The Week Ahead - Term 1, Week 9
Monday 20 March to Friday 24 March 2023
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Concordia has been a hive of activity this week with all the finishing touches being put in place for tomorrow’s Open Day. I need to acknowledge Ms. Belinda Sanders, Director of Marketing and Enrolments, and her team for the work put in behind the scenes to ensure the success of this community event. In addition to this we have also taken the NAPLAN assessment cycle in our stride, thrown in some sports, worked through relational matters, planned for our Year 10 dinner tonight and scaffolded rich learning experiences along the way. Did I also mention that the teaching staff are midway through the Term 1 assessment cycle. I thank you for your support, patience, transparent communication and words of affirmation as we walk this journey together.
An area of student physical wellness which is monitored on a regular basis is that of drinking water. Many children and teens aren’t consuming enough water and that lack of hydration could affect their physical and mental health. Children and teenagers can be more susceptible to dehydration than adults. In one recent study, about half of the children and teenagers surveyed weren’t getting enough hydration. The likelihood of inadequate hydration was 76% higher in boys than girls. Nearly 25% of the participants said they drank no plain water at all.
The lack of water is a significant issue for students. It’s important that access to water is available to students in the classroom, via a refillable water bottle, as well as the good old water fountains around the College.
Need for water. Proper hydration is crucial for physical processes such as circulation, metabolism, temperature regulation and waste removal. Excessive dehydration can cause serious problems, but even mild dehydration can cause headaches, irritability, poor circulation, reduced physical performance and mental fatigue. The good news is that improving water intake by even 1 cup a day improves hydration for our children.
Some tips to help boost children’s water intake:
- Keep water cold. Add frozen water to a child’s lunch pack. The bottle will keep the lunch cold and thaw throughout the day so the water is cool to drink. Cold water also tastes better than water at room temperature.
- Don’t rely on a child’s thirst. Thirst is an indicator that dehydration has begun to set in already. Children need to have access to water throughout the day.
- If a child dislikes water, try infusing it with fruit (such as lemons) vegetables (such as cucumbers) or herbs (such as mint) to give the water a flavour without adding extra sugars.
[Acknowledgement: Healthy Day News: Harvard School of Public Health]
I am also looking forward to attending the Year 10 Dinner this evening, an event designed to welcome this cohort of students into senior school life at Concordia. Thank you in advance to the parents and caregivers of our Year 10s for your help in assisting your student to be ready for tonight’s event.
Have a safe and relaxing weekend.
Yours in Christ.
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Quote of the week: The difficulties of life are meant to make us better, not bitter. [Anonymous]
From the College Pastor
Community News
CLC Cross Country Inter-House Carnival - 29 March
On Wednesday 29 March, we will be holding the CLC Cross Country Inter-House Carnival. For more information, please for the 2023 program.
Sports News
Congratulations to all of our students who were a part of all of our recent events.
Futsal
Following the tallying of all results the champion Boys Futsal School for SWQ 2023 is as follows for the Bryan Keightley Shield:
HSHS - 30; Concordia - 29; St Marys - 24; Highlands - 22; Scots - 19; Downlands - 9.
A wonderful achievement from Mr Burchardt and the Boys form Harristown S.H.S, who were unable to field an U/13 side in this year's event, to sneak home by a solitary point to claim the inaugural Champion Futsal School.
When you look across the board, the Hawks boys have been the benchmark and standards to follow, however it is incredibly encouraging when you look at the work undertaken by every other competing school. A terrific run by the men of Concordia who came within the last game between the Hawks and themselves to decide the outcome. If I look at schools 2-6 there is certainly much to be optimistic about moving forward with the potential in each school's ranks and the great staff and support networks around them.
We had an incredible night of Finals at Glennie last night with Downlands winning the Champion Futsal School for 2023 and competing in all 3 Finals. However, the Finals night saw Glennie, Scots and Mary Mackillop all claim the Grand Final from U/13 to Open teams respectively.
A very big thanks to the Boys of Scots and Downlands who have ensured a mini competition in the 4.00pm time slot and to the SWQ make-up team in the U/13 Division........big thumbs up to players and staff alike.
For our Boys teams, please find the draw for Wednesday 22 March at Uni SQ- GRAND FINALS and PLAY-OFFS
4.00pm - U12/13 Court 1 Screaming Nachos v Strikers and Court 2 Downlands v Scots
4.45pm - U/13 Court 1 Highlands (3) v St Marys (4); Court 2 Concordia (1) v Scots (2) and Court 3 Downlands (5) v SWQ (6)
5.30pm - U/15 Court 1 Concordia (3) v St Marys (4); Court 2 HSHS (1) v Highlands (2) and Court 3 Scots (5) v Downlands (6)
6.15pm - Opens Court 1 Concordia (3) v Downlands (4); Court 2 HSHS (1) v St Marys (2) and Court 3 Scots (5) v Highlands (6)
Teams in bold are the Grand Finalists on centre court. Best of luck to all.
Darron Skinner-Martin
HOD HPE & Sport
LYQ Winter Christian Life Week Camp 2023 - Years 7-12
Christian Life Week (CLW) Camp is coming up midyear – All welcome!
Book at
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
NAPLAN
NAPLAN tests well be conducted throughout Australian schools during 15-27 March 2023.
The testing dates for Concordia are:
- Middle College: Wednesday 15 March to Friday 17 March with the makeup day on Monday 20 March
Junior College
- Tuesday 21 March - Reading 8.45am - 10am and Language Conventions - 11.30am-12.30pm
- Wednesday 22 March - Numeracy 8.45am-10am
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students have already learnt through the school curriculum.
NAPLAN tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills they have learnt. NAPLAN tests give you information on how your child is progressing against national standards.
Teachers have been working with students to ensure they are familiar with the test formats. Excessive preparation and discussion using the terms of NAPLAN is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program and to advise them to simply do the best they can on the day.
To help prepare your child on the day, please ensure that they have a good night’s sleep, a suitable breakfast and arrive on time at school.
JC Year 5 Leadership Day - 23 March
On Thursday 23 March, our JC Year 5 students will be attending a Leadership Day at Koojarewon Youth Camp.
Event details:
- Program activities will be led by Koojarewon Youth Camp staff on Thursday 23 March 2023 at the Koojarewon Youth Camp.
Students are required to:
- wear their sports uniform and College hat;
- bring a small bag with morning tea and lunch, water bottle, rain jacket, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Should you have any further queries regarding this event, please contact your child's teacher.
JC Year 4 Camp
The Year 4 Hume Street Campus and Warwick Street Campus students will be attending a three day camp from Wednesday 26 April to Friday 28 April 2023 at , Tallebudgera located at (Phone – 5507 0200).
The students will participate in a variety of activities suitable for their age and ability levels. The activities are designed for fun, experiential learning, personal development and building team skills.
Drop Off and Pick Up from HSC: We ask that parents drop their child at the Hume Street Campus (HSC) on Wednesday 26 April by 7.15am, for a 7.30am departure. The students will depart the Gold Coast Recreation Centre at 1.30pm, Friday 28 April and should arrive at HSC at approximately 4.30pm. Students can be picked up anytime after this. Parking for both the drop off and pick up will be on the sports oval.
Should you any further queries regarding this camp, please contact your child’s teacher.
Permissions Required Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission.
- Login to >
- click on Events & Payments >
- click on JC 2023 Year 4 Camp >
- Accept >
- Save
IMPORTANT NOTE: After submitting your permission, please check and ensure your Parent Lounge portal is up-to-date regarding your child’s Emergency Contact Info, Medical Conditions and Food Allergies/Dietary Requirements.
Should you any further queries regarding this camp, please contact your child’s teacher.
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
HSC Weekly Events
Please to view HSC's Events for Term 1, Week 9.
HSC Colour Fun Run Meal Deal - Thursday 30 March
On Thursday 30 March, we will be holding a meal deal for our Colour Fun Run. This meal deal can only be ordered through My Student Account.
Single Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal - $6.00
1 x Sausage Sizzle
1 x Fruit Salad
1 x Fruit Box
Double Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal - $7.50
2 x Sausage Sizzle
1 x Fruit Salad
1 x Fruit Box
Orders will close at 3pm on Monday 27 March.
HSC Tuckshop Orders
At HSC, Tuckshop is held on a Thursday. All orders are to be completed online at 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.
Colour Explosion Fun Run - Schedule and what to bring
We will be running our Colour Explosion Fun Run on Thursday 30 March with a meal deal on offer for the first break. All orders for the meal deal must be ordered online at My Student Account. The meal deal closes on Monday 27 March at 3pm.
What to Wear Students are invited to wear something white or old to school for the fun run and waterslide. The colour shows up great on light or dark clothing.
What to Bring Please send in a towel, their sports uniform and underwear to change into after the fun run is finished. A plastic bag is also a great idea so that wet clothes can be carried home.
Schedule 11.00am - Meal Deal 11.30am - Years 2 and 3 11.55am - Kindy, Prep and Year 1 12.20pm - Years 4, 5 and 6
Activities Waterslide Other Activities and Lots of Colour
Parent Helpers Parents are absolutely welcome to come and help squirt colour over your child/ren. If you are available we would love to see you here.
The Colour Explosion Fun Run will be held on the top oval.
We hope to see you there.
HSC Junior Playground
Please note that our Junior Playground closes at 3.30pm due to the area becoming a licensed OSHC space. We have a bell that rings at 3.30pm signifying the time that families need to vacate the space. Please feel free to move to the Forest Learning Space to play and talk. This is the fun space above the tennis court.
Parent supervision in this space is important due to the nature of the play area.
Warwick Street Campus
WSC Weekly Events
Please to view WSC's Events for Term 1, Week 9.
WSC Tuckshop Orders
At WSC, Tuckshop is held on a Wednesday. All orders are to be completed online at 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.
WSC Parent Connect
The WSC Parent Connect have held their first meeting for 2023. For those of you who weren’t able to join us, please see the “fundraising” and “friend raising” ideas for 2023 below:
Term 2
11 May Mother’s Day Stall
12 May Student Disco and Parent Wine and Cheese
Term 3
31 August Father’s Day Stall
WSC Cookie Dough Drive
Term 4
WSC Parent Connect Family Fun Day (Date to be advised)
Our WSC 2022 Trivia Night raised nearly $9000. What an incredible result! If you would like to hear what we are putting this money towards at WSC, our next meeting will be on Wednesday 3 May at 5.30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our campus has a Facebook page where the parents of the campus can connect, ask questions, and share information. This page is private. Apply and admin will approve within a short time. Our page is called 'WSC Parent Connect'.
Stephen Street Campus
SSC Weekly Events
Please to view SSC's Events for Term 1, Week 9.
Concordia versus Harristown - Softball Competition
On Tuesday we had our first game of a 7 game series against Harristown in Softball. The Harristown Hawks were a good team, but we held our own with an 11-5 loss. Congratulations to our students and coach Mr Barnes.
The game was played with great energy and sportsmanship and we look forward to the games throughout the year against Harristown for the Redlands Cup.
The Interschool Golden Glove competition is coming soon and this is great preparation for us to excel in this competition as well.
We are desperately seeking more players to commit to the team. As it is played with "sandlot" rules, overarm pitching is permitted for our baseball enthusiasts as well as the traditional softball pitch. Games and the rules will be adjusted to ensure all students have an opportunity to participate and play regardless of current skill levels.
We train on the AFL oval Monday afternoons from 3.30 to 4.30pm and would love to see you sign up and play!
It doesn't matter if you have played before as Softball is a sport where everyone can play and have fun!
If you would like to participate, please click on the link below from your students email due to security settings.
Summary of Details:
WHAT: 7 games a year against Harristown (like a play-off series) as well as Golden Glove
WHERE: Harristown High
WHEN - Term 1 games - 7/3/23 & 21/3/23
TRAINING - Monday Afternoons 3.30-4.30pm at Concordia.
WHO: Mixed Teams
Golden Glove Dates: 22/5/23 Girls and 23/5/23 Boys
Darron Skinner-Martin
HOD HPE & Sport
Boarding
Boarding News
Hi to all our boarder families.
With the end of term fast approaching everyone has been busy finishing off assignments and participating in Futsal and Basketball Semi-finals and Finals.
Open Day
Our Boarding houses will be open for Boarding tours this Saturday and by appointment at a later date. Our numbers are growing in boarding and we all look forward to 3 new girls starting in Term 2.
Congratulations to Max Manning, a Year 8 student, who along with Cooper Regan and Georgette May, attended the Park run last Saturday with huge improvements on their times. Well done.
Max, our youngest student has enjoyed the challenge and appreciates the change of scenery on a Saturday morning. Max enjoys keeping fit and attends Tae Kwon Do in Toowoomba as an external sport choice.
Max is a diligent student who is currenting competing in the Maths Olympian Competition that runs for several weeks. He is also very keen on the Sciences and has his focus set on becoming an Astrophysicist. We are happy to support you on your journey Max.
This week, Andrew and I have enjoyed a meal out with our Boarder Captains, George and Mason. We discussed many aspects of Boarding life. Both George and Mason have a very full timetable this year with the upcoming musical for George and a school-based apprenticeship for Mason on top of maintaining their academic workload. We appreciate your efforts in boarding and look forward to working with you both in Term 2.
Our boys are heading off to the 2023 SEQ Boarders Touch Football Tournament at Marist College, Ashgrove on Sunday. We will have pics for next week's edition. Thanks in advance to those who have organised and supported this fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent we have in our small yet talented boarding cohort.
This week Concordia set up the marque at the Pittsworth Show and we were warmly received. Many friendly and interested parents stopped in to have a chat. Thank you, Tyrone, for your assistance.
Our photos this week have a touch of “Blasts from the Past”. Hope you all enjoy our pictures below.
Until next week. Stay safe and take care of each other.
Mrs Maureen Taurima
Girls' Houseparent