2025 Term 1 Week 2 14 Feb 2025

On Thursday, students from Years 7 to 12 gathered at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre in Murwillumbah for a day of competition, camaraderie, and school spirit at the Senior Swimming Carnival.

Cheers echoed across the pool, and House banners waved proudly as students demonstrated incredible enthusiasm, both in and out of the water. The March Past is always a highlight of our Carnivals, bringing the Houses together to display their artistic flair and competitive streak and earn points for their Houses.

Today, Years 3 to 6 made a splash as they took to the water. The students attending had much better weather in the pool than our senior students yesterday, which set the scene for an action-packed day of friendly competition with plenty of support from parents in attendance. I look forward to hearing which House will be awarded the House Swimming Cup for 2025 when it is announced on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, I joined the Lindisfarne Parents and Friends Association (P&F) for their first meeting of 2025. The P&F have a distinguished history of fundraising and friend-raising on behalf of the School. As they set about planning their calendar of events for 2025, I ask that you give your support to them by participating in their activities throughout the year. The Annual General Meeting in May presents an opportunity for members of our community to take on a more active role with the P&F and help enrich the life of our school. Details can be found below in the P&F notices section of this newsletter.

On Friday, 21 February, at our Junior School campus, all parents from every year level are invited to the annual Principal’s Welcome. Supported by the P&F, this event is an opportunity to renew parent friendships after the Christmas break and, importantly, welcome new parents into our community. The strong sense of community has been at the forefront of Lindisfarne’s growth, and I invite all parents to enjoy this wonderful event. Please see below.

Important transition events have been held in the last week, as we invited parents to meet their Homeroom and House Tutor Teachers. These events will continue next week when our Junior School and Years 5 and 6 parents are invited to their subsequent Meet the Teacher events.

These evenings provide an opportunity for parents to meet the key members of staff charged with the education and positive wellbeing of their students. It also allows staff to meet parents and establish new relationships to ensure that constructive communication and interactions can occur between the home and school as we all work towards positive outcomes for each and every Lindisfarne student.

Charlotte Lush
Deputy Principal

Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,

In my last article, I wrote about the symbolism, significance and purpose of the open book (Bible) in the middle of our School Crest. In this article, I would like to draw your attention to one of the other symbols on our School Crest – The Torch.

Now, of course, the purpose of a torch is to provide light in the darkness. This simple fact is of great significance in the Judeo-Christian tradition. So much so, that light dispelling the darkness is the very first act of creation in Genesis 1, much like how the Big Bang sparked the beginning of the Universe. Even the very first words spoken by God in all of Scripture are “Let there be light,” followed by God’s affirmation that light is good (Genesis 1:3-4).

This connection between God’s Word and light is an important Biblical theme. The Psalmist acknowledges to God that “your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The Apostle Peter elaborates on this by stating “we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

The Prologue to John’s Gospel, echoing the creation account of Genesis 1, says of Jesus – The Word made flesh – that ‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:4-5). Later on in John’s Gospel, in one of Jesus’ 7 great ‘I Am’ statements, he says, “I am the light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

It is in this light (excuse the pun) that we are to understand Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount that we can all be the light of the world (Matthew 8:14). That as followers of Jesus, we can all be beacons of light. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a beacon ‘as a source of light or inspiration.’ A beacon, therefore, is a person who shines his or her light and, in turn, inspires, guides, and brings hope to others.

It is this perspective that inspired Marianne Williamson to write; “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

And so, as is our Lindisfarne motto: Let your light shine!

Blessings, Reverend Lyndon.

Youth Group 2025

“Gather, Grow, Go”

Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar Youth Group is a non-judgemental place and space where our Mahers Lane students (7-12) can come together for interactive activities, inspirational talks, prayer and pizza.

Term 1 Dates: Feb 13, 20, 27 | March 5, 12, 19, 26 | April 2, 9

Time: 3.30-5.00pm

Venue: Mahers Lane Chapel

All are welcome to attend! Please click on the link here to register.

The Reverends Constantine Osuchukwu & Lyndon Mulholland
Chaplains

BOOKING LINK

BOOKING LINK

The Lindisfarne Parents and Friends Association (P&F) actively supports the School and offers a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and be involved in the life of the School.

The objectives of the P&F are consistent with the School’s vision and values. All parents and guardians of students enrolled at the School are members of the P&F. Anyone is welcome to attend general meetings which take place four times per year.

The P&F organises numerous social events, family days and fundraisers in support of the School. Any help is always greatly appreciated and you will be welcomed into a dynamic group of enthusiastic parents and friends.

Each year the P&F holds its Annual General Meeting and invites members to consider playing an active role on the Committee. The P&F Annual General Meeting (AGM) is to be held on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 at 6.30pm in 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 following year. Nominations are sought for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Officer and General Committee (5). A brief outline of each is below.

Nominations must be received in writing by Tuesday, 29 April 2025. Please download and complete this form and email to via e-mail to pandf@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

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: to assist and support the P&F Association to reach its objectives in line with the school's needs and focus area's at the time.

Nicole Larsen
Public Officer

On Wednesday evening, Amber Phillips, Dean of Students - Middle School, and I hosted our first Tech Info Session for families of students in Years 7 and 8. With these year groups now using laptops, I emphasised the importance of defining the device for learning. The term I introduced—Laptop for Learning—is a crucial mindset shift we want to reinforce both at school and at home. The laptops provided by the school are for learning, and it’s essential that we maintain this focus, ensuring they remain tools for education rather than sources of distraction.

At Lindisfarne, students have access to an incredible suite of apps that support learning, organisation, and creativity. Google Classroom, SEQTA, and Seesaw help students stay on top of coursework, assessment deadlines, and teacher feedback. Meanwhile, tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace and Apple Built-in Apps allow students to bring ideas to life—whether through design, coding, or content creation.

But simply having access to great tools isn’t enough—how students use their digital space matters just as much. A cluttered online environment filled with distractions can quickly derail focus. That’s why compartmentalising digital spaces is key to staying productive:

• Define the Laptop for Learning – Parents can help reinforce this message at home by ensuring that the school laptop is used for study and assignments, strictly not for gaming, social media, or unrelated activities.
• Optimise Your iPad or Laptop – On iPads, grouping apps into folders like Schoolwork, Creativity, and Research makes it easier to stay focused. On laptops, organising the desktop and bookmarks keeps learning front and centre.
• Eliminate Interruptions – Turning off notifications during study sessions can prevent distractions and help students enter a state of deep learning, where focus, creativity, and productivity take over. This is the space where real progress happens—the kind that leads to mastery and innovation.

We’re asking parents to support us in making Laptop for Learning the expectation at home, just as it is at school. By taking control of their digital environment and treating their laptop as an educational tool, students can maximise their potential and truly engage with their learning.

Scott Mellis
Director of Digital and Emerging Technologies

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

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

The 2025 school year is off to a fantastic start at Sunshine Avenue, with students and staff embracing the new year with enthusiasm and a commitment to building strong, positive relationships. It has been heartening to see the way our students are fostering friendships and engaging in their learning with such eagerness.

On Monday, 10 February, our Year Four students proudly accepted their leadership badges, signifying their readiness to serve as role models for their younger peers.

At Sunshine Avenue, we are committed to fostering a school culture built on kindness, respect, and positive friendships. Through the URSTRONG program, our students are actively developing the skills to create meaningful connections and a supportive school environment. We look forward to working in partnership with our entire school community to strengthen this culture further.

Upcoming Parent Webinar – Bringing Out the Best in Your Child

On Tuesday, 26 February, we are excited to welcome Dr Kaylene Henderson, a leading child psychiatrist, who will be hosting a Parent Webinar: Bringing Out the Best in Your Child. This session is designed for parents of children aged 8 years and under and will offer valuable, research-based strategies for fostering independence while maintaining strong, nurturing relationships.

Dr Henderson will provide practical advice on:
✔️ Encouraging independence while maintaining connection
✔️ Calming children when they’re upset
✔️ Fostering problem-solving skills
✔️ Encouraging cooperative behaviour

There will also be an opportunity for parents to submit questions in advance. We encourage you to take advantage of this insightful session. Please refer to the flyer below and keep an eye on your inbox for further details.

Please click the link HERE to register 

We look forward to another exciting and enriching term ahead!

Dana Dowker
Dean of Students, Junior School

This week, the Junior School students joined the global celebration of Safer Internet Day, focusing on this year’s theme, “Too Good to Be True? Keeping Yourself and Others Safe from Scams Online”. Safer Internet Day aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills to recognise, respond to, and report online scams and unsafe behaviour, ensuring they navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Throughout the week, students participated in a wide range of activities:

• Kindergarten: Students met the eSafe Mighty Heroes, a team of animated animal characters teaching key online safety lessons such as responsibility, respect, and trusting their feelings. Through interactive discussions and creative drawing activities, they learned the importance of keeping passwords private and recognising unkind online behavior.

• Year 1: The story of Swoosh and Glide introduced students to five essential online safety rules, such as using devices in shared spaces and asking for help when needed. They reinforced these lessons by completing an interactive Seesaw task.

• Year 2: A role-play activity helped students develop critical thinking skills to spot online scams. By analyzing different online offers, they identified “red flags” that signal a scam, such as unrealistically low prices and urgent purchase requests.

• Year 3 & 4: Students explored their digital footprints, learning how every online action creates a lasting impression. They reflected on their internet use and identified safe online habits. Additionally, Year 4 students participated in the Be an eSafe Kid webinar, where they discussed online friendships, responsibility, and digital respect. A Moral Compass Game encouraged thoughtful discussion about real-life online dilemmas.

Safer Internet Day was a fantastic opportunity for our students to build digital resilience and confidence. We encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home by discussing family internet rules and strategies for safe online behaviour. If you’re looking for more information, head here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents. Let’s keep working together to create a safer and smarter digital world for everyone.

Krissy Affleck
Teacher - Information Services and Digital Pedagogy

Dates for Term 1

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

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

• Friday 4 April (Week 9) - Preschool - Year 2 FUN Cross Country

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

Total Football Academy - After School Program

The Total Football Academy After School Program kicked off last week with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. The program will continue until week 9 Monday, 31 March.

This program still 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 terms 2, 3 and possibly term 4.

Information about the program can be found in the Flyer here :

Lindisfarne-Term 1 2025_compressed.pdf

Runners Club

Runners Club started this week with an extremely healthy turnout at Sunshine Avenue. We had more than 25 turn up on Monday, and this number almost doubled in size to 41 on Wednesday. The cumulative total of kilometres run this week was 236km.

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.

Hockey After School Program - Year 3 and 4 students only

Casuarina Hockey Club will be again holding an after school hockey program for year 3 and 4 students.

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 on a Tuesday afternoon from 3.15pm and will begin on March 4. To register for the program, please accept and make a 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 4, 11, 18, and 25 March and Tuesday 1 April.
Cost: $50 per student
Maximum number of Students: 20

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 Sports - Junior School

Stage 4 Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening & Technology Information Session

We recently welcomed parents to our Stage 4 Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening, following an insightful Technology Information Session that provided a valuable introduction to our ConnectEd program. This session gave parents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how technology supports learning at Lindisfarne, ask questions, and explore how they can best support their child’s digital engagement.

The evening continued with the opportunity for parents to meet their child’s homeroom teacher and hear key information about the year ahead. It was wonderful to see such strong attendance, reinforcing the importance of the partnership between home and school in guiding our students through Stage 4.

We appreciate the engagement and support of our parent community and look forward to working together to ensure a successful and enriching year for our students.

Stage 3 Technology Information Session & Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening

We invite all Stage 3 parents to attend two important events on Monday, 17 February 2024, designed to provide valuable insights into your child’s learning experience this year.

The evening will begin with the Technology Information Session in the Library from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. This session will introduce our ConnectEd program, highlighting how technology is embedded in learning at Lindisfarne. Parents will gain a clearer understanding of the digital tools students use, along with practical advice on how to support their responsible and effective use. There will also be time for questions to ensure families feel confident in navigating this aspect of school life.

From 6:00pm, parents are invited to the Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening in the Chapel at Mahers Lane. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s homeroom teacher, hear key information about expectations and routines, and build strong connections between home and school.

We encourage all Stage 3 families to attend and look forward to an engaging and informative evening together.

Invitation: Year 8 Induction Service

We warmly invite families to join us for the Year 8 Induction Service on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, as we celebrate and acknowledge our Year 8 student leaders.

This special service will take place in Ngahriyah, marking an important milestone for our students as they step into their leadership roles. We encourage families to attend and share in this significant occasion.

Please arrive and be seated between 9:15am and 9:30am to ensure a smooth start to the service.

To indicate your attendance, please RSVP via this link:

We look forward to celebrating this moment with our Year 8 students and their families.

Fostering Focused and Balanced School Days

At Lindisfarne, we are committed to fostering an environment where students can fully engage with their learning, develop strong interpersonal connections, and build essential skills for life beyond the classroom. To this end, we encourage a balanced approach to technology use and ensure that students are present in their daily experiences, both at school and at home.

Research highlighted in The Anxious Generation shows that excessive screen time and constant digital connectivity can impact attention spans, emotional resilience, and overall wellbeing. While technology has many benefits, studies consistently show that reducing phone use during the school day improves concentration, academic performance, and social engagement. Encouraging students to step away from their screens allows them to deepen their learning, build friendships, and develop independence; all essential to a fulfilling school experience.

To support this, our no-mobile-phone-use policy ensures that students remain focused throughout the day. By removing the distraction of mobile devices, we create an environment where students can engage fully with their lessons, develop critical thinking skills, and connect meaningfully with their peers. If a student does bring out their phone during school hours, it will be securely held by their Year Coordinator or Head of House until the end of the day, allowing them to refocus on their learning.

Beyond the school grounds, families play an essential role in helping young people develop healthy digital habits. Research suggests that small changes, such as keeping devices out of bedrooms, limiting screen time during homework, and having device-free meal times, can significantly improve focus, sleep quality, and emotional wellbeing. Encouraging children to be mindful of their screen time and social media use helps them develop self-regulation skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these principles at home. If you are looking for practical strategies to guide conversations about responsible technology use, please explore the following resources:

• eSafety Commissioner – Screen Time: Help your child achieve a healthy balance in their online and offline activities.

• Raising Children Network – Healthy Digital Habits: Healthy screen time and digital technology use: checklist

This podcast came highly recommended, and I encourage you to take the time to listen. The Impact of TikTok and Social Media on Young People – Insights from Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt, a leading social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, explores the growing impact of social media on children and teenagers. He highlights the sharp rise in anxiety and depression, linking these trends to constant mobile phone use and platforms like TikTok. Haidt explains how social media is reshaping childhood, affecting attention spans, and influencing how young people see the world.

His insights are a timely reminder for parents and educators to consider the challenges of the digital age and how we can support young people in developing healthier online habits.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Year 5-6 WHO DO YOU SEE IN THE MIRROR?

Year 7-8 YOUR SELF–IMAGE

Students participated in an activity where they described the self-image they want others to see and experience when meeting and getting to know them. This reflective exercise helped them consider how they present themselves, the qualities they want to be known for, and the way their body language, tone of voice, and interactions contribute to this perception. By articulating their desired self-image, students became more aware of how they communicate and how small changes can help them express their authentic selves more effectively.

The Why

To help students understand the image they want to project to others and develop the body language and vocal tones that effectively convey that message.

As digital natives, many of our students naturally gravitate towards communicating through devices rather than engaging in face-to-face conversations. As a result, they may struggle to interpret and express appropriate body language, which can hinder the development of strong interpersonal skills. This also means they might not be projecting the image of themselves that they truly intend.

The quality of our personal relationships—especially our relationship with ourselves—is one of the greatest influences on leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. Nearly everything we accomplish will involve working with, through, or alongside others, making effective communication an essential skill. To support our students in this, we focus on:

• Using and interpreting positive body language

• Recognising inference, bias, and emphasis in conversations

• Listening not just with their ears but with their eyes and hearts

• Showing empathy for others' needs and emotions

Beyond communication skills, students are also missing out on the powerful benefits of in-person interactions. Face-to-face engagement releases serotonin and oxytocin—brain chemicals that promote happiness, connection, and well-being. Our mirror neurons allow us to naturally pick up on the emotions, expressions, and intentions of those around us—but not through screens.

By strengthening these essential skills, we empower our students to build meaningful relationships, express themselves authentically, and navigate the world with confidence.

What can you do at home?

Aristotle once said, “The most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves.”

Take a moment to reflect:

• Are you kind to yourself?

• Do you treat others better than you treat yourself?

• How often do you say yes to others when, deep down, it means saying no to yourself?

• Is there something you're holding a grudge against yourself for—something you need to forgive?

Your thoughts on these questions matter. Just as we guide our children in developing strong interpersonal skills, it’s important to nurture our own relationship with ourselves. Prioritising self-care and self-compassion allows us to model healthy relationships and communication for our children, shaping their ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Amber Phillips
Dean of Students - Middle School

The 2025 academic year has gotten off to a fantastic start for Year 8 students, who have shown remarkable enthusiasm and maturity as they embark on this pivotal year of their educational journey. Year 8 is a year of significant personal development, and our students are already rising to the occasion. Their maturity and commitment to their studies and co-curricular activities are evident in the way they’ve embraced their new roles as leaders within the Middle School community.

One of the most exciting events for Year 8 students this term is the upcoming Leadership Induction Service, scheduled for Tuesday, 18 February at 9.40am in Ngahriyah. This service is an important moment in the Year 8 calendar, as it marks the official recognition of their leadership roles. It’s a special occasion where students reflect on their personal growth and the impact they can have on their school community. The Leadership Induction Service celebrates the transition into leadership, and for many students, it’s a significant milestone in their school life.

Full details were emailed to Year 8 parents on Wednesday.

Amy Blinco & Alex Coulter
Year 8 Coordinators

Welcome to all our Year 5 parents and carers. We have made an excellent start to the year! Middle School can be a significant change from the quiet school settings we have all gathered from. We have all begun to settle into life at Lindisfarne.

Our priorities these last two weeks have been to establish routines and positive learning habits. We will continue to walk the students to their classes for the next few weeks so that everyone knows how to move around the school safely.

Year 5 have begun some initial testing across Mathematics and English. We will use this data to understand where our students are and how we can move forward with their learning.

Getting to know the specialist teachers and experiencing the excitement of going to an Art room, or playing a musical instrument and taking it home is exciting!

Stage 3 Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening

We will be holding our Meet the Homeroom Teacher evening next Monday. This is an important event and one we recommend all Middle School parents of Year 5 students attend. As well as meeting key staff, parents will also get an overview of the Middle School structure. This evening also presents a great opportunity for parents to meet other families in the same Homeroom group and to come together as a community.

Date: Monday, 17 February, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Library & Chapel
Information Technology Session 5:00 - 6:00 pm (Library)
Meet the homeroom teacher 6:00 - 7:00 pm (Chapel)

Paula Drew
Year 5 Coordinator

The past week has been an exciting and engaging one for the Senior School, with two significant events bringing together students, parents, and staff.

On Monday, we hosted a highly successful and well-attended Meet the Tutor Night. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with their children's tutors and gain insight into the academic and pastoral care structures in place. A particular highlight of the evening was the address to Year 9 parents by Andrew Lines, the founder of The Rite Journey program. Andrew’s introduction to the program was both entertaining and insightful, and it was fantastic to see such strong buy-in from parents as we begin preparations for the Calling and Departure Ceremonies in Week 4.

For over 20 years, The Rite Journey has provided unique educational programs designed to support the development of self-aware, responsible, respectful, resilient, resourceful, and reflective young adults. Their program aims to deepen student experiences through connection, collaboration, consciousness, and conversation. As a school, we are committed to fostering thriving citizens equipped with the skills and dispositions needed not just to flourish in school but also in life. Through The Rite Journey program, we can work with our Year 9 students to become global citizens who are prepared for the world that awaits them.

Adding to the vibrancy of the week, we also held our Secondary Swimming Carnival on Thursday. Despite a rainy start to the morning, students from Years 7-12 embraced the event with enthusiasm, resulting in a fantastic and spirited competition. A special thank you to Mr Damien Clucas for his tremendous work in organising yet another successful Lindisfarne carnival. We now look forward to recognising the Age Champions and awarding the winning house at a special gathering of the Mahers Lane students on Wednesday morning.

It has been a dynamic and enriching start to the term, and we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities that foster growth, connection, and celebration within the Senior School.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Southern Cross University Visit

Last week, our Year 12 cohort wasted no time diving into their future aspirations, attending an insightful session with Southern Cross University (SCU). Our SCU School Representative, Jodie-Anne provided valuable information on available courses, alternate pathways, and the Southern Cross Scholars Program.

The Southern Cross Scholars Program is a free six-week initiative (10 March – 18 April 2025) designed to enhance students' academic skills in preparation for their final years of high school. Participants can select a subject of interest while experiencing university life either on campus or online. Successful completion of the program not only strengthens academic capabilities but also places students in contention for a generous scholarship, making their university goals more attainable.

Applications close Sunday 23rd February, so think quickly on this if you are interested.

More details on the Scholars Program can be found here.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Start QUT Program

Do you know a Year 11 student interested in studying a university subject in Semester 2? With the START QUT program, students can receive a selection rank adjustment, gain potential credit towards a future degree at QUT and test drive university life.

QUT are hosting their START QUT Webinar on Tuesday 1 April.

Register now.


A Quick Guide to QUT: Webinar for Year 9–10 students and parents

Students and their parents are invited to a dedicated Year 9 and 10 online information session. They will cover career planning tips, differences between school and uni, course information and admission pathways. Plus, hear from current QUT students about their uni experience.

The webinar will take place on May 7.

Register now.


FREE Webinar: Pathways into Medicine & Dentistry | UCAT | Interviews

Are you considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry? Students aiming to enter these fields will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in Year 12 before applying for placements at most Australian universities.

Join thisFREE webinar to gain insights into:

• UCAT, GAMSAT, and interview preparation

• University applications and selection criteria

• Gap year options and alternative pathways

When? Tuesday, 18 February 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (AEDT)

Who should attend? Year 10, 11, and 12 students, parents, and teachers.

Presenter: Zobair Bary – Author & Coordinator of the NIE Medical and Dental School UCAT and interview training programs, and Founder of the Future Doctors Australia Program.

Register here


Future Thinking...

Feeling uncertain about your future direction? The team at Study, Work, Grow has put together an insightful resource to help you start planning. Their article, "10 Questions to Ask Your Future Self," provides a structured approach to mapping out a career pathway.

Start your journey here.


Job Spotlight – Career Pathway in Business

Interested in the dynamic world of business? Business careers revolve around creating and delivering products or services that meet people’s needs. Whether you're drawn to entrepreneurship, management, finance, or marketing, this pathway offers diverse and rewarding opportunities.

Discover more about business career pathways here.

Hayley McDonald
Director of Careers and Vocational Education & Training (VET)

We are currently submitting this newsletter edition BEFORE the swimming carnivals. We are very much looking forward to these days, and I must say they are one of my favourite events on the calendar. A lot is happening in week 2, especially at our sports trials - with some wonderful volumes of students evidenced.

In the content below, you will find some details about our Rowing Launch. We are very excited to have a very experienced coach/teacher join us at Lindisfarne - Mrs Tara Townsend. She is also teaching Economics, Business Studies and Commerce.

The Sports Department dug up some footage off YouTube. Please see Mrs Townsend in action in the stroke seat, winning GOLD at the 2007 World Championships - HERE. The commentator is referring to her by her maiden name, Tara Kelly.

Her crew came out of the gates ever so slightly last, then after about 250m, they lit the afterburners - and broke the field's hearts. Good viewing - and certainly well set up by their stroke, Mrs Townsend!

For those Surf Life Saving enthusiasts amongst you, Mrs Townsend has also won TWO Australian Open Women Gold Medals in Surf Boats. Some athlete! Please sign up for the rowing programs if you want to have exposure to her as a coach.

Rowing

Lindisfarne are very excited to be launching the Lindisfarne Learn to Row (L2R) Program - in partnership with Murwillumbah Rowing Club. If you've ever wanted to experience rowing, this is your chance to get on the water and learn from experienced coaches in a fun and supportive environment.

Program Details:

• Start Date: Saturday, 1 March

• Cost: $76.64

• Club Membership: Hosted by Murwillumbah Rowing Club

• Includes: Rowing Queensland Insurance ($16) and a minimum of 8 sessions

What You Will Learn:

• Introduction to rowing and the club

• Tour of facilities

• Boat types and oars

• Rowing sequence (on the ergo and water)

• Safe boat handling and water safety

• Cleaning and maintaining equipment

• On-water practical sessions

Why Rowing? Rowing offers numerous benefits, including improved fitness, teamwork, and the opportunity to compete at regattas. Our program also covers strength and conditioning (S&C) aspects to help you advance in the sport.

Next Steps:

Courses will be scheduled as places are filled, so register your interest now to secure your spot!

For more information or to sign up, please contact Tara Townsend at tara.townsend@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.

We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Cross Country - TRAINING BEGINNING IN WEEK 3

We have sourced a very good coach - Western Australian expat - a keen endurance athlete of his own right, and a PE teacher by trade. Jack Ecclestone has always had a keen interest in Athletics - especially middle-distance events and Cross Country events and Marathons. In prior professional areas, Jack has worked with experienced and knowledgeable coaches representing Athletics Australia coaching state, national and international athletes.

Training Details:

Mahers Lane - top oval

Time - 7:00am to 8:00am

Days - Mondays and Thursdays

When - Term One, Week 3 (starting Monday, 17 February)

Who - Any Lindisfarne students, Years 2 to 12 (Sunshine Avenue students need to arrange their own transport)

Format - Cross Country training on our wonderful track. After NSWCIS Cross Country, training will morph into Middle Distance Athletics events, which will continue until NSW All Schools in Term 3

Cost - $99 for unlimited use of the training - anytime throughout the three terms.

Sign up and Payment via SEQTA/PARENT LOUNGE > Events and Payments.

**Please note Jack is an external contractor, not an existing staff member

Surfing

Any surfer across Years 7 to 12 - who potentially wants to represent LINDISFARNE throughout the year in surfing - please sign up on Clipboard ASAP. Instructions in the 'INTRODUCTORY SPORT LETTER' sent in Wk 0.

All students on this database will be forwarded to Surfing Australia for selections based on their Australian rolling rankings. These names will be sent next week (Week 3).

NCIS Hockey Trials

Please find important information for NCIS Permission to Trial forms - for CIS 15&U and 19&U Hockey 2025 - HERE.

Permission to trial form for parents to fill out - HERE.

Instructions from NCIS below:

Please note that CIS has changed the 15&U Boys trial to students turning 14 or 15 this year. NO 12 or 13 year olds allowed to trial.. Once the entries close, a decision will be made as to whether or not NCIS will proceed with these teams to CIS.

NCIS Tennis Championships 2025

On Tuesday, 11th February 2025, our talented students competed in the NCIS Tennis Championships, hosted at the Grafton Tennis Club. The conditions on the day were extremely hot, making for a challenging environment, but all students rose to the occasion, showing resilience, determination, and sportsmanship. Several of our athletes earned outstanding results, finishing in the top 3 positions of their divisions.

The competition was held in a round-robin format, with each student playing against every other participant in their pool. Matches were best out of 6 sets, and after completing their pool matches, the top 2 players from each pool advanced to the quarter-finals. Matches were decided by the first player to win 4 sets.

We are proud to share the fantastic achievements of our students:

• Primary Girls Division:

  • Harper Clinton (Year 6) – 1st place

  • Andie Buchan (Year 6) – 2nd place

  • Alice Selvey (Year 6) – 4th place

• Primary Boys Division:

  • Arden Blum (Year 5) – 4th place

• Secondary Opens:

  • Matilda Daniel (Year 10) – 1st place (Open Girls Division)

  • Isaiah Mammen (Year 8) – 3rd place (Open Boys Division)

A special congratulations to all students involved for their hard work and commitment. Your dedication to the sport is truly inspiring, and we are excited to see what future competitions hold.

Additionally, the results from this event will contribute to the NSW CIS pathway, helping our students advance in tennis at the state level. Well done again to all our participants for their efforts and impressive performances!

Keep up the great work, and we look forward to supporting you in future competitions!

Spotlight on Daniel Challis

Over the weekend, Daniel (Year 10) delivered an outstanding performance at the Little Athletics regional carnival in Ashmore, securing four gold medals across multiple events - 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, shot put, and javelin. Notably, Daniel set PBs in both the shot put and the 100-meter hurdles, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication. Well done, Daniel!

Spotlight on Ned Simmonds

Over the weekend, Year 6 student Ned showcased his remarkable athleticism, competing in two prestigious events. On Friday and Saturday, he participated in the TH&C Nipper Point Danger Branch Carnival, which serves as a qualifier for the Queensland State Nippers. On Sunday, he then also took part in the Queensland Sprint Championship at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

On Friday, he earned a silver medal in the 1km beach run. Saturday saw him clinch gold in both the Ironman and swim events while also securing a 6th place finish in the board event and a 4th place in the board rescue alongside Davey Dickens.

On Sunday, he placed 3rd in the 50m breaststroke, achieving a PB time and securing a spot for the State competition. He also broke another personal best in the 15th place finish for backstroke.

Spotlight on Ayla Drury

The Junior Rowing scene has a rising star - Year 10 student Ayla Drury. Demonstrating raw talent and determination, Ayla has made a name for herself at both the Queensland and New South Wales State Championships.

At the Queensland State Championships, Ayla dominated the competition, taking out the Under 16 Single Scull title. Not one to rest on her achievements, she then traveled to Penrith for the New South Wales State Championships, where she once again claimed Gold in the Under 16 Single Scull event.

Furthermore, teaming up with a fellow competitor, she secured a Silver medal in the Under 16 Double at the NSW Championships. Ayla also took home Gold in the Under 16 Double at the Queensland State Championships.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sport

Proudly Supported By

2025 Rugby Union Training Camp

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

We hope to see as many students as possible tomorrow!!

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 Lily Dick, Australian 7s player and Commonwealth Gold Medallist and Ms Georgia Grey, Gold Coast Titans NRLW player, as our guest speakers for the evening.

You can RSVP through this link HERE. 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

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 Open boys squad. If you or your child were 15 years old on the 1st January 2025, we need you to complete a Rugby AU age grade dispensation form (link HERE) to be able to play for our 1st XV (if selected). This also applies to any U16 girl players who wish to play for our Open Girls 7s.

• 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 14 in December 2024 but is very small for their age could continue to play in the U14 grade in 2025 with dispensation.

We will have an assessing coach from NSW Rugby come into the school during integrated school sport next Thursday, 20th February, 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 rugby this year.

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

Calling all budding authors!

The Murwillumbah Library, in conjunction with StoryBoard and the Byron Writers Festival, is running a Create Writing Masterclass led by author Melaina Feranda throughout the months of March and April for Term 1. More information can be found on the event poster below. Let your English teacher know if you register! Registrations are essential to secure your spot.

Emily Brewer
Acting Director of English

Year 11 students are now immersed in the art of mimicking ‘great writers’. They have been encouraged to steal like an artist, to borrow and to imitate, and to replace a play-by-play account of what happens in a text with profound sensory imagery.

Students were given a setting and asked to brainstorm three words to describe what they could see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and feel (emotion) in that particular setting. They were then asked to write a paragraph about that setting without using any of the words they had brainstormed. Here are some student samples:

“Undeniable guilt as I feel locked in a cage, unable to escape. Innocent people trapped by their own mistakes. I feel as if I’m a child again, unable to take care of myself. Spoon by spoon, day by day, I lay in eternal pain.”

Lachlan Wisler (location: Hospital)

“The everlasting vibrations shaking me as I stand still, indulging in the moment despite the mayhem surrounding me. The blaring sounds that bring me peace. I jump around, living in the moment with people all around.”

Kev Baruwei (location: Music Concert)

“Sitting, waiting, seeing emotions flying in the air - pain and dread. As I sit, a gross smell emerges, coming towards me, reeks like death. Walking down the hill to the room I was assigned, big machines and loud ringing. Time is going slower every time I look.”

Harley Hennessy (location: Hospital)

I look forward to seeing their creative prowess develop even further!


John Cadman,
English Teacher

Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator

At Lindisfarne, we have recycling hubs that allow our school community to recycle items that cannot be recycled through kerbside collection. From our efforts over the last few years, we have now recycled over 150,000 items with our recycling hubs. This is a fantastic effort. Items dropped off at the recycling hub can be recycled into different things like playgrounds, benches, outdoor furniture and bike parts.

Our recycling hubs accept a range of items that cannot be recycled through your normal recycling bin. This includes:

• Coffee pods

• Bread tags

• Writing instruments (including pens, markers, highlighters, textas, twist crayons, mechanical pencils, writing instrument caps, correction tapes, and empty correction fluid pots)

• E-waste (electronic waste including laptops, keyboards, mice, laptop batteries, printer cartridges, cables, chargers, DVDs, CDs, hard drives, iPads, kindles, tablets, iPods, and motherboards) and mobile phone waste (including mobile phones, as well as mobile phone cables, chargers, and batteries)

• Household batteries

• Oral care waste (including toothpaste tubes, plastic toothbrushes, floss containers and electric toothbrush replaceable heads)

• Dish and air care waste (including dishwashing liquid bottles and their caps, dishwashing tablet packaging, plastic spray bottles as well as air fresheners and their refills)

• Hair, skin, and beauty product waste (including bottles, caps, droppers, tubes, glass pots, lids, pumps, and soft plastic from hair, skin, and beauty product waste as well as empty hair spray aerosols)

• Eyeglasses (no eyeglass cases please)

I encourage everyone to get involved with this project. Our recycling hubs are located near student admin at our Mahers Lane campus and in the assembly area at the Junior School.

Patrick Brabant
School Assistant - Sustainability

A range of clubs, activities and academic support are available for students on the Mahers Lane campus. Please use the links below to access the relevant information.

2025 Term 1 Break Times Clubs & Activities

2025 Term 1 Co-Curricular Activity Offerings

2025 Term 1 Academic Assistance

Amy Williamson
Academic Administrator

"Want to be part of an awesome club? Bored of your old sports and want to try something new? Come along and join rugby at Casuarina Beach Rugby Club!

Boy, Girls, Women's and Men's!

U6 - 9 play in the GC comp on Saturday mornings

U10 - U16 play Far North Coast Rugby Union comp on Friday nights for juniors

Saturdays for Colts, Women's, and Senior Men's.

Use the link below to email your interest 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1624JWbM8e/?mibextid=wwXIfr