Week 11, Term 1 2025

I remember the first time my child was hurt. She was only about a year and a half old. We were in the backyard on a warm summer day. She was wearing little blue shorts and a white t-shirt, still a bit wobbly on her feet. As she toddled across the concrete, she lost her balance and fell, scraping her knee.

It wasn’t a serious injury, just a graze really. She didn’t cry. In fact, she seemed more surprised than upset. But I cried. It was the first time I had seen my child bleed. As I watched tiny beads of blood form and dry on her once unblemished skin, a deeper realisation washed over me: this would be the first of many scrapes, cuts, and bruises, both physical and emotional, she would face in life. I scooped her up, carried her inside, gently cleaned the wound, and held her close.

I often find myself returning to that moment during Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter. Holy Week is a time to reflect not only on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, but on the fragility and beauty of life itself. Holy Week invites us into a sacred space to pause and consider where we are wounded, body, mind, and soul, and how, through faith, we are made whole again.

The most solemn day of Holy Week is Good Friday. On this day, we remember the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, his vulnerability, his pain, and his death. It is a day when the world grows quiet with reverence. On this day there are no miracles, no crowds celebrating and nobody being healed.  On this day we encounter Jesus not in glory, but in humanity; broken, bleeding, and alone. Once someone’s child, perhaps once scraped and comforted by a loving hand, he now bears the full weight of the world’s suffering.

And yet, even in this moment of darkness, Jesus remains a light. He responds to hatred with love. He offers forgiveness to his executioners. He shows compassion for the thief beside him. He entrusts his mother to a friend. He does not turn inward in pain, but outward in grace.

How might we respond if we were in his place? When we are hurt, rejected, misunderstood, do we lash out or reach out? Good Friday reminds us that it is possible, even in great suffering, to be people of compassion and mercy.

Our world can feel deeply divided at times. But whether we are Catholic, of another faith, or simply seeking meaning, Holy Week invites us all to reflect on our shared humanity. Every person we meet carries invisible wounds. Every child scrapes their knee on life’s rough patches. And in our response to one another, with patience, love, and kindness, we participate in the healing and resurrection that Easter promises.

May this Holy Week and Easter be a time of deep reflection and gentle renewal for you and your family. As we journey through sorrow into joy, may the light of Christ shine brightly in your hearts and homes.

Have a blessed Easter and a wonderful holiday.

As we draw Term 1 to a close, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many rich learning experiences, community events, and acts of service that have shaped our first term together at St Joseph’s School Barmera.

Thank you to all families, staff, and students who have embraced the start of the year with enthusiasm and care. The term has been filled with moments of joy, learning, and togetherness, reminding us that the heart of our school is the strong partnership we share as a faith-filled community.

As we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter, we also pause to honour the season of Lent, a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Project Compassion fundraising efforts. From the warm and welcoming Lenten Breakfasts on Wednesday mornings to the creative and well-organised House Fundraisers led by students, your generosity has been outstanding. Your contributions have supported not only Caritas Australia’s important work but also supported the values of empathy, justice, and compassion that we aim to nurture in every child.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to all who supported the recent Parents and Friends (P&F) fundraisers. Whether you took a guess in the ‘Guess the Eggs’ challenge, sold and bought tickets in the Easter Raffle, ordered delicious treats in the Hot Cross Bun Drive, or danced the night away at the School Disco, your participation made these events memorable and successful. The funds raised go directly back into projects that enhance our students’ learning and wellbeing. Thank you!

Last week we held our Learning Journey Interviews, a valuable opportunity for three-way conversations between students, parents/carers, and teachers. These discussions not only deepened our understanding of each child’s academic progress, but also their social and emotional development. Importantly, these conversations help empower students to take greater ownership and responsibility for their learning which is an essential part of growing into confident, capable learners.

If any extra support is needed as a result of these interviews, we encourage parents and carers to continue the conversation with your child’s teacher or relevant staff member. Strong partnerships between home and school are key to nurturing success and wellbeing.
While the Learning Journey Interviews are a formal opportunity for reflection and goal setting, I warmly remind all families that open communication is encouraged throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if needed.

We were delighted to welcome Krystina Dawe to St Joseph’s School Barmera in Week 9 as part of CESA’s Aspiring Leaders Program. It’s always refreshing to see our school through new eyes, and Krystina’s reflections offer a unique and affirming perspective on the culture and community we’ve built together. With her permission, we are pleased to share her testimonial with you as a reminder of the positive impact our school has, not only on those within our community but also on those who visit.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to St Joseph's School, Bamera, for allowing me the incredible opportunity to undertake my Aspiring Principal placement. During my time at the school, I witnessed firsthand the authenticity of the hospitality, which was consistently warm, welcoming, and genuine.
What stood out to me most was how the school culture permeates every aspect of life on campus, deeply rooted in the Josephite tradition. It is clear that these values guide not only the staff but also the students, creating an environment of mutual respect, kindness, and purpose.
I was particularly inspired by the way students are empowered as agents of change, taking initiative in both their learning and their wider community. It was evident that they were not only learning academic skills but also developing a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.
The theme of "seeds of hope" truly resonated with me and is clearly lived out daily at St Joseph's School, Bamera. It’s this commitment to nurturing hope, compassion, and growth that makes Catholic Education so special. The school’s vision is not only present in its mission but is actively woven into the everyday experiences of the staff and students, reminding us all of the importance of fostering hope and faith in our community. This also compliments the academic learning for students rather than being in competition with it.
For me, the experience at St Joseph's School Bamera was transformative. I felt a true sense of belonging, as though I was part of something much larger than myself. The sense of vocation that I experienced during my placement, in the truest sense of the word, was deeply moving. It is more than just a school – it felt like a calling to be part of something greater, contributing to something meaningful and lasting. Nanda De Winter has encapsulated an authentic sense of service leadership and you can see the way in which this position has and continues to provide nourishment.
I leave with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the school and the staff which are integral to establishing such a rich culture. The impact which the experience has had on me will be one that lasts and is taken with me into my future leadership journey.
Thank you once again for this invaluable experience. It has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth.

As we enter the Easter break, may you and your families be blessed with moments of peace, renewal, and joy. We also pause to commemorate ANZAC Day during the holidays, honouring those who have served and continue to serve our country with courage and dedication.
Term 2 promises to be full of excitement, growth, and learning. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to continue our journey together.

Wishing you a safe, restful, and holy Easter break.

Nanda de Winter

Principal