Week 5, Term 1 2024

As we journey through our daily lives, it's easy to become absorbed in our own world, focusing solely on our immediate concerns and challenges. We may inadvertently lose sight of the bigger picture, forgetting that we are part of a larger community and a broader world.

In Sunday’s gospel, Jesus invites his friends to join him on a mountain, away from the busyness of daily life. There, in a moment of prayer, Jesus is transfigured, his face shining brightly, and his clothes dazzling white. This extraordinary event must have been both awe-inspiring and unsettling for those present.

Peter's response, "Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here," reflects the sense of wonder and privilege they felt in that moment. But the words they heard, "This is my Son, the beloved, he enjoys my favour, listen to him," are a message for us as well. In our noisy and often chaotic world, filled with constant news and information, it can be challenging to hear the voice of Jesus.

Yet, the message of Jesus is one of hope, love, and transformation. His words have the power to nourish our souls and transform our lives if we are open to receiving them. Jesus offers us a glimpse of his glory, reminding us that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond our daily routines.

While we may not experience the dramatic transfiguration that Peter, James, and John witnessed, God breaks into our world in small, meaningful ways every day. Moments of peace, joy, reconciliation, and kindness are all signs of God's presence among us. When we reach out to others in love and compassion, we participate in the ongoing transfiguration of our world.

This week, let us open our hearts to hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us. Let us slow down and look for those moments of grace and transformation in our everyday lives. May we be mindful of our interconnectedness with others and with God, recognising that each act of kindness and love is a moment of transfiguration both for ourselves and for those around us.

Shrove Tuesday

Ash Wednesday

As we reach the midpoint of term 1, I am reminded of the incredible journey that education is, not just for our students but for all of us in the St Joseph's School Barmera community. This week holds a particularly special significance for me as a parent, as my daughter embarks on a new chapter, starting university. It's a poignant moment, filled with pride and nostalgia, as I reflect on the formative years she spent here at SJSB. Her journey, like those of so many of our students past and present, is a testament to the virtues and education instilled in her during her time here. I am reminded of the profound impact our school community has on each and every one of our students, preparing them not just for academic success but for life beyond these walls.

I am privileged to witness the magic that happens within our school each day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and nurturing community.

Project Compassion 2024 shares the stories of resilient and inspiring individuals whose lives and futures have been impacted by the ongoing support of Caritas and its supporters. At SJSB we encourage our students to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution can have in the lives of others. When we lend a hand to someone in need, we will go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations.

Caritas Australia calls us to support Project Compassion under the theme ‘For All Future Generations’, which is an expression of hope, and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together and finding long-term solutions to global issues. One of the ways we fundraise for Project Compassion is through Lenten Breakfasts. On Wednesdays during Lent, students and their families are invited to join the school and parish for a cooked breakfast from 8:15am.

As in past years, each term during week 5 and 6 every student in a Catholic School in South Australia will participate in a simple online Classroom Pulse Check-In. This Check-In has been developed to gage how students are currently feeling about their experience in school. It is tailored to allow your child’s teacher(s) to Check-In and provide immediate feedback and support to them. 

I am conscious that life in school has its’ ups and downs, but I am also confident that your child’s teachers want to understand how they are feeling so they can support you and your child in meeting any social, emotional, or learning needs that they may have.

To enable this, your child’s teacher and I will have access to their responses to facilitate follow up and support as required.

There are a range of simple questions about your child’s life at school, their identity as a person and a learner, their sense of belonging, safety, and friendships. A sample of the  Check-In can be found here Catholic Education South Australia | Wellbeing Initiative (cesa.catholic.edu.au)

In addition to supporting your child, de-identified data from all participating schools will be used by Catholic Education SA to identify trends to assist in future planning for the support of the learning and wellbeing for students across South Australia.

Catholic Education SA believes that our role is to help every child to be a thriving person, capable learner and a leader for the world God desires. We believe this Check-In will play an important part in supporting that goal and your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further clarification.

St Joseph's School Barmera will be introducing a new all-season uniform, to be rolled out from Term 2 of this year. This new uniform has been designed to be worn all year round, providing greater convenience and affordability for families, especially during these times of rising living costs.

The new all-season uniform will significantly reduce the number of uniform items required, simplifying the uniform process for all families. It is designed to be durable and comfortable, meeting the needs of our students throughout the year.

To ensure a smooth transition, we have implemented a two-year changeover timeline. This means that if your child's current uniform still fits and is in good condition, it can continue to be worn until January 2026, (providing it is worn correctly).

We believe that the new uniform will not only benefit families financially but also enhance the sense of unity and identity within our school community. Stay tuned for more information and images of the new uniform over the coming weeks.

InitiaLit is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program which we are currently rolling out in the early years, providing all children in years R-2 with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers. InitiaLit is a three-year program, covering the first three years of school.

The program incorporates daily lessons in reading and spelling, as well as rich language instruction using children’s literature.

At SJSB all classes are engaging weekly with the Open Parachute wellbeing program. The Open Parachute wellbeing program is designed to promote social and emotional development in students. Open Parachute uses clinically validated, research based psychological skill building exercises to boost resilience, self-awareness, and social responsibility in young people, and increase their connection and systems of support. This program aims to build a strong foundation of resilience so that your child can learn to trust in their own abilities, relate to their own feelings in a healthy way, and change any unhelpful patterns that may hold them back at any point in their lives.

Information about the program was sent to families via seesaw. This information included a QR code to scan allowing access to free parent/carer resources.

The Kiss and Drop has been designed to allow all families a quick drop off and pick up point of children in the mornings and afternoons. It is important that drop off and pick up happens in a safe manner. Recently, it has come to my attention that more students are accessing their family car from the roadside, requiring them to walk between cars onto the road. At SJSB student safety is our highest priority. I ask that if you use the Kiss and Drop your children access the car only from the footpath side. Thank you for helping to keep our school a safe place for everyone.

Nanda de Winter

Principal