2024 Term 3 Week 7 6 Sept 2024
Upcoming Events
From the Principal
Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,
I’m pleased to share with you some highlights of a joyful week of learning, sharing, and achievement at Lindisfarne.
On Tuesday, our Kindergarten students visited the Mahers Lane campus. It was heartwarming to see the excitement and curiosity of our youngest students as they explored the campus, including a very positive visit to my office. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I’d like to thank all staff, parents, and students who made this visit a resounding success.
We hosted our much-anticipated annual P&F Big Boys' Breakfasts this week on Wednesday and Thursday. These events provided our students and their dads or father figures a fantastic opportunity to strengthen bonds over shared meals and conversations. The gatherings were filled with positive energy, underscoring the importance of these supportive relationships in our students' lives.
It was a privilege to welcome Mr Garth Wynne, the newly appointed Round Square Schools Support Director for Australasia & East Asia, to Lindisfarne on Wednesday. Garth has enjoyed a distinguished career in education spanning 40 years, including his recent role as Executive Principal of Christ's College, Christchurch, NZ. He was particularly impressed with Lindisfarne’s engagement with the Round Square global community, highlighting initiatives such as the Heroes of Discovery program at Sunshine Avenue, the DiscoverEd elective program in the Middle School, the numerous international opportunities for Mahers Lane students, the school’s commitment to sustainability initiatives and our increased focus on service-learning programs.
Also, on Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the public speaking finals. This event showcased the remarkable talent of a number of our students in Grade 5 to Grade 12. Witnessing our students' high standards of eloquence and confidence was inspiring. I am incredibly proud of all our finalists and commend them for their insightful and thought-provoking presentations.
Thursday was significant for our school as we held the commissioning service for Reverend Lyndon Mulholland, our second chaplain. This service formally introduced Reverend Lyndon to our school and celebrated the expansion of our chaplaincy and ministry team. We are blessed and grateful to have Reverend Lyndon, his wife Anna, and their family join our community. His role will enhance our spiritual support network, working alongside our Senior Chaplain, Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu. We anticipate Reverend Lyndon’s contributions will enrich our school’s spiritual life and help deepen our commitment to our Anglican identity and values.
Today, I also wanted to share a change in the leadership of our School Council. After five years as Chair of the School Council, Ms Dominique O’Neill (2004) stepped down due to increased professional and family responsibilities. Dominique has led our School Council with distinction and has been a remarkable support to me as Principal. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dominique O’Neill for her dedicated service to our School as Chair of the School Council. Dominique, a successful local lawyer and past student of the School, will continue to offer her invaluable insight as a member of the School Council.
We are pleased to advise that Deputy Chair Mr Bill Adler will assume the responsibilities of Chair of the School Council. Originally from Ohio, USA, Bill came to Australia in 1983 as a young teacher and later embarked on a distinguished 19-year career in education, including as Head of Senior School and Director of International Programs at All Saints Anglican School on the Gold Coast. In 2003, Bill founded Imagine Education Australia and has extensive interests in training and development, international education, and early learning. He has been actively involved in local committees and school councils for over 20 years. His extensive experience in education and governance, particularly in Anglican schools, will be a tremendous asset to Lindisfarne as Chair of the School Council.
Sandra Hawken will assume duties as the Deputy Chair of the School Council. Sandra, a familiar face to many, also brings a wealth of experience and background in educational leadership to her new role. Her career includes principalship of a coeducational boarding school and headship of primary and middle school at two Anglican schools. Sandra has also held executive roles in various professional associations and is highly qualified, with degrees in education, business, psychology, and theology. Born and raised in the Tweed Valley, Sandra and her husband have managed an agricultural business locally for 40 years. Sandra’s service as Head of Junior School at Lindisfarne from 2002 to 2005 and her ongoing commitment to our school’s mission ensure a seamless transition into her new role.
This Sunday, at 9:00 a.m., a Confirmation and First Communion service will be held at St. Cuthbert's Parish Tweed Heads. Bishop Murray will oversee this sacred ceremony. We sincerely thank the Rev. Constantine Osuchukwu, Rev. Lyndon Mulholland, and Rev. Dway Goon Chew for their unwavering dedication and spiritual guidance. This service is a pivotal moment in the spiritual lives of our participants, symbolizing a deepening of their faith journey within our community. Please join us in supporting and celebrating this meaningful occasion.
We also have our Tournament of Minds this Sunday at Mahers Lane, which promises to showcase our students' creative talents. As in previous years, we are pleased to host many visiting Schools and teams at the Regional Finals.
Additionally, we eagerly anticipate community-wide participation in our Sing For R U, OK? Day event on Monday at 6:15 pm at The Citadel in Murwillumbah. This important community gathering supports a vital cause and offers fun and fellowship. Each year, I have attended the event, and I have left the evening uplifted by the time spent with members of our school community.
I also wanted to share with families that Senior Staff at the School are currently discussing ways to support families with guidance around Smartphones and when it is appropriate for a child or young person to have access to a Smartphone. I know parents' dilemma when confronted with statements such as ‘Everyone else has a phone’ or ‘I’m the only one without a phone.’ Of course, this is rarely accurate with many parents ‘holding the line’ on providing a phone.
As such, we have asked the esafety commissioner for further advice. Governments, Regulatory authorities, schools, communities, and parents are playing catch-up on this issue in many ways.
Finally, there are some ‘green shoots’ of action, with the Australian Government starting to scrutinize social media platforms for how they manage and enforce their self-imposed age restrictions (which are too low, in my view).
My thoughts are that further regulation will be needed, and as a general rule, parents should delay the provision of a Smartphone for as long as humanly possible. Certainly, never in the primary years and as late as possible in the secondary years. My sense would be that within the 14-18 age range, coming into line with when young people can make decisions around medical treatment, apply to learn to drive, or vote in an election.
I am hopeful that, in time, we will see meaningful reform.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Lindisfarne a thriving educational environment. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.
Enjoy the weekend and, hopefully, a chance to be outdoors in the beautiful weather we are experiencing.
Stuart Marquardt
Principal
From the Acting Principal
From the Deputy Principal
From the Acting Deputy Principal
Chaplaincy
Chaplain's Corner
Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,
On Thursday morning we had my Commissioning Service in Ngahriyah as the Second Chaplain. It was a tremendous occasion which afforded our students the opportunity to display their wonderful musical talents amidst a beautiful liturgy led by Rev Constantine.
I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making it a most memorable moment that I and my family will cherish forever.
Coming towards the end of my first term here at Lindisfarne I can truly say that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I look forward to continuing to grow into my new role as I support Rev Constantine’s efforts to offer chaplaincy across all facets of our growing school.
Whilst Rev Constantine and I are working together closely, my joining the Chaplaincy Team has freed him up to focus more attention on the Junior School with me to focus more on the Senior School as we share the Middle School.
It is my hope and dream to develop a meaningful chapel service for our Senior School students of years 9-10, starting in 2025, where we will have the opportunity to explore the big questions of life and faith in a safe and open environment.
I would like to thank you all for your wonderful welcome of me and my family to Lindisfarne and I look forward to contributing to the life of our school in the years to come.
Blessings,
The Rev Lyndon Mulholland
Chaplain
St Vinnies Sleepout - Thank You
Last Friday, some of our senior students and staff slept out at the Sunshine Avenue assembly area to raise awareness about the growing crisis of homelessness in our community, as well as to raise funds to support Fred’s Place in caring for our vulnerable brothers and sisters.
We heard at the event that the issue of homelessness is becoming increasingly worse, and the rising cost of living, rental crisis, and shortage of affordable housing have all contributed.
Your participation, dedication and donations have made a significant impact, raising $167,357 alongside 300+ other participants across NSW who braved the cold to stand in solidarity with those facing incredibly tough times.
Our school has so far raised $4,100.00 when we include the money from the Junior School Pyjama Day last Friday. The appeal is still open till the end of September, and if you'd still like to donate, please click HERE to help us reach our $5000 target. Thank you for your compassion and support.
As Flora Edwards said, “In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”
The Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain
Important Information
Mahers Lane Canteen - Pay with your student card
PAY WITH YOUR STUDENT CARD - MAHERS LANE CANTEEN
Paying at the canteen with the Lindisfarne student card is faster and more secure than cash or EFTPOS. Students can now pay over the counter at the canteen using their student card:
- Ensures lunch money is used at the school canteen
- Students can choose from any canteen food
- Parents can view all purchases in the Flexischools App
- Parents can set daily canteen spend limits
More secure than giving cash or debit card
You can activate your Lindisfarne student card by simply following these steps.
In the Flexischools App
- Click “Profile”
- Select student
- Enter their student number (from card)
- Add a “Daily Spend Limit”, say $10
- Hit Save
Ensure you top up your Flexischools wallet to get started!
To add funds, click “Wallet” in the app and make a deposit. Students can now easily pay by scanning their card at the canteen. For added security, a photo of the student will appear at the time of purchase on the canteen terminal.
Student Card FAQs
Is this a new card?
No, the existing student card is simply linked to the funds in your Flexischools wallet. Link the card (instructions above) and top-up your wallet to have funds available to the card.
What if my student has lost their student card?
See the Library team to get a replacement card. Please note as per the Parent Student Guide, lost cards incur a $5 replacement fee.
Can my student check their balance at school?
Yes, there is a balance check station (iPad) near the canteen to check the balance on the card.
If you need any help our friendly customer support team is available weekdays 7.00am - 12.00pm AEDT on 1300 361 769 or via web ticket here.
Kind regards
Jameson Booth
Flexischools
First Nations
Parents and Friends
Tournament of Minds - BBQ Helpers Needed
The Parents and Friends Association is supporting the Tournament of Minds event at Lindisfarne on Sunday, 8 September. We are still in need of some extra volunteers. Helping times are only 90 minutes long. If you can help, please use the link below.
https://volunteersignup.org/HM7QW
Lindisfarne Parents and Friends
Friends of the Arts
Safe on Social
ParentEd
Harmony Week
Student Voice
Upcoming Events
Business Breakfast - Jamie Callister The Vegemite Story
Jamie Callister, hailing from Australian royalty – well almost - proudly carries the legacy of his grandfather, Cyril Callister, the man who invented Vegemite. With Vegemite running through his veins, Jamie has made it his mission to share his grandfather's remarkable story which is more than just a captivating narrative; it's a recipe providing the key ingredients into probably Australia’s greatest success story which can be applied equally to the boardroom, the workplace, sporting teams and life.
FunFest
Whole School News
Nursing Notes
Write a Book in a Day Competition
Over the three Thursday’s we have had 24 teams of excited writers take part in the Write a Book in a Day Competition. The competition has been running at Lindisfarne since 2018 when just 5 teams entered. Interest and motivation to compete in the competition has grown significantly, requiring us to run the competition over three days.
The competition is an initiative of the Kids’ Cancer Project and thousands of students across Australia participate each year. Our teams worked tirelessly over the 12 hour period to produce some fantastic pieces. It was wonderful to see how well the students worked together and the enthusiasm they shared to produce their amazing books.
Well done to all of our writers and illustrators who entered the competition.This year’s books will be displayed in the library for all to enjoy!
Jodie Duggan
Learning Enrichment
Lindisfarne TV - Episode 23
Hey everybody,
Check out Episode 23 for highlights from Book Week on both campuses and all the fun from Funfest!
Enjoy.
Ryan Murphy
Staff Bio
Teaching and Learning
Junior School
The Round Square Heroes of Discovery
This week at the Junior School, we concluded our two week exploration of our 9th Round Square Hero of Discovery, Inquisitive Indu
During our Hero Draw at the Junior School assembly, students were recognised for demonstrating hero-like qualities and honoured as this week’s ‘Little Heroes.’
To the delight of our Junior School students, our teachers have continued ‘hero seeking’ in the classroom and playground, allowing us to draw closer to the hero line on our whole school prize box, edging one step closer to our Junior School Hero Day!
This week, our Kindergarten students embarked on their first adventure to the Mahers Lane campus, eagerly soaking in the exciting atmosphere of the 'big school.' Throughout their visit, they embodied the inquisitive spirit of Inquisitive Indu. Below are some of their thoughtful wondering.
We look forward to shining the spotlight on a new hero, Problem-Solving Papri, next week as we continue to deepen our understanding of the character traits that empower us to become positive contributors to the world we live in.
Angela Mundy
Dean of Students - Junior School
Year 3 Camp
What a wonderful experience Year 3 students had during their overnight stay at Camp Goodenough last week. Their energy, enthusiasm, courage and determination were evident over the two days as they participated in a variety of activities, many of which were outside their comfort zones. The camp was not just an unforgettable opportunity but also a significant step in fostering independence, boosting confidence, building friendships, and creating cherished memories.
Highlights included a variety of team building tasks, ensuring students embraced their spirit of collaboration as they navigated an obstacle course, built and raced billy carts, climbed to new heights whilst prusiking and solved Survivor style group challenges. It was wonderful to see students encourage one another, build trust, and celebrate their collective successes.
Year 3 Camp also provided a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with one another in new ways. Watching them support each other, share stories, and form deeper friendships was heartwarming. For many, this was the first time being away from home overnight, and they handled it with remarkable maturity and resilience.
This camp instilled a sense of independence and confidence in our students that we hope to see carry across into the classroom and their everyday lives.
Year 3 Teachers
Year 2 - The Grug
Once the top of a Burrawang tree fell to the ground. Then the grassy top began to change. It became Grug. . . .On Thursday 29th August, all of Year 2 travelled to Murwillumbah Civic Centre to see the live stage show based on the best selling children’s book, “The Grug.”
As part of our English unit, Year 2 have been learning about the features of narratives. We have explored how imaginative texts are written, structured, and presented and how we can connect with stories to find their secrets. We have also been investigating how stories can be interpreted, every reader gaining something personal and different. “The Grug” was a very relevant and meaningful way to gain an understanding of the different mediums in which authors can share their messages and how these can evoke emotion in the audience.
The Windmill Theatre production staged stunning designs and live puppetry as they brought Ted Prior’s, “The Grug” to life. The production saw our students join Grug on some of his most exciting adventures.
The laughs and shrieks that filled the auditorium were reflective of the joy felt by students when experiencing this lovely story. Adults were swept back to their childhood as fond memories came to life once again. The message of an uncomplicated, happy existence combined with the pleasure gained from the simple things in life was thoroughly understood as students anticipated the parcels that would present themselves in the Grug’s stick mailbox. Each simple gift allowing for a shift in mindset around every day activities. Fishing, soccer, apples and even sleeping are now a lot more exciting thanks to the Grug.
Students took so much away from this wonderful opportunity to really engage with written text and experience it in such a wholesome manner, becoming a part of the story alongside the loveable Grug. This fantastic opportunity was cherished and, “The Grug” is one narrative that will forever be fondly remembered.
Abbey Read
Year 2
Year 3 Cultural Incursion
🎊👘Celebrating お盆 Obon : A Glimpse into Japanese Culture🏮🍡
As part of the Year 3 Incursion "Celebrations and Commemorations from Around the World," students learned about Obon, a traditional Japanese festival that honours ancestors. The event, marked by dance, music, and lanterns, provided a unique insight into Japanese customs and the importance of remembering loved ones. The students particularly enjoyed trying on yukata, traditional Japanese summer robes, adding a hands-on experience to their cultural exploration.
Louise Godden
Japanese Teacher
Kindergarten Excursion to Mahers Lane 2024
On Tuesday morning, 75 ridiculously excited little kindergarten students boarded the buses with fifteen happy Mummy and Daddy helpers and ten intrepid staff members. The sun was shining and it was set to be a fantastic day!
We started with a visit to our school Principal, Mr Stuart Marquardt’s office. We admired the lovely view, looked for whale tails splashing in the ocean and examined the beautiful artwork on the wall. Our budding artists in Kindergarten aspired to one day having their art on those walls!
From there we journeyed past the Outdoor Chapel down to visit Rev Constantine and Rev Lyndon in the chapel. The Year 6s joined us to do our Acknowledgement of Country and we sang a song lead by the musical Mrs Dillon. It was lovely to see the stained glass window and the view of the magnificent valley all the way down to the ocean.
Then it was time for our rotations to begin.
Mr Wright, or Wrighty, as he soon became known, along with the Creative Industries team, guided 75, 5 and 6-year-olds safely through the process of using a drop drill and a mallet. In Wrighty’s own words - “It was terrifying!” although we would never have known. The spinning trees that were magically created were a hit with all the children! They were so proud of themselves and loved being in the woodwork shed.
Gardening with Mrs Foyster in the Agri-Plot was fabulous! Looking at the furry feet on the bantams was a highlight, along with realising the little seeds we planted would soon become enormous sunflowers. When the rooster stopped crowing so loudly, Mrs Foyster could show us some root vegetables and even uprooted a few for us to admire. The awe on the little faces was beautiful.
Lastly we visited Ms Lia’s huge industrial kitchen in Trade Skills. We each were given an oozey-goozey bit of cookie dough to roll out into a ball to be baked for a sweet treat. Luckily Ms Clare was on hand to remember exactly which cookie belonged to which child before they went into the oven! Before we could eat these though, we needed to make our pesto pasta. We discussed how wheat grew on farms and was milled to make pasta and flour and how our tiny sunflower seeds would grow to become enormous sunflowers. These in turn would produce seeds to make the delicious pesto that we could stir through our pasta to eat. Yum! Some children were brave enough to try a new food and found they loved pesto pasta.
Little tummies were full after the baked cookie and ready for some quiet time in the library with Ms Dessmann and Ms Sonya. We finished our day looking through the telescope, watching the cows in the farm next door, listening to a story read by Olivia, colouring in book marks and playing games quietly.
At the end of the day, 75 ridiculously exhausted little kindergarten students boarded the buses with fifteen tired Mummy and Daddy helpers and ten staff members running on an empty tank! Thank you to everyone who made this incursion the enormous success that it was.
Angela Dickens
Kindergarten Teacher
Green Team
Middle School
DiscoverEd - Be Kind
On Wednesday, our DiscoverEd group 'Be Kind' had the privilege of visiting Infinite Care Tweed where they enjoyed a heart-warming experience. The facility hosted our students for a 'Bee Kind' themed morning tea, creating a perfect setting for meaningful connections.
The morning began with students and residents sharing a delightful spread of treats, with students listening intently as the residents’ shared stories from their lives, focusing on the acts of kindness they’ve experienced and how they’ve expressed kindness throughout their years.
After the delicious morning tea, the day took on an even more personal touch as the students and residents came together to create friendship bracelets. The table was filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of new friendships and kindness being spread. We also got a special visit from a little puppy.
The visit was a resounding success, with both students and residents expressing how much they enjoyed the experience. Many have already asked when we can return!
We’re incredibly proud of our 'Be Kind' group for their genuine enthusiasm and the kindness they showed, and we look forward to more opportunities like this to connect with and learn from our community.
Bronte Ryan and Carla McKinley
Year 5
Year 5 Camp
During Week 6 our Year 5 cohort spent a week at Lake Ainsworth enjoying camp with a four day, three night camp! During this time we not only survived, we THRIVED! Lake Ainsworth was an absolute blast.
During our time away it was so wonderful to watch the students challenge themselves in different outdoor education arenas. Rock climbing involved harnesses and navigating heights, canoeing was out on the Tea Tree lake but the wind was fun to work with, archery saw the Robin Hood in us all rise to the surface and raft building allowed us to think about survival in the wild.
Watching the smiles on the faces of our students was an absolute highlight. By day we canoed, rock climbed, raft built, fenced and paddled! By night we had fun playing games, arcades and completing trivia.. From the earliest of starts to late at night our incredible humans looked after each other beautifully! So many of the camp staff commented on how incredible the Lindisfarne students were; resilient, helpful, kind and so thoughtful with looking after each other.
Upon return it has been extremely rewarding to reflect on the many moments of growth the students moved through; growth in resilience, growth in persistence, growth in self belief and growth in confidence!
A huge thank you needs to be extended to the extraordinary teachers and support staff who accompanied our students and made this camp possible. It was a wonderful team to share in such a great adventure!
Well done Year 5 teachers and students of 2024 - you have so much to be proud of!
Amber Jarvis
Year 5 Coordinator
Performing Arts Recognition
It is with great pride we share the news of Keely Mohan, Year 5 amazing results at the Lismore Eisteddfod last weekend.
9-10 yrs - Age Group
- 1st place Drama
- 1st place Verse Speaking
- 1st place Memorised Prose
- 1st place Humorous Verse Speaking
- 1st place Sight Reading
Keely received an Excellence Award (highest marks in poetry Speaking and Prepared Prose Reading) and the Axtens Award (perpetual trophy displayed at Lismore Library).
Clearly Keely is a rising star in the world of performance!
Amber Jarvis
Year 5 Coordinator
Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
At Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, when families choose to partner with us, they commit to a shared vision of nurturing well-rounded, resilient, and capable young individuals. This partnership thrives when there is a wholehearted subscription to the School’s values, expectations, and offerings. It is this collective approach that ensures a meaningful and impactful experience for all students.
Keeping students at the heart of all decisions, we recognise the importance of encouraging them to embrace challenges. Whether it is tackling academic hurdles or taking part in more physically and emotionally demanding experiences like school camps or our signature program, The Rite Journey, these moments are pivotal in shaping their character. Time and time again, I have conversations with students about the immense personal growth that comes from stepping outside their comfort zones and pushing through adversity.
Programs such as The Rite Journey are cornerstones of our Senior School wellbeing framework. Key events like The Calling, The Abyss, and The Homecoming provide opportunities for students to develop resilience, confidence, and self-awareness. These experiences, alongside camps and other activities, are intentionally designed to help students recognise their vast potential. However, for these programs to be truly effective, we need the full support of our families.
In the Senior School, we understand that some aspects of our programs can be challenging - intentionally so. These moments of discomfort are where the real growth happens. We see time and again how students who take on these challenges come out stronger, more confident, and better equipped for the demands of life beyond school. We believe in building young people who can thrive in adversity, and that can only be achieved with the full embrace of the Lindisfarne experience.
Without embracing the full Lindisfarne package, students miss out on the profound growth that these challenges offer. We encourage every family to see the value in participating fully in these opportunities, knowing that they are vital to your child’s personal development.
So, as we continue this journey together, let us remember the importance of supporting the whole Lindisfarne experience. Your child’s future depends on it.
Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School
From the Dean of Students
Wellio this week is exploring the notion of finding joy in the present moment, and how this impacts health and happiness. The great Beatle George Harrison once mused, ‘It’s being here now that’s important. There’s no past, and there’s no future. Time is a very misleading thing. All there is ever is now.’ For those who are able to harness this concept, there are many benefits: it boosts focus, reduces stress, improves mood, strengthens relationships, enhances enjoyment and builds resilience.
It was great to see parents tuning in to last week’s Wellio Parent Session based on building and maintaining healthy relationships. For those who might have missed it, you can click here to access the recording and the factsheet. Following the Relationship Triangle concept, there are 4 main ingredients to healthy relationships:
Enjoyment. Invest in their relationships with effort and empathy, finding joy in the present.
Consistency. Spend consistent time with their friends and family, face-to-face where possible.
Vulnerability. Reveal their true selves, being open and honest with challenges and setbacks.
Identity. Uncover their identity by pursuing their passions, hobbies and spirituality.
Year 13 Program
For any students looking to build their Christian faith, I can recommend the Year 13 program, which runs for the year following Year 12 graduation. Based in Loftus in Sydney, the gap year includes a mission trip to Fiji where students can spend time learning experientially before moving on to tertiary study, apprenticeships or employment.
Anti-Bullying Week
Congratulations to the winner of our Anti-Bullying Week poster competition - Claire Kelly (Year 5). Claire was presented with her prize at the recent Middle School Assembly. A huge thanks to Amity Leach and Evie Mills (Year 11) for their leadership of this event.
Nathan Alterator
Dean of Students 9-12
Careers and VET
Careers and VET
On Wednesday, 4 September a small group of Year 10 and 11 students had the opportunity to visit Essential Energy in South Tweed Heads and the new Hutchinsons development, Esprit, at Rainbow Bay. Students had the opportunity to explore electrical careers, particularly powerline workers, at Essential Energy. Students were paired with a highly qualified powerline worker and went up in the crane, simulating repairing an overhead powerline. They also participated in an activity where they simulated harnessing on to a power pole and reaching to fix a fault on the line. Thankfully they stayed close to the ground but were also able to see a demonstration of workers climbing high on a power pole and doing the same action high above. We then travelled to the Esprit development where Hutchinsons Builders took us on a tour of the development site and students were able to meet Site, Projects and Constructions Managers as well as various trades including Scaffolding, Carpentry, Concreting, Crane Drivers as well as Safety Officers. Students were able to ask questions and find out more about the pathways into the various trades and the levels of qualification that are required to be obtained. This was a wonderful opportunity for these students to gain first hand insights into these professions and growth areas for employment through apprenticeships in our local area.
Lauren Ward
Careers and VET Coordiantor
Careers - Southern Cross Scholars Program
Pastoral Care
Sport
Sport News
For our Mahers Lane students and parents, the final Integrated Sports selections for the 2024 calendar year came and went last night for most parents. By enlarge, the Clipboard software is immeasurably better than any other that we have used, with the system handling the loading with ease. The interface has been quick and relatively seamless for the majority of parents. Most of our parents are done and dusted in under 2 minutes - from start to finish. Demonstrating a barometer of the volumes and timelines:
- 7:01pm - 506 selections were completed in the system.
- 7:03pm - 651 selections were entered.
- 7:10pm - over 850 selections were locked and loaded
Obviously, the Sports Department would like to accommodate first choice for all of our children, but whilst there are strict capacities on some sports, some students will miss out. We encourage parents to support the Sports Department in teaching and fostering resilience in their children in this instance - and we always advocate having a contingency sport agreed to.
The Bill Turner Football Finals days were played this week. With both of our U15 Football squads eliminated a fortnight ago. A brief overview of the Grand Finals - with Coaches Cadman and Clucas watching on and doing their homework:
TROPHY
Westfield Sports High School running away in the end 4-1. For those that watched the game, it could have been 10-1 except for the keeping exploits from Cairns, she was unbelievable. WSHS runs very big League and Football programs, and even just getting entry into that school for football is hard, let alone making the starting team. From 1-15, the players were slick.
That is 6 in a row now for WSHS - and 11 of the last 15 Trophy titles.
CUP
For the boys, Killarney Heights High School - a school not in anyone's title hopes calculations at the beginning of the tournament, came from the clouds to win convincingly (3-0), not straightforward though with two penalties in the second half contributing to this scoreline. All in all, a feel-good story, with the lack of resources within the KHHS, with the coach needing to supplement his own balls from home to make a kit up.
Demonstrates what can be achieved, with the right trajectory and collective effort.
Next week we have our NCIS Secondary Basketballers heading down to Coffs Harbour. Wishing them all the best.
On Friday, 13 September, the Lindisfarne 6-a-side Football tournament will be proceeding for our Years 3 to 6 Primary contingent down at Arkinstall Park.
Athletics
On the ground in Sydney’s SOPAC - are our contingent of young athletes at the NSWCIS Athletics. Lots of freakish young guns in that squad, looking forward to running my eyes over the results. Congratulations to these young athletes:
CIS Athletics Primary Roster
- Isobel Alford
- Sid Beard
- Daylan Braby
- Andie Buchan
- Ivy Costello
- Elle Down
- Benji Eke
- Miller Glenister
- Theodore Houghton
- Ayva Immisch
- Summer Immisch
- Jack Kane
- Claire Kelly
- Shaya Keyes
- Nicholas Klein
- Emerson Koorey
- Storm Lucas
- Nyah McLauchlan
- Will Middleton
- Ned Simmonds
- Jobe Stephens
- Sofia Sutherland-Ross
Spotlight on Jack Kane
Young Jack Kane, superstar sprinter and also young gun Footballer, was playing in the NSWCIS representative Football team in Tamworth last week - at the NSWPSSA tournament.
His team was undefeated, and only conceded one goal - but ended up in 7th place due to 3 draws and 3 wins. Top 3 in the pool ended up on 19 points with Jack's team NSWCIS on 18 points. So absolutely nothing in it - the competition is red hot.
Jack is only in Year 5, so hopefully he gets another crack next year.
Damien Clucas
Head of Sport
Rugby News
Proudly Supported By
NSW RUGBY 7s STATE FINALS
Congratulations to all players selected in our U14 boys and U16 girls squads for the NSW Rugby 7s State Finals in Sydney on the 18th September. These two squads will fly down together on the 17th September mid- to late-morning and return on the 18th September in the evening. It is important we have a strong showing in Sydney and all parents should have been sent their child’s permission/invitation on Clipboard. If you or your child has been selected for this trip, please attend to this invitation as soon as possible so we can notify alternates if you are not available. Further, if there are any concerns with budget, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Coyne (jcoyne@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au).
KEY DATES
Please see upcoming key dates for our boys’ and girls’ program below. You can find the full list of key dates HERE.
PLEASE NOTE THE LEN DIETT JUNIOR CARNIVAL (U16 AND U14 BOYS) HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM THE TERM 2 DATE TO THE 11th SEPTEMBER.
Boys
Wednesday, 11 September | Len Diett Junior Carnival (U16, U14) |
Thursday, 12 September | QLD Rugby SEQ New School 7s (U13, U15, U18) |
Wednesday, 18 September | NSW Secondary 7s State Final (U14) |
Thursday, 26 September | Rugby Captains Dinner |
Friday, 27 September | Term 3 ends |
Monday, 14 October | Term 4 begins |
Saturday - Sunday, 26-27 October | QLD Rugby All Schools Secondary 7s (U13, U15, U18) |
Girls
Thursday, 12 September | QLD Rugby SEQ New School 7s (U18) |
Wednesday, 18 September | NSW Secondary 7s State Final (U16) |
Thursday, 26 September | Rugby Captains Dinner |
Friday, 27 September | Term 3 ends |
Tuesday, 15 October | Term 4 begins |
Saturday - Sunday, 26-27 October | QLD Rugby All Schools Secondary 7s (, U15, U18) |
OTHER ITEMS
Rugby Captain’s Dinner
The 2024 Lindisfarne Rugby Captain's Dinner and Presentation Night will be held on Thursday, 26 September from 6.30pm (6.00pm arrival) at Twin Towns, Tweed Heads. This dinner will be for our year 5 - 12 students and parents who have been involved in the rugby program. There will be a number of awards presented on the night including:
Boys U12 Player of the Year
Boys U13 Player of the Year
Boys U14 Player of the Year
Boys U15 Player of the Year
Boys U16 Player of the Year
Boys 1st XV Player of the Year
Girls U15 Player of the Year
Girls U16 Player of the Year
Girls 1st 7 Player of the Year
Most Promising
Most Improved
Representative Player of the Year
Spirit of Rugby Award
Tickets are $40 and bookings can be made HERE or by clicking the link in the invitation below. All students are required to be in formal school uniform on the night with parents in smart dress. This will be a great evening and a wonderful way to cap off the 2024 schoolboy rugby season for both XV-aside and 7-aside programs. If you have any questions, please let Dr Coyne or your respective coach know and we hope to see you all there.
Term 4 Schedule and Integrated School Sport
Please note there is no rugby offered for Thursday integrated school sport in Term 4. Students are encouraged to try some other sports this term with sports like Brazilian Jiujitsu having great crossover for rugby.
For the QLD All Schools 7s Squads, there will be four after school training sessions 1530-1645 on Monday 14th, Thursday 17th, Monday 21st and Thursday 24th October in Term 4.
Lindisfarne Rugby Game Footage
After experiencing some technical issues with our new VEO camera, we have finally got access to our game footage for a number of matches this year. We will endeavour to record as many 7s matches as possible for the remainder of the year, with preference given to U18 boys and girls, and add to the below list:
Lindisfarne 1st XV v Sunshine Coast Grammar 2nd XV 22nd March 2024
Lindisfarne 1st XV vs. St Peters Lutheran College (Ballymore Cup) 12th April 2024
Lindisfarne 1st XV vs. Faith Lutheran College (Ballymore Cup) 12th April 2024
Lindisfarne 1st XV vs. Marist College Emerald (Ballymore Cup) 13th April 2024
Lindisfarne 1st XV vs. Villanova (Ballymore Cup) 13th April 2024
Lindisfarne U16 and 1st XV vs Xavier Catholic College 6th June 2024
Lindisfarne U16 and 1st XV v Xavier Catholic College 16th May 2024
7s
Physio Place Sponsorship
The Lindisfarne Rugby Program is very fortunate to have the Physio Place from Tweed Heads as a sponsor in 2024. Physio Place is one of the leading physiotherapy practices on the Gold Coast and is headed up by one of our Lindisfarne alumni, Dr Carly Jennar. Dr Jennar has an extensive background in contact sports and currently works with Tweed Seagulls Rugby League Cup squad, Brisbane Broncos NRLW team, QLD Women’s State of Origin team and has been to two Rugby League World Cups with both the Australian and Papua New Guinea Women’s National teams. You can find out more about the team of staff at Physio Place HERE.
As part of this sponsorship, Physio Place will provide Lindisfarne rugby players and families with discounted physiotherapy consultations ($30 reduction in charges) at Physio Place in Tweed Heads (next to Rebel Sport). They will also assist with:
Physiotherapy support and first aid during home games
Strapping at a suitable time before home and away games for players at school
Triage for any injured players at the school the day after match days or tournaments;
Physiotherapy support for major tournaments (e.g., Ballymore Cup and QLD All Schools) at tournament locations.
If you need physiotherapy or have any injuries please contact Physio Place on (07) 55239994 or you can also book online at their website HERE.
Salt Bar Sponsorship
We are extremely proud to have the Salt Bar as sponsors of the 2024 Lindisfarne Rugby Program.
As part of this sponsorship, Salt Bar has generously provided all members of the Lindisfarne rugby community (e.g., parents, supporters, friends) with a 10% discount on food and drinks.
You can use this discount anytime you are at the Salt Bar and to access this discount:
Download The Pass app via the App store or Google Play
Go to More > Promo Code and enter the code LINDISFARNE
Make sure to use The Pass app when ordering food and drink at the Salt Bar
Player of the Day / Game
As part of our sponsorship with the Salt Bar, we are very lucky that all our Players of the Day / Game will receive a $25 voucher to spend on food and drink at Salt Bar.
List of Players of the Day
Term 3
Opponent | Player of Day |
NSW Rugby FNC 7s | |
U18B | Josh Watters |
U16B | Ben Crawford |
U14B | Teo Martin |
U18G | Lois Diver |
U16G | Jazz Harrison |
Scots College | |
U12 XV | Sky Brebner |
NSW Rugby FNC 7s Regional Final | |
U18B | Cimarron Crawford |
U16B | Zane Weston |
U14B | Teo Martin |
U18G | Ruby Power |
U16G | Jamie Mifsud |
QLD Rugby Sunshine Coast 7s | |
U18B | Flynn McCulloch |
U15B | Not Supplied |
U13B | Not Supplied |
U18G | Ruby Power |
U15G | Sooke Paley |
Monday After School Training
In 2024, our main training session outside of school time is on Monday after school from 1530-1645 and this remains the same in Term 3. Although we have had good numbers to our term 1 and 2 training sessions, rugby union is a team sport and we still need as many of our players to be in attendance week in and week out to grow the Lindisfarne rugby program in term 3. Hopefully, the car-pooling details will help this and if we can be of assistance in any way, please let us know.
Also, please note we will NOT be sending reminders for these training sessions (all players and families should assume our Monday afternoon training will ALWAYS BE ON), however we will let you all know in ample time if we need to cancel a session due to weather or other factors.
Training Attire
Students should also be in proper training attire (NOT school sports uniform) with mouthguard, boots and any other equipment they play with for every training session, including school sport. This requirement also includes integrated school sport on Thursday i.e., students should wear our rugby training top or similar and not the school sport polo at this time. Alongside this, students should have a towel and spare school uniform to change into in case there is wet weather.
Stack Team APP
The Stack Team app will be our Rugby Union program’s main form of communication for all our squads, with exception of U12 boys.
As a reminder, both parents and Boy’s U13, U15, 1st XVs and 7’s and Girl’s 7s students who have parental permission for smartphones will need to download the app and join the Lindisfarne Rugby Program in the app.
To download the Stack team app, use the following links:
● iOS: https://www.teamapp.com/ios-ap...
● Android: https://www.teamapp.com/androi...
Once downloaded, please search for 'Lindisfarne Rugby Program' and request to join.
If you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Coyne (jcoyne@lindiisfarne.nsw.edu.au).
Netball Presentations
Please use the link below to access the latest Netball Information including details for the up-coming Presentation Events.
Suzanne Evans
Teacher in Charge of Netball
Outdoor Education
Duke of Ed - Kathmandu Discount
Nathan Alterator
Dean of Students - Senior School
Agriculture
Business, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
English
The Benefits of Neat Handwriting in the HSC
Often, there are just things that we do or don’t do in life that instantly affect the mood of others. I’ve got a message for all students, parents, and doctors writing prescriptions. Neat, legible handwriting makes people happy.
From my experience in HSC marking, I know this to be abundantly true. It goes without saying that you should want to do everything in your power to put your external marker in the best mood possible. When a marker sees up to 100 essays in a sitting, their happiness is your best weapon! Whilst depth of analysis, rubric language and adherence to the question are essential for success, the first thing the marker will see is your handwriting. When the marker clicks ‘next script’, what first impression will be made?
Handwriting might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of the Higher School Certificate, but it can significantly impact your results. Examiners need to quickly and accurately read your answers to assess them fairly, and neat handwriting ensures that your hard work is understood and appreciated. This can be especially daunting for students with motor skill challenges, but with the right strategies, everyone can improve their handwriting.
Aim For:
Clarity and Readability: Examiners have limited time to mark each paper. Clear handwriting reduces the chances of misinterpretation and ensures that your answers are easily readable. This can directly impact your marks, especially in English where long written responses are required. If it cannot be read, it cannot be rewarded. Understanding cannot be assumed! Keep the marker happy!
Positive Impression: Neat handwriting leaves a positive impression on the examiner. While content is the primary focus, the presentation can subtly influence the way your work is perceived. If more time is spent on the script and if sections need to be read through multiple times, this can affect the result. Keep the marker happy.
Reduced Stress: Timing is a big issue in written exams, and writing neatly often requires a slower, more deliberate approach. This has been proven to help students stay calm and focused during exams, reducing the likelihood of errors and allowing you to present your best work. Keep the marker happy.
Tips and Tricks to Improve Handwriting
Improving handwriting takes practice, but it's entirely possible with the right approach. Here are some tips:
- Start with the Basics:
Try a different grip: There is a ‘correct way’!
Posture: Sit with your feet flat on the floor, back straight, and shoulders relaxed. Good posture supports better control over your hand movements.
- Practice Consistently:
Daily Practice: Set aside 10-15 minutes daily to practice handwriting.
- Focus on Problem Areas:
Remember to allow for proper spacing between words and leave a line blank between paragraphs
- Adapt Tools to Your Needs:
Choose the Right Pen: I HATE the way some pens write. Find one that works comfortably for you, and helps form your letters in the most legible fashion
Grip Aids: For students with motor skill challenges, grip aids or special ergonomic pens can help improve control and reduce fatigue.
Practice Under Exam Conditions: As the HSC approaches, practice writing under timed conditions to build confidence and speed without sacrificing neatness.
Happy Marker vs Unhappy Marker
Best of luck to all of our Year 12’s, from the English Faculty.
John Cadman
HSC English Teacher
Creative Industries
Year 10 Food Technology
This week, our Year 10 students have been busy in the kitchen, extending their culinary skills for this week's Assessment Task. The focus has been on creating nutritious ‘Meal-Kit’ style dishes to feed a family.
The students impressed us with a variety of delicious meal designs. Highlights included; Chicken souvlaki in nann bread, lamb tzatziki burgers, tacos, enchiladas, poke bowls and pasta dishes with homemade sourdough garlic bread. Delightful desserts included homemade sorbets, churros and brownies.
A big congratulations to all the Year 10 Food Technology students! It’s been wonderful to see your enthusiasm, ambition and skills extending.
Ms Smurthwaite and Mrs Drayson
Debating and Public Speaking
French
HSIE
Languages
Ninja & Samurai Show - Years 5 and 6 Incursion
Students in Years 5 and 6 enjoyed an exciting incursion this week with the "Ninjai and Samurai Show," where they delved into the secrets of ancient Japan. Through captivating puppetry, and hands-on and engaging activities, students explored the unique skills, codes, and meditations of the Ninja and Samurai. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich traditions and techniques of these legendary spies and warriors!
Louise Godden
Japanese Teacher
Dance
Mathematics
Maths
Performing Arts
Chamber Music Concert Success
Congratulations to all the students who performed at last night’s inaugural Chamber Music Concert! The audience was treated to a stunning showcase of talent, with performances from a wide range of ensembles and soloists. From our newest members in Poco Strings to the more advanced Vivace and Chamber Strings ensembles, the students demonstrated their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
A special highlight of the evening was the finale, where all 45 students from Year 1 to Year 11 took the stage for a beautiful performance of Pachelbel’s Canon. It was a fantastic celebration of the growth of our string program, and we are incredibly proud of everyone involved.
Dean Kennedy
Head of Strings
HSC Music Showcase
Last week, our audience was treated to an unforgettable evening as our Year 12 Music students took the stage for their final performance. From the timeless classics of Frank Sinatra to the innovative sounds of Radiohead, the night showcased the incredible talents of Alex Abel, Chris Anderson, Tate Dee, Josh Geoghegan, Fergus Hogan, Naira Krauss, Lolo Laga, Charli Lamont, Amelie Mitchell, and Anni Stautner. The evening was made even more special with heartfelt messages and presentations from our Year 11 students. Congratulations to all the performers for a truly remarkable night!
Todd Hardy
Director of Performing Arts
Germinate Records
PDHPE
Photography and Digital Media
Science
Science Students Representing Our School
We are proud to share that Year 10 Student, Lyla Macdonald, was awarded a Highly Commended prize at the Gold Coast Science Competition this year. The event was hosted at Queensland Academies - Health Science Campus alongside Griffith University on Thursday evening. Lyla was selected from a wide number of entries from schools across all sectors along the Gold Coast. This award recognises the creativity and attention to detail Lyla applied to her Year 10 Student Research Project - ‘Garden Guardians: Investigating Natural Antibacterial Agents’. We hope this has inspired her and others to continue pursuing their passion for scientific inquiry and we are looking at ways in which we can expand our entries to this competition in 2025.
We are also pleased to announce that two of our Science Extension students, Olivia Danesi in Year 11 and Mia Wilkinson in Year 12, have been selected to present their major projects at the Macquarie University annual [EX]plore Conference in Sydney. The conference includes poster presentations and a few keynote speeches throughout the day alongside other NSW schools in which both our students were selected to present a talk about their projects. These are coveted spots and we are proud of our students for making selection and representing our school. The conference will be held on Monday the 16th September - we wish the girls the best of luck and are looking forward to hearing how they went.
It gives me great pleasure to see more student work in the sciences being displayed and honoured beyond our school. I hope that this continues to inspire all of our students to aspire to study and pursue science beyond the classroom.
Jo Mendoza
Director of Science
Year 10 Science
This term our Year 10 students completed their Student Research Project on a topic of interest. We had lots of interesting projects explored and some of our students went on to represent Lindisfarne at the Gold Coast Schools Science Competition. Well done to those students who rose to the challenge: Lyla Macdonald, Tessa Ford, Emily Daniel, Jardian Halliday, Coren Shand, Leo Bates, Ruby Castle, Hayden Cooke, Preston Duggan, Jake Duindam and Clancy Halloran. This is our first time entering into the competition and we hope to enter again next year.
Currently students have been diving deep into the fascinating world of genetics. As part of their studies, they’ve had the hands-on experience of making models of DNA and extracting DNA from a strawberry. This simple yet powerful experiment allowed them to see genetic material with their own eyes, making the abstract concepts of DNA and heredity more concrete and engaging.
Caitriona McCann
Science Teacher
Year 7 Science Splash
This term our Year 7 students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of biology by exploring the fundamental building blocks of life: cells. In our science classes, students have been learning about the structure and function of plant and animal cells, and they’ve had the incredible opportunity to use microscopes to see these tiny structures up close. We were lucky to be able to use the high-powered Olympus Microscope to look at some stomata in plant cells.
Students have been carefully preparing slides, practising their microscope skills, drawing and documenting their observations. This exploration has delved into exploring processes such as Photosynthesis and Respiration.
We look forward to seeing how they go on their practical skills task next week. Good luck to all our year 7 science students. We’re proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our Year 7 students have shown in this unit, and we look forward to continuing to explore the wonders of science together!
Caitriona McCann
Science Teacher
Visual Arts
Learning Enrichment
Round Square
Round Square Visit
On Wednesday, Garth Wynne, the newly appointed Round Square Schools Support Director for Australasia & East Asia, visited Lindisfarne. With a career in education spanning 30 years, including his recent role as Executive Principal of Christ's College, Christchurch, Garth has extensive experience working closely with Round Square. He was particularly impressed with Lindisfarne’s engagement with the Round Square community, highlighting initiatives such as the Heroes of Discovery at Sunshine Avenue, the DiscoverEd elective program in the Middle School, and the numerous international conference opportunities for Mahers Lane students. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Garth and expanding our connection within the Round Square network.
Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator
International
Sustainability
Lindisfarne Recording Studio
Sing for RUOK? Day - Monday, 9 September
Our annual community choir event supporting RUOK? Day – Sing for RUOK? Day - will be taking place next Monday evening, September 9 at The Citadel in Murwillumbah. This “pub choir” inspired event has been a huge success in the past and has also helped support mental health and well-being within our community.
Entry is free however numbers are capped this year due to the smaller venue. It is essential that those wanting to come along register their attendance via this link. There are still a few tickets remaining so please get them before they go!
Students performing at Tweep Palliative Care and Wedgetail Retreat
Last Saturday, two of our talented singer-songwriters had the honour of performing the annual Tweed Palliative Care and Wedgetail Retreat memorial service. This service pays tribute to the patients who have passed away in the past year. Josh Geoghegan and Jamie Mifsud each performed one song as part of the service, continuing our ongoing relationship with this incredibly important facility within our community.
Brett Canning
Germinate Records
Digital Space
Chess Club
Co-curricular and Extra-curricular
Library
Library News from Mahers Lane
To finish off an absolutely fabulous Bookweek, we had our esteemed Mr Godden draw the lucky door prize winner. Liam York in Year 5 was lucky enough to have his name drawn out from hundreds of tickets and took home a full boxed set of Harry Potter novels, well done Liam.
This week we were blessed to have the company of our wonderful little Kindergarten people. As the photos indicate, a wonderful time was had by all including myself. A story read, bookmarks to colour, KNex to build, UNO to play and books to read, a true adventure at the BIG school.
Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead with lots of good books involved.
Gail Dessman
Librarian
Alumni
Uniform Shop
OOSHC
Buildings and Facilities
Careers@Lindisfarne
Careers at Lindisfarne
Are you interested in working at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School or know someone in our community looking for their next perfect role? We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
We are seeking applications from experienced Bus Drivers for casual work involving morning and afternoon school runs, sports events and other excursions.
This position will suit an experienced and reliable grounds and maintenance worker interested in casual work across our Tweed Heads and Terranora campuses.
The links above will direct you to our careers portal and the job ads are also live on Seek. Enquiries can be emailed to employment@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.