Learning is truly at the heart of what we do at Concordia with rich experiences in, around and away from the classrooms happening all the time. Over the past fortnight I have on various occasions referred to our 2024 College theme of Achieve the Possibilities as I have watched our students step up to the plate repeatedly. Some of the highlights that have stood out for me include the fantastic Eisteddfod results, QCIS inter-school and other sports victories, our recent Robocup victory, NAIDOC celebrations and the smooth-flowing Year 10 Set Plan interviews. Thank you for your regular feedback and acknowledgement of the College and the difference it is making in your child’s life.

Our Contemporary Learning philosophy, underpinned by Project Based Learning [PBL] as our learning framework, has allowed the learning spaces at Concordia to come to life with excursions, incursions and creating links with real-life experiences the order of the day for our students. One of the outcomes we want to achieve with PBL is to ensure that your children are actively engaged in real-world learning projects with a focus on every project being able to leave the college. Instead of teaching subjects such as History, Geography, Science, Technology, Economics or Business in isolation, we look at teaching these under the umbrella of Project Based Learning where students combine multiple areas of knowledge and apply their skills towards their chosen project – it’s about “learning to learn” rather than just retaining, doing, and then regurgitating knowledge at set times on the school calendar.

Student engagement, voice and choice are some of the main drivers of this approach allowing students to apply their knowledge to a bigger picture which is connected to the real world in which our students are living and growing. Our Junior College students are looking forward to sharing their learnings with you by hosting their Twilight Showcase in Week 10. This will afford you the opportunity to not only celebrate the authentic learning which has happened in your child’s class or year level, but also to see and hear about the rich learning experiences happening across all year levels.

We have arrived at a time in the year when our Year 12 students are moving through the final weeks of school. The morning tea visits that I am currently having with these fine young people have reminded me of how ready they are to embrace the next step of this journey. The “real” world is going to be a better and richer place for all of us as they step into this new role which awaits them. Good luck and God bless to all these students as they get ready to engage in the Year 12 Mock exam Block next week.

One way for the college to keep you updated on the many events, programs, celebrations and general going-ons, is via our social media platforms, SeeSaw and the college website. We are pleased to announce that Concordia has also launched sports socials. You can now follow us on Facebook by searching Concordia Sport or Instagram at Concordia.Sport. Don't forget to follow the main social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The much-anticipated College Musical for 2025 was announced with great fanfare this week. Next year you will see Concordia perform “Anastasia” as the college Musical. We are very much looking forward to seeing and hearing our 2025 Year 5-12 students on stage at the Empire Theatre. Watch this space for further details.

Thank you to those families who have completed the Annual Parent Survey this past fortnight. The results of the survey will now be used to plan for, affirm and further inform the strategic direction that Concordia has embarked on. I look forward to sharing this information with you once your feedback has been collated and analysed.

Wishing everyone a safe weekend.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the week:

Children are likely to live up to what we believe of them. [Lady Bird Johnson]

Actually, no. ELF stands for Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship, the congregation worshipping at Concordia Chapel, recently celebrating their 15^th anniversary.

At present ELF is without a resident pastor, but they are an active and engaged bunch of people, developing their ministry locally, and they are committed to working with the College community. For example, every fortnight our boarders join the congregation for worship and morning tea, and this is much valued.

The congregation also supervises the regional Lutheran youth ministry, led by Ashley Genrich. Youth events are held every fortnight, mostly in St Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall (Phillip St), but sometimes at Concordia. All young people from Yr 5-12 are welcome to this group. The next of these events will be on Friday, August 16, with an Olympic theme. Please get in touch with Ashley on 0492 932 075 if you want to know more.

They're also holding a fundraising event to support the ongoing work of this youth ministry. Please find a flyer below.

I think it is important to be aware that as a school of the Lutheran Church of Australia, we share in the mission of the church and are privileged to be able to work with others in letting the light and love of Christ shine in our world, that so badly needs light and love.

May our Lord bless you and let his light shine on you. 

Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

As we approach the end of the Year 12 academic year, it seems almost surreal that the time has come prepare to say to farewell to our Year 12 2024 cohort. This is a significant milestone for our students, and we have planned several events to celebrate their achievements and reflect on their journey with us.

Remember, once a Concordian, always a Concordian. If you head to our “events and news” section on the website you will see Old Scholars stories pop up, another is on the way very soon! We are building our Old Scholars contacts so if you attended Concordia Lutheran College, please send us your details so we can invite you to our future events and reunions. There are two huge reunions planned for later this year. One is for 1984 graduates and the other is for 1974 graduates.

'See You in September' Open Mornings

We are delighted to announce one of our biggest campaigns of the year: "See You in September." This open morning campaign, running from 2nd to 6th September, is designed to provide prospective families with a firsthand experience of what it means to be part of the Concordia community.

Families will have the chance to explore our campus, meet our dedicated staff, and learn about the wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities we offer. Please spread the word and invite any families who might be interested in joining our wonderful community. More information about the schedule and activities for our open mornings and how to register can be found on our website.

Welcoming Study Tour Students from Japan

We are excited to announce that in September, Concordia Lutheran College will welcome a group of study tour students from Shibaura Institute of Technology High School in Japan. This visit promises to be an enriching cultural exchange for both our students and the visiting students. They will join us in classes, participate in various activities, and experience life at Concordia. We look forward to building lasting friendships and broadening our global connections through this wonderful exchange program.

Oktoberfest

Tickets are now available for Oktoberfest via our website! It will be a wonderful community event on October 19^th that you will not want to miss. Please encourage your friends and family to come along. This year promises to be even more spectacular with a lineup of traditional German activities, including live music, dancing, and delicious German cuisine. Our Oktoberfest will also feature exciting raffle draws, children’s entertainment, and a breathtaking fireworks display. The proceeds from this event will directly contribute to enhancing the educational resources and extracurricular programs at Concordia Lutheran College, ensuring that our students receive the best opportunities to excel in their academic and personal development. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support our school while enjoying a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. Book your tickets HERE

2025 Musical Announced

We are very excited by the announcement of Concordia Lutheran College’s much-anticipated 2025 Musical Production! Get ready to be captivated as our talented students bring the enchanting story of "Anastasia" to life. This beloved tale of adventure, romance, and mystery promises to be a spectacular showcase of our students' diverse talents. As always, Concordia is committed to fostering creativity and excellence in the arts. Stay tuned for more details and behind-the-scenes glimpses of this magical production on our social media pages.

Warm regards,

Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

Andy Weir makes the main character, Ryland, a believable and comedic character by giving him a human-like life-or-death decision that we can relate to, as well as that he’s given very real emotions. While there are some bad flashbacks and confusing plot work Weir’s writing is extremely funny and very descriptive, putting you in the moment with the character.

Christian Sullivan - Year 10

As we progress into the second half of the term, we will once again see an array of talents on showcase and extracurricular opportunities available. It is important during this time however, that we continue to maintain high standards and expectations each and every day. This can only be achieved as a collective through the partnership that our college has with its students, staff and families. To assist with this, please refer to some key areas where we can work together as a community to ensure that this is achieved.

Bullying No Way – National Day of Action

On Friday 16 August Concordia Lutheran College will be officially acknowledging Bullying No Way Day. On this day we recognise the importance of bullying prevention that connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying and harm to others.

The theme for this year is “Everyone belongs.” When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place. This year’s theme is about embracing who we are as individuals, respecting people’s differences and standing up together against unkindness.

Over the course of the next two weeks our college will be offering activities during lunch breaks that encourages inclusiveness and respect to others. In addition to this, our students will be engaged in activities during Home Classes that aim to develop personal strategies on how to prevent bullying. Topics that will be covered include challenging stereotypes, promoting empathy, embracing diversity, fostering positive relationships and providing support to others. On Friday 16 August we will be hosting a special assembly to acknowledge this day and as a collective take a stand against bullying.

If you would like to know more about this initiative, please refer to the link provided: Bullying No Way – National Day of Action

Morning arrival processes:

Every day counts when it comes to student learning and their educational journey. Each day our students are provided with endless opportunities to achieve to their potential. This is achieved when students engage in all aspects of college life to ensure they are creating positive habits and routines that will shape their future.

How students start their day has a significant impact on their learning, attention and wellbeing for the remainder of the day. Therefore, it is important that students arrive on time and ready to learn. All students are expected to arrive to college by 8.25am. Each morning, students are expected to attend their Home Class and engage in the program provided by Home Class teachers. This is an important element of developing active and caring students within our college.

In addition to this we have a college assembly that is held each Monday morning as well as a weekly Chapel Service held on Wednesday mornings. Both gatherings allow our college community to come together for worship and celebrate the success of our students. It is for this reason that we encourage all students to ensure that they arrive to school on time and engage in these events every week.

For any late arrivals, students are to sign-in via Student Services. The sign-in system has recently been updated and requires students to use their Student ID card to scan upon arrival. If students have any issues in locating their ID card, then we would encourage them to report to Student Services so that this can be resolved. Late arrivals are monitored by the Pastoral Care Team and parents will be contacted if there are any attendance concerns. We appreciate the assistance from our parents to ensure that these processes are followed.

Student email responsibilities:

All students at Stepehen Street are provided with a college email address that provides them with the communication pathways to access information relevant to their learning. The college email platform is used by students to communicate with teachers, access internal online platforms such as Student Café & Maths Pathways, and access learning materials required to complete class tasks.

Students are reminded that use of college emails are to be used only for college related purposes. It is the responsibility of students to ensure that they uphold the college expectations and values through the appropriate use of ICT services and devices that are safe, lawful and ethical. College emails are not to be used for socialising purposes or non-college related activities. More information about the appropriate use of devices can be found through the College’s Information Communication Technology Policy that is available though the college website. If parents have any questions or concerns in relation to electronic devices then please contact a member from the Pastoral Care Team.

School TV provides further resources to assist families around the appropriate use of ICTs both at home as well as at college. If you’d like to know more, check out the resources on the link provided below: SchoolTV – Cybersafety Resources

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Learning
At the core of our College lies the value of learning. We believe that education is a lifelong journey, one that goes beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Our commitment to learning encourages students to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery. We strive to create an environment where knowledge is not only gained but also applied, allowing students to grow into well-rounded individuals prepared to face the challenges of the world.

Compassion
Compassion is the heartbeat of our college culture. We encourage students to look beyond themselves and to understand and share the feelings of others. By fostering a sense of empathy and kindness, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. Compassion is not just a value we teach; it is a value we live by, guiding our actions and interactions with others.

Courage
Courage is the strength to face challenges head-on, to take risks, and to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. At our college, we inspire students to be courageous in their learning, to ask questions, and to explore new ideas. We also encourage them to be courageous in their personal lives, to speak up against injustice, and to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Courage is the foundation of resilience, and we believe it is essential for personal growth and success.

Respect
Respect is the cornerstone of our community. We believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness. Our commitment to respect extends to all aspects of college life, from the way we interact with each other to the way we care for our environment. By fostering a culture of respect, we create a safe and supportive space where everyone can thrive.

Service
Service is about giving back to the community and making a positive impact in the lives of others. We encourage students to engage in acts of service, both within the school and in the wider community. Through service, students learn the importance of generosity, responsibility, and the value of contributing to the greater good. Service helps to build a sense of purpose and reinforces the idea that we are all connected and responsible for each other.

Excellence
Excellence is not just about achieving high academic standards; it is about striving to be the best version of ourselves in all areas of life. We encourage students to pursue excellence in their studies, in their relationships, and in their personal development. Excellence is about setting high expectations and working diligently to meet them. It is a commitment to continuous improvement and a recognition that there is always room to grow. By cultivating excellence, we prepare our students to achieve their fullest potential and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Together, these values—learning, compassion, courage, respect, service, and excellence—form the foundation of our college community, much like the Olympic values that unite athletes from around the world in their pursuit of greatness, inspiring us all to strive for our best in every endeavour. The Olympics have been a wonderful opportunity to see the results of what we can achieve when we have strong foundations.

It would be wonderful for you to have conversations at home about what these values mean to your child and how they can showcase them in their everyday lives. 

Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 3 2024, Week 6.
Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 3 2024, Week 6.

Blessings for the week ahead.

Mrs Juanetta Priest - Director of Campus (Hume Street)
Mrs Jackie Minnikin - Director of Campus (Warwick Street)

The SSC Parent Connect group have asked the Junior Campus Parent Connect groups to assist with a special aspect of Oktoberfest. We are organising a raffle, with each Year Level putting together a hamper with a particular theme. As part of this initiative, we warmly invite each JC student to consider donating a small item for their Year Level hamper that will be raffled on the day. We wish to emphasise that this act of generosity is entirely optional, and we truly appreciate any level of support you are able to provide. If you do decide to donate, feel free to provide single items, or band together with some parent friends to provide larger items if you wish.

Please see below for hamper themes and possible ideas:

• Prep – Art and Craft Hamper – art supplies, colouring books, pencils, texters, pipe cleaners, paints
• Year 1 – Baking Enthusiasts – baking ingredients, mixes, cookie cutters, sprinkles, recipe book, tins
• Year 2 – Pet Lovers – treats, toys, grooming products
• Year 3 – Birthday Party Pack – party decorations, items to go in goody bags, cake mix, candles
• Year 4 – School Holiday Survival Kit – movie tickets, games, zooper doopers, special nonperishable foods
• Year 5 – Beach Bonanza – beach ball, sand toys, towel, suntan lotion, hat
• Year 6 – BBQ Picnic Pack – picnic rug, voucher for butcher, citronella candle, reusable utensils, bbq sauces

We ask that donations are given to your child’s class teacher by Wednesday 13 September.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We're looking forward to sharing an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience with you.

9. Parents / Carers and Spectators Code of Conduct

By registering a child in the Program you agree that you will adhere to the following (being the Parents, Guardians and Spectators Code of Conduct):

Your child and other children and young people’s participation and enjoyment in AFL activities, programs or events are our primary consideration. As parents and carers your role is to support these outcomes by:

(a) encouraging your child’s participation in a positive manner;

(b) be present for the duration of any session or event that child attends at an Auskick centre. If you are unable to be present then you must ensure that there is another trusted adult (other than Program officials/personnel) that will oversee the child during the duration of the Auskick session or event;

Please note that if you cannot attend, you must organise for another adult to supervisor your child, specifically.  The Concordia staff member in attendance does not meet this requirement as they need to supervise the event in its entirety, not individual students.

Results

TVA Premier League Volleyball – Round 3

• Junior Girls - 1   v   SSC Seniors - 2
• Intermediate Girls (Yr9) - 2    v   Glennie - 1
• Intermediate Girls (Yr10) - 3    v    Fairholme (2) - 0 
• Senior Girls - 0   v    Fairholme (1) - 3
• Senior Boys - 2   v   SMC - 1
• Senior Boys - 1    v    St Joey's - 2

Netball - Round 9

• Concordia A - 21   v   Downlands - 37
• Concordia B - Forfeit

Rugby XV - TAS/Concordia

• U13's - 24   v   Faith Lutheran - 12
• U15's - 17   v   Faith Lutheran - 12
• Opens - 22   v   Faith Lutheran - 3   

Basketball

• U15's Boys - 22   v   Eagles - 30

Streetsmart T20 Cricket v St. Mary's

Well done to our Intermediate and Senior Cricket teams who competed last Friday in the Streetsmart T20 regional final against St Mary’s. Both teams played terrific on the day and were unfortunate not to record wins.

Opens: 

Concordia 6/117 (20 overs) defeated by St Mary’s 3/118 (16.2 overs)

Intermediates: 

Concordia 41 All Out (15.1overs) defeated by St Marys 2/154 (20 overs)

Special Mentions  

All Schools Touch

Well done to our U13 Boys, U15 Girls and U15 Boys teams who competed in the SWQ All Schools Touch competition on Sunday! Thank you to all our coaches who gave up their Sunday to support and mentor these teams.

Upcoming Sport Opportunities

QCIS Rugby 7s – Friday Week 9 (06/09/24)

Any students interested in competing in the QCIS Rugby 7s competition, please complete the following form https://forms.office.com/r/2SZLdVf469

AAG Cup Basketball

Any students interested in competing in the AAG Cup Basketball competition, please complete the form below https://forms.office.com/r/Xsc68smMRB Please see the dates for each division below.

• AAG Cup Basketball Seniors (Y11 & 12) - Week 6 Thursday 15/08/2024
• AAG Cup Basketball Intermediate (Y9 & 10) - Week 9 Tuesday 03/09/2024
• AAG Cup Basketball Junior - Week 7 Thursday 14/11/2024
  
  

SWQ Club Futsal – Term 4

Any students interested in competing in a Concordia team as part of the SWQ Club Futsal competition in term 4, please complete the following form https://forms.office.com/r/nxCXwz6NUf Please note that as this is not a school event, there will be a cost associated. However, the school will provide jerseys, coaches and training.

Darling Downs Trials

There are numerous Darling Downs trials happening across a variety of sports. If you would like to trial for one of these or need more information, please keep an eye on the notices or send Mr Biscoe an email Joshua.biscoe@concordia.qld.edu.au

After lunch we were ready for the main event, attending ‘Tina Turner – The Musical’ at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. A brief walk took us to the stage door of QPAC, where the group was able to meet with the star of the show – ok, not Tina Turner, but ‘our’ star of the show, our very own Ms Christina Marangelli, who has been selected percussionist in the incredible ‘Tina’ band for the musical. We excitedly took our seats and were treated to an amazing performance from the phenomenal touring cast. The highlight for me was hearing our students scream with delight when the curtain parted and Ms Marangelli appeared on stage for the Act 2 ‘concert experience’. Thank you to Ms Jo-Ann Tessmer for all her work behind the scenes to make this such a wonderful experience for the students.

Robocup Success

Our students demonstrated their technical prowess and teamwork at the Toowoomba Robocup Challenge, where our teams secured both first and second place. This impressive achievement was made possible through the collaboration of students from all three campuses, exemplifying the spirit of unity and excellence that defines Concordia. Thank you to Mrs Pukallus and Mr Bishop for your time and passion in coaching these teams. They now head off to the State Finals next weekend in Brisbane – good luck!

Athletic Triumphs

Our athletes have outdone themselves, winning both the QCIS Track and Field aggregate and percentage points trophies. This victory completes a historic clean sweep of all three QCIS carnivals, marking the first time in the competition's ten-year history that a single school has achieved this feat. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship of our students and coaches from our HPE team.

Musical and Theatrical Excellence

Toowoomba Eisteddfod saw the best of our performing arts program with entries in Dance, Drama and Music. Our Big Band and Concert Bands showcased their musical talent by securing second place. Additionally, individual students excelled in various instrumental categories, reflecting the high calibre of our music program. Thanks to Ms Marangelli and Mr Roche-Kelly for developing the talents of these performers.

In the realm of drama, our Drama Extension group performed admirably at the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society, earning third place in the Best Production category. The group also won Best Ensemble, with Ava Nelson being awarded Best Supporting Actress and Luca Blyth winning Best Actor. These accolades highlight the depth of talent and creativity within our performing arts department.

These achievements are just a selection of the many ways our students are excelling and making us proud. Their successes across the curricular program show that we are well and truly punching above our weight.

Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, our Year 11 students are eagerly preparing for their Leadership Camp at Luther Heights next week. This experience will undoubtedly foster personal growth and leadership skills. Meanwhile, our Year 8 students will embark on their camp at Lake Moogerah in Week 7, where they will engage in team-building activities and outdoor adventures.

Next week marks the beginning of the Year 12 Mock Block. This period is a crucial learning opportunity for our senior students as they prepare for the external exams in Term 4. I encourage our Year 12s to approach this with a positive mindset, using it as a chance to identify areas for improvement and refine their study strategies. Consistent revision, seeking feedback from teachers, and practicing past papers can significantly enhance their readiness for the final exams.

Finally, we are eagerly anticipating the Year 12 special arrivals and valedictory evening on Friday 13 September. This event is a significant milestone in their educational journey and a celebration of their achievements and contributions to the Concordia community.

As we continue through the second half of the term, I wish everyone an exciting and productive period ahead.

Yours in faith

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

As many of you will be aware Whooping Cough and RSV sickness in our Girls Boarding house. Nurse Libby has done a wonderful job of coordinating Doctors' appointments, Swab testing and contacting parents. 4 of our girls have been able to travel home however those who need to fly must remain in our Isolation unit in Boarding.

Staff and Students are all following our Infection Control policy and procedures. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact the respective Boarding houses.

Study is going well with most students doing their best to complete assessments on time. A big shout out to our Tutors, they are doing a fabulous job.

Students participated in lantern-making with Momentum last week in preparation for Saturday evening's Luminous Lantern Parade” refer to the Pictures below.

Our boarders have been looking after the Ag calves during the weekends and have really enjoyed the responsibilities.

Our meals in the dining room have been delicious during the colder weather. The students have really enjoyed them.

That’s all for this week, hope you all enjoy our pics.

Maureen and the Team