Ruth Thompson

Mr Bill Rusin, Interim Principal

Among the many activities of Term 4, a particular highlight was the opportunity to restructure the last full week of school for our Year 7–9 students. Instead of following a traditional timetable, students engaged in a series of extended workshop experiences that allowed them to slow down, go deeper, and create with purpose. Groups included Dance, Writing, Art-making, Prop-making, Performance, and Hospitality. It was wonderful to see students embrace these learning opportunities. They worked cooperatively in multi-age groups, encouraging one another, sharing skills, and often ending the day exhausted—in the best and most satisfying sense.

I had the privilege of supervising the Writing group, and I was encouraged by how diligently they applied themselves to their writing task. Across all groups, staff commented on the high level of engagement and the very few behavioural issues they encountered over the week. We were so pleased to see how well students responded to this change and their willingness to work hard and try something new.

We are grateful for Mr White’s endeavour in bringing this vision to life. His initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to Christian education that is practical, purposeful, and deeply relational. A Christian education that seeks to provide learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, and opportunities that grow character, shape skills, deepen wonder, and have real-life consequences or products. Last week reminded us that students thrive when they are given space to create, collaborate, and reflect God’s creativity in meaningful ways. It was a great way to finish the year.

Looking ahead, there is so much to anticipate in 2026. The year already promises growth, new initiatives, and many opportunities to learn together. One announcement in particular brings great excitement—Colin Buchanan is coming to Kuyper in Term 1! For the next 10 days only, until 17 December, our Kuyper families have exclusive access to pre-launch tickets. If Colin’s joy-filled and playful performances have been a blessing to your family, you won’t want to miss this event. Further information is available on our website.

As the school year draws to a close, I would like to thank you for your partnership and trust throughout 2025. It has been a joy to see students flourish—in character, in learning, and in relationship with one another. Our staff have worked faithfully to serve your children, and we are grateful for the support we receive from families every day. Together, we continue the shared task of nurturing young people who know they are loved by God, called to serve Him, and equipped to grow in wisdom.

As we enter the holiday season, may your homes be filled with peace, rest and celebration as we remember the birth of our Saviour Jesus. May you enjoy time with family and friends, find renewal after a busy year, and return refreshed for the year ahead.

See you at Limelight on Tuesday!

Kae McCaull, Head of Primary

This season brings many reasons to celebrate in our school community. One of the highlights for our Prep–Year 2 students has been the weekly Christmas Craft events. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity for parents, students, and staff to come together, celebrate the incredible gift of Jesus at Christmas, and enjoy plenty of fun and creativity along the way.

The message of hope—that God is with us—is one that our staff deeply cherish during this season. One of the names given to Jesus in the Bible is Emmanuel, meaning God with us. God has written a story of redemption, love, and family that cannot be found anywhere else. Through Jesus, we have freedom from sin and death, and as we journey through life, God promises to be with us.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5

This week, we also had the joy of celebrating our Year 6 class of 2025 as they near the end of their Primary years. It was a special time to reflect on their efforts and achievements, and to recognise the ways these young people have grown and learned together. The evening’s activities—especially the Year 6–initiated game—highlighted how each student has been uniquely created by God with different gifts and strengths. It has been inspiring to watch these gifts develop over time. Their journey has been shaped by the love and support of friends, families, and the dedicated staff here at Kuyper. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child well.

This celebration was not only about looking back—it was also about looking forward with anticipation. The opportunities and challenges ahead will help our students grow in knowledge, skills, and character, enabling them to develop the unique potential God has placed within them. While the future is exciting, it can also feel daunting. That is why we hold fast to the promise of Jesus in Matthew 28:

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

As our students step into what comes next, they carry with them strong friendships, a supportive community, and the assurance that God walks with them. These foundations will help them face whatever lies ahead with courage and hope.

Bill Rusin, Interim Principal

Did you receive your Nurture magazine last week? 

Nurture magazine is published four times each year by Christian Education National (CEN), the wider association of Christian schools in Australia, of which Kuyper is a part. This excellent publication is a magazine for parents and seeks to nurture the vision of Christian education in families, schools, and communities. The Kuyper Association subscribes on behalf of all families in our school. The December issue was sent home with your children last week.

This Sunday, I’d like to share a beautiful little article from this latest edition, written by Michelle Dempsey, Principal of Mt Evelyn Christian School in Melbourne, and former CEO of Christian Education National, titled “Leaning into the Light”. She writes,

“I just love Christmas. In the lead up to the celebration of the birth of our Saviour. I get super excited about decorations and traditions, and I get particularly excited about lights! I love the warm glow of fairy lights, candles, the twinkling Christmas tree, the whole lot…

Light is an interesting thing. It brings warmth, comfort and safety. In some contexts, though, it can also make us feel uncomfortable. Shining light can make us squint; it can hurt our eyes. Turning on the light to a disaster can be scary. Metaphorically speaking, when light “shines” on our brokenness, we can feel exposed…

There are so many references in God’s Word to Him being light. In 1 Peter 2:9, it states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”. Ultimately, it is only God who can truly pull us out of darkness into light. And what a comfort that is.

When I was a little girl, I would visit my aunt’s house regularly. She moved house a few times, but always on the back of her toilet door was a picture of darkness and light with this verse from John 1,” The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it”. As a child just starting to read, I didn’t really understand this verse. As I grew, I would read that verse over and over until it settled in my heart. The light of Jesus shines in any darkness, and that darkness will never be able to overcome the light of Christ. There is no better truth, no more perfect promise.

As we come to the end of this year, I know there are many in our school communities who are exhausted. Many are broken, many are struggling with life and living, and many are overwhelmed with the challenges of our time and culture. Let me assure you there is hope, there is light, and my prayer is that you lean towards the light this Christmas.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you”

Isaiah 60:1.”

May each of you enjoy this Christmas season — the festivity, the joy, and the lights.

Tim White, Interim Deputy Principal

What does it mean to respond Christianly as a school community committed to Christian education?

At its heart, Christian education is about discipleship. It helps children explore and experience what it means to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. At Kuyper, we model this by inviting students to consider how they can serve Jesus now—in their classrooms, friendships, and daily choices—not only in their future careers. In doing so, we advance the gospel, encouraging a personal response to Jesus as Saviour, and learning in ways that shape the heart as well as the mind. Our focus is on who God calls us to be, and what it means as a lived experience to follow Jesus and serve God and others.

Being a committed community means learning how to live, share, and work together. This is often where the real challenge of Christ-like living begins. We can hold strong convictions and high aspirations, but they matter little if we cannot work together in unity. Our lives should be an expression of Christlikeness, commitment, and conviction — while still valuing cooperation and genuine community. We must treat one another with integrity. Jesus reminds us that we are known by our fruit, not simply our sincerity. As a Christian school community, we stand together under Christ our King, facing shared pressures from a culture shaped by humanism, materialism, moralism, and complacency. How we respond to one another sets the tone for how our children learn to respond to the world.

Importantly, the Christian life is always a response. Not simply a response to the pain and hurt in the world, but first and foremost a response to God’s love. God took the initiative; He loved us first. Our way of living stems from this truth — God’s action. Because of His love, we are enabled and expected to respond lovingly within the world in which we find ourselves.

A genuinely Christian education forms people who don’t just participate in society but are committed to acting within it—people who stand for what is right, even when it is unpopular; who exhibit spiritual strength gained through prayer, reflection on God’s word and dependence on God. A Christian school becomes this kind of community when all its members—staff, students, and families—work together to glorify God. When we model this commitment, we invite the same commitment to grow in the hearts and lives of our children.

Whatever brings each of us to the Kuyper Christian School community, we share in a common vision: a vision for creating a committed Christian community. Ahead lie many joys as we explore what this looks like in practice—individuals coming together, learning from one another, serving one another, and growing in Christ together. This is our calling and our opportunity to respond to one another in ways that show our desire to be like Jesus, whom we love and long to serve.

A learning community that prepares students to live restoratively for Jesus in a world where every square inch belongs to Him.

Kuyper Vision

Kaelene McCaull, Head of Primary

Just a few short weeks ago, our Stage 3 students packed their bags and boarded the coach, ready to experience learning in a whole new way. As part of their HSIE studies, students have been exploring Australia’s systems of government and the operation of our democracy. To deepen their understanding and see this learning come to life, they travelled to Canberra — the heart of our nation — to visit Parliament House and many of our country’s key cultural and historical institutions.

During their time in Canberra, students also experienced:

• The Royal Australian Mint
• The Australian War Memorial
• The Australian Institute of Sport
• The National Museum of Australia
• Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

One of our Year 6 students reflected on his experience at Parliament House:

“One of the main highlights for me was Parliament House. It was so cool to actually go into the Senate and House of Representatives because it helped me make sense of what I have been learning at school and how our political government works. Another reason why I enjoyed it so much is because our tour guide was so nice and inclusive and snuck in some privileges that a normal school wouldn’t get… It is 100% worthwhile, it helped me to review and learn more about our political overview, and we also learned how to vote.”
N, Yr 6.

School camps offer students a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow beyond the classroom. They provide experiences that simply cannot be replicated at school — giving students a safe, supportive space to stretch themselves academically, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

In her Sunday night broadcast last week, Miss Dixon spoke about the importance of embracing challenge in the learning process and recognising that genuine learning often involves moments of frustration, fear, or uncertainty. Providing students with opportunities to persevere and overcome these feelings, within a supportive environment, is essential for developing confidence and resilience. School camp offers exactly this kind of growth experience. It’s completely natural for students (and their parents) to feel nervous about heading away from home — I know I certainly did when my own children reached this stage of their schooling!

Camps are an excellent way for students to develop independence and self-reliance. Being away from family in an unfamiliar environment encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, take on new responsibilities, and face unexpected challenges. While this can seem daunting at first, these adventures help students adapt, problem-solve, and gain confidence, still within the safety of an environment where staff are there to guide and support them.

Many students shared reflections about moments they were proud of — achievements that often began with feelings of nervousness or fear. Whether it was trying something new, speaking up, or conquering a challenge, each student found a reason to feel proud. Here are a few of their thoughts:

Camps also provide valuable time for students and teachers to connect outside the classroom. Sharing experiences, challenges, and laughter helps strengthen friendships and build trust. These shared moments create memories that students will carry with them long after primary school.

When asked whether they thought this camp should run again for future years, our students were unanimous in their enthusiasm. Here’s what they said:

“I definitely think everyone should visit Canberra at least one time.” – A, Yr 5

“Yes, because camps are like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they are pretty fun.” – M, Yr 6

“Yes, but I think the students should get a say in where they go, and yes, it was a worthwhile learning experience in my opinion.” – A, Yr 5

“Canberra has a place for everyone. If you like sport, run on over to the AIS. If you are a coin collector, drive to the Royal Australian Mint. If you like science and are energetic, hop on over to Questacon. As Aussies would say, ‘Crikey! Canberra’s great.’” – S, Yr 6