The Week Ahead - End of Term 3, 2022
Friday 16 September 2022
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
This term has seen students from across our College participate in an extraordinary number of curricular and extra-curricular activities, through which they have demonstrated outstanding levels of engagement, creativity and resilience. All of which would not have been possible without the generous support of parents, families and school staff.
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all students, parents, families and staff members who have supported the on-going work of our leadership and teaching teams this term. Our College community continually shows great energy for learning and care for each other, with school pride regularly celebrated in a range of authentic contexts.
The farewells and celebrations for our Year 12 students are well and truly underway with the Year 12 Boarder Recognition Dinner and Year 12 Valedictory Dinner held this week. The latter has been a very fitting event for us to wrap up, what has been, a very busy Term 3. Thank you to Mr Andrew Bull and Mrs Leah Bowes who have been at the forefront of organising these respective events. Thank you to all the staff who have worked closely with them to make these events such a huge success.
As you move into a more relaxed time as a family over the coming fortnight where meal arrangements mightnāt be as structured as it normally is during the busyness of school time, I thought I would share with you, as you begin to look ahead to Term 4, the importance of family meals. Sharing family meals does more than satisfy physical needs; it also fuels emotional needs and draws the family closer together. Having family meals as often as possible will help ensure that your kids grow up healthy and have strong bonds with you and each other.
- Time to Catch Up
Family meals provide time for conversations and the opportunity to listen to each other. Turning off phones and the television will allow the family members to focus on each other and the conversation. - Involve the Family in Meal Preparation
Some of the best conversations will happen as you prepare the meal together and allow you to develop team skills as a family. You can also give each family member a chance to suggest or even prepare their favourite dish. My wife and I used to include shopping for the correct ingredients with our child who was responsible for a particular meal once a week. We also threw in the ācarrotā of the cook doesnāt wash any dishes! - Develop a Routine
Preparing and serving meals around the same time each day helps develop a sense of routine and structure in the home. - Allow Each Member time to Talk
Ask about each members day and encourage them to speak up. They will value knowing that you are genuinely interested in them and what they have to say. - Discuss Events
Mealtimes provide a valuable opportunity for the family to discuss what is happening in your community and in the world. Give everyone a chance to share their thoughts. - Develop Good Eating Habits
Set a positive example by providing balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein. Talk about why certain foods are served and how to make healthy choices. - Improves Learning
Studies confirm that children are more likely to excel at school when they grow up in homes where family dinners are routine. It improves language skills for younger children as they talk with adults. - Improves Emotional Wellbeing
Research has also shown that children who eat with their families have significantly lower risks of depression, substance abuse, suicide, and early sexual activity. [Acknowledgement: Pam Myers; Child Development]
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all our students, parents, families and staff members who continue to support the ongoing work of our leadership and teaching teams this term. Our College community continues to show great energy for learning and care for each other, with school pride regularly celebrated in a range of authentic contexts. I would also like to thank Mr Darryl Allen, our Sports Coordinator, for the work which he has done in this area of the College over the past six months as he steps away from this role at the end of the term and Mrs Dorothy Christensen who has provided wonderful support to our Uniform and Book Shop over the last two terms
Throughout Term 4, staff will continue to be involved in various improvement planning processes for Concordia that focus on the needs of individual learners, and I encourage all parents and families to continue to work with us as key partners in the education of our students. We look forward to announcing and sharing a number of these wonderful initiatives with you as we prepare for the 2023 school year.
Thank you to those families who continue to use our strong open-door policy across all three campuses as we partner to ensure the best outcomes for every student in our care. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, and together we continue to achieve great outcomes at Concordia! Have a safe term break.
Yours in Christ
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Quote of the Week:
In this Family We…
Work Hard [Colossians 3:23]
Keep our Promises [Romans 4:21]
Tell the Truth [Proverbs 12:22]
Count our Blessings [1 Peter 1:22]
Have Fun! [Proverbs 15:13]
From the College Pastor
Community Mourning
As we come to the end of this very busy term there is much to celebrate and be thankful for! Our students have grown through some amazing experiences, camps, performances, sports success and in knowledge and understanding of our world. And we are over half-way to our goal of sending 100 refugee children in Africa to school for a year- thank you for your wonderful support for Walk my Way!
But at this time we also share some communal grief as our nation together with many others across the Commonwealth mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II, whose 70 year reign has given a sense of stability and certainty to many. As her grandson, Prince William pointed out, she has been 'providing an example of service and dignity in public life.' And this was largely based on her deep faith in a loving God, who is with us and who gives us responsibilities for his world. Responsibilities which Queen Elizabeth carried out with dedication and faithfulness even to the end ā appointing the new British PM Liz Truss only days before her death.
The death of such a public figure does not only touch many people, as the public outpouring of grief shows, but it can also bring back private memories of loss and pain. It is important to acknowledge these feelings, to seek help if they become overwhelming and to talk with your loved ones about the feelings and the meaning of this loss. May our Lord give you comfort and wisdom in this journey.
As Christians we are reminded that our hope rests in Christ, who died and rose again and who proclaimed: āI am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;ā (John 11:25)
In this hope we join with countless others as Her Majesty the Queen is finally placed Godās loving arms on Monday. The same hope speaks into our experiences of grief and loss as we are pointed to the God who holds all in his hands, and who has opened the future for us.
May this hope fill you at this time.
Have a blessed and refreshing holiday.
Pastor Thomas Bƶhmert
College Pastor
Community News
Walk My Way
We are over half way there! We are hoping to be able to send 100 children to school for a year in refugee camps like Kakuma in Africa. So far we have raised a little over $1300. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Letās see if we can make it to $2600!
At Concordia we understand that God has gifted us in many way and that we that comes responsibility. We want to look beyond our own needs and wants to share our gifts with those in need. Walk my Way is an initiative of Australian Lutheran World Service, enabling children in refugee camps in Africa to attend school. $26 enables a child to attend school for a year! Today we walked to support this cause at SSC and next term the primary campuses will do the same.
SWQ Futsal Competition Term 4
Australia Futsal will be assisting Ā鶹“«Ć½ in developing a futsal program. For more information please .
HSC Parent Connect Mango Fundraiser
Basketball Holiday Camps
.
.
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
From the Junior College Directors
Letās do a quick recap of our term… NAIDOC art, Arts Appreciation Weekend, Prepping for Prep, Year 3 Camp, Year 6 Cairns Trip, Year 1 Excursion to Lone Pine, Year 5 Emu Gully Camp, Prepās excursion to the Empire Theatre or Zoo, Book Week, PJ Storytime, Pop Up Mornings and Open Afternoon, Fathersā Day Breakfast, Toowoomba Chess Teams Comp, representative Athletics and that doesnāt even count the massive amount of learning that has been occurring. No wonder we are all exhausted and need a break.
The Year 6 students had a fabulous week in Cairns with many students saying, best time ever!! A big thank you must go to to Mr Baker, Ms Maddock, Mrs Scouller and Mr McCullough for leading the students on this camp as well as to all the parents who travelled with them.
On behalf of the JC Team, we would like to thank you for your support throughout Term 3 and we hope you have a fantastic break. We would also like to recognise and thank our amazing teachers and support staff. They work with dedication and passion to facilitate the engaged classroom learning and we wish them a well-deserved break.
Junior College Leadership
Our JC Student Leadership really does begin from the first day of prep, however, throughout their learning journey, there are also intentional opportunities and training from Year 3. Some of these opportunities are …
Year 3
- Student Council ā student led encouraging student voice
- Year 3 Camp - working on team building skills, encouraging student voice, building natural leaders
Year 4
- Student Council
- Year 4 Camp ā continuing to work on team building skills, encouraging student voice, building natural leaders
Year 5
- Student Council
- Year 5 - continuing to work on team building skills, encouraging student voice, building natural leaders
- Leadership day at Koojarewon ā again working on team building and leadership skills
Year 6
- Student Council
- Student Leadership positions
- SMART Leadership Day 1 and 2 working with Koojarewon staff
Term 4 will see the beginning of our process in choosing our student leaders for 2023. We have given each Year 5 student a hardcopy of the JC Leadership Handbook, in case they would like to consider the positions over the holidays. We will heavily support this process in school time next term.
Blessings for the week ahead.
to view Save the Dates for Term 4.
to view HSC's Events for Term 4, Week 1.
to view WSC's Events for Term 4, Week 1.
Mrs Juanetta Priest - Director of Campus (Hume Street)
Mrs Jackie Minnikin - Director of Campus (Warwick Street)
JC Christmas for the Bush
Care Outreach has been supporting Outback families for over 25 years. Many rural and remote families are in their 10th year of drought. These families need us more than ever this Christmas.
In Term 4, the Junior College will be again supporting Care Outreach with their Christmas for the Bush appeal. You can help by donating...
- Non-perishable food and Christmas treats
- Toys and family gifts
- Toiletries
- Pre-paid visa cards
Donation baskets will be placed in every classroom. 100% goes to our farmers! For other specific needs, please visit and click on the 'Christmas for the Bush' tab.
Christmas for the Bush will conclude with a Junior College Chapel Service in the SSC Chapel on Friday 28 October at 9.30am.
JC Sports News
It's been a very busy term for sport. To read more, .
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
Hume Street Kindergarten 2023
Are you or do you know of someone looking for that unique and special Kindergarten year for your child? A year guaranteed of play, discovery, learning, creativity, adventure, and fun! Concordia Hume Street Kindergarten takes great pride in setting children up for success and creating a smooth transition from Kindergarten to school.
Our 3-year-old Pre-Kindy runs on Fridays from 8.30amā3pm. 4-year-old Kindergarten program runs over two days, with a Mon/Tues group and a Wed/Thurs group from 8amā4pm. At present we do have availability to cater for children to attend three or four days of Kindergarten.
Please contact Concordia Hume Street Kindergarten ASAP to find our more details or to secure a placement.
Phone: 07 4613 5610
Email:
christie.rheeder@concordia.qld.edu.au
leanne.potter@concordia.qld.edu.au
HSC Tuckshop Orders
Please note: There is no tuckshop in Week 1 Term 4. Tuckshop will start again in Week 2 Term 4.
Term 4 Tennis Coaching at HSC
HSC Prep to Year 6 Swimming Lessons
On Friday 7 October, students from Prep to Year 6 will commence their swimming lessons at the Concordia Aquatic Centre. Each of these classes will participate in eight lessons over Term 4. Please for the schedule.
Please ensure that students have the following:
- Dressing gown - this is great for the students to wear to and from the pool as we don't know what the weather is going to be like;
- Thongs
- Swimming togs - it would be great for our Prep students to wear their togs to school
- Goggles
- House swimming cap
- Towel
To avoid any lost items, please clearly label all of your child's items including their shoes, underwear and uniform.
HSC Student Voice
Student voice is important. This gives all students an opportunity to say what is working well at their school and what could make it better. During Week 9, I sat with all students, Years P-5 to hear what they have to say. Year 6 students were on Camp and Week 10 has been busy getting ready for Grandparentsā Day so I will catch up with them in Term 4.
With the assistance of our Parent Connect, Rebel kickback money and our own budgets, we will be able to add in many of the students suggestions (except for maybe the Petting Zoo!). They also had many ideas for Student Council which we will work through and incorporate next term.
All the feedback from students is displayed on the wall outside of our piano room (down near the Resource Centre). I will also have an āideasā letter box in place next term. If your little person ever has any ideas that they bring home, encourage them to write it down and pop into our letter box because like I have mentioned, Student Voice is important.
Mrs Juanetta Priest
Director of Campus
Warwick Street Campus
WSC Tuckshop Orders
Please note: There is no tuckshop in Week 1 of Term 4. Tuckshop will start in Week 2.
WSC Tennis Coaching - Term 4
WSC Prep to Year 6 Swimming Lessons - Term 4
On Monday 10 October, Prep to Year 6 students will commence their swimming lessons at the Concordia Aquatic Centre. Each of these classes will participate in lessons over Term 4.
Please ensure that students have the following items:
- Warm clothing - this would be great for the students to wear to and from the pool as we don't know what the weather is going to be like
- Swimming togs
- Goggles
- House swimming cap
- Towel
To avoid any lost items, please clearly label all of your child's items including their shoes, underwear and uniform.
Stephen Street Campus
From the Director of Campus
I am desperately hoping that by the time this The Week Ahead publication is released, we will be seeing blue skies or at least dry conditions for our Year 12 Valedictory arrivals and dinner this evening. There is a great sense of anticipation on campus as the marquee is erected and grandstand seating put in place in readiness for our Year 12s to make their long-awaited arrivals. This cohort are very close, and I know canāt wait to share the celebrations with each other, their families, and staff. Iām sure everyone will look spectacular and have a fantastic time.
End of Term 3 reflections
Term 3 has certainly lived up to its expectation of contrasts. On one hand, it feels like we could not have packed much more in, but on the other hand, boy has it gone fast! This time of the year is a true test of character and resilience for students, families, and staff. There is always a delicate balance between finishing the year well and starting to plan for the following year. I have to say that I have extremely impressed by the way in which students have managed themselves, particularly our Year 11s and 12s who have remained focused, yet suitably relaxed as they have completed their recent exam blocks. Congratulations to all students for their efforts in setting high expectations for themselves and pushing to go beyond their personal best. We hope that all students have a refreshing and enjoyable break before our final term.
eSmart Week
In last weekās edition I shared that this week we are recognising eSmart Week. On assembly on Monday, I shared some basic steps with students to ensure they maintain a balanced approach to online activity, and how to ensure they stay safe. In this edition I would like to share some resources from the Australian Government eSafety Commission, which I cannot recommend highly enough to parents. You can find these resources at . This includes comprehensive resources on how to use parental safety controls, information about how to ensure safe use of commonly used social media apps and games, and advice on sensitive issues such as cyberbullying and viewing of sexual images and content. It is vital that parents stay informed on these issues as the array of online content continues to rapidly expand.
Year 9 Googa Experience
Unfortunately, the current Tabletop Mountain road closure prevented us from taking our Year 9s on this traditional Googa lead up activity on Thursday. Nevertheless, we are confident our students will handle the challenging, but rewarding experience they will embark on at the start of next term. I personally canāt wait to go and visit of Year 9s during their four week experience, and witness firsthand the way in which this camp is able to transform the group dynamic and further promote the step from adolescence to young adults.
Year 12 Valedictory and Awards Evening
Following their dinner tonight, our Year 12s next big event will be their Valedictory and Awards evening on Monday 10 October. This is a continuation of the celebration of our Year 12 group and what they have already achieved, even before completing their final exams. We look forward to recognising the talent these students have produced and developed while at Concordia.
Have a wonderful holiday break.
Yours in faith,
Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus
Confirmation Course at ELF
Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship (the congregation using the Concordia chapel) is pleased to announce the launch of a Confirmation course in 2022-2023. The course is designed for anybody aged 12+ who has been baptised and is seeking to confirm their faith. The course is designed around new material produced by Grow Ministries called Grow Disciples - a relational, interactive and fun exploration of the key topics of the Christian faith. Please contact Pastor Nathan (pastor@emmanueltoowoomba.org.au) if you are interested!
Grand Reopening!
Sport News
Representative Sport:
Congratulations to Charlie Pietsch, member of the Queensland Open Team who this week won the Baseball School Sport Australia National Championship! This is amazing news, Charlie, well done!
Sport team results:
Volleyball
Round 7 results:
ā¢ Intermediate girls beat the top team on the ladder, SSC (St Saviour's College) 2 sets to 1 in a very close contest, 73ā67.
ā¢ Mixed team lost to 2nd placed team Set and Forget 82ā111
Boarding
Boarding News
Hello to all our families. The holidays are here - hooray! Your children are all looking forward to their break along with our wonderful family of Tutors and Staff.
This week has been very busy. The students went out to Grand Central and to the movies on Sunday afternoon. A great time was had by all.
On Wednesday evening, we held our Boarder Recognition Dinner to acknowledge Bradley and Chrissy for a great year and to celebrate their completion of Year 12.
Googa is first up for our Year 9 students on return in Term 4. I am sure they will have a fabulous time.
We wish you all a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to catching up on travel day.
Take care and stay safe.
Mrs Maureen Taurima
Girls Houseparent