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As shared with the staff last week, I remain in awe of the service and servant-heart mindset that happens across all areas of College life every day. We do this to ensure that our students are getting the very best learning and living experiences that we can offer as a college. I call it having and role modelling, for our students, a service and servant heart mindset. We are reminded in Colossians 3 that whatever we do, we need to work at it with all our heart as it is the Lord Christ we are serving. Service is another of our College values alongside Learning, Compassion, Courage, Excellence and Respect. So, what does Service look like within our Christ-centred environment at Concordia?

Authentic Service at Concordia is focused on showing love and compassion both within and outside the Concordia community. In the self-centred and materialistic world in which our students find themselves, it is important that our students get a deep understanding of selfless service to others and that service isn’t just acts of fundraising or expecting something in return. It is important that our students have a deep understanding of the organisations and people being served, so that their dignity and worth are recognised.

It is important that our students have a voice in this process and identify needs in the community. When students take the lead, they are more engaged and invested in the service they provide, making it more meaningful and impactful. Projects can include direct services like food banks and aged care initiatives for advocacy and social justice initiatives.

As we continue to embrace a contemporary approach to learning at Concordia, it is important that service is integrated into the curriculum. This approach helps students connect their academic studies with practical applications, deepening their understanding and commitment to service. Reflection is also a crucial component of authentic service. Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences, challenges and the impact of their service, helps them grow spiritually and emotionally. Reflection activities can include group discussions, surveys and personal feedback.

Authentic service is not a one-time event but a sustained commitment. Encouraging long-term projects helps students develop a habit of service and see the lasting impact of their efforts. It’s good to see that we already have long-term projects happening in both the Junior and Senior Colleges and under the leadership of Pastor Thomas, we are considering further long-term commitments as a College. The long-term outcome for us is to ensure that we empower those being served to avoid creating dependency on others – the quote, “teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” comes to mind. Celebrating and recognising the efforts within the Concordia community reinforces this value and encourages others to also get involved. Thank you for your contribution, big or small, to the service journey at Concordia.

Congratulations to the 188 students who have been recognised with a Lionheart Award [Effort Award] for Semester 1 this past fortnight. Whenever parents ask me what to look for on their student’s report, I say to go straight to the effort column as this is a clear indicator of how consistently hard a student is applying themself across all learning areas every day. The Lionheart Award also allows several of our students, who may never cross the stage at an academic awards night, to be recognised publicly for their persistence, hard work and dedication to their learning – well done!

Thank you to those families who continue to use our strong open-door policy across all 3 campuses as we partner to ensure the best outcomes for every student in our care. Have a safe term break.

Yours in Christ

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the week:

Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it. [Marian Wright Edelman]

This invitation from Jesus came up in my bible readings this week (and I thought its timing was near perfect): ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). This is an invitation into Sabbath, into ceasing to do and enjoy a time of being, being present with the Creator and Saviour, being present to one another, being present to your very self. And as we take this time, this may well turn into thanksgiving and praise as we recognise the blessings we have and continue to receive.

As we conclude Term 2 on Friday we hold our Walk My Way event, which is facilitated by the Australian Lutheran World Service and invites us into physical activity (walking) but also to reflect on our blessings and how we might share them with others.

This year we focus on the children of Ukraine, who have been displaced or otherwise affected by the war. Your support will enable children to find safety, receive support to overcome the trauma they have experienced and access schooling, even as so many schools have been destroyed. Through walking and donating we can in a small way show our support and share our blessings. Here is the donation link again (donations are tax deductible), note the house links as you scroll down. I will announce the house winner next term.

Thank you for your support and may our Lord grant all of us time for rest and renewal through the coming holidays.

God bless.

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

At the beginning of Term 3, our students will have the opportunity to engage in a program centred around developing acceptance and empathy of others. The “Together for Humanity Project” is an initiative delivered in schools to help raise awareness about cultural diversity and eliminating prejudice.

Cultural diversity encompasses the variety of cultures, beliefs, and traditions present globally, contributing to a rich tapestry of human experiences and perspectives. By valuing every student’s cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures, will to only promote unity but a deeper appreciation of the nuances that distinguish us.

Inclusion is about more than just words; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for every student, regardless of their cultural background. When children and adolescents feel seen and valued for who they are, they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Valuing and understanding cultural diversity, helps our communities benefit from a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enhancing our collective capacity for empathy and innovation.

On Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July, students will participate in the “Together for Humanity” workshop that aims to explore the similarities and differences from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. Students across Years 7-12 will participate in small, focused sessions to support students by challenging stereotypes, reducing cultural and societal differences, investigating strategies to deal with prejudice and discrimination and developing empathy, mutual acceptance and belonging.

As parents and adult carers, instilling an appreciation for diversity is vital to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Through leading by example and showing that kindness and understanding knows no boundaries, we can encourage them to embrace multiculturalism. This will not only prepare young people for personal success but also for contributing to a world that views diversity as a strength. Through collective efforts, we can help pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.

If families would like to know more about this program and what it entails, please feel free to access their website or contact a member of the Pastoral Care Team. We would also encourage our families to access the following SchoolTV resources that may assist with conversations at home.

Have a blessed and safe school holiday break and we look forward to seeing you all again in Semester 2.

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

The objective was to explore and express our interpretations of Indigenous culture and identity by harnessing the theme’s spirit of keeping the fire burning. We received a 60cm x 90cm canvas and were given the freedom to express our artistic flair through any medium, we chose paint and oil pastels.

Grand Central has created a space where ours along with other schools and community groups, will be on display during NAIDOC week (7^th – 14^th July) The display was officially opened on Tuesday afternoon 9^th July where we were presented a certificate and gift voucher and afternoon tea. Our students who created the artwork are very proud to showcase their work and we hope that you will be too!

The artwork is on display in between H & M and Rozzie’s Café, Level 1, if you happen to be shopping, please go check out our canvas, I’m sure you will be as proud as we are!

As we come to the end of Semester 1 it is important to look back on the achievements of the Junior College students over the first six months of the year. Our Prep students have just completed half of their first year of formal schooling. They have grown immensely since January and are now becoming more confident and capable learners both in the classroom and in the playground. Our Year 6 students have reached the halfway point of the last year of their primary school years. We sincerely thank our Year 6’s for the amazing job they have done this semester as they have taken on their leadership roles with enthusiasm and maturity.

Academic Excellence
Throughout the last fortnight, you have had the opportunity to meet with classroom teachers at our Parent Teacher Interviews. We hope that during your time in these sessions, you have been able to share in the learning journeys of your children. Our students have worked tirelessly throughout the semester and the showcase of learning that you have seen on Seesaw, and that you have discussed with teachers in the last week, is testament to this.

Extracurricular Triumphs
Beyond the classroom, our students have excelled in various extracurricular activities. The sporting teams have shown incredible skill and sportsmanship, securing victories and building camaraderie along the way. The Junior College Choirs had spectacular success at the Eisteddfod and Sing Out, captivating the audience with their outstanding performances. Our Toast masters have shone brightly, showcasing newly learned skills of public speaking.

Innovation and Technology
Embracing innovation, our Junior College has continued to integrate technology into the learning experience. The introduction of our new laser printer has enhanced our teaching methods, making education more interactive and engaging. Our robotics team has made significant strides, where they are gearing up to compete at the zone competition in the near future.

Gratitude
None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of our teachers, staff, and parents. Your guidance, encouragement, and dedication play a crucial role in shaping the future of our students. We are immensely grateful for your contributions and commitment to our school community.

As we look forward to the second semester, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The upcoming Term 3 learning, Year 3 and 6 camps, Twilight Showcase, Book Week, and HSC Grandparents Day promise to bring new experiences and learning opportunities for everyone.

In conclusion, Semester 1 has been a testament to the spirit of collaboration, hard work, and resilience that defines our college. Let us celebrate our successes, learn from our experiences, and continue to grow together. We wish our Junior College families a safe and restful holiday and look forward to seeing you ready to go again on Tuesday 9 July.

to view HSC's Events for Term 3 2024, Week 1.
to view WSC's Events for Term 3 2024, Week 1.

Blessings for the school holiday period.

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

Once again, thank you all for your support. Your contributions made it a great experience for all concerned. A special mention to our staff from each campus and the SSC Sport Captions who worked tirelessly on the day, along with grounds staff in their preparation of ovals, etc. Thank you also to the parents and friends of the College who turned up en masse to show support for their children on the day. I am sure that their children appreciated this.

From this carnival, many of our athletes will be named to represent �鶹��ý both in the Central Zone and QCIS (Queensland Combined Independent Schools) teams to compete in respective carnivals. Students will commence training soon for these competitions which will be held in term 3 with our sports coaches in their chosen events. We wish them every success in their efforts at these carnivals.

We recently held our annual wrap-up and presentations of Age Champion Medals for Track and Field achievements for 2024 at each respective campus. There were some extremely close results in many age divisions, with some going down to the wire once all points were collated. Also, well done to our students who broke records on the day, a fantastic achievement! Congratulations to the following students.

2024 Track and Field Carnival – Age Champions

Boys

Girls

Records Broken

Final Placings:

• 1^st Altus
• 2^nd Kessler
• 3^rd Stedman

2024 Ball Games Placings

• 1^st Kessler
• 2^nd Stedman
• 3^rd Altus

Cheers

Mr Darryl Fry
JC Sports Coordinator

Tuesday 23 July - Open Afternoon where families will be able to visit Camp Cooby to see the facilities.

Tuesday 6 August - Information Session for parents. More details will be sent prior to this date.

For uniforms to be successful, we do need to encourage everyone to follow the Uniform Guidelines. Please take time over the holidays to refamiliarize yourself with this document. Please remember, all classrooms are very well heated, so students do not need too many layers on for indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions...

Q.   What can our children wear if they are cold?
A.   Formal Uniform - woollen jumper, spray jacket, long pants, stockings (see Uniform Guide for colour and denier)
      Sport Uniform – hoodie, sport fleecy and the jacket, track suit pants.
Q.  Can my child have a mullet, tracks, shaved areas on head?
A.  No. See Uniform Guideline for details
Q.  What do I do if the uniform shop doesn’t have the item I need.
A.  Buy a product as close in colour as possible.

The following items are low in stock or out of stock:
Girls Tie - (8 in stock)
Not many girl slacks
Sport Polo Shirt Altus Size 14 – (6 in stock)
No size 14 sport shorts
No size 4 sport jacket
No size 4 track pants
Only 4 of size 6 & 8 track pants
White sport socks size 9-12 (5 in stock)
No size 13-3 white sport socks (we believe these will be coming in at the beginning of Term 3)
No size 4 or 6 sports fleecy tops, and only 3 in size 10.

As a further highlight of this sporting success, our Intermediate girls' volleyball team has also made us incredibly proud by clinching the gold medal against Fairholme College in a fiercely contested final this week. Volleyball has been a rapidly growing sport at our school, thanks in large part to Pastor Thomas and Mr. Joshua Biscoe. Their focus on high-quality coaching has been instrumental in our team's success.

Our Music program continues to shine brightly, with students recently showcasing their talents at the Winter Chills soloist concert. The level of skill and dedication displayed by our musicians is truly inspiring. We are fortunate to have such a vibrant and thriving music community at our school. Thank you to Ms. Christina Marangelli for her leadership in continuing to build and strengthen this program.

Looking ahead, next term promises to be an exciting and busy time, especially with our extensive Outdoor Education program. Students in Years 8, 10, and 11 will embark on various camps, providing them with valuable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Leadership is the specific focus for our Year 11s, who are fast moving towards becoming our next senior cohort.

In addition, Term 3 will see the announcement of our 2025 Musical (what will it be ???), with auditions set to take place later in the term. This is always a highly anticipated event, and we can't wait to see the talent and enthusiasm our students bring to the stage.

For our Year 12 students, Term 3 is a crucial period as they undertake their Mock Exams and start preparations for external exams. But it’s also a time of celebration with their Valedictory Arrivals and Dinner on the final day of term, marking the culmination of their hard work and dedication.

We are also pleased to welcome some new staff members next term. While Mr. Miegel and Mrs. Heuschele take Long Service Leave, we will have Mr. Lucas Antiss and Mr. Jonathan Paschke joining us to fill their roles. We are confident they will be great additions to our team.

As we conclude this term, I want to wish all our families a well-deserved and restful break. It has been a tiring term, especially with the various illnesses circulating. Take this time to recharge and stay healthy.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school community.

Yours in faith

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Term 2 saw another busy and successful term of Sport at Concordia. We kicked off the term with our Interhouse Cross Country and Altus House came away as victors, with a big points boost from their Junior College teammates. Congratulations to all the Age Champions, a tremendous achievement for what is a very mentally and physically tough event.

Following our Interhouse carnival, our Cross-Country enthusiasts competed at the QCIS carnival in week 4 and the Darling Downs trials in week 5.

At the QCIS carnival, we claimed first place in the 10-year-old girls, 15-year-old boys, 16-year-old boys and open-boys age groups. However, it was the effort from every team member that saw all other age groups finish in the top 4, including six 2^nd place finishes, and the Concordia team claimed both the percentage championship and for the first time ever, the overall championship. A tremendous result for our little college which continues to punch well above its weight.

Backing up their efforts from the QCIS carnival, several students competed at the Darling Downs trials in week 5. Congratulations to Charlie Pietsch, Chloe Denning, Zoe Pietsch and Thomas Richards who placed in the top 6 at the trials, earning themselves a spot in the Darling Downs team to compete at the State Championships in Bald Hills in early July.

In week 2, our U15 boys competed in the Bill Turner Football tournament at Toowoomba Grammar School and had a terrific day. The boys won their first fixture against TAS, drew their second against Highlands, and then had a couple of narrow defeats to Toowoomba Grammar, St Joseph’s and Mary Mackillop. All in all, a fantastic effort from our boys.

In weeks 4 and 5, our boys and girls AFL teams competed in the annual Street-smart AFLQ gala day at Highfields. All teams had fantastic tournaments, with our Junior boys team coming away victorious in the grand final against St Joseph’s. Milton Reid was also awarded the MVP for the junior boys, after a fantastic tournament. Well done to all teams!

In week 6, our girls Netball teams competed in the QCIS Netball carnival at UniSQ. The girls had a terrific afternoon, despite some tough competition. In true Concordia spirit, the girls' effort and attitude could not be faulted, and they should be very proud of how they competed.

Week 6 also saw our Intermediate year 9 and 10 girls’ Volleyball teams compete in the Darling Downs School Cup on Tuesday. The year 10 girls finished 7^th and year 9 girls 11^th, from 19 teams. The year 10 girls were unfortunate not to place higher, only going down twice on the day, both times narrowly, including a 29:27 loss. Nonetheless, both teams had a fantastic day and learnt a lot from the experience.

In week 7 we hosted our Senior College Track & Field carnival. We were fortunate to score beautiful weather, and it was a day filled with excitement, sportsmanship, and outstanding athletic performances. All students are to be commended on their efforts on the day. It was great to see students giving everything a go, regardless of their ability. Congratulations to all our age champions (listed below) and those students selected in the QCIS team to compete next term. A special big congratulations to Georgia Cavanagh, Evie Yeatman and Zoe Pietsch who broke records on the day.

Congratulations to our senior and junior Vicki Wilson Netball teams who competed on Friday of week 7 at the annual Vicki Wilson competition. The girls played excellent in a very tough competition and should be very proud of their efforts. A special big congratulations to our junior girls who stepped up into the Championship division for the first time, and more than held their own, giving some of the bigger Netball schools in town a few scares on the day.

On Wednesday afternoon in week 8 our U13 and U15 Rugby League team’s versed Lockyer SHS at Concordia. Both Concordia teams had convincing wins, and it was great to see them have a good run after working hard at SPARC training throughout the term. We are hopeful that this is the beginning of some more regular Rugby League at Concordia with the aspiration to join the Toowoomba Schools Wednesday afternoon competition in Term 2 next year. Well done to everyone involved.

Throughout the term our U16s boys also competed in their last two Gala days of the Veto Sports School Futsal League, and more than held their own against some of the best schools in South Queensland. The boys played off at the Shield Finals on the Gold Coast in week 7 and had a great day. Well done boys!

Throughout the term we had several students trial for Darling Downs School Sport Representative teams. Congratulations to the below list of students who were successful at these trials and will compete or have competed on behalf of Concordia and the Darling Downs at the State Championships. An extra special congratulations to Leroy Malone (Rugby League), who was selected in the QLD 14-15 Years Rugby League team.

A massive thank you to all our coaches for their guidance and support of our students through their many sporting endeavors this term. Without our coaches, these opportunities simply aren’t possible. An extra special thank you to those coaches who are teachers and generously give their time to support our sport program, at such a busy time in the year.

As always, we are so proud of all of our students’ achievements in the sporting arena and are very much looking forward to another big semester of sports to round out 2024. Have a safe and enjoyable break, and we look forward to seeing everyone next term to pick up where we have left off.

Best regards

Joshua Biscoe

Sports Coordinator

Results

Volleyball Finals

Congratulations to all our volleyball teams who played in Finals on Tuesday night. Some great results reflective of the growth of our volleyball program and the commitment of all our players and staff. Well done! A special congratulations to Bayley Evans in Year 10 who was awarded the Intermediate division MVP for the competition.

Junior Girls:  Loss 2-1 (4th Overall)

Intermediate Girls (Year 9): Loss 2-1

Intermediate Girls (Year 10): Won 2-1 (1st Place)

Senior Girls: Loss 3-0 (4th Overall)

Senior Boys: Won 2-1 (3rd Overall)

Netball – Round 5

Concordia Junior: Loss v Glennie

Concordia Senior: Loss v Fairholme

Basketball U15 Boys - Round 7

Loss v Eagles HSH

SSC Track & Field Carnival

In preparation for the QCIS Track & Field carnival and Darling Downs Track & Field trials coming up early next term, Track & Field training has commenced next week and continue through week 3 (Term 3). All students are welcomed and the top 3 finishers in each event are highly encouraged to attend. The following sessions will be offered.

Monday Afternoons (3:15pm-4:15pm): Mrs Manteufel – Throws

Wednesday Mornings (7am-8am): Mr Prinsloo – Middle/Long distance running

Friday Mornings (7am-8am): Mr Biscoe – Sprints/Jumps & Plyometrics

Special Mentions  

Hamish Lau – Road Cycling

We are so proud and excited to share that Year 11 student Hamish Lau, an avid Road cyclist, has quietly been achieving some tremendous results this year on the bike. Hamish has competed in numerous races and series including the:

Blackchrome Junior Criterium Series – A series of three criterium races hosted by Ipswich Cycling Club across April and May. Hamish performed solidly in all three races, and won the series for the Under 17 category, taking home the green leaders jersey.

Sizzling Summer Series – A series of three criterium races hosted by Logan Cycling Club in February and March around closed streets in an industrial estate in Berrinba. Hamish had a win in stage 2, and high placings in the other two races, which saw him finish second overall for the series in the Under 17 category.

Gold Coast Junior Tour (also round one of the 2024 BBB Auscycling Queensland Junior Road Series) – A five-stage race hosted by the Gold Coast Cycling Club last weekend, consisting of a prologue, criterium, road race, time trial and another criterium held across two venues in Nerang and Runaway Bay. After batting all weekend and sitting 7th on the General Classification, Hamish went all out in the final criterium to win an amazing victory in a solo breakaway in the Under 17 category.

Over the upcoming school holidays Hamish will travel to Brisbane for the two-day Balmoral Junior and Women’s Tour, that is Round Two of the Queensland Junior Road Series featuring a criterium at Ipswich, a road race at Haigslea, a hill climb up Mt Gravatt, then to Nundah for the final criterium. Well done Hamish on all your achievements thus far and we wish you all the best for your upcoming races!

Upcoming Sport Opportunities

SWQ Touch Football competitions will be happening in Term 3, including the All Schools competition on Sunday August 4^th and the Swans Schools Cup (6 week competition). Any students interested in participating in these competitions, please complete the form in the daily notices.

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

Over the past week, some have had to "suffer" feelings of defeat with the State of Origin result. Cooper “Captain Queensland” not Captain Wizard, has been fluttering around all day with his flag of Queensland colours reminding NSW supporters (like me) of the thrashing we endured in Game 1. Confidence oozed from the Queensland side even in my own family as you will see in the faces of my husband David and daughter Nerissa. One looks unsure, the other full of confidence. Family rivalry is alive and well!

I am pleased that everyone will be at home for the 2nd game. Good luck to the best team on the night. GO NSW. No bias here.

Celebrations also to our twins Malita and Damita. Their Mum and sister Monique unexpectedly dropped in to give the girls a box of presents from the family. Great presents came from mum Delores, with warm blankets and clothes and some personal keepsakes.

This week we bid farewell to Mr Andrew Bull and wish him all the best for the future. We hope you have enjoyed your time here at Concordia and continue working with youth.

A reminder when preparing to return to boarding in Term 3:

It gets cold in Toowoomba during Term 3, please make sure your child has enough warm clothes (long track pants and warm shoes/Slippers/Ugg Boots. Some Cough lollies, Tissues and Washing powder). These are a requirement for all boarders.

Until next term.

Enjoy the holidays, look after each other and stay safe.

Mrs Maureen Taurima 
Boarding Houseparent