St Joseph's School Barmera

Religious Identity and Mission

Both Reconciliation Week and Laudato Si’ Week challenge us to think beyond individualism and embrace the richness of community living, where every person is valued, every voice matters, and we recognise our role in healing relationships and caring for creation.

Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

Matthew 18: 20

One holidays I took the opportunity to re-watch the complete Harry Potter movie series. Admittedly it was quite a marathon! When I watch movies for a second or even third time it often happens that side story lines suddenly stand out. Smaller storylines I had not noticed the first time around. Watching the series, it struck me how the character of Severus Snape was prepared to be excluded from the cosy Hogwarts community in pursuit of a higher aim. This got me thinking about the meaning of community; what it means to be part of a community and to actively contribute to its cause.

It is impossible for men to meet with God and love him without at the same time meeting with and loving one another.

Theologian John Baillie

The biblical meaning of community invites us to consider the significant relationship between Jesus and us. Jesus intended to fuse people together in groups where they could grow in character and live generously. Community is about two or more people who make a deliberate choice to accept one another. To commit to each other in this context is no incidental event. It requires discipline, humility, selfless love, grace, and the heart of a servant. It demands staying power, flexibility, and loyalty.

And when such a community is in place, familiar words from the Bible suddenly become relevant;

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another

John 13: 34-35

As we become part of a community, Jesus expects something special from us. In the same way the Nike tick or the bitten Apple are signature images for famous products, it is my belief that community is the signature image of our Catholic Faith and indeed St Joseph’s School Barmera.

True community and true fellowship take people beyond empty words and jokes. It demonstrates care for others, inclusiveness even where there are disagreements, opportunities for accountability, and a sharing of ideas that can change the world whilst giving God glory.

From the Principal

As we reach the halfway mark of Term 2, I want to acknowledge that it’s been a challenging few weeks for many in our school community. A bout of illness swept through students and families earlier this term, and while we had hoped for calmer waters, I’ve recently been made aware that some students are now experiencing a second wave of illness. We continue to keep those who are unwell in our thoughts and hope for a swift return to health and vitality.

Despite these challenges, we have continued to engage in rich and meaningful learning experiences together as a school community. In Week 3 we celebrated Catholic Education Week and in Week 4 we joined Catholic communities around the world in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week, marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical. Laudato Si’ continues to be a transformative call to action, reminding us of our deep interconnectedness with all creation and our responsibility to care for our common home. As we reflect on this milestone, may we be inspired to live lives of care, gratitude, and stewardship.

This week, we also recognise National Reconciliation Week, a time of national significance and reflection. From May 27 to June 3, Australians commemorate two major milestones: the 1967 Referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision. At St Joseph’s, we honour this week by learning about and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history, while committing ourselves to truth-telling, justice, and unity. The theme for 2025, “Bringing Now to Next,” invites us to take meaningful action today that contributes to a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow. As a Catholic school, this aligns deeply with Jesus’ teachings of compassion, understanding, and love for all.

A reminder to families that Friday, June 6 (Week 6) is a Student-Free Day, as staff engage in professional development. This day will focus on using student data to inform and strengthen our teaching practice, supporting the effective implementation of our teaching structure.

In partnership with Cybersafe Families, we’re hosting an important Cyber Safety Information Session for Parents and Carers on Monday, June 2 at 6:30pm in the school library. This free session, presented by Todd Murfitt, who is endorsed by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. He will provide families with practical strategies to help you navigate the complexities of the digital world safely and confidently.

Topics will include:

Popular social media platforms
Cyberbullying and online grooming
Starting difficult conversations
Screen time and wellbeing
Online safety and AI
Where to seek help

We encourage all families to attend. Every child is on a unique digital journey, and we are here to support you in guiding them safely through it.

Students in Years 5 and 6 will take part in age-appropriate Cybersafe Families sessions with Todd on Tuesday June 3. These engaging workshops aim to build students’ understanding of online safety, digital citizenship, and respectful behaviour in their digital lives.

Mid-Year Intake for 2025 is now open for children turning five between May 1 and October 31, 2025. If you know of any families considering starting school mid-year, please encourage them to contact our Front Office to learn more or book a Principal’s Tour. Enrolments for Reception 2026 are also open, and we warmly welcome all new enquiries.

As we move into the second half of Term 2, I look forward to the many exciting learning opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we continue working in partnership to nurture your child’s growth, faith, and sense of belonging in our school community.

Nanda de Winter

Principal