Middle School Ethics Olympiad Success
Recently we had two teams compete online in the Middle School Ethics Olympiad. There were 20 schools competing on this specific day. The Ethics Olympiad is a competitive, discussion-based event where students collaboratively analyse real-world ethical dilemmas and present well-reasoned, respectful arguments. The competition emphasises critical thinking, ethical literacy and civil discourse rather than "winning debates". Teams are rewarded for clarity, empathy and principled reasoning.
Dr Lance McBride hosted the event from Christchurch, New Zealand. The students were outstanding—a real credit to Concordia. Their teamwork, thoughtfulness, respect and depth of reasoning were evident throughout the event.
South Australian Results
- Gold Medal: Concordia College (Purple)
- Silver Medal: Wilderness School (Aqua)
- Bronze Medal: Concordia College (Orange)
We have been notified that our Purple team has qualified for the online International Middle School Ethics Olympiad Final in February 2026, competing against teams from around the world. The International competition will welcome teams from India, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. We are thrilled that this is the second time a Concordia team has been invited to compete at the international level.
Concordia Purple
- Sophia 9ALAM
- Amelia 9SFOR
- Benjamin 8DGAL
- Lucy 9ALAM
- Daisy 9SFOR
Concordia Orange
- Imogen 8MCAS
- Alby 8MCAS
- Jimmy 7VPER
- George 8DGAL
- Abigail 7SCHE
Congratulations to all who took part.
26 Book Challenge Celebration
Our avid readers have once again gathered to celebrate the conclusion of another successful 26 Book Challenge, marking our sixth year of this beloved tradition at Concordia.
Thanks to our fabulous library staff, who expertly guided students to find books that met the challenge criteria, everyone found a way to participate. The displays in the library throughout the year were amazing. A big thank you to Mostly Books at Mitcham, and our school library for generously donating several books and vouchers as prizes.
This year’s adventure theme involved students in a literary race around the world. Students gathered passport stamps as they completed specific categories. Our celebration day involved a boarding pass, passing through security and a plane trip with refreshments, certificates and fabulous prizes. Thanks to members of our school Book Council for your involvement in the creation of the challenge and for supporting our literary adventures throughout the year. If you would like to be a member of our school Book Council for 2026, please fill out the form that was emailed to you earlier this week. Don’t forget to visit the library to stock up on some holiday reading!
Each year, the 26 Book Challenge grows bigger and better. Next year, we’re working with the musical theme of Book Week—Symphony of Stories!
Katherine Obst Year 8 Lutheran Schools Public Speaking Competition
Two of our students, Bethany (8DGAL) and Benjamin (8DGAL) represented Concordia at the Katherine Obst Year 8 Lutheran Public Speaking competition. This annual event brings together talented Year 8 speakers from Lutheran secondary schools across South Australia. This year’s event was hosted by Cornerstone College. All participating students presented speeches of three minutes, which were judged by two highly experienced adjudicators from Rostrum Voice of Youth. The school with the highest combined score was crowned winner. The standard was very high, and students really impressed the adjudicators with entertaining and informative speeches. Congratulations to Bethany and Benjamin who placed first overall and received very positive feedback from the judges. This rounds out a highly successful year for our oratory program at Concordia. Please contact Emma Rieger if you would like to extend yourself in this area by participating in the 2026 Rostrum Voice of Youth competition. The 2026 topics have just been released.
Year 7 Science Zoo Photography Competition
Thanks to all who took part in this year's zoo photo competition.
Every year we award a first place for each of the specific categories. Congratulations to:
- Category: Wild | Winner: Adele (7KSPA) | Baron Bitey – Komodo Dragon
- Category: Eyes | Winner: Elsie (7KSPA) | The tiny tiger of the treetops: Black squirrel monkey
- Category: Sleepy | (Adele 7KSPA) | Do not disturb, capybara recharging
- Category: Black and White | Amy (7RBRO) | I'm sleepy, not dead
- Category: Colourful | Hamish (7KSPA) | Snack time
- Category: Babies and families | Winner: Osheen (7KSPA) | The royal lovers of the still lagoon
- Category: Free Choice | Winner: Tilly (7NBRO) | Meerkat
A special congratulations to Osheen, our overall winner, who was presented with the much sought after Media Meerkat trophy.
Year 7/8 Global Challenge
Every year, our Year 7 and 8 students can take part in the annual Global Challenge—a race to place 197 countries onto an online map within a 15-minute time limit. It was wonderful to see students working hard to beat their own personal bests. A special congratulations to our two year level champions: Ben (7NBRO) and Sancho (8MCAS).
Sancho in Year 8 was able to place all countries with 100% accuracy in 12 minutes and seven seconds.
Ben in Year 7 placed all countries with 100% accuracy in an incredible five minutes and seven seconds.
What an extraordinary feat… and an all-time Concordia record!
Brain Bee Challenge 2026
Year 9 students who would like to register for the 2026 Brain Bee Challenge, a national neuroscience competition, are invited to fill out the form that was emailed this week. Students must be in Year 10 2026 to compete. Concordia has a proud history of success with this competition. Students with an interest in biology, psychology or with a desire to study in a health-related area may find this of value.
It has been a productive and successful year for students engaged in the diverse extension and enrichment programs offered. Bring on 2026—another fabulous year of learning.
Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning
