loving constantly. In everything may Your authority, Transform, revive and heal society.
• Lyrics by Andy Flannagan, Noel Robinson, Graham Hunter. Melody by William Henry Monk (public domain). Eventide (Abide with me).

These words reflect my deep hope for our Kuyper community, that even though we are apart and indoors, the kingdom is so important that we might take every opportunity, in every sphere, even locked away, to be repentant people of peace, truth and justice, seeking to serve and make much of God’s kingdom.

Nothing matters but the Kingdom. Because of the Kingdom, everything matters.