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The past week will undoubtedly be recorded as being historic and significant in the future life of �鶹��ý. I need to acknowledge and thank those people who, over the past 5 years, have been courageous and worked tirelessly to set a new course and pursue a bold new vision for �鶹��ý in the lead up to yesterday’s Master Planning announcement. I thank you in advance for your understanding, support and patience as we boldly come together to embrace the exciting and incredible possibilities awaiting us as a College. I would like to encourage every family, over the coming weeks, to make use of and book into one of the upcoming Parent Information sessions, as per the detailed information provided to each family yesterday, to engage with the College in this next exciting chapter of its history. This invitation is also extended to my office should you want to be part of a conversation with me regarding this matter. I am excitedly looking forward to having every family on board as Concordia now positions itself for long term sustainable growth over the next decade and beyond.

As we return to the second half of the school year the expectation would be that most students wouldn’t encounter too many surprises and should be able to pick up the school journey quite easily and quickly. It is probably a good time to consider the following tips as we ease back into the busyness of school life:

Start your routines again as quickly as possible. Getting back to school-day bedtimes, lunches, laundry expectations and expectations around the use of devices and screen time are a good place to start. Talk about and negotiate these routines and then stick to them.

Remember to prepare in advance the night before. This will eliminate any last minute panic looking for books and gear and will make the morning school run so much smoother.

Be prepared for back-to-school blues. Changing from the relaxed and lazy days of the past 3 weeks is hard on all family members but if your child seems too worried or stressed, find out what is wrong and let us know so that we can see what can be done to help.

For those families new to our community, talk about this change. Make time over the first few weeks to talk about the new school as well as any fears or worries and once again let us know what we can do to help.

Tell your child that you are also excited about the new term, second half of the school year and embracing the possibilities.

Address any problems left over from last term. If your child has experienced any problems at school last term, discuss whether this has now been resolved, how they can achieve their goals and let us know so that we can see what can be done to help.

Be prepared to give them a bit of leeway for the first fortnight. School can be a long day for our children and when they are out of practice it can be exhausting. Good bedtimes and regular routines are helpful.

Celebrate the first week [fortnight] back. Have a family treat, outing or meal to regroup and talk about the week that has been.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome those families who are new to our community. I look forward to meeting each one of you over the coming weeks to hear how you have settled into the wonderful Concordia community. Please know that we propagate a strong open-door policy at Concordia which will allow you to advocate on behalf of your student as we work together to ensure the best learning outcomes and school environment for every student in our care. We are deeply committed to every student being fully known and fully loved at Concordia.

Wishing every family, a safe and successful Term 3.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the week: The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance. [Alan Watts]

I certainly am praying for this journey, even as I write this article in my sister’s flat in Germany where I am to celebrate the 60th anniversary of my parents’ wedding. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here. As I reflect on my parents‘ journey over those 60 years, it is clear how many challenges and opportunities they embraced - together. And their connection and togetherness enabled them to get through these things. They certainly had their challenges- they were born during WWII, went through the hunger years after the war, grew up under communist rule preserving their Christian faith, had to cope with their son leaving the country at just 18, in their 50s faced a new start after the fall of the wall and the reunion of Germany, and now they are managing getting old together. They have been incredibly blessed along the way, but they also have been willing to put in the hard work, to give and take, and to embrace the opportunities together.

Their example certainly inspires us and many in our extended family. Perhaps it can be a metaphor for our community as well as we step out in faith into this new phase our Concordia journey, as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead - together.

St Paul writes to the Christian community at Philippi these encouraging words:

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…(Phil 2:1-5).

May we embrace the possibilities placed before us in these days in this spirit of unity and trust.

May the Lord bless and keep you this term.

God Bless.

Pastor Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

If you would like to know more information about the Masterplan, we invite you to visit the �鶹��ý website. There, you'll find detailed information, concept designs and the bookings system to speak directly with the leadership team.

Introducing the "See You in September" Campaign

In addition to the Masterplan, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our "See You In September" campaign. This campaign aims to showcase everyday learning experiences at our three campuses and invites prospective families to witness the exceptional educational opportunities offered at �鶹��ý.

You may have already noticed signs appearing throughout our community, proudly displaying the campaign's vibrant message. We encourage you to spread the word and share this opportunity with your friends, relatives, and neighbours who may be considering Concordia for their children's education. Seeing our students engaged in learning firsthand can truly make a lasting impact.

Welcoming Back Our Students

As we dive into another exciting academic term, I want to express our delight in seeing the college come alive once again. The campus may have been quiet over the holidays, but now it's buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as students reconnect with friends, greet their teachers, and embark on new adventures together.

I cherish the sense of community that thrives within �鶹��ý and appreciate the dedication of our staff, parents, and students. I look forward to the incredible achievements and memorable experiences that await us this year.

Remember, if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Masterplan, please visit the �鶹��ý website. Stay tuned for more updates, and let's make the second half of this year another remarkable semester for the entire Concordia community!

Ms Belinda Sanders

Director of Marketing & Enrolments

Dealing with change can be a challenging time for families and young people. This can cause a range of different emotions that they may not know how to deal with. As adults we can help young people understand how to manage their feelings when life changes in unexpected ways. This is achieved by helping them to understand that their feelings are as normal a part of life as being happy. This helps them to deal with stressful events or to see the opportunity in change.

There are a range of ways we can help our students cope with change. This may include:

1. Talk about what has changed and acknowledge their feelings

Young people need to know that challenging situations might make you feel upset but that you (and they) can handle these strong emotions. Acknowledging and talking about your feelings and their feelings shows that it is okay to feel this way. Some conversations starters may include:

· It can be hard to go through this. How are you feeling?

· I’ve found what’s happened recently super hard and have been feeling weird about it. What about you?

· This could be a good opportunity to experience something new. How do you feel about it?

2. Validate your child’s feelings

Students need to feel that adults ‘get’ them, what’s happening and how they feel about it is valid. There’ll be time tor reflect later down the track. Encourage them to talk about what’s going on, rather than simply encouraging them to ‘get over it.’

3. Help them to figure out what they can and can’t control

When something unexpected happens, it’s easy to get stuck feeling sad. A way to help your child cope is to learn how to figure out what they can control and what they can’t. This will help reassure them that they’re not powerless and give them something positive to focus on. For example:

· What we can’t control – losing a loved one, natural disasters, pandemics, how someone treated us, having a bad day

· What we can control – how we treat others, what activities we do the next day, what goals we have, who we spend our time with, how hard we try and do the best we can

4. Acceptance of challenging events

While it can be hard to accept events that we have no control over, acceptance will help to move on. Remind them not to be too hard on themselves and that the way they feel is normal and to be expected. Talk to them about the positives and great things that they can look forward to. We can help our young people by guiding them to identify the positive things that are happening for them.

5. What can we do next?

When learning how to deal with a change in life, it may be helpful to develop a more appropriate response. This could include a new daily routine or finding time in their existing schedule for an activity that’s enjoyable. Talk to them about the activities they find rewarding and focus on the feelings they get when they do this.

By considering these steps, it will help our students deal with unexpected changes and look forward to new opportunities. They will feel valued and supported through their experience and develop the necessary skills to handle changes independently.

God Bless!

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Yesterday, Mr Prinsloo announced Concordia’s Master Plan, outlining an exciting vision for the future of our college. This comprehensive plan brings together our aspirations for growth, development and enhancement of our facilities, programs and resources. We are thrilled to create an even better learning environment for our students, staff and families.

One of the key highlights of the Master Plan is the consolidation of our Junior College into a single location. This means that our Junior College staff and students will soon have the privilege of working, learning and playing together under one roof. This unified space will foster a strong sense of community, collaboration and connection among our young learners, promoting an optimal educational experience for all.

Bringing our Junior College students together in one location will provide numerous benefits. It will allow for more seamless transitions between year levels and create greater opportunities for cross grade interactions and peer support. Our teachers will also be able to collaborate more closely, sharing best practices and delivering a consistent and cohesive curriculum.

As we progress through Term 3, we encourage all our students and families to ‘Embrace the Possibilities’ that lie ahead. Together, we can create a dynamic and vibrant learning community where all individuals can thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in creating a rich and rewarding educational experience for our Concordia family. We are excited about the journey and can’t wait to see the Master Plan come to life.

Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling Term 3!

to view HSC's Events for Term 3, Week 2.
to view WSC's Events for Term 3, Week 2.

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

I wish to welcome Mr Michael Plant to our teaching staff. Michael is a very experienced teacher, and we look forward to seeing his work with our students in the Technology department. In terms of other staff updates, I would like to remind parents that Mr James Bishop will now be responsible as Head of Department for HPE, and Mr Joshua Biscoe has stepped into the Sports Coordinator role.

Here's a sneak peek into some of the major events happening this term.

Year 10 Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans:

Our Year 10 students will be participating in their SET Plan interviews of the next few weeks, where students, with their parents/carers, will have the opportunity to discuss their future aspirations and map out their senior educational pathway. This is an important step towards guiding our students as they make informed decisions about their subject choices and career goals. Mrs Leah Bowes will be making times with students and their families to conduct interviews to work through these plans.

Year 12 Mock Exams:

For our Year 12 students, Weeks 6 and 7 will be dedicated to mock exams, offering them a valuable opportunity to prepare and assess their knowledge and skills before the final external exams in Term 4. Teachers will use results from these exams to help them identify areas for improvement and develop effective study strategies. A timetable for this block will be released by the end of Week 2.

Year 11 Leadership Camp:

From 16 to 18 August, our Year 11 students will be attending the Leadership Camp at Luther Heights Coolum. This camp aims to nurture their leadership skills, enhance teamwork, and develop their ability to make positive contributions to our school and community. As a Lutheran camp facility, this is always a much-anticipated opportunity for students to connect under the extended ethos of our Lutheran service values.

Year 11 Exams:

In Weeks 8 and 9, our Year 11 students will be engaged in their exams. These end of Unit 2 assessments will provide them with a chance to demonstrate their understanding of the subjects they have been studying throughout the year. It is a critical milestone in their academic journey, and we wish them all the best.

Grandparents Day:

We are excited to celebrate the special bond between our students and their beloved grandparents on Friday, 31st August. This has been a highlight in our calendar, as Grandparents Day is an opportunity for our students to showcase their achievements, engage in fun activities, and create lasting memories with their grandparents.

Year 12 Boarder Recognition Dinner:

On Wednesday, 13 September, we will be hosting the Year 12 Boarder Recognition Dinner. This event is a tribute to our boarders, acknowledging their commitment and resilience as they reach the final stages of their high school journey. This will be held in our College Function Centre.

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner (formal):

Lastly, the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner, a much-anticipated formal event, will take place on Friday 15 September. Following arrivals at the Redlands building, students will travel by bus to Picnic Point where there will be an exciting evening of celebration and reflection, honouring the achievements and contributions of our Year 12 students throughout their time at Concordia. It is hard to believe this is coming around so fast!

We look forward to an incredible Term 3, filled with academic growth, personal development, and memorable moments. As always, we encourage parents and guardians to stay engaged and involved in their child's education journey and let us know if we can assist in any way.

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Leroy Malone

Over the holidays Leroy Malone was selected to play in the Broncos Development U14 exhibition match against the NZ U14 National team. It was a cracking game by all reports, with Leroy’s team going down narrowly. A great individual effort, nonetheless, and an awesome result considering the opposition was made up of New Zealand’s best U14s rugby league players. Congratulations Leroy! No doubt, it won’t be long, and Leroy will be playing in the NRL.

Milla Cronje

Milla competed at JSA netball in Townsville over the holidays. Her U13 Highfields Navy team placed 12th in Queensland out of 72 teams. The club also received the aggregate trophy. It was a great experience for Milla. Well done, Milla, keep up the great work!

Upcoming Fixtures/Information

QCIS Track & Field

· QCIS Track and Field Carnival at SCOTS College on Monday 31st of July

· Training:

- Tuesday and Thursday mornings 7am-8:15am (meet at sports shed)

- Tuesday lunchtimes for relay teams (best 4 100m runners in the following ages 10/11 yrs, 12/13 yrs, 14/15 yrs and 16/open yrs).

· Please ensure your parents have completed the parent permission on café and you have returned the necessary paperwork.

Swans Schools Touch Competition

· Competition starts next Monday (17th of July) and runs for 5 weeks, plus a week of finals.

· Training: Wednesdays during SPARC

· Venue: Toowoomba Touch Association, Kearney’s Spring QLD 4350

· Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your game to warm up with your team. If you could come earlier or stay after your game to support our other teams that would be fantastic!

· Draw:

Volleyball Premier League Season 3

· Competition starts next Tuesday (18th of July) and runs for 7 weeks, plus a week of finals.

· Training: Monday afternoons from 3:30-4:30pm and on Wednesdays during SPARC.

· Game venues:

- Girls – Harristown SHS

- Boys – Toowoomba Grammar School

· Timeslots: between 4:30-8:50pm.

· Draw: TBA

Rugby Union - Darling Downs Super Schools Cup

· Competition starts next Wednesday (19th of July) and runs for 7 weeks, plus a week of finals.

· Training: Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-4:30pm at TAS.

· Round 2 is against St Mary’s college at Gold Park

· Timeslots are as follows:

- U13: 4:30pm (25 min halves)

- U15: 5:30pm (25 min halves)

- Opens: 6:30pm (30 min halves)

Upcoming Sports competitions/opportunities

AAG Cup Basketball

· If you are interested in competing in the AAG Basketball Cup on Sunday the 13th of August, please go to student notices and complete the attached form.

· Please note we are looking to enter a male and female team in both the year 9/10 division and the year 11/12 division.

SCOTS Rugby 7s

· If you are interested in competing in the SCOTS Rugby 7s Gala Day on Friday the 1 September, please go to student notices and complete the attached form.

· Please note to play you will be expected to have attended a minimum of 2 training sessions and have the correct equipment (Football boots, Mouth guard etc.).

Mountain Bike Race Series

· If you are interested in representing our school in a Mountain Biking competition, please go to student notices and complete the attached form.

· Please note this is an expression of interest only, and eligibility to compete will depend on rider experience. You will also need to have all of the relevant equipment to compete.

Thankyou to all those who travelled the long distances to be back on time so as your child could

set up their rooms and prepare for school on Tuesday.

First day back was a huge success and there was plenty of chatter and laughter in the dorms.

Study has commenced and our students have displayed a positive approach to getting back into boarding routine.

Tonight, is State of Origin and the NSW supporters are outnumbered. The Flag is up in the dining room, Thank you to the Kitchen staff, to set the scene.Spirits are high. Perhaps the NSW supporters will get a victory tonight. (Bryce, Myles, Andrew, Maureen) and we did!!!!!!!!!

I hope you all enjoy our pics.

I have included a link that has some great information relating to Boarders Wellbeing and Parenting from a distance. Hope you enjoy the read.

Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents