The Week Ahead - Term 3, Week 2
Monday 21 July, 2025 - Friday 25 July, 2025
From the Head of College
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome to Term 3. I hope the past 3 weeks provided your family with the chance to slow down, rest and “fill your buckets” together. My wife and I were fortunate to reset our pace by spending a few days camping on the Sunshine Coast which was a refreshing change of scenery and rhythm.
This term marks a significant chapter for our Year 12 students as they embark on the final full term of their school journey. The coming 10 weeks will be a time filled with reflection, academic focus and anticipation for the opportunities beyond graduation. It’s also a season of celebration and meaningful rites of passage. Please join me in encouraging, supporting and praying for these young adults as they begin to prepare to leave their mark on the world.
We launched the term with a whole of College Chapel service on Wednesday, where I spoke to the students about the importance of “building bridges” in their relationships rather than constructing walls. It was a joy to be reminded of the full spectrum of our student journey – especially seeing the Prep cohort in attendance, who will graduate as the Class of 2037!
For our Kindy to Year 11 students, Term 3 promises its own rich rhythm of learning and busyness. Please take the time to look at the college calendar with your student and lock in those events which will keep you at the forefront of our working partnership. I look forward to welcoming you at many of these events in the next 10 weeks.
A special welcome to the new families joining us this term. I look forward to meeting you soon and hearing how you have settled into the Concordia community. Please know that we propagate a strong open-door policy at Concordia, which will allow you to advocate on behalf of your student as we work together to ensure the best learning outcomes and school environment for every student in our care. We are deeply committed to every student being fully known and fully loved.
On a personal note, our family has grown with the arrival of a third grandchild six weeks ago. Our daughter, now a mother of three boys, humorously commented that she has entered a season of organised chaos! Amidst the busyness, she reflected on the importance of carving out intentional moments with each child as their family dynamic evolves. That conversation reminded me of a message worth sharing with the broader community from raisingchildrenaustralia.net.au
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding moments to truly connect with our children can make a world of difference. One powerful way to do this is by simply "being in the moment" with them.
What Does "Being in the Moment" Mean?
It's about tuning in to what your child is doing, thinking, and feeling right now. It’s putting aside distractions for a little while and focusing on their world. When we do this, we send a clear message: "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:
- Just Let Them Be: Try to accept your child's activities without constantly directing or correcting. If they're using building blocks as imaginary people instead of building a tower 'properly', that's perfectly okay! Letting them lead shows you respect their imagination and choices.
- 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.
- 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 feelings 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.
- Understand Behaviour's Message: Sometimes, especially with older children or teenagers, their actions speak louder than words. If your teen is just quietly hanging around the kitchen while you make dinner, they might not want a big chat but simply feel comforted by being close to you. A quiet hug, a shared smile or inviting them to help chop veggies, without pressure to talk, can be a powerful way to connect and show you understand their need for closeness.
Building these moments doesn't require hours because even a few focused minutes regularly can strengthen your bond. By tuning in, showing acceptance and listening deeply, we build relationships where our children feel seen and valued. Enjoy Term 3 with your child[ren].
Wishing every family a safe and successful Term 3.
Yours in Christ
Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College
Quote of the Week:
"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths." [Etty Hillesum]
From the College Pastor
From the College Pastor
Welcome to Term 3!
I hope you were able to slow down a bit, and I know that at least some of you managed to get away on holidays. I appreciated the opportunity to visit my parents in Germany for a week, as my mum is not very well. In times like these, one does feel the tyranny of distance that affects all of us on this beautiful continent. After Covid, one appreciates the ability to hop on a plane and get halfway around the world on short notice.
We are entering a very full and busy term with lots of special events, camps, sports, academics happening. They are all incredible opportunities for our students to grow, to learn and to develop new skills. It might be a bit hard at the moment to get up early on cold mornings, the beautiful days and the hum of the community here at Concordia are encouraging us to move into the term with energy and optimism.
We began this term and semester with a combined whole college chapel service at Stephen Street in the gym, the only space where we can all fit. It’s a good reminder of our theme this year – Three histories – One future. As you watch the buildings grow next to the pool this one future is becoming ever more real, and events like a whole college service help us to get a feel for being together as one community. We deliberately come together for worship, which points us to the foundation upon our future (and past), our ever loving and gracious God. Our God who draws near to us in Jesus Christ and who seeks to lead us into a positive future. He is ultimately the one who builds us into one community and leads us in unity of purpose and spirit.
He reaches out to us with so many blessings day after day and we are encouraged to respond to his love in gratitude and praise.
May you see the hand of this loving God in your lives and be led into praise, like the writer of Psalm 103:
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Have a wonderful Term!
God bless!
Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor
PS: Thank you from ALWS (and me) for all for your support of our WALK MY Way event, which will enable about 110 refugee children to attend school this year ($2745 raised).
After Altus led the field early on, in the end Kessler came in first with $975 raised, followed by Stedman with $800 and finally Altus with $450. Another $520 were raised through our Sausage Sizzle on the last day. Thank you!
Community News
From the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
A Memorable Start to Term 3 at Concordia
There’s a real sense of energy and purpose across all three campuses as Term 3 gets underway at Concordia Lutheran College. The start of a new term always brings a fresh rhythm to College life, but this term promises to be especially memorable, with exciting events and milestones ahead.
Earlier this week, we came together for our all of college assembly, which was a wonderful reminder of what makes Concordia so special. It’s always powerful to see students gathering as one, connected through our shared values and our theme, With One Heart. This assembly set the tone for a term of growth, gratitude and community spirit.
This week, I was fortunate to join a site visit to the Junior Learning Centre at the Stephen Street Campus. It’s incredible to see the progress up close. The walls are up, the design is taking shape, and the vision of a unified campus is becoming a reality. The new learning spaces are modern, open and filled with natural light, promising wonderful opportunities for current and future Concordia students. It’s a thrilling time to be part of the College.
Behind the scenes, we are also working hard to continue strengthening Concordia’s online presence. Expect to see more vibrant stories and engaging updates through our website and social media channels, helping to share the heart of our College with the wider community. If you haven’t already, please follow Concordia Lutheran College on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For our Senior College families, we’d love to catch up in person! Join us for coffee at The Edge Café on Tuesday, 22 July from 7.45 am to 8.30 am. It is our shout. It’s a simple way to connect and start the day together. There is no need to RSVP, just turn up.
There’s plenty on the horizon this term, including Year 12 Valedictory preparations, Grandparents Day celebrations and school camps across multiple year levels. We also continue to welcome interest from prospective families. College tours are always available, but we’re looking forward to hosting our See You in September Tours once again this year. If you know families who would love to be part of our wonderful Concordia community, we’d be delighted to welcome them.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to Concordia.
Warm regards,
Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Census Privacy Collection Notice
Commonwealth Census will be held on Friday, 1 August. We will be collating data regarding our staff and students and submitting for LEQ to declare through SchoolsHUB for the Australian Government Department of Education.
It is a requirement to advise parents, guardians, and staff about the department’s use of Census data. Please click THIS LINK for more information.
Exciting Expansion of Our Agricultural Program
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with our College community, our Agricultural program is growing!
Thanks to the generous support of Elmach, we have secured a lease for the adjoining paddocks located behind the former Elders saleyards. This exciting opportunity marks a significant step forward in expanding the hands-on learning experiences available to our students.
These new paddocks will become home to our Stud and Show Team cattle, as well as our commercial beef cattle, providing our Agriculture students with increased space and resources to care for and work with livestock as part of their studies.
This development not only strengthens our existing program but also opens up new opportunities for students to develop skills in animal husbandry, pasture management, and show preparation, all of which are vital components of modern agricultural education.
We are incredibly grateful to Elmach for their partnership and for helping us continue to grow a program that inspires the next generation of agricultural leaders.
As part of the ongoing expansion of our College Agricultural program, we will be holding an information session for parents of students in Years 4–12 (2026) who are interested in joining the College Show Team on Wednesday 30th July at 3.30pm in the Lecture Theatre at SSC. Stay tuned for further updates as we begin work on fencing, yards, and infrastructure over the coming weeks.
Oktoberfest 2025 - Date Claimer
Oktoberfest will be here before you know it!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 25 October. This year's event promises to be fantastic with food stalls, music, entertainment, and more already lined up. Please refer to the flyer below for more information.
Project Based Learning at Concordia
Junior College
From the Junior College Directors of Campus
Welcome to Term 3! We have started the term with a sense of energy and anticipation, beginning with a special whole college chapel where we reflected on our theme for the year: Three Histories, One Future.
This theme reminds us of the rich heritage we all belong to – the histories of our three campuses that continue to shape who we are as a community. We are proud of these foundations and the values they represent.
As Directors of Campuses, we had the exciting opportunity this week to walk through the site of our future. Standing in the space that will soon become a central part of our students' learning journey was truly inspiring. While we wait with anticipation for what lies ahead, we remain grounded in the present, knowing there is so much to look forward to this term.
Term 3 is filled with rich learning experiences and exciting opportunities for our students. Camps, excursions, the choral showcase, HSC Grandparents Day, and the Twilight Showcase are just some of the highlights planned.
We look forward to a term of growth, connection, and celebration as we continue our journey together - shaped by our histories and stepping boldly into the future. Please be sure to keep up to date with your email with further information and dates for all of these events. We look forward to seeing you at some of these events soon.
Blessings for the week ahead.
Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 3 2025, Week 2.
Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 3 2025, Week 2.
Mrs Juanetta Priest - Director of Campus (Hume Street)
Mrs Jackie Minnikin - Director of Campus (Warwick Street)
JC Uniform Guidelines
What are the strengths of having a school uniform...
- Enhances school identity and school spirit – creates a sense of pride and a sense of belonging.
- Promotes equality and reduces peer pressure.
- Simplifies the morning routine.
For uniforms to be successful, we do need to encourage everyone to follow the Uniform Guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Q. Can my child wear a watch?
A. Yes, if it is black, silver or gold.
Q. Can the watch be a smart watch?
A. Yes but as it is a smart device similar to a phone, it will need to be handed into Reception in the morning and collected in the afternoon.
Q. Can my child have a mullet, tracks, shaved areas on head?
A. No. See Uniform Guideline for details
Q. What can our children wear if they are cold?
A. Formal Uniform - woollen jumper, spray jacket, long pants, stockings (see Uniform Guide for colour and denier) Sport Uniform – hoodie, sport fleecy and the jacket, track suit pants.
JC Track & Field Carnival Wrap Up
All students must be commended for their enthusiasm and resilience alongside some great sportsmanship at our Track & Field Carnival. This was evidenced by a number of records being broken in various events, and students recording their own PBs throughout the duration of the carnival. We were blessed with some lovely weather which certainly assisted in the running of the carnival and all events.
Thank you, once again, to all for the support on this day to make it a great experience for all concerned. A special mention to our staff from each campus and the SSC Year 10 students and staff who worked tirelessly on the day, along with grounds staff in their preparation of ovals, etc. Thank you also to the parents and friends of the College who turned up in mass to show support for their children on the day. I am sure that it is appreciated.
From this carnival, many of our athletes will be named to represent Concordia Lutheran College in both the Central Zone and QCIS (Queensland Combined Independent Schools) teams to compete in respective carnivals. Students have commenced training for these competitions, which will be held in Term 3, with our sports coaches in their chosen events. We wish them every success in their efforts at these carnivals.
FINAL PLACINGS:
- 1st Altus
- 2nd Kessler
- 3rd Stedman
Ball Games placings 2025
- 1st Stedman
- 2nd Kessler
- 3rd Altus
Cheers
Mr Darry Fry
JC Sports Coordinator
Year 5/6 Choir News – Semester Update
We’re excited to announce a new direction for choir this semester with the launch of our Junior Campus Performance Choir!
This new opt-in, co-curricular ensemble had its first rehearsal this week and is already working hard in preparation for two exciting upcoming events:
🎤 Choral Showcase – Monday 18th August
🏆 Awards Evening – Monday 24th November
…and more to come!
This choir is designed for students who are passionate about singing and want to further develop their vocal skills in a smaller, non-compulsory group setting. This choir opportunity is replacing the compulsory year 5/6 choir which used to be a timetabled lesson.
Did your child miss joining in Week 1?
No problem! If they’re keen to be involved, please contact Ms. Hayley Sugars to discuss joining from Week 2, or simply complete the sign-up form via the link below:
Rehearsal Times:
🎵 WSC – Tuesday, 2nd Break
🎵 HSC – Wednesday, 1st Break
We look forward to a wonderful semester of music-making together!
JC Year 5 Toastmasters Program
We are excited to share that our Year 5 students will be participating in the Toastmasters Youth Program, a world-renowned platform designed to help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and become effective communicators. Introducing Year 5 students to Toastmasters can build foundational leadership skills that they can use throughout their academic and social lives.
The college will cover the cost of this program for our students. The skills learnt will then enhance their leadership applications and speeches later in Term 4.
We look forward to being able to share this program with the whole group. For more information about the program, click here.
JC Year 6 Cairns Trip - Parent Information Session - Tuesday 29 July
The Junior College Year 6 teachers will be holding an information session to answer any questions you may have about the Year 6 Cairns Trip. All parents and Year 6 students are most welcome and are encouraged to attend.
This Parent Information session will be held Tuesday 29 July at 5.30pm-6.30pm in E1 Lecture Theatre, Stephen Street Campus.
JC Year 5 Salem Aged Care Excursion - Friday 1 August
On Friday 1 August 2025, the JC Year 5 students will be attending an excursion to the Northridge Salem Aged Care. This term, as part of our Christian Studies Project-Based Learning unit, our Year 5 students will have a special opportunity to engage in a meaningful and hands-on experience focused on empathy, service, and understanding. The unit invites students to explore the needs of elderly members in our community and consider ways they can offer support, connection, and care.
If you haven't already done so, please go to Parent Lounge as soon as possible and provide permission for your student to attend this excursion.
For more information, click here to access the Parent Information Letter.
JC Year 3 Camp Cooby - Parent Information Session - Tuesday 5 August
The Junior College Year 3 teachers will be holding an information session to answer any questions you may have about the Year 3 Camp Cooby. All parents and Year 3 students are most welcome and are encouraged to attend.
This Parent Information session will be held Tuesday 5 August at 5.30pm-6.30pm, E1 Lecture Theatre, Stephen Street Campus.
JC Year 3 Windy Acres Farm Excursion – 28 July
On Monday 28 July 2025, the JC Year 3 students will be attending an excursion to the Windy Acres Farm at Westbrook. This excursion is designed as part of our Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit on Biological Science (specifically focusing on life cycles and caring for living things) and Food and Fibre for Technology. During the visit, students will have the opportunity to explore firsthand how different foods and fibres are produced to make various products. This hands-on experience will enrich their understanding of the concepts covered in class and provide a real-world context to their learning.
If you haven't already done so, please go to Parent Lounge as soon as possible and provide permission for your student to attend this excursion. For more information, click here to access the Parent Information Letter.
Pop Up Learning is Here!
We’re excited to launch Pop Up Learning – a fantastic opportunity for students to share their classroom learning with you! Each week, a different class will take the spotlight, giving students the chance to become the teachers and showcase what they’ve been working on in class.
You’ll find our Pop Up Learning spaces in two locations:
- Outside the Resource Centre at WSC (Tuesdays at 8:00am)
- In the Junior Playground at HSC (Fridays at 8:00am)
Parents and carers are warmly invited to come along, grab a coffee from The Encouraging Cup, and enjoy a morning of learning and discovery. It's a great way to connect with your child’s education and see their progress in action.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Outside School Hours Care
Hume Street Campus
HSC Weekly Events
Please click here to view HSC's Events for Term 3 2025, Week 3.
HSC Parent Connect Wine & Cheese Night - Friday 1 August
HSC Disco - Glow & Glitter! - Friday 1 August
HSC Disco - Meal Deal
Please see the flyer below for Meal Deal information for our HSC Disco on Friday, 1 August.
HSC Auskick Program
Warwick Street Campus
WSC Weekly Events
Please click here to view WSC's Events for Term 3 2025, Week 2.
WSC Kindy - Weekly Events
WSC Auskick Program
Stephen Street Campus
From the Director of Stephen Street Campus
Welcome back to Term 3, as always, a very busy time for year, yet also very exciting as we move towards some key events.
As mentioned last term, we have three camps are scheduled for this term, starting with our Year 10s in Week 4. These camps provide invaluable experiences for our students, fostering teamwork, resilience and lifelong memories. Stay tuned for more details from our Year Level Coordinators.
For our older students, this term is especially significant. Our Year 12s are starting their final full term with us, a milestone that is both a moment of reflection and of anticipation. The Year 12 Mock Exams and Year 11 exams later in this term will be critical milestones. It is important our seniors stay focused and ask for help as they navigate this busy period ahead.
Our students are training for the QCIS Track and Field competition in the coming weeks, where we will be defending last year's championship title. We wish them all the best as they make their final preparations.
Term 3 also marks the start of our Year 6 transition program, with our first Connect Session next Thursday. The evening has our 2026 Year 7 group gather for some interactive fun, while parents and carers meet with me for an information session about the high school journey. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect and ease the move into secondary schooling.
Finally, we are also in the midst of subject selection time for Years 8–10. Information regarding 2026 elective programs is being conveyed to students and families. We wish to have informed decision-making so that choices align with students' interests and future plans.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours in faith,
Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus
Sport News
Term 3, Week 2 - Fixtures
Swans Touch - Round 1
Monday 21 July
Kearney Springs Touch Fields
Time | Game Details | Field |
---|---|---|
5.00pm | CLC U13 Girls vs Centenary SHS | 9 |
5.00pm | CLC U15 Girls vs Glennie | 2 |
5.45pm | CLC U18 Girls v Glennie | 2 |
5.00pm | CLC U13 Boys vs St Mary's W | 3 |
5.00pm | CLC U15 Boys vs St Mary's W | 1 |
5.45pm | CLC U18 Boys vs St Joey's | 3 |
Volleyball - Round 1
Tuesday 22 July
Girls: Harristown SHS
Boys: Toowoomba Grammar
Time | Game Details | Court |
---|---|---|
4.30pm | CLC Jnr Girls vs Glennie Navy | 7 |
5.35pm | CLC Int Girls Red vs Highlands | 1 |
4.30pm | CLC Int Girls Yellow vs SSC | 3 |
7.45pm | CLC Snr Girls Red vs Fairholme 1 | 2 |
7.45pm | CLC Snr Girls Yellow vs Glennie 1 | 5 |
7.00pm | CLC Snr Boys vs Highlands | 3 |
DDSSC Rugby Union - Round 1
Wednesday 23 July
Highfields Sport & Recreation
Time | Game Details | Field |
---|---|---|
4.30pm | TAS/CLC U13 vs St Mary's | 1 |
5.30pm | TAS/CLC U15 vs St Mary's | 1 |
6.30pm | TAS/CLC OPENS vs St Mary's | 1 |