The Week Ahead - Term 1, Week 10
Monday 27 March 2023 to Friday 31 March 2023
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
The quality, calibre, outstanding manners and social awareness of our students is something which we have affirmed to us often through various layers of the community. I鈥檇 say it鈥檚 like parenting where one doesn鈥檛 know how one鈥檚 child is presenting to family, friends and the general public, until someone actually references their great behaviours first-hand which is followed by a sigh of relief. I was fortunate enough last Friday night to attend the Year 10 Dinner and then to witness our students in action at the Open Day on Saturday. The saying goes that 鈥渋t takes a village to raise a child.鈥 Well, I鈥檓 pleased to let you know that the 鈥淐oncordia village鈥 is thriving as the collective members of the village, home and College, are doing a great job of raising, equipping, scaffolding and guiding fine young people for the world.
Last Saturday鈥檚 Open Day saw over 300 visitors get a taste of 鈥渓earning and living鈥 at Concordia. I need to acknowledge and thank every parent, especially our Parent Connect groups, student and staff member for their commitment to the success of the day. A special mention must go out to our Marketing and Enrolments Team, made up of Ms. Belinda Sanders, Mrs. Michelle Price and Mrs. Mariette van Vuuren, for the creativity, guidance, wisdom, time and energy which went into planning and hosting this very successful event, with several staff referencing it as one of the best Open Days in the past few years 鈥 and didn鈥檛 the weather just turn it on for us too!
Saturday afforded me, and others, an opportunity to sample a taster of next term鈥檚 College Musical, We Will Rock You as the cast was put through their paces. I walked away [I actually had to drag myself away] thinking that if this is what a dress rehearsal is presenting then attending the Musical on 18- 20 May will definitely be the hottest ticket in town. I would encourage every family to attend the Musical as a night of top-quality entertainment, but also as an affirming snapshot of the inspiring work which happens at Concordia every day. The biennial College Musical is also a wonderful opportunity for our younger students to get a glimpse of the possibilities awaiting them within Concordia鈥檚 Arts program.
Congratulations to all the students who were part of the 鈥淎utumn Leaves鈥 Soloist Concert last night. It鈥檚 wonderful to see and hear our Instrumental Music Program going from strength-to-strength. Thank you to Ms. Christina Marangelli and her team for the work done with each student in the lead up to hosting this event.
The above-mentioned events, recent classroom visits and outstanding sports results across several codes has reminded me that the College Vision of Inspiring Lifelong Learners, Critical Thinkers and Caring Citizens in a Christian Community is well and truly alive and happening at Concordia. I thank you all for your partnership on this journey.
Wishing everyone a safe weekend.
Yours in Christ.
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Quote of the week: If you want children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them. [G. Ginott]
From the College Pastor
Community News
2023 Darling Downs Open Chess Tournament - 13 & 14 May 2023
CLC Cross Country Inter-House Carnival - 29 March
On Wednesday 29 March, we will be holding the CLC Cross Country Inter-House Carnival. For more information, please for the 2023 program.
Sports News
Congratulations to all of our students who were a part of all of our recent events.
What a great term of sport for our College. Next week we have our Inter-House Cross Country, which our long-distance athletes will be excited for. We look forward to seeing them compete hard and doing the best they can. I encourage all students to do their best even thought at times it may seem easier to give up. As somebody who always struggled with endurance events, these quotes might help you as well with your mindset and thinking!
The body achieves what the mind believes.' [Napoleon Hill]
No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping everybody on the couch. [Mick Kremling]
Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up. [Dean Karnazes]
Futsal
Last night our Under 13 boys won their first place play off against SCOTS College in Warwick. They won 3-2 in extra time with 2 goals scored by Chase Robertson in year 7, one the winner from a free kick in extra time, and Josh Dolley from year 6 at HSC. Other special mentions need to go Lachlan Rashleigh who pulled off a number of brilliant saves to keep us in the game, and Klim Henning who defended brilliantly. Jack Evans, Willoughby Allard and Alvin Basukala also played a wonderful game.
Other results: The U15 boys beat St Marys 13-4 to finish in 3rd place and the Open boys lost 4-2 to Downlands to finish in 4th place. Overall, a very successful season for all of our futsal teams!
Congratulations to our swimming, basketball, cricket, softball and futsal teams and coaches this term. We are very proud of your achievements and the work that went into this. I hope you are walking with even greater pride as a Concordia student who plays sport and represents the College with respect and fairness. We are starting to generate some fantastic momentum for sports at Concordia and we appreciate the support from our students as well as our parents/carers.
The Sporting opportunities are not slowing down next term. We are entering competitions next term in Open鈥檚 rugby league, netball, club basketball, volleyball, hockey, AFL, softball and of course our athletics programs will be a major focus. If you are interested in playing and committing to Concordia sporting teams, the majority of our sports are still accepting or requiring players. Please refer to previous emails for the sign-up links or email me so that I can assist you.
I look forward to Term 2 and embracing the many opportunities we have at Concordia.
Darron Skinner-Martin
HOD HPE & Sport
LYQ Winter Christian Life Week Camp 2023 - Years 7-12
Christian Life Week (CLW) Camp is coming up midyear 鈥 All welcome!
Book at
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
JC Year 4 Camp
The Year 4 Hume Street Campus and Warwick Street Campus students will be attending a three day camp from Wednesday 26 April to Friday 28 April 2023 at , Tallebudgera located at (Phone 鈥 5507 0200).
The students will participate in a variety of activities suitable for their age and ability levels. The activities are designed for fun, experiential learning, personal development and building team skills.
Drop Off and Pick Up from HSC: We ask that parents drop their child at the Hume Street Campus (HSC) on Wednesday 26 April by 7.15am, for a 7.30am departure. The students will depart the Gold Coast Recreation Centre at 1.30pm, Friday 28 April and should arrive at HSC at approximately 4.30pm. Students can be picked up anytime after this. Parking for both the drop off and pick up will be on the sports oval.
Should you any further queries regarding this camp, please contact your child鈥檚 teacher.
Permissions Required Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission.
- Login to >
- click on Events & Payments >
- click on JC 2023 Year 4 Camp >
- Accept >
- Save
IMPORTANT NOTE: After submitting your permission, please check and ensure your Parent Lounge portal is up-to-date regarding your child鈥檚 Emergency Contact Info, Medical Conditions and Food Allergies/Dietary Requirements.
Should you any further queries regarding this camp, please contact your child鈥檚 teacher.
JC Sports Carnivals - Save the Dates
Please click on the program below to see the dates set aside for all of the Junior College Athletics Carnivals.
JC Sports News
Friday Inter-School Sport
This Friday saw the culmination of our primary sport fixtures for Term 1, in which we participated in Girls Touch Football, Mixed Tennis and Boys AFL. Our Concordia teams performed exceptionally well, showing fantastic sportsmanship, and improving each week with their skill and newfound knowledge of these team sports.
Thank you to all persons who assisted in some way this term to provide the opportunity for our students to have a game of their chosen sport. From all reports and watching the students each week, some great memories have been made throughout the term. Special mention to our coaching team, Mr Paul Baker, Mr John Trappett, Miss Kellie Maddock, Miss Lindsay Grahame, and Mrs Monique Hannemann that assisted on all your efforts during the term. I really loved the feedback and game recounts from both staff and students each week of their games. A big thank you to the people behind the scenes such as our admin staff and bus drivers who make sure each week that our students get to where they need to be. Your flexibility is greatly appreciated.
Next term, there is no Friday Interschool sport. For the first 3 weeks, we will train for our Track and Field Carnival. From this point, our focus each Friday afternoon will be on preparation for the annual Ball Games Carnival which will be held in Week 6.
Representative News
Over the term, we have had 16 students be selected to represent Central zone at various Darling Downs trials, this is a great effort from these students in their sporting pursuits.
Congratulations to Emily Holding and Connor Gadsby who will be competing at the State Swimming Titles in Brisbane, this will be a fantastic experience for these young swimmers representing both Darling Downs and Concordia at this meet. Good luck!
Congratulations also to Arabella Knopke and Ralph Beadle also for their selection in recent Darling Downs teams in both Touch and AFL to compete at state titles in Term 2.
Special mention also to several our students who are currently competing at the little athletics State championships in Townsville in a host of events.
Track and Field News
Our Junior Campus Discus pre-event trials have been started this week in preparation for the forthcoming Track and Field Carnival early in Term 2. Unfortunately, due to wet weather, the plan is to now conclude these trials in Term 2, Week 1. These results will go towards cumulative house points on Track and Field Day. Full credit to all our students on their efforts in these trials. They have set the scene for some fantastic competition on carnival day in all other events.
Our 800m pre carnival events (Yrs. 8-12) will be also run on Friday Week 1, Term 2 at SSC. I encourage students to keep up their training over the holidays for this event. Times TBA!
Sporting Schools Programs
This term, Concordia was once again successful in gaining funding to run two programs across our campuses being AFL and also Hockey. These programs are always well received by our students and are delivered by development staff from these sports. These four week programs focus on grassroots development and introductory type skills and games to give participants a 鈥渢aste鈥 of the sport while providing pathways for future involvement for our junior players if they choose this option.
Inter-House and Central Zone Cross Country
Our Inter-House Cross Country Carnivals are to be held at each campus Wednesday 29 March. This has been advertised in the Concordia The Week Ahead with the program attached. Our Junior College students have been training for this event over the past 3 weeks, with encouraging numbers turning up to prepare themselves each week before school. Well done!
From our Inter-House Cross Country, the Concordia 10-12 years team will be selected to compete at the Central Zone Cross Country Titles in Week 2, Term 2 at Kearneys Spring Reserve. Selected students will be sent information early next term regarding this day along with training times and days to prepare themselves in 鈥減utting their best foot forward鈥 for this event. I encourage all students that are selected in the (10-12 yrs. 1st 6 runners), to continue also with their training for this event over the holidays.
Mr Darryl Fry
Teacher / Junior College Sports Coordinator / Head Coach, Touch
Contemporary Learning Tours
Contemporary learning refers to the modern approach to education that takes into account the latest advancements in technology and teaching methodologies. It emphasises personalised, collaborative, and self-directed learning, where learners are empowered to take control of their learning experiences. This approach recognises that traditional classroom-based learning is not enough to prepare learners for the fast-paced and constantly changing world we live in. Instead, contemporary learning seeks to create an environment that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. It encourages the use of technology and multimedia tools to support learning, and values the importance of lifelong learning as a means of staying relevant in today's rapidly evolving society.
Concordia has over the past several years embarked on a foray into the Contemporary Learning space. We are now in the position to extend our own learning by sending teachers on Contemporary Learning Tours where they have the opportunity to visit fellow schools who are future along the road of this journey.
Next week, we are excited to be able to take the following staff on a visit to Adelaide. They will visit 6 schools over 3 days. This tour aligns with the College's Strategic Plan which prioritises professional development for teachers and has a focus on innovation in education.
Jackie and Juanetta did this tour last year and we are very excited to be able to share this learning with our teaching staff. We鈥檙e excited to see the impact that this tour will have on our teachers and how this will assist our students in their learning. The following teachers will be attending the tour.
- Mrs Sally Weir,
- Mrs Belinda McManus
- Mrs Lee-Anne Millett
- Mrs Rowie Weier
- Mrs Jackie Minnikin
Overdue Library Books and Home Readers
The younger students have all settled into a very good routine on their Library visits. They have become very independent at returning their books as well as choosing new ones either for their classroom book boxes or for taking home and are making some great choices. Most children are remembering to bring along their library bags to change over their books. Please assist your children in being organised by ensuring they pack their library bag on their designated library day.
As we are very near the end of the term, I would love to have all overdue Library Books and Home Readers returned. Borrowing will be encouraged for over the holidays for children to continue with reading books for pleasure while enjoying a slower pace for a few weeks. Any books that are more than two weeks overdue will be billed for at the end of each term. The amount will be the replacement cost which may include postage for Library Books and Home Readers. There have been some books returned recently that are damaged mostly from being in school bags with leaking water bottles or food. The Concordia Uniform Shop sells Library bags that will help to preserve the books and prevent this from happening. I would encourage every student to have one of these for the books they borrow to take home.
Mrs Karen Maben
Junior Campus Library Coordinator
JC Prep 2024 Information Session - 27 March
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
Colour Explosion Fun Run - Schedule and what to bring
We will be running our Colour Explosion Fun Run on Thursday 30 March with a meal deal on offer for the first break. All orders for the meal deal must be ordered online at My Student Account. The meal deal closes on Monday 27 March at 3pm.
What to Wear Students are invited to wear something white or old to school for the fun run and waterslide. The colour shows up great on light or dark clothing.
What to Bring Please send in a towel, their sports uniform and underwear to change into after the fun run is finished. A plastic bag is also a great idea so that wet clothes can be carried home.
Schedule 11.00am - Meal Deal 11.30am - Years 2 and 3 11.55am - Kindy, Prep and Year 1 12.20pm - Years 4, 5 and 6
Activities Waterslide Other Activities and Lots of Colour
Parent Helpers Parents are absolutely welcome to come and help squirt colour over your child/ren. If you are available we would love to see you here.
The Colour Explosion Fun Run will be held on the top oval.
We hope to see you there.
HSC Weekly Events
Please to view HSC's Events for Term 1, Week 10.
2023 Tennis Coaching at HSC
HSC Colour Fun Run Meal Deal - Thursday 30 March
On Thursday 30 March, we will be holding a meal deal for our Colour Fun Run. This meal deal can only be ordered through My Student Account.
Single Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal - $6.00
1 x Sausage Sizzle
1 x Fruit Salad
1 x Fruit Box
Double Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal - $7.50
2 x Sausage Sizzle
1 x Fruit Salad
1 x Fruit Box
Orders will close at 3pm on Monday 27 March.
Eve's Story
2020 will be recorded in our minds and remembered by history for obvious COVID reasons, but for one of our students and her family, it will forever be a date that reminds them of the beginning of one of the toughest journey鈥檚 we hope they ever face.
Eve began prep with us in 2020. She was vivacious student full of personality and a keen learner. December that year, she was diagnosed with children's leukemia and was in hospital receiving treatment within days.
Over the following 2 years, Eve鈥檚 journey included very long stays in Brisbane at the Mater Hospital, many rounds of chemo, and countless needles. Her body and mind went through drastic changes as it combatted this disease. Through this her mum, dad and brother had to negotiate the extreme emotional and financial impact. In short, this journey has had a massive impact, on both Eve and her family. Through it all they have been nothing but amazing.
The families of Eve's class have also been astounding. I know at one point, they descended on Eve's backyard to build her a cubby that she dearly wanted. Countless meals were given, conversations had, and prayers offered. We are very blessed to belong to such a wonderful community at Hume Street.
It is with extreme excitement and gratitude that we can report that Eve and her family are coming to the end of this journey. Eve will get to 鈥榬ing the bell鈥 at her hospital at the end of next week. This signifies that she is now cancer free. What a wonderful answer to the immense number of prayers that have been prayed for Eve and her family.
Week 10 will be a week that we get to celebrate this time with Eve. In Assembly, Eve will share briefly her story as well explain to the students the significance of 鈥榬inging the bell鈥. Then as part of our Chapel service on Thursday, Eve will ring our school bell and then share something special with our students. We would love to invite you to join with us in this time of thanks and celebrations.
Farewell to Mrs Rachael Burrows
This morning we had the opportunity to thank Mrs Rachael Burrows for 18 years of service to our school. Rachael has been a much-loved teacher as she fully epitomised our Concordia mantra of our students being 鈥榝ully known and fully loved鈥. We thank Rachael and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.
No HSC Tuckshop in Week 10
Please note that there will not be any tuckshop in Week 10. Tuckshop will resume in Term 2 Week 2.
HSC Photo Day - 27 March
Warwick Street Campus
WSC Tennis Coaching - Term 2
WSC Parent Connect
The WSC Parent Connect have held their first meeting for 2023. For those of you who weren鈥檛 able to join us, please see the 鈥渇undraising鈥 and 鈥渇riend raising鈥 ideas for 2023 below:
Term 2
11 May Mother鈥檚 Day Stall
12 May Student Disco and Parent Wine and Cheese
Term 3
31 August Father鈥檚 Day Stall
WSC Cookie Dough Drive
Term 4
WSC Parent Connect Family Fun Day (Date to be advised)
Our WSC 2022 Trivia Night raised nearly $9000. What an incredible result! If you would like to hear what we are putting this money towards at WSC, our next meeting will be on Wednesday 3 May at 5.30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our campus has a Facebook page where the parents of the campus can connect, ask questions, and share information. This page is private. Apply and admin will approve within a short time. Our page is called 'WSC Parent Connect'.
No WSC Tuckshop in Week 10
Please note that there will not be any tuckshop in Week 10. Tuckshop will resume in Term 2 Week 2.
WSC Weekly Events
Please to view WSC's Events for Term 1, Week 10.
Stephen Street Campus
SSC Weekly Events
Please to view SSC's Events for Term 1, Week 10.
Tennis 2023
Boarding
Boarding News
Hi to all our boarder families.
We are all on the home stretch now and your children are eagerly counting down the days. Our last week will be a busy one with our Japanese visitors arriving on Sunday and leaving at the end of the week. Our dorms will be humming along with chatter and laughter. Most of the students can speak English well, which allows our students to have friendly conversations. There will be a lot of cultural exchanges and friendships established. It will be a fun week.
Open day was a huge success this year for boarding with many interested families attending. Many of our students gave up their time to help and support during the morning. We met 2 Alumni ladies who had returned to their college, our college, and who shared many great memories of their time at Concordia. That is a real testament when you want your own children to attend the College you yourself went to. Our Captains, George and Mason, did a great job as ambassadors for Boarding. It is great to see young teenagers taking pride in the school and showcasing all we have to offer.
Temme House boys travelled to Brisbane on Sunday to participate in 2023 SEQ Boarders Touch Football Tournament in Ashgrove. Whilst we didn鈥檛 come away with a win, they all enjoyed themselves. Thank you to Wally and Mrs Briscoe for volunteering their time to support the students. Thank you to Mr Briscoe who coached the boys and Andrew who drove down and back and for all the behind the scene work that was required for this day to happen. I would like to also give a big shout to our resident boarding photographer Bryce Hughes. We have a selection of photos in our gallery that Bryce has taken of the event.
Congratulation to Kashar, who along with her AFL teammates won on Sunday. Well done.
Our girls enjoyed a restful day starting with Chapel, morning tea with the parishioners and a scrumptious brunch of bacon and eggs and pancakes .
Bella and George enjoyed some cooking in the dorm. Yum, nothing like some home made baking.
Hope you all enjoy our pictures below.
Until next week. Stay safe and take care of each other.
Mrs Maureen Taurima
Girls' Houseparent