ConcordiaLutheranCollege

Monday 5 June 2023 to Friday 9 June 2023

From the Head of College

Dear Parents and Caregivers

I had the privilege last week on Thursday to host and show the CEO of Independent Schools Queensland [ISQ], Mr. Chris Mountford, around our College. This visit included a tour of each of our campuses. The advantage of showing visitors around the College is that one can hear and see school life in all its busyness through their eyes. I felt very proud walking Chris through Concordia only to be met with warm smiles and friendly greetings, focused learning spaces, on-task, and well-groomed students as well as non-teaching staff who showed wonderful warmth and hospitality to him.

Funnily enough, this is what all the visitors to Concordia talk about and comment on and was affirmed by Chris. He commented very positively about the “strong people culture”, the innovative learning programs as well as the interactive and lively learning environments. He also commented on the friendliness, spontaneity, and excellent behaviour of our students. My delight in hearing this on behalf of the College from a visitor also comes with a great sense of humility knowing that I am fortunate to be part of this incredible culture at Concordia. We must remember not to take our successes too seriously, get ahead of ourselves and announce our success before it occurs. Thank you to all the students and staff for what you bring to the College every day.

Concordia prides itself on offering a rich Outdoor Education Program [camps] across both the Junior and Senior College. This week our Year 5 students are away at Emu Gully while the Year 8 students are at Camp Laurence alongside Moogerah Dam. Giving students the opportunity to spend time away from the comforts of home and school routines offers a holistic learning experience that combines academic, social, emotional and physical development. Our students get the opportunity to grow within themselves i.e., independence, explore new surrounds, usually in nature or outdoor settings, and to learning away from a classroom and home environments. One of the greatest benefits is that our students get to interact with their peers in a less formal environment which encourages teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Many must share their “bedroom” with a few peers which is great for conflict resolution and mateship, but very importantly school camps foster a sense of belonging and create lasting memories and connections. I have had the opportunity to attend both the Year 5 and Year 8 camps this week and need to congratulate the students on the very positive way in which they have embraced and participated in their respective programs. Thank you to those staff members who have planned for, organised the camps as well those parents and who have attended as helpers. I am sure that everyone will sleep well tonight!

When one becomes a grandparent, an experience which I am now privileged to be part of, the prerogative to say yes to most things and requests becomes quite easy – I don’t know how our daughter and her partner feel about this! Saying “no” can be a challenge on the best of days for us as parents and something which my wife and I also grappled with on many occasions. It is hard to discipline a child. As a parent, you want to see your child happy, not sad or in tears. This week I would like to share with you 9 tips on saying no to your child.

Once is Enough. Be firm in delivering your first “no” so that you don’t have to repeat it. Be careful not to relent and “give in”; your child will learn that it is possible to manipulate you.
Explain. The most effective way to say no is to give your child valid reasons they can understand.
“Yes” can Mean “No”. It is possible to say yes while meaning no. For example, if your child asks for a biscuit you can reply “Yes you can have one after dinner”.
Do Not Shout. It is vital to communicate calmly and kindly. Shouting at your child can outweigh any possible benefit of temporarily silencing them.
Respect Their Privacy. Don’t embarrass your child in front of other people. Go to a private place and clearly discuss your reasons for saying no.
Say “No” with an Alternative. Giving an alternative can convince your child you care. For example, “No darling, you can’t have that lolly, you can have an apple instead”.
Don’t Give False Hopes. Saying “not now” implies you will in the future. Give a timeline or a reason why not. The implied promise could create trust issues in the future.
Let the Child Choose. Choosing from a few viable options you offer the child empowers them and makes them feel that their opinions matter.
Don’t Contradict Your Partner. Sometimes one parent will say “no” only to see the child approach the other parent for a “yes”. You must keep the communication open. It’s easy to ask whether a decision has already been made.

Saying “no” is difficult. Take time to communicate and plan rather than “cave in” and risk bigger problems in the future. [Acknowledgement: The Child Development Institute, 2016].

Well done to all the sport teams who participated so well for the College during the past week. Good luck to our Year 10 students as they prepare for the Year 10 Exam Block which begins next week.

Have a safe weekend.

Yours in Christ

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the week: We have to prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child. [Tim Elmore]

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From the College Pastor

Community News

HSC Parent Connect - Bingo in July - We need your help

The HSC Parent Connect is holding a Christmas in July Bingo Night on Saturday 22 July at 6.30pm.

We are organising a multi-draw raffle for our bingo night. If you would like to donate a prize for the raffle, can you please contact Lynelle Corkill on lynelle0507@hotmail.com or Nicole Klein on nsk493@hotmail.com

Concordia - Athlete Development - Program

Winter Blues Solo Concert

The Winter Blues Solo Concert showcased 24 of our talented performers from across all 3 campuses on Thursday June 1. There was a vast representation of instruments and the performers ranged from Year 2 to Year 12. The concert was a huge success with each performer living the College theme to “Embrace the possibilities”. This was the 2^nd Solo Concert for this year, please look out for the upcoming Ready to Bloom concert on August 31st.

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HSC Parent Connect - Thermomix Raffle

Sport News

Volleyball

Great night at Volleyball with both the intermediate and senior teams winning their games on Tuesday night convincingly. The girls played well as a team and really put together a polished game. Finals are coming up soon. Details will follow during the week.

AFL

We are very proud of our 4 Students from Concordia who represented the Darling Downs and played at the AFL Under 15 State Championships over the past weekend. Congratulations to Selina Richards, Andre Diem, Lisa Richards and Jorja Hollonds.

Rugby Union

Congratulations to Bayley Evans and Caitlin Wiggins for representing the U16 Darling Downs Female Rugby Team. The girls played in the Rugby Carnival held on Monday 29 May. It's a wonderful effort and we know they gained valuable experience for their future rugby aspirations.

Cricket – Street-smart Finals

Concordia Def Lockyer District SHS 90runs to 89 won on the last ball.

Centenary Heights SHS def Concordia 129 to 128.

St Mary's def Concordia 65 runs after 7 overs to 64.

Rugby League – Weekly competition

Opens boys defeat Centenary Heights 16 -12

Project Based Learning at Concordia

Junior College

JC Reading Challenge 2023

JC Parent/Teacher Interviews - Closes Friday 9 June

Parent/Teacher Interviews will be open for bookings today and will close on Friday 9 June at 8am!

We will be holding our Parent/Teacher Interviews during Week 9. There will be interviews conducted before and after school from Monday 12 June until Friday 16 June. All bookings will be made through Parent Lounge.

If you are unsure as to how to book your Parent/Teacher Interview, please click here to view the video tutorial.

Click here for instructions on how to access your Parent Lounge account.

JC Recognition of Achievement Assembly

At Concordia we recognise the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding effort and achievement of our students.

At the end of the Semester 1, we will celebrate our students at a special Recognition of Achievement Assembly which will be held at each campus.

At this ceremony, eligible students will be presented with a Recognition of Effort Award. We look forward to welcoming our parents to this special Assembly on Monday 12 June. Times for your campus Assemble will be available in next week's Week Ahead in the Weekly Events.

JC Year 3 Empire Theatre Excursion - Are We There Yet?

As part of our HASS and English units this term, we have organised an excursion for Friday 9 June, to Empire Theatre for our year 3 students to see Are We There Yet? Please click on the parent letter for more information.

Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission by Wednesday 7 June.

Login to Parent Lounge >
Click on Events & Payments >
Click on - JC Year 3 Empire Theatre Excursion - Are We There Yet?>
Accept >
Save

JC QLD Day Tug of War - Tuesday 6 June

JC Junior Choir - Raising the Roof Concert

The Junior Campus Junior Choir consisting of Year 3 and 4 students were invited to perform at the Raise the Roof Fundraising Concert for the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Sunday 28 May. Given their Highly Commended performance at the Eisteddfod this was a perfect opportunity to share these talents and their time on the weekend in a follow up performance to assist in raising money – giving to the Lutheran Community. The line up of performances included not only our very own professional singer Mrs Hayley Sugars, but also brass quintets, organ players, grand piano performances and champion bass and tenor players. What a line up! Thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Gordon who accompanied the choir on piano.

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JC Author Visit - Nette Hilton - Monday 5 June

Monday 5 June, we will be joined by acclaimed author Nette Hilton. Nette is a Grandparent at our Hume Street Kindy and we are very excited to have her join us.

Nette will join our Kindies to Year 2’s in the Resource Centre. She will visit HSC from 9.45am-10.45am and WSC from 1.30pm-2.30pm.

JC Year 5 Eureka Gold Rush Excursion

As part of our Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum, we have organised an excursion for Monday 12 June, to Eureka Gold Rush for our Year 5 students to develop their knowledge and understanding of life in a gold field township of 1854. Please click on the parent letter for more information. Parents are requested to go to Parent Lounge to submit your permission by Wednesday 7 June.

Login to Parent Lounge >
Click on Events & Payments >
Click on - JC Year 5 Eureka Gold Rush Excursion >
Accept >
Save

Important Note: Please check and ensure your child's medical conditions and Emergency Contact Information is up to date.

Outside School Hours Care

Hume Street Campus

HSC Weekly Events

Please click here to view HSC's Events for Term 2, Week 8.

HSC Tuckshop Orders

At HSC, Tuckshop is held on a Thursday. All orders are to be completed online at My Student Account by 3pm each Wednesday. Please notify Reception by 9am on Thursday if your child is absent and we will cancel their order. Tuckshop will finish in Week 8.

HSC Wine and Cheese Night - 9 June

Please click here or on the flyer to RSVP

HSC Disco Meal Deal - $6.00

We are holding a Pizza and Drink Meal Deal for the Disco. Please see details below. All orders will be submitted through My Student Account and close on Wednesday 7 June at 3pm. This will be delivered to the school at 5.30pm prior to the Disco starting.

Pizza and Drink - $6.00 with a Gluten Free option available
Pizza - please choose and note down from the list
- Cheese
- Vegetarian
- Ham and Pineapple
- BBQ Ham and Bacon

Drink - please choose and note down from the list
- Water
- Popper - Apple, Orange or Tropical
- Milk - Strawberry or Chocolate

HSC School Disco - 9 June

HSC Year 5 Colonial School - Cancelled

Due to us being able to access the Eureka Gold Rush Excursion as a Junior College, we will not do Colonial Day this year. Eureka Gold Rush will be their Colonial dress up day and mosey on back to 1854.

Warwick Street Campus

WSC Weekly Events

Please click here to view WSC's Events for Term 2, Week 8.

WSC Year 4 Cycle Safety

Each year, the Year 4 students attend a Cycle Safety Program with the PCYC at Groom Park. Please find below the details of the program.

Time and Date:
Tuesday 6 June - 9.30am to 2pm

Students are required to:
• wear their sports uniform and College hat;
• bring a packed lunch, water bottle and sunscreen;
• if you have a bike helmet you are welcome to bring it along. Bikes will be provided by PCYC.

WSC Tuckshop Orders

At WSC, Tuckshop is held on a Wednesday. All orders are to be completed online at My Student Account by 3pm each Tuesday. Please notify Reception by 9am on Wednesday if your child is absent and we will cancel their order. Tuckshop will finish in Week 8.

WSC MEGA

WSC Parent Connect Meal Deal - Wednesday 14 June

Stephen Street Campus

2023 Secondary Individual Chess Tournament - 9 and 10 June

Boarding

Boarding News

Hello to all our families!

Our week has been packed full of activities and new experiences for many. We had a wonderful Boarders experience weekend which ended on a very high note with many wanting to return next Term and in 2024. We have a wonderful marketing team who have introduced a great social media platform which I am sure you will all have seen. This enables all families to get a day-to-day, week by week update of what has happened. The photos have been great too.

Many students attended a disco at St Savours in Toowoomba and displayed some great moves. We all had a great time. We came away with best R&B Artist – Congratulations Rhys.

Year 8 students attended Camp. Mr Andrew went along to support and has sent back some great pics.

This Friday evening, we will be attending the Youth Group and will be playing indoor bowls. A first for many of us.

Thankyou to Mrs Regan for bringing her furry babies in for a visit. We all fell in love with them.

The Rec room was a buzz Wednesday night, I could hear the yah-hoos and excitement when Queensland crossed the line from my unit. They will all give me a bit of stick as I am an NSW lady.

Until next week take care and look after each other.

Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents