St Joseph’s School’s newly completed Outdoor Learning Space has been named in honour of Sr Joan Barry rsj, and was officially opened on Thursday 28 May by Sr Joan herself. Members of the Barry family gathered with invited guests, staff and students for the Opening and Blessing.
The move to develop a purpose built outdoor learning space as an extension to Junior Primary classrooms reflects teachers’ beliefs that active learning through play and discovery is engaging and meaningful for students, especially the youngest children. Inspired by local kindergartens’ outdoor areas and programs, St Joseph’s School staff gave input to architect Stewart Caldwell who designed a space for teachers to use for literacy rotations, numeracy activities, social-emotional learning, art, gardening and play.
Teachers and students watched as Kym Clarke Builders began work late last year and the area continually developed in Term 1. This term, the students in the three Foundation classes have planted out 4 raised garden beds, painted on the perspex walls and are enjoying all aspects of their new area. Deputy Principal Karen Browne said she believes this space benefits the wellbeing of students and teachers and contributes to their learning together.
The area is named in honour of Sr Joan Barry, who returned to St Joseph’s in 1993 for 19 years to provide wise guidance and genuine Mary MacKillop spirit as a vital part of the School and Parish communities. Sr Joan is still known by many students and warmly welcomed back each time she visits. With her friendliness, her passion for learning, her enduring interest in Catholic education and her sense of fun endearing her to all she demonstrates what is important about being a part of a Jospehite school.
Sr Joan thanked the Principal, Bernadette Lacey, and the School community for inviting her to the Opening and Blessing of the Outdoor Learning Space, saying she felt honoured and privileged. She congratulated the many people involved in providing the area and said, “The Junior Primary students and those who come after you are fortunate to have this facility to complement your education. I am sure that Saint Mary MacKillop, who opened this school in 1876, is smiling on you as you use this area and on the whole school.”
A beautiful mosaic cross had been donated by the Pejic family and, following the blessing by Fr Steve Ardill and Fr Julius Chamlungu, Sr Joan cut the ribbon and planted a tree in the garden. Year 4 students provided the music and morning tea was catered for by Year 9 and 10 Home Economics classes to conclude the ceremonies.
Four Catholic schools across South Australia have been awarded $6.34 million in grants for capital works to improve learning spaces, increase opportunities for disadvantaged students and cater for more diverse learning needs.
The State Government grants — $6.34 million for Catholic schools and $6.38 million for independent schools — are for building projects to commence over the next year.
Introduced in 2018 to ensure all students have access to a first-class education, the latest funding under the scheme has been approved for four projects at Catholic schools and 103 smaller projects at independent schools.
