2025 Term 1 Week 3 21 Feb 2025

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

As we continue to progress through the initial weeks of the 2025 school year, it's uplifting to see our school community coming together so warmly, especially during recent welcome events. This week's Stage 3 parent information evening exemplified the strong connections among our families and staff. Thank you to all of the parents and staff who engaged in these meaningful discussions.

With both campuses close to full enrolment, I want to remind our current families that the deadline for sibling preference enrolment for 2026 is today, February 21. If you haven’t already done so, completing any final applications over the weekend is imperative. Demand for places in 2026 and subsequent years remains high, and I encourage prospective families to lodge their enrolment applications as a priority.

We celebrated the swimming carnival championships on Wednesday, announcing the winning house and age champions at a special assembly that built a great school and House spirit. Congratulations to all participants for bringing energy and passion to one of the most exciting days on our school calendar.

Thursday morning's Principal’s Tour at the Sunshine Avenue campus was particularly rewarding, with a significant number of families expressing their interest in joining Lindisfarne. It's terrific to see such enthusiasm for our educational offerings.

The kickoff of the 2025 Rugby Season last night was a special event, and I am grateful for the involvement of notable guests, including former All-Black Rico Gear, Australian 7’s player and Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Lily Dick and Gold Coast Titans NRLW and Bond University 7s player Georgia Grey, among others. I'd like to thank Dr Joseph Coyne, our Director of High Performance, Athlete and Sports Development, who heads the rugby program, for overseeing a terrific evening. Additionally, our rugby captains, Jesse Bravington and Ruby Power, deserve recognition for their exceptional leadership throughout the event.

On Saturday, 08 March, I look forward to joining Teacher-in-Charge of Netball Suzanne Evans, coaches, managers, Lindisfarne Lions netballers and the netball community at the Netball Season Launch at Pioneer Country.

I look forward to the annual Principal and P&F Welcome event at the Junior School campus tonight. This gathering is a fantastic opportunity for all members of our community, new and returning, to connect and celebrate the start of the 2025 school year.

Tomorrow morning, we look forward to the annual Scholarship testing session, where numerous students will demonstrate their academic prowess as they strive for scholarships at Lindisfarne. Good luck to all our applicants!

As we prepare for another productive week, I hope you all enjoy a restful weekend. I am looking forward to seeing many of you tonight and during the upcoming school events.

Kind regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Students, Staff, Parents, and Guardians,

The Anglican Church of Australia is celebrating a year of #Hope25, inviting all Anglican Christians to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. At the same time, our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters are marking the Jubilee Year of Hope under the theme #PilgrimsOfHope2025. In light of this, our school is dedicating 2025 as the Year of Hope.

We live in a world where anxiety and depression are on the rise. Dr. Leisa Aitken, an Australian clinical psychologist, suggests that rediscovering hope is key to improving our well-being, sense of purpose, health, and happiness.

In times of uncertainty, hope is the quiet yet steady force that keeps us moving forward. Pope Francis describes it as “an anchor we throw into the future,” helping us navigate life’s storms.

Emily Dickinson beautifully captures this idea in her poem “Hope is the Thing with Feathers”:

Hope is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all…

Like a bird that settles in the soul, hope is a companion that guides us through life’s ups and downs. It asks nothing of us and serves as a balm for the spirit.

As individuals and as a school community, we will face challenges this year, but hope remains our constant companion.

For Christians, hope finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, the hope that never disappoints. As St. Paul reminds us, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection offer us the promise of renewal, forgiveness, and life beyond the grave. This hope is not something we achieve but a gift of God, who walks with us through every moment of our lives.

For the young people in our care, hope is absolutely essential. In an often overwhelming world, hope gives them the strength to dream, persevere, and believe in a brighter future (cf. Jeremiah 29:11).. It enables them to face challenges with courage and to see setbacks, not as a reflection of their worth, but as opportunities for growth.

As educators, parents, and mentors, we have the profound responsibility of nurturing this hope in our students. We must remind them that they are never alone and that, despite the struggles of our world, their lives—both individually and collectively—will never end in tragedy.

Where do you find hope in your own life? How can we radiate hope to our young people and to one another in a world that often feels fragmented and polarized?

I join St. Paul in praying:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13)

Wishing you a restful and refreshing weekend.

The Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is a sub-committee of the P&F, formed in 2018 for parents and friends interested in supporting the Arts at Lindisfarne. We assist with promotion, fundraising, catering and hands-on help for Arts functions throughout the year.

FOTA has actively supported many events, including the Soul and Blues Festival, an Evening of Jazz with Monica Trapaga, the Katie Noonan concert, the Big Chill student performances, the Lindisfarne Drama Festival, We Will Rock You and The Lion King Kids musicals, the Darren Percival concert, the preschool–year 12 Visual Art and Design Showcase and the January music workshops.

All parents and friends who are interested in supporting the Arts at Lindisfarne are invited to join us by filling out our application form HERE.

Melissa McGrath
FOTA President

The latest episode of LTV is now available, featuring highlights from last year’s O Block Rock concert, an introduction to the 2025 prefects, and information on how to get involved in the Student Representative Council. Watch now to stay up to date with everything happening at Lindisfarne.

Click HERE to watch Episode 31

Ryan Murphy,
Head of House - St Andrew

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

The weeks are whizzing by and we couldn’t be happier with how the year’s begun for our students. Unfortunately, we still have far too many parents ignoring signage and parking in areas clearly identified as No Parking zones. These zones are designated as such to keep our students, staff and parents safe. Parking in the bus-turning area, while seemingly convenient for some, puts children in danger. It is disappointing that this topic has had to be a recurring theme in my newsletter items and it would be appreciated if changes to this behaviour occur.

On a more positive note, this week’s leadership induction assembly was a great opportunity for us to welcome our Term 1 House Captains to their new roles. An impressive 47 Year 4 students stepped forward by nominating themselves for these leadership positions, showcasing their ambition, enthusiasm, and readiness to contribute to our school community, and highlighting the strong culture of student leadership at Sunshine Ave. This robust level of participation is a testament to the supportive environment we nurture, where every student is encouraged to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact. We look forward to witnessing the fresh ideas and energy our future House Captains will bring.

In addition to celebrating student leadership, we wish to keep you informed about key changes within our OOSHC program. Our much-loved OOSHC Coordinator, Penny Moore, has concluded her time with us. Penny’s warm and friendly leadership has been invaluable, and as she embarks on a new chapter—preparing for the arrival of her first child and transitioning to a role closer to home—we extend our heartfelt thanks for her service.

With Penny’s departure, we are pleased to announce that Michelle Hobbins will be joining us as the new OOSHC Coordinator, starting on March 10. Michelle brings extensive experience from her previous roles in Early Childhood and OOSHC, most recently serving as Manager and Educational Leader at a local service. Her expertise promises to further enhance our before and after school and vacation care programs. In the meantime, Chrissie Stevenson will serve as the interim OOSHC Coordinator, ensuring continuity and the high standard of care our community expects.

We appreciate your support during this transition and invite you to join us in thanking Penny for her outstanding contributions, welcoming Chrissie in her temporary role, and looking forward to the fresh perspective Michelle will bring.

If, like me, you’ve been truly impressed with the condition and standard of our campus grounds, we have a couple of key people to thank. The remarkable beauty and meticulous care of our school grounds are the results of the tireless efforts of our Groundsmen, Justin and Damien. Their commitment and attention to detail have ensured our campus is an inviting space where work, learning, and play seamlessly blend. Thanks to their hard work, each day at Sunshine Ave is enriched by an environment that inspires pride, creativity, and a true sense of community and serves as a shining example of the exceptional standards we uphold every day. Thank you Justin and Damien.

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School 

Leadership opportunities continue to emerge for our Year Four students. Last week, 47 students courageously nominated themselves and delivered speeches to their respective House groups, aspiring to be selected as House Captains for Term One 2025. Each student demonstrated outstanding house spirit, confidence, and a genuine commitment to leadership and service.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their peers to lead their respective houses for Term One 2025:

St Andrew House: Emmeline S, Loic B

St Barnabas House: Jobe S, Isla H

St Cuthbert House: Emily E, Charlie G

St Hilda House: Elle D, Gemma T

St Margaret House: Tiller F, Oliana S

St Stephen House: Matilda A, Oxford D

Next Wednesday evening, we look forward to our first ParentEd session for 2025 with Dr. Kaylene Henderson. Please register for this session HERE to register and include any questions you may have.

Dana Dowker
Dean of Students, Junior School

Week 4:  Bringing Out the Best in Your Child – A Special Online Session with Dr. Kaylene Henderson

We are delighted to offer our P-4 families the opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, Dr. Kaylene Henderson, in an exclusive online session on Bringing Out the Best in Your Child.

In this engaging and research-based session, Dr. Henderson will share practical strategies to help you:

• Encourage your child's independence whilst maintaining a close and supportive relationship
• Calm your child when they are upset
• Foster strong problem-solving skills
• Promote more cooperative behavior at home

There will also be dedicated time for Dr. Henderson to answer your pre-submitted questions, providing valuable insights tailored to your concerns.

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to gain expert advice and practical parenting tips.

This coming Wednesday, 26th February. 

Please use this link HERE to register and leave your question for Dr Kaylene.

Week 5, 6 & 7: 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching – A Practical Parenting Program

We are pleased to offer 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching, a face-to-face series designed to support parents in managing challenging behaviors while fostering their child’s emotional growth.

Led by our Junior School Psychologist, this program will help you learn how to:

• Discipline effectively without arguing, yelling, or smacking
• Manage challenging and testing behaviors with confidence
• Use emotion coaching to help your child develop emotional resilience

Designed for parents of children aged 2-12 years, this evidence-based approach provides practical strategies to create a calmer, more positive home environment.

Mondays, 3rd, 10th and 17th March, 8.45am - 10.30am - Performing Arts Centre, Sunshine Avenue

Please use this link HERE to book. There is a small fee to cover the take-home workbook.

Julie Henry
Junior School Psychologist

This week, we proudly introduced our first Round Square Hero of Discovery for 2025, Responsible Rami!

Rami is dedicated to making the world a safer, happier place. She understands the importance of making good choices and encourages others to do the same. Whether she’s lending a helping hand, following the rules, or leading by example, Rami takes responsibility for her actions and learns from her mistakes. She believes that being honest and taking responsibility strengthens character, deepens connections, and helps us learn from every experience.

Across the Junior School, teachers have been sharing Rami’s story, sparking meaningful discussions and rewarding hero-like behaviours with our much sought after Hero tickets!

Below are this week’s Little Heroes, the winners of our Hero Draw at Monday’s assembly.

Thank you to all our students for your ongoing efforts in building a school culture where we embrace responsibility in our daily lives and make a positive impact on the world around us.

We look forward to celebrating the remaining 11 Heroes of Discovery throughout the year!

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

Thank You for Attending Our Recent Events

It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers attend both the Tech Information Session and the Stage 3 Meet the Homeroom Teacher evening. These events are invaluable opportunities to connect, share information, and support our students as they navigate their learning.

Thank you to Scott Mellis and Amber Phillips for running the Tech Information session. It provided important insights into what technology use looks like in Stage 3. Some valuable conversions were had, whilst the Meet the Homeroom Teacher evening allowed families to strengthen connections with the staff who will be supporting their children throughout the year.

Your presence and engagement reinforce the strong partnership between home and school, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students. Thank you for your time, questions, and ongoing support—we look forward to working alongside you throughout the year.

Year 8 Leadership Induction Service

This week, we celebrated the Year 8 Leadership Induction Service, a significant milestone for our students as they step into their leadership roles. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise their commitment to service, responsibility, and positive influence within our school community.

During the service, students were presented with their leadership badges and pledged to uphold the values of Lindisfarne as they guide and support their peers. We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to seeing them grow in confidence and character throughout the year.

Congratulations to all our newly inducted leaders.

Principal's Welcome Event

We are looking forward to welcoming families to the Principal’s Welcome Event this Friday evening from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (NSW time) at Sunshine Avenue. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to connect with staff and each other in a relaxed setting as we begin the new school year.

We hope you can join us for an evening of conversation and community. We look forward to seeing you there.

Championing Young People – ParentEd with Daniel Principe

We’re pleased to invite you to a special ParentEd session with Daniel Principe, a youth advocate and educator who has worked with thousands of young people across Australia. Daniel’s engaging and thought-provoking presentation will explore the challenges and pressures young people face today, giving parents and carers practical strategies to support them.

He’ll cover topics including respectful relationships, online safety, mental wellbeing, and the impact of social media, along with important conversations around stereotypes, masculinity, consent, and sexual ethics. This session is designed to help families navigate these complex issues with confidence and clarity.

• When: Wednesday, 19 March 2025

• Where: Mahers Lane Chapel

• Light refreshments: From 6:00 pm

• Presentation begins: 6:30 pm

As parents and carers, we play a key role in shaping how our children understand and respond to the world around them. This is a great opportunity to hear from an expert and take away valuable insights to support your child’s wellbeing and development.

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend. Please indicate your attendance via this link provided, we look forward to seeing you there.

Navigating the Digital World

As we move further into the school year, it is clear that technology continues to play an enormous role in the lives of our students. Whether it is used for learning, social connection, or entertainment, digital platforms are now embedded in their daily routines. For many of our young people, there is little distinction between their online world and their real world; they are deeply connected, and their habits in this space are forming now.

At the same time, we are seeing a rise in anxiety and mental health concerns among young people. Research, including insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, suggests that increased screen time, especially on social media, can contribute to higher levels of stress, loneliness, and difficulties with emotional regulation. As children spend more time online, they are often exposed to content that is not developmentally appropriate, as well as the pressures of comparison and digital validation.

This presents a valuable opportunity for us, as parents and educators, to guide them in making good choices. Conversations about online behaviour, screen time, and digital responsibility should not be about restriction alone but about encouraging healthy, balanced engagement. By staying involved and keeping lines of communication open, we can help our children develop the skills and awareness they need to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Encouraging balance, fostering real-world connections, and promoting meaningful offline experiences can make a difference. Our goal is not to remove technology but to ensure our students have the tools to use it in a way that enhances their lives rather than overwhelms them.

This link may be helpful if you are looking for some more guidance around Screen Time Guidelines: Finding the Right Balance with Your Tween.

Reminder: Wait Mate Initiative

A reminder about the Wait Mate initiative, which encourages students to develop healthier screen habits by delaying social media use. This initiative aligns with growing research and government recommendations that highlight the benefits of reducing early exposure to social media and supporting student wellbeing, focus, and emotional development.

Through Wait Mate, we encourage families to consider waiting until at least Year 9 before allowing their child to engage with platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This approach helps foster responsible digital habits, reduce online pressures, and promote meaningful in-person interactions.

For more information, you can visit Wait Mate’s website or explore resources on digital wellbeing via the eSafety Commissioner at www.esafety.gov.au.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

This week has been filled with excitement, connection, and new experiences for our Year 6 students. It has been wonderful to see them settling into their homerooms, embracing new opportunities, and demonstrating leadership and teamwork within our Middle School community.

In particular, we welcomed families to our Stage 3 Meet the Homeroom Teacher event. This valuable opportunity allowed us to connect with our Year 6 parents and guardians and share insights into the year ahead. It was a pleasure meeting many of you, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership throughout the year.

Last Friday, our students displayed outstanding enthusiasm and team spirit at the Primary Swimming Carnival. It was fantastic to see so many students participating, cheering on their peers, and representing their houses with pride. Congratulations to all swimmers for their effort and sportsmanship!

A special highlight of the week was the opportunity for some of our Year 6 students to attend the Student Leaders Day at Grafton Cathedral. This experience allowed them to participate in workshops, develop their collaboration skills through games and activities, and explore leadership, Anglican School identity, and creative prayer and spirituality.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to grow, challenge themselves, and make the most of all the opportunities ahead.

Kristina Diaz
Year 6 Coordinator

Year 5-6 YOUR PURPOSE TO GROW

Year 7-8 PURPOSE AND GRIT

The Why:

Having a purpose—something meaningful that children strive for, such as helping others—encourages them to take small, daily actions to make a positive impact.

Currently, adolescent mental health is at an all-time low, with one in four young people experiencing significant psychological challenges. Research shows that many struggle with a lack of purpose, limited peer connections, and a weak sense of belonging at school or home. They often feel disengaged from their education and uncertain about their choices.

By fostering a sense of purpose, we can help students develop motivation, resilience, and a reason to embrace each day. Simple yet powerful strategies include:

• Asking them to write down what they are looking forward to most each day.

• Every night sharing with their familes things they were grateful for today.

• Encouraging students to create several peer groups.

• Providing opportunities to set goals for different areas of their lives.

• Giving of themselves to be kind to others.

• Deliberately practising to develop their capabilities.

In Japan, this concept is known as ikigai—one’s reason for being. Helping students discover their own ikigai can transform their outlook, drive their personal growth, and empower them to make a positive impact on the world.

Parent Wellbeing: Cultivating Motivation

Being intrinsically motivated in life is known as self-determination. To feel truly self-motivated, three key ingredients are needed:

• Autonomy – A sense that you have choices and control over your life.

• Competence – A belief that you have the skills and ability to succeed.

• Connectedness – A feeling of belonging and meaningful relationships.

Take a moment to reflect: How strong is your sense of autonomy, competence, and connectedness? What areas could you develop further to feel more motivated in your own life?

By nurturing these qualities in ourselves, we model purpose and resilience for our children—helping them build a foundation for lifelong wellbeing.

Amber Phillips
Dean of Students - Middle School

In the Senior School, we are deeply committed to ensuring that our students, parents, and staff are informed, engaged, and prepared to navigate the complex issues of contemporary society. Education extends beyond the classroom, and we take great pride in providing opportunities for meaningful learning through guest speakers, staff professional development, and our highly valued ParentEd program, now in its third year.

ParentEd continues to be a fantastic resource for parents and carers, offering expert insights and guidance on the challenges young people face today. Equipping families with knowledge and strategies strengthens our school community and reinforces the partnership between home and school - an essential foundation for student success.

This week, in a rare moment of downtime, I watched the first episode of The Role of a Lifetime, a new ABC series featuring Maggie Dent. Maggie, a well-respected voice in parenting and adolescent development, explores the realities of raising teenagers in today’s world. The program offers practical wisdom, real-life experiences, and valuable takeaways for parents and educators alike.

I highly recommend this show to our parent community. It aligns with our ongoing efforts to support and educate families about navigating adolescence. If you’re looking for an insightful and engaging program that speaks to the heart of modern parenting, The Role of a Lifetime is well worth watching. It can be viewed on ABC iView.

As always, we look forward to continuing these important conversations through our school programs and partnerships. Thank you for being part of this shared commitment to lifelong learning.

The Rite Journey

Following last week’s successful introduction to The Rite Journey for our parent community, I would like to remind Year 9 parents and guardians of some key upcoming dates for the program. These dates have been available on the School calendar for some time and were also shared at Meet the Tutor night. However, with the business of daily life, I know that a timely reminder can be helpful!

In particular, I want to emphasise the importance of a parent, guardian, or mentor attending the Departure Ceremony on Wednesday morning. Whilst it is an early start, I have no doubt that both parents and students will find the experience deeply meaningful and rewarding. It is a special moment to reflect on the journey ahead, and I ask all families to prioritise this beautiful event.

Parking/Punctuality

Finally, I want to take a moment to address an ongoing concern regarding student punctuality. While the roadworks and building disruptions at the Mahers Lane campus are well-known to our school community, we must make the necessary adjustments to accommodate these temporary inconveniences. Students who drive to school must plan ahead and arrive early, understanding that parking may not always be available on-site. Our staff are on campus and ready for House Tutor Group at 8:20am, and there is absolutely no reason why students should be arriving late. Punctuality is a fundamental life skill, and we ask for the support of families in reinforcing the importance of arriving at school on time each day.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

How much should I be helping my children?

As our children grow, so does their sense of independence and responsibility. While they may be striving for greater autonomy, resulting in what sometimes feels like a one-way battle or a case of selective deafness. It's important to remember that our growing students need parental support and guidance.

One area where this is most evident is in the way our teenagers present themselves. As they step out the front door and head to school for their day, the question arises: Are they maintaining the standards we’ve set for them at home? Is their uniform worn correctly? Do they have the correct shoes? Are they wearing earrings they shouldn't? These seemingly small details reflect the larger picture of respect, discipline, and self-awareness.

It is essential that we, as parents, encourage and guide our children in these areas, even as they become more responsible for their own choices. Adolescence is not just a time of growth and change - it’s a time of building habits that will carry into adulthood. Setting boundaries and ensuring our teenagers adhere to established standards is an important part of this process. It teaches them discipline, responsibility, and how to present themselves with respect - qualities that will serve them well in their lives beyond Lindisfarne.

According to Australian studies, the adolescent brain undergoes significant changes during this adolescent period, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and reasoning, isn't fully matured until the mid-20s. As a teenager, it is far from complete. This means that while teenagers may feel equipped to make adult decisions, they still benefit from parental input and guidance to navigate the complexities of daily life.

It is easy for parents to think that the more independent their child becomes, the less they need guidance. While it is important to find a balance between encouragement and “doing the tasks for them”, it is also important to remember that maintaining standards - such as ensuring the correct uniform is worn and that respectful behaviour is upheld - is a reminder that expectations still exist. It also helps our teenagers internalise the importance of looking after themselves and their responsibilities, even as they grow into young adults.

Parents, as your children move toward adulthood, please remember that your role is still vital. They need you, and we need you. The goal is not to control every choice they make but to offer the guidance they need to make responsible and thoughtful decisions. As your teenager matures, they may test boundaries - but standing firm in your values while offering support is key to helping them grow into well-rounded, respectful young adults.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students - Senior School

It is exciting to see the Duke of Edinburgh program growing at Lindisfarne, with the addition of a stand-alone Silver program in 2025 to complement our existing Bronze and Gold Awards. Registrations have now closed, and we have close to 50 participants in Bronze, 15 Silver and 15 Gold - making us one of the largest providers north of Sydney.

Participants should by now have registered on the Online Record Book, returned their Student Agreement forms and have located their 3 assessors for Skill, Community Service and Physical Recreation. A reminder that these assessors must be over 18, not an immediate family member and qualified or experienced in a related field. Forms can be downloaded from Google Classroom.

All Duke of Edinburgh parents are invited to log on to an information session on 3 March at 6pm. At this session, group leaders will run through the benefits and requirements of the Award, and there will be a chance to ask any questions.

6.00pm Bronze Meeting link

6.00pm Silver Meeting link

6.00pm Gold Meeting link

6.45pm Service Learning trip Meeting link

Below are some important dates for Bronze students in 2025

Below are some important dates for Silver students in 2025

Below are some important dates for students in 2025

Nathan Alterator
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

Week 4 events:

CIS Tennis Primary

CIS Tennis Secondary

Border Schools Gala Day 1 (Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Football)

NCIS Primary Swimming (3-6)

Rugby Kings College (U12,14,16,18B) Y5-12 boys (U12, U14, U16, U18) Will miss P3-6 on the Friday

Our Integrated Sports and the Swimming Carnivals rolling out at the start of the schooling year act as the ‘icebreaker' events - so to speak - with numerous other sports beginning next week.

We have the Border Schools Gala Day taking place on Tuesday, which will see our secondary Football teams and Beach Volleyball teams head out to play Hillcrest and St Andrews. Our coaching staff will be using these as final trials before the real competitions begin. Also, our Table Tennis enthusiasts are playing as well on this day.

NCIS Primary Swimming is also on down at Alstonville. No doubt our red hot squad will make waves down there. More to come in this space after the event.

Best wishes to our CIS tennis representatives, heading down to Sydney for that high-calibre tournament next week:

Harper Clinton

Andie Buchan

Alice Selvey

Matilda Daniel

Isaiah Mammen

Our Rugby squads had their season launch last night, and next week, they embark on their first fixtures of the year vs Kings College. We wish them all the best.

Swimming

Our students just showcased two days of intense swimming out at Murwillumbah Regional Aquatic Centre, including juggling an extraordinarily slow moving storm cell Thursday morning, which saw us needing to abandon the 200m Individual Medley for the Secondary students. Spectators, staff and students alike - all juggled intermittent rain periods at both carnivals - with the Primary school students getting the best of the weather yesterday. Thankfully, all our times are locked and loaded for submission to NCIS as another representative season rolls over and clicks into gear.

On Wednesday, 19 February, Years 5 to 12 will come together to celebrate all the swimming results. It was quite the atmosphere, and next time round, we will live stream this celebration to Sunshine Ave.

The full details of ALL results are HERE.

Cricket - Douglas Shield match vs The Armidale School

Wednesday saw the senior Lindisfarne Cricket Team playing in Round 3 of the state-wide Douglas Shield knock-out competition at Woolgoolga against The Armidale School.

Under the calm and capable leadership of Harry Kershler, Lindisfarne made a strong start to the game by restricting TAS to a vulnerable total of 109 runs in just 36 overs. By conceding on average just over 3 runs per over, the entire bowling and fielding effort proved that this young side is developing well. However, not too far into the match, it became clear that the day would belong to the spinners. New recruit Theo Nikolich dominated, taking 4/21 off 8 overs. Fellow spinners, Tom O’Brien (3/21 off 6), Kade Wood (2/23 off 9) and Harry Kershler (1/7 off 6), cleaned up the rest of the side with great displays of tight bowling. Amongst the wicket haul, young keeper Cooper Roughead also completed two sharp stumpings.

After a steady start with the bat in the run chase, Lindisfarne were 2/53 after 17 overs. With strong contributions from Theo Nikolich (20) and Lachlan Marshall (18), the tally was slowly rising. Unfortunately, as often happens in cricket, fate would swing the other way. By the 34 over mark and at 8/92, the Lindisfarne team was in a precarious position- needing just 18 runs to win with just two wickets in hand. In the end, it wasn’t to be, despite some determined knocks from the tail end with Lindisfarne falling just 7 runs short of the 110 they needed to win and progress.

Tight, hard-fought games always make for disappointing losses if the result does not go your way. However, this team should be proud of how they conducted themselves and their positive approach to the game and never giving up. And not just in this game, but for the whole season. They have represented both themselves and their school admirably. Their calm, focused and respectful demeanour both on and off the field has been a privilege to watch, and we look forward to seeing them progress even further in next year’s competition. Great work everyone.

 NFL Flag Trials – Sign Up Now! 

Exciting news for students interested in NFL Flag Football! This year, we have two opportunities for students to compete in state-level events:

• U14 (Intermediate – Year 7 & 8): Thursday, May 23rd
• U12 (Primary – Year 5 & 6): Thursday, August 22nd

Trials and training dates will be announced closer to each event, but it is essential that students sign up to receive this information.

NFL Flag is a fast-paced, non-contact version of American football that continues to grow in popularity. Whether you're new to the sport or have experience, we encourage students to get involved!

To sign up, please log in to Clipboard. Please follow the below instructions carefully:

1. Log in to SEQTA

2. Select the SPORT SELECTIONS tile (this will launch the Clipboard portal)

3. Go to ACTIVITY SELECTION (left hand side of calendar view)

4. Select the correct student at the top right

5. Navigate to Lindisfarne Sports Representative Trials - REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE

Spotlight on Ivy Mison

Ivy’s (Year 8) most recent achievements include securing first place in both U14 Iron and U14 Board, along with third in U14 Swimming at the NSW Country Championships.

Ivy has now been selected as one of the U14 athletes to represent NSW at the 2024/25 Australian Pathways Interstate Championships. She will compete at North Kirra SLSC on 1 April, showcasing her skills on the national stage.

Spotlight on Scarlett Mison

Congratulations to Scarlett (Year 7) on her outstanding performance at the NSW SLS Country Championships! She secured 1st place in the U12 Female Surf Race, marking her fourth consecutive year at the top. Additionally, Scarlett earned 2nd place in the U12 Female Iron and 4th place in the U12 Female Board events. A fantastic achievement.

Spotlight on Brandon Pass

Last year, Brandon Prass (Year 7) excelled at the Queensland Titles, winning multiple medals across various full-contact sparring categories and Kata Traditional Forms. These impressive results earned him a spot at the Australian National Championships at Sydney Olympic Park in December. During the tournament, Brandon competed in five events - bringing home three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.

His outstanding performance has earned him the opportunity to represent Australia at two major events this year: the US Open World Martial Arts Championship in Orlando this July and the World Karate Cup in Queensland in October.

Best wishes to Brandon as he prepares for these massive events later this year.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sport and Activities

Proudly Supported By

GIRLS 7s PROGRAM

Our Girls 7s rugby program is starting training on Monday, 24th February in preparation for our first inter-school vs Sunshine Coast Grammar. We have a very full schedule for our Girls 7's program, including 3 fixtures in Term 1 (you can find our key dates below). We will also be adding several tournaments/games for our girls to compete in terms 2 and 3.

Leading the Girls 7s program will be Mr Steve Dunn, Ms Georgia Grey, Mrs Justine Diver and Miss Giselle Smith. Mr Dunn is a former senior representative player from NZ for Otago and Nelson Bays and has high level experience in the 7 a-side game as both a player and coach. Ms Grey is a current Gold Coast Titans NRLW player and Bond University 7s player. Mrs Diver also has a wide range of experience with 7s and has been an integral part of our girls' 7s program in previous years. Lastly, Miss Smith is our former Lindisfarne Girls Rugby 7s captain and schoolgirl representative player.

We hope to have as many girls as possible play this year to build on our success from 2023 and 2024 and enjoy the great game of rugby union with their fellow schoolmates. If you are interested in representing the school in Girls 7's, please complete the registration form HERE (if not already done) and attend training on Monday afternoon from next week on. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Dunn (steve.dunn@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au)

2025 RUGBY UNION TRAINING CAMP

The 2025 Rugby Union Training Camp was held on Saturday, 15th February, and it was a great opportunity to establish the culture and standards for any players involved with the Lindisfarne Rugby Union Program. To begin the day, we heard from Mr Clucas (Head of Sport and Activities) on goal setting, Mr Wilson on the importance of school rugby and the bonds we establish by playing during our school years and our two Reverends on the standards at the school and being proactive in staying on the right path. We also revised our identity as a school, which is being excellent in DEFENCE & DECISIONS, and we had a great Q&A with some 1st XV old boys who shared their best memories from playing at the school. Following this, we completed some fitness testing, which included a 40m sprint, push ups, broad jump and the Bronco, and some team building activities after this. The day was then capped by a BBQ lunch. Overall, it was a great experience and thanks to all the players and coaches for making themselves available on the weekend.

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.

Monday After School (Y7-12) and Wednesday Before School (1st XV Wider Squad) Training

In 2025, our main training sessions outside of school time are on Monday after school (1530-1645) for all Y7-12 players and Wednesday before school until the end of P1 (0700-0940) for our 1st XV wider squad. Although we have had great numbers to our first training sessions, rugby union is a team sport and we still need as many of our players to be in attendance week in and week out to grow the Lindisfarne rugby program. If there is any way we can be of assistance to help facilitate this, please let us know.

Also, please note we will NOT be sending reminders for these training sessions (all players and families should assume our Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning training sessions will ALWAYS BE ON), however we will let you all know with as much time as possible if we need to cancel a session due to weather or other factors.

School Uniform and Training Attire

Students should be in proper training attire (NOT school sports uniform) with mouthguard, boots and any other equipment they play with for every training session. This requirement also includes integrated school sport on Thursday i.e., students should wear our rugby training top or something similar and not the school sport polo at this time. Alongside this, students should have a towel and spare school uniform to change into in case there is wet weather.

Outside of rugby training times, students should be in the correct uniform, which includes wearing the school sport polo on Thursday in P1-2 and P5-6 and in PE lessons and not rugby training tops.

Stack Team APP

The Stack Team app will be our Rugby Union program’s main form of communication for all our squads.

As a reminder, both parents and Boy’s / 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

Over the last two weeks, we have seen nearly 70 students auditioning to be a part of the Lindisfarne Debating Team. A massive thank you to our enthusiastic participants, the level of talent, passion, and dedication has been outstanding. It’s fantastic to see so many students eager to challenge themselves and refine their skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and teamwork.

We are currently finalising teams and coach allocations, and we appreciate your patience. Official team lists and further details will be shared next week.

For those who miss out on a team placement this year, we encourage you to keep building your skills! Early next term, we’ll be running a lunchtime debating program open to all students. This will be a great opportunity to refine your debating techniques, practice with peers, and prepare for future opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who put themselves forward - We are very much looking forward to a fantastic season ahead!

Aliah Whitesides,
Coordinator of English.

Click HERE to attend the workshop

Our Year 11 and 12 Drama students recently had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the heart of Sydney’s vibrant theatre scene. This immersive excursion allowed them to experience the world of theatre firsthand, participating in workshops, watching outstanding productions, and exploring the city’s cultural landmarks.

The students participated in exclusive workshops at the prestigious Sydney Theatre Company and Belvoir St Theatre, where they gained valuable insight into acting techniques and stagecraft. These hands-on sessions were led by experienced theatre practitioners, giving students a deeper appreciation of the industry and honing their performance skills.

A major highlight of the trip was attending OnStage at the Seymour Centre, where they watched an inspiring showcase of the top HSC Drama performances and viewed individual projects from across the state. They were also fortunate to see a powerful production of 4000 Miles, a contemporary American play about the love between a grandmother and her grandson.

This trip was an enriching educational experience for students, providing valuable context for their studies and broadening their understanding of the performing arts industry. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the magic of theatre come to life and be inspired by the creativity and talent of professionals and peers alike.

Amy Camer
Acting Director of Performing Arts

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and Scotch College, both Round Square Schools situated in Western Australia, are joining forces to co-host a Round Square Conference from April 12 to 17, 2025.

Themed; Footprints Of Unity..., the conference targets students in Year 7 and 8 and centres on the principles of Internationalism, with a special focus on Culture and Adventure.

Scotch College, located in Perth, will serve as the initial venue for all delegates, accommodating them in a boarding setting for the first two nights, including the conference’s opening ceremony. Delegates will partake in sunset activities overlooking the Swan River, experiencing Perth’s stunning skyline before embarking on a series of rotational activities over three nights at the Scotch College’s dedicated Outdoor Learning and Adventure facility, and the expansive 33- hectare bushland campus of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School located in the beautiful Geographe region of the great South West.

The conference will immerse students in various activities aimed at deepening their understanding of Indigenous culture, including art, exploration of ancient caves, and outdoor adventures. Through these experiences, participants will forge connections with Aboriginal culture and history, fostering a profound appreciation like never before. As the conference draws to a close, all delegates will reconvene at Scotch College where Baraza groups will unite for the closing ceremony, concluding discussions, and presentations by guest speakers.

Details

Depart Gold Coast Airport, 12 April 2025

Return Gold Coast Airport, 17 April 2025

Cost - $3000 (approx)

The above price includes:

•  All flights and relevant other transport
•  All meals throughout the duration of the conference and post conference;
•  All accommodation throughout the duration of the conference;
• All visits and activities throughout the conference.

The above price does not include:

• Personal spending money (for souvenirs and extra drinks/snacks);
• Personal equipment; or
• Travel Insurance.

Applications

Delegated places are strictly limited. If you would like to apply, please download and complete the attached application form HERE and return it to Mr Lush by Monday, 3 March.

Should you have any questions, please email mlush@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.

Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator

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