2023 Term 4 Week 3 27 Oct 2023

Today, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day across both campuses and the impact they make on our childrens’ lives daily. Our teachers nurture minds, ignite curiosity, and fuel the flame of lifelong learning. They instill not just knowledge but also values, ethics, and a profound sense of responsibility in our students. They shape not only careers but character. As we commemorate World Teachers' Day, let us reflect on the incredible impact all our Lindisfarne teachers make daily.

Our Performing Arts Faculty was buzzing this week as auditions were held for our much-anticipated production of "Mamma Mia: The Musical." Students from all grade levels showcased their singing, dancing, and acting skills, and they did not disappoint. Our Directors were impressed by the talent and passion displayed. We look forward to seeing the musical brought to our stage early in 2024.

On Wednesday morning Lindisfarne hosted our final Business Networking Breakfast for the year at Club Tweed. Co-founder and CEO of KinLab, Adrian Tobin shared his insights, and experiences with the participants. Adrian is a dynamic entrepreneur and the driving force behind KinLab, a company that has been making waves in the tech and innovation sector. Adrian’s days are spent understanding people to create and deliver high quality sport and lifestyle experiences around the world, which translates into a high level of dedication to making sport better for fans, participants and athletes. It was a wonderful opportunity for selected Year 12 business study students to hear from a globally renowned business leader, who is also a Lindisfarne parent. We are appreciative of Adrian giving up his time in a very busy schedule and we look forward to continuing our Lindisfarne Business Networking Breakfasts in 2024.

Tomorrow evening, Saturday 28 October, we invite you to join us for a special fundraiser event for our touring Stage Band and their upcoming trip to New York in December. This promises to be an unforgettable evening with performances by the incredibly talented Monica Trapaga alongside our Stage Band. I encourage our community to participate in this event by purchasing tickets and inviting friends and family to join in the fun. Tables of 8 are available for $240, or single tickets at $35pp and can be purchased via this link.

Following on from our Wellbeing Festival last week and our ParentEd session with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, we are pleased to welcome Nathan Wallis, New Zealand's renowned neuroscience educator, join us on Monday, 30 October at 6:30pm in the school chapel. In his talk, Nathan will delve into the intricacies of brain development, from the first 1000 days to adulthood. He will share insights on how our daily interactions shape children's future outcomes. Known for his lively and captivating sessions, Nathan addresses audiences in sold-out events over 200 times a year. In this presentation, This session is open not only to our Linsifarne school community, but our wider local community. So, if you feel this may be beneficial to any of your friends or colleagues please feel free to share the link to the booking system.

As part of our ongoing commitment to continuously improving the School, we believe it is critical to seek each parent and guardian’s opinion on a range of issues relating to Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. Your feedback is critical to us as we continue to build a successful school and strengthen our reputation as an ‘educator of choice’.

As such, we have engaged the professional services of MYP Corporation (MYPCorp) to undertake a strictly private and confidential School Results Survey on our behalf. The survey should take approximately 10 - 15 minutes and will need to be completed online between Friday, 3 November and Friday, 17 November. We kindly ask every parent and guardian to please take the opportunity to provide this valuable feedback.

Finally a reminder that on Sunday, 5 November we will come together as a community for Spiritual Gym in the Lindisfarne Chapel. Refreshments will be served from 4:30pm with the service commencing at 5:00pm.

Kind regards,

Charlotte Lush
Deputy Principal

Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,

“Communion of Saints” by John Nava

Halloween: A Blend of Faith, Culture and Tradition

Halloween, or "All Hallows' Eve," originated from Christian tradition and observances. It precedes All Saints' Day (1, November), a feast dedicated to honouring all known and unknown saints who have ascended to heaven. This day serves as a time of remembrance and veneration for those who lived righteous and holy lives.

Following All Saints' Day is All Souls' Day (2, November ), devoted to praying for departed souls. It prompts Christians to contemplate mortality, resurrection, and the promise of eternal life.

Yet, before its Christian adoption, Halloween was rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This marked the end of harvest and the onset of winter, when the veil between the earthly realm and the spirit world grew thin. Bonfires were kindled to ward off malevolent spirits and secure a fruitful harvest for the coming year.

The Christian assimilation of local customs, known as syncretism, saw the integration of Samhain's elements into All Saints' and All Souls' Days. Bonfires and beliefs in supernatural entities became intertwined with the Christian celebration.

During the Protestant Reformation, some branches of Christianity dispensed with the veneration of saints and the notion of purgatory, leading to a diminished religious significance of Halloween in certain regions. Nonetheless, some of the cultural practices, like donning costumes and revelry, endured.

In contemporary times, Halloween has transitioned into a more secular celebration, cherished by people of diverse faiths. The customs of dressing up, trick-or-treating, and adorning jack-o'-lanterns are becoming more ingrained in popular culture. While the religious origins persist, they now share the spotlight with the playful and commercial aspects of the holiday.

Essentially, Halloween encapsulates the evolution and blending of faith, culture, and tradition. Whether observed with religious reverence or enjoyed for its festive spirit, Halloween continues to serve as a time for reflection, remembrance, and communal bonds. Above all, it reminds us that the community of the living includes the dead.

Spiritual Gym on November 5, 2023 at 4.30pm (In Remembrance of Our Departed Loved Ones)

Our next Spiritual Gym will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023, starting with refreshments at 4.30pm and followed by a Family Eucharistic Service at 5pm. During this Service, we will remember our departed loved ones and pray for the repose of their souls. We have loved them in life, let’s not forget them in death. All are welcome!

Community Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 3, 2023

Our Community Christmas Carol Service will be held in the Mahers Lane Chapel on Sunday, 3 December at 4.30pm (refreshments), followed by the Service at 5.00pm. The Service will be finished by about 6.00pm.

We have a tradition at the Service to take up a retiring collection to assist those experiencing hardship and homelessness by providing them with a three-course Christmas meal from Agape Outreach Centre. If you would like to support this initiative, please email me at constantine.osuchukwu@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au. I am also asking for Nativity sets from around the world to display in the Chapel in the lead-up to our Christmas Service. Please let me know if you want to lend us your set for a Christmas Nativity display. Thank you in advance.

Happy Diwali (Festival of Lights)

During the course of this week millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world celebrated the Diwali Festival. We wish them a happy and beautiful Diwali and pray with them: "O Divine Mystery, who is with us in the struggle between good and evil, this Diwali we ask that you guide us toward the light, peace, fraternity and hope..." Amen.

Happy World Teachers' Day
I wish all our teachers and the staff who support them every day a very Happy World Teachers' Day. Cheers to all our amazing teachers for the difference you make everyday in the life of our students. May God bless you and bless you kindly!

I wish you a relaxing and restful weekend.

Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

We are pleased to release the 2025 Term Dates to our community.

To download a copy for printing please click on this link.

We are pleased to announce that at the conclusion of 2023, we will retire our current fleet of Apple MacBooks and iPads, refreshing them, in the main, with brand new Macbook Air M2 and iPad 10th Generation devices.

We can now announce that as part of this rollover, we have partnered with JB HiFi. While this partnership centres around the provision of tech to staff and students, we are pleased to be working with JB HiFi to provide a number of additional benefits to our community. Some of these provisions include:

• JB Hi-Fi joining as a Platinum Sponsor of the Lindisfarne Business Network;

• Support for key school events including the upcoming CompSci Summit (PD for Teachers), sponsorship and prizes for the FunFest next year and many more events;

• Sponsorship of our Fuse Cup program, providing games, equipment and training for students;

• Employment and work placement pathways directly through local stores;

• Provision of professional development for staff around use of Apple Tech; and

• Community access to the JB Hi-Fi Corporate Benefits program.

We are excited to share that the Corporate Benefits Program is now available for our community to use. This portal is accessible via your Lindisfarne sign in credentials. Parents use their SEQTA Engage (Parent Lounge) sign-in details and students use their school sign-in details. The portal can be accessed here - https://links.lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au/jbhifi/

This portal provides our community with access to significant savings on purchases from JB HiFi. Please note that this site is not linked with the retail arm of the business, so it’s always worth checking prices through the portal and retail arm (and everywhere else) to ensure you’re getting the best deal. However, we are confident that this will provide great opportunities for our community. Graduating Year 12 students may like to consider this service as they hand back their school-issued devices and consider their needs post-school.

As you’ll appreciate, transitioning students and staff to new Apple devices will be a considerable operational step for our community. To facilitate this, a clear schedule is shared here for you to begin preparations; you’ll now know when to start saying your last goodbyes to your old devices and when to get ready to welcome your new tech.

This schedule allows for the timely exchange of all devices. Where possible, we will schedule times within the school day for return and exchange on the dates above, but all current student devices must be returned to the school by Wednesday, 6 December 2023 (Final Day of School for 2023). This is also an opportune time to remind families that there is no opportunity to purchase retired devices.

More details will be shared in the coming weeks, including advice about how to prepare your data and preferences for the handback/transition. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact either of us directly.

Kane Bradford
Head - Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships

Anthony Gerke
Manager - Information Services

Join the Lindisfarne P&F at the Melbourne Cup friend-raiser on Tuesday, 7 November at Salt Bar, Kingscliff.

Tickets can be purchased via this link.

ParentEd Session Link - Wednesday, 1 November at 6.00pm

ParentEd Session Link - Wednesday, 1 November at 6.00pm

Nathan Wallis, New Zealand's renowned neuroscience educator is coming to Terranora, NSW for one night only!

Nathan will be doing a presentation in Ngahriyah that is also offered to the wider community. In this presentation, Nathan provides an informative narrative on how our day-to-day interactions with children and young people, significantly the early years, plays a critical role in defining later outcomes for our children. In this talk, Nathan will guide you through the stages of brain development from the first 1000 days and into adulthood. He will reveal little tricks that will hopefully make parenting easier, and help you open up communication with your child. You will walk away with a much better understanding of how both your child's brain and your own brain works.

Captivating audiences over 200 times per year to sell out events, Nathan has a profound reputation as a lively and engaging speaker. He uses humour and plain language to make this complex topic burst into life.

Nathan Wallis is an internationally renown speaker and we know these tickets will sell fast. It is imperative to us that our school community has the opportunity to buy a ticket. Early Bird Tickets available. Get in quick as tickets will sell!

Please use the link below to purchase your tickets.

Tickets are available at www.eventfinda.com.au

It is with great excitement that I introduce to you our new House Captains for Term 4 at the Junior School.

These students have been elected by their peers for their leadership skills, positive attitudes, and commitment to our school's values. We look forward to watching their leadership skills develop further as they inspire and motivate their fellow Junior School students throughout Term 4 and beyond.

Angela Mundy
Acting Assistant Head of Junior School

Key Dates for Term 4

Total Footbal Academy - Monday Afterschool - Through until Monday 4, December.

Casuarina Cup Rugby Union - Wednesday 15, November (week 6)

FUN Swimming Carnival - K-2 Thursday 16, November (week 6)

PLEASE NOTE - Amended date from last Term’s Newsletter.

Big Bash Cricket Gala Day - Friday 1, December (week 8)

Total Football Academy - After school Program

The Total Football Acadmey will be running again in Term 4. If you are interested in participating in this program please register via the Parent Lounge. There are still a limited number of places available, so please be quick to secure you place in the program.

Information on the term 4 program can be found here - AFS Lindisfarne - T4.pdf

Mr Nathan Croft
Head of Sports - Junior School

New York Stage Band Tour Fundraiser
This Saturday night, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School is presenting "A Taste of the Big Apple" with Sydney Jazz artists and personality Monica Trapaga, supported by our super-swinging touring Stage Band.

This event is a fundraiser to support our Stage Band's upcoming tour to New York City in December.

Tables of 8 are available for $240, or single tickets at $35pp. Tickets include the show and yummy appetizers prepared by the one and only Lia Mason. A bar will be operating on the evening.

Please follow this link to get your tickets to the New York Fundraiser event. You are most welcome to share this event with your friends and family.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to gather and enjoy an evening of music, I hope to see you there.

AMEB Piano Exams
I would like to extend my best wishes to all of our students who will be embarking on their AMEB Piano exams this upcoming Saturday. Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this important moment, and I have full confidence in your abilities to excel and showcase your musical talents. Remember to stay calm, focused, and enjoy every moment

ParentEd Sessions
Nathan Wallace - The Developing Brain

We are excited to have Nathan Wallis, New Zealand's renowned neuroscience educator, join us on Monday, 30 October at 6:30 pm in the Chapel at Mahers Lane.

In his talk, Nathan will delve into the intricacies of brain development, from the first 1000 days to adulthood. He will share insights on how our daily interactions shape children's future outcomes. Nathan's engaging style and expertise will provide you with invaluable tips. Known for his lively and captivating sessions, Nathan addresses audiences in sold-out events over 200 times a year.

To ensure that you get a seat please book your tickets on the Eventfinda Australia website found HERE.

Consent and Healthy Relationships

Parents and guardians are encouraged to join our Online Webinar presented by Consent Labs Consent and Healthy Relationships. This event will take place on Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. Please follow this link HERE

This important webinar will cover topics related to:

• Consent Foundations

• Consent in the World of Technology

• Consent with Alcohol and Other Drugs

• Recognising and Responding to Sexual Harassment and Assault

Consent Labs will explain the best practices and evidence-based research that underpins their programs. They will explore their approach to age-appropriate consent and respectful relationships education.

They will also discuss:

• Strategies for how parents can keep their children safe, even if they have different views about sex and relationships

• How parents can start a meaningful conversation with their children without it being awkward

• Strategies parents can use when discussing awkward/taboo topics with children

Mrs Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Lindisfarne Year 6 students are invited to celebrate the end of the year at the Year 6 Dinner on Thursday, 30 November from 5.30pm. This parent-organised event will support the planned school activities as our Year 6 students reach an important milestone in their schooling. Thank you to parent organisers Jane Daniel and Emma Cooke for their work in coordinating this event. Please see the flyer below for more details.

BOOKING LINK - BOOKINGS CLOSE ON FRIDAY, 3 NOVEMBER

As we navigate the final weeks of this term, there's a palpable sense of anticipation and pride in the air. Our Year 12 students are currently in the midst of their HSC examinations, and while it's a challenging period, the finish line is in sight. Their dedication has been commendable, and we're all eagerly awaiting the culmination of their hard work.

In Week 5, we will be privileged to gather with our Year 12 cohort for two special events: the Year 12 Eucharist and the Year 12 Formal. Both occasions celebrate their academic achievements and are testimony to their growth and the memories they've created over the years. For parents, reflecting on their child's journey and celebrating this significant milestone with them is poignant. If you haven't already, please confirm your attendance for these events using the provided link. The presence of our Year 12 parents will make the occasion even more memorable.

On a different note, auditions for our upcoming production of MAMMA MIA! have been underway, and the talent on display has been impressive. Those who auditioned for lead roles will be informed by Friday afternoon if they are required for a callback. While not everyone can take centre stage, there are numerous opportunities for students to be involved, be it as part of the ensemble cast, the production team, or the pit orchestra. Every role, no matter how big or small, contributes to the magic of the performance.

Several of our staff members participated in a valuable Professional Development session with ConsentLabs this week. This organisation helps to foster open and meaningful conversations between young people and adults. I'm pleased to announce that our Year 10 students will attend sessions with ConsentLabs next week. Additionally, an essential ParentEd online session is scheduled for Wednesday, 1 November. I urge all parents to participate; it promises to be an enlightening experience. Details of the ParentEd session can be found in this week’s newsletter.

Lastly, a highlight of this week was presenting our 2024 senior cohort with their Year 12 jerseys. Seeing them don these jerseys, a symbol of their final year, was heartwarming.

Mrs Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

There is plenty going on in the Sports space - especially in the planning phase for 2024; including tours, sports software lines of enquiry, planning for our programs.
This doesn’t mean sport has ceased, many events are in the pipeline - up until and including the final week of term.

Netball
Mahers Lane students are scheduled to have our Pizza and Chat this Friday for Netball. We have some important announcements regarding our 2024 trajectory - both for Interschools comps and tours, and the Lindisfarne Lions Netball Club. Damien Clucas and Suzanne Evans will be on hand to run this morning.

The Sports Department are sorting teams (as much as possible) and are running a 2024 muster day in sport time (Secondary) this term for the 2024 Lions Netball Club. New students who are entering the school are also being invited via email - but some may not be able to, given their current geographic location.

Where: Tallebudgera Indoor Centre
When: 23 November (CURRENT Years 6 to 11) OR 17 November (CURRENT Years K to 5)
Who: Any potential club player for 2024 (this muster is for students only - no parents please)
Cost: The cost is nil, but all individuals participating in this muster day are to pay a non-refundable $125 deposit prior to the day - which will be withheld if students withdraw after the muster day. The LAGS sports staff need to know with certainty who is in - or out for the 2024 winter season. The $125 will come off the scheduled Saturday Netball fees next year.

All further details with times, bus logistics etc - will be sent to the recipients of the non-binding Lions Netball preliminary sign-ups database on Parent Lounge under Events and payments. Please sign up and we will send all relevant information.

Basketball
Given the early February Winter League start date, the Sports Department are also sorting teams as much as we can for the Lindisfarne Lions Basketball Club - and similar to the Lions Netball are running a 2024 muster day in sport time (Secondary). New students who are entering the school are also being invited via email - but some may not be able to, given their current geographic location. Nash Campbell and our coaches will be on hand to help run this morning.

Where: Tallebudgera Indoor Centre
When: 16 November (CURRENT Years 6 to 11) OR 17 November (CURRENT Years 2 to 5)
Who: Any potential club player for 2024 (this muster is for students only - no parents please)
Cost: The cost is nil, but all individuals participating in this muster day are to pay a non-refundable $125 deposit prior to the day - which will be withheld if students withdraw after the muster day. The LAGS sports staff need to know with certainty who is in - or out. The $125 will come off the scheduled Winter League Basketball fees next year.

All further details with times, bus logistics etc - will be sent to the recipients of the non-binding Lions Basketball preliminary sign-ups database on Parent Lounge under Events and payments. Please sign up and we will send all relevant information.

Touch Football
Three of our Primary teams played down in Ballina on Wednesday at the NCIS Primary Touch Football event.
Congratulations to our Primary Boys for going undefeated on the day - and were therefore crowned Champions.
|Our Primary Girls were red hot favourites for their division, and played very well, only to be beaten by Emmanuel Anglican College - our girls taking home the Silver medal.
We also had a mixed team that won more than they lost, and had a great day out improving each match.

Spotlight on Tyson Walk
Tyson was selected to represent our region North East in the 2023 NSW U10 State Teams Championships John Whittaker Tennis Cup in Newcastle. He was the Team Captain of our Team, the North East Breakers. A total of 12 teams from NSW competed in a weekend full of fantastic Tennis.
Tyson also successfully participated in the Junior Development Series NSW U10 Northern Foundation Champions of Champions in Inverell last weekend. Throughout the tournament, Tyson only lost 3 games in total which is an outstanding effort! He qualified for the next and final stage, the NSW State Champion of Champions, which will be held in Sydney.

Spotlight on Ned Simmonds and Lucy Simmonds
Lucy and Ned Simmonds had a memorable day last week at the Somerset Swim meet last weekend.
Ned's time for both 50m & 100m would have won the 9yrs, 10yrs & 11yrs - and his 100m time would have seen him with a gold at Nationals, so he was absolutely flying. Ned also placed first for 50m Butterfly and won a silver for the 50m free.
Lucy also had a cracking meeting, PB’s for her in the 50m. 100m & 200m Backstroke plus the 50m breaststroke. She is looking forward to competing in the QLD State event in December.

Mr Damien Clucas
Head of Sports and Activities

RECENT GAMES

QLD Rugby All Schools 7s Tournament

Our boys U13, U15 and U18 and girls U18 7s squads all travelled up to the 2-day QLD All Schools 7s tournament at Southpine Sports Complex in Brisbane last weekend. This was a great tournament for all squads with both our U13 and U15 boys setting new benchmarks for our program by finishing 3rd and 2nd respectively. You can watch a highlight video of the All Schools 7s from QLD Rugby’s Facebook page HERE.

Boys U13

After a long bus ride up to South Pine Sports Complex, our u13’s were faced with four games on Saturday. First up we played against St Luke’s Anglican School from Bundaberg, coming out victorious 29-7 playing our best game of sevens to date. After a three hour break we played against Trinity Lutheran College, getting up 38-0 in another fantastic game of sevens with Teo Martin and Max Esgate both scoring two tries. The third game saw us take on John Paul College from Daisy Hill. Another wonderful game of solid defence and clinical attacking saw Lindisfarne win 32-0 with Teo and Max once again grabbing a double each. The final game of the day saw us take on St Peters winning 33-7 with George Dorsey grabbing his first try. This set us up to play a round robin style playoff against the other two top teams on Sunday for the Cup. First up was St Johns and fatigue started to take over from a long, hot Saturday with the Lions eventually going down 24-10. This left us with our final game against a clinical King's College. We had run out of steam after a terrific Saturday, finally going down 36-12, leaving us with a very respectable 3rd place finish for the tournament.
Full U13 boys results can be found HERE

All Saints 7s

Our penultimate 7s tournament of the year also marked our final chance for match play to prepare for All Schools in just over a week's time.
A near full strength team travelled to All Saint’s for a 4 game tournament in warm conditions. Our first game against Somerset was marked with a 4 tries to 3 victory which wasn’t without challenges as we let a 3 try lead slip away before a final try sealed the win. A renewed focus on playing for the full 14 minutes led to a 5 tries to 2 victory against St Peter’s Lutheran College in Game 2. This left us with a winner takes all contest against Pimpama Secondary College who have become a fierce rival throughout the Gold Coast Super Schools Tournament and Sevens Tournaments. A willing and physical contest ensued which we eventually won, we thought, with a fantastic team try in the last minute. Unfortunately an “error” from the scorer, referee or combination of the two meant that a try had been missed and the “final result” was a 2 try all draw and a tie breaker of first try scorer wins. This gave the win to Pimpama and with that a place in the final for the day. In a tough situation, the commitment and resilience of the group came to the fore. Despite the disappointment, the group got themselves up for a 3rd/4th Play off against Marymount in which we made a conscious effort to get on the scoreboard first and this came in handy in a 3 try all draw but we emerged victorious as first try scorer. I was enormously impressed and proud with the way the group handled the disappointment, perhaps better than their coach at times, and held true to the Rugby values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect. These final 4 tough games of our 7s preparation will hold us in good stead at the upcoming All Schools Championships.

All Schools 7s

The culmination of our 7s season was marked by the 2023 All Schools Championships at South Pine Sports Complex. We had been building well over the last few tournaments marked by a 2nd place finish in Warwick and a 3rd place finish at All Saints. This gave us some confidence going into our pool games on Day 1. An early kick off against St Luke’s Anglican Grammar School forced us to be switched on from the start of the day. A 4 try first half was a great confidence booster, running out 27-12 winners in our first game. The confidence would be needed going into our second pool game against a well drilled King’s Christian College side. We were slightly off the mark early which forced us to come back in a end to end affair, eventually going down 26 - 33 in a 10 try game. This left our third pool game as a must win to ensure a place in the Cup Quarter Finals on day 2. West Moreton Anglican College awaited and a 21-14 win ensued despite finishing with 4 players on the field after a series of cynical plays led to a few yellow cards. Discipline would be a key focus for Day 2!

Finishing as the top ranked 2nd place finisher in the pool left us with a march up against St John’s in a Cup Quarter Final to start day 2. A refreshed and fired up group were dominant, taking a 26-0 highlighting our focus on discipline and defence which were our key takeaways from Day 1. Progression to a Semi Final guaranteed a Top 4 finish. A long break gave us a chance to regroup and prepare for our next game against St Patricks. Just missing the jump in the first half left us with a challenge to come from behind in the second half. We did just that though and ran out 19-15 winners and earnt a spot in the final against King’s.

The Cup Final was a challenging affair, King’s had been able to bring in a couple of fresh players returning from Representative duties and we were battling a few injuries and the general aching that comes on Day 2 of a Sevens Tournament in 30+ degree heat. King’s were dominant from the start, eventually running out to a 36-0 lead before a well worked try ensured we at least finished with some points on the board.

Despite the slightly unflattering result in the final, finishing 2nd in this tournament was an outstanding result for the U15s who worked hard all weekend to earn this result. All 13 players played an important role throughout the weekend. It would be unfair to single out any one player as the success of the weekend was built on the ability of every player to do their job for the team when they were on the field.

The weekend also marks the end of U15 Lindisfarne Rugby for a number of players and we wish the 11 boys, as well as the many others who didn’t play on the weekend, all the best as they move into the U16 and Open program for next year!
Full U15 boys results can be found HERE

Boys 1st 7 (U18)

Our boys’ 1st 7 played three games on Saturday. After winning our first game vs North Lakes State College, we ran into a classy Sunshine Coast Grammar School (SCGS) who were too good on the day. The final game on Saturday was a heartbreaking loss to St Patrick's College 19-21 with St Patrick’s winning on the final play of the game.

Although we lost 2 of 3 games, we managed to qualify for the cup quarterfinals and due to the nature of the draw, faced off against top qualifier Sunshine Coast Grammar again first thing Sunday. Although losing again to SCGS, our boys played extremely well, especially in the second half with some tenacious defence. From here, we went into the plate playoffs and unfortunately, we were bundled out by Kings College and then Kelvin Grove State High School to finish the day.

There were a number of fine moments from our boys and all acquitted themselves admirably. Standouts over the weekend were Cimarron Crawford, who seemed to get better and better as the weekend progressed, and Flynn McCulloch, whose work rate and effort off the ball, footwork and ball playing were the best we have seen in a Lindisfarne jumper. Joining these two, Jack Kerridge was an ironman, with him playing almost all minutes over the weekend.

Girls U18

Our girls U18 team played three games on Saturday, the first of which was a tough and well fought game against St Pauls, the girls were holding the lead for the majority of the game but unfortunately lost 10-14 with a last second try from St Pauls. Some stand out performances were Lois Driver with a 60m breakaway try and Kiara Denny leading the back line through some effective set pieces.

The next two games were against some very experienced teams, the girls did excellent to hold their own and put up a strong fight but unfortunately the other teams (Mt Maria and Redcliffe SHS) came out with wins respectively. The whole team was pushed to work hard in their defence the entire games and their work and dedication they have put in this year was evident.

After an evening of team building the team came out very strong Sunday morning with an excellent display of teamwork and grit with a 22-0 win against Brigadine College, our try scorers this game were Mikalah Teale, Kiara Denny and Ruby Power.

The final game was a rematch against Mt Maria and unfortunately the game was ended early due to injury, under very tired conditions the whole team again came together and displayed the effort they had put in this year and the improvement as a team is something Mike Elliston is extremely proud of. Stand out defence goes to Seannah Weston in this final game.

This tournament marked the final games for our year 12 students, Nicola Gee (captain) and Sofia Keane. The team will miss the energy and enthusiasm that they bring to each game and training but wish them all the best for their endeavours after graduation.

Full U18 girls results can be found HERE

KEY DATE
Please see upcoming key dates for our boys’ and girls’ program below. You can find the full list of key dates HERE.

Boys and Girls

OTHER ITEMS

Rugby Photos

We will be having our rugby photos for U12, U13, U15 and 1st XV boys and U15 and U18 girls on the morning of Tuesday 7th November. We will be sending out more information shortly on timings and requirements. Any player that has represented Lindisfarne in our XVs or 7’s teams will be expected at the photos and we will also be presenting our 1st XV and U18 girls jumpers after the photos.

More Information

If you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Coyne (jcoyne@lindiisfarne.nsw.edu.au).

The Surfing Australia Academy is accepting applications for Academy positions in 2024. With Lindisfarne being the official school-based education provider for this academy, we highly encourage any students aspiring to become a professional surfer to consider applying.

If you are interested, you can find the 2024 Surfing Australia Academy Prospectus on this link HERE and you can also find more information (including the application link) on this link HERE. 

Please note applications close on October 31st 2023.

Dr Joseph Coyne

The Poets Out Loud Youth Slam was held in Term 3 as part of Byron Writers Festival.

We are so proud of year 9 student, Sam Bell, who received 2nd place for his slam poem. Judge Mandy Nolan commented that his "almost Shakespearian command of language" was particularly impressive.

Year 7 student, Aziah Phoenix-Coy was the youngest competitor in the event and is congratulated on a fine effort!

Kylie Wharton
Director of English

On Friday 20, October Year 11 English extension and Year 11 Drama students went to the Playhouse at QPAC to watch the captivating and confronting adaptation of Mary Shelley's text, Frankenstein. The Year 11 English extension students are studying this text next year. The play was highly emotive, dynamic and gruesome, as several gory scenes of murders were cleverly performed. Pyrotechnics, extreme flashing lights and sound effects were shown throughout, as well as the use of large screens to create visuals of the woods, a storm, and the interior of a home. A highlight was the creative staging aspect that was used throughout the play, the revolving stage, which the cast of Frankenstein used in every scene. This stage was used to create the idea of someone walking, though walking on the spot, or would transition the scene seamlessly to the next, adding particular furniture on part of the stage when turning the set around the space. Special effects prosthetic makeup was used to portray the gruesome appearance of Frankenstein's creation, with bloody, rough skin. The acting performances from the small cast of six were exceptional, as many cast members played multiple roles. This adaptation of Mary Shelley’s text ‘Frankenstein’ was creatively crafted, displaying the raw accuracy of the original story.

Anni Stautner
Arts Prefect.

It is with immense joy and enthusiasm that we share the incredible experiences and cherished memories from our recent Japan Tour. In late September, 29 adventurous students from Years 8, 9, and 11, along with four dedicated teachers, embarked on a 10-day journey to the Land of the Rising Sun. This extraordinary voyage was filled with enriching experiences, new friendships, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Although the weather was unusually hot, and our return flights faced some delays, the Japan Tour of 2023 will forever remain etched in our hearts as an unforgettable adventure.

行ってきます！Departure:

Our journey commenced on the evening of September 19th from Mahers Lane, as we bid farewell to our school community and set our sights on the wonders of Japan.

Tokyo Adventures:

Our first stop was the vibrant city of Tokyo, where we were welcomed by the bustling Shibuya 'Scramble' crossing and the iconic Hachiko statue. In Shinjuku, our accommodation became our home away from home. On our first evening, we were treated to a traditional Shabu Shabu hot pot dinner, where we marvelled at the fusion of Japanese cuisine and futuristic robot wait-staff.

Imperial Palace and Disney Magic:

Day two saw us exploring the magnificent Imperial Palace East Garden before an enchanting visit to Tokyo Disneyland, one of the most beloved and iconic theme parks in the world. This enchanting destination offered an array of attractions and experiences that delighted students and teachers alike! In the evening, we celebrated Noah's birthday with another traditional Japanese meal and cake for all.

Aoyama Gakuin Junior High School:

Day three was truly a highlight of our tour. We attended a chapel service at Aoyama Gakuin, where Connor and Tilly delivered speeches in Japanese, a moment of pride for our school and a testament to the power of cultural exchange. We joined Aoyama Gakuin students in PE and English classes, forming connections that transcended borders. In the afternoon, we explored old downtown Tokyo, including the Sensoji temple and Asakusa shops followed by a tour of Meiji Shrine followed by shopping in Harajuku. The day concluded with a sushi-making lesson and a fun ‘quirky gift’ exchange.

Journey to Nara:

We boarded the famous Bullet Train to Nara, the ancient capital, on day four. In Nara Park, we interacted with friendly deer and marvelled at the Giant Golden Buddha. A visit to Kasuga Taisha brought us the serendipitous joy of witnessing a traditional Japanese wedding. Our day concluded with a Korean BBQ, Japanese-style, where we prepared our own meals together.

Kyoto's Charms:

Day five found us exploring Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its mesmerising tunnel of vermillion torii gates. We then visited the stunning Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple. Shopping and a visit to Kiyomizu Temple were followed by yet another delectable traditional dinner meal.

Hiroshima's Peaceful Message:

On day six, we embarked on a sombre but also uplifting visit to Hiroshima's Memorial Peace Park and Museum. The experiences were deeply moving. We also explored Hiroshima Castle, indulged in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and enjoyed shopping and even some karaoke!

Miyajima Island Adventure:

Day seven took us on a day trip to the captivating Miyajima Island, where we marvelled at the iconic Itsukushima Shrine giant torii gate. The island's serene shrines, wild deer, and traditional shops enriched our understanding of Japanese culture. Dinner was a delightful celebration of Taj's birthday at the beautiful ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima.

Osaka: Japan's Kitchen:

Our penultimate day was spent in Osaka, often referred to as "Japan's Kitchen." We explored the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market, indulged in a delicious lunch in the famous Dotonbori District, visited Osaka Castle, and reached new heights at the Umeda Sky Building, offering breathtaking views of Osaka. To top it off, we had the unique experience of being interviewed for the Japanese TV program “Ohayō Asahi Desu”, an exciting moment to remember.

Homeward Bound: ただいま！

Finally, on day nine, our hearts brimming with unforgettable experiences, we commenced our journey back home. The students displayed extraordinary resilience throughout the journey, a testament to their growth and adaptability.

The Japan Tour of 2023 was indeed an unforgettable experience for all involved. It provided a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, personal growth, and the development of lasting friendships. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our school community and the dedication of our teachers who made this life-changing adventure possible. We look forward to future opportunities to explore new horizons and create enduring memories!

Louise Godden
Japanese Teacher & Japan Tour Coordinator

Year 5 students have been actively participating in Japanese ‘radio exercises’ and creating hachimaki as part of Japanese sports day undōkai activities.

Undōkai 運動会 is a sports day that Japanese students participate in every year from kindergarten through to senior school. Undōkai is similar to our athletics carnival but with more of a focus on team participation rather than individual achievement. All over Japan, students participate in their undōkai usually in October - on the weekend! It’s a family day of fun and a much-loved part of Japanese school life!

Some of the fun events at undōkai include the ‘ball toss’, ‘bamboo grab’, ‘giant ball roll’ and ‘cavalry battle’. It is also quite common for classes to present traditional folk dances, or modern group dances and even cheering competitions (like our house march-past).

Essential undōkai items include obentō, sports drinks like Pocari Sweat or Calpis, and a plastic mat/tarp. It’s a great day out that Japanese students, staff and families look forward to every year, and if you ever get to experience undōkai you will never forget it!

ゴデン先生
Mrs.Godden

There has been much activity in the Visual Arts department lately with lots of creative work and new skills being learnt. Year 9 Visual Arts students have recently been investigating Still Life and Interiors spaces as stimuli as a unit of work. Students explored the work of Margaret Olley, Brooke Dalton and Esther Eckley. Students were required to produce 3 artworks in either painting, drawing or digital media. Please experience some of the impressive results below.

Year 9 and 10 Photography and Digital Media students have been working on their photography folios and produced a range of works. Year 9 were focussing on Photography and the world and created images commenting on social issues. Year 10 students were influenced by the work of Gerwyn Davies, an Australian photographer who uses creative props within his work. Davies recently won the 2023 Olive Cotton Photographic Prize which is currently on show at Tweed Regional Gallery.

Years 5 and 6 have been learning new drawing techniques with both years learning about their environment. Year 5 have been drawing insects using cross hatching and Year 6 have been drawing beach landscapes using mark making. Students have been impressed with their own skills being guided through the process and practising their technique. These skills will develop into finished gelli monoprints for Year 5 and mixed media landscapes for year 6.

We look forward to sharing more of the Visual Arts happenings with you in the coming weeks.

Mrs Jane Brennan
Director of Visual Arts

Come and enjoy a “Taste Of New York” at the Mahers Lane Chapel on Saturday, 28 October, commencing at 6.00pm. The evening will include performances from internationally renowned Jazz artist Monica Trapaga and our own touring Stage Band.

Tables of 8 are available for $240 which will include the Show and appetisers and a bar will also be operating on the night.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together and enjoy an evening of fantastic music and share in the excitement of the upcoming New York Stage Band Tour.

Book Here

On Sunday morning, about 150 of our students from Grade 1- Grade 8 who study extracurricular Speech and Drama lessons showcased their skills to family and friends.

Some students performed their upcoming AMEB exam programs, whilst others entertained audiences with poems, monologues and group plays. It was fabulous to see all the students from first timers to experienced performers, grace the stage with confidence and loving their time in the spotlight.

Kim Shepherd
Speech and Drama Teacher

Save water to delay restrictions

Following the El Nino declaration by the Bureau of Meteorology and less than average rainfall now forecast for the Northern Rivers, Tweed Shire Council is urging everyone in the Tweed to save water to prolong the shire’s water supply.

Without significant rain, the Tweed is heading into water restrictions.

Council is asking everyone who lives, works and plays in the Tweed to unite and save water now.

Level 1 water restrictions for most of the Tweed will be triggered when the Clarrie Hall Dam level drops to 85% full. If each of us is using less than 160 litres of water a day when water restrictions are introduced, we delay the need to impose harsh restrictions during extended dry periods.

Some great water-saving tips for families include cleaning hard outdoor surfaces with a broom not a hose, mulching your garden, keeping your showers to 4 minutes, doing full loads of washing and fixing your water leaks indoors and out.

Go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/water-savings-restrictions for more tips.

In 2020, Council banned water carting from Tyalgum and Uki. Whenever water restrictions are triggered, Council bans water carting from elsewhere in the Tweed to other local government areas.

Council is currently completing planning works for the proposed raising of Clarrie Hall Dam to increase the volume of water that can be stored, securing our water supply in the face of climate change and population growth.

Akarnae: The Medoran Chronicles Book 1 by Lynette Noni

This series is comparable to Harry Potter meets X-Men and Narnia. I am currently reading this series and thoroughly enjoying it.

Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her…but he’s missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora’s boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can’t ignore her fear that something unexpected - something sinister - is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex’s shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race’s survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home? Will Alex risk her entire world - and maybe even her life - to save Medora?

Mrs Gail Dessmann
Library Manager - JP (Qual.)