2025 Term 1 Week 1 7 Feb 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have enjoyed a positive week of learning as we commence the 2025 academic year. Students and staff are quickly settling in at both campuses, and programs are underway. We have had a week of hot and humid weather and are grateful that our school is air-conditioned, allowing productive learning to continue despite the heat.

I’ve also greatly appreciated the leadership of staff and the support of parents and students as we have worked through traffic movement and bus issues. Each day, there has been an improvement, and we are grateful for the support.

The traffic will settle over the next fortnight. Please use bus services whenever possible, stagger arrival and departure times, consider carpooling for those families who drive, and use the drop-and-go zone as much as possible. If you live locally and can walk safely to school, or you can park in the local area and walk safely to school, please do so. Year 12 students should refrain from driving to school unless absolutely necessary and instead use the bus services available. As our regular before and after school activities kick in and our extensive sports and co-curricular programs are underway, this will further stagger the traffic flow.

Our 2024 School Vice Captain Tate Dee returned to School this week ahead of his move to Sydney to study a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Co-op) at UNSW. Tate spent some time discussing his service trip to Vietnam at the end of 2024 to work on a global service project as part of a delegation of students from Round Square Schools from around the world. Tate is the first student from Lindisfarne to be part of a global Round Square Service project, and he described his experience as uplifting and life-changing.

Lindisfarne continues to embrace the rapid onset of generative AI. The school's position is to work proactively with technology to find ways to enhance outcomes for our students, modelling safe and ethical interactions with AI as part of a holistic approach to learning. The landscape is changing quickly. This week, the Australian Government has banned the use of the Chinese AI platform 'DeepSeek' by Australian Government employees on Australian Government devices amidst fears relating to the integrity of personal data and national security risks. Lindisfarne has also blocked access to DeepSeek on school devices this week ahead of further review and information about this platform. Lindisfarne will prefer AI instances that have been thoroughly vetted and meet the needs of our community.

Next week promises to be an exciting and spirited one as we gear up for our annual swimming carnivals. Thursday, we will see the Year 7 to 12 students making a splash at TRAC Murwillumbah, followed by the Year 2 to 6 students on Friday. These events are not just about competition; they're a celebration of house and school spirit and the joy of time spent together. These days are always a highlight for our students, filled with healthy competition and enthusiastic cheering. We warmly invite you to join us.

I would also like to encourage parents to attend the Principal’s and Parents and Friends Welcome Event on Friday, 21 February, with our Junior School campus at Sunshine Avenue being the host venue again this year. All parents and guardians of the school are welcome, and the invitation to the event is attached below. Click here to confirm your attendance.

Once a month, on Sunday afternoons, we have a ‘Spiritual Gym’ in the Chapel at Mahers Lane. This family orientated service is uplifting and commences with an afternoon tea available from 4.30 pm and a short service from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Services are on NSW time, and all are welcome. The first monthly service for 2025 is this Sunday, 9 February.

On Tuesday Evening, our Parents and Friends Association will hold their first meeting for the 2025 School commencing at 6.30 pm. The venue will be the Junior School Campus at Sunshine Avenue. All are welcome.

Enjoy the weekend ahead and have a chance to regroup after what is always a very rewarding but busy first week of the school year for staff, students, and families.

Kind regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE!

Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,

It has been a great joy this week to see our students back from the summer break. The academic year has started in earnest, and we thank God for bringing us all back safely and for the opportunities to grow and learn, as well as make a positive difference in our school community and wider society. A very special and warm welcome to all the new students, staff and families who are settling into our school community: may you find a home here and experience kindness and love in all that you meet.

Permit me to share with you, dear students, a few pieces of advice:

Stephen Covey once said, "Begin with the end in mind." That’s great advice, but don’t forget: The journey is just as important as the destination. So, enjoy the journey of learning and growth this academic year. Be present in everything you do, and seek to take the opportunities of Lindisfarne education with both hands.

In this journey of learning, do everything with love. Follow your heart because ‘love begins where duty ends’, as the old adage puts it.

Every day, make a choice to show up - to do something, do it well, and take delight in it.

Delight - what a beautiful word. Maybe this year, keep a ‘delight journal’ - a place where you write down the small moments that bring you joy. You’ll be surprised how many there are if you pay attention. “Because when you stop and look around,” Dr Seuss said, “this life is pretty amazing.”

Every year, we choose a theme to guide our journey, and this year, our theme is Hope. Along with the Anglican Church in Australia and our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters who are celebrating the ‘Jubilee Year of Hope’, we will seek to carry hope in our hearts and to radiate hope in all we do. Pope Francis speaks of hope as ‘an anchor we throw into the future’ that guides us in dark and tough times. Hope reminds us that, despite all that is awry in our world, our lives -individually and collectively -will not end in tragedy.

Finally, we warmly invite you to join our school community for a Family Eucharist Service (Spiritual Gym) on Sunday, 9 February, to mark the beginning of the 2025 academic year. The gathering will begin with refreshments at 4:30 PM, followed by the service at 5:00 PM in the Mahers Lane Chapel.

Students are encouraged to bring an item that represents their learning or passion -such as a school bag, pencil case, or musical instrument -so that we may bless them during the service.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you. God bless you and bless you kindly.

The Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

Thank you to our parents and students for their patience as staff work with students to get them into positive routines for bus travel that will serve them well through the year. Currently we have additional staff right across the campus assisting students with parent pick-up and buses.

Casuarina PM Services

Listed below are the bus services that students can access to go to the Casuarina area. I have linked these to the schedules from the Transport NSW website so parents can see the departure times from Lindisfarne are 3.35pm for the first four services and the final service departs at 3.50pm. We did receive some queries from parents referencing incorrect departure times.

• S170 - Casuarina - departs 3.35pm
• S188 - Casuarina - departs 3.35pm
• S190 - Casuarina - departs 3.35pm
• S191 - Casuarina - departs 3.35pm
• S184 - Kingscliff and Casuarina - departs 3.50pm

If one of these buses does fill up first, it will close its doors and depart and begin its journey while the other buses are still loading. A full bus sitting and waiting until 3.35pm before departing serves no purpose.

What can be difficult for both students and staff is when a student is only aware of one Casuarina bus number for the afternoon, so we ask parents to help by making them aware of all options available. As you can see by the routes linked above, some of these buses have done a different route for other schools prior to coming to Lindisfarne, and whilst they are empty when they arrive to us, a delay elsewhere can impact their arrival time, so we ask parents to ensure students know all these numbers. A list in the front of diaries can be helpful.

S156 - Chinderah, Cudgen, Hastings, Pottsville

• S156 - Timetable

As in 2024, we ask all students who need to use bus S156 to ensure they have acquired a priority pass from Mahers Lane Reception. This helps us to ensure that only students who have no other bus option except for S156, are not having seats taken up by students who are travelling to sport or who have other options. Whilst S156 does go through the southern part of Casuarina, we ask all Casuarina students to use one of the five services listed above.

The S156 priority pass is run by the School with the support of Kinetic. We remind all families that section 3.1 of the Transport NSW School Bus Pass Terms and Conditions, that parents agree to states The School Pass must only be used for journeys between the students home and school.

We appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience for our students, and we thank you for working with us to develop these positive routines.

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement

It was wonderful to see all the students back on campus this week and looking forward to the 2025 Academic Year.

Please take time to review assessment dates and other key Academic Dates for Term 1

Assessments

Dates for Assessment tasks in Years 7-12 are available on the school calendar.

All the Assessment Rules and Regulations and Assessment Schedules can be assessed via the links below.

• Year 7
• Year 8
• Year 9
• Year 10
• Year 11
• Year 12

Changing Elective Subjects Years 9 to 11

Any student who would like to change their elective subjects will need to check subject availability and complete a change of subject form prior to the end of Week 3. Students can email me via cjeffries@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au to check availability and request the form.

NAPLAN 2025

Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 will commence NAPLAN testing on Wednesday, 12 March.

Further details will be emailed to families in Week 4

HSC Minimum Standards Tests

All students in Year 10 will undertake the HSC Minimum Standards Tests in Week 5.

Caroline Jeffries
Dean of Studies

In the coming weeks, we will begin drawing up our lists of submitted applications from families seeking enrolment places for the 2026 school year.

Current families must ensure that siblings are registered for the 2026 school year to be considered for a position. Sibling priority will be given to all sibling applications received prior to Friday, 21 February 2025.

Please use the link below to make an application.

Lindisfarne Enrolment Application

Jenaya Mulley
Head of Enrolments and International Development

Annual Fees Due Date Extension

We are currently working through the many requests for calculations for 2025 Annual Fee Payments. As the date for payment is not until Monday 10 February, we will endeavour to complete these in time for payment.

We apologise for the delay in replying to over 150 emails. As of 06 February 2025, we are up to emails received on 27 January, so please be patient while we get back to everyone over the day or so. There is no need to send a new email if you have already made a request.

Payment Plan Direct Debits

All parents who have requested a Payment Plan by direct debit for 2025 School Fees have been emailed the calculations and direct debit authority.

However, we have yet to receive several direct debit authorities from parents who indicated they would like to take up this option. If you still wish to proceed with a payment plan in 2025, could you please check your emails and ensure you scan and email your completed direct debit authority to accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible.

Cash Payments

If you would like to pay your fees by cash at the Senior School, could you kindly email accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au to book an appointment time, outside of bell times. This will ensure we are able to meet you at a time that suits everyone.

If you would like to pay your fees by cash at the Junior School, you are welcome to book a time between 9.30am-12.30pm or 1.15pm-2.30pm. Please email adminprimary@lindisarne.nsw.edu.au

Lindisfarne Buses

The Lindisfarne buses provide a service to and from the closest scheduled stop to the residential address of the family. The Lindisfarne Bus service does not have the capacity to meet requests such as transport for students to swap buses for travel to other locations for sport, work, social or other reasons.

Should your child need to attend such an activity we advise you to make alternative arrangements like carpooling to transport your child to their event.

Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.

Please direct any Lindisfarne bus enquiries to bus@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Brett Dinsdale
Business Manager

Applications for scholarships for 2026 are now open.

Each year, Lindisfarne offers a limited number of Academic, General Excellence, Music and Sport scholarships to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Students eligible to apply for scholarships for the 2026 school year will be commencing in one of the following; Years 5, 7, 9 or 11. All students will be required to sit an academic test.

Scholarship Categories

• Academic – Based on a high level of academic merit.
• General Excellence – For students who demonstrate strength in a range of areas as listed below.
• Music – High level of music capacity is required combined with satisfactory academics.
• Sport – For students who are competing in at least one sport at state level or above combined with satisfactory academics.

Lindisfarne also offers support for Indigenous students. Further information in this area can be obtained from the Registrar.

For further information and details on how to apply for a scholarship, please download the 2026 Scholarship Information Booklet. Links to apply for Scholarships are contained in the booklet.

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement

The Parent Facebook Groups are an excellent way to keep in touch with other parents, to find out important information and to ask questions or seek support from fellow parents. Please use the links below to join one of the groups.

• Preschool Joeys - Class of 2039
  
• Preschool - Class of 2038
  
• Kindy - Class of 2037
  
• Year 1 - Class of 2036
  
• Year 2 - Class of 2035
  
• Year 3 - Class of 2034
  
• Year 4 - Class of 2033
  
• Year 5 - Class of 2032
  
• Year 6 - Class of 2031
  
• Year 7 - Class of 2030
  
• Year 8 - Class of 2029
  
• Year 9 - Class of 2028
  
• Year 10 - Class of 2027
  
• Year 11 - Class of 2026
  
• Year 12 - Class of 2025

Lindisfarne Parents and Friends

A reminder for all parents: you should have access to the SEQTA Engage app. It’s the easiest way to log absences, check reports, and stay updated.

If you haven’t set it up yet, please carefully follow the instructions via this link.

For assistance, please email helpdesk@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Scott Mellis
Director of Digital and Emerging Technologies

Safer Internet Day | 11th February

https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/safer-internet-day

Next Tuesday, 11 February, marks Safer Internet Day, a global initiative that brings together communities, schools, and families to raise awareness about online safety. At Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, we are dedicated to guiding our students towards responsible and informed use of technology.

This year, we encourage families to engage in meaningful conversations about online safety. Even though our children often know more about technology than we do, it is important to remember, we are the experts in keeping them safe. By taking an active role in their digital lives, we can help them navigate the online world with confidence and resilience.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Put it in Your Calendar – Make a plan to talk about online safety next Tuesday. A five-minute chat can make a big difference.

2. Start the Conversation – Try this:
   "Today is Safer Internet Day. Can you show me one cool thing you do online? And can we talk about one way to stay safe while doing it?"
   A simple, open-ended question like this invites discussion without being intrusive.

3. Be the Guide, Not Just the Rule-Maker – While kids might know how to use technology better than we do, they still need guidance. Talk about privacy settings, online friendships, and what to do if they see something upsetting.

For more resources and information, visit the eSafety Commission’s website.

By working together, we can create a safer and more positive online environment for our children.

Scott Mellis
Director of Digital and Emerging Technologies

Bianca Foster, Dimity Frazer, Greer Purdon
School Nurses

Welcome back to another exciting school year! I hope you all enjoyed a restful break and are as energised as we are for the start of 2025. Seeing such a great start has been heartening, and I want to extend a particularly warm welcome to our new students and families; we are delighted to have you join us.

As we move into 2025, we remain focused on nurturing the wellbeing of every child at Sunshine Ave. We recognise that a supportive and caring environment is essential for our students to thrive, and we are committed to providing just that. To support our students’ mental and emotional health, we’ll be introducing new workshops and pastoral care initiatives that will equip them with the tools they need to navigate the year with confidence. In tandem with these wellbeing efforts, our curriculum will continue to evolve. New syllabuses, innovative teaching methods, and cutting-edge technologies will not only ensure academic success but also prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow.

At the same time, we warmly invite you to be an active part of our school community. Whether it’s attending school events, joining our Parents and Friends Association, or engaging with us through our regular communications, your involvement makes a lasting difference.

Looking ahead, we have a busy and exciting schedule planned. Our annual Swimming Carnival (Friday, 14 February) for students in Years 3 and 4 is on the horizon, with some 8-year-olds in other grades also eligible to participate; this event promises to be a highlight of Term 1. Additionally, please mark your calendars for the Year 1–4 Meet the Teacher afternoon and Principal's Welcome event, both taking place on Friday, 21 February, at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, respectively. Parent/Teacher Meetings for Preschool and Kindy are also scheduled to take place over the next couple of weeks; please keep an eye out for further correspondence regarding these meetings. Please also take a moment as we settle into the new term to update your contact details and review the end-of-day processes for students. These steps help us maintain effective communication and a smooth daily routine for everyone.

I must also address an important matter regarding our parking arrangements. Despite previous requests, many parents continue to park in the bus turning area in front of our Preschool and the driveways belonging to our neighbours (notably Essential Energy). Parking in these areas not only creates significant pedestrian safety issues but also impacts our residential and commercial neighbours and their access to their homes or businesses. It is disappointing that these practices persist. Please remember that this area is designated solely for buses in order to ensure the safety of our young learners. Additionally, drivers should be aware that parking in this area may also result in a fine being issued by the Tweed Council. Your cooperation is crucial and greatly appreciated.

I am truly excited about the term and the entire year ahead. I look forward to sharing the journey of the 2025 school year with each of you, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful staff for their remarkable efforts in getting the school year underway.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School

Julie Henry
Junior School Psychologist

Dates for Term 1

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

• Friday 14 February (week 2) - Lindisfarne Primary Swimming Carnival - Yr 3- 6

• Wednesday 26 February (week 4) - NCIS Primary Swimming Carnival

• Friday 4 April (week 9) - Pre-school - Year 2 FUN Cross Country

• Thursday 10 April (week 10) - Years 3 - 12 Lindisfarne Cross Country Carnival,

Junior and Middle Swimming Carnival

Our first major carnival for the year will be the years 3-6 Swimming Carnival to be held on Friday 14 February in week 2. All students in years 3 and 4 will attend the Carnival along with competitive swimmers who turn 8 in year 2.

Information relating to the carnival will be sent to all those students who are eligible to attend. Please read the information and if you have any questions please contact Damien Clucas Head of Sport or Nathan Croft at the Junior Campus.

Total Football Academy - After School Program

The Total Football Academy after-school program will kick off next week on Monday 10 February and will continue until week 9 Monday 31 March.

This program was promoted at the end of 2024 and has some vacancies at this stage. This will be filled on a first come first basis, so if you are interested please sign up ASAP. This program will be run again in Term 2, 3 and possibly Term 4 this year for those who missed out. Information about the program can be found in the Flyer here: Lindisfarne -Term 1 2025_compressed.pdf

Runners Club

Lindisfarne Junior School will start the Runners Club in week 2 at Sunshine Avenue. The purpose of the Runners Club is to assist in the running development of our school students and preparation for the upcoming Cross Country competitions.

Last year the Runners Club was a great success with students and parents joining in to improve their running, fitness or just to spend time with each other doing a physical activity. Students in years 1 - 4 are welcome to attend.

Runners Club Training days will be Monday and Wednesday morning. 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.

General Information

All information relating to Sporting programs, Gala Days and Sporting Competitions run at the Junior Campus will be advertised at assemblies and in the Newsletter. Information will then be sent home to interested students and parents. Please keep an eye on the Newsletter for relevant information, events and sports meetings throughout the year.

Nathan Croft
Head of Junior School Sports

Thankful Thursday in Year 6

As our Year 6 students wrap up a wonderful first week, we took a moment during homeroom to embrace Thankful Thursday—a time to reflect on gratitude and appreciation. Students were encouraged to write something they were thankful for, whether it was a new friendship, a supportive teacher, their family, or a special moment from their first week of Year 6. This simple yet meaningful activity helped foster a positive mindset and reminded us all to appreciate the little things that bring joy to our lives.

Kristina Diaz
Year 6 Coordinator

A Positive Start to the Year in Middle School

The new school year is well underway, and it has been fantastic to see Middle School students settling back into routines, reconnecting with friends, and embracing the many opportunities available to them. At our Middle School Assembly, I had the chance to speak with all the students and commend them on the strong and positive way they have started the year.

It has been encouraging to see students engaging so well in their learning, adapting to expectations, and contributing to a focused and supportive school environment. Their enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges are setting a great tone for the year ahead, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth.

From day one, we have been very intentional in structuring how lessons begin and end, ensuring consistency across classrooms. This approach is already paying off, focused classrooms, engaged students, and a productive learning environment are exactly what we strive for, and it is fantastic to see it in action.


Reintroducing Student Diaries

Lindisfarne has reintroduced diaries for all Middle School students. This is a valuable tool to support organisation and time management, helping students track homework, assignments, and key dates. We encourage parents to check these diaries weekly to stay informed about their child’s workload. Your involvement plays a key role in reinforcing responsibility and strong study habits.


New Procedure for Leaving Classrooms

To further support structure and accountability, we have introduced a new procedure regarding students leaving the classroom. Given the size of our campus, it is essential that we have clear systems in place to ensure students are accounted for and where they need to be at all times.

To that end, if a student needs to leave the classroom, a staff member will provide a note in their diary, which the student will carry with them. This simple step enhances accountability while also helping us maintain a safe and well-supervised learning environment.


Break Card Process Remains Unchanged

Please note that the existing process for students with a Break Card remains unchanged. This ensures that students who require additional support and accommodations when leaving class continue to receive the necessary assistance.


Your Support is Appreciated

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these positive routines as they contribute to a structured, safe, and productive school environment. It is wonderful to see students embracing these expectations, and I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth in Middle School.


Stage 4 Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening – A Key Event for Parents

We are excited to host the Stage 4 Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. This important evening consists of two key sessions designed to equip parents with essential information to support their child’s learning in Middle School.

Event 1: Year 7 and 8 Information Technology Session for Parents

• When: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
• Time: 5:00 - 6:00pm (NSW)
• Where: Mahers Lane Library

This session will introduce parents to key digital learning platforms, including Google Classroom, Google Suite, and SEQTA. Parents will gain practical insights into accessing assignments, tracking progress, and staying informed about their child's education. Please bring your device so we can guide you through these essential tools.


Event 2: Meet the Homeroom Teacher

• When: Wednesday, 12 February 2025
• Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm (NSW)
• Where: Mahers Lane Chapel

This session provides a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s Homeroom teacher, understand their role, and discuss the year ahead. It is also a great chance to connect with other parents, fostering a sense of community and shared support as we navigate the school year together. Establishing strong communication between home and school is key to a successful year, and we encourage all parents to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there.


Upcoming Swimming Carnivals at Lindisfarne

Next week, we are excited to host our annual Lindisfarne Swimming Carnivals at Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, Murwillumbah. This is always a highlight of the school calendar, bringing together students, staff, and House spirit in a fun and competitive setting.

• Thursday will see our Year 7-12 students take to the pool, showcasing their swimming abilities and House pride.
• Friday will be the turn of our Year 3-6 students, giving them the opportunity to participate, compete, and enjoy the day with their peers.

Further details will be shared in the coming days, including departure times, attire recommendations, and lunch arrangements. We encourage all students to come prepared for a fantastic day of participation and House spirit. Stay tuned for more information!


Navigating the Digital World as a Community

Middle School is a time of rapid change and growth, and it never ceases to amaze me just how much happens in these pivotal years. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg describes the transition to Year 7 as one of the most significant periods in a young person’s life when they are forming their identity, strengthening friendships, and developing greater independence. It’s also the time when many students receive their first smartphone, opening the door to a whole new digital world.

For most pre-teens, getting a smartphone between the ages of 9 and 12 marks a major shift, what experts call ‘digital puberty’. This is when young people begin building their digital footprint, exploring online spaces filled with both opportunities and risks. While technology can be a fantastic tool for learning, connection, and creativity, it also brings challenges, and without guidance, our children can be particularly vulnerable online.

At Lindisfarne, we recognise that supporting students in navigating the digital world is not something schools or families can do alone, it requires a shared approach. We are committed to working together with parents and caregivers to ensure our students develop the skills, habits, and values they need to use technology responsibly and safely.

One way we can work together is by considering the impact of early smartphone use.


‘Wait Mate’ – Supporting Digital Wellbeing

As students move through Middle School, they are developing their identity, independence, and relationships, all while navigating an increasingly digital world. For many, this includes receiving their first smartphone, a milestone that brings both opportunities and challenges. Research shows that delaying smartphone access can help young people build healthier digital habits, strengthen real-world connections, and reduce exposure to online risks.

At Lindisfarne, we are committed to fostering an environment that prioritises academic focus, meaningful social interactions, and student wellbeing. In line with this, we would like to share a platform called ‘Wait Mate’, a movement that encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until at least high school.


Why Wait, Mate?

• Research highlights that early smartphone use can lead to distractions, reduced face-to-face interactions, and mental health concerns.
• By delaying smartphone access, we can help children experience a more balanced and enriching childhood.

How Can You Participate?

• Take the Pledge – Join other Lindisfarne families in committing to delay smartphone use.
• Connect with Like-Minded Parents – Wait Mate helps parents link up within the same school year group for support.
• Access Resources – Explore tips and materials on managing technology use at home.

For more information and to join the movement, please click the link here: Wait Mate.

We look forward to working together as a community to support our students in making positive choices, both in their learning and their digital lives. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our Middle School students.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Each Friday during Homeroom, our Middle School students will engage in Focus Friday, a dedicated time for exploring a variety of important topics. Each stage will explore on a different theme designed to build skills and focus on character strengths. Focus Friday empowers students to reflect on their learning and wellbeing for the week, collaborate with peers in their Homeroom, and take action in meaningful ways. We encourage parents and guardians to review their child's Focus Friday reflections in their diaries each week to see their learning and growth in action!

Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) Can Do Attitude

By building their attitudes to believe that they have the power to tackle and do harder tasks, their challenge is to choose harder instead of easier in what they do.

Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) Agency: Powerful of Powerless

For students to understand that their sense of agency is about how powerful they feel in themselves and that they can directly influence their living and learning growth and wellbeing.

The Why:

As Oscar Wilde so wisely once said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people merely exist.” Some students spend days on autopilot being pulled along by other peoples’ choices. This can lead to them feeling that they are victims of their circumstances. The reality is that they have plenty of options to master their circumstances and that the first choice they need to make is to choose to choose. This enables them to see opportunities that they didn’t even know existed. To move their thinking from passenger to master, we need to teach students how to pause, take notice, be curious and explore what they see and think about it with new eyes. This occurs when they choose to leave their comfort zones to tackle challenges that stretch them to learn new and better things; their previous best just got better. This type of attitude is called a growth mindset; they believe that they are capable of growing themselves. Choosing to live is to be a master. Choosing to exist is to be a passenger.

What can you do at home?

Complete the Character Strengths survey at www.viacharacter.org to identify your top strengths, write them on a Strengths Wheel and put it on the fridge. This is a great activity for your whole family to do, which will then start conversations about strengths at home. What are your top three strengths individually and as a family?

Amber Phillips
Dean of Students - Middle School

The first week of Term 1, 2025, has been a whirlwind of excitement and new beginnings for our Year 7 students. As they take their first steps into high school life, we’ve been thrilled to see them embrace the challenges and opportunities of this significant milestone.

This week, our newest students have been busy settling into their new routines. They’ve met their Homeroom teachers, started building friendships, and even mastered the art of combination locks (a true rite of passage!). Navigating the expectations of high school can feel overwhelming at first, but our Year 7s have shown resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn—qualities that will serve them well in the years ahead.

Watching the students connect with one another has been a highlight of the week. We encourage them to continue being kind, inclusive, and open to new experiences as they mature into their roles as high school students.

To our parents, guardians, and the wider school community, thank you for your support during this transition. Your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in helping our Year 7s feel confident and prepared. We warmly invite you to our Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening on Wednesday, 12th February. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your Student’s key school contacts, learn more about our Pastoral Care program, and ask any questions you may have to help navigate this exciting chapter together. Please register your attendance at this event using the link provided: Attendance Form.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead for our Year 7 students. Welcome to high school—we’re so glad you’re here!

Brittany Slade and Sam Dick
Year 7 Coordinators

It has been a terrific start to the year for our Senior School students. While some necessary adjustments have been made to implement our new structures, we are already seeing a more focused and productive school body. Our students' commitment to their learning and personal growth has been commendable. Their positive attitude and willingness to adapt to new expectations demonstrate their resilience and determination to excel.

To support students in reaching their full potential, we have taken steps to minimise distractions by reducing their reliance on mobile phones. Additionally, we have provided organisational tools such as school diaries to help them manage their workload effectively. These measures are designed to foster a more structured and disciplined learning environment. We encourage students to make full use of these tools to develop strong study habits and time management skills, which will benefit them throughout their academic journey.

This week, I had the opportunity to address each Senior School cohort, and I thoroughly enjoyed congratulating them on their positive start to the year. Their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace these changes have been encouraging. Seeing their engagement and readiness to take on the challenges of the year ahead was inspiring. The support from teachers and staff has also played a vital role in ensuring this smooth transition.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host the Meet the Senior School Tutor event in the Chapel on Monday evening. This gathering is an important opportunity for parents to connect with their child’s tutor, particularly for those with students in Year 9 who may not have had the chance to meet their tutor yet. I strongly encourage all parents to attend this essential event, as it will help establish strong lines of communication between families and the school.

Following the Meet the Tutor Night, we will introduce The Rite Journey. This program is a fundamental part of our Senior School experience, and this session will provide parents with invaluable insight into its purpose and impact on their child’s development. For parents who have yet to indicate their attendance at these events, please do so via this link. Understanding this program will allow parents to actively support their child’s transition through this critical stage of development.

Finally, we eagerly anticipate full attendance at Thursday’s Swimming Carnival. This event is a highlight of our school calendar, playing a key role in fostering school spirit and culture. We appreciate your support in ensuring that all students participate and contribute to this fantastic day. The sense of camaraderie and house spirit that emerges from this event is truly special, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students in the pool and in their enthusiastic support of one another.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making this a successful year for our Senior School students. Your involvement and encouragement make a significant difference in their school experience, and we look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of all our students.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

As we continue to grow and evolve as a school, we’ve introduced a new system of diaries for all students to use each lesson, signed by their tutor at the end of the week. Diaries assist students in keeping track of lessons, assignments, and progress. Using a diary fosters a sense of responsibility but also helps students stay on top of their learning. Research consistently shows that students who regularly organise and track their work are more successful academically.

Diaries create a direct line of communication between students' parents and teachers. It ensures that everyone is on the same page, making it easier for students to stay aligned with expectations and for teachers to offer support when needed. Parents should feel more informed when having “Have you got any homework” conversations after school.

With our school growing rapidly, it is important that we know where students are at all times. The diaries help us maintain a safer environment, ensuring that we can monitor attendance and movements. We understand that changes can be challenging, and we truly appreciate the way our students have adopted the diaries. It takes 66 days for something to become a habit, and the payoffs that come during examination and assessment time could be hugely beneficial.

Finally, a huge commendation to all of our senior students for the exceptional way they have returned to school. Their commitment to upholding the high standards of uniform and appearance, along with your respectful engagement in year meetings, has not gone unnoticed.

We are all excited for the year ahead.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students- Senior School

Adam Spencer inspires a new generation of mathematicians

We were thrilled to welcome Australia’s favourite mathematician and author, Adam Spencer, to Lindisfarne recently. Adam, known for his unique ability to make mathematics both accessible and fascinating, visited as a keynote speaker and captivated our teachers with his engaging presentation on emerging AI technologies.

The real highlight for us in the Mathematics faculty came afterwards when Adam generously volunteered his time to run a special workshop for approximately 20 of our most enthusiastic young mathematicians. Throughout the workshop, Adam delved deeper into topics such as Mega Primes, Combinatorics and Hilbert’s Infinite Hotel.

The workshop participants were captivated. Adam's enthusiasm and skilful explanations brought complex mathematical ideas to life, sparking curiosity and deep engagement. Experiences like these are crucial to encouraging students to embrace mathematics beyond the classroom. We hope Adam’s visit has inspired some of our budding mathematicians to continue exploring the fascinating world of numbers and pursue further studies in mathematical fields.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Adam Spencer for his time and generosity. His passion for education and commitment to inspiring the next generation of thinkers left a lasting impact on our school community.

Maths help sessions

Our regular maths help sessions will soon be up and running, starting in week 2. Our maths help sessions are designed to support students in strengthening their understanding of class material. These voluntary, drop-in sessions offer a relaxed and welcoming environment where students can seek help with any questions or difficulties they encounter in their class work. Whether it's a tricky concept, a challenging homework problem, or a need for clarification, our teachers are ready to guide students toward greater confidence and success in maths. Students are encouraged to come as often as they like—no appointment is needed!

Please see the timetable below.

Karen West
Coordinator of Mathematics

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

Jane Brennan
Director of Creative Industries

A very busy Week 1, a huge thank you to the boys and girls who got themselves organised and off to their first Integrated Sport of the year. We had almost the entire 1200 student population at where they needed to be.

Netball trials have been underway this week, with Football and Touch Football joining in next week. Of course, our swimming carnivals as well, as we click into gear and start to get rolling for the year.

Please make sure you are up to date with the Sports Introductory letter - especially for sign ups.

Basketball

The Sports Department and the makings of an U12 Girls Basketball team are on the search for TWO, if not THREE Year 4 or 5 girls to play for the Lindisfarne Lions in the Gold Coast Junior Basketball League - Winter League.

We have FIVE committed girls ready to go but need a further TWO girls to register their team with GCJBL - however, we would prefer EIGHT players in total.

Training for this team is at PCYC on Fridays during SPORT time (after lunch till the bell). Game Day is Saturday mornings, normally at Carrara - sometimes Tallebudgera.

For any Year 5 girls, we can arrange Integrated Sport refunds and swaps for this special circumstance. For any prospective Year 4 girls, we have a shuttle bus running that takes you to training from Sunshine Ave each Friday.

Please contact the Teacher in Charge of Basketball, Ms Samara Hill, if you think you might be interested. A copy of the second pre-season mailout for the GCJBL team can be found - HERE.

2025 Gold Coast Primary & Secondary Inter-School Challenge

As part of the Border Schools Gala Day, we will be submitting Lindisfarne singles and potentially doubles teams into this competition. Please sign up if you are interested.

DOUBLES COMPETITION - Tennis Gold Coast 2025 Annual Inter-School Challenge, 23rd February.

• Primary (Yr 4,5&6) Green Ball: Sunday 23rd February & Boys & Girls 8.00 am ± 12.00 pm (7.45 am sign-on)

• Middle School (Yr 7,8&9): Sunday 23rd February & Boys & Girls 12.30 pm ± 5.00 pm (12.15 pm sign-on)

• Secondary (Yr 10,11&12): Sunday 23rd February & Boys & Girls 12.30 pm ± 5.00 pm (12.15 pm sign-on)

Queens Park Tennis Centre, 19 Queen Street, SOUTHPORT (+ multiple tennis venues)

Enquiries: Tennis Gold Coast, 5532 8566 or 0466 997 188.

Please see Event Flyer - Here.

***Please enter directly with the tournament coordinators and CC Damien Clucas when sending your entries.***

If you are looking for a partner, please contact Mr Clucas via email.

Please can you link “HERE” in the above copy to form saved in our folder, named: TENNIS 2025 Inter-School Challenge School Entry Form - Secondary, Middle, Primary

Spotlight on Elle Downs

Some massive news was sent through on the school's website from Elle Downs coach - Brian Chapman. Elle Down, over the weekend,  broke the World Best-On-Record for 1500m by a 9 year old girl with a time of 4 mins 54.75secs. She did this racing in the 1500m women’s A race at the Queensland Athletics, Jai Taurima shield up at QSAC. It was an open-age event, so she was running against some super quick women, including Cara Feain-Ryan (Olympian) and an NCAA college athlete.

Congratulations, Elle. We cannot wait to see you deep in action at the Cross Country and Athletics school events later this year.

Spotlight on Chayse Kleinhans and Chase Medford

Over the summer break, both boys (Year 9) played their rookie season for the Gold Coast Stingrays NFL team and made it all the way to the Queensland State SunBowl (grand final).

While their team was defeated on the day, they both represented their side with pride and showed outstanding commitment throughout the season.

At the annual presentation, their efforts were formally recognised—Chayse Kleinhans was awarded Lineman of the Year, and Chase Medford won Offensive MVP, both as rookies. An incredible achievement for boys who took themselves outside their comfort zone to try something new and saw success as a result.

Spotlight on Matilda Daniel

Congratulations to Matilda Daniel in Year 10 on her building tennis success.

In recent months, Matilda has:

• Qualified for the 16/under Australian National Championships (as a 14 year old) in Bendigo - where she won the 3 qualifying rounds and beat the 17th ranked Junior girl (U/18) in Australia 3-6, 6-3, 6-4;

• Won the Open Women's 2024 3K David Turbayne Tennis Centre Open

• Won the Open Women's 2025 Open 5K Ballina New Year's Open

• Won the 16/ and under 2025 Ballina New Year's event;

Matilda has recently begun competing in Junior ITF's (International Tennis Federation) Tour, where she has now gained an International ranking. Congratulations Matilda, all of your hard work is certainly paying dividends!

Spotlight on Lyla Wessel

We have just received some nice surf life results from Lyla (year 9):

• 2024 Australian Titles

11th U13 female surf race

• 2024 NSW interbranch

4th U14 iron

• 2025 Shaw and partners Jim Wall classic Torquay

3rd U15 ironwoman (aging up)

• 2025 NSW Country Championships

2nd U14 ironwoman

2nd U14 surf race

3rd U14 board race

Congratulations Lyla, best of luck for your looming State and Aussies campaign for this year!

Damien Clucas
Head of Sports & Activities

Welcome back to Lindisfarne Netball.

Our 2025 season registrations are underway, with all details available through our Netball Bulletin here.

We were very excited to have our School Representative Netball Trials this week for Year 5-6 and Year 7-8. Our selectors, Queensland U19 coach Bec Stower and Bond University Bull Sharks Director of Netball Kim Boland, were excited to see the talent coming through Lindisfarne and the increasing calibre of skill level. They will complete selections this Wednesday, 12 February 2025, with our Senior Year 9-12 players. Trial registration can be made through this trials link.

Please bookmark our Netball Bulletin Newsletter to keep updated with everything happening in the Lindisfarne Netball space.

Suzanne Evans
Teacher in Charge of Netball

Proudly Supported By

2025 Rugby Union Training Camp

The 2025 Rugby Union Training Camp will be held on Saturday, 15thFebruary, from 0900 to 1400. This training camp aims to establish the culture and standards for any students involved with the Lindisfarne rugby union program for the new season. There will be several team building activities on the day, and there will be lunch and snacks provided. This camp will only be for boys in years 5-12 and girls in years 7-12.

Can any students who have not registered please confirm attendance at the training camp ASAP on this form HERE.

2025 Rugby Union Program Season Launch

Please see the invitation below to the Lindisfarne Rugby Union Program 2025 Season Launch at Pioneer Country on the 20th February from 6.30pm-8.00pm. This invitation is for all year 5 - 12 students (boy or girl) who wish to play or are interested in playing for the school in rugby union this year, along with their parents/guardians. Dress code is smart casual for parents and full formal uniform for students.

We will have Ms Georgia Grey, who plays for Gold Coast Titans NRLW and is also a rugby 7s player for Bond University, as our guest speaker for the evening. You can RSVP through this link HERE or through the link in the invitation below. We hope to have as many of you as possible at this event, and if you have any questions, please let me know.

KEY DATES

Please see upcoming key dates for our rugby program below. You can find the full list of key dates HERE.

OTHER ITEMS

Stack Team APP

The Stack Team app will be our Rugby Union program’s main form of communication for all our squads, with the exception of U12 boys.

As a reminder, both parents and Boy’s U13, U15, 1st XVs and 7s 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).

Joseph Coyne
Director of High Performance Athlete & Sports Development

Lindisfarne vs St Columba School

Tuesday saw Lindisfarne compete in the second round of the Hunter & NSW Northern division of the state-wide Douglas Shield competition against St. Columba School at Woolgoolga.

Fielding first, Lindisfarne accounted for the St. Columba team in just 29 overs with an outstanding team effort including six sharp catches, a direct-hit run out from Mitch Ellison and some high-quality bowling. Kade Wood (3/4 off 3), Harry Kershler (2/10 off 5) and Lachlan Marshall (1/7 off 4) led the way, with Mitch Ellison, Josh Marsh, Steph Scouller, Menzie Tucker and Theo Nikolich all providing excellent support with the ball.

Chasing 116 to win, Lindisfarne set about establishing a firm foundation of runs through the mature efforts of Fletcher Bisgrove (18) and Lachlan Marshall (16). After 15 overs, Harry Kershler took to the crease and batted with composure and determination to score a dominating 46 not out, and, supported by Josh Marsh, finished off the innings to notch up what ended up being a convincing six wicket win.

The next game will see Lindisfarne play The Armidale School in Round 3.

Well done to all. Keep up the good work.

Simon Leach
Teacher

Please see below information regarding when rehearsals and auditions are scheduled.

Term 1 - Week 2 and 3 Auditions

• 7.30am - Senior Rock Band
• Lunch - Senior Rock Band

You will need to come to the Music rooms to register your name.

Week 3 we will be holding auditions for ALL middle school Ensembles, please keep an eye out in the performing arts noticeboard.

Term 1 - Starts in week 2 - Senior School only!

Rehearsals

Monday:

• Lunch - Senior Choir

Tuesday

• 7.30am - Senior Wind Orchestra
• Lunch - Drumline
• Lunch - Capriccio Strings

Wednesday

• 7.30am - Senior Stage Band
• 7.30am - Contabile Strings
• Lunch - String Quartet

Thursday

• Lunch - String Quartet

Friday

• Lunch - Senior Choir

 Dale Norton
Music Teacher

Homework Club 2025 Will Recommence in Week 3

Wednesdays 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Library at Mahers Lane.

Jacqueline O'Sullivan
Director of Learning Enrichment - Middle School

The Round Square International Service (RSIS) projects are initiatives that unite students and teachers from Round Square member schools worldwide to collaborate on community service endeavours in various global locations. Participants engage in hands-on activities such as constructing or renovating community buildings, implementing environmental conservation efforts, and working closely with local communities to address specific needs.

Tate Dee (Year 12, 2024) took part in the RSIS project in Vietnam over the Summer break. The primary focus of the project was to assist in constructing a dam to provide a reliable water supply for farming and to install 2.5 kilometers of solar-powered lighting. Tate and the team worked diligently on the dam, which was nearing completion during their stay.

Earlier this week, and just before heading down to Sydney to begin his university degree at UNSW, Tate was presented with a Round Square Certificate of Participation.

Tate is the very first student from Lindisfarne to take part in a project of this type, and we are immensely proud of his achievements.

Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator

Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator

After an incredible 2024, our school record label, Germinate Records, is set to take things to new heights in 2025.

Last year saw us release a five-song EP for year 12 student Josh Geoghegan, as well as accompanying music videos for each song. Our collaborative project, The Germinate Records Band, released three ‘Live in the Studio’ music videos showcasing the immense talent of our student songwriters. The band also performed live out in the community in support of great causes in line with our core ethos of using our gifts for others. We also hosted our annual R U OK? Community Choir and worked with some brilliant young songwriters and music producers.

We are aiming even higher in 2025, with some big plans in the pipeline. Students who are interested in being involved by developing their established songwriting practice or learning more about music production are very welcome to email me at brett@germinaterecords.com.

To see more of what we have been up to, you can visit the GR YouTube channel here.

You can also visit the GR website here.

Brett Canning
Recording Studio Producer/Manager

Are you interested in working at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, or know someone in our community looking for their next perfect role? Here are the latest opportunities:

General Hand

This is a casual General Hand position initially with the potential for ongoing employment.

Strength and Conditioning Coach

This full time maternity leave role works with students participating in major sporting programs.

Peripatetic Music Tutor - Upper Strings

We are seeking an experienced instrumental upper strings tutor to join our dynamic and expanding studio tuition program.

The job links will direct you to our careers portal, and enquiries can be emailed to employment@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.

Angela Harris
Recruitment and Onboarding Officer

In 2025, Lindisfarne will enter its 3rd year of involvement in the AISNSW supported ‘Teaching Training School’s’ initiative. This program supports aspiring educators to be placed within a school community, each year while completing their studies in education. These ‘Education Trainees’ are assigned mentors and work within Learning Enrichment faculties at both Mahers Lane and Sunshine Avenue. The program is designed to support career education outcomes for prospective future teachers, in some instances facilitating a more manageable career change for those who have come to teaching later in their lives.

Lindisfarne is one of the leading ‘teaching schools’ in the country. In the first year of the program, the school hosted two trainees, this then doubled to four and in 2025 the school will host 6 trainees. Previous participants of the program have gone on to commence their teaching journey with some even employed at the school. A particular congratulations to Ms Georgia King who has transitioned from lab technician to trainee to classroom teacher (Science) through this program.

This year’s cohort of trainees is impressive for many reasons, but we are particularly excited to welcome back recent Lindisfarne alumni (pictured) Poppy Burdekin (2023), Ruby Sullivan (2022) and Giselle Smith (2022).

Kane Bradford
Head - Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships

Adam Spencer - Working with Lindisfarne Staff on Future Skills

As part of preparations for the resumption of classes, many of the Lindisfarne team have been back at work for a few weeks already. However, last week, all staff returned and balanced final preparations for students alongside meaningful and connected professional learning opportunities.

Mr Adam Spencer of ABC and Triple J fame was a guest of the school last week. Adam is a lifelong numbers nerd. He flitted with a law degree and a PhD in pure maths before winning, of all things, a stand-up comedy competition run by Triple J radio entitled "Raw Comedy." This national search for as yet undiscovered talent continues today but as Adam explains, "I entered in its very first year - the standard was appalling, so I went really well." He is the University of Sydney’s first-ever ambassador for mathematics and science and is aligned with numerous charitable causes. He serves on the board of directors of Redkite, is an ambassador for the Fred Hollows Foundation, and was a co-creator via his radio show Dry July which has raised over $90 million for adult cancer services in Australian hospitals.

Adam's clear passion for mathematics and tech education was on display for staff and students last week. He led us through his take on the implications of AI on future skills and industry, commenting particularly on the unprecedented growth we are seeing with this technology, set alongside similar historical examples of disruption. Adam also ran a session for students and facilitated a panel of staff at the annual staff dinner.

Hosting Adam Spencer was certainly a highlight of the professional learning week for the staff. We are grateful for his support and look forward to incorporating key takeaways in our practice with students in the year ahead.

Kane Bradford
Head - Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships