The Week Ahead - Term 3, Week 3
Monday 24 July 2023 to Friday 28 July 2023
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
I hope that the first fortnight of Term 3 has seen you settle back into school life and routines with great ease. Getting your student[s] back to school routines quickly is a positive affirmation of the growth and independence which have already taken place for them this year. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of this because, as we all know, when one is in the busyness, you don’t see it!
Thank you to those parents and families who have already taken up the opportunity to meet with or give feedback to members of the Leadership Team about the Master Plan information shared with you last week. It has been very affirming to hear so many positives, from all three campuses, about embracing a united future at Concordia. It’s important that deep listening to questions and information continue in this process. I am looking forward to being part of further conversational spaces at next week’s Parent Information Sessions. It is really important that we all hold accurate information as we embark on this exciting journey. Thank you for your time, commitment and partnership in this process. Starting this week we will have a dedicated Master Plan - Frequently asked questions section in our newsletter.
During the past term break I became quite aware of our use of technology around children with the 2 grandsons spending a considerable amount of time with us. This soon translated into conversations about children using technology in social settings e.g., going out to a restaurant, as well as what is reasonable screen time usage around children [and grandchildren]. Isn’t it funny how when one begins to look for a behaviour or social pattern, how it pops up everywhere, just like when one is thinking of buying a new car your car of choice is seen everywhere! What stood out for me was the number of children on devices in a restaurant as well as the number of adult only diners who were more engaged in their phones than the person sitting opposite them. This family question and observed social behaviour prompted me to look for a reading, to share with my family, which looks at this matter.
So, what does happen when we use our phones around the children?
When it comes to parenting in the digital age, it's crucial for parents to be aware of their smartphone usage around their kids. Studies have shown that the more often parents are engrossed in their smartphones in front of their children, the lower their children's emotional intelligence can be.
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions. It is an important skill that can be developed and varies from person to person. Research conducted by Robin Nabi, a professor of communication at UC Santa Barbara, focused on how different forms of media use impact children's emotional intelligence.
The study involved 400 parents of children aged five to twelve. Parents were asked to assess their children's emotional awareness, control, and concern for others. They also reported their own media use, including television, computers, game consoles, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, parents recorded the frequency of their children's engagement in activities such as reading, listening to music, and outdoor and indoor play.
The findings revealed that the only factor associated with lower child emotional intelligence was parental use of cell phones in the presence of their children. This means that when parents were absorbed in their smartphones while their children sought their attention, it had a negative impact on their children's emotional intelligence.
The key takeaway for parents is to be more mindful of their smartphone usage when around their children. The message conveyed to children by where parents' eyes are focused is significant and shapes what children perceive as important. Being present and engaged with your children is crucial for their emotional development.
On a positive note, the study reinforced the timeless advice for parents to stay involved with their children. In the digital age, this involves monitoring and guiding their social media content, ensuring a healthy and balanced digital experience.
Acknowledgement: Keith Hamm. Full Article:
One knows that the end of the school year is upon us when planning for 2024 gets underway. I have noted on our College calendar that the first 2024 Year 7 Connect: Transition Event begins next week. Thank you to those staff members on both the Junior and Senior campuses who do such a wonderful job in ensuring that the transition of all our learners from Year 6 into high school will be a smooth and seamless process. I look forward to listening and speaking with many of you at the upcoming Master Plan Parent Information Sessions. .
Have a safe weekend.
Yours in Christ.
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Quote of the week: In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past and the bridge to our future. [Unknown]
From the College Pastor
Community News
Master Plan - Frequently asked Questions
Will the Master Plan mean college fees will go up to meet costs?â€
The Master Plan will have no impact college fees. Annual Fee rises will continue to be assessed on award wage increases and normal CPI increases but will not be affected by the cost of new facilities.
What will happen to the Hume Street and Warwick Street College Directors?
The Hume and Warwick Street Directors of Campus will be relocating along with the students. It will be business as usual.
SCAM ALERT
We would like to bring to your attention an important matter that has been affecting schools generally in recent times. Banking institutions have recently warned us about a concerning increase in scammers targeting parents, specifically regarding school fees.
These scammers are attempting to deceive parents by posing as representatives from our school and making enticing offers of significant reductions in school fees. They request immediate payments over the phone to avail these supposed discounts.
Verify Payment Requests: If you receive any communication that seems unusual or inconsistent with our school's usual payment mechanisms, do not hesitate to verify the information directly with Concordia.
Concordia's Preferred Communication Method: Please be informed that Â鶹´«Ã½ will typically reach out to parents and guardians through official email communications for school fee matters. Be cautious if you are contacted through any other means, especially if someone is requesting immediate payment and offering a reduction.
Phone Contact Policy: It is important to note that Â鶹´«Ã½ will normally make contact by phone only in the case of an account query, arrear payments or specific arrangement requested by you.
WSC Jazz and Jarmies Day
The WSC students were very comfortable rocking their pyjamas at school to raise funds for the Pyjama Foundation in order to support children living in foster care. The students were entertained by the SSC Big Band during their lunchtime and were an appreciative audience who loved the opportunity to listen to live music.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Congratulations to Isaac Maden who was successful in his application to perform in the recent Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This two-week intensive project is open to students around the region and occurs throughout the holidays with two shows being performed at the Empire Theatre. Isaac’s roles included an Oompa Loompa, Towns Person and Bavarian.
Jeans for Genes
WSC Parent Connect Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Warwick Street Campus Parent Connect is holding a Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough drive this term.
There are ten delicious flavours to delight. There’s even a cheese flavoured Doggie Dough for your special furry family members! The delicious cookie dough is only available through fundraising and is not sold in stores, so stock up.
Order your cookie dough online before 14 August. The current scheduled pick-up date for orders is 29 August.
. You will need to create an account and then select Â鶹´«Ã½ under organisations, and away you go!
HSC Parent Connect - Thermomix Raffle - now closing Thursday 27 July 2023
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
JC Year 6 Cairns Trip - Parent Information Session - Tuesday 25 July
The Junior College Year 6 teachers will be holding an information session to answer any questions you may have about the Year 6 Cairns Trip. All parents and Year 6 students are most welcome and are encouraged to attend.
This Parent Information session will be held Tuesday 25 July (Week 3) at 5.30pm-6.30pm, E1 Lecture Theatre, Stephen Street Campus.
to register your attendance.
JC Year 3 Koojarewon Camp - Parent Information Session - Tuesday 1 August
The Junior College Year 3 teachers will be holding an information session to answer any questions you may have about the Year 3 Koojarewon Camp. All parents and Year 3 students are most welcome and are encouraged to attend.
This Parent Information session will be held Tuesday 1 August (Week 4) at 5.30pm-6.30pm, E1 Lecture Theatre, Stephen Street Campus.
to register your attendance.
JC Year 6 Cairns Trip
On Monday 4 September to Friday 8 September our JC Year 6 students will be attending the exciting Cairns Trip. Please find attached and .
All students are to be dropped at Hume Street Campus by 6am for a 6.45am departure.
PERMISSION REQUIRED:
- Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission by Friday 28 July 2023:
- Login to Parent Lounge >
- click on Events & Payments >
- click on JC 2023 Year 6 Cairns Trip >
- Accept >
- Save
*Please click on the Jotform link below to fill in that you give permission for staff to administer Panadol to your child if needed.*
Link:
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 the Cairns Trip, please contact your child’s teacher
JC Year 3 Koojarewon Youth Camp - Open Afternoon - 24 July 2023
We are very conscious that our Year 3 students have another ‘first’ in Term 3… it is their first school overnight camping experience.
While this is a little stressful for some students, it is majorly stressful for many parents. To assist both students and parents in this ‘first’, Koojarewon offer an opportunity for an optional pre-visit. This is a great opportunity for you to come out to the camp grounds and check out all of the facilities including the dorms, kitchen and dining hall and the overall camp environment. Camp staff will be there to field any questions from students and parents. The Year 3 teachers will also be there.
If you are feeling a little unsettled about the upcoming camp, or would just like to come and check it out, feel free to come along on Monday 24 July between 3.30pm to 5pm.
Address for Google Maps: Koojarewon Youth Camp, 26 Borghardt Road Highfields.
JC Year 3 Camp Opportunities
School camps are a cherished tradition that brings students together for a unique and valuable educational experience outside the classroom. These immersive adventures offer numerous benefits that go beyond academics, playing a crucial role in a child's personal, social, and emotional development. We also acknowledge that for some children and parents, this is an activity that can bring some feelings of anxiety. For this reason, we offer a couple of opportunities to you.
Monday 24 July 3.30pm to 5pm, we offer a visit to Koojarewon for your child in particular to familiarise themselves with what the camp looks like before actually attending. They will see where they sleep, eat and engage in their activities.
Koojarewon Youth Camp - 26 Borghardt Road, Highfields.
Tuesday 1 August 5.30pm to 6.30pm, we will have an information session. This is predominantly for the parents, however, children are also welcome. This session will go through some of the details of the camp but also give you a chance to ask any questions that you have. Please register your attendance via the link
Venue - E1 Lecture Theatre at SSC
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
HSC Weekly Events
Please to view HSC's Events for Term 3, Week 3.
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.
HSC Auskick Program
HSC Prep Vision Screening - 7 August
On Monday 7 August our Prep class will be participating in the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program. We are a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. Participation in this free vision screening program is not a compulsory. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the screening, please fill in the consent form and indicate that you wish to decline screening.
Parents do not need to be present for screening, however if you would like to be, please contact Campus Reception to arrange this.
If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, please complete a consent form using the below link or QR code. Consent forms must be submitted by Sunday 30 July 2023.
The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened –
Warwick Street Campus
WSC Weekly Events
Please to view WSC's Events for Term 3, Week 3.
WSC MEGA
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 Auskick Program
WSC Parent Connect Social Gulf Day - Friday 25 August
The Dads Social Golf afternoon is back again for 2023!
Dads and their mates are invited to join Parent Connect on the green for an afternoon of golf, good company and casual drinks. Hacks & Pros welcomed!!
When: Friday 25 August 2023
Where: Toowoomba City Golf Club
Time: Meet at 12pm for a 12.30pm tee off
Game Play: 2 man Ambrose over 9 holes followed by coldies in the clubhouse
Cost: $35 for 9 holes. $30 cart hire ($50 per person including cart hire)
RSVP to Peter Lubbock via mobile: 0422 351 365 by Friday 11 August 2023
Stephen Street Campus
Sport News
Sports News – Term 3, Week 2
Recent Sports Results & Achievements
Darling Downs Cross Country Representatives
Over the weekend Ellie and Chloe Denning, Zoe and Charlie Pietsch and Allister Richards represented the Darling Downs for Cross Country in Hervey Bay. It was a fantastic experience for these students, competing in fields of 110+, of the best runners from around the state. They should be very proud of their efforts. Congratulations and keep up the great work!
30km Kokoda Challenge
Over the weekend Alisa Adhikari, Selina Richards, Cooper Faulkner, Cooper Regan, and Mr. Biscoe completed the 30km Kokoda challenge on the Gold Coast. They completed the trek in 6 hours and 40 minutes. A fantastic effort for what really is a difficult physical and mental challenge.
Volleyball Premier League – Round 1
Our volleyball teams also played their first fixtures for the season on Tuesday night, and last term’s experience and recent training proved valuable, with all but one of our teams coming away with the win. Congratulations to all teams and best of luck for the remainder of the season.
Junior Girls: BYE
Intermediate Girls: Won 3-0
Senior Girls: Lost
Senior Boys: Won 2-0
Senior Girls Darling Downs Volleyball Competition
Our senior girls competed in the Darling Downs Volleyball competition on Wednesday at Harristown SHS. They played six matches in the pool games winning 3 and losing 3. This earned them a berth in the 7th Vs 8th match against Highlands. The girls were put to the challenge when they found themselves behind 24-19 but managed to come from behind to win 26-24. Congratulations to the girls who competed in this tournament and Mr. Jim Barnes (coach) for a tremendous effort. Seventh out of fourteen teams is a very impressive achievement for a small school who continues to punch well above our weight in the sporting arena.
Pictured below:
Front: Alisa Adhikari, Jemma Welsh, Danielle Watson, Jarkara Tapau
Back: Abigail Roberts, Savannah Royal, Caitlyn Bailey, Paige Cullinan, Bayley Evans, Jarkashar Bounghi, Meg Osborne, Chloe Wilson, Emma Barnes
Volleyball Premier League Season 3
- 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:
Team | Time | Team | Venue |
---|---|---|---|
Fairholme 2 | 6.50pm | Concordia Senior Girls | HSHS Crt 3 |
Concordia Intermediate Girls | 5.40pm | Fairholme 3 | HSHS Crt 2 |
GJ3 | 4.35pm | Concordia Junior Girls | HSHS Crt 4 |
Joey's Hornets | 7.55pm | Concordia Senior Boys | TGS Crt 2 |
Rugby Union - Darling Downs Super Schools Cup
This week was also the first round of fixtures for our Concordia/TAS combined Rugby Union teams. We played SCOTS college on Wednesday night at Highfields and went down narrowly in the U15s but won both the U13s and Opens matches. Well done to all the boys that were apart of these teams, particularly those who stepped out of their comfort zone and had a go despite never playing Rugby before.
U13s: Won 46-0
U15s: Lost 14-5
Opens: Won 10-0
- Training: Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-4:30pm at TAS.
- Round 2 is against Faith Lutheran College at Gatton
- Timeslots are as follows:
- U13: 4:30pm (25 min halves)
- U15: 5:30pm (25 min halves)
- Opens: 6:30pm (30 min halves)
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
- 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:
2 | Time | Age | Vers | |
---|---|---|---|---|
4.15pm | Primary Boys | Mater Dei | 3 | |
4.15pm | Primary Mixed | Rangeville SS | 7 | |
5.00pm | U13 Boys | BYE | N/A | |
5.00pm | U13 Girls | Highfields SHS | 3 | |
5.00pm | U15 Boys | Highfields SHS | 8 | |
5.45pm | U15 Girls | BYE | N/A | |
5.45pm | U18 Boys | Centenary Heights | 5 | |
5.45pm | U18 Girls | BYE | N/A |
Upcoming Sports competitions/opportunities
2023 Toowoomba District Secondary School TEAMS Chess Championships
- If you are interested in competing in 2023 Toowoomba District Secondary School TEAMS Chess Championships on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th of August, please check your emails or go to student notices and complete the attached form.
- Please note you will need a team of four and we are looking to enter teams into both the opens and junior divisions (year 7, 8, 9 and 10).
- Any boys interested in competing in the QCIS Rugby 7s Gala Day on Friday of week 9 at Downlands, please check your emails or go to student notices and complete the attached form.
- Please note in order 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.)
Boys QCIS Rugby 7s
- Any boys interested in competing in the QCIS Rugby 7s Gala Day on Friday of week 9 at Downlands, please check your emails or go to student notices and complete the attached form.
- Please note in order 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.)
Boarding
Boarding News
Greeting to all our families and friends near and far. Wow, week 2 gone and we a peering round the corner into week 3. Time goes by so fast. Welcome to our new families in Taiwan and Japan.
I hope you have all heard the exciting news the school released recently. This has been a work in progress for many years, many people have contributed tirelessly to bring this to fruition. Before we know it, we will be on the move to the beautifully refurbished dorms in South Street. Exciting!
When I commenced here in 2018 girls moved from South Street to the main campus attached to boy’s boarding. This transition was seamless and enable the girls and boys to interact with each other. Just as in the norm of a homely environment.
Moving across to South Street will enable all students to feel that they have left school for the day and gone home like day students. This is a big plus.
The effects this will have on our students will be significant in creating an environment that will enhance and support learning, health, and wellbeing for our boarders. Both Andrew and I and our team of Tutors are looking forward to navigating this move with our students.
This week I would like to share with you all our Term 3 Boarding activities program. This will give you a heads up on what we have planned for our weekend activities. This program is packed full of good times for our students. Unfortunately, we cannot please everyone all the time and leave it open for students if they do not want to attend, to go on Parent requested leave, or remain in the dorm depending on our staffing levels. We are very mindful of the cost and like to keep it at a minimum.
This term we will be encouraging students to attend the Fellowship nights run by Pastor Nathan and his team of volunteers. We will also be attending church this Sunday and every alternate Sunday.
This Friday we have a Treasure Hunt on the school grounds with Pastor Nathan and the congregation. This will keep our outgoing students entertained and not forgetting our indoors people, the NRL which has a strong following.
All students participate in the Service readings and have time for reflection in the tranquillity of our Church. Thank you to the Congregation for your kindness at morning tea after church and for your genuine conversations with our students. Many of our students miss that connection and interaction with the slightly older and wiser ones. It is refreshing to listen and watch. It’s marvellous how a chat a cuppa can lift us all.
Assessments and Homework sessions are well underway with the support of Staff and Tutors. It's great to see how students are working together on assessments and assignments.
Sports : Touch, Volleyball, Soccer, Hockey, Rugby and Netball are all in full swing. A big shout out to all our coaches and drivers for their support.
Congratulations to Evie Yeatman and Kayshearna Graham for their selection in the U13 Australian Indigenous Netball team that will compete at the International Netball Festival at the Gold Coast in September. Evie has also been selected in the Deadly Choices First Nation Vicki Wilson Netball team at the Queensland Netball championship in August. Well done to these two young ladies for their commitment and hard work.
Congratulations goes out to Cooper Regan for successfully completing the Kokoda 30ks. Cooper showed tremendous spirits and determination.
Until next week, take care, keep warm and look after each other.
Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents