2024 Term 1 Week 5 1 Mar 2024

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

This week, our Middle School Assembly featured 2004 Athens Olympian Brooke Hanson, thanks to the Olympics Unleashed program. Our students from Years 5 to 8 were captivated by Brooke's recounting of her Olympic journey, learning valuable lessons on resilience, goal setting, and discovering passion. Brooke's advice on overcoming challenges to compete at the highest level profoundly impacted our students to strive for their best in all aspects of their lives. Adding to the excitement, Lindisfarne's very own 2024 Paris-bound Olympian, Jeff Dunne, had the remarkable opportunity to meet Brooke, creating an inspirational moment for our aspiring athletes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brooke for her visit and for igniting such inspiration within our school, especially as we build up to the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

For more insights into the Olympics Unleashed program, please visit www.olympicsunleashed.com.au.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Morning Tea at our Sunshine Avenue Campus. It was an enriching morning spent with elders and community leaders, engaging in meaningful discussions that continue to strengthen our community ties and cultural understanding. These gatherings are crucial in fostering a deeper sense of inclusivity and respect within our Lindisfarne community as we implement our Reconciliation Action Plan.

On Wednesday evening, we were honoured to host Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg as part of our ParentEd program, where he demystified adolescence for our parent community. His expertise provided invaluable insights, enhancing our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with parenting adolescents. Seeing so many parents and staff engaging in this valuable workshop with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg was uplifting.

We're looking forward to our next ParentEd night, focusing on how to keep our students safe online. This session is all about helping parents understand the online world and how to make sure our children use the internet and technology safely and positively. It's happening on Thursday, 7 March at 6:00 pm. We'll talk about internet safety, how to help our kids be smart online, and ways to keep them safe from online risks. This evening is a great chance for all parents to learn more and ask questions. We hope to see you there for this important presentation.

We have been inundated this week with the incredible demand for tickets to our much anticipated 2024 School Musical, MAMMA MIA! We had 2508 tickets for the various performances, with the final available tickets being sold this morning.

MAMMA MIA! 2024 is officially a sellout!

Some sponsorship opportunities come with a ticket allocation for those who may be interested in supporting the 2024 production of MAMMA MIA! as a sponsor. Link below.

2024 Lindisfarne Sponsorship Opportunities - MAMMA MIA!, Business Network, FunFest and P&F Events.

Next week, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of students from Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU), marking the beginning of an annual enriching cross-cultural exchange. This service-based program aims to provide a diverse cultural experience for both Lindisfarne and AGU students and fosters social responsibility and community engagement. We look forward to the valuable interactions and learnings that this exchange will undoubtedly bring.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement with our Lindisfarne community as we head into the weekend and take some time to enjoy outdoor pursuits in the beautiful weather we are currently experiencing.

I hope to see members of our School community at our family-orientated monthly Spiritual Gym service on Sunday afternoon.

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,

Made for Love and Belonging

The five universal psychological needs according to Martin Saeger are: to be loved, to be heard, to belong, to make a difference, and to have belief, meaning and purpose. Furthermore, Martin concluded: ‘in truth I believe mental health comes down to these factors. I always now think not of treating mental conditions, but of meeting these needs of the human condition. Put another way, there is really only one mental condition and that is the human condition.’

When we next encounter a young person who is not flourishing or has lost their spark, perhaps we ought to ask what need/s are not being met in their lives, and assist them in meeting those needs? As Bruce Perry aptly puts it, “relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.”

‘Spiritual Gym’ (Family Eucharist) on Sunday, 3 March 2024

Please join our School community in the Mahers Lane Chapel on Sunday, 3rd March for a ‘Spiritual Gym’ Service. Refreshments will begin at 4.30pm, followed by a Service of Eucharist (hymns, songs, Bible reading, prayers, and spiritual nourishment) at 5pm, concluding at about 6pm. Please come along as we entrust to God the needs of our school community and our world, as well as to receive God’s richest blessings, and abundant grace. All are welcome.

“Year of Light” Prayer

Loving Jesus, love of God in human flesh;
You call us to be light of the world,
and to dispel the darkness of fear, loneliness, ignorance and indifference.
Enable us by your Holy Spirit,
to be lighthouses of love, peace, joy, kindness and forgiveness.
In our School and at home, teach us to pay attention to the little things of daily life:
To small gestures of gratitude, to the care and concern of one another.
So that we can make our School and our world a beacon of love and light.
For Jesus' sake, Amen.

Please send your prayer requests to this confidential email: prayers@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

May we continue to be grateful for who we are and for all we have.

The Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

The Parents and Friends Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) is to be held on Tuesday, 7^th May 2024 at 6.30pm at the Mahers Lane Library, Terranora. As members of the P&F all Lindisfarne families are welcome to attend and are invited to nominate for an Executive or General Committee position for the 2024 year. Nominations are sought for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Officer and General Committee (5). 

Nominations must be received in writing by Tuesday, 20^th April 2024, via e-mail to pandf@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Nomination Form.

President: shall preside over P&F Association meetings and is responsible for working towards P&F Association’s objectives. The President ensures that the P&F Association takes part in decision-making processes in the School and fosters fair participation of all members in its undertakings. The President will support volunteers and ensure consistent adherence to the constitution.

Vice President: Assist the President in their duties. The Vice President may be called upon to Chair meetings in the absence of the President.

Secretary: Attend all meetings and keep a record of all business conducted. Monitor incoming and outgoing correspondence.

Treasurer: Report on the Association’s financial status at all meetings, detailing all monies received and paid since the last meeting. The Treasurer must also provide an audited copy of the previous financial year’s accounts at the AGM.

Public Officer: Ensure consistent adherence to the constitution. Notify Fair Trading of any change and is responsible for collecting or take receipt of any official documentation.

General committee: Assist and support the P&F Association to reach its objectives in line with the school needs and focus area’s at the time.

Rachel Mead
Public Officer
Lindisfarne Parents and Friends Association

BOOKING LINK

BOOKING LINK

Get ready to dive into the latest episode of LTV, where we bring you all the exciting highlights from Valentine's Day and embark on a journey with our sustainability prefects as they hit the playground to uncover just how many people are composting.

💝 Valentine's Day Highlights: Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just enjoy a good dose of love in the air, we've got you covered. From heartwarming stories to live serenading, our Valentine's Day segment is sure to put a smile on your face.

🌱 Sustainability Spotlight: Join our sustainability prefects as they explore the playground and delve into the world of composting. How many people have a compost bin? Let’s find out.

Don't forget to follow us on instagram @lindisfanre_tv

Ryan Murphy
LTV Director

After less than a week of ticket sales. MAMMA MIA! is officially sold out. Thank you to the Lindisfarne community for the support of this exciting event.

If you are interested in sponsoring this amazing event and putting your business in front of an audience of 2508 people, click on this link.

SMILE STREET DENTAL - FUNFEST PARTNER

Thank you to the team at Smile Street Dental for their support. The are joining FunFest as the Festival Parter. This support follows on from their support of our Rugby program where they are official supplier of mouthguard.

JB Hi Fi - BUSINESS NETWORK AND GOLF DAY SPONSOR

After announcing our major partnership with JB Hi-Fi as our Technology Partner and provider of ConnectEd devices at the end of 2023. We are pleased to announce their further support as part of the Business Network and Parents and Friends Golf Day.

We look forward to sharing our other partners as they are finalised. If you would you like to support opportunities like the School Production of MAMMA MIA, be involved in the Lindisfarne Business Breakfasts or support the Parents and Friends with FunFest and other events. Click on the link below to see what opportunities are available.

2024 Sponsorship Opportunities - Click here.

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement

Lindisfarne welcomes Professor Alan Patching as our next Business Breakfast speaker on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at Club Tweed.

Bookings can be made via www.trybooking.com/CPQUK

It was great to see so many parents making the most of our ParentEd opportunity this week with the first of three sessions of the 123 Magic Program. It’s a wonderful way for the school and parents to work together to support each other and the children. Thank you to Junior School Psychologist Julie Henry for facilitating this fantastic program. I encourage parents to keep an eye out for future ParentEd opportunities throughout the year.

As we approach the mid-point of Term 1, it’s a great time for us to revisit some key expectations and operational matters. At Lindisfarne we take great pride in how we represent ourselves within the wider community. One such way we do this is our appearance. The School’s expectations about uniform and appearance are clearly articulated in the Parent and Student Guide (available via the School website). It has been noted that a number of students have been arriving at school sporting haircuts that do not meet our agreed expectations. These haircuts have included, but are not limited to, mullets, shaved sections and tracks. While these styles may be popular at the moment, it is important that they remain “holiday haircuts” and attention to the School’s requirements is given. Similarly, the School’s expectations regarding suitable footwear for our Formal Uniform and Sports Uniform is clearly documented. Whilst some may see these matters as trivial, these are agreed expectations that set a standard of excellence for our students. Lindisfarne is a school of choice for many families because of our culture of high expectations and standards not only for our students, but our staff and families too.

“The Lindisfarne uniform has been designed to serve practical purposes, ensure students feel pride in their school and experience a sense of equality in what they wear to school. The correct wearing of the school uniform reflects students' standards of self-discipline. As such, a high standard of personal dress and grooming is required at all times. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their standards of grooming. It is expected parents/caregivers will ensure students arrive at school appropriately groomed.” (Lindisfarne Parent and Student Guide 2024, p36)

If you have any challenges meeting the uniform and appearance standards, please reach out to me so that a solution can be found. I thank you for supporting the School to maintain these standards.

I may seem like a bit of a broken record in my correspondence about parking and accessing the school. Unfortunately, we still have a number of parents parking in the designated bus turnaround area at the end of Sunshine Avenue. This is a particular concern as it jeopardises the safety of our students and their families as buses need to perform dangerous three-point turns in order to navigate that space. Additional concerns have been raised by our neighbours, Essential Energy as some parents have utilised their driveway as parking during pickup and drop off as well as during event times. This is a particular concern, not only due to the lack of respect shown to our neighbours, but also from a safety standpoint as Essential Energy vehicles need that driveway to safely access their depot at all times. Finally, another reminder that parking in Sullivan Street to access the School is not permitted at any time. This remains a Tweed Council requirement.

Recently, we have noted an increase in the presence of NSW Police Traffic Patrol Officers and Tweed Council Traffic Rangers who have issued fines to drivers failing to follow traffic rules in Sunshine Ave and Sullivan Street. In my recent meeting with a representative from Tweed Council, it was stated that we can expect further patrols in those areas and subsequent sanctions as appropriate. I strongly encourage parents to utilise one of the many options available such as, turning circle, Arkinstall Park parking and back gate pickup, Walking School Bus, and Kinetic Buslines services, not just to avoid fines, but to keep our community safe on the roads around our school.

Finishing on a positive and exciting note, we are in the final throes of preparations for our Year 4 Camp. This three day, two night camp experience is a wonderful way for our Year 4 group, the student leaders of the Junior School, to have some fun and adventure while also developing leadership skills, teamwork and resilience in a brilliant program facilitated by the expert staff at Camp Goodenough and supported by our classroom and specialist teachers. It was great to see so many parents at the Parent Information Session on Thursday afternoon. We know it’s going to be a fantastic experience for our students. Thank you, in advance, to the dedicated staff who commit to supporting our students on these highly valuable camp experiences. We know and appreciate the sacrifice from staff to commit that time away from one’s own family to deliver such valuable experiences for our students.

"The influence of teachers extends beyond the classroom, well into the future." - F. Sionil José

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School

This week at the Junior School, we were excited to introduce our second Round Square Hero of Discovery, Communication Cara. Cara embodies the virtues of respect, empathy, and courage, serving as an inspiring role model for our young learners.

To add to the excitement Junior School staff will begin ‘hero seeking’ and rewarding students displaying Cara’s positive character traits with hero tickets as they are observed.

All of the hero tickets will be collected in the classroom and will be going in a prize draw to be drawn at our next assembly.

In the upcoming weeks, we're excited to delve into the world of our newest Hero, Communication Cara, and explore how her admirable qualities can make a significant impact on the world around us. By placing a spotlight on these positive character traits we aim to support our students to develop these skills and become impactful contributors to their communities, at school, home, and beyond.

Angela Mundy
Dean of Students - Junior School

Dates for Term 1

Please find below some Term 1 - Junior School key dates to add to your calendar:

• Tuesday 5 March (week 6) - Afterschool Hockey Program begins 3.15pm

• Friday 8 March (week 6) - Yr 3 & 4 Fitzpatrick Shield Hockey Gala Day

• Friday 22 March (week 8) - Pre-school - Year 2 FUN Cross Country

• Wednesday 27 March (week 9) - CIS Primary Swimming Carnival

• Thursday 4 April (week 10) - NSW Rugby 7’s Gala Day

• Thursday 11 April (week 11) - Years 3 - 12 Lindisfarne Cross Country Carnival,

Total Football Academy - After-school Program

The Total Football Academy after-school program will continue until Week 11, Monday 8 April. Please note there will be NO session on Easter Monday 1 April.

This program will be run again in Term 2, 3 and possibly Term 4 this year for those who miss out.

Keep an eye on the newsletter for Term 2 Information coming soon.

Runners Club

WOW, WOW, WOW! Runners Club is Exploding.

So far in 3 weeks of running we have amassed an outstanding 883 Km, with 99 people attending at least one session and 40 parents involved to participate with their kids.

The purpose of the Runners Club is to assist in the running development of our school students in preparation for the upcoming Cross Country competitions.

Students in years 1 - 4 are welcome to attend.

Runners Club Training days will be Monday and Wednesday morning, meet Mr Croft at the Arkinstall Park back gate. The training sessions will begin at 7.30am sharp and will conclude by 8.15am.

Students can wear any type of running clothing to the sessions, however they will be required to bring along their school uniform to change into after the completion of the session.

Students will be given time to change and have something to eat before the first bell at 8.45am. Parents and carers are more than welcome to come along and join in.

Students attending the Runners Club can gain awards by completing a cumulative total of 25 km - Half Marathon, 42 km - Marathon or 50+km - Ultra Marathon over the term. Certificates for these achievements will be awarded on assembly.

Hockey After School Program

Casuarina Hockey Club will be again holding an after school hockey program. The 6-week program will focus on the skills and development of players both new to hockey and regular players. This program will only cater to a small number of participants to give quality one-on-one coaching and small-group instruction.

The Program will run starting next Tuesday afternoon 5th March from 3.15pm. To register for the program please accept and make payment on Parent Lounge. As there is limited space available, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Venue: Sunshine Avenue back oval and Basketball Court.

Dates: Tuesday 5, 12, 19, and 26 March and Tuesday 2, and 9 April.

Cost: $50 per student

Maximum number of Students: 20

Nathan Croft
PE Specialist (P-4)

This week at the Junior School campus our students participated in our yearly school clean-up in conjunction with Clean Up Australia Day. While the Junior School grounds may look relatively clean there is a lot of small pieces of litter around the grounds and rubbish hiding in the gardens. Our students did a fantastic job and cleaned up everything from plastic food wrappers and paper to some more odd finds like the rubber off a bike tyre. This event is also a great opportunity to educate our students about the impact that litter and our waste has on the environment which can help foster positive and sustainable behaviour changes for our students.

The national Clean Up Australia Day event is happening this weekend on Sunday the 3rd of March. I encourage everyone to have a look at what clean-up events are happening near them. You will be able to find planned clean-up events near you here. Clean Up Australia Day is just one day a year so we must carry on our good efforts and continue to make sustainable choices. The small actions that we all make add up to make a real difference.

Patrick Brabant
School Assistant - Sustainability

We are very excited to announce our Year 4 Sustainability Leaders for Semester 1 – Luella Whitrod and Emily Jaimeson. Congratulations!

Jo Hetherington
Director of Early Learning

You Can Sit With Me

If you happen to be on our school grounds during recess and lunch, you may notice a few students wearing bright yellow wrist bands. On closer inspection you will see that those wrist bands are labelled- ‘You Can Sit With Me’

You Can Sit With Me is a program that we utilise in the Junior School that focuses on inclusion and kindness. It is a way that our students can identify someone in the playground who is there to help them. By students wearing the wristband, it enables others to develop skills in asking for assistance from their peers rather than waiting to be approached.

Not all students wear the wristbands. They are worn by students who have volunteered and demonstrated a willingness to be kind and inclusive with others. These Year 2 and Year 3 students who have volunteered, and been chosen, will rotate each fortnight - to allow for a break for some students, whilst also developing those skills and awareness throughout the school. Each term, our House Captains will wear the You Can Sit With Me bands for the whole term.

You Can Sit With Me students work closely with me for the duration of their time wearing the bands. We meet each week as a committee and talk through strategies that they could use when approached by others and reflect on ways that we can continue to build on kindness and inclusivity within our school.

Laura Gallagher
Assistant Head of Junior School

ParentEd with Nathan Verrinda from Online Guardians

The Online Guardians is an eSafety accredited business who are expert in the field of social networks and adolescent development. Online Guardians educate parents on various topics, including cyber, social networks, and adolescent development leading to awareness and positive change.

Online Guardians utilise data, statistics, and evaluations to highlight the most accurate picture for individual schools. Their approach focuses on offering practical and effective strategies to key members of our community, aimed at reinforcing a strong support system that ultimately safeguards our children

The Online Guardians Parent Information Evening will provide tangible and realistic strategies.

Date: Thursday 7 March at 6.00pm - 7:30pm
Venue: Mahers Lane, Chapel

An Enlightening Evening with Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg: Demystifying Adolescence

On Thursday evening, our school community had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg for a ParentEd session focused on "Demystifying Adolescence." Known for his engaging talks and practical advice, Dr. Carr-Gregg delivered an outstanding presentation that left parents and educators alike feeling more equipped to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Dr. Carr-Gregg, one of Australia's leading adolescent psychologists, shared his wealth of knowledge and strategies for supporting our teenagers through this complex and often turbulent phase of life. His approachable style and use of real-life examples illuminated the path for fostering stronger, more understanding relationships between parents and their adolescent children.

Feedback from the session has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing gratitude for the insights gained and the practical tips that can be immediately applied within their families. The School is committed to supporting our families in every way possible, and hosting experts like Dr. Carr-Gregg is part of our ongoing effort to provide valuable resources to our community.

If you were unable to join us on Thursday evening, Dr. Carr-Gregg will be hosting three additional ParentEd sessions with us throughout 2024. These sessions will include, ‘Sibling Rivalry’, ‘Preparing for Year 7’ and ‘Grandparents’, exploring the invaluable role they play in a child’s life.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg for an enlightening evening and to all the parents and staff who participated in making the event a success.

Spiritual Gym

We warmly invite you to join us for Spiritual Gym this Sunday at the Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together in a peaceful and supportive environment to nurture our spiritual wellbeing.

Please join us from 4:30pm for light refreshments, and a chance to mingle and connect. The service will commence at 5:00pm and conclude at 6:00pm.

Spiritual Gym welcomes all within our school community, regardless of your spiritual background or beliefs. It's a space for everyone to explore, reflect, and find some calm in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Our Student Wellbeing Committee are working hard on a range of projects this year and they have a keen interest in fostering connections with our students in stage 3. On the back of the success of Just Dance Activities for Wellbeing Week we invited students to join us on Monday at lunch as we kicked off our first session. Everyone had a great time, was enthusiastic and beautifully behaved. We look forward to welcoming more year 5’s and 6’s back to room MM2 next Monday!

Emmalene Wells
Mahers Lane Psychologist 

Cameron Stelzer Visit - Year 5

Year 5 students were lucky to have : a special visit by the renowned Author and Illustrator, Dr Cameron Stelzer, also known as The Story Doctor, on Tuesday, 27 February.

Dr Stelzer, a celebrated figure in children's literature, has been enchanting young minds as a full-time author and illustrator since 2004. His creative prowess has resulted in thirty-six published books, earning him eighteen international book awards. His workshops are highly sought after across Australia, and known for igniting passion and creativity in students.

During his visit to Lindisfarne, Dr Stelzer conducted engaging writing workshops with our Year 5 students, offering them a unique opportunity to dive into the world of storytelling. This experience was designed to spark their imagination and enhance their writing skills, laying a solid foundation for their upcoming writing tasks. Both students and teachers were eagerly inspired by the sessions that were filled with creativity and learning.

We look forward to this enriching experience creating a lasting impact on our students' creative journeys. A huge thank you to the amazing Mrs Lisa Price for organising this incredible experience for us all!

Amber Jarvis
Year 5 Coordinator

This week, I write to you with a reflection on the values that define us and the ongoing efforts to instil these principles in our students. Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School’s ethos is built on the foundational pillars of Compassion, Wisdom, and Respect. These are not just words; they are the principles that inform every aspect of our school, shaping an environment where every student is nurtured to grow, learn, and thrive.

The Senior School’s mission is clear: to develop well-rounded individuals who not only achieve their academic potential but also understand and embody the virtues that make a Lindisfarne student stand out. Compassion, Wisdom, and Respect underpin all we do, guiding our teaching practices, interactions, and aspirations for every student.

However, the journey of education and personal growth is not without its challenges. We recognise that adolescence is a period of exploration, identity formation, and, at times, testing boundaries. It is during these formative years that our commitment to guiding students towards making positive choices is most critical. Unfortunately, some behaviours, such as vaping, directly contradict the values we stand for and undermine the health and wellbeing of our students and the integrity of our school environment.

Let me be unequivocally clear: vaping is not permitted at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. This rule is in place not only to comply with legal standards but, more importantly, to safeguard the health of our students and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for everyone.

Equally, being in the presence of vaping or similar activities is against our school's policy. Our students must understand the importance of being active upholders of our core values, not passive bystanders. Inaction in the face of such activities can be perceived as complicity, undermining the pillars of Compassion, Wisdom, and Respect that we strive to uphold. Any instances of vaping or other behaviours that contradict our values must be called out. This is not about punitive measures but about fostering a sense of responsibility and collective care for the wellbeing of the Senior School.

We are committed to supporting our students in making better choices. Through education, dialogue, and positive reinforcement, we aim to redirect those who may stray and reinforce the importance of our core values. Our approach is holistic and restorative, focusing on understanding, empathy, and learning from mistakes.

As a school, we are dedicated to creating an environment where every student can realise their potential, grounded in the values that define us. This is a shared responsibility, and we invite our entire school community to join us in this mission. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a generation of young people who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also compassionate, wise, and respectful individuals ready to contribute positively to the world.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

On Wednesday, a group of Year 12 students made the journey to Gold Coast University Hospital to attend the P.A.R.T.Y program, standing for Preventing Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth. Throughout the day, we learnt about the impact of drugs and alcohol on our lives, and how to minimise risk on the road and around our mates. The day was filled with activities and learning experiences. We went to the ICU and did a mock resuscitation involving a teenager who had a head on collision with a pole due to drunk driving. All of us rotated to perform compressions on the dummy’s chest, whilst also doing pupil checks and breaths. We also learnt about occupations within allied health such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, getting hands-on experience with each job. We were taught about the complexities of mental wellbeing through the eyes of a current out-patient, especially that it is important to seek help when needed.

Desiree Mahleka and Tate Dee
School Captain and Vice Captain

Evie

“I am incredibly grateful for this experience, I gained a lot of knowledge. The day has given me a lot of advice that has equipped me for the future, being able to hear real-life stories from nurses and patients with lived experience really allowed us to reflect on a deep level."

Shakayah

“PARTY was interesting, with lots of diverse learning that really expanded my understanding. I have come out of this feeling grateful for my health and grateful for the tips given to stay aware when surrounded by drugs and alcohol.

Xan

A very good experience to be involved in as it educates youth on how to be safer as a growing teen. I enjoyed the practicals that we did because it made it hands-on and allowed us to really get a sense of real-life issues.

Keegan

It was an intense experience that really prompted me to reflect upon the choices teens make when surrounded by friends or even when under the influence. It really reminded me that there are consequences for your actions and it is important to be wise when making decisions.

CIS Tennis Primary

Year 5 students Andie Buchan and Alice Selvery enjoyed a splendid day participating in the CIS Tennis Tournament in Sydney on Monday. They faced stiff competition and, although they didn't advance to the semifinals, they displayed impressive tennis skills. With hopes running high, we look forward to them progressing even further in next year's primary division tournament.

Tennis Gold Coast Schools Doubles

Harlem Selvey and Charlie Buchan delivered a strong performance but ultimately fell to the TSS boys in the semifinals. Without a playoff for third place, their impressive undefeated streak came to an end with that match. Looking ahead, there's hope for an even better result next year as they'll compete in the same division once more. It was indeed an excellent few days of tennis for both the Selvey and Buchan families.

CIS Tennis Secondary

Matilda Daniel, a Year 9 student, showcased her upward tennis ranking trajectory representing NCIS at the CIS Secondary tennis event held at Pymble Ladies College in Sydney this week. Demonstrating a competitive spirit and considerable skill, Matilda emerged a winner in four matches, though she faced defeat in three. Her efforts earned her a commendable 4th place finish in a challenging pool of eight contenders.

Spotlight on James Douglas - Boys U’15 AFL - CIS Team of the Year

At the prestigious 2023 New South Wales Combined Independent Schools Sports Council (CIS) Awards Presentation Evening, held last Friday in Sydney, the boys U’15’s AFL team was announced as the team of the year. Congratulations to James Douglas who received a meritorious sports award as he was a pivotal member of the team. James played a significant role in securing the Championship in Lavington. This commendable achievement underscores his talent as he has another opportunity again in 2024 to represent CIS at the U’15’s championships.

Spotlight on Chayse Kleinhans

Over the weekend, Chayse had a series of triumphs. On Saturday, together with his partner, he emerged victorious in the final of the Division 1 Tweed District Tennis Summer Competition. The winning streak continued into Sunday, where he clinched the title in the 2024 JDS North East RMS - Lismore Under 14's division, dominating the competition without a single defeat throughout the day.

Spotlight on Bonnie Crimson

Year 11 student Bonnie Crimson has had a a very action packed summer of cricket. Highlights included

• Playing local cricket with the Tweed Colts and playing senior cricket with the Gold Coast Dolphins in 2nd and 3rd grade in the Brisbane competition, Bonnie is an opening batsman and wicketkeeper.

• In Mid-2023 Bonnie was selected in the NSW U16 Country squad. She dislocated her right shoulder and missed the selection for the final squad. After much hard work, determination and training she was selected for the North Coastal team for the Country championships in December in Queanbeyan.

• Bonnie was named in the team of the tournament, she then went onto play in the NSW country team in the NSW state championships in Dubbo in January.

• Bonnie was also selected to play in the QLD junior cricket U15 girls Southern Challenge in Brisbane in December and from that tournament selected to play in the QLD Metro team in the QLD state championships being held in Brisbane in April.

Bonnie is a member of the Lindisfarne Cricket Academy and has regular sessions with our Director of Cricket Mr Anthony Kershler. It has been an incredible summer for Bonnie and we are so proud of her achievements. We cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

NCIS Secondary Touch Football

We had four teams representing Lindisfarne at the NCIS Touch Football Tournament at Palm Beach (QLD) yesterday - U15 Girls and Boys and Open Boys and Girls. All teams played hard in the sweltering heat and represented Lindisfarne well. Teams from as far as Kempsey were there to showcase their skills, with individuals vying for selection to represent the NCIS region.

The Under 15 boys played exceptionally well and were undefeated on the day with wins across the board.

NCIS has not as yet been released the final ladder and results, which is coming down to points for and against for the Open Boys and Girls - so we wait to see where we land.

The U15 girls won a few and lost a few, so weren't waiting for the final points release, but played strong committed touch.

CIS selections are yet to be released too, so more to come in next week's newsletter.

Term 2 Integrated Sports Selections - next week!

Term 2 integrated sports selections are opening at 7 pm on Tuesday 5 March - this is so the Sports Department can organise wider logistics and embed timetables for our students ready to go for Week One in Term 2.

Full written instructions are available HERE - please follow these instructions and discuss the options available with students, prior to Thursday 7 March.

You can also view the Sport Selection Options linked below:

• Options for Years 5 & 6

• Options for Year 7-12

We encourage students to carefully select their sports, and where applicable - to network with their friends in advance of when selections open (including having contingency plans if selections fill-up).

Please note that there are no sport swaps after the selection process - swapping students across rolls and unravelling finance is not a straightforward process.

Staff Spotlight - Danni Norman 

We are delighted to share the great news that Danni Norman, coordinator of the Touch Football program at Lindisfarne, has once again officially been chosen to represent our nation as part of the prestigious Australian Women’s Open team. She is set to demonstrate her athletic prowess on the global stage at the forthcoming Touch Football World Cup, scheduled for this July in Nottingham, England. This selection is a testament to her unwavering passion and commitment to touch football, and we anticipate her performance will inspire both her students and peers. Please join us in congratulating Danni on this outstanding accomplishment. We also wish her husband Pete, the best of luck too, as he is in the Men's Open team.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sports and Activities

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KEY DATES

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

Boy’s

*may be postponed

UPCOMING FIXTURES

All Saints Interschool - 1st XV, U15 and U13

Our 1st XV, U15 and U13 squads have their second interschool hit out on Monday next week against All Saints Anglican School on the Gold Coast. All Saints are always strong across the grades and this will be another great test for our boys program. We would love to have as many supporters as possible at the games, which kick off for all grades at 4:00pm QLD time at All Saints.

OTHER ITEMS

Integrated School Sport Selections

The integrated school sport selections for term 2 will be opening in the upcoming weeks.

Please note if you are currently in our rugby union program (1st XV, 2nd XV / U16, U15, and U13) in term 1, you will be automatically enrolled in rugby union for term 2 and you will NOT need to make a selection. Students interested in joining the rugby program and not currently part of the program can also enrol in term 2.

The Ballymore Cup - U13, U15 and 1st XV Boys

The Ballymore Cup is Queensland's largest schoolboy rugby competition which has been running since 2003 and our U13, U15 and 1st XV are again playing in this competition this year. It is a state-wide competition for all schools that presents non-traditional rugby schools and schools from regional areas with the opportunity to compete at a higher level. Here is a short video of the highlights from the 2021 Ballymore Cup: https://youtu.be/v5Z3e6YnXUs

As a brief overview of The Ballymore Cup, it will include:

• Five games of rugby from the 12th - 14th April pending draw

• Two nights’ accommodation for all players

• Food for duration of tournament (i.e., all meals/snacks from breakfast on Friday 12th April - lunch on 14th April)

• Transport to and from the school on Friday 12th April and Sunday 14th April

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE FIRST WEEKEND OF THE NSW TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SO PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE SENIOR BOYS (Y7-12) PROGRAM.

Unfortunately, we can only carry 25 players in each squad (23 active players for each game and 2 non-playing reserves) and these selections will be confirmed in the week after our interschool against Sunshine Coast Grammar on 22nd March. More information will be provided ASAP.

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival - U12 Boys

For the second year running, we have been accepted into The Armidale School Rugby Carnival (TASRC), which is the biggest primary (U12) school rugby carnival in Australia. The carnival runs from Friday 12th April - Sunday 14th April this year. To confirm our attendance as a school, we are in the process of finalising our player registrations and will be providing more information ASAP.

Registration will include:

• TASRC carnival cap

• Five games of rugby at the carnival

• Two nights’ accommodation for players and support staff

• Dinner on Friday and Saturday night

• Full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning at the boarding school

• Lunch on two days provided by TAS at the carnival

• Team photograph for each participant

• Transport to and from the school on Friday 21st and Sunday 23rd

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE FIRST WEEKEND OF THE NSW TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SO PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE JUNIOR BOYS (Y5-6) PROGRAM.

NCIS Boys Under 16 and Under 18 Representative Trials

The NCIS trial is the first step in the NSW schoolboy rugby representative pathway for students at our school.

Some important notes:

• If you are interested in trialling for the U16 or U18 NCIS team, please complete the Permission to Trial form HERE before 10am on 5th March

• Please note these deadlines are STRICT and if these forms are not completed by the dates above, students will not be able to trial

• If selected in either team, you must be available for the AICES trial on the 28th May in Sydney, which costs $495 excluding travel and meals.

• Please talk to your respective coaches if you are not sure if you would like to participate in these trials.

• If you are interested in the schoolboy rugby representative pathways in NSW, please look at this link HERE

We encourage all students interested to trial for these NCIS teams. Last year, we had seven Lindisfarne students selected across the AICES U16 and U18 teams, which is the next step in NSW schoolboy rugby representative pathway after selection for NCIS (similar to CIS teams in other school sports). It would be a great achievement to match or better that number of selections this year.

Any questions, please let Dr Coyne or Mr Dick know.

Age Grade Dispensations

This is a quick note on age grade dispensations for our school rugby program and more information on this age grade dispensation process from Rugby Australia can be found HERE.

There are two reasons for age grade dispensation within our school program:

• Playing up an age grade.

  • This will apply to all our U16 players who are in our 1st XV and 2nd XV squads. If you or your child were 15 years old on the 1st January 2023, we need you to complete a Rugby AU age grade dispensation form (link HERE) to continue playing for our 1st or 2nd XV.

• Playing down an age grade.

  • This will apply to any students who have moved up an age grade and whose stature would be better suited to remaining in a younger age grade. For example, a player who turned 13 in December 2022 but is very small for their age could continue to play in the U13 grade in 2023 with dispensation.

We will have the assessing coach from NSW Rugby coming back to the school on Wednesday 6th March from 1000 to determine our students suitability to play up or down an age grade.

If you would like to play up or down an age grade and parents/guardians are agreeable to this, please sign and return the form in this link HERE ASAP so we can flag this with the NSW Rugby assessing coach.

If you have any questions about the process or suitability of age grade dispensation, please let us know as we are more than happy to chat through this process and make sure all our students have positive experiences in this great game.

Monday After School Training

In 2024, our main training session outside of school time is on Monday after school from 1530-1645. Although we had great numbers to our first 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. 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.

More Information

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

Dr. Joseph Coyne
Sports Academy Director

The English Faculty at Lindisfarne have been fortunate enough to have a longstanding relationship with the wonderful Bell Shakespeare. Established by renowned Actor/Director John Bell, what began in a circus tent in Sydney in 1990 has grown into a theatre company with unrivalled reach and impact, delivering mainstage productions and an education and outreach program to every state and territory, ensuring classic theatre experiences are accessible to all Australians. Our students here at Lindisfarne are visited each year by their travelling players who bring Shakespeare to life through interactive and engaging performances.

Last week, two of our staff were fortunate enough to take part in the National Teacher Mentorship at the Bell Shakespeare headquarters in Sydney. Emily Brewer and Jasper Schoenmaker completed workshops and discussions with a focus on providing valuable tools for teaching Shakespearean plays. They were also able to network with a diverse group of teachers from across Australia, and have brought back a myriad of ideas for how the English team can improve student engagement as well as teaching and learning here at Lindisfarne. The experience was incredibly enriching, giving them a fresh perspective and practical strategies to implement in their classrooms. Both teachers are excited to not only bring these strategies and activities back to their classrooms, but the wider teaching community to foster a love for Shakespeare in the school as a whole.

We can’t wait to welcome Bell Shakespeare in June for an incursion with our Year 8 and 10 students. Learn more about Bell Shakespeare here.

English Faculty

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, we welcomed Japanese university students from Gifu Shōtoku Gakuen for a day filled with cultural exchange and educational insights. The event began with presentations from Mr. Godden and Mr. Bradford, who shared our school's innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and integrating technology in education. Following this, Mrs. Godden demonstrated three innovative ways we use technology, including AI, to enhance teaching and learning practices in our language classes, highlighting the potential to promote further understanding and engagement.

The highlight of each day was when the Shōtoku Gakuen students led a series of cultural activities for our Middle School students, including Japanese calligraphy, nininbaori, Japanese foods, playing with kendama, singing the Totoro song, and dancing to J-Pop music group AKB48. These activities offered a glimpse into Japanese culture, fostering a deep appreciation and curiosity.

Lunch provided a casual setting for our Senior School students to engage in meaningful conversations with the university students, bridging cultures and creating bonds. Each day concluded with an interactive STEM lesson where Mr. Meliss’ Year 10 students collaborated with the visitors on coding and animating games, and design and technology, showcasing and sharing their learning with the Shōtoku Gakuen students who were suitably impressed!

This visit exemplified the value of international educational exchanges, enriching our students' learning experiences and broadening their cultural horizons. It was a testament to the power of sharing knowledge and culture in building a global community of learners and innovators. We are grateful to our Japanese guests for their contributions and look forward to more opportunities for cultural and educational collaboration.

Louise Godden
Japanese Teacher

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the brand new Chess Club, and what a successful first session it was!

Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious to learn the ropes, everyone is welcome to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and fun.

Sessions: Every Thursday, 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Where: Library

Come learn the basics, practise your skills, and challenge your friends in a supportive and welcoming environment.

No experience necessary!

The first session was a blast, with plenty of exciting competition and new rivalries formed over the chessboard. We can't wait to see you there next Thursday!

Player of the Week - Toby Davis

Toby came into the first session excited to show everyone his skills even though he was the youngest by over 5 years. He was able to hold his own against the older players and show them what he's capable of. Well done Toby!!