Mr Mark Ramsay
The declaration by Solomon in the Old Testament that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV) has often puzzled me. It seems contradictory because, in our daily lives, each day unfolds like an unwritten chapter in the book of life, presenting opportunities for new discoveries and experiences. There are new neighbours in our street and new songs on the radio. Even the occasional appearance of new grey hairs in my beard is a tangible reminder of the passage of time.
Yet, Solomon’s reflection invites us to consider a deeper meaning. While our personal experiences may feel novel, God’s wisdom emphasises that human endeavours and patterns tend to repeat throughout history. There are cycles in our lives, patterns that turn over time and time again. In the midst of the new, we recognise familiar experiences.
Schools can feel a bit like that. One year finishes, and another one starts. One set of exams is completed, and students start preparing for the next ones. Our children grow out of one pair of shoes, and we get them another pair. For some people, this leads to a never-ending sense of wonder and anticipation. Others, well, they feel it’s all much the same as it has always been. Both of these responses are true and valuable!
Embracing the cyclical nature of our experiences is a recognition that we are not starting a new book, but we are turning the page to a new chapter in God’s ongoing story.
Knowing we are part of God’s story means we can trust that there is nothing that will take Him by surprise. He has designed the world to reflect these patterns and cycles. That is how He works. But we can also experience each cycle or repetition as a new gift from God.
Kuyper’s new year and new team are all part of God’s narrative. We’re not embarking on an entirely new book; instead, we are entering a new chapter. While the concept of newness may produce change, what remains unchanged is the hope we hold for your children.
This hope is that Kuyper will be an educational community where students are prepared to live restoratively for Jesus in a world where every square inch belongs to Him.
This is a constant thread running through the pages of our school’s story, anchoring us in the overarching story of God’s plan for each child.
It is with this hope that I welcome you all back to Kuyper for another school year. My prayer is that it is not ‘just another’ year. Instead, I pray that it will be a year where Kuyper students, families and staff can share their excitement about learning in God’s world and investigating how to live for His Son in all that we do.