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This year has been marked by many memorable highlights: our outstanding College Musical Anastasia; Grandparents’ Days across all three campuses, the Year 9 Rite Journey culminating in four weeks at Googa, our rich Outdoor Education Program, a very successful Oktoberfest, instrumental and choral showcases, Twilight Learning evenings, QCIS sporting achievements and the continued advancement of our Master Plan with the construction of Stages 1 and 2 in preparation for opening our new Junior College facilities in Term 3 next year. These moments remind us of the rich tapestry of opportunities that shape the ����ֱ�� experience.

Of course, the success of a school year is never defined solely by its events. School life brings with it a balance of celebrations and challenges—days of joyful progress and days requiring reflection, reset or renewed direction. Behind every achievement are staff who teach, guide and nurture, students who persevere, discover and grow and families who partner with us in supporting their children through all the ups and downs of learning and life. Your commitment to walking this journey with us is deeply valued – thank you.

As we look ahead, our Vision—Inspiring Lifelong Learners, Critical Thinkers and Caring Citizens in a Christian Community—continues to anchor our work and shape our decisions. Our ongoing building program, along with several refurbishment and maintenance projects scheduled for the new year, will allow us to grow sustainably while ensuring our learning environments remain modern, purposeful and welcoming. Change is constant, and as ����ֱ�� evolves, we remain committed to being a forward-thinking, faith-centred College equipped for the future.

At our Year 7–11 Presentation Night earlier this week, I spoke about our 2026 theme: Three Histories, One Future as well as the tapestry we are weaving together. It is a reminder of the threads—our heritage, our journey and the stories shared across our community—that together form the tapestry of ����ֱ��. As we look toward 2026, may this tapestry continue to grow in strength, beauty, purpose and faith as we prepare for an exciting year ahead and the unfolding of a “new” ����ֱ��.

As we enter the summer holidays, I encourage every family to take time to rest, reconnect and enjoy the simple gifts that this season provides. For many of us, Christmas is an opportunity to pause, gather with loved ones and remember the hope and joy found in the birth of Jesus. I warmly invite you to attend a Christmas service as a family and to celebrate the true meaning of this sacred season.

Thank you once again for your partnership this year. I wish every ����ֱ�� family a safe, refreshing and joy-filled Christmas break and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Yours in Christ

Mr Anton Prinsloo
Head of College

We can look back over an amazing year 2025 as we worked to forge one future out of the three histories that make up ����ֱ��. The recent 7-11 Presentation Night and Warwick Street Campus and Hume Street Campus musicals provided a great finish to our year and gave insight into the amazing achievements of our students.

While we are by no means a perfect community, there are many things we can be deeply thankful for and I certainly hope and pray that as you look back over the year you can perceive the many blessings we received, the growth and learning that has happened on so many levels, and the opportunities that were provided and grasped over the year by so many in our community.

We wish you all a well-deserved time of rest over the coming Christmas break, time to engage with the events offered through churches and community to help us remember the reason for this holiday season, and an opportunity to allow God to bless you with his gifts of joy, peace and hope through his son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we again celebrate.

He is rightly called the Light of the World, something that is perhaps more physically experienced by those in the wintry and dark Northern hemisphere this time of the year. (The Christmas tree photo above is from my sister’s living room a few years ago, when we were able to join my family for Christmas). But even as the hot Queensland sun streams through our windows, we also need that particular light that Christ offers.

May you have a light-filled Christmas and a hope-filled New Year.

We are looking forward to meeting again as a community in late January 2026.

Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)

God bless.

Thomas Böhmert
College Pastor

Well done to all our students who received an award at this evening and a very big thank-you to all staff who contributed toward the planning and organisation of this wonderful event.

In addition to the awards presented at our 7 – 11 Presentation Evening, we also acknowledged the ongoing commitment and effort of student achievement through our Semester 2 Lionheart and Citizenship Awards this past Wednesday. Lionheart Awards acknowledge the consistent effort and application applied daily across all areas of college life. Students who received this award were recognised for consistent application of effort evident within all subjects rather than overall academic achievement. Citizenship Awards are presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding service to the college and exemplary behaviour. Students who were acknowledged for this award have made a significant contribution to the college community that extended beyond the classroom. Well done to all our students who received an award at this event.

Our final week of the year was certainly one of celebration and this didn’t end just with the presentation of awards. On Thursday, our students attended the End of Year Celebration Excursion to Wet' n Wild. Students spent the day engaging in theme park water slides and connecting with their fellow peers. For the first time this year, we were able to extend this opportunity across all year levels. It was an enjoyable day had by all that will no doubt be remembered as a highlight of the year. Overall, this experience has ended the school year on a high note for both our students and staff.

As we begin to move into the school holiday break, I would like to thank all our staff for their endless contributions that they have made to make 2025 a memorable year for our students. We appreciate the lengths that our staff go to for our students to have endless opportunities to succeed and excel within their areas of interest.

Lastly, I wanted to thank all our families for your ongoing support and trust throughout the year. They say it takes a village to raise a child and working in partnership with our families is vital, providing quality pastoral care and wellbeing support. Thank you for your patience, conversations and support as we continue to provide the best quality of care and wellbeing that allows our students to thrive. I wish all of you a safe and restful school holiday break and I look forward to working with you again in the new year.

Take care,

Mr Tony Manteufel
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

There was a definite lift in spirits once assessments were over for our Senior College students. Our Wet and Wild Day was a favourite across the campus, and it was hard to tell who enjoyed it more, the staff or the students. At the Junior College, the swimming carnival brought colour, cheering and some very enthusiastic house spirit. Earlier this week, our Year 7 to 11 Presentation Night allowed us to recognise hard work, effort and personal progress in a meaningful way with families watching on. I also very much enjoyed the presentation of the Lion Heart Awards across the College; for me, these awards are special. Congratulations to all of our students who have been recognised.

We also had two wonderful musical performances at Warwick Street and Hume Street. Both shows captured everything that makes these communities so special. The energy of the students, the care of the teachers and the commitment of our families all came together to create two very enjoyable evenings.

Looking ahead to 2026, I would like to gently remind families that scholarship applications are open. If you know someone who would thrive at ����ֱ��, please encourage them to apply and to reach out to our registrar, Michelle Price. Please head to our website to find out more and apply. One of the most powerful ways people come to know ����ֱ�� is through the kind words and recommendations of our own families, so thank you for continuing to share your positive experiences with others. Don’t forget, next year we move into our brand new, beautiful Junior Campus! We cannot wait.

As we close the year, I wish every family a safe and peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year. Thank you again for being part of our College community. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

Warm regards,

Ms Belinda Sanders
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement

Yesterday, we also recognised the outstanding achievements of our students at our special Recognition of Achievement Assembly. It was wonderful to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and successes of students across all year levels, acknowledging academic, sporting and arts accomplishments that reflect their dedication throughout the year.

2025 has been a year of growth, achievement, and connection, and we are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our parents, carers, staff, and students. Across all year levels, students have embraced challenges, explored new ideas, and developed skills that will serve them well into the future. From hands-on projects and collaborative problem-solving to thought-provoking discussions and creative expression, every moment has been an opportunity for growth.

To our dedicated staff, your passion for teaching and nurturing each student’s potential has made a lasting impact, and we thank you for your incredible commitment to our students. To our families, your encouragement and partnership in education have been invaluable. And to our students, your curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm continue to inspire us all. We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful and supportive community here at ����ֱ��, where every student is fully known and fully loved.

Looking ahead, we are filled with excitement for all that awaits us in 2026 with the move to our new Junior College. This transition marks a new chapter of growth and opportunity, and we look forward to shaping an environment that will continue to inspire learning, connection, and community for many years to come.

As we head into the holiday season, we wish you joy, rest, and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Thank you for being part of the ����ֱ�� family this year. May your Christmas break be filled with peace and happiness.

Mrs Juanetta Priest - Director of Campus (Hume Street)
Mrs Jackie Minnikin - Director of Campus (Warwick Street)

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN COLLEGE 9-13 YEARS INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING AGE CHAMPIONS 2025

Records Broken

Douglas Plumb - Open 100IM, 12 years 50 Butterfly and 12 years 50 Breaststroke

Chase Kearsley -13 yrs and over 25 Backstroke

Fitzy Cook -13 yrs and Over 25 Butterfly

I hope that everyone will go into the holidays feeling like they have given everything they could to make 2025 a successful year. It is human, however, to experience what is called a negativity bias, where we tend to focus on what hasn’t worked or falling short of personal goals. This is why I love the following quote from Sophia Bush:

“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.”

We tend to forget that mistakes and misfortune as just as big a part of learning as the wins. Our perceived failures do not define us, but how we respond and keep turning up each day. To our whole college community, I want to express my deep gratitude for the day-in, day-out effort to support our children and young adults at ����ֱ��.

In watching the year in review video at Monday’s Presentation Evening, I found myself lost in just how much happens in one school year. The collective achievements of our students in all different fields highlighted the diverse programs and experiences our students are involved in. From our sporting and performing arts programs, to the cattle showing team, or academic endeavours such as debating and Readers Cup, students have continued to put their hand up to better themselves while representing the college with tremendous pride. The 2026 program will continue to offer these opportunities and somehow expand even further through additional initiatives such as the New Zealand South Island Agriculture and Food & Fibre Tour.

To departing families, I want to express my most sincere thanks for your support of our college through your family’s years with us. We have greatly appreciated the touching emails and cards sent in to acknowledge the contribution of the college in nurturing the fine young people who have graduated this year. We truly feel that it takes a village to raise a child, but there is no way we could do this without the support of our caring families.

On behalf of Stephen Street Campus, I would like to wish everyone a safe and revitalising break. Let us be thankful for the love and blessing of a God who sent His Son into the world about 2000 years ago.

Merry Christmas and see you in 2026!

Yours in faith,

Mr Jamie Pukallus
Director of Campus

“The most rewarding part about teaching is seeing the students come in as children and leave as adults. You are blessed to have been part of that growth,” he said.

Stephen began teaching in 1982, working across South Australia and Queensland before settling at ����ֱ�� in 1999. Since then, thousands of students have passed through his Physics, Science and Christian Studies classes, and many still credit him for opening doors to engineering, aviation, health and ministry.

His impact, however, reaches far beyond the timetable.

Stephen has served in numerous leadership roles at the College, including most recently as Head of Christian Studies, where he strengthened the curriculum, supported chapel life and guided students in exploring faith, ethics and service. He has been a Year Level Coordinator, Senior Subject Coordinator, Chapel Band organiser, musical supporter and a strong, steady presence at camps, services and College events.

“The students are really part of your family, an extended family,” he said. “I will miss seeing the teachers every day and being part of the students’ lives.”

The ����ֱ�� community also became part of Stephen’s own family story.

“My wife was a boarder at ����ֱ��, and we had three children who all went through ����ֱ��, and they all received a great education in terms of sport and academics. They all still meet with friends from school. We have a lot of great teachers here who are very caring and professional. The whole vibe of the school is caring. We have grown that culture,” he said.

Retirement will bring more time for music, gardening, reading and as he cheerfully admits, “finally cleaning up the shed.”

He hopes to keep in touch with his Year 11 Physics class and leaves his students with a message that has shaped his life and teaching.

“Know that God is with you. He walks beside you throughout your life.”

After 43 years of service, ����ֱ�� thanks Stephen Miegel for his commitment, leadership and the countless lives he has shaped through kindness, patience and steady faith.

His legacy will continue to live strongly within the College community.

For Meg, ����ֱ�� has always felt like home.

“I have been at ����ֱ�� since Kindy,” she said. “It is not elite, it is a great community. It is about the smaller things that make a huge difference, like really knowing you, and making sure you become a good person.”

That personal sense of belonging drives her vision for the year ahead.

“I want to make sure every student has great connections in the College, from Kindy to Year 12. I want to facilitate the genuine mentorship of younger students,” Meg explained.

Meg is eager to “change up activities so it is more engaging,” but says it is the sense of community that really matters most.

“I would like to be remembered for creating connections,” she said. “Creating traditions, visiting students at camps and making sure they feel like they are part of something wonderful.”

Outside her leadership role, Meg is a passionate swimmer and future health professional.

“I love swimming. I have been swimming competitively for nine years,” she said. “I want to go to nationals again next year.”

Her dream is to study sports nutrition and become a dietitian. “I want to help others perform at their best,” she said.

Meg credits ����ֱ�� with giving her the confidence to grow.

“I have been on a lot of really fun camps. No other school does Googa, for example, and I will remember it forever,” she said. “����ֱ�� has given me lots of sports opportunities. I went to the Queensland All Schools Volleyball Competition with the ����ֱ�� team this year.”

For many students, the Googa Outdoor Education Centre is where ����ֱ��’s values of resilience, teamwork and self-discovery truly come to life. Nestled in the bushland of the Blackbutt Range, Googa is a unique outdoor campus owned and operated by the College, where students spend several weeks living and learning away from technology and modern distractions.

They cook their own meals, hike through rugged terrain, and take part in hands-on challenges designed to strengthen leadership and build character. It is a defining experience that helps ����ֱ�� students learn what it means to rely on one another — and themselves.

As Meg explained, “Googa changes you. You learn so much about teamwork, independence and just how capable you really are. It is something every ����ֱ�� student carries with them long after they come home.”

For co-captain Bruce, leadership is about bringing people together and having a little fun along the way.

“I want to make school exciting, to get out of the routine occasionally,” Bruce said. “I want students to be given more opportunities to come together.”

He describes ����ֱ�� as a place where everyone feels accepted.

“I love the space at the ����ֱ�� campus,” he said. “Here, you genuinely become a family. It is a great space without judgment. The teachers are really invested in your success.”

Bruce has watched his peers grow through their school journey and says that is one of the most rewarding parts.

“The people I met in Year 7 have really grown,” he said. “You might not get the same level of growth at other schools.”

When he is not leading or studying, Bruce dreams of the stage.

“I want to audition for NIDA,” he said, referencing the National Institute of Dramatic Art. “I want to work in theatre. I would love to direct theatre as well.”

His leadership philosophy is simple: give everything your best shot.

“I want to be remembered for giving it a red hot go,” Bruce said with a grin. “For giving it my best, putting in a lot of effort, and being willing to learn.”

As Meg and Bruce prepare to lead the student body, ����ֱ�� itself is preparing for an exciting new chapter.

Next year, the College will open its new Junior Campus, a purpose-built learning environment designed to nurture creativity, curiosity and confidence from the earliest years.

The campus will feature modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a strong focus on wellbeing and play-based education. For Meg and Bruce, this new addition represents an exciting future for the College they love.

“It shows how much ����ֱ�� keeps growing,” Meg said. “It is another way of making sure every student feels connected from the very beginning.”

Bruce agreed, adding, “It is a great example of how ����ֱ�� invests in its students. The new Junior Campus will give young learners such a positive start.”

Together, Meg and Bruce bring heart, vision and optimism to their roles as ����ֱ��’s 2026 captains.

They represent a new generation of leaders who care deeply about connection and kindness, and who see leadership as an opportunity to build something lasting.

As Meg put it: “It is about making sure everyone feels like they are part of something wonderful.”

With two captains like these at the helm and a new Junior Campus on the horizon, ����ֱ��’s future looks bright and full of heart.