Week 1, Term 1 2024

Welcome back! It's with great joy that we welcome our students back to school after the Christmas break. As we gather once again in the spirit of learning and community, I can't help but notice the excitement and energy that fills our classrooms. The Christmas break has provided our students with an opportunity to rest, recharge, and grow. Whether it's through new experiences, newfound wisdom, or simply the growth that comes with time, I am certain that our students have returned with enthusiasm for the year ahead.

In the spirit of Mary MacKillop, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all the new students and their families joining our SJSB community. Just as Mary MacKillop believed in the power of education to transform lives, we too believe that each new student brings a unique light to our school, enriching our community in countless ways. Your presence among us is a reminder of the diversity and strength of our school family, and we are excited to walk alongside you on your educational journey.

I also welcome back the SJSB staff team. Our educators, support staff, and administrators are dedicated professionals who are committed to providing a well-rounded education that addresses the academic, spiritual, and social-emotional needs of all our students. The team’s expertise, passion, and unwavering dedication, creates a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and grow. We are confident that our staff's collective efforts will continue to make a positive impact on our students' lives, ensuring that they receive the best possible educational experience.

The Diocesan theme this year "Let your light shine" serves as a guiding beacon for our school. It reminds us of the importance of embracing our unique gifts and talents and using them to illuminate the world around us. As we nurture the growth of our students, both academically and spiritually, let us encourage them to let their light shine brightly, making a positive impact on those around them.

In 2024 St Joseph’s School Barmera celebrates its 70th anniversary. This year we will reflect on our journey from humble beginnings to the rich history and traditions that have shaped our community. We honour the generations of students, families, and staff who have contributed to our school's legacy of excellence. This milestone is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, and I am excited to celebrate this significant achievement with all of you.

As we begin this new year, let us also celebrate the small moments that make school life so special. From the excitement of lost teeth to the anticipation of making new friends, each experience contributes to the unique tapestry of our school. Let us cherish these moments too.

There are many exciting learning opportunities to look forward to this term. On Monday next week we welcome the Director for Catholic Education of the Port Pirie Diocese, Mrs Nichii Mardon and the new Catholic Identity and Mission advisor, Mrs Mary Manning to our school. Next week we will induct our school leaders with a leadership mass on Thursday and on Friday we will have our first whole school assembly followed by a School Open Morning for families to walk through children’s classrooms, meet teachers to ask teachers any questions you have regarding school routines and expectations. In week 3 we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday and begin our Lenten journey towards Easter. 

I am confident that this year will be filled with success, growth, and meaningful connections. Together, let us make it a year to remember, where our light shines brightly, illuminating the path to a bright future.

Nanda de Winter

May we remember to whisper to one another, every now and then, on purpose, at the right time: you belong here. There’s room for you. There’s room for all of us. We are part of the temple in which God is quite at home.

This week we joyfully open our school doors for the very first time in 2024. This week we also celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, exactly 40 days after the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day.  The presentation of Jesus in the Temple in the bible marks the end of one important stage in Jesus’ life and the beginning of another – his childhood and adolescence.

Every time I read the biblical story of the Presentation of the Lord, I can’t help but draw a parallel with the narrative of Simba's presentation in The Lion King. Both stories speak to the profound human need for belonging and purpose. In the biblical account, the Presentation of the Lord symbolises Jesus' belonging to the Jewish community and his larger role in the salvation of humanity. Similarly, Simba's presentation in The Lion King marks his introduction to the pride lands and his eventual understanding of his place in the circle of life. Both narratives emphasise the importance of embracing one's heritage and responsibilities, as well as the recognition that true belonging comes from understanding and fulfilling one's role within a community. Just as Jesus was presented to the world with a divine purpose, so too does Simba come to realise his destiny as the rightful king. These stories remind us that belonging is not just about being a part of something, but also about recognising and embracing our unique contributions to the world around us.

The Feast of the Presentation reminds us that we too belong. We belong in our families, in our school, in our town and in our Church. As human beings a sense of belonging is important as it connects us to others, to each other and to God. By presenting Jesus in the Temple, the Holy family expressed their deepest awareness of God and demonstrated how they belonged to Him.

How wonderful it is to belong!

Welcoming new students and helping them and their families belong to the SJSB community, they received a plant to symbolise planting roots in our community and the growth and journey ahead.

I would like to take a moment to emphasise the crucial role that regular school attendance plays in your child's educational journey. All parents have a duty to ensure children attend school regularly and punctually.

Attending school every day and making every minute count is essential for your child's academic, social, and emotional development. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, develop strong study habits, and build lasting friendships. Furthermore, regular attendance helps students stay engaged in their learning and reduces the likelihood of falling behind.

By ensuring your children attend school you are not only complying with legal requirements, but you are also actively contributing to your child's future success.

We understand that there may be circumstances that can affect your child's attendance, and we encourage open communication in such cases. Together, we can work to support your child's educational journey and ensure they have the best possible opportunities for growth and development.

Our 'Little Joey's School Ready Transition Program' is designed for students eligible to start Reception in Term 3, 2024. All children who turn 5 between April 30 and October 31, 2024, who are enrolled in the school can join the program for free. This program runs 2 terms prior to them starting school and helps transition children from kindy to primary school successfully. Our program has a proven track record of preparing children for their school journey by focusing on key developmental areas such as literacy, numeracy, social skills, and emotional readiness. Led by experienced educators, this program provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can grow and thrive, gaining the confidence and skills they need for a successful start to school. Enrol your child today to give them the best possible start to their educational journey! Call the school for more information.

We are expanding our Occasional Care service to cater to the needs of our wider community. Discover the joy of learning and play at St. Joseph's School in Barmera! Our occasional care program provides a nurturing environment for 2–5-year-olds, where they can explore, learn, and grow while you take care of your errands or enjoy some well-deserved 'me' time.

Our educators are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. With their passion for early childhood education and their deep understanding of child development, our staff members create engaging learning experiences tailored to the unique needs of each child. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for the well-being of every child make our occasional care service a place where families can feel confident and reassured to let them thrive in our loving community!

All new enrolments receive a FREE Little Joey Welcome Pack.

We are thrilled to announce that our school will be participating in the Riverland Primary Schools Music Festival, an exciting opportunity for students in Years 4-6 to showcase their musical talents and be part of a vibrant musical community.

The festival is a three-term commitment, providing students with a rich and immersive musical experience that extends beyond the classroom. Through participation in the festival, students will have the chance to develop their musical skills, collaborate with their peers, and gain valuable performance experience.

If your child is interested in taking part in this enriching musical journey, we encourage them to express their interest with Ms. Petty. Ms. Petty will be able to provide further details about the festival, including rehearsal schedules, performance dates, and any additional costs and requirements.

Congratulations to Matt, Billie, Harlow, and Aysha on the safe arrival of their son and brother Jace.

Congratulations to Ev, Tom, Antonio, and Sofia on the safe arrival of their son and brother Samuel.

Through our partnership with the Life Buoyancy Institute our families have free access to the following online workshops. Follow the links to register.

All of our upcoming events for the year are here: https://lbi.org.au/upcoming-events/

Key events open for registration include: 

27^th of February - Responding to Child and Youth Anxiety and Depression

27^th of March - Responding to Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation 

9^th of May - Trauma and its Impact (Advanced Under the Surface)

4^th of June - Motivating Others for Intentional Change