The first 5 weeks of Term 2 have been rich with activity and success across Concordia with reflective ANZAC Day services held at each campus, Toowoomba Eisteddfod participation currently underway, fabulous Mother’s Day events held across the College and Twilight Tours to welcome prospective families to experience our campuses. Our QCIS Cross Country Team proudly brought home the aggregate trophy and finished second overall, and we had a very successful Prep–2–Year Track and Field Carnival. Planning is now underway for the Oktoberfest in Term 4. 

As part of National Boarding Staff Day last Friday, it was also very fitting to celebrate and thank our Boarding Staff for the work they do behind the scenes to ensure a safe and supportive “home away from home” for our boarding students.

Recently, I engaged in a conversation with a parent about the busyness of school and family life and the need to find and make time to be “in the moment” with our children. So, what does “being in the moment” with our children mean? It's about tuning in to what your child is doing, thinking and feeling at that moment. It’s putting aside distractions for a little while, especially technology, and focusing on their world. When we do this, we send a clear message of, "You matter to me, and what you care about matters to me." This simple act is the foundation of a strong, trusting relationship.

Sometimes, the simplest approaches are the most effective. Here are a few ideas inspired by child development experts:

1. Just Let Them Be: Allow your child to take the lead in play or conversation without always correcting or directing. Their creativity and individuality flourish when we step back and observe with interest.
2. Notice and Gently Encourage: Show interest by noticing what they're doing, without judgment. Instead of correcting, try describing or asking gentle questions. For example, "Wow, are those big blue blocks the grumpy giants? And is that little red block trying to sneak past?" This shows you're paying attention to their story.
3. Listen Beyond the Words: When your child talks, especially if they're telling a long, rambling story about their day, try to tune into the emotions behind the words. Are they just saying they felt happy, excited, or maybe a bit unsure about something? Acknowledging the feeling ("Sounds like you had a really fun day!") can mean more than just hearing the plot points.
4. Understand Behaviour's Message: Sometimes, especially with older children or teenagers, their actions speak louder than words. A quiet moment together, a shared task or a warm smile can be deeply comforting.

These moments don’t require hours. Even a few intentional minutes each day can strengthen your bond and help your child feel truly seen and valued.

[Acknowledgement: raisingchildre.net.au]

As we head into the final four weeks of Term 2, I would like to thank you for your continued support and the trust you place in Concordia. To those families who take up the offer of an open-door policy and ongoing dialogue, thank you. Education is a shared journey, and we deeply value the trust placed in us. I warmly invite you to join us at the many events and opportunities that remain this term.

Wishing you a safe weekend.

Yours in Christ

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the Week:

Love is spelled T-I-M-E. A reminder that presence is the most powerful way to love our families. [Rick Warren]

Another event we are preparing for is our Walk My Way event, which will happen at the end of this term. This year, ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service) celebrate their 75th anniversary (they were born out of the refugee movements after World War II and have been at work over these last 75 years to support people in need, be they refugees or people struggling to survive in developing nations). These celebrations included events in former refugee camps at Bonegilla near Albury, in Adelaide and also in Brisbane, where on Saturday, May 10, several 100 people walked up to 12km in empathy with the journeys many refugees have had to make.

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

Stephen Street Campus will be acknowledging Reconciliation Week on Monday, 2 June. We encourage all SSC students to wear their indigenous shirts on this day in recognition of this event. This will be formally acknowledged through our extended assembly at 11.50am followed by our students coming together in the quad at second break. To find out more information about Reconciliation Week, we encourage families to access the website and resources below:

National Reconciliation Week

Concordia Lutheran College values the cultural diversity that shapes our beliefs and traditions. By valuing every child's cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures will to only promote unity but a deeper appreciation of the nuances that distinguish us.

Inclusion is about more than just words; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for every child, regardless of their cultural background. When children and adolescents feel seen and valued for who they are, they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Valuing and understanding cultural diversity help our communities benefit from a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enhancing our collective capacity for empathy and innovation.

As parents and adult carers, instilling an appreciation for cultural diversity is vital to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Through leading by example and showing that kindness and understanding know no boundaries, we can encourage them to embrace multiculturalism. This will not only prepare young people for personal success, but also for contributing to a world that views diversity as a strength. Through collective efforts, we can help pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.

If you would like to know more about multiculturalism or are looking to open conversations at home surrounding cultural diversity and inclusion, then we would encourage our families to access the SchoolTV resources below that contain a wealth of information. As always, if your child is experiencing any concerns around cultural diversity and requires further support, please contact a member of our Pastoral Care Team.

SchoolTV Resources – Cultural Diversity

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

The 2025 Concordia production tells an incredible story of adventure and finding oneself, featuring some beloved songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” If you’ve seen the movie, the musical version is quite different and introduces new characters and new songs. It's a brilliant event for everyone involved, especially those with children performing and working behind the scenes.

Personally, I'm excited to again watch as my daughter and her friends take to the stage. With my son hard at work with the crew, it's a family affair for us. I hope I see you at the pre-show drinks on Saturday night. It's a cosy gathering where musical parents and supporters can all chat, relax, and enjoy each other's company after what's been quite a busy term for everyone involved. If you haven’t secured your seat yet, you can still call Claire TODAY on 46 88 27 00 to grab a last-minute ticket.

This month we’ve also held our Boarder Experience Weekend, which was an absolute hit. During this event, future students and their families get the chance to explore what life at Concordia’s boarding houses is all about. A massive thanks to our dedicated boarding staff, whose efforts made the weekend extra special. If you know anyone considering boarding, let them know that they can still organise a personalised experience weekend later this year. It’s a fantastic way for students to make new friends and get a true feel for what boarding with Concordia can be. I was once a boarding student, so I can really relate to how a weekend of just getting an idea of how it all works would make a huge difference to any student settling in.

Our Twilight Tours on April 30 were wonderful. The time of the day was just lovely, and the campuses looked great. Thank you to Parent Connect members, staff and students for helping make it work. The positive feedback from future parents has been fantastic to hear.

Mother's Day was another highlight recently, celebrated across all three campuses here at Concordia. We gathered to honour all the wonderful mums and their significant role in our lives. Thank you to everyone who attended, the mums and those who take a guiding role in our students’ lives.

Adding to the list of our achievements is our involvement in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod. It’s always a proud moment to see Concordia students stepping up to show their talents. They earned outstanding feedback, and it wouldn’t be possible without the supportive environment we offer here at Concordia Lutheran College.

For anyone eager to stay connected and updated about all the latest articles from Concordia, do check out our Events & News section on our website. It's a great resource and a really interesting read.

Looking ahead, we are working hard on the STEM Discovery Day at our Senior College for Year 6s on 20 June. This is for current Concordia Year 6 students and families in the wider community who have children entering Year 7 in 2026. Future Concordia students must register to attend. It will be a fantastic day filled with fascinating lessons in 3D modelling, drone technology, the secrets of food preservation and more!

Whether it's through the magic of theatre, welcoming new families, or celebrating our successes, it’s been a wonderful few weeks. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Here's to a weekend filled with entertainment, inspiration and excitement. I look forward to seeing many of you at Anastasia. I cannot wait!

Warm regards,

Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

With Year 4 now back from their camp, attention is turning to our Year 5 students, who are preparing for their own camping adventure on Wednesday, 4 June. Excitement is building as they look forward to challenging activities and the opportunity to show their leadership skills at Emu Gully Adventure Park. We look forward to hearing all about their experiences!

Our Year 5 and 6 Musical students have been busy rehearsing for the performance of Anastasia this weekend. We have been proud to watch their dedication to such a rigorous rehearsal schedule this week and are looking forward to seeing them on stage. Tickets are still available for this production, so if you are looking for an outing this weekend, please book your seats.

Next Friday, 30 May, we will be holding our annual Year 3-6 Inter-house Track and Field carnival. Preparations are well underway, and we are excited to see some healthy competition between our teams. This is the last of our athletics events after our Inter-house Cross Country at the beginning of the term and then our Prep- Year 2 Track and Field carnival, which was held earlier this month. We are still looking for some Parent Helpers for this event, so if you are available to assist, please let Mr Fry know. We look forward to seeing our students give their best and support one another as they compete next week.

With so much happening, it’s an exciting time to be part of our school community. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you at our many events over the coming weeks.

Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 2 2025, Week 6. 

Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 2 2025, Week 6.

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

If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, please complete a consent form using the below link or QR code.

Screening commencement date: Tuesday 10 June 2025
Link and QR code will close on Monday 2 June 2025

https://visionscreening.health.qld.gov.au/ParentalConsent/2603Ql9K

The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened – “What is Prep Vision Screening?”

Online Consent Form FAQs

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the screening, please fill in the consent form and indicate that you wish to decline screening.

This weekend, the curtain rises on our much-anticipated college musical, Anastasia. With four spectacular shows from Friday evening through to the Sunday matinee, our talented cast and crew are working diligently this week to make sure every show is extremely polished and professional. A heartfelt thank you to the staff and student performers who have poured countless hours into rehearsals, set design, and choreography to bring this production to life. I encourage all families to book tickets and celebrate a significant part of Concordia’s extracurricular program.

Our SSC Choir (Years 7–12) also deserves a special mention for their stellar performances, earning a Highly Commended in the Secondary School Modern Choir Section and a beautiful rendition by Con Voce in the Secondary School Vocal Ensemble Section. Thanks to Mr Neil Roche-Kelly for his dedication in developing our choir performers.

Next Tuesday, 27 May, we host our Subject Information Evening for Years 8–10 students. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to explore subject offerings for 2026 and engage directly with our dedicated staff. This event will help guide subject choices in the coming months, so please check your emails for further details. On the same day, we have our annual Photo Day. Students are reminded to wear their formal uniforms but may bring their sports uniforms for HPE or Dance lessons.

Finally, our SSC Track & Field Carnival is just around the corner on Wednesday, 4 June. With a fun Wild West theme, this day promises friendly competition and plenty of excitement. Parents, carers and family are more than welcome to attend to help cheer on our athletes and enjoy the day’s activities.

Yours in faith

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Rugby League - Round 4

Netball - Round 3

*Final scores TBA

We have just wrapped up National Boarding Week and the Boarder Experience weekend. A big shout-out to the staff for their tremendous efforts and continuous support throughout the term. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated team.

All students who attended the Boarder Experience weekend left on Sunday afternoon feeling impressed and happy with their individual experiences. Current students quickly connected with our visitors and made everyone feel at home. We all had a fabulous time filled with happy faces, lots of laughter and no tears. Everyone settled into their routines and took full advantage of the activities we offered, including swimming, basketball, shopping, a Mexican games night and trampolining at Kloud9ine.

I hope you all enjoy the photos from the week!

Maureen

Boarding Coordinator

At the heart of this backstage wizardry is visual arts teacher Holly Kiehne, marking her sixth musical collaboration at Concordia, and being responsible for every remarkable prop that graces the stage, from cameras to musical boxes.

“That’s where my skillset is, I love making and creating things,” Holly said.

“One of the most challenging things I’ve made is the vintage bellows cameras. I made five of them from scratch.”

With sustainability top of mind, Holly upcycles wherever possible. “I always want to upcycle and recycle rather than buying,” she said.

“It’s getting the aesthetic of the time period right. They need to look authentic and time-appropriate. There is a lot of attention to detail. I want people to think they are real, to not be able to tell the difference, which I don’t think they can.”

Holly’s passion for the arts traces back to her childhood in a small country town.

“My mother was an artist growing up, so I was always exposed to the arts,” she recalled.

“Props is a natural progression.”

Those early influences shine through in the delicate details of the period-perfect trinkets that transport audiences straight to 1920s Russia and Paris.

“I’ve put in 100 hours to create these pieces for Anastasia,” Holly said.

But for her, the real reward is seeing students step into a world she’s helped build.

“It’s about being part of the musical team and giving our students the best creative opportunity we can. The students are so grateful, they understand how much time and effort goes into it behind the scenes,” she said.

Anastasia at the Empire Theatre promises to be an unforgettable theatrical journey.

Tickets are on sale now through the Empire Theatre, and they are selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to step back in time, secure your seats today, as you won’t regret a single moment in the audience.

Growing up attending a school that celebrated musicals Neil added: "I was a boy soprano and very much encouraged to be involved in performances outside of school hours. This early exposure began a lifelong dedication to theatre, that includes his memorable portrayal of a lead role in Miss Saigon with the Toowoomba Choral Society in 2015.

As Neil takes on the challenge of directing music for Anastasia, he is discovering wonder after wonder.

"The score of Anastasia is written like a movie soundtrack with lots of Easter eggs in the music. It is very clever," he said.

The production also highlights Concordia's commitment to excellence.

“We are so proud of the magic that we have been able to bring to this story. The audience will be mesmerised by the scale of the production, and I believe they will forget that they are watching a school musical,” he said.

This is a unique moment for Toowoomba, being the city’s first major staging of Anastasia.

Amidst the standout performances and elaborate set designs, Neil's favourite music moment is the Quartet at the Ballet, where the characters watch Swan Lake.

“It is an amazing piece of music,” he said.

On top of his impressive work with musical theatre, Neil also indulges his musical talents through several live bands.

Recently, Neil joined the United Kingdom’s ‘80s band Bad Manners on a tour across Australia and New Zealand.

Whether he’s leading a musical team at Concordia or igniting crowds on a band tour, Neil’s dedication to his craft shows in every performance.

Anastasia opens this weekend at the Empire Theatre. Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical musical.