The Week Ahead - Term 4, Week 6
Monday 8 November to Friday 12 November 2021
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
The College remains a hive of activity as the weeks keep tumbling by as we head towards the end of the 2021 school year. From all accounts the Year 12 students are moving through their external exam schedule with measured composure as well as arriving well prepared each day. We are also thankful to have our Year 9 students back safe and sound from Googa. These students have their Rite Journey Homecoming next Tuesday night, as we officially welcome them back as young adults into the College.
Our Year 11 students also spent three days at Googa this past week as part of their Leadership Retreat as they prepare to step us as the Collegeās Senior cohort and leaders in 2022. Pastor Thomas Bƶhmert and I had the wonderful opportunity of spending the day out at Googa and getting into the thick of the ālantana gameā with them. Thank you to Mrs Natalie Houston, Mrs Karin McKenzie and Mr James Bishop for supporting the students on this journey.
Today, the College hosted a sold-out Sports Breakfast event. Concordia is well positioned to continue growing in this area of school life as further initiatives are put in place to ensure that our students are afforded every opportunity to thrive in our sports program. One of these initiatives is the introduction of an Athlete Development Program in 2022 in conjunction with The Fit Lab. This morningās event allowed us to celebrate and acknowledge the many sporting achievements and results in 2021. One of the distinct advantages of being a smaller school is the number of students who consistently get the opportunity to be chosen to be part of the Collegeās sport teams and the subsequent competitions, something which isnāt always achievable to students in larger schools. Thank you to the PE and Sports staff for hosting this event. Thank you too, to our 2021 Sports Captains, Caitlin Brosnan and Hayden Webcke, for being great MCs before handing over the reigns to the 2022 Sports Captains.
We invite you to join us for our upcoming Junior College Music Showcase on Friday 12 November at Warwick Street Campus which promises to be a fun evening of music to be enjoyed by all.
If you or a family member has any previous experience or is willing to learn more about archival work, we would love to hear from you. The College is looking for a volunteer[s] who would like to spend a few hours each week organising, sorting through, and looking after our archives. A very thorough and comprehensive system is in place and the College will provide further guidance and training in this matter. Thank you for your support and consideration in this request.
Wishing everyone a safe week ahead.
Yours in Christ
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Quote of the Week: Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. [Melody Beattie]
From the College Pastor
31/10/1517
There were lots of houses with cobwebby fluff, plastic spiders, scary pumpkins or other paraphernalia out front in Brisbane last Sunday. It seems this Irish-American observance of Halloween (All Hallows eve = the day before All Hallows or All Saints Day) is being more and more commercialised into Australia. Anything for a few lollies!
I was in Brisbane to observe another important occasion falling on 31 October: The 504th anniversary of the Reformation. My former congregation at St Peters always puts on a special service with choir for that occasion, often including a Bach Cantata or similar choral work and since I used to sing in that choir we went to worship and catch up with our Brisbane friends. It was a beautiful, uplifting service.
In our chapels last week at SSC and this week at the primary campuses we had a special visit by Martin Luther, who told us his story which ultimately led to the reformation. Martin Luther (1483-1546) grew up to become a lawyer and so move his family from the poorer into the wealthier classes. However, nearly struck by lighting one day, he made a vow to become a monk if his life was preserved. He was a man of his word and subsequently became an Augustinian monk, a priest and a formidable theologian at the young university of Wittenberg ā which under his and fellow professorsā leadership became one of the leading universities of the time.
He struggled with his understanding of God until, labouring to prepare a lecture on the letter to the Romans (New Testament), he had the key insight that Godās grace was a free gift and neither could be nor had to be earned. Out of this gift then one could live in freedom to serve oneās neighbours in love.
As he looked further, Luther found more and more biblical evidence to support his insight and started teaching it at the university and applying it to his life. He also began to challenge some practices of the church at his time that seemed to sell Godās grace and forgiveness for money. To this end he published a small tract with 95 Theses, which, the story goes, he nailed on the church door in Wittenberg on All Hallows Eve, 31 October 1517. This date is now widely accepted as the beginning of the movement we call the Reformation, that brought huge changes to church, society and history and laid the foundation for modernity as we know it.
We ultimately have Luther to thank for Ā鶹“«Ć½ as a coeducational school, seeking to welcome and include all ā because of our understanding of Godās grace and love for all people.
Luther did note that reformation is an ongoing process, that we need to constant renewal from God and renewal of the calling to live out the wonderful gift of grace God has provided through Christ. We are all on that journey and seek to help all members of our community to grow in understanding of Godās love for them and of their role in his world.
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: āThe righteous will live by faith.ā Rom 1:17.
Happy Reformation!
Pastor Thomas Bƶhmert
College Pastor
Walk my Way
At the reformation chapels I announced the results of the Walk my Way initiative, which replaced the reformation race and encouraged students and family to support refuge children in camps to be able to attend school and so potentially change their future in appositive way.
Walk my Way is an initiative of ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service - ), who have been working in these camps for many decades.
We have been able to send 27 children to school for a year, through the $704 raised.
lead the competition with $352 raised. Next came with $220 and finally with $132.
Thank you so much for your support!
Pastor Thomas Bohmert
College Pastor
Community News
Uniform Shop Hours over Christmas Break
The Uniform Shop will be open from 29 November from 8am to 2pm Monday to Friday and will close from 2pm Thursday 16 December and will re-open on Tuesday 4 January 2022 from 8am to 2pm (appointments will need to be made for this period).
Dan Warlow Visit
On Wednesday 17 November (Week 7), we have a special chapel for the Junior College at 9.45am in the SSC chapel ā with guest artist Dan Warlow leading us in worship. Dan will also lead the SSC chapel at 11.50am. Dan has been called the new Colin Buchanan and we are blessed to be offered his services for this occasion. Parents are welcome to attend.
Years 6 to 11 Presentation Evening
We are looking forward to seeing the members of our College community come together for our annual Presentation Evening for Years 6 to 11 on Monday 22 November at The Empire Theatre.
In the past, our Presentation Evening has been held for Years 7 to 12, but given the Year 12 students now leave much earlier in Term 4 and have a special service in their honour, we have changed the Presentation Evening to include Years 6 to 11.
We are looking forward to a wonderful evening with dance and music performances on stage from students from across Years 6 to 11. Important awards will be presented on the night, including the Year 6 major awards.
In recognition of the importance of sporting achievement, the sports awards for 2021 will also be presented at The Empire Theatre at 22 November. The Sports Breakfast taking place on Friday 5 November will not have awards presented as they will be presented on 22 November at our Presentation Evening.
Seating at The Empire Theatre must be booked in advance however the ticketing is not yet ready. We will send a notification to all families when it is available.
If you have any questions regarding this, please contact me.
Mrs Bianca Coleborn
Director of Marketing & Enrolments
For Sale: College Toyota Coaster Bus
$36,000 negotiable
We are selling our 20 passenger seat Toyota Coaster bus which is in great condition and only has 197,830km. This has currently been used as a school bus, with Queensland "School Bus" signage and flashing lights.
All seats have lap belts or standard seat belts. The bus also has an alloy bullbar, tow bar, 12 volt and 24 volt plugs, air conditioning throughout. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox with 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine.
The bus has current Queensland registration with a current inspection certificate and RWC. If you are keen, you could turn this into a camper home or use as is. This has been a very reliable vehicle and we are only selling due to downsizing. Currently advertised on Gumtree.
Please contact Tyrone Lanagan, Operations Manager, on 4688 2700.
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
JC Swimming Carnival Meal Deal - 11 November
On Thursday 11 November the HSC Parent Connect are providing a meal deal for students at the Swimming Carnival and those students at their Campus. Meal Deals will be delivered to the pool at 10.30am, HSC at 10.45am and to WSC at 12.45pm for the longer break.
Orders are through My Student Account and close on Monday 8 November 2021 at 3pm.
Please note: This meal deal will replace Tuckshop in Week 6 for both WSC and HSC
Meal Deal details are below.
Cost: $8.00 with Gluten Free Options available
Option 1 - Wrap, Fruit Salad and Drink Choose from Chicken, Ham or Vegetarian Fruit Salad Drink - choose from Water or Chocolate/Strawberry Milk or Apple/Golden Pash/Orange Popper
Option 2 - Sushi, Fruit Salad and Drink Choose from Chicken Teriyaki or Tuna and Mayo Fruit Salad Drink - choose from Water or Chocolate/Strawberry Milk or Apple/Golden Pash/Orange Popper
Junior College Music Showcase - Friday 12 November
Parents of Years 3-6 students have been emailed detailed information regarding the Music Showcase and are requested to acknowledge your child's attendance via Parent Lounge > Events & Payments > Junior College Yr 3-6 Music Showcase 2021.
Please to register your attendance. Thank you
JC Year 6 Big Day Out
The much anticipated JC 2021 Year 6 Big Day Out will be held on Wednesday 24 November. Please read the attached which provides you with more details about this excursion.
Permission Required
Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission for your child to attend this excursion by Thursday 18 November 2021.
- Login to >
- click on Events and Payments >
- click on JC Year 6 Big Day Out 2021 >
- 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 Information and Medical Conditions.
Should you have any further queries regarding this excursion, please contact your child's teacher.
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
From the Director
Schools are busy places, especially at the moment and I know we donāt need to tell you this, as Iām sure you have a tired little person coming home at the end of the day.
Being busy has nearly become a way of life and an indicator of importance. If my calendar is full, then I must be in high demand, however, being busy doesnāt necessarily equate to living a rich and fulfilling life. There can be loneliness amidst a full calendar, a lack of purpose in hectic days and an absence of genuine connection in rushed, incidental conversations.
So what could be an antidote to this high-paced lifestyle? How can we slow the pace of life without losing our sense of meaning?
In one word ā savouring.
Hefferon and Boniwell (2011) define savouring as āthe capacity to attend to, appreciate and enhance the positive experiences in oneās life.ā However, if weāre too busy being ābusyā, the opportunity might pass us by altogether. In his , Brother David Steindl-Rast notes that we often miss opportunities to be grateful because we donāt press pause (2013).
By slowing down and enjoying positive moments, no matter how small, we can develop a sense of meaning through our growing sense of gratitude for the good things in life. As says, āI don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitudeā (2011).
Top Tips for Savouring:
- Set yourself a challenge to take a daily photo of something that gives you joy or inspiration and upload it to social media to share with others. It doesnāt have to be something picture-perfect ā it could be as simple as sunlight pouring through a window.
- Celebrate. Everything. A timely parking spot, less traffic than usual, a colleagueās good news or even the opportunity to eat free cake in the lunchroom (mindfully, of course). Celebrations donāt have to be classified as annual events. Find the good in every day and take the time to relish it.
- Take time to enjoy doing and being in an activity with your family.
Weāre all busy. But we shouldnāt look to this as a measure of meaning and purpose in our lives. Sometimes the greatest meaning can be found in the smallest of details. So maybe we need to use some of our time to mindfully enjoy the moment we are actually in right now. Maybe itās time we all actually stopped to smell those roses.
Try to model and encourage your child/ren to savour the moments.
References
Bloom, Aimee (2021) The Bane of Busyness Institute of Positive Education
Hefferon, K., & Boniwell, I. (2011). Positive Psychology: Theory, Research and Applications. London McGraw-Hill.
Steindl-Rast, David. (2013). Want to be happy? Be grateful. TED Global. Retrieved from:
- HSC Leadership Dates
* Captain Speeches will be on Monday 8 November, 8.45am
* Voting will be done straight after in the classrooms with their teachers
* These students will be interviewed Monday afternoon by DoC, class teacher and 2021 Year 6 Captains
* We will announce results Wednesday morning at our Chapel Service, 8.35am
* Sports Captains will do their speeches Monday 15 November, 1.30pm
* This will be voted on that afternoon and position notified that afternoon or the following morning
* All other positions can do their speeches to myself and the Year 3-6 classes on Tuesday 16 November. They will be selected during the day and notified that day or the following.
* Badge Presentation will be on Thursday 25 November 2pm.
to view HSC's Events for Term 4, Week 6.
Have a lovely weekend and enjoy time together.
Mrs Juanetta Priest
Director of Campus
2022 Junior College Inter-House Swimming Carnival - 11 November
We are excited to advise that preparations for our Junior College Inter-House Swimming Carnival on Thursday 11 November are well under way.
This year we look forward to parents attending our JC Swimming Carnival. For more details on parents attendance please read the Parent Information Letter below.
HSC Years 3 to 6 Swimming Lessons
On Friday 15 October, students from Years 3 to 6 will commence their swimming lessons at the Concordia Aquatic Centre. Each of these classes will participate in eight lessons over Term 4. for the swimming timetable.
Please ensure that students have the following:
- Dressing gown - this is great for the students to wear to and from the pool as we don't know what the weather is going to be like;
- Thongs
- Swimming togs - it would be great for Years 5 & 6 to wear their togs to school as they will be leaving straight after assembly on Fridays
- 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.
HSC Library News
As the end of the 2021 School year approaches quickly, I would just like to remind you to assist your children by ensuring that they continue returning all their library books on their designated library day. Week 6 will be the final week of borrowing of books to bring home. Book box borrowing will continue until Week 7. All library books will need to be returned by the end of Week 7 to allow for Stocktaking. Any books that are outstanding will be billed for the replacement cost at the end of term.
I hope the children all enjoy their last weeks of the term and wish you and your family a safe and joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mrs Karen Maben
Junior College Library Coordinator
Carols by Candlelight
HSC Tuckshop Orders
Please note: There will be NO tuckshop this week. Instead, there is be a meal deal for all students.
Warwick Street Campus
From the WSC Director
Donāt count the days, make the days count. When we get to this stage of Term 4, we inevitably start to count down the days left in the school year. These last few weeks will go incredibly quickly and are filled with many end of year activities for our students and school community. I encourage everyone to take some time in the busyness of the next three weeks, to slow down and enjoy every moment as we near the end of 2021.
After a block of swimming lessons this term, our students will be able to show that their hard work in the pool has paid off at our Swimming Carnival next week. We wish our swimmers all the best in their events.
Are you missing anything? Our lost property basket is overflowing with many different items of clothing, as well as lunch boxes and drink bottles. If you are coming on Campus at any stage over the next few weeks, please stop and have a look through these items. You never know what you might rediscover!
On Tuesday 23 November, we are excited to be presenting our Musical to our families. The Year 6 class has already been working on the script and are now getting busy with rehearsals. Please see the costume requirements below for all year levels. This is a wonderful end to the school year and we look forward to seeing you there.
Blessings for the week ahead
to view WSC's Events for Term 4, Week 6.
Mrs Jackie Minnikin
Director of Campus
2022 Junior College Inter-House Swimming Carnival - 11 November
We are excited to advise that preparations for our Junior College Inter-House Swimming Carnival on Thursday 11 November are well under way.
This year we look forward to parents attending our JC Swimming Carnival. For more details on parents attendance please read the Parent Information Letter below.
WSC Book Swap 2021
WSC Parent Connect End of Year Sausage Sizzle
WSC Tuckshop Orders
Please note: There will be NO tuckshop this week. Instead, there is an option to purchase a meal deal through My Student Account for all students to have on Thursday 11 November.
Costumes for WSC Musical
Parents, please find a list of costume requirement for our Christmas Musical, āDon't Be Afraid'. Some items of your childās costume will be provided. Please contact your teacher if you have any difficulties finding the items below:
Prep - Different Barn Animals
- School sports short & joggers
**Please wait for Mrs Weier to message you a T-shirt colour for your child
Year 1 - Wise Men
- White T-Shirt
- Jeans
Year 2 - Jazzy Donkeys
- Donkey ears (from school)
- Black T-shirt (from school)
- Black long pants
** Kmart currently has some long black pants and leggings for sale if you donāt have any at home
Year 3 - Angels
- Plain white T-shirt
- Black long pants
- Wings & Halo (from school)
Year 4 - Tradies, Neighbours & Cleaners
- Tradies ā Jeans, T-shirt, high vis vest & toolbelt/hard hat
- Neighbours ā Everyday clothes & maybe an apron
- Cleaners ā Jeans, T-shirt, apron & plastic gloves
Year 5 - Sheep/Shepherds
- Sheep - All white
- Shepherds - Tunic or robe Headgear, bare feet or sandals.
Year 6
- Year 6 individual items for each character
WSC Library News - Term 4 Week 6, 2021
As the end of the 2021 School year approaches quickly, I would just like to remind you to assist your children by ensuring that they continue returning all their library books on their designated library day. Week 6 will be the final week of borrowing of books to bring home. Book box borrowing will continue until Week 7. All library books will need to be returned by the end of Week 7 to allow for Stocktaking. Any books that are outstanding will be billed for the replacement cost at the end of term.
Please remember to send a maximum of 2 books in with your child on Monday 8 or Tuesday 9 November if they are participating in the Book Swap being held on Tuesday 16 November. They can redeem these books for a token for each book to use at the Book Swap the following week.
I hope the children all enjoy their last weeks of the term and wish you and your family a safe and joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mrs Karen Maben
Junior College Library Coordinator
WSC Musical Details - Tuesday 23 November
On Tuesday 23 November, all students from Prep to Year 6 will be involved in the Christmas Musical. Please note the following details:
- Students will need to arrive at 6.30pm and meet in their classrooms.
- The doors to The Shed will open at 6.45pm for families.
- The Musical will commence at 7pm sharp.
Please note that reserved seating will be available for the Year 6 parents and guests at the front.
Donāt forget to bring your costumes on Thursday 18 November and Monday 22 November for the dress rehearsals.
WSC Years 3 to 6 Swimming Lessons
Students from Years 3 to 6 have commence their swimming lessons at the Concordia Aquatic Centre. Each of these classes will participate in ten lessons over Term 4. for the swimming timetable.
Please ensure that students have the following:
- 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.
Stephen Street Campus
Welcome back, Year 9!
On Saturday, friends and families of our Year 9 students made the trek to Googa to celebrate the conclusion of their four-week adventure. This cohort of students has made a very positive impression on the Googa team in the way that they conducted themselves, their ability to work through the various challenges and their general willingness to jump in boots and all to the various activities.
āThe Lantana Gameā has gained a status all of its own and this group, in pouring rain, took the activity to the next level. Big smiles, twinkles in eyes and lantana scratches will be the subject of many a story in years to come.
Well done, Year 9, we are so proud of you. We are looking forward to your Coming Home Ceremony on Tuesday as you share with us your journey this year.
Year 11s, not to be outdone by our Year 9s, have also spent time up at Googa this week on their Leadership Camp. Hiking and cycling journeys started the program and interestingly, by request, our Year 11 studens also had āThe Lantana Gameā slipped into their program. With our Concordia staff of Mr Anton Prinsloo, Mr James Bishop, Mrs Karin McKenzie, Mrs Natalie Houston and Pastor Thomas joining in, fun was certainly the order of the day.
For our Year 12s it is the home stretch with next week being the final week of external exams. We commend them on their effort so far, congratulate those who are finished and wish those who still have exams next week every blessing… nearly there.
This morning, the 'sold out' 2021 Sports Breakfast was held in the Function Centre. This was a superb event and thanks must go to the organisers, Mrs Jana Anderson and Mr Tyrone Lanagan.
Have a great weekend.
Mr Jason Smith
Director of Campus
BYOD Information 2022
Ā鶹“«Ć½ has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program for students in Years 7 to 12.
Under the BYOD program, all students are required to bring their own device for use in all classes. We recommend that if your student (current or starting Year 7 in 2022) requires a new device, to start the process sooner rather than later.
The has been created to explain how the program operates, set out expectations of parents and students and provide information about device minimum specifications. This handbook is available in Parent Lounge (School Links > Stephen Street Campus) and on the College's website.
Relay for Life
Last Saturday, ten Concordians walked for the Relay for Life Foundation, fundraising for lifesaving cancer research and patient support services. We would like to thank our Concordia community for their endless support, raising $3415 towards the foundationās global movement.
Our Relay for Life team walked eight hours together around Frogs Hollow, Queens Park, honouring and remembering loved ones, cancer survivorship and our global fight back against cancer.
Year 9 Business Christmas Markets
The Year 9 Business class will be running Christmas markets on Wednesday 10 November at lunchtime in the quadrangle. This is the culmination of their Business venture project which commenced last term. Students have designed and made a range of quality, affordable products such as magnets, keyrings, paperweights and coasters. . These items would make excellent Christmas stocking fillers!
Payment will be via MSA only (no cash).
Mrs Karen Rohde
Teacher
Free Elevate Parent Webinars
Digital Thumbprint Workshops
Last Wednesday, students in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 attended several Digital Thumbprint workshops which covered Cyberbullying, Digital Discernment and Digital Identity.
Digital Discernment explored the power students have online to influence both positively and negatively through the choices they make and the way they behave. Through interactive activities, the facilitator highlighted the necessity for using discernment in consuming online media, such as fake news and social media posts; and provided opportunities for students to practice problem solving with each other through dealing with real situations related to social media use and relationships. They also explored the power social media has, to influence society and friends positively for a better world. The main digital citizenship themes encompassed in the workshop were cyber-bullying, cyber-safety, connectedness, reputation, discernment, and privacy.
In the Digital Identity workshop, students were given the opportunity to examine their social media profiles and posts through the lens a boss applies in the process of hiring and during employment. The students engaged in a variety of activities to raise awareness of the importance of creating an online and offline balance for healthier relationships and lifestyles. Students were given the tools and knowhow to create a digital brand and to enhance it through proactively using social media to raise social awareness on issues, or to use it to promote entrepreneurialism. Digital citizenship themes such as online/offline balance, discernment, privacy, connectedness, reputation, and cyber-safety and were threaded throughout the workshop.
Boarding
Boarding News
Hi there to our Boarding families!
With the end of term fast approaching, our students numbers are getting lower with the Year 12 students signing out for their very last time. After today, we will only have three Year 12 students remaining. Best wishes to all that have left and I hope that you have taken great memories and friendships with you. Remember, if you are in the area, to pop in. I am always good for a cuppa and a cake.
Sports this week have been fantastic. What a great job our PE and Sport departments do in encouraging our students to give it a go. Congratulations to those who have entered a sporting code for the very first time. Feedback is that you have some great skills happening on the field.
Our boys are featured in our photo gallery this week with Myles Wangua, Patrick Malone and Harry Allsop. Outstanding performance guys. Jarharn is proud of his Bulldogs sign he has made and our girls Bella, Daisy and Kasha making craft items.
Until next week stay safe and look after each other.
Mrs Maureen Taurima
Girls' Houseparent