2025 Term 1 Week 6 14 Mar 2025

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. As I write today, I am aware that some staff and school families are still without power and are working to address property damage. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with those people most impacted by Cyclone Alfred. It was a relief to welcome our students and staff back to school on Wednesday, 12 March and spirits were lifted as we got back into routines, lessons and the various day-to-day activities of the school.

The past week has been challenging for many in our community, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our families and staff for their resilience and support. If there are families still facing difficulties or needing assistance, please reach out via the staff below. Our community is here to support you.

• Junior School - Dana Dowker via ddowker@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

• Middle School - Amber Phillips via aphillips@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

• Senior School - Julie McDowell via jmcdowell@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

As we look forward to resuming more of our usual school activities, there are several exciting events planned for next week:

Rugby Matches at Somerset College: Our rugby teams are gearing up to travel to Somerset College to compete against their teams. These matches are an excellent opportunity for our players to showcase their skills and continue preparations for the competitions ahead. Best of luck to all our teams!

Year 4 Camp: Next week also marks a special time for our Year 4 students, who will be heading off to camp for two nights. This experience is invaluable as it encourages independence, strengthens friendships, and enhances their connection with nature. We are excited for our year 4 students as they embrace this opportunity and adventure.

Rescheduled Parents & Freinds Trivia Night: Please note that due to the recent cyclonic conditions, our P&F Trivia Night has been rescheduled to the 29th of March. We look forward to a fun and engaging evening where our community can gather, enjoy some friendly competition, and support our school

Just before the weather set in last week, we shared the first day of Lent with an Ash Wednesday Service in Ngahriyah for our Mahers Lane students. Whilst student numbers were significantly lower due to weather, the students were respectful as they gathered, and I want to thank the Reverend Lyndon and the Reverend Constantine for the beautiful service.

I’m mindful that last Saturday was International Women’s Day, an event that has taken place for over 100 years to celebrate Women’s advancement and significant achievements and raise awareness about discrimination and the struggle throughout history for equality. Our planned Mahers Lane International Women’s Day assembly will be rescheduled and held in the near future.

As we continue to recover and rebuild from the effects of the cyclone, let's hold onto the strength and unity that define our Lindisfarne community.

Wishing you a peaceful and restorative weekend ahead.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Members of the Lindisfarne School Community

We celebrated our combined Ash Wednesday service at Mahers Lane on Wednesday, 5 March, in an eerie atmosphere of the news of impending Cyclone Alfred. The service captured our feeling of fragility and vulnerability in the face of such a huge natural event.

Whilst the ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred impacted our community members differently, it's been devastating and painful to see its aftermath in our region, and in the lives of our family and friends and those who are vulnerable and poor.

In times like these, it’s natural to feel very anxious, shaken or uncertain. I would like to remind everyone that we are not alone. In Psalm 46:1, we read. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This verse reminds us that even in the midst of life’s storms, we can find strength and peace in our faith in God, and in the support of our community.

One of the most beautiful things to emerge from difficult times is the way we come together. I saw that at our School’s evacuation centre where people got together to look after the evacuees. Let’s continue to look out for one another, especially those who may need extra help during this time. If you or your family need assistance -whether practical, emotional, or spiritual - please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.

Ex-Cyclone Alfred brought with it, not only wind and rains, but also uncertainty, fear and disruption, but together, we can face them with resilience, wisdom, compassion and care.

While the Ash Wednesday service reminded us of who we are: fragile, weak human beings; it also reminded us of who we are called to be: beloved sons and daughters of God, who in Jesus Christ, have been taken to the heights of glory by His death and resurrection.

May we all find comfort in knowing that we are held by the unconquerable love of God, and are part of a strong, caring community. As we continue on the journey of Lent and the school year, let us take care of one another, and keep each other in our thoughts and prayers, particularly our SES personnel, Tweed Shire Council, all those involved in the clean up operations and recovery efforts, as well as those displaced by these tragic circumstances.

And so we pray:

Comfort us, O Lord,
In the wake of what has overtaken us.
Shield us, O Lord, from the hurts and pains
We cannot bear.
Shelter us, O Lord,
In the fortress of your love.
Calm our frayed nerves and still our hearts and minds:
In the assurance that, no matter our circumstances, you are always with us;
And will never leave or forsake us.
Amen.

(Prayer adapted from Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey).

May I also take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy and fruitful Ramadan: Ramadan Mubarak!

I wish you a relaxing and restful weekend filled with God’s richest blessings in every way.

The Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

BOOKING LINK

BOOKING LINK

We are proud to be a URSTRONG School, empowering students with essential friendship skills through the award winning Friendology curriculum.

As part of this program, we invite K-8 parents and students to join the ONLINE Language of Friendship parent-child workshop on Wednesday, 26 March, at 6:30 PM (AEDT). This session will be presented by Tyson Greenwood, Director of URSTRONG Schools, and is exclusive to Lindisfarne families.

URSTRONG’s whole school friendship strategy has positively impacted schools worldwide, equipping over a million students, parents, and teachers with a shared language of friendship. This workshop will help parents better understand the program and support meaningful conversations with their children.

A detailed email with the Zoom link and registration form will be sent early next week. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Dana Dowker 
Dean of Students - Junior School

Amber Phillips
Dean of Students - MiddleSchool

School Fee Payments

If anyone wishes to pay their school fees in cash at either Mahers Lane or the Junior School, please call or email accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au in advance to make an appointment, outside of the start and finish bell times. Planning ahead will ensure you do not have to wait.

Lindisfarne Buses 

The Lindisfarne buses provide a service to and from the closest scheduled stop to the residential address of the family, this service does not have the capacity to meet requests such as transport for students to swap buses for travel to other locations for sport, work, social or other reasons. Should your child need to attend such an activity, we advise you to make alternative arrangements like carpooling to transport your child to their event.

Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.

Suzanne Halliday and Jodie Poole
Lindisfarne Accounts Team

This Week on LTV

Love, chaos, and career dreams – we’ve got it all.

Valentine’s Day Vox Pop – We hit the campus to learn about love.

Common Room Chaos – We take you behind the scenes of the Year 12 Common Room. What really goes on inside?

Year 10 Work Experience – What’s it really like? – Hear straight from the students who’ve been there. The best gigs, the biggest surprises, and what they wish they knew before stepping into the workplace.

Ryan Murphy
Lindisfarne TV Coordinator

Upcoming Events

NAPLAN 2025

Due to disruptions caused by ex-tropical cyclone, Alfred.

NAPLAN testing will now commence on Monday, 17 March.

Year 3

Year 5

Year 7

Year 9

Assessments

Dates for Assessment tasks in Years 7-12 are available on the school calendar - the new dates due to the disruptions of next week have been updated.

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

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Parent Teacher Interviews

Stage 6 - Years 11 and 12 Tuesday, 25 March

Stage 4 and 5 - Years 7,8,9,10, Tuesday, 1 April and Wednesday, 2 April

Stage 3 - Years 5 and 6 Wednesday, 26 March and Thursday, 27 March

Junior School, Tuesday 25 March and Tuesday, 1 April and Thursday, 3 April

Please check emails for booking information

Caroline Jeffries
Dean of Studies

What an “interesting” and eventful couple of weeks it has been at our Junior School! We have had the privilege of observing the significant religious events surrounding Shrove Tuesday, a day that marks the beginning of Lent. Our students have thoroughly enjoyed making their own pancakes as part of their Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden classes. It has been fantastic to see so many parent helpers joining these classes, generously sharing their own time and culinary skills and building a sense of community. Your participation makes a real difference, and we thank you for being part of these special moments.

A special thank you goes to our Junior School Psychologist, Mrs Julie Henry, who ran the first session of the 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Program. This valuable initiative is one of the features of our school-wide ParentEd program, which supports families with practical strategies for managing behaviour and fostering positive family dynamics. We encourage all parents to explore the ParentEd offerings as they provide excellent insights and guidance for families with students at all junctures of their schooling.

Unfortunately, the weather situation caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred led to the postponement or cancellation of several activities and events. I truly appreciate the professionalism, flexibility, and can-do attitude of our Sunshine Avenue staff, who calmly and efficiently prepared students and the campus for any potential impacts. Your dedication and readiness do not go unnoticed. Thank you also to those staff who came in and prepared the campus for the students’ return this week. Our postponed Year 4 Camp Parent Information session took place this Wednesday, thank you to those parents who attended. The slides from the presentation will be shared with Year 4 families. It’s sure to be an excellent experience for our students!

Regrettably, we also had to cancel our International Women's Day activities and morning tea. While we weren’t able to gather for this occasion, we will ensure that this important event is observed and acknowledged within our classrooms.

I am pleased to announce that our new staff car park is now open. Via a terrific new community partnership with our Sunshine Avenue neighbours, Essential Energy, we’ve been able to secure enough off-street parking for all Junior School staff. There’s been an observable positive impact on the available parking options in Sunshine Ave for parents and carers, and I encourage parents to be patient and find an available space rather than utilise non-designated areas for parking. Remember, this is about keeping our students safe. As a reminder, the Essential Energy car park is strictly for staff use only. To further alleviate traffic congestion and ensure safety, we encourage parents to utilise the turning circle, Ark Park, or the Walking School Bus whenever the weather permits. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school drop-offs and pick-ups running smoothly.

Looking ahead, the NAPLAN testing schedule has been understandably varied and is now due to commence next week for our Year 3 students. Please see the correspondence from the Principal and Dean of Studies about the revised program. We want to remind students and families that while NAPLAN provides valuable data to inform our teaching practices and measure student progress, it is just one measure of student ability. At Lindisfarne, we take a broad view of student development and achievement, ensuring that each child is nurtured across all areas of learning. To our students sitting NAPLAN: stay calm, do your best, and know that this is all we ever ask of you.

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School

Last week, we proudly wrapped up our deep dive into Communication Cara, our 2nd Round Square Hero of Discovery for 2025!

Cara reminds us that great communication starts with listening. She encourages us to respect different perspectives, share our thoughts with kindness, and express ourselves—even when we feel a little shy!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNICATION CARA

Across the Junior School, classrooms have been buzzing with Cara-inspired conversations as teachers share her story and explore what it means to be a great communicator. Students have been actively demonstrating hero-like behaviours, earning the highly prized Hero Tickets for their efforts!

A huge thank you to all our students for embracing these important qualities and helping us build a school culture where respect, responsibility, and positive impact thrive.

We can’t wait to introduce the remaining 10 Heroes of Discovery as the year unfolds—stay tuned for more exciting adventures ahead!

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

Natural disasters like Cyclone Alfred can be distressing for children, particularly young ones who may struggle to understand what has happened. As parents and carers, we can provide reassurance and support to help them process their emotions and feel safe again. Here are some evidence-based strategies to help children cope and recover.

1. Reassure and Maintain Routines

Children feel safer when life is predictable. Keep to familiar routines, such as regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and playtime. Even if circumstances have changed, creating a sense of normality can help children feel secure.

2. Encourage Open Conversations

Young children may not always have the words to express how they feel. Encourage them to talk, draw, or play out their emotions. Answer their questions honestly but in a way that’s appropriate for their age. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or sad and that these feelings will improve over time.

3. Limit Exposure to Distressing Media

Repeated images or news reports about the cyclone can re-traumatise children. Shield them from excessive media coverage and reassure them with factual, age-appropriate explanations about what has happened.

4. Provide Extra Comfort and Attention

Following a natural disaster, children may become more clingy, have trouble sleeping, or experience changes in appetite. Extra cuddles, soothing bedtime routines, and spending quality time together can help them feel safe and loved. Calming activities like reading, drawing, or playing with familiar toys can help children feel secure.

5. Use Storytelling and Play to Process Emotions

Books, games, and creative activities can help children make sense of their experiences. Queensland Health’s Birdie’s Tree resources offer storybooks and activities designed specifically for young children affected by disasters (Birdie’s Tree​ childrens.health.qld.gov.au).

6. Monitor for Signs of Distress

Some children may show signs of prolonged stress, such as nightmares, fearfulness, irritability, or regression (e.g., bedwetting or thumb-sucking). While most children will recover with support, if these symptoms persist, professional help may be needed. If your child continues to struggle with anxiety or distress, professional support can help so reach out to our wellbeing team.

7. Look After Yourself Too

Children take cues from the adults around them. Managing your own stress, seeking support, and staying calm will help your child feel more secure. If you need support, services like Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Lifeline (13 11 14) offer mental health assistance.

Where to Get Help

For additional support, you can reach out to these services:

• Kids Helpline (for children aged 5-25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

• Beyond Blue (mental health support for all ages): 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au

• headspace (mental health services for young people): 1800 650 890 | headspace.org.au

• Lifeline Australia (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

By providing emotional support and ensuring access to professional help if needed, we can help children recover from the emotional impact of Cyclone Alfred.

As always, if you're concerned about a child’s wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our wellbeing team.

• Junior School Dean of Students - Dana Dowker via ddowker@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

• Junior School Psychologist - Julie Henry via julie.henry@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Julie Henry
Junior School Psychologist

Dates for Term 1

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

• Tuesday 25 March - Tweed Hockey 6-A-Side Gala Day (Yr 3 and 4 only)

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

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

AFL Longest Kick Competition

On Tuesday at Lunchtime the Year 4 students had the opportunity to participate in the AFLQ Longest Kick Competition. Over 40 students participated in Arkinstall Park with the aim of being crowned the Lindisfarne Junior Campus Longest Kicker.

AFLQ were on hand to ensure that the competition was run fairly, as the ultimate goal was to be selected as one of the longest kickers in the state to compete at the first round of the Gold Coast Suns versus Essendon this Sunday.

Congratulations to all the students who had a go. The photo below shows our top three boys and girls.

Total Football Academy - After School Program

The Total Football Academy after school program continues this week with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. The program will continue until week 9 Monday 31 March.

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

Lindisfarne-Term 1 2025_compressed.pdf

Runners Club

Runners Club was unfortunately affected by the unpredictable weather this week. We did have a number of our runners complete the 21km Half-Marathon challenge. Congratulations to these people:

Runners Club will be back from Monday 10th March, next week. Get out there and have some FUN with your friends and family.

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. To register for the program please accept and make payment on Parent Lounge.

As there is limited space available, places will be allocated on a first come first, served basis.

Venue: Sunshine Avenue back oval and Basketball Court.

Dates: Tuesday 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 Sport - Junior School

As part of our exciting Year 1 Science: Living Things unit and our Information Writing unit, Year One students had a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with some fascinating Australian insects, thanks to a visit from Bugs Ed! 🐜🕷️

Our budding entomologists were captivated by the Goliath Stick Insect. We learned that they can grow up to 25 cm long – as big as a ruler! We were amazed to discover how they camouflage so well among branches and leaves. It was thrilling to see such an enormous insect up close and learn about its incredible adaptations. As an extra special treat, each student got to bring home their very own mealworm to look after. Such a wonderful opportunity for hands-on learning about life cycles and responsibility!

Charlie Coe
Year One Teacher

At the Junior School, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and responsible digital environment for our students. At the commencement of each year, we review the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement across all year levels to help students understand their responsibilities when using digital devices.

What is the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement?

The ICT Acceptable Use Agreement outlines clear guidelines for students to ensure they use technology safely and responsibly. It covers key areas such as caring for devices, following teacher instructions, respecting privacy, and staying on appropriate websites. This agreement helps students develop good digital habits that extend beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives.

Learning in Action

During the first weeks of the term, students participated in engaging activities to explore the importance of these agreements:

• Kindergarten: Students watched a video on How to Care for Your Device and discussed safe technology practices. They then created drawings to illustrate ways to use devices safely at school and home.
• Year 1 & 2: Through an interactive True or False iPad Safety Game, students learned about responsible iPad use, including handling devices properly, keeping passwords private, and asking for help when needed. They reinforced their learning with a Seesaw activity where they sorted statements into true or false categories.
• Year 3 & 4: Students participated in an ICT User Agreement Kahoot Quiz and a hands-on sorting activity to break down the agreement into key principles. They reflected on their learning by recording videos on Seesaw, explaining how they will be responsible digital citizens this year.

By integrating these activities into the curriculum, we ensure that students not only understand the rules but also see their real-world importance. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and support their children in making positive digital choices. For more information, head to Seesaw.

Krissy Affleck
Information Services and Digital Pedagogy

We are pleased to invite all parents and carers to an insightful ParentEd session featuring.

Daniel Principe, a passionate Youth Advocate and Educator who will explore the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.

Daniel has worked with thousands of young people across Australia, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate today’s complex social landscape with confidence and respect. His presentation will address key topics including:

• The impact of social media and online influences

• Unpacking stereotypes and fostering respectful relationships

• Understanding healthy and unhealthy masculinity

• Critical discussions on consent, sexual ethics and online safety

This session will provide parents with valuable insights and practical strategies to engage in meaningful conversations with their children and help them develop resilience, empathy and a strong sense of personal integrity.

Student Session: Young People in a Digital World

In addition to the ParentEd session, students in Years 7-10 will participate in stage and gendered sessions with Daniel and Emma Tabacaru. These sessions will focus on helping young people navigate today’s digital environment, which often includes hypersexualised content and toxic influences.

By creating spaces for open discussion on topics such as consent, social media, and stereotypes, these sessions will empower students to critically reflect on cultural norms and develop healthier, more respectful relationships.

This is an important opportunity for both parents and students to gain expert insights into the challenges young people face and how we can best support them.

Date: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Location: Mahers Lane Chapel
Light refreshments: From 6:00 pm
Presentation begins: 6:30 pm

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend this important session.

We look forward to seeing you there. Please indicate your attendance via the link provided here.

Harmony Week 17-21 March 2025

Harmony Week is a celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​ The theme for Harmony Week 2025 is ‘Everyone Belongs’.

Orange is the colour chosen to represent World Harmony Day, which is generally celebrated on March 21. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and the encouragement of mutual respect.

In order to recognise this important celebration, several activities have been organised to support this important event.

Activity Schedule

Food Festival - Friday, 21 March

Throughout the week we will celebrate, learn about and honour multiculturalism at Lindisfarne. What better way to culminate the week than with a Food Festival? On Friday lunchtime, we will be offering a range of cultural dishes. Please remember to pre-order for your child should they want to experience some international cuisine. The menu will showcase culturally diverse options such as Italian, Japanese and Vietnamese.

No cash payments will be accepted on the day, and orders must be placed by Tuesday, 18 March, at 5:00 p.m. To access menu items, please order and pay through FlexiSchools. If you do not have a FlexiSchools account, please see the instructions here on how to set one up.

Should you have any questions about Harmony Week, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Assistants to the Head of Sub-Schools, Mrs Vanessa Silva-Beazley, via email at: middleschool@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au or Mrs Rachel Oliver, via email at: seniorschool@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to celebrating this important week within our community.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Supporting Your Teen After Cyclone Alfred

In the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred, many young people may struggle with the emotional impact of such a disruptive event. Whether they experienced direct loss or were affected indirectly through media exposure or changes in their community, their emotions may be unpredictable and heightened. As parents, your support plays a key role in helping them navigate this challenging time.

Understanding Your Teen's Reactions

Every teenager will respond differently, but common reactions may include:

• Anxiety and fear about safety
• Sadness or grief over lost possessions or changes in routine
• Difficulty concentrating or engaging in schoolwork
• Sleep and appetite changes
• A desire to withdraw from family and friends

These are normal responses to an abnormal event. The key is to provide reassurance and structure while being patient with their emotional ups and downs.

How Parents Can Help Their Teens Cope

• Prioritise Emotional and Physical Safety
  Ensure your teen feels safe and supported. Spending time together and maintaining open communication can help them process their emotions.

• Encourage Routine and Normalcy
  Returning to familiar activities like school, sports, and hobbies can bring a sense of stability.
  
• Limit Media Exposure
  Constant news updates or distressing social media content can increase anxiety. Encourage breaks from the 24-hour news cycle.
  
• Promote Healthy Coping Strategies
  Engaging in relaxation techniques, creative activities, or community recovery efforts can be helpful. Avoid reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms like withdrawal from social life and increased screen time. 
  
• Model Self-Care
  Teens observe how adults handle stress. Show them the importance of eating well, getting enough rest, and staying active.

When to Seek Additional Support

Most teens will gradually adjust, but if their distress lasts for months or begins to interfere with daily life, professional support may be needed. As always, if you're concerned about your child’s wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our wellbeing team for help.

• Middle School - Amber Phillips via aphillips@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

• Senior School - Julie McDowell via jmcdowell@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Tahnee, Emmalene and Sarah
School Psychology and Counselling Team

Welcome Back

As we return to school following the impact of ex-Cyclone Alfred, I would like to warmly welcome all students back. The past few days have been challenging for many families, and I want to acknowledge the resilience and strength within our school community. It has been wonderful to see students reconnecting with their peers and settling back into their routines.

We recognise that many families in Northern NSW have been affected by the severe weather, with flooding and disruptions causing significant challenges. Each family's experience is unique, and some may still be dealing with property damage, displacement, or emotional distress. Please know that support is available, and we are here to help.

Support Available

Our Wellbeing Team is available to assist any students needing support. If your child requires additional care, please reach out to their Homeroom Teacher, who can guide them to the appropriate resources.

Community Care

During times like these, supporting one another is more important than ever. We encourage families to:

• Check in on neighbours and community members, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.

• Offer help where possible, whether through cleanup efforts, sharing resources, or simply listening.

• Stay informed about local support services and share information with those who may benefit.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, let’s continue to foster the resilience and solidarity that define our school community. By staying connected and supporting one another, we can ensure our students feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn.

If your family needs assistance or you have concerns about your child’s well-being, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Ash Wednesday Service

Last week, our Middle and Senior School students gathered for our Ash Wednesday service, marking the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Ash Wednesday is a time to pause, reflect, and consider the kind of people we want to be as we move forward.

This year, the service carried extra meaning as our community prepared for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred. We took a moment to pray for the safety of everyone in the cyclone’s path, for those working to prepare and protect others, and for the resilience of our wider community in the days ahead.

In uncertain times like these, this time was a poignant reminder of how important it is to support each other and stay connected.

Ash Wednesday also reinforces that small actions, offering kindness, checking in on others, or simply being present, can make a real difference. As we move through Lent, let’s continue to look out for one another and hold onto the strength that comes from being part of a caring community.

NAPLAN 2025

As communicated earlier this week, due to the impacts of ex-Cyclone Alfred, NAPLAN testing for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 has been delayed. The updated schedule was shared with you this week.

The NAPLAN assessments provide valuable insight into students' literacy and numeracy skills, helping to guide teaching and learning.

We know that some students feel a little nervous about NAPLAN, but it's important to remember that this is not something to worry about. It’s simply a way to see how students are progressing at this point in time; it doesn’t define them, and it’s not a test they need to study for.

How to Support Your Child

If your child is feeling a little unsure about NAPLAN, please remind them that:

• It’s nothing to be concerned about as NAPLAN is just one part of their learning.

• Their best effort is all that matters.

• They can speak to their Homeroom teacher if they’re feeling a bit unsure, we’re here to reassure and support them.

Key Reminders for NAPLAN

• Students should bring a fully charged device (for those completing NAPLAN online) and headphones if required.

• A good night’s sleep before test days will help with focus.

• Breakfast is important to start the day

• Arriving on time is essential, as the assessments are scheduled within specific sessions.

• If a question feels tricky, take a breath, do your best, and move on.

Our teachers will be supporting students every step of the way, and we encourage families to keep NAPLAN in perspective. If you have any concerns, please reach out to your child’s Homeroom teacher so we can help.

ParentEd Reminder: Championing Young People – 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.

Developing Essential Life Skills for the Future

Many of our Middle School students at Lindisfarne lead incredibly busy lives, balancing schoolwork and assessments with a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, both within and beyond the school community. As adults, we understand the challenges of managing multiple commitments, but through life experience, we have developed the skills to stay organised and adapt. For young people, however, these skills take time to develop and benefit from being explicitly taught, modelled, and nurtured.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights a growing need for social-emotional skills in the workforce, with many school and university graduates entering the professional world without these essential capabilities. The top core skills identified for the future workforce include:

• Analytical thinking

• Resilience, flexibility, and agility

• Leadership and social influence

• Creative thinking

• Motivation and self-awareness

At Lindisfarne, we are committed to developing these essential skills, not only through our academic curriculum but also through our Round Square approach, pastoral care programs, and diverse co-curricular opportunities. The Alice Springs Declaration, which guides education across Australia, emphasises the importance of young Australians becoming confident and creative individuals, successful lifelong learners, and active, informed community members. Beyond academic knowledge, our students develop essential life skills such as collaboration, responsibility, patience, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are vital for their personal and professional futures.

Supporting students in developing resilience and independence is a shared effort between school and home. While it is natural for parents to want to help when their child faces challenges, encouraging them to navigate difficulties independently, by problem-solving, staying organised, and managing their time, helps build confidence and perseverance. By allowing space for self-reflection and persistence, students develop the adaptability and resilience that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

By fostering this whole-child approach to education, we are not just preparing students for academic success but also ensuring they are well-rounded, adaptable individuals, ready to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Years 5 and 6: Organising Time for Success

This week in Focus Friday, students explored the importance of organising their time to improve their learning and personal growth.

The WHY:

Everyone has 168 hours in a week, but how we use them makes all the difference. To understand where their time goes, students were encouraged to track their daily activities for a week, including:

• Sleeping: _____ hours

• Eating/Dressing: _____ hours

• Home Learning: _____ hours

• Traveling: _____ hours

• At School: _____ hours

• Sport/Exercise: _____ hours

• Leisure/Screentime: _____ hours

Students then used the ‘Musts and Options’ strategy to categorise their activities:

• Musts – Essential tasks (e.g., school, sleep, meals).

• Options – Flexible activities (e.g., hobbies, screen time).

Using the blank timetable, they planned their week, referring to the sample timetable for guidance. A key focus was scheduling home learning sessions—30-minute blocks consisting of 20 minutes of focused learning and a 10-minute break for movement, hydration, or a short reset.

Students were encouraged to place their timetables on the fridge to help their families support them in sticking to their plan!

Years 7 and 8: Building Effective Home Learning Habits

This week in Focus Friday, Year 7 and 8 students examined how to structure their home learning sessions for greater success.

The WHY:

Effective home learning has four key parts:

1. Finishing school tasks – Completing any unfinished work from class.

2. Reinforcing learning – Reviewing lessons daily to strengthen memory.

3. Skill practice – Working on teacher-assigned tasks to develop proficiency.

4. Self-improvement – Identifying and refining personal learning strategies.

Students were encouraged to start with 30-minute sessions:

• 20 minutes of uninterrupted focus

• 10-minute break - hydration, stretching, light chores (my favourite), or exercise.

Initially, they may find that 30 minutes pushes their concentration, but with practice, they will gradually extend their focus to 50 minutes for deeper learning.

Parent Wellbeing: Positive Time Management Role Modeling

One of the most effective ways to support your child’s time management is to model and discuss how you balance responsibilities at work and home. Consider sharing:

• How you plan and prioritise tasks in your daily schedule.

• Strategies you use to manage distractions and stay focused.

• The importance of setting aside time for rest and family.

By openly discussing these habits, you help your child build essential life skills that will support them now and in the future.

Amber Phillips
Dean of Students - Middle School

Wonderful to see all the smiling faces of Year 5 back at school! Cyclone Alfred certainly gave us lots of talking points the last couple of weeks and some good stories were shared. We have a busy week ahead of us in Year Five, with NAPLAN testing beginning next week.

Our Year 5 NAPLAN schedule;

Monday, 17 March - Writing

Tuesday, 18 March - Reading

Wednesday, 19 March - Language

Thursday, 20 March - Numeracy

NAPLAN is used Australia wide as a Standardised Test. Each test will run for approximately 45-50 minutes. The Year Five test will ask our students predominantly questions based around their learning from Kindergarten to Year Four. The test is used by teachers, as one piece of information, about your child’s learning progression. This one piece joins the many other assessment pieces we use to regularly monitor our student’s learning throughout the year. It is valued information, and we would like the students to do their best, however, NAPLAN doesn’t tell us that your child is an amazing friend, gifted musician, or the excellent sports person we know them to be. If your child is anxious about the testing, reassure them to do their best, as we will be using the same messaging. To assist us and your child please ensure your child has, at school, working Bluetooth headphones/airpods for NAPLAN.

Home Learning

Home Learning has been well received by our students. They seem to enjoy the tasks and the majority of students are handing their home learning in each week. Please continue to read each night with your child. We are pressing pause on Home Learning for the next two weeks, throughout the NAPLAN testing period.

Author Visit

Today, we had a special visit from Author and Illustrator Dr Cameron Stelzer.

Dr Cameron conducted workshops with our Year 5 students. Students participated in a fun and engaging session that inspired, as well as helped them to prepare for their own writing tasks.

In conjunction with the Author's Visit, Lindisfarne families have a special opportunity to purchase copies of Cameron’s books at special prices. Students received an order form today. Payment is online and details are included on the form.

Paula Drew
Year 5 Coordinator

Supporting Our Community After the Cyclone

In the wake of the recent cyclone, our thoughts are with all those in our community who have been affected. The impact has been significant, and even at the time of writing, some families remain without power. We recognise the challenges this has created, not only in daily life but also in the continuity of students' learning.

For our Year 12 students, in particular, this disruption comes at a crucial time in their academic journey. Please be assured that the School is committed to supporting them through this period. We have implemented adjustments to assessment dates and are offering additional lessons in certain subjects to ensure they remain on track.

We have also made changes to the NAPLAN schedule for Year 9 students. The revised dates are as follows:

We really do ask that families prioritise student attendance on these days.

The Importance of On-Time Attendance

On-time attendance continues to be an issue for a handful of Senior School students. This remains a source of frustration for our House Tutors, who are committed to delivering a meaningful wellbeing program during roll call. Many parents will have seen me in the drop-off zone in the mornings, and because I am there so frequently, I have observed clear patterns in traffic flow and optimal arrival times. It is evident that arriving between 7.50 and 8.10am allows for a smoother drop-off experience, reducing delays and ensuring students start their day in a calm and prepared manner.

Please ensure all children are delivered to school by no later than 8.10am. This will allow students to make their way into the school, go to lockers, prepare for the day, and then be at classrooms for a prompt 8.20am start.

Families who leave drop-offs until after 8.10am will encounter traffic, which will result in students arriving late and not starting the day in the calm and relaxed manner we would like.

I am asking for your support, please.

We appreciate the resilience and adaptability shown by our students, staff, and families during this time. If any families require further support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the School. Together, we will continue to navigate these challenges with care and determination.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

As part of their studies on Earth’s Natural Systems, Year 11 Geography students recently visited the breathtaking Lamington National Park, a World Heritage-listed site renowned for its diverse subtropical rainforest ecosystems. This excursion provided students with invaluable first-hand experience to deepen their understanding of the complex interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

During the trip, students engaged in fieldwork activities to gather primary data, exploring how these Earth systems interact within the unique rainforest environment. They observed key features such as the towering Antarctic beech trees, ancient volcanic landforms, and intricate water systems that sustain the park's biodiversity. Students also examined human impacts on this fragile ecosystem and discussed sustainable management strategies to preserve it for future generations.

The fieldwork supported classroom learning by allowing students to apply geographical skills, such as data collection and analysis, while fostering an appreciation for the importance of environmental stewardship. Special thanks go to Mr Alex Coulter for his assistance throughout the trip, including his quick thinking in redirecting a curious snake!

This hands-on experience not only enriched students’ understanding of geomorphic processes but also highlighted the critical role of rainforests in maintaining global ecological balance. The excursion was a memorable and educational adventure for all involved.

Mrs Nathalie Newton-Walters
Senior Geography Teacher

Important Updates for Students Aspiring for a Medical Pathway

For Year 12 students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine, the journey begins now. Successfully gaining entry into a medical program requires careful planning, timely registration, and strong preparation for key assessments such as the UCAT.

Year 12 Students - Take Action Now

The first major milestone on your journey to medicine is registering for the UCAT. UCAT registrations officially opened on Tuesday, March 4. Secure your test date as soon as possible to ensure availability at your preferred testing centre. Register here: UCAT Registration.

With key deadlines and steps to follow, having a clear roadmap will help you stay on track. The timeline below outlines the essential stages of the path to entry to medicine.

Preparing for Medicine – A Guide for Non-Year 12 Students

For students in earlier year levels considering a career in medicine, early preparation is highly beneficial. Developing strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills will help build a solid foundation for success.

Preparation for the UCAT is one focus area highly encouraged. One option for UCAT preparation is through MedEntry, an international Registered Training Educational Institution committed to helping students enter medicine. MedEntry offers a range of resources, including practice exams, workshops, and expert guidance. Explore their programs here: MedEntry UCAT Prep.

If you have any questions about university prerequisites, preparation strategies, or career pathways, please reach out, visit the official UCAT website and/or access the University Admissions Guide here.

Bond University Virtual Open Day

Bond University's Virtual Open Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 12pm AEST. This online event offers prospective students a comprehensive insight into the university's offerings, including academic programs, campus life, and the unique Bond experience.

Event Highlights:

Exclusive Content: Participants can access on-demand materials covering various study opportunities, insights into living on the Gold Coast, personalized support services, and the vibrant campus community.

Live Broadcast: The event features a live stream hosted by Bond alumna Candice Dixon, renowned for her role on the Seven Network’s Saturday Disney. Attendees will hear from academics and current students, gaining a deeper understanding of life at Bond.

Personal Appointments: Prospective students have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one sessions with student advisors, offering tailored guidance and insights into the university experience.

To participate, register in advance to unlock exclusive content and join the live broadcast on the event day.

For those interested in an on-campus experience, Bond University also hosts an annual Open Day, allowing visitors to explore the campus, meet faculty, and experience university life firsthand.

Strategies for HSC Success: Free Webinar by the University of Newcastle

Year 11 and 12 students, are you ready to take on the HSC with confidence? The University of Newcastle is offering a free "Strategies for HSC Success" webinar, designed to help students maximize their performance in assessments and exams.

Led by a Senior HSC Marker, this session will provide expert insights into:

• Effective study techniques

• Exam hacks to boost your performance

• Strategies for excelling in HSC assessment tasks

Whether you're just starting your HSC journey or looking for ways to refine your study approach, this webinar is packed with practical tips to set you up for success. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to gain a better understanding of how to support their child through the HSC.

🔗 Register here: University of Newcastle Webinar

University of Melbourne: Webinar for NSW/ACT students

The University of Melbourne is hosting a UniMelb 101 webinar specifically designed for students from New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This live Q&A session offers a unique opportunity to explore what it's like to study at one of Australia's leading universities, located in the vibrant city of Melbourne.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM AEDT
Format: Online Webinar

🔗 Register here: UniMelb 101 webinar

Prior to the live Q&A, registered participants will receive access to a pre-recorded session covering these topics in detail. During the live event, current students who have transitioned to Melbourne will share their experiences and answer your questions.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for NSW and ACT students to gain insights into studying at the University of Melbourne and to have their specific questions addressed.

Don't miss this chance to explore your future at the University of Melbourne!


Opportunities beyond Lindisfarne

Australian Government Office for Youth - Youth Steering Committee
The Youth Steering Committee offers young Australians aged 12 to 24 the opportunity to engage with the Australian Government and the Minister for Youth. By joining the committee, members can contribute to shaping policies and programs that directly impact young people. The committee works to implement Engage!, a strategy designed to ensure youth voices are heard in decision-making processes. Terms on the committee last up to two years, and positions are available for young people from across Australia. Applications are currently open, and an online information session is available for interested applicants.

🔗 Apply here: Apply Now - Youth Steering Committee

Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme offers young Australians aged 16-23 the chance to participate in an 11-day voyage aboard the Tall Ship Young Endeavour. This unique adventure combines sailing training with personal development, and teaching skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. Participants have the opportunity to explore the Australian coast, learn how to sail, and challenge themselves physically and mentally. No prior sailing experience is required, and the program is led by experienced Royal Australian Navy staff. The program aims to foster confidence, resilience, and lifelong memories. Applications are open for upcoming voyages.

🔗 Find out more information here

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

We were very excited to launch the Lindisfarne Lions Netball season last Saturday - but alas - the ex-cyclone/low-pressure cell put an end to that. We had originally had 15 February, but that fell through too with booking complications, so unfortunately - no official netball launch this year. Nonetheless, our netballers have been preparing and training, so looking forward to them starting their season very soon.

We wish our CIS Open Boys football team good luck next Monday in Round 2 of the CIS Football Cup. The road trip down to Coffs Harbour Stadium fields to play Bishop Druitt College. Also, our rugby boys host a Canadian school - Collingwood next Friday. This should be a solid hitout for the gents, notwithstanding their hitout vs Somerset on Monday. Busy week for the rugby squads!

We wish our secondary swimming team all the best as they head to the postponed NCIS Swimming on 20 March. Good luck to these students:

• Daylan Braby
• Jack Cross
• Isaac Deakes
• Chloe Dinnen
• Lennox Eke
• Hunter Gaffney
• Archer Groth
• Madi Harper
• Tully Harper
• Ayva Immisch
• Riley Johnston
• Cruz Kill
• Teo Martin
• Tily Mison
• Scarlett Mison
• Ivy Mison
• Kiara Morgan
• Campbell Patterson
• Isabelle Popov
• Serge Popov
• Abbie Procter
• Milla Ridings
• Noah Roseverne
• Jack Sewell
• Lucy Simmonds
• Mali Stewart
• Koa Stotz
• Xienna Warren
• Lyla Wessel
• Charlotte Anderson
• Jack Bowes
• Lincoln Cecil
• Ben Dickens
• Cooper Flaherty
• Milla Martinot
• Jack Matkevich
• Sophie McMillan
• Felix Monti
• Myla Naylor
• Alice Reid
• Ollie Thomas
• Tommy Trewhitt

Football

Notwithstanding our low-key trial Border Schools games, our Lindisfarne Football season kicked off last Monday - in the CIS and Tobias/Marquardt - Double header vs Emmanuel Anglican College.

The weather was far from ideal, with the beginnings of Cyclone Alfred starting its march towards the coast, with sideways rain and wind. A brief editorial of all four teams is below.

Girls

Our Open Girls team won 3-1, in what was a dominant win. To be fair, the scoreline reads much kinder to Emmanuel. The weather conditions made the game very trying to play textbook football, but the girls spent most of their time within the opponent's half. Young Harper Jasmin (Year 7), made a great contribution with her sound first touch and passing game. Captain Molly Eddy controlled the midfield with her tireless ball distribution, and Charli Wiegand made a smooth comeback from injury - with a relentless contribution throughout.

Likewise, our U15 girls were in first gear in this fixture. The final scoreline read 3 - 1 to Lindisfarne, but we gave the younger Year 7 girls a good hit out - and rested quite a few of our older more established U15 girls. This team will take a fair bit to get past when the going gets tough in the Bill Turner matches next term.

Boys

The Open boys kicked off their CIS Cup knockout campaign with a commanding 5-1 win over Emmanuel College. They controlled the game from the outset and knocked the ball around like they’ve played together for years. Shoutout to our Man of the Match Jack Edwards. Our main NCIS rival Bishop Druitt is the next mission this coming Monday.

The U15 boys were in tough against a well-drilled Emmanuel side. We chased the ball for significant portions but took our chances well and defended with tenacity. A 3-3 draw was a great result on the day and gives us confidence as our competition games draw nearer. Shoutout to the man of the match Ethan Hicks.


Thredbo Mountain Biking

Lindisfarne recently participated in the Australian Interschools National Mountain Biking Championships at Thredbo, a major event with 1694 competitors across five divisions from Year 3 to Year 12. The competition spanned five days and featured Cannonball Downhill, Flow Motion, Pump Track, and All Mountain trails. The event also included the titles of King and Queenof the Mountain for the fastest riders across all trails.

Division Two Results

Our Division Two (Yr 9 & 10 boys) team achieved the following results:

• 13th in Downhill

• 14th in Flow Motion

• 18th in All Mountain

• 20th overall

These are solid results in a highly competitive field of 136 schools. Congratulations must go to Kai Lawson, Austin Lowe, Kai Arndell, Jackson Lord and Lachlan Goodwin, our division two team members.

Division One Team

Unfortunately, our Division One team had to cut their trip short due to Cyclone Alfred. They returned home to be with their families, but we look forward to their participation next year.

Kai Lawson's Performance

Kai Lawson had a standout performance, placing in the Top Ten in All Mountain, Flow Motion, and Cannonball Downhill. Competing against over 600 riders,

Upcoming Events

Rocky Trail Academy, Nerang 21/3/25 click here to register

Rocky Trail Academy, Mt Cotton 2/5/25 Click here to register

Rocky Trail Academy, Woolgoolga 19/9/25 click here to register

Note: Parents must register and pay individually for these events. Parents also organise transport. If you register, please inform the sports department of your intention to participate in these events.

For more information, contact the Teacher in Charge of MTB - Mr Matthew Bedford.

Integrated Sport Selections - Rescheduled to Tuesday 18 March

Due to the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on southeast Queensland and northern NSW, a decision has been made to reschedule the Term 2 Integrated Sport Selections.

These will open on Tuesday, 18 March at 7:00 PM and close on Monday, 24 March at 7:30 AM.

To 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 Term 2 (Year Group) Integrated Sports 2025

You can also use the following instructions to log in to Clipboard HERE.

Our integrated sports program is the compulsory sport that will be timetabled into students' academic calendar for Years 5 to 10 - with Years 11 and 12 optional. This sports program is part of the NSW Education and Standards Authority (NESA) and as such contributes to the minimum hours of Physical Activity within the school-mandated curriculum.

We encourage students to carefully select their sports, and where applicable - to network with their friends in advance of when selections open (including having contingency plans if selections fill up). Please note that there are no sport swaps after the selection process - swapping students across rolls and unravelling finance is not a straightforward process.

Spotlight on Matilda Daniel

Kudos to Matilda (year 10) for earning a spot on the NSW CIS girls' team for the NSW All Schools Secondary Tennis competition! She will be representing Combined Independent Schools in Bathurst on Monday, 24 and Tuesday, 25 March.

You can view the full team here.

This CIS tournament event was washed out, so we were waiting on tender hooks to see if her outstanding UTR would see her selected - and indeed that was the case.

On a side note, Matilda has laser focus intent with her tennis, so this was outstanding news to be hearing her selected. Congratulations Matilda!

Spotlight on Scarlett and Ivy Mison

Ivy (Year 8) and Scarlett (Year 7) travelled to Sydney's Northern Beaches for the NSW State Nippers at Manly. Due to location changes and several event cancellations because of Cyclone Alfred, there were some disruptions. Congratulations to the girls on their amazing results:

Scarlett Mison

GOLD - U12 Female Surf Race

5th - U12 Iron-person

Finalist - U12 board race

Ivy Mison

SILVER - U14 Female Iron-person

9th - U14 surf race

Spotlight on Ned Simmonds

Ned Simmond (Year 6) recently participated in the Swimming Gold Coast Championships. We are stoked to report that he received four gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals. Congratulations - yet again - young Ned.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

We are very fortunate to be able to offer the opportunity for your daughter to join a Rhythmic Gymnastics program at Lindisfarne this year.

The Club will be on Thursdays after school from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm, starting in February 2025 and continuing all year, in the Ngahriyah. The class will cater for beginners to competitive levels.

Lindisfarne students can attend these Thursday sessions each week at NO COST.

The coach is Stacey Bech, who is a National Level Silver Advanced Coach with an impressive history. If you have any questions, please contact Stacey at 0418640200 or via email: stacey.bech@gmail.com

Please complete the Registration form here and bring it with you on the first day or email it directly to Stacey Bech.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sport and Activities

Proudly Supported By

GIRLS 7s PROGRAM

Our Girls 7s rugby program has started training on Monday after school in preparation for our first inter-school vs Somerset on March 17th. We have a very full schedule for our Girls 7's program, including 2 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 girl's 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 afternoons after school. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Dunn (steve.dunn@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au)

RECENT GAMES

ALL SAINTS SCHOOL INTERSCHOOL FIXTURE

Our boy's squads had their second match of the season against All Saints on Monday 3 March. All Saints compete in the APS competition on the Gold Coast and have a history of producing good school rugby teams across the age grades.

1st XV 5-17

Our 1st XV got off to a slow start playing into a strong wind, and struggled to get out of our own half and gain any territory advantage. As a result of this, we conceded the first try however we managed to come back with a great individual try to winger Pipp Pheloung just before halftime. Unfortunately in the second half, and despite having the wind, we again lost the territory battle and All Saints managed to get a roll on our boys scoring two late tries to take the score to 5-17.

Despite this and similar to the Kings game, there were periods of excellent defence, with Koen Hodge, Jesse Bravington and Sam Stovin all standing up in this department. There were also a number of promising signs for our younger players, like James Green, Aiden Broadhurst and George Trevor-Jones, all getting more exposure to this level of rugby.

KEY DATES

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

OTHER ITEMS

The Ballymore Cup - U14, U16 and 1st XV Boys and U18 Girls*

The Ballymore Cup is Queensland's largest schoolboy rugby competition which has been running since 2003 and our U14, U16 and 1st XV are again playing in this competition this year. It is a state-wide competition for all schools that presents non-traditional rugby schools and schools from regional areas with the opportunity to compete at a higher level. Here is a short video of the highlights from the 2021 Ballymore Cup: https://youtu.be/v5Z3e6YnXUs

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

• Five games of rugby from the 4-6th April pending draw

• Two nights’ accommodation for all players

• Food for the duration of the tournament (i.e., all meals/snacks from lunch on Friday 4th April - lunch on 6th April)

• Transport to and from the school on Friday 4th April and Sunday 6th April

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE WEEKEND OF TERM 1 WEEK 9 SO PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE FOR ALL STUDENTS IN THE SENIOR BOYS (Y7-12) PROGRAM.

Unfortunately, for the boys, we can only carry 25 players in each squad (23 active players for each game and 2 non-playing reserves) and we aim to have these selections confirmed in the week after our interschool against Sunshine Coast Grammar on 12th March. More information will be provided ASAP.

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival - U12 Boys

For the third year running, we have been accepted into The Armidale School Rugby Carnival (TASRC), which is the biggest primary (U12) school rugby carnival in Australia. The carnival runs from Friday 11th April - Sunday 13th April this year. To confirm our attendance as a school, we are in the process of finalising our player registrations and will be providing more information ASAP.

Registration will include:

• TASRC carnival cap

• Five games of rugby at the carnival

• Two nights’ accommodation for players and support staff

• Dinner on Friday and Saturday night

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

• Lunch on two days provided by TAS at the carnival

• Team photograph for each participant

• Transport to and from the school on Friday 11th and Sunday 13th

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

Unfortunately, we can only carry 20 players in each squad and we aim to have these selections confirmed in the week after our interschool against Sunshine Coast Grammar on 12th March. More information will be provided ASAP.

Integrated School Sport Selections

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

Please note if you are currently in our rugby union program (1st XV, U16, U14, and U12) in term 1, you will need to enrol you or your child in rugby union for term 2 when selections open. Girls Rugby 7s will also be offered in Term 2 for girl students. Students interested in joining the rugby program and not currently part of the program can also enrol in term 2.

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 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

Exciting news!

In 2023 Lindisfarne’s English department introduced the inaugural production of Shakespeare under the Stars with The Bard’s fabulous play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The Lindisfarne Players’ adaptation reimagined this comedy in the hills of the Northern Rivers, in the aftermath of a muddy ‘Splendour’ festival. (Yes, 400 years ago, William Shakespeare wrote his Fairy King and Queen arguing over climate change – go figure)

This year, the tradition continues!

In the coming weeks, we will be calling for expressions of interest to audition for the 2025 LindisfarnePlayers – the 14-strong ensemble that will create this year’s Shakespeare under the Stars amazing production in term 3.

Auditions

Students in years 9 -11 will be invited to audition to join the 2025 Players and be part of this year’s journey, culminating in our exciting outdoor performance. You don’t need to be a drama or music student to audition, in fact, our lead performer in the 2023 Dream had no experience in drama before auditioning. You just need to commit to supporting the Players’ ensemble and audition. More details will be forthcoming.

You will not need to learn or perform Shakespeare to audition. You are auditioning to join the players’ ensemble, not individual roles. Roles will be cast within the ensemble after the initial workshopping period.

In the meantime, there is a smattering of hints in this message to assist you in guessing which of the Bard’s plays is this year’s choice. Remember, all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players; however, it may be that the newly baptised hold the key. By the pricking of my thumb, there are many hints to come.

Exit, pursued by a bear.

Katy Charles Otto
Director – Shakespeare under the Stars, 2025.

This term, our Year 8 students have been immersing themselves in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, exploring its themes of love, fate, and conflict. A highlight has been acting out key scenes, where students have embraced Shakespeare’s language with enthusiasm, bringing the play to life through expressive performances. This has been an engaging activity to support students' understanding and appreciation of the timeless play.

Their passion for the play is evident both on and off the stage and their enthusiasm for these activities that gets them up and moving. Our English teachers pride themselves on creating modern and exciting activities to engage our young people in such valuable and rich texts. Notably, students have also enjoyed creating an Instagram account for a character from the play, drawing on key traits and themes. We look forward to continuing our study of the play and learning about how to adapt elements of an original text to fit a modern context.

Aliah Whitesides
Acting Coordinator of English

We are excited to announce that students have been selected for this year’s debating teams! Those selected have been invited to a Google Classroom where they will receive updates, resources, and important information. Permission notes have also been distributed via Parent Engage on SEQTA and should be returned as soon as possible.

The first coaching session has already taken place on Wednesday the 5th from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM in B-Block. These sessions will continue each Wednesday on the weeks that students are not debating. All information regarding debates will be communicated to students via their Google Classroom and to parents via email from their child's coach.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aliah Whitesides
Acting Coordinator of English

How you talk to your child about Mathematics really matters!

Over the past five weeks, the Mathematics staff have had a fantastic time getting to know our students and settling into the year. Every year is a fresh start for every student in Maths at Lindisfarne, and we believe that every student can grow and improve in Maths with the right practice and encouragement.

Did you know that how you talk to your child about Maths at home is important? We appreciate that Maths may have been a subject that parents found challenging when they were at school and that it is easy to recoil in fear when your child brings home their Maths homework. Math anxiety can be a very real experience for both students and parents alike! However, studying Maths is a pathway to fantastic careers in science, medicine, technology and engineering, and we want your child to experience success in Mathematics. Here are some useful tips for supporting a growth mindset about Maths for your child, particularly if Maths is an area you may not feel confident in personally.

Don’t empathise (aloud) if your child says they are “bad” at Maths.

Instead, remind your child that learning Maths takes time and practice, and reiterate to them that they CAN do it, even if it takes a few attempts. Studies have shown that if students repeatedly hear from their parents that they “aren’t a Maths person” they are more likely to internalise this message for themselves. Remind your child that mistakes are normal and that all people make mistakes when they are learning something new.

If your child is working on their homework, and they say they can’t do it, try asking some questions to help them get started:

• “Can you tell me about the problem in your own words?”
• “What did you do in class to get started?”
• “Could there be any extra information you need?”
• “Can you get out your Maths book and look over some similar problems?”
• “Have you tried drawing a picture or diagram to help?”

Play Maths Games at Home

Family games such as Yahtzee, Monopoly, card games or anything with a dice will help develop Number Sense, which helps all areas of Maths.

Remember, our friendly Maths team are available at MATHS HELP every morning from 7.30-8.20am and every lunchtime in M13 to assist with all Maths questions and homework for all year levels. Everyone is welcome!

Want to read more on how you can talk positively about Maths at home? Try:

https://www.youcubed.org/resources/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/

https://www.youcubed.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Parent-Night-Handout-vF-1-2.pdf

http://mathengaged.org/resources/card-games/

Priscilla Price
Acting Coordinator of Mathematics

We are excited to announce that our school will be participate in Watergum’s Cane Toad Challenge, a wonderful initiative aimed at protecting our native wildlife from the harmful impacts of invasive cane toads. Starting in Week 6 and continuing until the end of term, we will serve as a drop-off point for anyone who wants to contribute by collecting and humanely euthanising cane toads.

Watergum has developed a compassionate and ethical approach to managing cane toad populations. They emphasise safety and care, ensuring that the animals are treated with respect. If you catch any cane toads, please follow these steps:

1. Secure the toads in a ventilated container.

2. Drop off with the Science Faculty at our school. Students can do this at any time in the school day, however, drop-off for the general public will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am -3pm

3. Ensure proper handling by wearing gloves and practising safe hygiene.

Every contribution helps protect our natural ecosystem and supports the mission of preserving our local wildlife. If you are interested in participating or have questions, please visit Watergum's official Cane Toad Challenge webpage at https://watergum.org/cane-toad-challenge/ or contact the Science Faculty via Main Reception.

Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in our community and beyond!

Jo Mendoza
Director of Science

I am calling for expressions of interest from Years 9-12 students to establish the STEM Ambassador Program at Lindisfarne. This program is run alongside Griffith University to promote STEM events and initiatives at local schools. Last year, our Year 10 STEM class were involved in the program events and had positive feedback on the experiences on offer. This year, the events include:

• The STEM Ambassador Conference, Wednesday 26th March

A group of 6 students will be selected to attend the conference to plan ideas for promoting STEM in our school community. They will then meet regularly throughout the year to plan and prepare these ideas alongside the Science Teachers.

• The Science and Engineering Challenge, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th June

A group of 32 Year 9 and 10 students (8 groups of 4) will participate in a series of challenges to gain points for the school in order to progress to the next round.

• The Gold Coast Schools Science Competition, 1st-4th September

The best Year 10 Student Research Projects will be shortlisted to participate in this competition with other schools in recognition of their projects.

• Cutting Edge 4 Kids, Wednesday 22nd October

STEM Ambassadors and other interested senior students can attend this event to lead a STEM workshop for local primary schools visiting the Griffith University Campus.

If this is of interest to you and you are looking for an opportunity to lead in the STEM space, please complete the form linked here.

Ms Jo Mendoza
Director of Science

Round Square Conference 2025 – An Exciting Experience Awaits!

Plans are coming together for the Round Square Conference in Dubai and it promising to be an enriching mix of learning, adventure, and cultural immersion.

The programme will begin with an evening excursion to a Bedouin Camp for a themed dinner in the desert. The following day, The Indian High School will host the Opening Ceremony and first Baraza, with an evening service activity before dinner at the hotel.

From 21st to 23rd September, delegates will participate in a three-day carousel of Service, Environmental, and Adventure activities. Delegates will rotate through each experience in different orders, ensuring everyone gets the full experience.

• Service Day at GEMS Modern Academy will see delegates plan and lead activities with local students.

• Adventure Day at The Indian High School will challenge delegates with zip wires, high ropes, and team activities at an Adventure Park.

• Environmental Day, hosted by The Millennium School, will explore opportunities to engage with the environment beyond the dunes, examining sustainability and desert conservation.

Each day will start mid-morning with a Keynote and Baraza at one of the host schools, before heading out for activities. The schedule will be adjusted to account for high midday temperatures, with activities taking place in the late afternoon and evening, lunch around 3-4pm, and dinner served later in the evening.

Evening activities during the carousel will include a barbeque, a Round Square Souk, and a cultural performance opportunity.

The final day, 24 September, is still being planned, with a visit to Expo in carousel groups. The conference will conclude with a Closing Ceremony at the hotel ballroom.

This promises to be an incredible experience filled with meaningful discussions, hands-on learning, and unforgettable adventures. Please enjoy the official conference trailer

Details: The conference is open to students 16 and over.

Pre-conference in Muscat, Oman.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Oman, exploring its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. This experience includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the bustling Mutrah Souq in Muscat.

Discover the historic charm of Nizwa with a visit to its famed fort and traditional souq before venturing into the dunes of Wahiba Sands for an authentic desert experience. Along the way, explore the fascinating Bahla Fort, Jabreen Castle, and the Oman Across Ages Museum. The journey concludes with a visit to the stunning natural wonders of Wadi Bani Khalid and the Bimmah Sinkhole before returning to Muscat.

With comfortable accommodations, local cuisine, and guided exploration, this trip offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and adventure. Join us for an extraordinary experience in Oman.

Depart Brisbane International Airport on 14 September 2025

Return to Brisbane International Airport on the of 25 September 2025.

Cost - $7500 Successful applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $500.

Three more payments will be required.

•  Friday 11 April, $2000
• Friday 20 June, $2500
•  Friday 29 August, $2500

The above price includes:

• All fights and relevant other transport 
• All meals throughout the conference and pre-conference
• All accommodation throughout the conference and pre-conference
• All visits and activities throughout the conference and pre-conference

The above price does not include:

• Required visas
• Travel Insurance
• Personal spending money

Applications: Delegate places are strictly limited. If you would like to apply, please complete the application form and return it to Mr Lush no later than Friday, 14 March 2025.

Application Form Link 

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mike Lush at mlush@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator 

At our Mahers Lane campus, we are lucky enough to have a 10-hectare rainforest on site. The rainforest is a beautiful area with a creek running through it, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Over the last six years bush regeneration efforts have been undertaken throughout our school rainforest to protect its biodiversity and reduce the impacts of invasive weed species. This work has grown significantly in the last three years with the inclusion of bush regeneration in our service learning program for Year 10 and DiscoverED program for years 5 and 6 students.

Over the last two weeks, our Years 5, 6 and 10 bush regeneration students have investigated the impacts of the Cats Claw Creeper. Cats Claw is a species of invasive vine that overtakes and severely degrades forest and riparian habitats. It does this by outcompeting native species, overtaking the forest floor and smothering mature trees to the point where they die from the Cats Claw Creeper. This poses a huge problem for the survival of our native species and increases the risk of erosion.

To combat the threat of Cats Claw Creeper this species is physically removed from our school forest and vines found climbing up trees are cut and poisoned. But this alone is not enough to halt the spread of this invasive vine.

Lindisfarne was able to obtain over 1,360 Jewel Beetles to help with our fight against Cats Claw. Jewel Beetles are a biological control agent used to help manage Cats Claw Creepers as they are a natural predator of the vine in its native habitat of South America. Jewel Beetles have been extensively researched and do not pose any risk to our native flora or fauna.

Our students released four jars of Jewel Beetles into our school forest with another four jars being released into two other Cats Claw infestations in other areas of the forest that are harder to access.

The Jewel Beetles will greatly aid in our fight against Cats Claw Creeper by eating away at the vine and laying their larvae inside the plant. This reduces the vine's ability to spread, reproduce and makes it much more suspectable to infection. It also reduces the coverage of Cats Claw Creeper along the forest floor, allowing native flora to establish in areas once overtaken by this weed.

If you are interested in learning more about Cats Claw Creeper and the use of biological control in its management the following resources provide some good information:

• Breeding a Biocontrol for Cats Claw Creeper

• Healthy Land & Water Cats Claw Creeper Factsheet

• QLD Government Cats Claw Creeper Factsheet

• NSW Weedwise Cats Claw Creeper Information

• 
  

Patrick Brabant
School Assistant - Sustainability

Lent: A Time to Give Up… or Learn Something New

As we enter Lent, an important season in the Anglican tradition, we have an opportunity to reflect, reset, and refocus. Traditionally, Lent is a time when people give something up—whether that’s a habit, a distraction, or something that isn’t adding value to their lives.

At our Ash Wednesday Service just before the school closed, Rev. Lyndon Mulholland encouraged students to reflect on Lent as a time for intentional change. For some, this might mean stepping away from an app or social media platform that takes up too much time and replacing it with something more productive and fulfilling.

Lent lasts 40 days, leading up to Easter, and while many choose to give something up, it can also be the perfect time to start something new. Why not encourage your child to swap screen time for skill-building—something that challenges and excites them?

Exploring New Skills & Interests

There are so many incredible tools available that could open up new possibilities:

• Adobe Premiere or iMovie – Edit videos like a pro

• Xcode – Start coding for Apple’s ecosystem

• Blender – Create 3D models for CAD, animation, or design

• Excel Formulas – Unlock the power of spreadsheets

• Floorplanner – Design architectural layouts and interiors

The best part? There are endless free tutorials online to help learn these powerful tools.

I’m taking on a challenge myself—learning Blender over Lent, with the goal of producing 3D-printable files using our school’s new Bambu X1 Carbon 3D printers.

Whether your child chooses to give something up or take on something new, Lent can be a great opportunity to set a goal, develop a habit, and work towards something meaningful. Encouraging them to make a small, positive change now could turn into a rewarding achievement by Easter.

Stay Safe

Scott Mellis
Director of Digital and Emerging Technologies