Kae McCaull, Head of Primary
Last week was a busy one in the life of our Primary School as we celebrated our much-loved annual Book Week.
Continuing a long-held tradition, our students brought great joy and colour to the Book Parade, dressing as their favourite book characters and proudly sharing them during assembly. Many classes also prepared songs, poems, and skits that reminded us of the timeless truths found in the greatest book of all—the Bible. The day was filled with creativity, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community. Thank you to everyone who supported our students, whether through helping with costumes or cheering them on from the audience. These celebrations are only possible because of the generosity of our families and staff.
This week, we also had the privilege of welcoming Christian author Naomi Reed and her husband, Darren. Together, they delighted our K–6 students with puppetry, storytelling, and music, bringing to life Naomi’s book The Zookeeper. As well as sharing some of the aspects of being an author, it was great to hear her talk about some of her thoughts about why she included different elements of the story. We have purchased a copy of this book for our library, so perhaps it might come home in a library bag or two.
The theme for Book Week this year was “Book an Adventure.” What a fitting reminder that reading takes us on journeys of learning, imagination, and discovery. As Christians, we know that the greatest story ever told is found in the Bible—God’s story of hope, love, forgiveness, purpose, and freedom. It is the true story that gives meaning to every other story, teaching us not only who we are but also the truth about the world God has made.
God, the author of creation, is also the giver of many good gifts: imagination, knowledge, creativity, and the people who share them with us through stories. As Dr Seuss once said,
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go
Here at Kuyper, we often reflect on the truth that we are made in God’s image. One of the beautiful ways this is expressed is through our creativity. The act of writing, reading, and sharing stories is one way we reflect God’s own nature as Creator. Stories allow us to learn, to delight in imagination, and to see the world through new eyes. As author George R.R. Martin wisely wrote,
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.
Speaking of adventures, it is with both gratitude and sadness that I share some important news. Mrs Tina Vander Reyden, our faithful and ever-supportive Office Manager, has announced her plans to retire at the end of this year. Tina has served our school with dedication and love for more than 31 years. Her warmth, wisdom, and tireless commitment have been a true blessing. While words cannot fully express our appreciation—or how deeply she will be missed—we rejoice with her as she prepares to step into this next adventure of retirement.