It is important to recognise the incredible efforts of the staff at Concordia as we wrap up another year. The dedication, energy and passion of every staff member does not go unnoticed, and we are thankful for all that they do. Your Christmas break is truly well deserved. For those staff members who are leaving us, we wish you well on your journey ahead and hope that Concordia will always hold a special place in your heart.

Blessings for the week ahead.

Mrs Jackie Minnikin
Acting Head of College

As we come to the end of the year the Christmas holidays afford us the opportunity to take some time to reflect on these things and recognise our path - where we went wrong, where things went well, what we can learn and apply to our lives. I want to encourage you to also look for signs of God’s presence among all these things. It’s easy to overlook that aspect of our lives in the hustle and bustle of daily routines and demands. And yet this is exactly the promise of Christmas: God has come to dwell with his people (John 1:14), to assure us of his loving presence and offer to guide us on our way. And as we recognise this it can become an opportunity for gratefulness and for thanksgiving – even in the midst of challenging times, we are not abandoned.

The importance of this became very clear to me again recently when I was invited into an end-of-life journey. There are many things in our lives we have very little control over, that are out of our hands. But what we remember are the acts of love, the connections of care, the simple things that built us up. What helps on these journeys and what gives a foundation for hope and strength to carry on is what we celebrate at Christmas: God is for us. Christ has redeemed us and opened an everlasting future for us. Jesus shares our sadness and struggles as well as our joys and successes. We are not abandoned, ever.

So, as you come to the end of the school year and the year: where can you see God at work in your lives? Where have you been able to draw strength and comfort?

This Christmas celebrate again that special birth of some 2023 or so years ago that changed the course of history. Give thanks to God for his unfathomable love which led him to give the greatest gift of all (and the reason for our gift-giving): Jesus, the Christ.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Have a joy-filled Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Pastor Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

All our students should be proud of their efforts and take the time to reflect upon the progress that they have made. Progress is not just measured through the acknowledgement of receiving an award, but through a daily commitment to grow as an individual. Throughout this year I have witnessed the growth that our students have shown through their involvement in class activities, participation in college events, resilience during camps and excursions; and through meaningful interactions with others.

As I reflect upon the year that has passed, I can’t help but feel a deep sense gratitude to be part of such a wonderful College community. One of the strengths of Concordia Lutheran College is fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated group of educators and professionals that work tireless to produce quality outcomes for our students. Thank-you to all our staff that have played a pivotal role in guiding, inspiring and nurturing our students.

I am grateful for all our parents and caregivers who have been invaluable partners in our student’s education. Your unwavering support has contributed immensely to the success of our College community. Whether that be through attending college events, assisting with homework, organising travel arrangements, or consulting with staff on academic progress, your involvement makes a difference in student’s lives. Thank-you for entrusting us with your child’s education and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the future.

As we wrap up the end of the 2023 school year, I would encourage our families and students to consider what you have been grateful for this year. Take some time to reflect upon the moments or the opportunities that provided you with happiness. What was it about these things that made it meaningful for you and focus on the positive emotions you experienced? By practicing gratitude regularly, it enables us to relish good experiences, improves overall health, assists us to deal with adversity and builds strong relationships.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of gratitude and happiness, please take some time to look through the resources provided through SchoolTV

SchoolTV -Happiness and Gratitude

In closing, I wish you all the best over the school holiday break and that you take some to rejuvenate. Enjoy your break and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another year of learning in 2024.

Take care!

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Our international study tours have been a cornerstone of our commitment to exposing our students to global cultures. The feedback from our international students has been glowing, a special thank you to our boarders who are wonderful hosts.

Our whole community shone brightly at our Oktoberfest celebration. I hope you make a point of coming next year or returning to celebrate with us.

This illustrious event was more than just a homage to our German origins; it reminded us of the joy and camaraderie that binds us, drawing past students, parents, friends, and the general community to our beautiful Senior Campus.

Concordia pride continued to burn at the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce business awards. Our performance there showcased the exceptional talent in our school community and has significantly raised the profile of this wonderful College within Toowoomba.

With Spring, came our See You in September Open Mornings. These events extended a warm invitation to prospective families, enabling them to catch an authentic glimpse of the vibrant life at Concordia. The energy on campus was palpable as we opened our doors and showcased the very best of our college.

Organising my first Open Day early in the year was a unique experience as the Director of Marketing and Enrolments and the parent of two Concordia students. Witnessing the community come together to welcome new families into the fold reinforced my belief in the exceptional environment we cultivate.

Looking into 2024, we eagerly anticipate extending our family to include many more international and rural students into the boarding house next year. This new chapter will enrich our community with diverse perspectives and foster a culture of inclusivity and international friendship.

This year also brought significant media attention to our school, amplifying the stories of our student's accomplishments and our innovative educational programs.

The spotlight shone bright on our performing arts department with the spectacular production of "We Will Rock You." This musical extravaganza demonstrated the remarkable talents of our students and their dedication to excellence in the arts. It was very very good.

Lastly, our sporting prowess continues to escalate, and if there's one message I'd carve into the heart of every competitor for next year, it's this: Watch out, for the Concordia Lions are just getting started! We've soared in competitions, outperforming expectations, and demonstrated that we indeed punch well above our weight.

As we look to next year, we will begin the journey of our long-anticipated master plan. This blueprint for our future is not merely a commitment to the structural enhancement of our campus, but a testament to our dedication to providing cutting-edge facilities and learning environments that will empower and inspire our students for generations to come. This project marks the commencement of a transformative era for Concordia Lutheran College.

In 2023, Concordia has taken to heart “Embrace the Possibilities”, and that leap will set us up well for a bigger and better 2024.

Have a wonderful Christmas that is filled with friendship and family.

Ms Belinda Sanders

Director of Marketing & Enrolments

With your child’s outcomes at the heart of what we do, parent fees are crucial to the school’s sustainability.

While we put our resources into striving to deliver the very best education and environment for our students, the team at Edstart are experts in their field and are best placed to assist our families with flexible fee payment options moving forward.

From next year, we are pleased to share that all instalment payments will be made via Edstart.

We are always here to help with any questions and will work closely with Edstart for a smooth transition.

All families wishing to pay their school fees in instalments in 2024 will be required to create an Edstart Plus account before Friday 15th December by visiting edstart.com.au/concordia.

For further information please watch this video. Concordia Lutheran College Edstart Video

You can contact Edstart on 1300 139 445 or email contact@edstart.com.au if you have any queries or require assistance with setting up your account.

Embracing the Learning:
From the very beginning of the school year, our students eagerly embraced the idea of embracing the possibilities. Whether it was delving into our new STEM program, reading and writing exciting narratives, immersing themselves in their highly engaging PBL units, or expressing their creativity through colourful artwork, each child has embraced the joy of learning in their own unique way. Our incredible learners have truly shown us that, with open minds and open hearts, there is no limit to the learning possibilities around them.

Our classrooms have been buzzing with the sounds of accomplishments, both big and small. From mastering the multiplication tables to conquering reading challenges, every achievement has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. As they embraced the possibilities of their potential, we witnessed a vibrant tapestry of successes woven with effort, determination, and the guidance of our wonderful teachers and learning assistants.

Embracing our Friendships
Embracing the possibilities also meant fostering a sense of kindness and friendship throughout our school community. Our students have truly blossomed into compassionate individuals who understand the power of unity and support. From buddy sessions to collaborative art projects, they have shown that when we embrace the possibility of friendship, our school becomes a warm and welcoming place for everyone.

Embracing the Extra-Curricular
The arts and sport have flourished at Concordia this year, with students embracing the possibility of expressing themselves creatively or with athleticism. From lively music performances to our amazing Art Show or Sporting Carnivals and competitions, our students have showcased their talents with enthusiasm. The talent fostered in our drama classes, the resounding drumming and noteworthy instrumental music heard in our walkways each week, or the plethora of sporting options are a testament to our teachers and students offering and embracing the possibilities of the extra-curricular program.

Looking Forward with Excitement:
As we say goodbye to the 2023 school year, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead. The friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the joyful memories created this year will forever be cherished. The possibilities for growth and discovery are endless, and we are confident that our students will continue to embrace each new opportunity with the same enthusiasm and optimism that has defined this school year.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our students, parents, and staff for making this year a truly memorable one. Together, we have embraced the possibilities, and we look forward to continuing this journey of deep learning in the coming school year.

On behalf of all the staff, we wish you all a delightful, safe and refreshing Christmas break.

Click here to view HSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 1.
Click here to view WSC's Events for Term 1 2024, Week 1.

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

A big thank you to all who assisted in some way, but special mention to Parent Connect for the meal deal and Jamie Ramia for supplying the coffee and food van (which proved very popular). I also want to mention all Staff Officials for their flexibility and enthusiasm in various roles, Ground and Office Staff, and Mr Biscoe and his crew of SSC students and Parents who helped in timekeeping and marshalling during the day. Finally, a big thank you to Troy Chandler for his expertise with pool/event setup and recording. From this carnival, we will pick our Central Zone and QCIS representative teams for 2024. Congratulations to our Age Champions, and students who broke several records during the Carnival. Special mention must go to the winning House for 2023...Stedman!

1st Place - Stedman

2nd Place - Altus

3rd Place - Kessler

Concordia Lutheran College 9-13 Years Inter-House Swimming Age Champions - 2023

Friday Sport _ Term 4

Last Friday saw the culmination of our primary sport fixtures for Term 4 and 2023. This term we participated in mixed Volleyball, Boys' Touch Football, and Girl's AFL and Hockey. Our Concordia teams performed exceptionally well week in and week out showing fantastic sportsmanship and coming away with some great results in their chosen sports.

Many thanks to all who assisted in some way each term, to provide the opportunity for our students to have a game of their chosen sport. These are some of the best memories that will stay with them throughout their lives, while also having fun with their mates. Special mention to our tireless coaches Mr Paul Baker, Mr John Trappett, Mrs Cathryn Owen, Miss Kellie Maddock, Mrs Monique Hannemann, and Mr Darryl Fry for all your efforts during the year. Special mention also to Mrs Carolyn Lynch and our bus drivers for their work each week behind the scenes ensuring teams get to their fixtures.

Interschool Friday sports will take on a bit of a change in 2024, although we are looking forward to being included in this highly anticipated activity again.

Basketball News

This term our Junior College participated in the annual Friday Night Basketball competition, which was played at a host of venues across town. This team had some great success throughout the term finishing on top of the table in Division 2. A big thank you to their coach Mr Darryl Allen and also parents who supported the boys in getting them to games each week. Well done to all involved!

Having said all this, I think it is important that do take the time to reflect on the year that has been, the learning that has been achieved, and the moments and achievements that have shaped us. Our Presentation Night on Monday certainly achieved just this purpose.

Firstly, I want to congratulate all students who were recognised on the evening across a wide range of disciplines. You know as a school that you have an amazing group of students when you have to figure out how to fit them all on stage! The event was a testament to the hard work and dedication displayed by students throughout the year. As we applaud those who received awards for their outstanding accomplishments, it's equally important to recognise the efforts of every student at who contribute daily to the vibrant learning community at Concordia. As a staff, we are very blessed with the students we work with daily, and we do not take for granted just how amazing each and every one of our students are.

2023 has seen some incredible outcomes for our students at Stephen Street Campus. From our growing academic program to our renewed sporting program and spectacular Musical – “We will Rock You”, our students continue to punch above their weight. We have also invested in other extra-curricular pursuits this year through our Wednesday afternoon SPARC program, which has seen ventures such as our Service-Learning partnership with Toowoomba Hospice and Salem Aged Care. Our focus on the “whole child” will continue in 2024 as we strive to develop the skills and talents of our students, while at the same time focussing on what makes a great citizen through a focus on Christian values.

I also want to take some time to recognise some staff who leave us this year. Firstly, to Mr Gabe Robbie – thanks you for your leadership of the English, Humanities and LOTE department. Your calm and insightful approach has been highly valued by all of us. We also say goodbye to Mr Shanaal De Zoysa, who is moving to the big smoke next year as he continues his career as a Maths teacher. Thank you Mr De Zoysa for your passion and care for students, as well as your investment in our extra-curricular program. And finally, to Ms Jess Kropp, thank you for everything as one of our dedicated science staff. Your collegiality and passion for bringing science alive will be fondly remembered. I will be informing families about our incoming staff early in the new year, who have a big task in filling the shoes of these outgoing staff.

I will end where I started with respect to anticipation. As we enter our time of Advent, we look to the gift and hope that has come through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and his presence on earth nearly 2000 years ago. As we sing Christmas hymns and reflect on the wonder of the Christmas story, may God bless all our families with His peace and promise of what’s to come.

We wish all of our families a very safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for another year of trust with your child/ren and partnering with us to make Concordia such a prosperous learning community.

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

Recent Results & Achievements

Girls Twilight Netball

• The girls winning streak continued with another victory over the Foxymorons, which takes them to 6 wins from 7 games. They play their final game this week and we wish them the best of luck.

• The boys' team had a few changes this week with most of the regular players at Dreamworld for the day. Thank you to the Year 5 and 6 boys who stepped up. From all reports, you were fantastic, and the next generation of Futsal at Concordia is looking strong.

Sport Quote & Joke of the Week

Joke: Which athlete is warmest in winter? Long Jumper!

On Wednesday most of our students spent the day at Dreamworld, reports back is that they all had a great time. Whilst tired and a little overwhelmed about the amount of packing that needed to be done, let alone the high clean of personal spaces, they all got stuck in and got the job done. An early night was had by all after such a big day.

On Tuesday evening we held our Boarding Christmas Party. We all love the festive season, and the students had a Secret Santa, which was a real blast. It was a lovey evening, and everyone had a great time.

On behalf of Andrew and myself we wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

Stay safe and take good care of each other.

Mrs Maureen Taurima and Mr Andrew Bull
Boarding Houseparents