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This week, we also took the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge Boarding at Concordia and it was fitting to remind ourselves that our college was established as a Boarding School in 1946. Modern-day boarding remains the pulse and heartbeat of Concordia after hours and on weekends as our boarding students embrace all the opportunities that come with living at the college throughout the term. Thank you to all our Boarding Staff for their commitment to the students as well as those staff who work behind the scenes to support our boarding students in so many ways every day.

I need to acknowledge the incredibly respectful behaviour, dedication and determination that our students have brought to the various events and activities over the past weeks. These qualities were also recently noticed by a family who have decided to take up an enrolment at Concordia after seeing some of our students and how they have carried themselves, around town, after school hours. Thank you, Parents and Caregivers, for your encouragement and motivation of your child[ren] on this journey with us, as well as your support of and loyalty to Concordia.

"It's okay to make mistakes," is a common phrase used in all our learning spaces at Concordia. This is also a very topical conversation for many young families nowadays as they consider whether children should either be shielded from making mistakes or be allowed to make mistakes, especially when we as adults know what the outcome of a behaviour choice is going to be. Do children benefit from making mistakes as part of a natural part of learning, growth and resilience by laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success?

So, what do the experts have to say in this matter?

Mistakes Make Us Smarter - We all know the feeling: of watching our child struggle with homework or other tasks, wanting to jump in and fix it. But hold on! Making mistakes is actually a crucial part of learning.

Here's why letting your child wrestle with a problem can be more helpful than giving them the answer right away:

• Mistakes are learning opportunities! Just like you might look something up when you forget a date, your child can learn from getting something wrong. It helps them understand what doesn't work and paves the way for figuring out what does.

• A "mistake-friendly" classroom and home helps kids relax. Knowing it's okay to make mistakes takes the pressure off and encourages them to take risks and try new things.

• Celebrating mistakes shows your child it's okay to not be perfect. When you admit your own mistakes and turn them into learning moments, you set a great example!

Here are some tips for Encouraging a Growth Mindset at Home:

• Let your child struggle (a little). If they're stuck, offer gentle guidance instead of giving away the answer.

• Turn mistakes into games! Count up the number of problems they got right and the ones they got wrong. This helps them see their progress and builds confidence.

• Celebrate the effort, not just the result. Did they try their best? Did they learn something new? That's what matters most!

Remember, a little frustration is a good sign your child is working hard and learning. By letting them make mistakes and learn from them, you're helping them grow into confident, capable learners. Don't forget, we are there to walk this journey with you.

[Acknowledgement: TES Magazine 2024]

The upcoming weeks will see the students and staff focus on and be involved in all things reading with Book Fairs at our Junior College, Track and Field Carnivals, Cycle Safety, the Year 5 camp, our Term 2 Soloist Concert and Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews at our Junior College campuses. I strongly encourage and invite you to embrace and attend these events in the coming weeks.

Wishing you a safe weekend.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the week:

Your best teacher is your last mistake. [Unknown]

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

The recent Chess Tournament held at the Â鶹´«Ã½ Senior Campus also attracted a lot of media attention and lifted general awareness of the campus in the wider community. A huge thank you to members of Parent Connect for helping to run the café. If you can join our fabulous Parent Connect committees, please reach out as "many hands make light work".

We are pleased to report a substantial increase in enrolment enquiries for 2025. Notably, our prep years have seen an impressive surge in new enrolments, reflecting the community’s growing trust and belief in the education provided by Â鶹´«Ã½. We welcome all new families and look forward to an exciting future.

Our much-anticipated Boarder Experience Weekend is just around the corner, from May 24 to May 26. This year, we have received enquiries from communities well beyond Southern Queensland, showcasing the expanding reach and appeal of our boarding program. It's an excellent opportunity for prospective boarders and their families to experience first-hand the exceptional care and facilities we offer. We look forward to welcoming new faces to our community. We also celebrated National Boarding Week this week with a wonderful dinner and the opportunity to hear from past boarder, Mrs Karen Rohde and the current boarding captains about their home away from home experience at Concordia!

We encourage you to take time to explore the book fair, which offers a wonderful selection of literature for all ages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover new books and authors!

It has been especially busy recently with our students participating in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod. They showcased their talents in a variety of performances. This event has been a significant commitment for our students, requiring extensive preparation and practice. We are very proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing and hearing more about the fruits of their hard work.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their continuous support and enthusiasm.

Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Enrolments

Eisteddfod season is upon us and we have already had many of our students compete individually in various areas with some outstanding results. Our Junior and Senior choirs have been working hard over the last couple of weeks in preparation for their performances this Sunday. The students are singing beautifully in their rehearsals under the careful eye of Ms Sugars and we wish them well for the weekend.

After our 800 metre events last week, we now have our Years 3-6 Inter house Track and Field carnival at Stephen Street Campus next Friday. Mr Fry is busy making the final arrangements for this event as well as continuing to train our students for their events. Please come along next Friday and join us as we see some of the extraordinary sporting talents of our students.

As the weather starts to become cooler and more layers of clothing are required at school, please remember to name all uniform items. The amount of lost property is already building fast and finding owners for these items is much easier when they have been clearly labelled.

We look forward to the exciting events happening over the next few weeks and look forward to sharing these with you all.

to view HSC's Events for Term 2 2024, Week 6.
to view WSC's Events for Term 2 2024, Week 6.

Blessings for the week ahead.

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

We are very excited to be going on a tour of New Acland Coal (NAC) Mine on Thursday 30 May. New Acland Mine is owned by New Hope Group and is a majority Australian owned and operated diversified energy company which has been proudly operating for more than 60 years. Acland Coal Company first mined coal underground in Acland in 1913 and closed its operations in 1984. New Acland took over the mining leases in 2000 and commenced open cut mining operations on the current site in 2002.

Students and teachers will enjoy a presentation about the history and current mining operations by NAC staff. NAC staff will address our Science and HASS curriculum and answer student questions which will be written at school prior to the tour. A tour of New Acland mining areas will follow.

If you haven't already done so, please jump into Parent Lounge and provide your permission for this exciting excursion.

Our Concordia Cross-Country team has been training before and after school, with many taking advantage of these sessions on campus and at Kearney Springs Reserve to familiarise and prepare themselves for both the QCIS and Central Zone carnivals.

Congratulations to the team who went on to compete for Concordia at the Central Zone championships and represented the school magnificently on the day, with many of our runners finishing among the top-ranked performers.

Throughout late last term, and also early this term our students have been participating in PE classes and preparing for this year’s Junior College Track and Field carnival which is to be held on Friday week 6. Our students participated in the pre-carnival 800m event which was a great afternoon of competition between all houses. Many of our young athletes recorded excellent times and a few records were broken. The 2024 Discus events have ended, but it has set the tone for a big day of competition at our Junior College Carnival.

Our Junior College Track and field program has been released with various information for the day along with the event timetable. Communication regarding any changes and reminders will be sent in the following weeks via our various platforms.

Cheers

Mr Darryl Fry
Teacher / Junior College Sports Coordinator / Head Coach, Touch

Coffee Van

Students are able to buy hot chocolate only on a Friday morning. If they have not finished their hot chocolate by 8.25am, they will leave it for 1^st break.

After School

You are more than welcome to play on the top equipment in the Junior Playground if parents are adequately supervising your children. The children are welcome to play in the sandpit but without the sandpit equipment. This will ensure that it stays put away for the night.

Our Friendraising activities for this year will include:

• HSC Disco and Wine and Cheese Evening – 26 July 6pm-7.30pm – More information will be provided regarding theme and meal deal closer to the date.
• HSC Family Fun Afternoon, Colour Fun Run and BBQ – 18 October 3.30pm – 6pm â€“ This one won't be a fundraiser this year; just a fun event for everyone. 

Our fundraising has and will include:

• Mother’s Day Stall – Thank you, Barbie and Super Team, for organising this event. They provided over 250 gifts for the students to purchase for their mums.
• Father's Day Stall – will be similar to the Mother’s Day Stall.

Parent Connect money spent so far this year:

• Laser Cutter – Earlier this year, our Parent Connect very graciously supported the Design and Technology program by purchasing a Laser Cutter for $8920. Many students and teachers are very excited about the learning that is occurring with this device.
• Microbits for STEM program – WSC and HSC Parent Connect kindly funded $627.50 per campus for this purchase.
• 3 Landing Mats for Drones - $420

Parent Connect meetings are held in the Resource Centre each Week 2, Wednesday, 5.30pm-6.30pm of each term.

This Tuesday, we hosted the Years 9-11 2025 Subject Information Evening, which was a resounding success. It was heartening to see so many students, along with their parents and carers, engaging with teachers to explore the diverse subject options available. Active participation in this process ensures that our students can make well-informed decisions about their future academic pathways. The subject selection process will commence shortly, with our Year 10 students set to complete their initial preferences over the next two weeks. We encourage all students to consider their choices carefully and to seek advice if needed.

A special congratulations to all students who participated in this week's Choir Eisteddfod. We know your performances will be outstanding and a testament to your hard work and dedication. I extend my gratitude to Mr. Roche-Kelly and Ms. Marangelli for their exceptional teaching and support, which have been instrumental in guiding our talented students to success.

Looking ahead, SSC School Photo Day is scheduled for next Thursday, 23 May. Information has been emailed to families, and order forms have been sent home with students. Please ensure that your child is in full formal school uniform and looking their best for this important day.

We are also excited about our upcoming Boarders Experience Weekend from 24 - 26 May. This event is a wonderful opportunity for students considering joining our fabulous boarding house as they prepare for life as a student at Concordia. Prospective boarders will get a taste of the vibrant and supportive community we offer, and we look forward to welcoming many new faces.

Our SSC Track and Field Carnival will be held on Wednesday, 29 May. This event promises to be a day of spirited competition as our three houses—Altus, Stedman, and Kessler—vie for bragging rights. We encourage all students to participate and support their houses, whether they are competing or cheering from the sidelines. The program has been emailed to all families this week, and we certainly invite families to attend to share in this day of fun spirited competition.

As we move into the second half of the term, students will be undertaking various assessments. We encourage students to take a careful look at their assessment calendar and manage their time effectively in prioritising in how they use their homework and study time. There are some key things that can help assist with this:

· Create a study timetable to manage their time effectively.

· Break study sessions into manageable chunks with regular breaks.

· Prioritise tasks and focus on one subject at a time.

· Seek help from teachers early if they encounter difficulties.

· Ensure they get adequate rest and maintain a balanced routine.

All the best for the remainder of term.

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Results

Volleyball - Round 4

Junior Girls: Loss 2-1 - It was a very close game, the girls played very well.

Intermediate Girls (Year 9): Loss 2-1

Intermediate Girls (Year 10): Won 3-0

Senior Girls: Loss 2-0 - Draw in the Third Set.

Senior Boys: Loss 3-0

Netball – Round 1

Concordia Junior: Defeated by Saints

Concordia Senior: BYE

Basketball U15 Boys - Round 3

Victory against Saints – TGS Gold, 19-17

AFL Gala Day (Girls)

A big shout out to our Junior and Senior AFL girls who played in the AFLQ Gala day last Thursday. The girls had a tough day with some fierce competition but never gave up and should be commended for their effort and attitude.

SSC Track & Field Carnival

A reminder our Track & Field carnival is fast approaching (Wednesday Week 7 – 29/05). In the lead up to the carnival we will host the following pre carnival events.

1. 1500m – Wednesday Week 6 during SPARC
2. 3000m – Monday Week 7 Lunchtime

Please note this year there will be no pre-nomination for events. Students will be able to nominate on the day, at the event using their competitor number, which will be given to them on the morning of the carnival.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Senior College Track & Field Carnival, please complete the attached If you have any questions about volunteering please contact Mr. Joshua Biscoe - joshua.biscoe@concordia.qld.edu.au

Track & Field Training

Start: Week 8 Term 2

End: Week 3 Term 3

Meeting Location: SSC Track Oval

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

Darling Downs 13-19 Years Cross Country

Well done to the 15 students we had compete at the Darling Downs Cross Country trials on Tuesday. All students ran terrifically and should be super proud of their efforts. A big congratulations to Charlie Pietsch, Zoe Pietsch and Chloe Denning who all placed third and made the Darling Downs team. They will compete in Bald hills at the State Championships in early July. We wish them all the best with their training and preparation leading into this event.

Benchrest Shooting Challenge

Last Friday, Linden Pukallus, Lane Clark and Austin Knopke from year 9 represented Concordia at the 2024 Highschool Benchrest Shooting Challenge. The boys had a great day and finished 4th out of 12 teams, just missing out on third place. Lane Clark also placed second in the individual category. Great results for our first time at this competition.

Upcoming Sport Opportunities

There are numerous Darling Downs trials happening across a variety of sports. If you would like to try out 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