Week 11, Term 1, 2024

Jesus was a morning person.

I too love mornings. I will happily wake up with my alarm and bounce straight out of bed, picking up unfinished conversations with my husband from the night before and thinking through the day ahead. Mistakes have not yet been made, ideas have yet to be tested, and nobody quite knows exactly how the day will pan out. It’s exciting if we allow it to be.

The Bible is full of references to the morning, using this tangible, everyday occurrence to illustrate the refreshment and renewal that Christians believe is on offer through the presence of God. The book of Lamentations reminds readers that, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning”.

Mornings, especially early ones, buzz with potential. Perhaps this is why Jesus embraced them, too. Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus would preach in the temple “early in the morning”. Mark’s gospel similarly reports that Jesus would get up “very early in the morning, while it was still dark”, to pray. And, perhaps most significant of all, the resurrection of Jesus was discovered “at dawn on the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1).

Easter Sunday is a time when Christians remember that the extraordinary, history–shaping resurrection of Jesus means a fresh start. A new day, filled with space for forgiveness, celebration, and hope. The resurrection is the sign to all who wish to see it that death – in all its pain – is not the end, and that another reality is possible. As is often the case in life, this idea is perfectly summed up by the inimitable Nina Simone: “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me; and I’m feeling good”.

As we close a term of learning, growth, and achievements, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared together. Over the past 11 weeks, our students have embraced every opportunity to grow academically, socially, physically, and spiritually, embodying the values of Kindness, Safety and Learning that define our school community.

This term has been especially meaningful as we begin the celebrations for our school's 70th birthday. This milestone not only marks the passage of time but also celebrates the enduring legacy of excellence in education that has been a hallmark of St Joseph's School Barmera. As we honour our past and look to the future, we are reminded of the countless lives that have been touched and transformed by our school community.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our littlest learners, who have completed their first 11 weeks of formal schooling. This is a significant milestone in their young lives, and we are incredibly proud of each one of them. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.

As we prepare to break for the term, I want to thank every member of our school community for your unwavering support and commitment. It is through your dedication and hard work that we can create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can reach their full potential.

We are excited to welcome Ms Louise Latz as the new Year 5/6 teacher to St Joseph's School Barmera, replacing Mrs Gropler who will be taking maternity leave from Week 3 in Term 2. Louise brings with her a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set that will enrich the learning experience of our students. With her specialisation in Health and Physical Education, Visual Arts, Chinese Mandarin, and Technologies, as well as her valuable experiences in Special Education settings, we are confident that Louise will make a significant contribution to our school community. Her most recent appointment at Kangaroo Island Community Education has further honed her abilities and we are excited to have her join us. Please join me in welcoming Louise to our school community.

Our bus driver Marilyn Brock is taking leave during term 2. Mr Alex Garoufalis will be driving the Berri bus in the mornings and afternoons. The process of contacting the bus driver with any changes remains the same. We welcome Marilyn back in term 3.

Special thanks to:

This year we are introducing a behaviour education and support program at our school called Positive Behavioural Interventions & Support (PBIS). PBIS is a way to teach all students positive behaviour and encourage them to use it. It will contribute to the positive, safe and supportive learning culture at our school and enhance our existing wellbeing and behaviour supports. This approach aims to help all students feel valued, connected to the school community, and achieve better academic results, with staff and students having more time to focus on relationships and classroom learning.

Our staff are being trained and supported through Catholic Education SA as we implement this new program. We invite you to watch the video attached in this newsletter to learn more about PBIS and its benefits. More information will be shared as we progress through the roll out.  Contact Lisa Rayner if you have any questions.

Every year St Joseph's School Barmera participates in the ANZAC Day dawn service at the Barmera Garden of Memory on ANZAC Day, April 25th, at 6:00 am. This solemn occasion provides us with an opportunity to pay our respects to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Students are invited to join our school captains in laying a wreath during the service. This is a meaningful way for them to show their appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

Further information about the ANZAC Day dawn service, including details about how to participate, will be sent home via Seesaw during week 2 of the holidays. We encourage all families to consider attending this important event and to involve your children in this significant act of remembrance.

Lest we forget.

As I close this last edition of our school newsletter for term 1, I want to extend a warm farewell and best wishes to all our families, staff, and students as we head into the break. I hope this holiday period provides you with the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with loved ones.

We are eagerly anticipating the start of the new term on Monday, April 29th, and look forward to welcoming everyone back. The upcoming term promises to be filled with new and exciting learning opportunities, as our dedicated staff continue to innovate and inspire our students.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our school community for your ongoing support and commitment. Your involvement is truly valued, and we are fortunate to have such a strong and supportive community surrounding us.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable break, and looking forward to seeing you back at school, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs of the new term ahead.

Nanda de Winter

Principal

On behalf of the school community, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your incredible support in our fundraising efforts for the Mito Foundation and Zoe's Bloody Long Walk. Your generosity and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring, and we are thrilled to announce that we have surpassed our fundraising goal thanks to your contributions.

Your support will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), and we are proud to have been able to contribute to this important cause. It is through the kindness and generosity of our school community that we are able to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Sonya Scadden

Curriculum ESO