During the past week we have been involved in yet another ‘first’ as a community. Year 12 students have undertaken the first QCE (ATAR aligned) ‘mock examinations’ in preparation for their end of year external assessments. It is a very different experience for these students and for most staff members who have often spent a good portion of their working life under the old ‘OP’ system. As we learn about the new flow to the end of this school year, we are endeavouring to stay with the usual programs and processes in the transition to a new system. In an already disrupted year we are mindful that stability is one of the most important and settling factors. 

Next Friday (4 September) will be a pupil free day across all three campuses. It is also a designated pupil free day for most schools across Queensland, with the purpose to provide time for teachers to moderate elements of the curriculum being offered across the state. This process is a major part of the procedure to ensure that the educational offerings are equitable in all schools who offer the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) programs.

I was delighted to have morning tea with our Campus Captains at the Warwick Street and Hume Street Campuses during the week. Although they have had their year of leadership disrupted, I was absolutely impressed with their ideas for actioning as they lead the College through the latter part of this year. I also spent time with the College Captains as we interviewed potential College Captains for 2021. The level of understanding, love for Concordia and maturity across the whole cohort of student leaders is to be admired. Congratulations must go to all student captains for providing positive and significant leadership to the whole Concordia community throughout the 2020 school year.

Kind regards and every blessing

Mr Adrian Wiles
Head of College

Soap Box

Week 7 – Mrs Blackwell talked to the students about ‘who is in our team’. We have 5 fingers/thumb and we can have 5 people that help us to sort out problems. These are usually parents, grandparents, educators, emergency service people, other family members etc. (We will do more work on this over the coming weeks.) She talked to them about when we are at school and a problem arises, how important it is to tell an educator as soon as help is needed. If the problem happens in the playground and they wait until they are back in class or even at home, it is way more difficult to fix this up. We are here to learn and help everyone have a great time at school. If your little person comes home concerned, please remind them that it is great that they are telling you but that they also need to tell the staff at school so that we can work through the situation.

Year 2’s are preparing to get on the Soap Box in Week 8. Watch this space to hear what their issues are and how they want their voice to be heard.

On Thursday 3 September, Prep to Year 2 students will commence their swimming lessons at the Concordia Aquatic Centre. Each of these classes will participate in eight lessons over the last few weeks of Term 3. There will certainly be some tired little swimmers by the end of Term 3.

At HSC, tuckshop is held on a Thursday. All orders are to be completed online at My Student Account by 3pm each Wednesday. Please notify Reception by 9am on Thursday if your child is absent and we will cancel their order. Tuckshop will finish in Week 9.

As we race towards the end of Term 3, our students are busy in not only their learning, but are also in assessment mode. Over the coming weeks, teachers will be finalising their units of work along with their assessments. These will be available for you to view on Seesaw. Please take the time to look at the work your children have done and celebrate in their success.

Spring has almost sprung! The days are getting longer, there has been some glorious weather and I’ve seen a few magpies in full flight! Spring is one of my favourite times of the year, and after a long difficult winter, the arrival of Spring this year will be one to celebrate. 

On Friday 11 September, Prep to Year 2 will commence their swimming lessons at the Concordia Aquatic Centre. Each of these classes will participate in five lessons over the last two weeks of Term 3. 

Please note: NO Parents can attend swimming lessons due to COVID-19 restrictions.

At WSC, tuckshop is held on a Wednesday. All orders are to be completed online at My Student Account by 3pm each Tuesday. Please notify Reception by 9am on Wednesday if your child is absent and we will cancel their order. Tuckshop will finish in Week 9.

Our Senior College end of year processes and events are really starting to flow through as we come towards the end of this term. 

This week, our Year 12 students have been working their way through their Mock External Exam Block where they experience responding to QCAA provided practice exams, under the same conditions that they will experience in their External Exams, commencing Week 4, Term 4. 

This Mock Block signals the beginning of the final approach to the finish line for our students and their teachers. The Year 12 External Exam Holiday Preparation Schedule is in its final draft stage and includes 22 scheduled tutorials that are being offered by our Senior teachers over the September break. These tutorials will be able to be accessed by students either on campus or via MS Teams. I do sincerely thank the staff for their willingness to make themselves available for their classes during this time.

The other significant process that has been happening this week has involved the Leadership processes for our 2021 Captains. I always find it incredibly inspiring as I hear our future leaders speak with passion about their College and the opportunities they see in the year ahead.

Lastly, a shameless plug for Student Café and Parent Lounge. Did you know that you can easily access Assessment Calendars for each of your child’s subjects? While you are in there, have a look around at what other resources and information are available to you, including Academic Reports and assessment specific feedback.

Mr Jason Smith
Director of Campus

Throughout Terms 1 to 3, I have enjoyed Peer Support with the Year 11 Peer Support leaders because of some of the activities that we do and the interacting and communicating with friends. My favourite part was the party at the end of term. I liked it because everyone brought delicious food and we played a major game of tag. Yuan Cabahug

I really liked doing Peer Support because my leaders were very nice, caring and put the effort into including everyone in all activities. The activities were all different. Some were fun, and others were good to learn how to work as a team and include others. The Peer Support group which I was in was fun because I was with some friends and got to know some people from the others class which was good. Ellie Denning

Elevate is an award-winning organisation that has been working with your child’s school to help them become more effective learners. They realise that these are uncertain times and students may be increasingly working independently at home. How effectively they revise and prepare is key to their success in the next few months. 

These Elevate webinars have been very popular with Concordia parents - find out why by joining in on Tuesday 1 September. Join this exclusive webinar where they will show you – as parents – the crucial study skills your child needs to achieve their best and how you can reinforce that at home. Click here to reserve your seat.

With the Year 11 academic year rapidly finishing in the next few weeks, it is now time to plan for Year 12, 2021. If any student is thinking about or wishes to make any subject changes this MUST be completed BEFORE the commencement of Term 4. 

Year 11 students will commence Unit 3 in Term 4, 2020. That is the commencement of their Year 12 course of study. After the commencement of Year 12, QCAA directs that students are not allowed to make any further subject changes. Unit 3 and Unit 4 are seen as a whole, not separate units of work which occurs for Year 11 with Unit 1 and Unit 2. Serious consequences occur to a student's ATAR rank and QCE certificate if changes are made during a student’s Year 12 year.

If a student is wishing to make any subject changes then this needs to occur very soon. Please contact me if you require any further information.

Ms Wendy Bowen
Director of Learning and Innovation