Kuyper

Ja Baldwin, Yr 5/6 Teacher

“Heart, Head, Hands and Hoofs!” is the theme for our Stage 3 (Year 5 & 6) students in 2021. After only a few weeks, and some theme-related activities, students were asked what exactly they thought “Heart, Head, Hands and Hoofs!” meant. Their responses were varied. Here are just a few of them:

“Heart, head, hands and hooves means that we have to work together…” (KO, Year 5)

Heart

“Your heart is very special. If you have faith and trust in the Lord, you can live, love and believe in whatever God has planned for you.” (SA, Year 5)

“A place where you can love God [and] Jesus.” (JF, Year 6)

Head

“Your head is used to think [about] what to do in God’s creation, to think wisely and choose [which] path to walk on.” (AH, Year 6)

“Don’t let your head/tongue control your life and don’t let sin slip out like a snake.” (HM, Year 6)

Hands

“God’s hand leads us in the right direction of life.” (NC, Year 6)

“Pick up the cross.” (JM, Year 6)

Hoofs

“You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm…” (HS, Year 6)

“Kick sin out of our lives!” (AT, Year 6)

“When you believe in what God has to say; trust Him, follow Him and walk in His ‘hoofsteps’/footsteps.” (SA, Year 5)

God created hand, head, and heart; the hand for the deed, the head for the world, the heart for mysticism.

Abraham Kuyper

Without wanting to give too much away or spoil any opportunities for students to discover and learn for themselves, this wonderful theme can be kept simple, or explored deeply. As one of the Stage 3 teachers this year, it is my hope that students choose the latter.

I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.

Psalm 40:8

Lyndal Mitchell, Assistant Principal

If you have scrolled through Facebook or looked at a local newspaper lately, it is likely that you have seen reports or photographs of an incredible floral event occurring in the Blue Mountains at the present time: an abundance of the very rare pink flannel flower. On Saturday, I went up for my second visit to see this spectacular display. Hundreds, if not thousands, of other people had the same idea. There were park rangers directing traffic, and road signs warning of crowds and advising caution. When was the last time that a flower created traffic congestion? It was delightfully strange! 

As soon as you step off the Narrow Neck fire trail, the dense carpet of sweet, pink flowers spreads out in all directions. Nestled beneath the blackened limbs of hundreds of burnt banksia trees, the soft fleshy blossoms contrast almost comically with the rough charred seedpods of the banksia remains.

According to local sources, it is 50 years since pink flannel flowers were last seen blooming in the Blue Mountains. It’s incredible to imagine all those seeds lying dormant (in their millions!) in the soil all that time, until the conditions for germination were exactly right: drought and severe fire in one season, followed by heavy rainfall in the next. 

As we wandered amongst the abundant beauty and marvelled at the unlikeliness of such a rich botanical treat, my friend and I couldn’t help but see parables of God’s goodness and grace everywhere we looked. Passages such as Isaiah 61 came to mind: beauty from ashes, joy after mourning, a garment of praise that replaces despair. 

There is much in this world that can worry our minds, burden our hearts, test the mettle of our courage, and weigh down our spirit. It can be hard to hold on to the promises of God, and believe that He is always working for our ultimate good – in spite of how our current circumstances feel to us. But that is the truth. God’s timing is often not what we would choose or wish for; He will not be hurried or rushed along by our own impatient agendas or human sense of urgency. He is on His own time schedule. That can be hard to accept, but it can also be immensely liberating. Trusting God is not a vain pursuit, it is wisdom. Waiting on His timing is not foolishness, it is the key to serenity. These are hard lessons to learn and I’m thankful for all the illustrations and reminders that He sends my way. 

As we unwrap the story of God’s redemptive grace to the students we teach here at Kuyper, we pray for the message of hope to sink deeply into each and every heart. We pray that our students will find themselves within God’s unfolding narrative and know that they belong. May they each have the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the
broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide
for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour…

For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up
before all nations.

Isaiah 61:1-3 & 11

Jo Kean, Teacher Librarian & Sue Stuut, Librarian

Here is a snapshot of what happens in one of our most busy spaces here at Kuyper Christian School. Every class in the school attends the Library and every child has a chance to borrow books, read, learn and be creative through the Library.

Library lessons for Primary students occur on Thursdays. During these lessons Years 1 – 6 borrow books. Kindergarten students have lessons about how to use the library. They listen to a fun book together and complete an activity. Years 1 – 6 are working on Digital Citizenship; discovering how to stay safe online and what they can do to protect ourselves. Students will also be considering how to be responsible disciples of Jesus in a digital world.

We will celebrate Book week in August this year, and the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge. Look out for details in the Newsletter. May God bless you in the year ahead.

Mike Hottinger, Chaplain & Teachers’ Aide

Last week in her newsletter article, Kae McCaull highlighted the joys of teaching, learning, and serving God in a variety of contexts. She also reminded us of Romans 12, where Paul speaks of the gifts God has blessed us with, and using them to build up His body. I found myself reading the newsletter on a Blue Mountains train home from the city, unwell and excluded from the final day of the Year 9/10 camp. As disappointing as this was, both the train trip and Kae’s article allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the time I had just spent with the students.

From Wednesday to Friday of Week 2, Year 9 and 10 took part in the Urban Challenge Camp. We chartered a bus and met our guides at Milsons Point. From there the students were divided into three teams. Each team member was given a specific role; Caterer, Treasurer, Navigator, etc. We were then set loose on the city with clues in an ‘Amazing Race’ challenge. 

We (in no particular order, and among other things) walked across the Harbour Bridge, had lunch in The Rocks, played games on the beach, made a giant pyramid, sang to a shop owner, had a surfing lesson, prepared food for the homeless, went bowling, were given a whole large pizza each for dinner and went on a late night ferry ride. Of all the experiences however, what impressed me the most was how the students worked together. They encouraged each other in their individual roles, they offered to carry the bags of those who were struggling, they cared for members of the general public and in doing all this, they represented Christ and Kuyper Christian School in a way that made us, as participating staff, very proud.

God has given each of us gifts. This experience was an amazing opportunity for us all to learn more about those gifts and how we can use them powerfully, selflessly and with humility to build others up and point them to Jesus. Observing our students and their efforts throughout the week allowed me to contemplate our own responsibilities to each other, and I was reminded of both the depth and simplicity of living life together as God’s people.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Kae McCaull, Year 1 Teacher

One of the things I love about teaching is that every day is different; different information to learn and experience, different conversations to share and different challenges to overcome.  Some days we’re in the classroom thinking about numbers and learning the meaning of new words or patterns that God has built into His creation. On other days we are investigating our amazing natural surrounds. And on yet other days we’re beside a pool cheering our classmates on as they try out new swimming skills or use the abilities they have been practising and developing to push themselves further.

God blessed us with some beautiful weather last Friday for our swimming carnival.  We saw many students give their best to participate in their races. One of my favourite parts of the swimming carnival every year is watching the Secondary students help the younger students swim in their 25 metre race in the ‘big pool’. For Kindy students, this is their first experience of swimming in the carnival and the support and encouragement of their school community is a fabulous way to start. For some of the Year 1 and Year 2 students this support allows them to do something they would never feel brave enough to do alone.  Thank you to all those Secondary students who helped the younger kids and gave them a great first experience at our school carnival.  And this reminds me of another of God’s gracious blessings to us: community.

The Bible has many verses and passages that make it clear that God created us to be in community.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…

Romans 12:4-6

This passage makes it very clear that we are better together. Even Jesus, who is perfectly capable, and does not need human help, chose to surround himself with a large community, that included His 12 disciples.  At Kuyper, community allows us to use the gifts we have been given by God to serve and love others. It provides a place where we are encouraged to be who God created us to be. Community provides help and support when life is hard and it can also challenge us and “rub off” those rough edges that we all have. Community isn’t always easy but a God-honouring community is always worth it.

Community has become a bit of a theme in our class this year as we participate in activities that remind us that we work best when we are working together under God, rather than competing with each other.  We made elephant toothpaste by using some ordinary ingredients that, together, make something pretty awesome. We put our heads together to solve many different puzzles and reveal a secret code.  We are now working on a whole-group artwork which is beginning to look really good.

As we enter a new year, let’s thank God for the amazing community of students, staff and families that He has blessed us with. It is my prayer that we contribute to and build up this community.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24

Ian Shaw, Principal

On Monday staff and students gathered together in the Kuyper Christian School Hall. It was so good to see everyone’s smiling faces! Because parents were not able to attend due to COVID-19 guidelines, here is what we did:

The gathering commenced with a video of A Current Affair news story about of one of our students, Josh Miller and his remarkable recovery from Leukaemia. Josh was in the audience yesterday and it is wonderful to have him back at school after more than two years under medical treatment. Please continue to pray for him and his ongoing recovery.

We were treated to a duet of our National Anthem by Miss Clucas and Mr Weule, which focused on us being one. Miss Clucas reminded us that true one-ness comes from being one in Christ Jesus. New and nearly-new staff were introduced to students via a school game. Mrs Allen enthusiastically promoted the swimming carnival this Friday by wearing flippers and toting a kickboard and a huge blue peacock swim ring. Mr Shaw challenged students that knowing God is a gift not to be overlooked. The Bible tells us about God and how we can know Him.  What will we learn about God this year?

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.

Ephesians 1:17

This is our prayer for students at Kuyper Christian School. We long for them to personally know God through His son Jesus Christ. We pray that His truth might establish a firm foundation in their lives to prepare them for the good plans He has for them. I trust that this is your heart’s desire for your children too; a holistic education, grounded on the Word of God, that will equip them to deal with the wonder and horror that comes to us all as we move through life.

And what is in store? I can report many happy stories from our graduating students; a large number of university placements, apprenticeships and employment. We celebrate them and hope to share some of these individual stories over the coming year.

On a practical note, although there are limitations on casual visits to the School property, I am able to meet parents who have important things they would like to discuss with me. I welcome this contact if you are well. 😊 Please make an appointment with the School Office.

Finally, I would like to mention some Kuyper families who are doing it tough right now. Orson, husband to Jo and father to Madison Tonkin is suffering with a serious cancer. There are no easy answers or comforts at present. Please pray for the family as they live day by day with chemotherapy and the hardship that sickness brings. Pray too for the Abraham family with Samara starting Kindy at Kuyper; mum Sarah will be undergoing surgery soon. Pray for James Hansen’s ongoing recovery and treatment. These are just some of the journeys within our community. There are others you may know about too. May our community bring support and comfort to all our parents who are in need.

Evan Barnes, Year 6 Teacher

Year 5 and 6 are richly blessed! In a year of cancellations and postponements, Year 5 and 6 were given the opportunity to travel to Bathurst for their goldfields camp. While no one struck it rich, a few gold flakes were found and we returned home with many treasures. Treasured memories of gold panning, blacksmithing and bushwalking; treasured memories of growing new friendships while strengthening old ones; treasured memories of adventuring, problem solving and team work. Most importantly, a few treasures were stored in heaven where they are safe from destruction, theft and loss, kept by our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

It’s that time again! But, this year, our annual Limelight celebration will look a little different. Our school community will still be giving thanks for Jesus’s birth, with all things lime.  However, this year we will hosting Limelight online.

On Tuesday 8 December you are invited to Limelight@home.

You and your family are invited to get together and host your own Limelight celebration at home. Pre-recorded videos of classes, performances, school work and more will be posted online for families to watch throughout the evening.  In true Limelight tradition, we hope that you will dress up, and embrace all things wonderful and lime. Show-bags will be available for purchase prior to the day to help you get your family Limelight started. 

Mark the date in your diary and start planning your part in this special end-of-year school community event. In a year full of challenge and change, let us hold fast to the certainty we have in Jesus and rejoice in His Limelight together.

Ja Baldwin, Year 3 Teacher

Throughout the Bible, we are frequently reminded that there are many people in God’s world who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is written in the book of Proverbs, that God commands us to advocate for such people and serve them when we have the capacity to act. It has never gone unnoticed at Kuyper, that our wonderful school community is particularly generous. It really is such a blessing to be part of this. Over the last two years, our school community has been able to raise enough funds to support our partners in Vanuatu, sponsor a child through Compassion, provide children in under-developed countries with their very own Bibles through Run4Bibles and fill enough shoeboxes to bless approximately 150 children through Operation Christmas Child.

One inspirational fundraising effort will forever stick in my mind. Last year, the Year 3 class consisted of just ten children. When the Run4Bibles progress poster arrived in the classroom, the students were inspired to raise enough sponsorship money for the upcoming cross-country to fill all 100 spots on the poster. This meant that 100 Bibles could be purchased and sent to children in South African schools. One boy in the class decided to donate the entire contents of his money box; cash that he’d been saving for a few years. From memory, there was almost $80 in there! This prompted another student to do exactly the same.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:11-13

The year 2020 has been unforgettable for so many reasons. There have been unusual challenges and uncertainties, and our familiar ways have been changed. Yet, the genuine care, compassion and generosity shown by the Kuyper community in regard to others has remained constant. The wonderful students, families, friends and staff of this school have continued to faithfully and willingly give to the many charitable organisations and worthwhile causes that Kuyper have supported for a number of years.

There are just a few weeks left of Term 4 and we still have plenty of fundraising opportunities for Vanuatu, Compassion and Operation Christmas Child. There will be a sausage sizzle, ongoing recycling collections, ice-block and non-uniform day, to name just a few in the pipeline. Check the Newsletter Calendar for more information. Thank you kindly for your ongoing support of those in need.

And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

Rob Weule, Head of Primary – Welfare & P-12 Performing Arts

On the fifteenth of May, in the jungle of Nool,
In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool,
He was splashing, enjoying the jungle’s great joys
When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.

So Horton stopped splashing.
He looked toward the sound.
“That’s funny,” thought Horton.
“There’s no one around.”
Then he heard it again! Just a very faint yelp.
As if some tiny person were calling for help.

‘Horton Hears a Who’ is a Dr Seuss story featuring that large, loving and lovable elephant Horton. In this story Horton, who seems to function as a sort of God figure, hears a sound that none of the other animals can hear. Their ears are not sensitive enough to hear the cries of the ‘Whos’. The Whos’ entire world exists on a speck of dust too small for the elephant to see. But Horton can hear them. He makes it his mission to protect his tiny friends at all cost. After all, Horton knows that a person’s a person no matter how small. Horton carefully places the Whos’ world, the speck of dust, on a clover for safe keeping.

Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!

Luke 12:6-7

As we read this story, we may find ourselves identifying with the Whos. So many people in this world are desperately trying to be heard, but sometimes it feels like no one is listening. We read in Romans 8:18-25 about how all of Creation is groaning and moaning for redemption. The Bible’s most important message is that God came into this world through Jesus Christ, in order to redeem humankind and Creation. We can live with the confidence that although on earth our cries fall on many a deaf ear, the God who knows even the tiniest sparrow hears, Horton-like, the cries of the world and each individual who calls out to Him.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

(For more of ‘The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss’, check out James W. Kemp’s book)