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While we continue to grow our boarding numbers, thank you to our Marketing and Enrolments Team for the very proactive work being done in this area, our aim is not to lose that personal connection for which we have now become known for at Concordia. Quality working relationships with our boarding families remains a priority as we foster and nurture this home away from home experience. The afore-mentioned philosophy resulted in the College’s Leadership Team, our Boarding House Parents, College Nurse and our First Nations Coordinator to visit the community of Cherbourg earlier in the week. What a wonderful experience and opportunity it was for us meet, greet, listen deeply and share with the families and other representatives of that community. I need to thank Mr. Wally McIntosh for the planning and guidance which he has brought to this event on behalf of the College.

On Wednesday we also had the opportunity to showcase our College to a group of visiting American university students and lecturers. It is always so affirming to “hear and see” our incredible learning journey, fantastic students and hard-working staff through the eyes of visitors. Thank you to our students and staff for being such great ambassadors for Concordia repeatedly.

Good luck to our Year 3 and 11 students as they prepare to head off on their respective Outdoor Education Programs next week. The significance of these 2 upcoming camps is that it launches our Year 3 students into the start of their Outdoor Education Program at Concordia while for our Year 11 students, the focus of their camp will be on leadership as they begin to prepare for their role as the senior cohort and their final year at Concordia in 2024. Thank you to those staff members who have planned for and will be facilitating this opportunity for our students.

The following fortnight will see our Year 12 students begin to prepare to move into their Mock Exam Block as these young adults put the finishing touches to the closing chapter of their time at Concordia. I need to use this opportunity to acknowledge the time, dedication and encouragement of those staff members who are walking and guiding this journey for them as well as each Year 12 family for your partnership in this timeline.

Are you ready to celebrate Book Week 2023 with us in Week 7? Watch this space for further details from both the Junior and Senior College campuses.

Wishing everyone a safe weekend.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the Week: “The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it’s the same problem you had last year.” [John Dulles]

The following day, while sitting in church, I thought about how much my life has changed since moving to Toowoomba 13 years ago. With fondness, I reflected on the blessings in my life over the years and the changes I have experienced, some difficult, some good, and many, simply wonderful.

Our theme for Term 3 is ‘embracing change’. Change is inevitable, but also often dreaded. We become comfortable in our lives and find solace in the rhythm. While seasons of predictability and contentment are, of course, important, so is change. Moving forward brings challenges but also opportunities for growth.

The Bible is full of stories of people who experienced major changes in their lives: Jonah, King David, Mary, Ruth and Naomi. These stories all share something in common. Every one of them also talks about a relationship with God during times of change. God always shows up and walks beside us through the unknown. In the midst of change, Naomi declared that the Lord had made her life bitter by taking away her husband and sons (Ruth 1), but as Naomi’s story of change unfolded, she realised God had abundantly blessed her by giving her the enduring love of her daughter-in-law, family, and a grandson. ‘Praise be to the Lord’. Change brings unexpected blessings and the chance to experience God in new, exciting ways. We can grow in our relationship with Him and learn more about God and ourselves along the way.

One of my mantras in life is to ‘always leave a party while you’re still having fun.’ This means you’ll always leave with fond memories. Embracing change in my life has meant leaving ‘parties’, often while I was still having fun, and walking into unknowns. Embracing change has bought me new opportunities, stronger family and community connections, and a firmer faith in God.

At Concordia, we’re entering a season of change. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there’s a season for everything, including, ‘a time to tear down and a time to build’. But this passage assures us that God makes, ‘everything beautiful in its time’. God will walk with us on our journey and has surrounded us with a wonderful community to support each other along the way.

Have a wonderful week.

Nicola. (chaplain)

Several factors contribute to the state of youth mental health. Academic pressure, social media, bullying, family conflicts, trauma, and substance abuse are some of the common stressors faced by young people. This has further been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are many factors that can impact upon adolescents receiving mental health support, including stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources. As adults, we want to be able to provide support for them; however, this can often be challenging to know what advice to give and where to seek help ourselves.

Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children's mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals, but also families and communities. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can help reduce their stress levels and boost your child's overall mental health.

There are also many resources and services available to families, such as school counsellors, various mental health organisations, support lines, and of course, mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness, and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people's mental health difficulties.

SchoolTV offers families a range of useful information and advice on youth mental health and how to access further support. Be sure to check-out the resources contained in the link provided below that addresses some of the major mental health issues facing young people and how to support a child experiencing them.

We encourage you to take the time to review the information provided and offer any feedback that you may have. If you have any concerns, please contact a member of our Pastoral Care Team.

God Bless!

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Experience Concordia: See You In September

Are you curious about the excitement that awaits your child at �鶹��ý? The "See You In September" campaign is your golden ticket! It's an incredible opportunity for parents, carers, and friends to immerse themselves in the world of Concordia. Imagine actively participating in activities that provide an authentic glimpse into what it truly means to be a Concordia student.

During specific mornings in this week, each campus will throw open its doors, allowing you to witness learning in action. These firsthand experiences are invaluable and will give you a true sense of what makes Concordia a nurturing and empowering educational community.

To secure your spot for the "See You In September" event, simply visit our website and register today. Share the news with your friends and acquaintances who might be interested in discovering the transformative education offered at �鶹��ý.

Highlights from Around the Campus

As part of our commitment to fostering a global perspective, we were thrilled to host university students from the US on campus. Their visit provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and a chance to witness the exceptional work happening within our walls.

We also welcomed students from Japan for a day. There will be more Study Tours to come in October.

Speaking of exceptional experiences, I as a member of the leadership team had the privilege of traveling to Cherbourg. This journey allowed us to learn about the remarkable resilience of the Cherbourg community, an experience that will undoubtedly enrich our approach to education.

And let's not forget the new faces that have been gracing our halls! We've welcomed future students, including the Prep class of 2024 and Year 7 students, during our recent events. It's heartwarming to see the excitement and enthusiasm in these young faces as they prepare to join the Concordia family.

Upcoming Events

In true Concordia style, there's always something exciting on the horizon. Don’t miss out on the free movie screening of "The Last Daughter" on Thursday night, August 17th, in the Stephen Street Lecture Theatre. Call our reception to secure your tickets for this cinematic treat!

Looking further ahead, circle October 7th on your calendars for Oktoberfest! Our planning is well underway, and this promises to be an event that you won't want to miss. Tickets are already available for purchase, so be sure to secure your spot early.

As we continue to celebrate the spirit of learning, community, and growth, we look forward to the months ahead. Thank you for being an integral part of the Concordia journey. Let's make this a September to remember and keep the spirit of curiosity and exploration alive!

See you in September!

Ms Belinda Sanders

Director of Marketing & Enrolments

What do we see in a 2023 classroom ...

1. Technology Integration: Technology is becoming an integral part of modern classrooms. Interactive whiteboards, tablets, laptops, and educational software are commonly used to enhance learning experiences. These tools allow teachers to create more engaging and interactive lessons, tailor instruction to individual student needs, and provide access to a wealth of online resources.
2. Personalised Learning: With the help of technology and data analysis, teachers are increasingly able to personalise learning experiences for each student. Adaptive learning platforms and software assess students' strengths and areas for improvement and then deliver content and activities at their appropriate skill level.
3. Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning is emphasised, reflecting the real-world importance of teamwork and communication. Group projects enable students to work together on assignments.
4. Project-Based Learning (PBL): PBL units encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge. Students tackle complex, hands-on projects that require them to research, plan, and present their findings or solutions.
5. Inquiry-Based Learning: Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, investigate topics, and discover solutions on their own. Teachers act as guides, helping students develop research and critical thinking skills.
6. Global Awareness: With the internet connecting people worldwide, classrooms are incorporating global perspectives into the curriculum. Students learned about different cultures and international issues, fostering a broader understanding of the world.
7. Assessment Evolution: Assessment methods are shifting from traditional standardised tests to more holistic evaluations that included a mix of presentations, portfolios, projects, and collaborative activities. This approach aims to measure not only rote knowledge but also skills like creativity, communication, and problem-solving.
8. Emphasis on Soft Skills: In addition to academic subjects, there is a growing emphasis on teaching soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. These skills are considered essential for success in the modern workforce, and the earlier we begin to learn these skills the better.

Enjoy the attached movie of some of our learning for this week.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

to view HSC's Events for Term 3, Week 6.
to view WSC's Events for Term 3, Week 6.

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

Please ensure that students have the following items:

• Warm clothing - this would be great for the students to wear to and from the pool as we don't know what the weather is going to be like
• Swimming togs
• Goggles
• House swimming cap
• Towel

To avoid any lost items, please clearly label all of your child's items including their shoes, underwear and uniform.

Academic Milestones

With dedication and hard work, our Year 12 students are gearing up for their Mock Examinations scheduled for Weeks 6 and 7. These assessments are crucial in preparing them for the upcoming External exams.

Simultaneously, our Year 11 students are preparing for their Unit 2 Exams in Weeks 8 and 9. These exams mark a significant step in their academic journey. Parents, your encouragement and understanding during this time will contribute to their confidence and performance. Regular breaks, balanced nutrition, and open communication can help alleviate any stress.

We encourage parents to use this opportunity to consider what the study environment looks like at home. Setting up a quiet study space and promoting healthy study habits can go a long way in ensuring their success.

As a bit of a Psychology nerd (it helps when you teach it), I like to inform students about something called Context-Dependent Memory. Context-dependent memory refers to the phenomenon where our ability to remember information is influenced by the context or environment in which the information was initially learned. This means that people tend to recall information more effectively when they are in the same or similar context as when they first encoded the information.

In the context of study environments, this concept has important implications for learning and memory. When individuals study in a specific environment, such as a particular room, library, or even with certain background noises, the context itself becomes associated with the material being studied. Later, when they are trying to recall that information, being in the same or a similar environment can trigger the retrieval of those memories more effectively.

For instance, if a student studies for an exam in a quiet and organized room, they might find it easier to remember the information if they take the exam in a similar setting. This is because the context serves as a retrieval cue, enhancing memory recall. On the other hand, if the study context differs from the testing environment, such as studying in a noisy café and then taking the exam in a quiet room, the memory recall might be less efficient due to the lack of context cues.

To leverage the context-dependent memory effect for effective studying, students can try to replicate their study environment as closely as possible during exams or when they need to recall the information. This could involve studying in the same room, with similar lighting, background sounds, and even using the same study materials. By doing so, they enhance the likelihood of triggering memory recall through context cues. This means that having a phone nearby or playing music while studying has a potential negative effect on the ability to recall information in exam conditions. In short, the study environment should be set up to look and feel like an exam environment to maximise context dependent memory. It’s worth considering how closely your child’s environment meets these criteria.

Year 11 Leadership Camp

Amidst the academic rigors, we prioritize the holistic development and wellbeing of our students. I want to draw your attention to the Year 11 Leadership Camp at Luther Heights from 16-18 August. This camp not only nurtures leadership skills but also offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and building lifelong friendships. We believe these experiences contribute to a well-rounded education.

Celebrating Sporting Achievements

Let's also take a moment to applaud our students' remarkable achievements in sports this term. Our volleyball, touch, and rugby teams have especially displayed exceptional teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. Their hard work has resulted in victories, along with impressive individual and team achievements, making us immensely proud. These achievements exemplify the values we uphold at Concordia.

Parent Connect Meeting

A reminder that our next SSC Parent Connect Meeting is happening next Monday 14 August from 6.30pm in the Norfolk Room. We will be again discussing fundraising and how the group can support college initiatives. We will also be talking about the exciting Oktoberfest event, to be held on 7 October. We hope to see some new faces.

Have a great week.

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Swans Schools Touch Competition – Round 4

•U13 Boys Vs Centenary SHS: Loss 5-3

•U13 Girls Vs Fairholme B: Won 6-2

•U15 Boys Vs St Mary’s: Loss 9-1

•U15 Girls Vs Highfields SSC: Forfeit

•U18 Boys Vs St Joeys: Loss 5-0

•U18 Girls Vs Fairholme: Loss 12-1

Volleyball Premier League – Round 4

Junior Girls: Won 3-0

Intermediate Girls: Won 3-0

Senior Girls: Loss 3-0

Senior Boys: Loss 2-0

Rugby Union Darling Downs Super Schools Cup – Round 4

U13s: Won 59-7

U15s: Won 76-0

Opens: Draw 5-5

Upcoming Fixtures & Information

AAG Cup Basketball

•This Sunday 13th August

•Senior boys at Glennie and Senior girls at St Mary’s

•Games starting from 8am

Rugby Union - Darling Downs Super Schools Cup

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

•Round 4 – Vs St Mary’s 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)

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!
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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:

Upcoming Sports competitions/opportunities

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.)

•We have some good initial interest in all age groups (U13s, U15s and Opens) but are looking for around five more students for each.

Sport Quote & Joke of the Week

Joke:

When is a baby good at basketball? When it's dribbling!

Sportsmanship is a very important part of playing sport, any sort of sport. Great work to those who have played, supported, and helped their fellow teammates and Coaching staff. Thank you to Miss Jane for supporting the students on Sunday at Kearney Springs.

Our Year 12 students are gearing up to submitting last assignments and getting organised for the Valedictory Dinner. The red carpet will be out soon, and the judder bars removed. Please remember that the driveway will be closed on the last day of term and all Boarders will need to be collected via the South Street Pool entrance. We will give more information closer to the date.

A huge Congratulation to Evie Yeatman for her selection in the First Nation Under 13 Netball team. They had a very successful weekend at Nissan Arena on the Gold Coast. Kara Evie’s mum travelled down to support her daughter and has sent me some brag shout. Thanks Kara. We are all super proud of Evie and her commitment to her dream of becoming an Australia Netball Player.

Andrew and I visited Cherbourg with the Management Team on Monday. A must for anyone. Beautifully presented with dignity, respect, and honesty. Thank you to all involved with our tour.

Well, that’s all folks until next week

Take care and look after each other.

Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents