There are many activities, events and excursions happening across the college this term. One of the highlights will be the college Musical, Anastasia, which comes to life on stage at the Empire Theatre on Friday, 23 and Saturday, 24 May. Please take time to familiarise yourself with the College calendar so you don’t miss any upcoming events. We will continue to keep the Concordia and wider community informed through our various communication platforms.

This Wednesday, we were able to host our Cross-country Carnivals across all campuses after last term’s postponement due to wet weather. Congratulations to the athletes who excelled and will now go on to represent Concordia at the next level. Well done also to all participants who achieved personal milestones, completed their races and contributed points for their house. Thank you to the many parents, caregivers, family members and friends who attended on the day to support the students. Thank you also to our staff who helped make the day a success. A special word of thanks goes to Mr. Josh Biscoe, Mr. Darryl Fry and the HPE Staff for their planning, coordination and persistence through last term’s delay and this week’s reset. It was a fantastic morning of Cross Country – well done to everyone involved!

As we settle into the new term, I wanted to share a reflection I recently came across on the Science of Motivation, which feels timely. As the adults supporting your child’s learning, we know that motivation plays a key role – without it, learning simply doesn’t happen. So, what is going on in children’s brains when they are motivated? And what holds them back? Broadly speaking, there are two types of motivation: approach motivation, which draws us toward reward and avoidance motivation, which helps us steer clear of harm. Ideally, these work in balance.

Here are some ways we can foster healthy motivation in our children:

• Encourage curiosity and exploration. Beyond basic needs, children are driven by play, discovery, mastery and success. Let’s nurture these motivations rather than let our fears (however well-meaning) limit their growth.
• Avoid over-reliance on incentives. We want our children to develop an inner drive to learn and explore. Tangible rewards can sometimes reduce long-term engagement. Positive feedback is more likely to support lasting motivation.
• Reinforce the belief that success is possible. Motivation wanes when tasks feel impossible. A growth mindset – the belief that we can improve with effort and that mistakes are part of learning – empowers children to stay engaged.
• Prioritise social interaction. From early childhood through to adolescence, social interaction is key to motivation. While digital tools have their place, nothing replaces the power of in-person relationships.
• Recognise different motivators. Children are wired differently. A child who loves sport may thrive on direct feedback, while another may need encouragement over critique. Understanding what works for your child is key.

And never underestimate the power of the word “yet” when a child says, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good at that”.

[Acknowledgement: Useable Knowledge, Harvard University]

As we conclude the first week back, please remember that Concordia values a strong open-door policy. We are committed to timely, transparent, and trusting conversations – face-to-face whenever possible - as we partner with you in your child’s education. I look forward to again engaging with and walking the journey with you in Term 2.

Have a safe term and a relaxing long weekend.

Yours in Christ

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the Week:

He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived. [Chinese Proverb]

Whatever happened on that first Easter morning, it inspired Jesus' followers to go out and share the Good News of Jesus as Messiah and Saviour, and it brought massive changes to world history over time. In fact, you could say Easter is the pivot of world history.

We live in a post Easter world, which, in spite of the devastating ongoing effects of sin and evil in this world – and I don’t need to tell you about that, just watch the nightly news – is the world of the resurrection, of new life, of hope. There is something new growing in this world, carried by a new community of hope and love and life. Pope John Paul II famously pointed out that “we are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song”. As we enter this new term, may we enter with Alleluia, with joy and hope, knowing that we are not alone, but that we have a living Lord and Saviour who walks with us through all challenges and struggles, and that we live in his promise of everlasting life.

I guess having been on LSL for most of Term 1 feels like a little foretaste of resurrection – I return refreshed, with new energy and am looking forward to engaging with you through this term. The photo above from Hanmer Springs is a good summary of our LSL, a large part of which we spent in the Northern South Island of New Zealand. It was a real refreshment for body, soul and spirit and also for our marriage relationship, and we are very grateful for this opportunity.

As we continue to explore our theme, Three Histories, One Future, this term, we will focus on Growing Together and what that might look like. St John, in his gospel, reports this prayer of Jesus spoken at the Last Supper: I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. (John 17:20,21)

May our community grow ever closer to reflect this prayer.

Have a wonderful Term 2.

Christ is risen!

God bless,

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

During the quieter pace of the school holiday break, I had the opportunity to catch-up on viewing several TV shows through various streaming platforms. One of the programs that caught my eye and has captured the attention of educators and adults nationwide has been the Netflix series, “Adolescence.” This drama series highlights to families the complex online challenges that young people face. It has struck a chord with many families and gives an insight for the need to provide guidance on navigating challenges within the online world.

The series focuses on the impact of digital interactions and uncovers many themes that relates to adolescence online safety. Many families that have viewed this series have identified the need to know more about their child’s online interactions and how to protect them from potential risks. To assist families with these tricky conversations, ySafe has provided a three-part blog series that provides further information and helpful information relating to the Netflix program. If you have viewed this series or are interested in knowing more about the themes covered, we would encourage our families to access the information below and learn how to have supportive conversations at home: · 

• Part 1: Understanding the Hidden Meanings Behind Emojis 
• Part 2: A Wake-Up Call for Australian Digital Parenting: 5 Key Takeaways from ‘Adolescence’ 
• Part 3: How to Talk to Your Teen About Adolescence: Insights from ySafe

In addition to the blog series, families can access further resources through the ySafe Online Safety Hub. This hub provides a rich source of information for families to help manage cyber safety at home and includes articles, guides, videos and other resources.

ySafe Online Safety Hub

If you could like any further information about online safety or need further support, please contact a member of our Pastoral Care Team. We look forward to another great term ahead and will continue to support our college community with any student wellbeing needs.

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

The Twilight Tours provide a unique opportunity to explore our campuses and allow our community to appreciate the innovative pathways and inclusive environment we cultivate.

For those who have yet to experience Concordia's distinctive atmosphere and facilities, or for anyone looking to reaffirm their appreciation for our college, the Open Evening Twilight Tours are the perfect opportunity. If your children are currently enrolled at our Kindergartens or either of our Junior Campuses, please register to discover what lies ahead at the other campuses and in our Master Plan.

We hope to see many familiar faces joining us to help make this event warm and welcoming.

To register, please click HERE.

Thank you for your continued support in everything we do!

We also took the time today to honour and reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day. Commemorative services were held on both junior campuses, which were capably led by our Year 6 students. We hope your family is able to attend a local ANZAC Day service tomorrow to share in this national moment of remembrance.

Next week, we are looking forward to showcasing our Junior Campuses during our Twilight Tours on Wednesday afternoon. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to experience our school community, meet our dedicated staff, and see our learning spaces. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining our school community, we warmly encourage you to invite them along.

Term 2 is always fast and furious, and this year is no exception! We have a range of exciting events coming up, including our Prep to Year 2 Athletics Carnival, Inter House Track and Field Carnival, Eisteddfod performances, our eagerly awaited Year 4 and Year 5 camps and several excursions. Please monitor The Week Ahead as well as your emails for more information regarding all of these events.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to another term filled with growth, learning and community spirit. Enjoy your Anzac Day tomorrow. Lest we forget.

Blessings for the week ahead.

Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 2 2025, Week 2. 
Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 2 2025, Week 2.

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

A heartfelt thank you to the families who took part in Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews this week. Your participation reminds us of our joint effort in your child's growth. We invite everyone to continue availing themselves of these valuable opportunities to get to know our dedicated staff. We see learning as a partnership, and I encourage parents and carers to reach out at any point if you have questions about our learning program or your child’s progress.

The term has kicked off with enthusiasm, starting with our Cross Country event this week. Looking ahead, our school musical, Anastasia, will grace the stage at the end of May, showcasing our students’ incredible talents. Later this term, we’ll also host the Interhouse Track & Field Carnival, promising another opportunity for our students to excel and see which House takes out the day’s honours.

Over the next few weeks, we will be issuing our revised Assessment Policy to families. The new policy is designed to make expectations and procedures clearer for students, to be transparent and equitable. To accompany this, we'll send a short introductory video explaining main changes, such as documentation requirements when requesting extensions. We invite all families to take a look at these documents in order to keep themselves informed.

A reminder, we are also seeking volunteers for our Parent Connect BBQ for our Open Evening (Twilight Tours) this coming week, 3pm-7pm on Wednesday 30 April. It's a lovely way of meeting our mixing with current and potential Concordia families. If you can volunteer, please email Nicole Brownlie on nicole.brownlie@unisq.edu.au. Thank you for your support!

I wish you all a fruitful and enjoyable term ahead.

Yours in faith

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

At the end of the day, everyone was quite hungry, and all enjoyed a meal in the student recreation room. Thank you to the parents who updated us on their safe arrival back home. This news is reassuring for both students and staff, especially for those who travelled a long distance. We apologise to anyone who experienced lengthy departure times.

The cast of this year's musical, *Anastasia*, has been rehearsing tirelessly and is eagerly anticipating the curtain going up in May. Tickets went on sale yesterday, 24 April. All boarders who wish to attend will need to purchase their tickets. Boarding will provide transport where possible.

A quick reminder regarding leave: Please try to submit all weekend and special leave requests by Thursday at noon. If you have any problems or concerns, feel free to send a quick text or make a call.

You can contact me at 0490 890 917 or reach the Boys' dorm at 0490 890 915 and the Girls' dorm at 0490 890 916.

Until next time, take care!

Maureen

Boarding Coordinator