Sarah Allen, Secondary Teacher
To say that 2022 has begun with a splash would be an understatement! Our school community has been allowed out again, and it has been wonderful to have classes, activities, carnivals and events on the calendar once more.
Our school swimming carnival was a wonderful day of community, competition and fun. Although it was limited to ‘competitors’ only, we had 60 students attend on the day and 17 students progressed to the Zone Carnival. This was another opportunity for students to represent our school in the wider community. Our competitors displayed their skill and determination, with 8 qualifying for the State Carnival. I had the pleasure of attending the Primary State Carnival on Monday with some of our qualifiers. Summer, Myah and Sean were able to beat the floodwaters and participate in 15 events. Sam W, Enoch and Hugo were sadly unable to attend due to the current situation.
Every carnival that I attend brings much joy. Our Kuyper students are a wonderful representation of our school and our community. They compete wholeheartedly, show commitment and perseverance, and strive for excellence. They support and encourage one another, congratulate each other, regardless of the outcome, and enjoy friendly rivalry and camaraderie. They smile, they cheer, and they support not only their Kuyper teammates, but their peers – the ‘competition’ – from other schools.
These moments make the benefits of sport obvious when it comes to training our young people for the Kingdom. Sport is a great physical example of the discipline and passion we should exhibit in our spiritual walk. The Apostle Paul compares the Christian walk to competing in sport, in that it requires self control and discipline. Believers are encouraged to play by the rules, through obedience (2 Timothy 2:5), finish strong, through perseverance (2 Timothy 4:7), and exercise themselves spiritually (1 Timothy 4:8). All of these disciplines are necessary for us to excel in our athletic endeavors, and also our spiritual walk.
Congratulations to our Zone team for their achievements this year; Josh S, Joshua B, Kayne, Kyden, Dominic, Matilda M, Abigail H, Hayden, Summer, Sam W, Sean, Mia R, Anastasya, Myah, Enoch, Nathan M, and Hugo. Congratulations to our Secondary State representatives, Josh S and Hayden, who will be representing the Metropolitan West Zone later this month.