A heartfelt thank you from me for your partnership, loyalty and support of Concordia throughout the term. I also need to extend a thank you to our incredible staff, who have embraced and guided the many changes happening within our College with energy and patience.

This week’s Open Evening, with all its preparation and fanfare, has prompted me to think further and reflect on the marketing reality and strategies which many schools, whether they are independent, state or Catholic, engage in to be that point of difference. I recently came across a thought-provoking article about schools becoming high-performance industries to claim their market share at the expense of losing their “soul” as safe, nurturing and deeply relational environments. It raises an important question, when did school become a high‑performance industry and why? Our commitment, at Concordia, to Every Student being Fully Known and Fully Loved matters now more than ever.

In recent years, schools everywhere have felt a quiet but noticeable shift. Achievement whether in academics, sport, culture or leadership has become highly visible, highly celebrated and sometimes highly pressurised. Livestreamed events and matches, glossy marketing, ATAR results, Year 12 distinctions on banners, performance statistics, high performance gyms as well as state of the art buildings have become part of the modern school landscape.

Excellence is something all schools should value deeply, but excellence alone is not what shapes healthy, grounded young people. What concerns me is what can happen when performance becomes the main story. Many children today feel as though they are constantly being measured, on the field, in the classroom, on social media and even in their own minds. The pressure to “be exceptional” can quietly replace the joy of simply being young. We see and read about students who are tired, anxious or afraid of disappointing others. We see children whose identity becomes tied to a mark, a ranking or a position on a team and yet, the vast majority of students will not become professional athletes, top scholars or headline-makers. They will become something far more important - whole, capable, ordinary and extraordinary human beings.

This is why Concordia holds tightly to a simple but powerful commitment - Every student is fully known and fully loved. To be fully known means a child is seen for who they are and not just what they achieve. To be fully loved means their worth is never conditional on performance.

In a world that often celebrates the 1 in 1,000 who “make it,” we intentionally focus on College culture that protects and nurtures the other 999 as well. The ones who try hard. The ones who grow slowly. The ones who shine quietly. The ones who are still figuring themselves out. The ones who need space to rest, play, laugh and simply be children and young adults.

At Concordia we believe that effort matters more than outcome, character matters more than competition, wellbeing matters more than winning, relationships matter more than results and that it’s okay to make mistakes.

When students feel known and loved, they develop resilience, confidence and a healthy sense of self. They learn to dream boldly without fear. They learn that success is not a single moment but a lifelong journey and that who they are is always more important than what they produce – happy and socially well-adjusted students and future contributing members of society.

This afternoon, the College community took a moment to slow down, reflect and celebrate the true meaning of Easter. Thank you to Mrs. Priest, Mrs. Minnikin and Pastor Thomas for looking after these services across our campuses.

As we head into the term break and Holy Week, I wish every family a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday away from the routines of school life. As we enter Easter, we are reminded that every ending holds the promise of a new beginning because Christ is risen.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of Term 2.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

This Easter event has powered Christianity for centuries. In fact, without it we probably would not know about a 1^st century Jewish rabbi who lived in a far-flung corner of the mighty Roman empire.

Yet this Jesus of Nazareth turned out to be more than just a man and rabbi. The Old Testament spoke of a coming Messiah (Christ in Greek) and Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies about this saviour. The resurrection is God’s seal of approval and the call to listen to this Messiah and follow his leadership.

And this is exactly what the early disciples who shared the awe and wonder of the resurrection and passed it on to the next generation of believers did and what Christians across the world to this day seek to do. Listen to and follow Jesus and reflect his amazing love, witnessed to in the cross itself, to the communities around them.

And this is what we seek to do here at Concordia as well. Come to Christ with open ears and hearts and receive his love and then live out of that love, reflect that love in our relationships and community. We don’t always get it right – but we know that we are always invited back to the cross, into forgiveness, into this divine love – and go again – kind of experiencing our own little resurrection.

May the joy of the resurrection and the power of Easter fill your life.

Christ is risen!

Have a wonderful Eastertime and holidays,

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷ “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ (Luke 24:5-7)

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Easter services at Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship (at the College chapel)
Good Friday (April 3) 9am
Easter Sunday (April 5) 9am service with Communion and 2 baptisms

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One of the standout developments this term has been the introduction of our Senior College and Middle College Hubs, under the leadership of our Year Level Coordinators, Mrs Bowes and Mrs Merretz. These hubs are more than simply spaces, they are thriving centers of support, guidance and connection. Our biggest transition this year has been the restructuring of Middle and Senior College Home Classes. Student timetables have been purposefully developed to ensure there is a higher level of consistency by allocating classrooms within the Middle and Senior College Hub areas. The hub areas have significantly contributed to the reinforcement of supportive and connected culture that allows everyone to achieve their educational goals.

The beginning of the school year is always an exciting and anxious time for our students. No more so than for our Year 7 students who began their high school journey this term. Welcoming our new Year 7 cohort into high school has been a joyful and momentous occasion. The transition from primary to secondary education can be daunting, but our Year 7 students embraced the adventure with optimism, courage and resilience. Supported by staff and peers, they’ve discovered new subjects, created friendships and grown in confidence. It’s been wonderful to witness their journey, from initial nerves to newfound independence and their contribution to our college culture is already evident.

This term marked the rollout of the college diary, a simple yet effective tool now embedded in daily life at Concordia. The diary encourages students to take ownership of their schedules, reflect on their learning and set meaningful goals. Its pages are filled with reminders, aspirations, and milestones, supporting academic achievement while nurturing responsibility. Teachers have recognised the diary’s positive impact, noting improved organisation and communication both in and out of the classroom.

Our Opening Chapel Service was a deeply meaningful event, welcoming students, staff and families into a new year with hope and unity. The spiritual warmth and community spirit were palpable, setting the tone for all that followed. Shortly after, we celebrated our Year 12 cohort through our Senior Leadership Tie and Badge Ceremony. The ceremony affirmed the importance of leadership, service and role modelling within our community, inspiring all students to strive for excellence.

The Year 7 Camp at Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast was another highlight, offering students a chance to connect, grow, and enjoy the great outdoors. Activities ranged from team-building challenges to beach sports, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The camp fostered friendships, encouraged courage, and built the skills essential for thriving in high school. Staff and students alike returned energised and bonded, ready to take on the term together.

In today’s digital world, cyber safety is paramount, and we were fortunate to partner with Optus for the Digital Thumbprint Cyber Safety workshops. These sessions empowered students to stay safe online, understand their digital footprint, and engage responsibly in virtual spaces. The workshops sparked thoughtful discussions about personal safety, privacy, and respectful behaviour, equipping our students to become responsible digital citizens.

Sporting events have always been central to our college life, and Term 1 was no exception. The Interhouse Swimming Carnival was a splash of colour and energy, with students displaying determination, encouragement and friendly rivalry. Likewise, the Cross Country event brought students together in a celebration of stamina, teamwork and school pride. Each participant contributed to an atmosphere of fun and unity, reminding us of the power of sport to connect and inspire others.

As we reflect on this successful term, it’s clear that our strong start has laid a solid foundation for the months ahead. I am constantly inspired by the spirit, kindness and ambition within our college, and I thank every student, staff member and family for their part in our journey. On behalf of all at Concordia Lutheran College, I wish our families a safe, restful and joyful school break. We look forward to returning together for Term 2, ready to continue our pursuit of excellence, wellbeing and community.

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Our Open Evening was another highlight. The displays and interactive opportunities available to families were exceptional and really showcased the energy and depth of learning across the College. Thank you to our staff and students who made the evening what it was. If you missed it, please remember that every day is Open Day at Concordia and you are always welcome to come and see the College in action.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we are preparing for our Boarder Experience Weekend in May. This is an opportunity for students to come and experience what life in the boarding house is really like. It is a very real snapshot of what is a fun and full life in boarding and for many it becomes a genuine home away from home. I am always very impressed with the food served at the boarding house and the awesome activities they can sign up to. One student said to me this week “the food at Concordia is better that what is cooked at home.. but don’t tell Mum and Dad”. Don’t worry, your secret is safe. Of course there is also time for schoolwork and plenty of support from our staff available.

Please continue to stay connected with us through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. If you have not yet downloaded the Concordia app, I encourage you to do so. Once you customise it, it does make things simpler and easier to manage, which I know makes a difference. We are also working on a brand new website which should be finished later in the year.

As we move into the Easter period, there is a chance to pause and reflect. It is a time that reminds us of what matters. At Concordia, that centres on ensuring every student is fully known and fully loved, and that sense of belonging underpins everything we do.

There is also a lot happening behind the scenes as we prepare to move into the new Junior College. It is an historic and exciting time and there is strong momentum as the opening gets closer.

Thank you for your support across the term. I wish all families a safe and well earned break.

With one heart.

Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

Q: Will we have a sandpit?
A: Yes.

Q: Will the flying fox be coming with us?
A: We are currently investigating this option. As it is a significant and costly item to relocate, we are carefully considering what is possible.

Q: Where will our library be located?
A: Our library will remain in the Warwick Street Resource Centre and will be known as the JC Library. Students will visit weekly to borrow books for home reading, as well as borrowing for book boxes for use in classrooms.

Q: Will there be a quiet space available at lunchtime?
A: Yes. One of our learning common areas will be open during lunch for students who wish to read, play board games, draw, or enjoy a quieter activity.

Q: Will there be new lawns and trees near the new building?
A: Yes. Mature trees have already been planted, with additional landscaping to follow.

Q: Will we have handball courts?
A: Yes. We will have access to 2–4 tennis courts, which can be used for handball, easy rollers, and tennis.

Q: Will there be any changes to tuckshop days or ordering?
A: We will offer tuckshop on one day per week (likely Wednesday or Thursday). The ordering process will remain the same.

Q: Will junior and senior students be able to move freely between spaces unsupervised?
A: No. Any interaction between campuses will be intentional, planned, and supervised.

Q: Will there be enough parking available?
A: Yes. There will be 89 car parks available, along with a drive-through facility.

Q: Is there a drive-through?
A: Yes, there is an extensive drive-through area.

Q: How will the drive-through operate?
A: We will provide detailed information in The Week Ahead during Term 2, Week 2.

Q: Can parents enter the playground at drop-off and pick-up times?
A: Yes, absolutely. We look forward to families enjoying these spaces with us.

Q: When will Chapel be held?
A: Fridays at 8:30am in the College Chapel.

Q: When will Assembly be held?
A: Tuesdays at 8:30am in the College Chapel.

We also extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed to our Harmony Day picnic. This event provided an opportunity to celebrate our school community and the diversity within it.  The food, fellowship and shared experiences created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

At the end of each term, we like to acknowledge our dedicated staff for the care and energy they pour into supporting our students each and every day. Their commitment to nurturing both learning and wellbeing is deeply appreciated. We hope they are able to take some well-deserved rest over the holiday period.

We also look ahead with excitement to Term 2, particularly our upcoming Year 5 Camp. This will be a valuable opportunity for students to build independence, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. We know this experience will be a highlight of the year for our Year 5 students.

As we head into the Easter break, we are reminded of the deeper meaning of this special time. Easter is a season of hope, renewal and joy. We pray that all of our families enjoy a safe and restful holiday, filled with special moments together.

Thank you for your continued support throughout Term 1. We wish all of our families a blessed and joyful Easter and look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for another great term ahead.

Blessings for the Holidays.

Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 2 2026, Week 1.
Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 2 2026, Week 1.

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

It is vital for us to create an environment where everyone feels included and protected. We would like to kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to accommodate these students' needs and ensure their safety.

Here are a couple of ways you are able to assist us.

1. Please avoid bringing nut items, boiled eggs, mayonnaise and egg or sandwiches to school.
2. If you do include these items in your students' lunch on any given day, please email your classroom teacher so that we can take appropriate action to keep our little person safe.
3. If your child has eggs before school, can you please ensure that they wash their hands well before entering school grounds.
4. As a school community, this is an opportunity to foster an atmosphere of empathy and support and teach our children about the importance of inclusivity and understanding. This will not only benefit the students with allergies but will also create a more compassionate environment for everyone.
5. In the event of an allergic reaction, our staff members are trained to respond promptly and effectively. We have protocols in place to handle such situations and your child’s safety remains our top priority.

By working together as a community, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all our students, including those with special dietary needs. Your cooperation and support are greatly appreciated. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

A significant contributor to a noticeable uplift in culture relating to student life has been the leadership of our Year 12 students. This term they have established a range of new initiatives that are already making a meaningful impact on student belonging and engagement. These include a Drama Club, a student-led Bible study group that also assists with Chapel and lunchtime House events where students compete for extra House points through sport and non-sport activities. These initiatives have brought students together across year levels and interests, resulting in an obvious increase in day-to-day student enjoyment. Our Year 12s are modelling leadership, service and initiative in ways that are inspiring our younger students. It is a wonderful example of leadership in action.

This week we also hosted our combined Open Evening and subject information event. It was a pleasure to welcome new families and to see them engaging in genuine conversations with current families. Hearing firsthand from our teachers about what Concordia has to offer makes these evenings particularly powerful. I would also like to sincerely thank our parent volunteers who assisted with the BBQ – your support helps create the welcoming community we are so proud of.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we will continue supporting families through important subject selection conversations. On 5 May, we will host an information session for parents of students in Years 8–10 as they begin considering their 2027 subject choices. We will also look forward to our Track and Field Carnival, another highlight on the College calendar.

Term 2 will also mark our final term as Stephen Street Campus, as we prepare to become the Secondary College from Semester 2 when our Junior College communities join us as one College. This is an exciting and significant milestone.

I wish our Arts students and staff every success on their upcoming Arts Tour to Sydney in the second week of the holidays. I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience.

As we approach the Easter weekend, we are reminded of the significance of this world-changing event nearly two thousand years ago, when Jesus Christ our saviour, took it upon himself to redeem humankind. May this be a time for reflection, gratitude and renewal for our community.

I wish all families a safe and restful break.

He is risen!

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus