Mitch Cavens, Head of Secondary
As we prepare for our upcoming production of Peter Pan Jr, there has been a great deal of work happening behind the scenes. One particularly encouraging example has been the development of our student sound and lighting team, led by Mr Hayden Lites.
Over the course of this year, a group of Secondary students have utilised their time to serve on Fridays and Saturdays to attend rehearsals, setting up, operating, and packing down sound equipment. The work they are doing is not simple, and requires technical knowledge, musical understanding, sustained concentration, problem-solving, and a willingness to keep working until the job is done well.
Recently, I had the privilege of spending the day with these students as we prepared the sound and staging for the musical. I was impressed at their attitude and approach to the task at hand. They were trustworthy, attentive, skilful, took initiative and enjoyed the task as they served with one another.
This is a wonderful example of what we mean when we talk about transformative learning at Kuyper. Education is not purely about acquiring knowledge in a classroom; it is about becoming the kind of person who can use that knowledge faithfully in God’s world. These students are learning technical and musical skills, but they are also learning perseverance, responsibility, collaboration, and service. They are discovering that their gifts can be used to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
We have also been incredibly grateful for the contribution of Mr Greg Burton, a valued member of our community and Kuyper parent, who has regularly given his time, knowledge, and expertise to lead and support the students. His involvement provides a beautiful picture of Christian community: knowledge and experience being generously shared within a multi-generational community, with one person helping another to grow for the mutual benefit of all.
There is something deeply encouraging about seeing this kind of community develop. Students are being trusted with meaningful responsibility, adults are giving generously of their gifts, and together they are creating something that will bless the wider school community. I think this is learning in God’s world in a very tangible sense.
These moments remind us that transformation happens in every square inch of school life. We are grateful for our students, for Mr Lites and his leadership, and for Greg’s generous service to our community. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their work when the curtain finally rises on Peter Pan Jr on Friday night.