The Week Ahead - Term 1, Week 2
Monday 29 January 2024 - Friday 02 February 2024
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
I hope this first edition of the Week Ahead finds you well and filled with anticipation for the exciting year ahead at Concordia.
It has been wonderful to welcome the students back to the college this week 鈥 the energy, laughter, noise, learning and classrooms bursting at the seams have been music to our ears!
A special welcome to our new students and their families. I look forward to getting to know you better over the coming weeks as well as growing a strong working relationship with you. Thank you for entrusting us with your child鈥檚 education.
Congratulations to all our students on how well they have returned to school and settled in after being away from school for around 10 weeks. Thank you, parents, for your support and patience in this process.
I need to use this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible job done by all the staff in getting the College ready for the start of the 2024 school year. Their professionalism, dedication to the task, resilience and collaboration mixed in with lots of laughter and humour, need to be applauded and acknowledged.
On a personal note, it is great to back and part of the Concordia community after being on long service leave in Term 4. Thank you for your support of Mrs Jackie Minnikin as the Acting Head of College while I was away.
This year our college theme is Achieving the Possibilities which is a continuation from the past two years where we looked at Imagining and Embracing the Possibilities.
This theme sets a positive and empowering tone for the school year. We are committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive, learn and work to their full potential.
I believe that by working together 鈥 students, parents and college staff 鈥 we will create a supportive community that nurtures and grows curiosity as well as creating opportunities to foster a mindset of growth and success for every student.
We value the partnership between Concordia and home and open communication is the cornerstone of this collaborative relationship.
As parents your involvement is essential to the success of our students, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns and ideas.
As the school year gets underway, I would like to remind you of the commitment to an open-door policy which I propagate with our entire Concordia Leadership Team.
We have planned several events throughout the year to keep you informed about your child鈥檚 progress to involve you in their journey at Concordia. Please stay connected with us throughout the year.
I am very excited about the 2024 journey and the possibilities which lie ahead and as Concordia continues to grow in numbers, we need to remain focused on our mantra of every student being fully known and fully loved.
We also need to remain grounded and humble as we embrace this time of growth and rejuvenation as a college, and we pursue our vision at Concordia of Inspiring Lifelong Learners, Critical Thinkers and Caring Citizens in a Christian Community.
Steve Jobs reminds us that if we are working on something exciting that we really care about, then we do not have to be pushed as the vision will keep pulling us.
With that in mind I believe 2024 will be a defining moment in the history and story of Concordia as Stage 1 of our Master Plan gets underway.
We will endeavour to keep you up to date with these building projects as the timelines are confirmed and locked in and there has already been some activity over the summer break with various upgrades and refurbishments happening across both the Junior and Senior College precincts.
I would like to wish everyone every success and blessings for the coming school year, and I hope to see many of you face-to-face when possible.
Have a safe long weekend.
Yours in Christ.
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. [Robert F. Kennedy]
From the College Pastor
From the College Pastor
After the long Christmas break, life has returned to the campuses of Concordia 女女视频 College and it鈥檚 wonderful to see the smiles and hear the happy chats as students reconnect and as the school year begins again. Our start always includes a series of special events, welcoming the new students, acknowledging our Year 12s and our Opening Service which brings together students from Year 3 -12, as well as some parents and of course our staff in the chapel.
We start the year by acknowledging that all we do we do in the presence and under the guidance of a loving God, who has brought us together here at this place and time. Our theme for this year is 鈥淎chieve the possibilities鈥, which builds on the last two years, where we were encouraged to imagine and embrace the possibilities.
We can dream and imagine all we like, but until we roll up our sleeves and get to work there is very little chance of these possibilities coming to fruition. And this is what this year is focusing on. It fits well with the developments of our master plan, where all the background work, drawings and designs will start taking shape as the soil is turned and buildings start being erected.
We challenge our students to do similar things, to step out in faith and with courage roll up their sleeves and get to work to achieve their dreams and hopes.
Our bible verse for the year is taken from Paul鈥檚 letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verse 9: Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me鈥攑ut it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
We are encouraged to look to the example of Paul and others before us who have lived and worked in faith to create and develop the Concordia community. We stand on their shoulders as we seek to imagine, embrace and work to achieve the possibilities placed before us by God today so that Concordia can continue to flourish and provide an excellent education in a Christ-centered community for all who come here.
All this is a community effort 鈥 no one person can do it by themselves. As parents, staff and students we work together to enable possibilities to become reality.
I pray that this year will bring blessings as we continue to serve faithfully together and develop our community, and as we look to St Paul 鈥 and others, who point us to Christ!
Pastor Thomas B枚hmert
College Pastor
Community News
From the Director of Marketing and Enrolments
As the sound of footsteps fills our halls, the first week of school reminds us of fresh beginnings and opportunities. It is with open hearts that we extend the warmest of welcomes to our new students and families. I personally know what it鈥檚 like to send your child off to a new school, as one of my own is starting at Concordia in 2024. Your hopes are for a happy, safe, and engaging education that instils a lifelong love of learning and equips them with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
With the pursuit of learning and personal growth at our core, it is my pleasure to remind you that applications for our Academic Scholarships are officially open. These scholarships are a testament to our commitment to excellence and supporting students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to join the Concordia 女女视频 College community. Details on the criteria and application process are readily available on our website.
Specialist Scholarships are another option, recognising the talents of students outside of academics. Applications will open for Specialist Scholarships later in Term One. These unique scholarships celebrate and nurture individual talents, whether in the arts, sports, rural, public speaking, or leadership. You will also find more information on the Specialist Scholarships on our website.
We have been so happy to see so many improvements to the college grounds already, upgrades to sporting facilities and classrooms are already complete. There are also renovations to the College Chapel underway. We can鈥檛 wait to see the result, and of course, it is only part of the plan to improve Concordia 女女视频 College as a whole.
Highlight on your Concordia calendars March 23rd, for one of the most important days of the year for Concordia 女女视频 College, Open Day. An occasion not to be missed, it promises to be an enlightening experience for prospective and current families alike. Discover firsthand the vibrant environment where young minds are empowered to "Achieve the Possibilities"鈥攐ur theme for 2024. The Concordia Calendars are a great resource, we hope they hang proudly in your home.
To learn more about Concordia, please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages. You will discover much more about what happens on campus every day and may even have some contributions to send in of your own.
Here's to an unforgettable journey at Concordia, where every student is encouraged to reach for the stars and achieve the extraordinary.
Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Enrolments
From the Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Welcome back to all new and returning families for another year at Concordia 女女视频 College. By now, students will have completed their first week of the school year and have started to settle into the initial weeks of learning. As I walked through the college grounds this week, I was greeted with warm welcomes, smiles and friendly conversations from our students. There has been a great sense of energy and anticipation amongst the college community and I for one and excited for what lies ahead.
The beginning of the year is always a time of transition. This is an ongoing process, whether that be starting high school for the first time, moving up to a new grade or managing the daily tasks that come with school expectations. It is an exciting time, however, for many, it can also be an anxious time for both students and families. We all have a role in monitoring student鈥檚 feelings and minimising anxiety so that school is an enjoyable experience for all. Familiarisation is often the key to reducing stress. As your child makes their way through the beginning of the school year, continue to have conversations at home about the expectations for the year ahead and being more responsible for looking after their own needs.
At Concordia 女女视频 College, we offer a range of supports to ensure your child is well supported through their educational journey. Our Pastoral Care Team comprises of staff with a wide range of knowledge and expertise to assist families. It is with pleasure that I announce to you the members of the Pastoral Care Team for 2024 and would encourage you to reach out to these people if ever needed:
Pastoral Care Team:
- Tony Manteufel (Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing)
- Rev. Thomas Bohmert (College Pastor)
- Sonya Holden (Learning Enrichment Coordinator)
- Roslyn Cook (6 鈥 8 Year Level Coordinator)
- David Rentell (9 鈥 10 Year Level Coordinator)
- Leah Bowes (11 鈥 12 Year Level Coordinator)
- Libby Chapmen (College Nurse)
- Wally McIntosh (First Nations Coordinator)
- Andrew Bull (Boys Boarding House Parent)
- Maureen Taurima (Girls Boarding House Parent)
In addition to the members outlined above, we are currently in the process of finalising the selection process to appoint a new Student Counsellor. This process will be completed within the next week, and we will shortly announce the successful candidate. In the meantime, for any Student Counsellor-related enquiries, please consult with a member of the Pastoral Care Team or me directly.
Other than the Pastoral Care Team, student wellbeing is further supported through our wider staff. For most students, their Home Class teacher will be the main point of contact for any schooling-related matters. These staff are responsible for mentoring students, monitoring student engagement and management of general day-to-day schooling. Families are encouraged to contact Home Class teachers as a line of communication for any questions or concerns. Our staff are willing to assist you with any enquiries or direct you to the relevant personnel if further consultation is required.
The development of personal and social skills is overseen by our Pastoral Care teachers. All students will engage in a weekly Pastoral Care program as part of the College curriculum. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to explore the factors that influence their well-being and equips them with the necessary tools to navigate their way through times of adversity. There are a range of topics that students will encounter with extensive resources and strategies designed to target age-appropriate issues. To find out more about the topics covered within the Pastoral Care Program, please contact your relevant Year Level Coordinator or Pastoral Care Teacher.
Throughout the year, Concordia 女女视频 College will be providing to family鈥檚 resources and strategies to help develop student well-being at home. Our newsletters will include links and articles that may assist families when having conversations about pertinent well-being-related matters. Parents and carers can expect to find this information through the School TV links.
School TV is a platform designed specifically to support families with the challenges relating to modern-day parenting. This award-winning resource helps to build relationships, foster connections and break down barriers to navigate a pathway toward better mental health and well-being for young people. This can be accessed via the College website or through the links provided in the Week Ahead. To find our more click .
I am pleased to announce that this year will see the return of the Parent Cyber Safety Presentations. This includes presentations delivered to students in Years 5 鈥 12 as well as a Parent Information Session. Student sessions will be conducted throughout the school day on Tuesday 27 February. Parent presentations will be held from 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the Lecture Theatre at Stephen Street Campus. This event will be delivered by a professional on the topic of digital compliance and internet safety.
Erin Cash has had over a decade of experience in law enforcement, investigation and training. Erin will cover topics such as consent, respectful relationships, effective communication and personal online safety. We encourage families to attend this event and will provide further information in the coming weeks.
If you would like any further information or assistance as your child transitions through the early phases of the school year, please access the following School TV link that contains relevant articles, videos and additional resources to assist families. I look forward to a prosperous year ahead and continuing our partnerships with families.
Take care!
Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
From the Junior College Director of Campuses
Welcome to 2024! We trust that you all had a relaxing break over the Christmas holidays and are ready for the excitement and busyness of another school year. It can sometimes be difficult getting back into the school routine in Term 1 so we are all fortunate to have had the short week this week to ease us in. This year we have many new families joining our Junior College community. Along with our new Prep students, we also have 18 new students across both Hume Street and Warwick Street Campuses. We wish all those students well as they embark on a new year at a new school and look forward to getting to know them well as the year progresses.
2024 also sees some new staff members join our two Junior Campuses. We welcome the following people to Concordia and wish them all the best for the year ahead:
Mrs Cally Slider - Year 2 WSC
Mrs Kylie Hornick - Learning Assistant WSC
Mrs Cass Trappett - HSC Administration Officer
Mr Niel Oosthuizen - JC Learning Assistant
In 2022 our college theme saw us Imagine the Possibilities and then in 2023 we Embraced the Possibilities. This year our theme is to 鈥淎chieve the Possibilities鈥, and with this in mind, we look forward to sharing the achievements of our students in their learning with our parents on a regular basis.
Next Monday will be a special occasion for our Year 6 students as they will be presented with their leadership badges for 2024 at a special Assembly. Hume Street Campus Assembly will commence at 12.00pm and the Warwick Street Campus Assembly will begin at 2.00pm. This is the first of many special events for our Year 6 class and we know they will take on their leadership roles this year proudly and responsibly.
As you and your family settle into the new school year, please know that our doors are open. If you have any concerns about your student and their learning, please let your teacher know as soon as possible so that we can work together to find solutions.
to view HSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 2.
to view WSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 2.
Blessings for the week ahead.
Mrs Juanetta Priest - Director of Campus (Hume Street)
Mrs Jackie Minnikin - Director of Campus (Warwick Street)
Years 3 - 6 Parent Information Sessions Tuesday 30 January
Each campus will hold their Year 3-6 Parent Information Sessions on Tuesday at 5.30pm. The sessions will be held in your child's classroom.
These sessions are invaluable, and we encourage you to attend. If you are unable to attend, there will be notes sent home via email afterwards.
JC School Arrival Reminder
Supervision of students at the Junior College begins at 8.00am each morning. There is no supervision provided by staff before this time.
Students from HSC who are arriving on the 7.50am CLC bus or who have siblings on the 7.50am CLC bus, are welcome to sit quietly in Reception until 8am.
Students from WSC who are being dropped through the Drive Through in the mornings must remain in their cars until a staff member arrives for duty at 8.00am.
We appreciate your support of the above information so we can work together to keep our students safe.
Book Club Orders - LOOP On-Line Payments
A note about Book Club
Welcome to all our new families and welcome back to our continuing families. The first issue of Book Club will be coming home next week. The Junior campuses use LOOP (Linked Ordering and Online Payment). For those who are unfamiliar with it, here鈥檚 what you need to know:
LOOP enables parents to order and pay for their child鈥檚 book club order online. (Cash payments will be no longer available)
To order through LOOP, go to , register and set up an online profile with a password.
You can add your child鈥檚 name and select their class and, by entering the 4350 postcode, you will be able to select their school from the drop down box.
The Junior campuses are set up as Concordia Hume Street Campus and Concordia Warwick St Campus.
Please submit your order before Friday 9 February 2024 and the books will arrive at the school in due course.
For more information, follow this link:
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
HSC Weekly Events
Please to view HSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 2.
HSC 2024 Year 6 Badge Presentation Assembly - 29 January 2024
We will celebrate our 2024 Year 6 Leaders with a Badge Assembly on Monday 29 January 2024 at 12noon.
![](https://media.digistormhosting.com.au/clc-au-qld-41-website/content/The-Week-Ahead/2023/Term-4/Week-8/Badge-Presentation-invitation.jpg?v=1700114578)
HSC Parent Connect Meeting Wednesday 31 January
Our first Parent Connect meeting for 2024 will be held on Wednesday 31 January at 5.30pm in the Resource Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend.
HSC Tennis Coaching - Term 1 2024
Tennis coaching will be available in Term 1, 2024. Please click below for the relevant information:
HSC Term 1 Chess Lessons with Mr Les Lord
Mr Les Lord will commence Chess Lessons on Tuesday 30 January 2024 from 10.45am to 11.30am in the Year 6 Classroom for students Years 1 to 6. The cost per student for six (6) Chess Lessons will be $45.00.
If your child would like to participate, please submit your payment and approval via Parent Lounge by Friday 26 January 2024.
Permission Required:
Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission and payment.
- Login to >
- Click on Events and Payments >
- Click on Event Description >
- Click on Payment Details >
- Click on confirmation and pay now >
- Accept >
- Save
If you need any further information please contact HSC Reception on 07 4688 2700 (opt 2).
Warwick Street Campus
WSC Weekly Events
Please to view WSC's Events for Term 1, Week 2 2024.
WSC 2024 Year 6 Badge Presentation Assembly - 29 January 2024
We will celebrate our 2024 Year 6 Leaders with a Badge Assembly on Monday 29 January 2024 at 2pm.
![](https://media.digistormhosting.com.au/clc-au-qld-41-website/content/The-Week-Ahead/2023/Term-4/Week-8/WSC-Badge-Presentation-invitation.jpg?v=1700114820)
WSC Parent Connect Meetings - Date Saver
Parent Connect Meetings for 2024 will be on a Tuesday, 5.30pm-6.30pm in The Resource Centre. (Week 5 of each term).
Please add these dates below to your calendar.
- Tuesday 20 February
- Tuesday 14 May
- Tuesday 6 August
- Tuesday 29 October
WSC Chess Lessons with Mr Les Lord - Term 1 2024
We are excited that Mr Les Lord will be running Chess Coaching sessions commencing Thursday 1 February 2024 from 10.30am to 11.15am in the Resource Centre. The cost per student for six Chess Lessons will be $45.00.
If your child would like to participate please submit your permission and payment on Parent Lounge.
Permission Required
Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission for your child to attend this excursion by Friday 19 January 2024.
- Login to >
- click on Events and Payments >
- click on WSC Term 1 Chess Lessons with Mr Les Lord 2024>
- click payment details>
- Confirmation and click on Pay now>
- Accept / Decline >
- Save
WSC Tennis Coaching - Term 1 2024
Tennis coaching will be available in Term 1, 2024. Please click below for the relevant information:
Stephen Street Campus
From the Director of Campus
Welcome back to another very exciting year at Concordia! We have seen some exceptional growth in our day and boarding student numbers at Stephen Street Campus in 2024. It would appear that Queensland鈥檚 Best Kept Secret is getting out!
It has been a wonderful first three days as we have welcomed new and returning students, with many smiling faces anticipating what this school year will bring. In true Concordia style, we have started with several 鈥渃oming together鈥 events, which will continue in the coming weeks. Of note this week were our Year 12 Leadership Ceremony and Opening Chapel Service.
The Year 12 Leadership Ceremony is held to mark the beginning of our seniors' final year, where we present badges to our various captains, and all seniors receive their unique Year 12 tie. This ceremony has become one of my favourite events, as we now ask parents/carers or close family members and friends to present these items to the students. It is extremely heartwarming to see the pride on the significant other鈥檚 face as they make the presentation, often followed by a hug as they see the magnitude of this moment. All the best to our Year 12s as they begin the rollercoaster ride ahead.
Our Opening Chapel has set a firm foundation as to the values and theme for 2024. Pastor Thomas and Mr Prinsloo presented overlapping messages encouraging students to actively pursue kindness on their way to 鈥淎chieving the Possibilities鈥. At Stephen Street Campus, I am often astounded by the sheer number of activities that our students can be involved in. From sporting teams to band, choir, dance, drama and other clubs, students can truly find their fit at Concordia. I encourage all students to keep their ears open as these opportunities become available during the year.
On Monday 5 February, we will be holding an SSC parent/staff meet and greet followed by an information session in the Function Centre. There will be an invitation shortly with further details.
We look forward to a very prosperous year ahead and sharing many more achievements with you.
Yours in faith,
Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus
Sport News
Sports News 鈥 Term 1, Week 2
Welcome back to everyone, I hope you all had a great Christmas holiday break. Sport has hit the go button for 2024 and there are so many opportunities for students to be involved. An email was sent out last week with some important information regarding Sports, so if you haven鈥檛 already, please make sure you read through this information and complete the required forms. I look forward to another successful and exciting year of Sports at Concordia.
Leroy Malone - Brisbane Broncos
Congratulations to Leroy Malone who signed a contract with the Brisbane Broncos on the holidays. A massive achievement and a sign there is big things ahead for Leroy.
Boarding
Boarding News
Hello and a big warm welcome to our 2024 families.
Over the coming weeks, I will be updating you all on events that happen in boarding weekly along with current photos.
Here we go!
What a fabulous start to Term 1! The hot weather has not created any problems for us thanks to the aid of electric fans and the aircon in our offices. Our open-door policy in the dorm has allowed the girls and boys to visit Andrew and me more frequently. Not sure if it is to chat or cool down.
Our boarding roll has increased to 42 students this year. 21 males and 21 females. This is a great start.
The dorms are filled with much chatter with our students keeping busy by getting to know each other. Our tutors have also kept everyone occupied by supervising activities at the poll and Gym.
There is lots of movement in and out of the dorms and the Rec room where many students are building connections with each other. It is the start of a lifelong friendship that you only get in boarding. It is lovely to see everyone enjoying face-to-face interaction with each other.
I genuinely believe they enjoy being off their technology.
As parents of Boarding students, it can be extremely difficult to allow your children to move away from home. I still remember that empty feeling and how much I missed my children. I understand what you are all going through. Please feel free to call us whenever you feel like an update.
We strive to create a smooth transition where we encourage everyone to 鈥淎chieve the possibilities鈥, and we have also enjoyed getting to know them all. We become one big family.
Congratulations to Khan and Kerri and receiving your Year 12 Tie and Boarder Captain badges. I am sure you both will do a great job and as children and grandchildren of past students, you will make your families super proud as well.
Our students will experience their first Grand Central shopping trip this Saturday. This is a staff-supervised event. We will then be taking them to the Cinema on Saturday evening.
I hope you enjoy our photos this week.
Until next week
Stay safe and take care of each other.
Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents