eNews Term 1, Week 11, 2025

Dear Parents, Carers, Teachers, and Students, 

With the term break approaching, I would like to acknowledge the staff and students for their contributions to developing engaging classrooms. This term included various activities, such as the Grand Gala Night celebrating our 100th Birthday, and the annual Sports Day. These events provided opportunities for families to come together and recognise the students' achievements.  

As we approach the holidays, I also want to thank our dedicated staff for their hard work and care for each student, contributing daily to a safe and productive school environment. 
 
A reminder that Friday is the end of Term 1, which means an early finish (2.05 pm) and that the first day of the term is Monday, 28 April, 8.30 am.  

I hope you all have a blessed Easter during the second weekend of the school holidays and a safe break. See you all when we return.  

Farewell to Deb Holland: Celebrating Over 45 Years of Dedication to St Joseph’s School 

A Sincere Goodbye to an Appreciated Educator 

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and respect that we announce the retirement of Deb Holland, who has dedicated over 32.5 years of remarkable service to St Joseph’s School, Murray Bridge and over 40 years to Catholic Education. Deb’s contributions to our institution and community have been exceptional, and her absence will be profoundly felt. 

Deb’s tenure at St Joseph’s School exemplifies unwavering dedication and commitment. Throughout her various roles, she has consistently embodied the values and traditions that define our school. As our outgoing APRIM, Deb has provided exceptional guidance, compassion, care, understanding, and support. 

During a recent meeting where Deb announced her decision to retire, it was clear that her choice had been made with careful consideration. Her composed demeanour reflected a readiness to embark on a new chapter in her life. Deb’s decision, marked by deep discernment, always prioritised the impact on our school community, showcasing the selflessness that has characterised her career. 

Beyond her role as an educator, Deb has been a model of our Catholic faith. She has consistently demonstrated what it means to live with faith, love, and hope, instilling these values in her students and colleagues. 

Reflecting on Deb’s significant journey, we are profoundly grateful for her unwavering dedication and contributions to St Joseph’s School. Her legacy will continue to inspire us, and her presence will remain within our community. 

We extend our best wishes to Deb for a retirement filled with joy, peace, and the fulfillment of new aspirations. May she find happiness surrounded by family and friends in this next phase of her life. 

Thank you, Deb, for your immeasurable impact on St Joseph’s School and for the privilege of knowing you. Your influence will be long-lasting, and we wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement. 
 
Ros Oates 
PRINCIPAL 

WHEN THE UNEXPECTED OCCURS

This weekend we come to the end of our Lenten journey and enter into the time when we remember the Passion of Our Lord as he made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.   We call this commemorative week ‘Holy Week’.  As the title of my article suggests it was a week that Jesus’ friends would not have expected nor wanted.

Holy Week commences with Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem where he is welcomed with such enthusiasm by a large crowd, who lay palm branches on the ground before him.  By week’s end that crowd was no longer there for Jesus; only a few women, together with Mary and John, were gathered under the cross.

On the Thursday evening at the Last Supper, Jesus tells his Apostles and more directly Peter, that their loyalty will be tested very soon.  Peter’s response to such a suggestion is, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!” (Luke 22:33)  Jesus’ reply to Peter is very matter of fact: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know me.” (Luke 22:57)  Two more denials followed and towards the end of the third denial, “While he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.” (Luke 22:60)

Friday was a total disaster for the Apostles and other followers.  Sunday’s triumph was now Friday’s disaster and Jesus seemed to offer no resistance nor any defence of himself.  By mid-afternoon, Jesus was executed in the manner reserved for criminals, deserted by the crowd and by those who had been so close to him for the past three years.

In the Gospels the passion and death of Jesus are recounted in detail, it is never glossed over but all the words and actions, the prayers and pain-filled cries are all retold.  The early followers of Christ quite quickly saw all that had taken place as the summation of his work and mission.  They knew that the passion and death of Jesus had world changing implications and eternal power.

Lynne Liebich and the Year 4 and 5’s have been working very hard this term in getting ready a play, recounting what happened at that first Easter and how it affects our lives today.  They will have 2 performances this week, Wednesday and Thursday at 9:00am.  If you can, please try to come along and share in the retelling of this powerful story that is the core belief of the Christian faith.

Holy Week and Easter also concludes our fund raising for Project Compassion so could you please return your families Project Compassion to school this week.  Remember if you require a taxation receipt fill in the slip at the top of the box and a receipt will be forwarded to you.  Many thanks for your kindness and generosity.  

As this is my last Newsletter article, I would like to take the opportunity of thanking all in our community for your support, kindness and generosity over so many years.  I go into retirement after a long and very rewarding career in education.  I feel very blessed to have had met so many wonderful children and families who have given me so many memories to cherish.  I wish you God’s blessings as you journey through life.  Have a Happy Easter and a relaxing and restful break.

A Look Inside Year 4 Learning: From Water Cycles to the Church Year

Term 1 has been a busy and exciting time in Year 4 as we’ve explored a variety of topics across the curriculum. Here’s a snapshot of our learning journey so far!

Science – The Water Cycle
In Science, we’ve been diving into the water cycle! Students have explored how water moves through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. We’ve been using diagrams, experiments, and class discussions to help us understand this important process that keeps our planet hydrated and thriving.

English – Recounts with Uncle Xbox
We read the engaging story Uncle Xbox, which helped us practise writing recounts. Students have worked on structuring their writing with clear sequences, using time connectives and personal reflections to bring their stories to life. It’s been a great way to link reading and writing through meaningful text.

Mathematics – Operations and Fractions
In Maths, we’ve been working hard on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—and recognising how these operations are connected through inverse relationships. We’ve also begun exploring fractions and decimals, helping us understand parts of a whole and the connections between numbers in a fun and practical way.

Religion – Exploring Faith and Celebration
In Religion, we’ve taken a closer look at the Early Church and the mission of Jesus. We’ve also explored the four main parts of the Mass—Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites. A special highlight was attending our very first Year Mass at the church, where we came together to celebrate the season of Lent and Easter. It was a joyful and meaningful experience for all.

HASS – First Nations Histories and Perspectives

In HASS, we’ve been learning about the rich history and cultures of First Nations Peoples. We explored what life was like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before and after 1788, and how their connection to Country has shaped their way of life. Through stories, maps, and inquiry tasks, students developed a deeper understanding of historical perspectives, change over time, and the importance of respecting diverse cultures and voices.

We’re so proud of the students' efforts and look forward to more learning adventures in Term 2!

We celebrated Sports Day in warm and sunny conditions. We were delighted to see a strong turnout from our school community, with parents, siblings, and friends gathering to cheer on our students as they showcased their athletic abilities.

Congratulations to the following teams who were successful this year:
Junior Primary Winner’s Shield – Sturt
Senior Winner’s Shield - Edwards
Junior Primary Spirit Cup – Edwards
Senior Spirit Cup – Crowley
 
We would like to extend our appreciation to Riverside Woodfired Pizza and DeCaf Coffee for catering the event, as well as our hardworking staff and the Sports Day committee for their efforts in organizing this event and on the day. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Sports Day 2025 a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved.

On Monday 1st April, 17 students from St Joseph’s represented our school at the Catholic Primary Schools South Australia Year 3–6 Swimming Carnival, held at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

It was a fantastic day filled with determination and school spirit, with all students giving their best in every race. A number of our swimmers were awarded place ribbons for their efforts and achievements in the pool.

We’re very proud to share that St Joseph’s placed 5th overall – a great result! A big thank you to all the parents and family members who came along to support our swimmers on the day. A special thank you also to Georgia Pfeiffer for her time and support in helping coach and prepare the team.