I warmly encourage parents and caregivers to join us for the many celebrations and events taking place over the coming weeks. Your presence and encouragement mean a great deal to our students and help strengthen the sense of community that makes Concordia special. We look forward to coming together for our whole-college Christmas Carols event on Friday 20 November.

As the excitement of the end of the year builds, it is also important to remember that learning continues right through to the final day. Students can understandably become distracted or tired as the holidays approach, so here are a few simple ways you can help them finish the year well:

Maintain routines: Consistent bedtimes, regular meals, and balanced daily routines help students stay rested and ready to learn.

Keep expectations clear: Encourage children to remain engaged with their learning, complete tasks, and take pride in doing their best, even when the finish line feels close.

Celebrate effort and progress: Acknowledge the small wins, persistence, and growth your child has demonstrated throughout the year, rather than focusing only on final results.

Balance commitments with downtime: With many events and activities taking place, make space for rest, family time, and opportunities to recharge.

Keep conversations positive: Ask your child what they are looking forward to, what they are finding challenging, and how you can support them through these final weeks.

Most importantly, remind your children that finishing well is not about being perfect but about remaining committed, showing care for others, and taking pride in the journey they have travelled.

[Acknowledgement: Raising Children Network]

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of the College.

Wishing all our families a safe few weeks ahead as we bring the school year to a close. I am looking forward to sharing in these final celebrations with you and the upcoming opportunities we have to celebrate the 2026 journey together.

Yours in Christ.

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

This term, we are giving particular attention to three key transition points within our college community.

The transition from Year 6 into Year 7 marks a significant milestone as students move into secondary college. Our incoming Year 7 students will have opportunities to become familiar with their new environment, connect with peers and meet the staff who will walk alongside them. We know that a sense of belonging is one of the strongest foundations for wellbeing and learning, and we are committed to helping our newest students feel at home from their very first day. Our Year 10 students are preparing to transition into Senior College, where expectations, independence and academic demands increase. We are supporting them to build the organisational skills, resilience and self-awareness they will need, while reminding them that they will not navigate this step alone.

Our Senior and Middle College Captains are preparing to take on their leadership roles in 2027. As they look ahead to these responsibilities, their focus is on leading by example and modelling compassion, courage, service, excellence and respect. We look forward to the contribution they will make to the culture of our college community as they support and encourage their fellow students.

Work is now underway to develop class lists for next year. This is a careful and considered process, designed to create learning environments where every student can thrive. In forming class groupings, we draw on several sources of insight. Students have the opportunity to share their preferences through a class preference survey, helping us understand the connections that support them. Teachers contribute valuable insight into how students learn, interact and work best, while our Diverse Learning team helps ensure the varied needs of our students are thoughtfully considered when forming class groupings. The Pastoral Care team works alongside staff to ensure classes are balanced and equitable, supporting both wellbeing and learning. While not every preference can be accommodated, please be assured that each decision is made with your child's best interests at heart. Should you have any further questions or enquiries regarding class groupings for 2027, we warmly encourage you to contact the college.

Preparations are well underway for our annual Awards Evening, to be held at the Empire Theatre on Monday 16 November. This is a highlight of the college calendar and a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication, effort and achievements of our students across many areas of college life. Students who are receiving an award will be notified in the coming weeks. We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate their accomplishments together.

To close the year, students will enjoy our end-of-year celebration at Dreamworld on Thursday 19 November. This day is a chance for students to relax, have fun and celebrate the friendships and growth they have shared throughout the year. Parent permission forms and information letters will be sent to families in the coming weeks. We kindly ask that you keep an eye out for these and return them promptly.

Transitions can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty for students and families alike. Conversations at home about what lies ahead can make a real difference. We encourage you to invite your child to share both their hopes and any worries, and to remind them that our staff are here to support them. As we prepare for 2027, we give thanks for the gifts each student brings to our community and trust in God's faithfulness as we step forward together.

Take care,

Tony Manteufel 

Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

As we move further into Term 4, our Junior College continues to be a busy and vibrant place. Term 4 is always a full and exciting time, with opportunities to celebrate achievements, build connections and create lasting memories as we bring another school year to a close.

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 1 students and their teachers, and to everyone who generously donated items to our Christmas for the Bush project. Once again, this was a touching service that beautifully reflected the compassion and generosity of our Concordia community. Through Care Outreach, these donations will be distributed to families in rural and remote communities who may be experiencing hardship this Christmas. Thank you for continuing to support this worthy cause and for helping our students understand the importance of kindness, service and caring for others.

Next Thursday and Friday, our Year 3 students will head to Emu Gully for their much-anticipated camp. Camp is a valuable part of the learning journey, providing opportunities for students to develop independence, build resilience, strengthen friendships and discover what they can achieve when they step outside their comfort zones. Shared experiences, challenges and plenty of fun help students grow in confidence and develop a stronger sense of belonging. These experiences often become some of the most memorable moments of primary school, and we look forward to hearing about the adventures and achievements of our Year 3 students.

As the end of the year approaches, we are also beginning the process of selecting our 2027 Student Leadership positions. This is always an exciting time as we see students stepping forward, ready to serve others and make a positive contribution to our community. The process begins next Friday, with our Campus Captain nominees presenting their speeches at our Assembly. We wish all our Year 5 nominees well as they take this important step and demonstrate their willingness to lead with compassion, courage and responsibility.

We are also looking ahead to Orientation Day on Monday, 9 November, which is always a special occasion in our Junior College calendar. We look forward to welcoming our littlest learners who will begin Prep in 2027, along with the new students and families joining our Concordia community. Starting at a new school is an exciting milestone, and we want every child to feel welcomed, supported and ready for the journey ahead. Orientation Day is also an important opportunity for our current students to step up and experience the next year level. Moving into a new classroom, meeting teachers and beginning to understand the expectations of the year ahead helps build confidence and excitement for the coming year. Our Year 6 students will have the additional opportunity to spend some time at the Secondary College, taking an important step towards their transition into secondary schooling. It is wonderful to see our students growing, embracing new opportunities and preparing for the next chapter of their learning.

As always, there is much to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Thank you to our families for your continued support, encouragement and partnership throughout the year. We are grateful for the role you play in making our Junior College such a special community, and we look forward to seeing you at the many events and celebrations taking place throughout Term 4.

Blessings for the week ahead.

Click here to view JC's Events for Term 4 2026, Week 5.

Mrs Jackie Minnikin & Mrs Juanetta Priest  
Directors of Junior College