�鶹��ý

Congratulations to all our students on how well they have returned to school and settled in after being away from school for around 10 weeks. Thank you, parents, for your support and patience in this process.

I need to use this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible job done by all the staff in getting the College ready for the start of the 2024 school year. Their professionalism, dedication to the task, resilience and collaboration mixed in with lots of laughter and humour, need to be applauded and acknowledged.

On a personal note, it is great to back and part of the Concordia community after being on long service leave in Term 4. Thank you for your support of Mrs Jackie Minnikin as the Acting Head of College while I was away.

This year our college theme is Achieving the Possibilities which is a continuation from the past two years where we looked at Imagining and Embracing the Possibilities.

This theme sets a positive and empowering tone for the school year. We are committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive, learn and work to their full potential.

I believe that by working together – students, parents and college staff – we will create a supportive community that nurtures and grows curiosity as well as creating opportunities to foster a mindset of growth and success for every student.

We value the partnership between Concordia and home and open communication is the cornerstone of this collaborative relationship.

As parents your involvement is essential to the success of our students, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns and ideas.

As the school year gets underway, I would like to remind you of the commitment to an open-door policy which I propagate with our entire Concordia Leadership Team.

We have planned several events throughout the year to keep you informed about your child’s progress to involve you in their journey at Concordia. Please stay connected with us throughout the year.

I am very excited about the 2024 journey and the possibilities which lie ahead and as Concordia continues to grow in numbers, we need to remain focused on our mantra of every student being fully known and fully loved.

We also need to remain grounded and humble as we embrace this time of growth and rejuvenation as a college, and we pursue our vision at Concordia of Inspiring Lifelong Learners, Critical Thinkers and Caring Citizens in a Christian Community.

Steve Jobs reminds us that if we are working on something exciting that we really care about, then we do not have to be pushed as the vision will keep pulling us.

With that in mind I believe 2024 will be a defining moment in the history and story of Concordia as Stage 1 of our Master Plan gets underway.

We will endeavour to keep you up to date with these building projects as the timelines are confirmed and locked in and there has already been some activity over the summer break with various upgrades and refurbishments happening across both the Junior and Senior College precincts.

I would like to wish everyone every success and blessings for the coming school year, and I hope to see many of you face-to-face when possible.

Have a safe long weekend.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. [Robert F. Kennedy]

We start the year by acknowledging that all we do we do in the presence and under the guidance of a loving God, who has brought us together here at this place and time. Our theme for this year is “Achieve the possibilities”, which builds on the last two years, where we were encouraged to imagine and embrace the possibilities.

We can dream and imagine all we like, but until we roll up our sleeves and get to work there is very little chance of these possibilities coming to fruition. And this is what this year is focusing on. It fits well with the developments of our master plan, where all the background work, drawings and designs will start taking shape as the soil is turned and buildings start being erected.

We challenge our students to do similar things, to step out in faith and with courage roll up their sleeves and get to work to achieve their dreams and hopes.

Our bible verse for the year is taken from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verse 9: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We are encouraged to look to the example of Paul and others before us who have lived and worked in faith to create and develop the Concordia community. We stand on their shoulders as we seek to imagine, embrace and work to achieve the possibilities placed before us by God today so that Concordia can continue to flourish and provide an excellent education in a Christ-centered community for all who come here.

All this is a community effort – no one person can do it by themselves. As parents, staff and students we work together to enable possibilities to become reality.

I pray that this year will bring blessings as we continue to serve faithfully together and develop our community, and as we look to St Paul – and others, who point us to Christ!

Pastor Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

With the pursuit of learning and personal growth at our core, it is my pleasure to remind you that applications for our Academic Scholarships are officially open. These scholarships are a testament to our commitment to excellence and supporting students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to join the �鶹��ý community. Details on the criteria and application process are readily available on our website.

Specialist Scholarships are another option, recognising the talents of students outside of academics. Applications will open for Specialist Scholarships later in Term One. These unique scholarships celebrate and nurture individual talents, whether in the arts, sports, rural, public speaking, or leadership. You will also find more information on the Specialist Scholarships on our website.

We have been so happy to see so many improvements to the college grounds already, upgrades to sporting facilities and classrooms are already complete. There are also renovations to the College Chapel underway. We can’t wait to see the result, and of course, it is only part of the plan to improve �鶹��ý as a whole.

Highlight on your Concordia calendars March 23rd, for one of the most important days of the year for �鶹��ý, Open Day. An occasion not to be missed, it promises to be an enlightening experience for prospective and current families alike. Discover firsthand the vibrant environment where young minds are empowered to "Achieve the Possibilities"—our theme for 2024. The Concordia Calendars are a great resource, we hope they hang proudly in your home.

To learn more about Concordia, please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages. You will discover much more about what happens on campus every day and may even have some contributions to send in of your own.

Here's to an unforgettable journey at Concordia, where every student is encouraged to reach for the stars and achieve the extraordinary.

Ms Belinda Sanders

Director of Marketing & Enrolments

The beginning of the year is always a time of transition. This is an ongoing process, whether that be starting high school for the first time, moving up to a new grade or managing the daily tasks that come with school expectations. It is an exciting time, however, for many, it can also be an anxious time for both students and families. We all have a role in monitoring student’s feelings and minimising anxiety so that school is an enjoyable experience for all. Familiarisation is often the key to reducing stress. As your child makes their way through the beginning of the school year, continue to have conversations at home about the expectations for the year ahead and being more responsible for looking after their own needs.

At �鶹��ý, we offer a range of supports to ensure your child is well supported through their educational journey. Our Pastoral Care Team comprises of staff with a wide range of knowledge and expertise to assist families. It is with pleasure that I announce to you the members of the Pastoral Care Team for 2024 and would encourage you to reach out to these people if ever needed:

Pastoral Care Team:

- Tony Manteufel (Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing)

- Rev. Thomas Bohmert (College Pastor)

- Sonya Holden (Learning Enrichment Coordinator)

- Roslyn Cook (6 – 8 Year Level Coordinator)

- David Rentell (9 – 10 Year Level Coordinator)

- Leah Bowes (11 – 12 Year Level Coordinator)

- Libby Chapmen (College Nurse)

- Wally McIntosh (First Nations Coordinator)

- Andrew Bull (Boys Boarding House Parent)

- Maureen Taurima (Girls Boarding House Parent)

In addition to the members outlined above, we are currently in the process of finalising the selection process to appoint a new Student Counsellor. This process will be completed within the next week, and we will shortly announce the successful candidate. In the meantime, for any Student Counsellor-related enquiries, please consult with a member of the Pastoral Care Team or me directly.

Other than the Pastoral Care Team, student wellbeing is further supported through our wider staff. For most students, their Home Class teacher will be the main point of contact for any schooling-related matters. These staff are responsible for mentoring students, monitoring student engagement and management of general day-to-day schooling. Families are encouraged to contact Home Class teachers as a line of communication for any questions or concerns. Our staff are willing to assist you with any enquiries or direct you to the relevant personnel if further consultation is required.

The development of personal and social skills is overseen by our Pastoral Care teachers. All students will engage in a weekly Pastoral Care program as part of the College curriculum. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to explore the factors that influence their well-being and equips them with the necessary tools to navigate their way through times of adversity. There are a range of topics that students will encounter with extensive resources and strategies designed to target age-appropriate issues. To find out more about the topics covered within the Pastoral Care Program, please contact your relevant Year Level Coordinator or Pastoral Care Teacher.

Throughout the year, �鶹��ý will be providing to family’s resources and strategies to help develop student well-being at home. Our newsletters will include links and articles that may assist families when having conversations about pertinent well-being-related matters. Parents and carers can expect to find this information through the School TV links.

School TV is a platform designed specifically to support families with the challenges relating to modern-day parenting. This award-winning resource helps to build relationships, foster connections and break down barriers to navigate a pathway toward better mental health and well-being for young people. This can be accessed via the College website or through the links provided in the Week Ahead. To find our more click .

I am pleased to announce that this year will see the return of the Parent Cyber Safety Presentations. This includes presentations delivered to students in Years 5 – 12 as well as a Parent Information Session. Student sessions will be conducted throughout the school day on Tuesday 27 February. Parent presentations will be held from 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the Lecture Theatre at Stephen Street Campus. This event will be delivered by a professional on the topic of digital compliance and internet safety.

Erin Cash has had over a decade of experience in law enforcement, investigation and training. Erin will cover topics such as consent, respectful relationships, effective communication and personal online safety. We encourage families to attend this event and will provide further information in the coming weeks.

If you would like any further information or assistance as your child transitions through the early phases of the school year, please access the following School TV link that contains relevant articles, videos and additional resources to assist families. I look forward to a prosperous year ahead and continuing our partnerships with families.

Take care!

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

2024 also sees some new staff members join our two Junior Campuses. We welcome the following people to Concordia and wish them all the best for the year ahead:

Mrs Cally Slider - Year 2 WSC
Mrs Kylie Hornick - Learning Assistant WSC
Mrs Cass Trappett - HSC Administration Officer
Mr Niel Oosthuizen - JC Learning Assistant

In 2022 our college theme saw us Imagine the Possibilities and then in 2023 we Embraced the Possibilities. This year our theme is to “Achieve the Possibilities”, and with this in mind, we look forward to sharing the achievements of our students in their learning with our parents on a regular basis.

Next Monday will be a special occasion for our Year 6 students as they will be presented with their leadership badges for 2024 at a special Assembly. Hume Street Campus Assembly will commence at 12.00pm and the Warwick Street Campus Assembly will begin at 2.00pm. This is the first of many special events for our Year 6 class and we know they will take on their leadership roles this year proudly and responsibly.

As you and your family settle into the new school year, please know that our doors are open. If you have any concerns about your student and their learning, please let your teacher know as soon as possible so that we can work together to find solutions.

to view HSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 2.
to view WSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 2.

Blessings for the week ahead.

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

It has been a wonderful first three days as we have welcomed new and returning students, with many smiling faces anticipating what this school year will bring. In true Concordia style, we have started with several “coming together” events, which will continue in the coming weeks. Of note this week were our Year 12 Leadership Ceremony and Opening Chapel Service.

The Year 12 Leadership Ceremony is held to mark the beginning of our seniors' final year, where we present badges to our various captains, and all seniors receive their unique Year 12 tie. This ceremony has become one of my favourite events, as we now ask parents/carers or close family members and friends to present these items to the students. It is extremely heartwarming to see the pride on the significant other’s face as they make the presentation, often followed by a hug as they see the magnitude of this moment. All the best to our Year 12s as they begin the rollercoaster ride ahead.

Our Opening Chapel has set a firm foundation as to the values and theme for 2024. Pastor Thomas and Mr Prinsloo presented overlapping messages encouraging students to actively pursue kindness on their way to “Achieving the Possibilities”. At Stephen Street Campus, I am often astounded by the sheer number of activities that our students can be involved in. From sporting teams to band, choir, dance, drama and other clubs, students can truly find their fit at Concordia. I encourage all students to keep their ears open as these opportunities become available during the year.

On Monday 5 February, we will be holding an SSC parent/staff meet and greet followed by an information session in the Function Centre. There will be an invitation shortly with further details.

We look forward to a very prosperous year ahead and sharing many more achievements with you.

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Welcome back to everyone, I hope you all had a great Christmas holiday break. Sport has hit the go button for 2024 and there are so many opportunities for students to be involved. An email was sent out last week with some important information regarding Sports, so if you haven’t already, please make sure you read through this information and complete the required forms. I look forward to another successful and exciting year of Sports at Concordia.

Leroy Malone - Brisbane Broncos

Congratulations to Leroy Malone who signed a contract with the Brisbane Broncos on the holidays. A massive achievement and a sign there is big things ahead for Leroy.

What a fabulous start to Term 1! The hot weather has not created any problems for us thanks to the aid of electric fans and the aircon in our offices. Our open-door policy in the dorm has allowed the girls and boys to visit Andrew and me more frequently. Not sure if it is to chat or cool down.

Our boarding roll has increased to 42 students this year. 21 males and 21 females. This is a great start.

The dorms are filled with much chatter with our students keeping busy by getting to know each other. Our tutors have also kept everyone occupied by supervising activities at the poll and Gym.

There is lots of movement in and out of the dorms and the Rec room where many students are building connections with each other. It is the start of a lifelong friendship that you only get in boarding. It is lovely to see everyone enjoying face-to-face interaction with each other.

I genuinely believe they enjoy being off their technology.

As parents of Boarding students, it can be extremely difficult to allow your children to move away from home. I still remember that empty feeling and how much I missed my children. I understand what you are all going through. Please feel free to call us whenever you feel like an update.

We strive to create a smooth transition where we encourage everyone to “Achieve the possibilities”, and we have also enjoyed getting to know them all. We become one big family.

Congratulations to Khan and Kerri and receiving your Year 12 Tie and Boarder Captain badges. I am sure you both will do a great job and as children and grandchildren of past students, you will make your families super proud as well.

Our students will experience their first Grand Central shopping trip this Saturday. This is a staff-supervised event. We will then be taking them to the Cinema on Saturday evening.

I hope you enjoy our photos this week.

Until next week

Stay safe and take care of each other.

Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents