Congratulations to our Volleyball Teams on an excellent season. I am thrilled to let you know that our Intermediate Girls finished as the winners of their division while our Senior Boys finished 4th in their competition. Well done also to our Junior and senior Girls’ Teams on a competitive season which came with great growth for all these players. Thank you to our coaches, Ms. Bethany Feste Gierke, Mr. Jim Barnes, Pastor Thomas and Keenan Burns [Year 12] for the time and dedication which has gone into growing this sport within our College. Congratulations to our Junior College Chess Team who last weekend qualified for the Queensland State Chess Championships to be held later in the year. Thank you to Mr. Les Lord, our Chess maestro, for the time and work put into growing and fine-tuning the skills of our chess players across the College. As I begin to reflect on the 2023 school year, it is very affirming to see the growth which has taken place across our Sports Program.

As the Sport Season for most schools will begin to wind down in Term 4, I thought I would again write to what a good sports parent sounds like, looks like and most importantly, makes our children feel like, as we reflect on the 2023 sporting year.

Being a good sports parent is like being a good school parent. To make sure our kids get the most out of their participation, we need to participate too. Being involved, in a positive way, means you provide encouragement, support, and practical help.

Show Support. Your child can't play a sport without your active support—that means financial, logistical, and emotional. Having kids involved in youth sports can really tax your family's schedule along with your wallet, so this situation is a tough one. There's no need to hide the truth from them—that this is hard sometimes—especially if your kids are old enough to understand the trade-offs involved. But it's also important to reassure your child that you support their efforts and are proud of them, even if you don't enjoy waking up at 5 a.m. to drive them to practice.

Being supportive doesn't have to mean you watch every practice, especially those early morning ones! It also doesn't even mean attending every game or meet. Being there for everything is often impossible, especially if you have more than one child. Knowing that you care and support them is what truly matters to your child. Make time to watch your child compete whenever you can. And remember, being fully present also means keeping your phone in your pocket or purse.

Providing strong emotional support can even protect your child from burnout if it's done right. In fact, research shows that kids are more likely to have a positive experience when parents are involved in their sports activities. The goal is to make sure your child knows you love them no matter what—not pressure them to perform to please you. This concept sounds obvious but isn't always easy to do.

Be Informed and Be Real. When you are knowledgeable about the game your child loves, you can follow the action and provide more meaningful help. Read up on the sport and talk to veteran parents. They can help you with game basics, equipment questions, team and coaching options, and more. It's also important to know the rules of the team, league, gym, and so on. Then make sure your child follows them. There's almost nothing worse than parents who think the rules don't apply to their child. Good sports parents also are clear-eyed about what their child can do through sports. Not every youth sports athlete can go pro, win a college scholarship, or be the best on the team. Being positive doesn't have to mean being unrealistic. Expectations that go way overboard can put undue pressure on your kid.

Know that they'll still gain a great deal from their participation. Even if they don't take home a trophy every time or score the most points, they will learn valuable lessons—sometimes more important lessons than winning or being the best could ever teach them.

Provide Helpful Feedback. You'll boost your child's self-esteem and help them master new skills when you can give good advice. The most productive feedback is both detailed and positive. Try statements like:

• "You really hustled after the ball today."
• "That was a great pass to Will/Jenny."
• "I noticed how you really tried to keep your legs straight just like your coach suggested."

However, sometimes it's best not to offer these comments immediately after a game. Not every player enjoys reviewing their performance right away, especially if they were on the losing side. Yet, it's often helpful for your athlete to have a sounding board so they can discuss events when they're ready. This could mean talking later that evening or in the next few days. When things do go wrong, whether it's bad luck, a bad call, or just plain old bad play, your role is to not only help your child deal with the disappointment—but also learn from it. Empathy, along with helping your child find and make a positive change, builds resilience and that's a skill your child can use on and off the playing field, for many years to come.

Be a Role Model. Your young athletes need to keep their bodies in good shape to perform well and reduce the risk of injury. Through words and deeds, you can help them achieve these goals. Serve healthy foods to your family and remind your kids of the importance of good nutrition. Exercise regularly and talk about how it makes you feel stronger and more energetic. You might even work out together, help them practice drills, or have them teach you some of what they have learned about their chosen sports. Research indicates that parents' exercise patterns have a significant impact on their children. In fact, physically active parents tend to have physically active children. You also can be a role model to other parents. You know the crazy sports parents we hear so much about? As a good sports parent, you can help promote sportsmanship from the sidelines and in the stands. Be respectful of your child. Respect their teammates, coach, opponents, the officials, and the game itself, including its rules and traditions. You can even help lead the conversations that might help us fix youth sports and make it better for our kids.

Finally, being a good sports parent requires discipline. After all, sporting events evoke a lot of strong emotions, and learning to keep a level head amid those emotions is not an easy task. But if you keep your focus on being a good role model and doing what's best for your child and for the team, you will be successful. Plus, your child is more likely to have a positive and enriching experience playing sports if you focus on being a good sports parent. Just be sure to refrain from applying too much pressure or setting unrealistic expectations, and both you and your child will find the experience rewarding and a great opportunity to build memories. Enjoy the rest of the 2023 sports season. [Acknowledgement: Catherine Holecko]

It is very appropriate that we end Term 3 with our Year 12 students and their families being in the spotlight. Good luck to our Year 12 students and their families as they begin the countdown to the Boarder Recognition Dinner and Year 12 Valedictory Dinner at the end of next week.

Have a safe weekend.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

Quote of the Week: In an atmosphere of carelessness, we can teach our children to be full of care. In a circumstance of mindlessness, we can prepare our children to be full of mind. In an environment of heartlessness, we can counsel our children to be full of heart. In a world of lovelessness, we can empower our children to be full of love. [Briam Mobilian]

However, the rest of our community on this day will also have a Walk My Way event. With this we join groups around Australia walking to raise funds in support of children in refugee camps in Africa and Asia. $26 allows children there to attend school for a year (the figure is a little higher for the largest refugee camp in the world at present, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh). Schooling is the foundation to enable these children to create a better future for themselves than they otherwise might have. ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service), an organisation known for its efficiency in getting funds to where they are needed, started and runs this initiative.

At SSC on Friday 15/9/23 after lunch we will gather at the chapel and walk a pre-determined course - in homegroups. The Yr 12s will have opportunity to do this earlier in the week. The Primary campuses will do this also on Friday 15/9 after lunch as well. Parents are invited and welcome!

How many children will we be able to send to school?

Why do this? I guess our Lord’s words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) ring in our ears. But as a Christian community we also are aware of the many blessings we have been gifted with and of the responsibility that comes with these blessings. Maybe it is through us that God’s love can be made real for those children in difficult life situations.

God entrusts gifts to us to serve others with. This can take many ways and forms – and even as you serve in your various roles as parents, in your work, in your community, or whatever it is, you are serving God. And as you do, you are involved in building community. And just as we do so locally, we can also be involved - in whatever small way - to do so internationally. This Walk my Way I believe is one such international community building opportunity.

Please support your children in this endeavour and be part of it yourself if you can. You can donate to each house through this fundraising page (scroll down and click on your house): (donations are tax-deductible) http://bit.ly/ConcordiaWMW2023

May our Lord richly bless you as you bless others! And may you be able to enjoy a refreshing and safe spring holidays when they at the end of arrive next week!

Pastor Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

But before we bid farewell to our Year 12 students, we must not forget the Year 12 Boarder Recognition Dinner on September 13th. This special event acknowledges the dedication, hard work, and resilience of our boarding students throughout their time at Concordia. It is a time to honour their accomplishments and create lasting memories as they prepare to transition into the next phase of their lives. The boarding community is an integral part of Concordia, and their unique experiences deserve to be celebrated.

While we are excitedly planning for these upcoming events, we would also like to draw your attention to an exciting initiative called 'See You September.' Starting next week, Concordia will open its doors to interested families every morning, allowing them to experience firsthand the vibrant and enriching environment our school offers. Prospective families will have the opportunity to tour our campus, meet our dedicated staff, and gain insight into the exceptional education provided at Concordia. We believe that this initiative will not only showcase our wonderful facilities but also demonstrate the incredible sense of community that sets Concordia apart. To register please click on this link https://www.concordia.qld.edu.au/see-you-in-september

Looking ahead, I am thrilled to let you know that there are some very exciting opportunities that will showcase the talents of our students within the Toowoomba community. We have been given the privilege to participate in various local events, allowing our students to shine. Keep a lookout for more details. We are immensely proud of our students and cannot wait to witness their exceptional abilities on display.

Don’t forget to mark in your diaries October 7^th. It is the date of the social event of the year, Oktoberfest! Book your tickets here. Concordia Lutheran College Oktoberfest Tickets, Concordia Lutheran College Oktoberfest, Harristown | TryBooking Australia

This term has again seen some very impressive sporting results, with our student athletes consistently achieving outstanding success. Congratulations to the coaches and students for displaying team spirit and proving that hard work pays off.

Our agricultural students have also been making a name for themselves through their involvement in various excursions and events, they have not only gained invaluable practical skills but have also established a stronger presence and profile for Concordia in the agricultural community.

Thank you for being a part of the Concordia family and for your continued support. Enjoy the school holidays!

Warm regards,

Ms Belinda Sanders

Director of Marketing & Enrolments

In today’s digital world, 90 percent of a child’s socialisation occurs online. As the range of social media platforms grows, so too does the opportunity for bullying and risk-taking behaviour. Often adults have no idea their child is a victim and kids are unlikely to report it for fear of losing access to their technology, which to them, can be the equivalent of "social death.”

Social media has become such an integral part of a teenager’s life. However, many miss out on some critical social skills with most communicating whilst looking at a screen instead of another person. Statistics show that 60 per cent of 10-11 year olds are using at least one social media site, with the majority using age-restricted platforms. What kids do, post and say online is permanent and most are not mature enough to manage their own digital footprint. Friendships, relationships and even future job prospects can potentially be put at risk.

It is important for families to be aware of what picture their children are painting of themselves online. There are some social media sites that are more dangerous than others when interacting with others online. Over the years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of primary schoolers owning mobile phones, highlighting the importance to teach kids about the dangers of social media and the implications it can have.

The Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner website provides a suite of resources and advice for parents to help their children make positive choices when interacting with social media and other technologies. To help keep your children safe when engaging online, the following guidelines are recommended:

1. Talk about online safety as a family – let them know that they can always come to you if ever they feel unsafe

2. Set up family rules together – together as a family formulate some common rules to keep your children safe such as where devices can be used, what games/apps they use and how much time to spend online

3. Know where to get help = talk about those people your children trust that they can come to if there was ever an issue. You may also like to provide for them some online help options such as the eSafety website

Further resources and information can be found through the eSafety Commissioner’s Parent Hub

In addition to this, SchoolTV offers a range of fact sheets and videos to help parents have conversations with their children about the inherent dangers of social media and how to educate them to be responsible users in the online world we live in.

For further information, click on the SchoolTV link below. If your child is currently experiencing cyberbullying or challenges with use of technology, please feel free to contact one of the members of our Pastoral Care Team.

SchoolTV – Digital Reputation

Take care!

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Term 3 has also reinforced the sense of community that is at the heart of our school. The support, kindness and encouragement that students and families have extended to one another are a testament to the strong bonds we share. In times of challenge, we have truly come together as a united and compassionate family.

None of our accomplishments would be possible without the dedication and hard work of our teachers and support staff. They have once again gone above and beyond to provide a nurturing and enriching learning environment, adapting to challenges with unwavering commitment.

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each member of our school community. Your dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm have made Term 3 a memorable and successful part of our academic journey. We look forward to the exciting challenges and opportunities that Term 4 will bring and the continued growth and achievements of our students.

We wish you all a well-deserved break filled with relaxation and quality time with loved ones. May you return refreshed and ready to embrace the new challenges and triumph of the upcoming term.

Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 3, Week 10.
Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 3, Week 10.

Mrs Juanetta Priest
Director of Campuses | Hume Street & Warwick Street

It is with sadness that we announce that our HSC Prep Learning Assistant, Mrs Sarah Kelly will be finishing her work with us at the end of this term. Sarah has made the decision to return to a previous career path in the legal sector. We have loved having Sarah with us. She works beautifully with our little people and our vegie and prep gardens have never looked better. We do wish her well in her future endeavours. Mrs Jenn Hinz will return to being our Learning Assistant in Prep for Term 4. We are very grateful to Jenn as this will keep some consistency for our HSC preppies.

With mixed feeling we are also announcing the retirement of two of our long-standing staff members Mrs Jodi Lundie-Jenkins and Mr David Heuschele.

Mrs Jodi Lundie-Jenkins has worked with Concordia Lutheran College for 22 years. She first began teaching with us at what was then our Martin Luther Primary School. During Jodi’s time with us, she has worked across both Junior Campuses, taught in multiple year levels and has been a parent of her own 3 children going through the College P-12 as well. Jodi is looking forward to retirement. She says, “I love teaching and watching students learn and being part of the school community, and I will miss everyone, but know it’s all in very capable hands. It’s time for new adventures (and maybe a visit back for a supply day here and there!).” We will have time towards the end of Term 4 to celebrate our time with Jodi and farewell her fabulous work with us, (and yes!! I’m sure we will see her back for plenty of supply days!)

Mr David Heuschele, has been a Learning Assistant with Concordia for 21 years. David has predominantly worked at Concordia Primary School and then Warwick Street Campus but over the past 3 years has been part of the Art Program accompanying John Trappett to do art on both campuses. David too has been a parent of the College with his own two children going P-12 through and is about to enjoy watching his grandson’s journey begin. We will have time towards the end of Term 4 to celebrate all that David has contributed to our college and farewell him with our community.

Friday Sport - Term 3

This Friday will see the culmination of our primary sports fixtures for Term 3. Concordia has proudly entered teams in this competition for years and it is one of the highlights for many of our Junior College students when they reach Years 5 and 6.

We enter teams in a variety of sports each term. This term we participated in Boys' and Girls' Soccer, Girl's Netball, and Boys Rugby Union. Our Concordia teams performed exceptionally well week in and week out showing fantastic sportsmanship and coming away with some great results. It was so pleasing to listen to the students recap their games in PE lessons.

Many thanks to all who assisted in some way, so our students can play a game of their chosen sport. Sport is behind memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. It also is about having fun with their mates and learning many valuable life lessons.

A special mention to the bus drivers and our tireless coaches: Paul Baker, John Trappett, Cathryn Owen, Monique Hannemann, Darryl Fry, Carmalena Simpson and Kellie Maddock who assisted each week. A massive thank you for all your efforts during the term.

A significant highlight this term was Grandparents Day last Thursday, with over 100 Grandmas, Grandads, Nans, Pops etc. in attendance. It is so very heartwarming to see the older and younger generations spend time together, and the pride on the faces of both groups was something to behold. This is something very special and unique at Concordia, which I know will be a tradition always cherished in our calendar.

As we look to next Friday evening’s Arrivals and Valedictory event, we commend our Year 12 students for their resilience, leadership and commitment to their learning and college life. We can’t wait to see them in their finest attire, and joining with them and their families as they celebrate all they have achieved. The end is in sight, yet they still have some hard yards to go. We are with them all the way.

Our Year 11s have had their own taste of what it means to be in the senior cohort after successfully completing their Unit 2 exams this week. These milestones are steppingstones towards academic excellence, and we're proud of their dedication.

Our students have once again showcased their dedication and sportsmanship on the sporting field. Term 3 witnessed remarkable performances in various sporting events. The Touch Football, Volleyball, and QCIS Track & Field teams have shone brightly, demonstrating their skills, teamwork, and relentless effort. We applaud all our student-athletes for their commitment and congratulate them on their impressive achievements.

Looking Ahead to Term 4

Term 4 promises even more excitement as we welcome new students during our Orientation Day on 16 October. It's an opportunity for them to spend a day in our Concordia community and begin their journey with us.

Additionally, our Year 9 students will embark on their much-anticipated adventure to Googa for four weeks, where they will test their resilience and independence. We believe these experiences will shape them into well-rounded individuals.

Our big awards events will also take place in Term 4, with our Year 12 Recognition and Graduation Ceremony to be held on Thursday 5 October and the Year 6-11 Presentation Night to be held on Monday 20 November. Both events will showcase the very best of what has been achieved in another tremendous year for the college.

As we head into the spring break, we wish all our families a rejuvenating and enjoyable time together. Use this break to recharge, spend quality time with loved ones, and explore new horizons.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Upcoming competitions & Opportunities

Southwest Rugby 7s

Any students interested in competing in the Southwest Rugby 7s competition next term, please check your emails or go to student notices and complete the attached form.

Please see further details below

• Start Date: 9 October
• Venue: Highfields Sport & Rec Park
• Days: Monday (U13s/15s) & Thursday (U17s)
• Time: 4pm – 8:30pm
• Categories: Teen Girls & Boys
• Age Grades: U13 (Born 2010/2011) U15 (Born 2008/2009) U17 (Born 2007/2006)

Concordia Athlete Development Program

If you are interested in participating in the Concordia Athlete Development Program in Term 4, please register your interest by completing the link HERE.

Junior Girls DD Schools Cup Volleyball

• Any year 7 and 8 girls interested in playing Volleyball at the DD Schools Cup on Tuesday 10th October, please see Pastor Thomas.

Darling Downs Trials

Any students interested in attending the Darling Downs trials for:

• Futsal 13-14 years
• Cricket 13-15 years
• Triathlon

Please complete the permission forms on student notices and return to Mr. Biscoe ASAP.

Boys 5-A-Side Netball Competition

Any boys in years 8-12 interested in playing a 5-a-side netball competition on Tuesday afternoons in term 4, please complete the form on student notices.

Touch Football Jerseys

If you played Touch Football this term and borrowed a jersey from Mr. Biscoe, can you, please return this ASAP.

Touch Football and Volleyball Awards

To recognise some outstanding efforts from individual students across the season, each Touch Football and Volleyball coach has awarded a Coaches award and a Most improved player award. The award recipients are:

Touch Football

U18s Girls Most Improved – Indira Bowes

U18s Girls Coaches Award – Danielle Watson

U18s Boys Most Improved – Cooper Regan

U18s Boys Coaches Award – Rory Miller

U15s Girls Most Improved – Estella Nitschke

U15s Girls Coaches Award – Mia Windolf

U15s Boys Most Improved – Andre Diem

U15s Boys Coaches Award – Ethan Gorham

U13s Girls Most Improved – Milla Cronje

U13s Girls Coaches Award – Sofie Osborne

U13s Boys Most Improved – James Morcom

U13s Boys Coaches Award – Chase Robertson

Volleyball

Senior Girls Most Improved – Emma Barnes

Senior Girls Coaches Award – Savannah Royal

Senior Boys Most Improved – Jack McCormack

Senior Boys Coaches Award – Yuan Cabahug

Intermediate Girls Most Improved – Chloe Wilson

Intermediate Girls Coaches Award – Bayley Evans

Junior Girls Most Improved – Ananya Gala

Junior Girls Coaches Award – Lilah Trenaman

We would like to thank Galactic Donuts for their kind sponsorship of a voucher to each of these Award Recipients.

Sport Quote & Joke of the Week

Joke: At what sport do waiters do well? Tennis, because they can serve.

We look forward to catching up with our Year 12 Parents at the Recognition Dinner on Wednesday. Teachers and Tutors will also be present so feel free to have a chat. It will be a great night.

Last Saturday Andrew and I, along with our Tutors took our boarders to Australia Zoo.

We were all up early, with breakfast and all buckled into our seats by 7.30am. The trip was a good 3 hours, with a pitt stop for the students to get eats and a drink, plus coffee for the staff.

It was fantastic to be able to showcase the Australia Zoo to our 2 Japanese students Ayaka and Keiichiro who thoroughly enjoyed the experience before leaving Concordia to head back home in Week 10. Lifelong friendships have been established and I feel these friendships will grow over the years to come. Thank you to both Ayaka and Keiichiro's parents for entrusting them into our care. It has been an absolute delight to have cared for them both.

Volleyball wraps up tonight with the Intermediate Girls coming away with 1st place. Well done to Kara. All our Volleyballers have enjoyed the season. Thank you to Paster Thomas for all his support.

Till next week Take care and look after each other.

Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents