Week 5, Term 1 2025

This time of year, can be challenging, especially here in the southern hemisphere. While the northern hemisphere experiences sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms, and long periods of darkness, we face a different set of challenges. The heat can be stifling, and the relentless sun can drain our energy. We long for cooler days and relief from the scorching heat.

Just as the winter blues can affect those in the north, we too can feel overwhelmed by the heat and the monotony of the season. We crave a change, a fresh start, and a renewal of our spirits. This is where Lent comes in.

Lent is a time of transformation, not just spiritually, but also in our surroundings. While the north begins to see signs of new life with budding flowers and green grass, we look forward to relief from the heat and the promise of cooler days. It's a reminder that change is inevitable, and Lent offers us a chance to embrace this change and grow from it.

During Lent, as we focus on prayer, charity, and fasting, we can experience a profound shift within ourselves. It's a time to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness, and make amends. Just as the seasons change, we too can undergo a transformation if we embrace Lent wholeheartedly. It's an opportunity to heal, grow, and emerge as better versions of ourselves.

We have reached the end of Week 5, and what a fantastic start to the year it has been! It has been wonderful to see everyone settling into their new classrooms, forming friendships, and getting to know their teachers. There is a real sense of enthusiasm and energy around the school as students engage in their learning and embrace the opportunities that 2025 has to offer. Thank you to all our families for your ongoing support in making this such a positive beginning to the year.

Next week, we enter the season of Lent, a time for reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness as we prepare for Easter. Lent invites us to deepen our faith, make sacrifices, and look for ways to serve others. It is a season where we pause and consider how we can show love and compassion in our daily lives.

To mark the beginning of Lent, we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday by reflecting on the tradition of using up rich foods before the fasting season begins- perhaps with some delicious pancakes! On Ash Wednesday, our school community will come together for a special liturgy at 10:00 am, led by O’Connor House. During this time, students and staff will receive ashes as a sign of our commitment to living with love and kindness. Families are warmly invited to join us for this important liturgy.

Project Compassion 2025 Unite Against Poverty

During Lent, we are called to think of others and consider how we can make a positive difference in the world. As part of our Lenten journey, we are participating in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This year’s theme, "Unite Against Poverty," reminds us that together, we can create meaningful change.

Each classroom will have a Project Compassion collection box, and we invite students and families to contribute what they can. Even the smallest donations can have a big impact on improving the lives of people experiencing poverty and hardship. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

First House Day & Showcase Afternoon

We celebrated our very first House Day, where students came together in their house teams, Francis, MacKillop, and O’Connor, to strengthen friendships, build teamwork, and showcase house spirit. It was fantastic to see the excitement and enthusiasm as students participated in a range of activities and supported one another.

Another highlight was our Showcase Afternoon, where students proudly shared their mathematics learning with families. It was wonderful to see their hard work on display and witness their joy in sharing their achievements. Thank you to all families who attended and helped make this event special!

NAPLAN Testing 

A reminder that NAPLAN testing will take place in Week 7 and in Week 8 for students in Years 3 and 5. These assessments help track student progress in literacy and numeracy, providing valuable insights to support learning and development.

We encourage students to approach NAPLAN with confidence, knowing it is simply an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. If you have any questions about the testing process, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Classroom Pulse Check-In

At St Joseph’s, we recognise that school life has its ups and downs, and we are committed to ensuring every student feels supported in their learning and wellbeing.

Each term, during Weeks 5 and 6, students participate in the Classroom Pulse Check-In, an online tool used across Catholic schools in South Australia. This Check-In allows students to express how they are feeling about their school experience and helps teachers provide timely support for any social, emotional, or learning needs.

We value every student’s voice and want to ensure they feel heard, understood, and encouraged to thrive in their learning journey.

P&F Easter Fundraisers – Hot Cross Bun Drive & Easter Raffle

Easter is just around the corner, and our P&F Committee is running two fantastic fundraisers to celebrate the season; the Hot Cross Bun Drive and Easter Raffle!

We are currently seeking donations for the Easter Raffle—anything Easter-themed or chocolatey would be greatly appreciated. These donations will help us create prizes for lucky winners! If you’d like to contribute, please drop off your donations at the front office.

Meanwhile, order forms for the Hot Cross Bun Drive will be sent home this Friday. This is a delicious way to support our school while stocking up on a tasty Easter treat!

Board Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the School Board is coming up on Monday, March 17, and we warmly invite all members of our school community to attend. The AGM is an important opportunity to reflect on our school’s achievements, discuss future plans, and ensure we continue providing the best learning environment for our students.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making St Joseph’s a welcoming and nurturing place for our students. 

Nanda de Winter

Principal

On February 11 we observed Safer Internet Day at St Joseph's School Barmera. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising children in the digital age, we want to highlight an essential topic: internet safety.

Do you know what apps your children are using and what they are accessing online? Many of us would never allow our children to walk to school alone or roam around in the dark unsupervised. Yet, without realising it, we might be allowing them to venture into potentially dangerous online environments without appropriate supervision.

The internet is a powerful tool for learning and connection, but it also contains content that can be harmful to young minds if accessed without proper boundaries. As parents and guardians, it's crucial to ensure our children are safe online just as we ensure their safety in the physical world.

Internet safety goes beyond just protecting our children from harmful content. It also includes guiding them to develop respectful and responsible online behaviour. Here are a few points to consider and discuss with your children:

1. Anonymity and the Online Persona:

The sense of anonymity that comes with being online can sometimes lead children to say things they wouldn't normally say in person. They might feel the courage to use inappropriate language or engage in conversations that are disrespectful or hurtful.

2. Impact of Words:

It's important for children to understand that words have power, whether spoken in person or typed online. Inappropriate language and negative interactions can have real-world consequences, affecting their own and other's relationships and emotional well-being.

3. Setting Boundaries:

Establish clear rules about the kind of language and behaviour that is acceptable online. Encourage your children to treat their online interactions with the same respect and kindness they would in face-to-face conversations.

4. Monitoring and Guidance:

Regularly check in on your children's online activities. Know what chatgroups they are part of and the kinds of conversations they are having. Open a dialogue about why certain language and behaviours are not appropriate, even in the digital world.

If you find that your child is part of chat groups or social networks where inappropriate language or content is shared, we strongly encourage you to take immediate action:

• Remove Them from Inappropriate Groups:

It's essential to prioritise your child's well-being by removing them from any chat groups or social media platforms where inappropriate behaviour or content is prevalent.

• Report Inappropriate Content:

You can report harmful or inappropriate content to the E-Safety Commissioner. This is a valuable resource for addressing and mitigating online safety issues.

• Adhere to Age Restrictions:

Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and others have age restrictions for a reason. If your children have accounts on these platforms and are under the age of 13, it is a breach of the law. It's crucial to respect these age limits to protect your children's safety and well-being.

Please take a moment to check your child's online activity, review the apps and websites your child is using, engage in conversations about internet safety and set clear rules and guidelines for online behaviour.

The link below takes you to parent resources on the eSafety Commissioner website, where you will find a range of free resources and webinars to help keep your children safe online.

Parents | eSafety Commissioner