Cassie Dixon, Acting Principal & Director of Learning Enhancement
What a wonderful week we have had, being reminded of the value of partnership within the Kuyper community. From welcoming new families to catching up with old friends, we have witnessed again the importance of connection and belonging.
On Monday, we met with parents and students for our 2025 K-12 Orientation. These families are either joining us for the first time or are entering a new stage of their learning. It was encouraging to see so many new parents making connections, not just with staff but also with other parents. Those for whom this was a familiar experience were able to welcome and help settle the nerves of those who were new to our community. It was a reminder that partnership is essential in helping our students flourish and that we each have a role to play in the Kuyper Story.
One of the many opportunities parents have to be part of the Kuyper Story is to assist staff in running our annual Christmas Craft sessions for Prep-2 students. Every year, parents make an invaluable contribution to these events, held over three weeks in Term 4. Recently, a Kuyper graduate shared that the Christmas Craft sessions in which they participated about 15 years ago were among their favourite memories of their time at Kuyper. For that individual, these seemingly childish activities helped them understand and remember the true meaning of Christmas. The parents of 15 years ago played a role in that young man’s story, just as the parents who have been partnering with us this year have been playing a part in the story of 2024’s youngest students. In years to come, I hope we continue to hear stories of the ways in which various parents have contributed to our students’ understanding that they are God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule.
On Saturday, Mr Mike Hottinger, our chaplain, hosted the Kuyper Alumni Barbecue. This annual event provides an opportunity for past students to visit the school and share the recent parts of their stories with past and present staff. It has been a great blessing to hear from our past students, as they recognise the part that Kuyper has played in their individual stories, especially as they have learned more about who God made them to be and the plans He has for their lives.
As we look ahead, may we all be mindful of the bigger story and seek to contribute to our school community in ways that are for God’s glory and the good of others.