2025 Term 3 Week 9 19 Sept 2025

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

This week has been filled with pride, purpose, and a sense of community spirit. From heartwarming moments with our Year 12 Foundation students to the incredible effort behind our 24-Hour Run for the Safe Sleep Bus, the Lindisfarne community continues to demonstrate what it means to lead with compassion, connection, and courage.

On Tuesday night, I had the privilege of attending the Year 12 Hospitality Evening with Year 12 Hospitality students and their parents. It was a truly memorable experience. The standard of food presented was spectacular, a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and flair of our Hospitality students and their teachers. Congratulations to all involved on an exceptional evening of culinary excellence.

A particularly heartwarming moment this week was sharing the morning with our Year 12 Foundation students at the Junior School. These students, many of whom began their Lindisfarne journey in Preschool or Kindergarten, took a nostalgic tour “down memory lane”, revisiting classrooms, playing with Preschool students, and enjoying morning tea with staff on the deck. Thank you to Ms Jo Hetherington and the Junior School team for creating such a beautiful way to celebrate our Foundation students.

We also held our Basketball Presentation Evening this week, celebrating a season of growth, commitment, and Lindisfarne Lions spirit. Thank you to the staff, coaches, managers and student-athletes for your outstanding efforts throughout the year. Your dedication is shaping an exciting future for basketball at Lindisfarne.

Thursday morning saw a meaningful gathering in the Chapel for our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) Morning Tea. It was a morning of fellowship, cultural connection, and conversation, a reminder of our ongoing journey of reconciliation and the importance of walking together with respect and understanding.

This morning, we hosted our final Business Breakfast of the year, and it was a fantastic way to wrap up this year’s series. With special thanks to guest panellists Jane Laverty, Dean Gould, and Aymon Gow, the conversation explored regional innovation, economic resilience, and how we can strengthen connections between business and education. A big thank you to our community and business leaders who joined us. Your support continues to enrich the opportunities available to our students.

This week, we also celebrated one of our most meaningful service events, the 24-Hour Run in support of the Lindisfarne Safe Sleep Bus initiative.

Throughout the full 24 hours, our Year 8 students and staff rotated every 20 minutes on four treadmills, maintaining momentum day and night. It was an extraordinary example of teamwork, commitment, and compassion, with students cheering each other on throughout the event..

Funds raised will go directly to the Safe Sleep Bus, which will provide mobile, secure overnight accommodation for vulnerable members of our community. This initiative offers more than just shelter; it connects individuals with long-term support services and restores dignity and safety to those in need.

While the energy and dedication from our students and staff has been remarkable, we are currently still short of our $20,000 fundraising goal. If you are in a position to support this cause, your donation could help bring this vital project to life. Let’s rally behind our students and make a tangible impact in our region.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/lindisfarne-sleep-bus-project-24-hour-run-challenge

This afternoon we celebrate our youngest athletes at the Junior Netball Presentation evening. It’s been another fantastic season filled with growth, teamwork and skill development. Thank you to all our players, coaches, managers, and parents for making it such a positive year.

A reminder that the Kinship Festival will be held this Saturday at Knox Park Murwillumbah from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is a fantastic community celebration of First Nations culture, and I encourage all families to attend and support this important and enriching event.

Good luck to our dedicated Rugby 7’s teams and Rowing Squad who compete in the Queensland All Schools Championships this weekend.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support of all that happens in and around our School. With just one week remaining in the term, we look forward to finishing strong and celebrating the many achievements of our students, especially the class of 2025 at the Year 12 Final Assembly and Walk of Honour on Wednesday.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Members of the Lindisfarne School Community,

Carlo Acutis: ‘God’s Influencer’ for Our Times

On 7 September 2025, Carlo Acutis, together with Giorgio Frassati, was declared a saint before tens of thousands of young people gathered in Rome. Saints are not simply those in whom everyone sees God, but rather those who are able to see God in everyone. This week, I would like to reflect on the life and legacy of Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), whose short yet remarkable life continues to inspire people of all ages. It is no wonder that he is often called “God’s Influencer” and celebrated as the “first millennial saint.”

Carlo was an ordinary teenager in many ways. He loved computers, taught himself coding, and enjoyed video games like Halo, Mario Kart, and Pokémon. Yet he made a conscious choice to spend only one hour a day on games, while devoting the rest of his time to prayer, faith, friendship, family, and helping others. Carlo reminds us that technology can be used for good when it is balanced with the deeper things in life.

Besides, what made Carlo extraordinary was his love for God and people. From an early age, he had a special devotion to the Eucharist, calling it “my road to heaven.” He also cared deeply for the poor, using his computer skills to design websites that documented Eucharistic miracles around the world, making faith more accessible to young people in the digital age.

Carlo left us with many gems of wisdom. Perhaps his most famous saying is: “God made us originals, but many die as photocopies.”

In a world where young people are constantly pressured to fit in, Carlo challenges us to embrace our God-given uniqueness, and to be truest selves.

Other gems from Carlo include:

“Sadness is looking at ourselves, happiness is looking towards God.” “Our goal must be infinite, not the finite. The infinite is our homeland. Heaven has been waiting for us forever.”

Carlo’s life was short - he died of leukemia at only 15 years old -yet he lived it fully, joyfully, and with a clear sense of purpose and meaning. His story raises important questions for all of us:

Who do we admire?

What are we living for?

What would you like to do with your ‘one wild and precious life’? (Mary Oliver)

To be a saint, Carlo teaches us, is not about being perfect or pious in a boring and uninspiring way. It is about refusing to settle for second best. It means placing our deepest hopes, joys, and fulfillment in God, rather than in things that fade away.

Carlo shows us that holiness is possible for everyone -students, teachers, chaplains, parents, families -right here and now. His life is a gentle but powerful reminder that sainthood is not reserved for the distant past. It is a call to live authentically, generously, and with our eyes fixed on God. As Leon Bloy wisely said, ‘the greatest tragedy is for us not to be saints."

As we reflect on Carlo’s life and legacy, may we be inspired to follow his example: to use our talents and gifts for the betterment of humanity, to put others before ourselves, and to walk with joy on the road of life but with our hearts set on heaven.

I commend our beloved school community to the prayers of Saint Carlo Acutis, that we may all become authentic and veritable witnesses of a life lived to the fullest and in the service of God and others. Amen.

Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

Planning is well advanced for the 2026 ConnectEd device rollover, which will see significant upgrades across our technology program.

From 2026, all staff and students will transition to the Apple MacBook Air M4, while current iPads (10th Gen) will continue to be used as part of the device program.

For the first time, staff and students will also have the opportunity to purchase their current MacBook Air M2 device for $800 (inc. GST). This process begins with completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the form provided.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV3RAnVuKjcU4SybtBqi7hBaiifgPQGjDo6Sag5V0zjKQUhQ/viewform?usp=dialog

EOIs close on Friday 10th October 2025 at 5.00pm, with full payment required by Monday 10th November 2025 at 5.00pm. Ownership of purchased devices will transfer to continuing staff and students on Monday 10th November 2025. Devices will then be the property of the purchaser, with no further support or responsibility carried by the School. Any staff or students who purchase their device will still be provided with a new MacBook for use at the school along with everyone else.

More details will be shared in the months ahead, but the device rollover schedule will occur as follows:

• Part One: Students in Years 7–12 will return their current MacBook Air at a scheduled time in the week beginning 17 November 2025.

• Part Two: Students will receive their new MacBook Air at a whole-cohort induction session on the first day of the 2026 school year. (Year 12, 2026 and accelerants will complete their induction and exchange for their new device in Term 4 this year.)

Staff, Year 12 (2026) and accelerated students will be upgraded in the final weeks of this year, enabling them to use their new M4 devices across the holiday break. Students K-6 will have their tech needs managed within their classgroup. IT will provide full support for data transfer to ensure a seamless transition.

Anthony Gerke
Manager - Information Services

Kane Bradford
Head - Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships

First Nations Students Shine at 2025 - Wingarra Conference

Five of our First Nations students — Lincoln, Talon, Kev, Annika, and Asia — recently attended the Wingarra Conference, an inspiring event designed to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through cultural connection, education, and leadership opportunities.

The conference brought together students from across the region to celebrate identity, strengthen pride in culture, and build networks for future pathways. Throughout the day, Lincoln, Talon, Kev, Annika, and Asia participated in a series of workshops, presentations, and cultural activities that highlighted the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples.

Building Knowledge and Leadership

At Wingarra, the students engaged with Elders, community leaders, and guest speakers who shared their journeys and wisdom. The sessions encouraged them to see themselves as leaders and future change-makers within their schools, communities, and beyond. Each student reflected on the importance of staying strong in cultural identity while also pursuing personal and educational goals.

Cultural Pride and Connection

A highlight for Lincoln, Talon, Kev, Annika, and Asia was connecting with peers from other schools and communities. They participated in traditional practices, storytelling, and yarning circles that reinforced the value of cultural knowledge and the importance of keeping stories alive for future generations.

Looking Ahead

The Wingarra Conference provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to learn, connect, and grow. The experience not only strengthened their cultural identity but also sparked motivation to continue their educational journeys with confidence.

Lincoln, Talon, Kev, Annika, and Asia returned with a renewed sense of pride and purpose, eager to share their learning and experiences with the school community.

We thank the above students for their contributions and ongoing commitment to this integral project.

Many thanks,

First Nations Coordinator 
Gypsy Togo

Robert Baggaley 
Teacher

Last week a group of Year 4 Junior School students connected with peers from around the world to share and compare the simple but meaningful routines that start our day – breakfast! As part of the Round Square Show & Tell program, students reflected on the foods and traditions that shape their mornings, while gaining insight into the diverse cultures of others.

Here is what our students had to say…..

Lucia: There were so many different schools – some from India, Britain and Sydney. The theme was “What we eat for breakfast.” The people in our group were Aki, Toby, Charlie, Rishi and me, Lucia.

Rishi: We planned our presentation by brainstorming:

• writing down the drinks we have at breakfast

• writing down common breakfast foods

• writing down special breakfasts we have

We put it all on one big piece of paper. During the speech, Akihiro spoke about drinks, Lucia shared common breakfasts, Charlie did the introduction and conclusion, and since I was away, Toby stepped in to do special breakfasts.

Akihiro: Lucia, Toby, Charlie and I talked about what we eat for breakfast. Rishi was also going to present, but he could not come. All of us, including Rishi, created pictures and speeches. We also spoke online with other Australian schools, some schools in India, and one in Britain.

Toby: It was fun and very diverse. Some people eat energy food, some eat yummy food. It was very interesting to see what other people eat across the world.

Rachel Mead
Director of Learning Enrichment - Junior School

See gallery below for more images

Sherwood Arrows Visit Sunshine Avenue!

This week we were thrilled to welcome the Sherwood Arrows Skipping Team to Sunshine Avenue – and what an incredible show they put on! Their performance was nothing short of amazing, with high-energy routines, unbelievable tricks, and inspiring teamwork that had the whole school cheering.

Not only did the Arrows wow us with their skipping skills, but they also spent time teaching our Year 3 and Year 4 students new techniques. From basic moves to more advanced tricks, the team encouraged everyone to have a go and keep challenging themselves. Their enthusiasm was contagious and has sparked a real excitement in our students to practice, improve, and learn even more skipping skills.

The visit tied in perfectly with our Jump Rope for Heart Program, which we’ve been running throughout the term. Students have been working on their skipping in PE classes, building fitness, coordination, and confidence while also supporting a great cause.

👉 Find out more about Jump Rope for Heart here: www.jumprope.org.au/parents
👉 See what the Sherwood Arrows can do here: The Sherwood Arrows | Jump Rope for Heart

A big thank you to the Sherwood Arrows for inspiring our students – and to our amazing skippers who are now more motivated than ever to keep jumping, learning new tricks, and having fun with skipping!

To read more, please click expand article.

Compassion in Action: Year 8 Leaders Complete Their Final Middle School Service Project

As their final Middle School leadership project, our Year 8 students have lived the Lindisfarne value of Compassion in Action.

Through the Lindisfarne Safe Sleep Bus project, they are helping provide dignity and hope to some of the Tweed Shire’s most vulnerable people.

The need is urgent.

• The 2021 ABS Census reports 529 people experiencing homelessness in the Tweed Shire - up from 444 in 2016 and 308 in 2011.

• Many sleep in tents or temporary shelters, and experts warn that more than half could die within five years without intervention.

• Those most at risk include young people, women and children escaping violence, older women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals with mental health challenges.

To respond, Year 8 leaders organised a 24-Hour Run to raise funds for the fit-out of the Lindisfarne Safe Sleep Bus - a mobile, secure sleeping facility offering warmth, privacy and safety.

Their efforts extended beyond the school gates, with students sharing the project at the Lindisfarne Business Breakfast and encouraging support through a GoFundMe campaign.

Thanks to the generosity of families, businesses and individuals, donations continue to grow, bringing the Lindisfarne Safe Sleep Bus vision closer to reality.

This project is more than fundraising. It shows that service is leadership and that compassion matters most when it becomes action.

As these students complete their Middle School journey and prepare for Senior School, they leave a legacy defined not just by achievement, but by heart.

If you would like to contribute to the Lindisfarne Safe Sleep Bus project, please visit the following GoFund Me link https://gofund.me/32ef7bda

Wait Mate

Why Waiting Matters: Compelling New Research

Sapien Labs, a nonprofit research organisation focused on global mental wellbeing, has published eye-opening findings about the relationship between smartphone use and mental health - particularly among young people.

Their annual Mental State of the World Report, based on data from hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide, reveals a stark pattern: the younger someone is when they receive their first smartphone, the worse their mental health outcomes tend to be in adulthood.

This pattern holds across countries, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. It is not just a coincidence. The data shows clear associations between early smartphone use and higher rates of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, self-harm, and difficulty with social relationships later in life.

Why Does Smartphone Use Impact Mental Health?

Smartphones are not just communication tools - they are a gateway to social media, constant connectivity, and often, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive algorithms.

Early smartphone exposure interferes with key developmental stages. Childhood and early adolescence are critical periods for developing emotional regulation, real-world social skills, and a strong sense of self. Excessive screen time and online interactions can distort these processes.

The Sapien Labs Findings Summarised

• Later smartphone adoption correlates with better mental health. The average mental wellbeing scores were significantly higher for those who got their first smartphone at age 18 versus age 10 or 11.

• This trend is stronger for girls than boys. Girls who received smartphones earlier reported notably worse mental health outcomes, likely due to the intensifying pressures and dynamics of social media.

• It is not just about screen time. It is about when the digital world becomes a dominant force in a child’s life.

What This Means for Parents

It is tempting to give in when your child asks for a smartphone - especially when "everyone else" seems to have one. But the science suggests that waiting may be one of the most protective, loving choices you can make for your child’s future well-being.

What Can You Do?

1. Delay smartphone access as long as possible. Consider alternatives like basic phones that allow calls and texts without internet or apps.

2. Be open and honest with your child. Explain why you’re making this decision. Ground your reasoning in love, not fear.

3. Build a community of like-minded parents through Wait Mate. You’re not alone. Many families are rethinking the early smartphone trend. Work together to support shared boundaries in your child's school year group.

4. Model healthy tech behaviour. Children take cues from how we use our devices. Set limits, have device-free times, and prioritise face-to-face interaction.

If you would like to join Wait Mate, please take the pledge: Pledge now

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Buddies program draws to a close.

As our Year 12 students prepare to step into the next chapter of their schooling journey with the upcoming HSC exams, we bid a fond farewell to the incredible Buddies Program for this year.

Spearheaded by Amity Leach, the program played a vital role in easing the transition for our youngest Middle School students as they joined the Mahers Lane campus. And what a difference it made! Our Year 5 students absolutely loved their buddies.

Throughout the year, the bond between buddies grew stronger. The playground often echoed with excited shouts of “Buddy!” as Year 5 students spotted their older friends in the crowd — like spotting a celebrity in the wild! Week after week, our Year 12 students visited homerooms, played games, shared stories, and most importantly, built meaningful relationships with their Year 5 counterparts.

To our Year 12 buddies: thank you. Your time, kindness, and presence made a lasting impact. You’ve been role models, friends, and champions to our younger students, and your efforts will not be forgotten.

We wish you all the very best in your HSC exams and beyond. Know that you’ve left a legacy of friendship and support that will carry on.

Paula Drew
Year 5 Coordinator

Our new Be Kind group enjoyed their first visit to Infinite Care this week.

Students spent the afternoon playing boardgames and sharing stories with residents, filling the room with laughter and warm conversations. It was a wonderful way to end our day, showing how small acts of kindness can create big connections. We are very excited to go back again!

Bronte Ryan
Teacher

The phrase “boys will be boys” is one many of us have heard, sometimes casually, sometimes dismissively, and often as a way of excusing behaviour that falls short of what we hope for our young men. On the surface, it can sound harmless, but underneath it communicates a dangerous message: that boys are somehow less capable of making respectful, responsible choices than their peers. In truth, it diminishes them. It lowers expectations, excuses poor behaviour, and denies them the challenge and opportunity to become their best selves.

As the mother of boys, I will never settle for this phrase. It devoids them of accountability and does not call them to something higher. I want my sons, and all of our young men, to know they are capable of much more: of kindness, of strength that uplifts, of courage that chooses respect, and of integrity that holds firm even when it is difficult.

In the Senior School, we know our young men are more than the stereotype. They are intelligent, compassionate, creative, and capable of deep goodness. That is why our Senior School programs, such as The Rite Journey and DARE, are so important. These programs are designed to walk alongside boys in their journey to adulthood, challenging them to think deeply about their choices, guiding them towards responsibility, and encouraging them to see themselves as capable of far more than society’s easy excuses. They remind our students that their actions matter, that respect is not optional, and that strength is best measured in how they treat others.

The world our students will inherit needs men who are thoughtful and responsible, not men who were excused from accountability in their formative years. When we expect more, boys rise to meet that expectation. When we model respect, they learn to give it. When we show them that their words and actions carry weight, they grow into men of substance.

As a school, we share this responsibility. Parents, teachers, coaches, and peers all play a part in challenging the excuse of “boys will be boys.” Together, we can replace it with something far more powerful: “our boys will be men of integrity.”

This is not about stifling their energy or dampening their spirit, but about guiding it towards purpose. With the support of programs like The Rite Journey and DARE, and with the encouragement of us all, we can help our young men grow into respectful, responsible, and kind adults. They are capable, and they deserve nothing less.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Year 10 Trade Readiness Program

A number of Year 10 students recently participated in the Trade Readiness Program, a hands-on Construction Career Experience developed by RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) specifically for Year 10 students.

The immersive program was designed for students interested in exploring a career in construction or related trades, offering valuable insight into real-world industry practices. Across the three days, students completed their White Card training, a mandatory requirement for working on construction sites, and engaged in a two-day practical carpentry workshop. During this time, they developed hands-on skills while constructing two beautifully crafted bench seats, which are now proudly in use within the school grounds.

This program has provided students with authentic skills and industry knowledge that will support their future career exploration. A big thank you to the RIEP team for creating this opportunity and to Mr Daniel Hodgetts, Industrial Technology teacher, for supporting the students throughout the program.

To read more, please click expand article.

Year 11 Exams, HSC Revisions, Year 12 Reports

Year 11 Examinations Continue next week

Year 11 Examinations Timetable can be viewed here.

We wish all the Year 11 students and Year 10 accelerants all the best for the rest of their examinations.

Term Break HSC Revision Sessions

The timetable for HSC revision sessions during the Term Break can be found here.

ATAR notes are also running online revision sessions further information can be found via the link.

Reports

Year 12 Final Reports and Interim Reports for students in Years 5-10 will be published next week.

Caroline Jeffries
Dean of Studies

On Wednesday, 10 September, the Senior Centre hosted our annual Public Speaking Competition. Students from Years 6–12 presented their speeches to an audience of families, staff, and peers, each sharing ideas and perspectives they had carefully prepared.

Topics ranged from personal reflections to social issues, and students impressed the audience with their thoughtful writing, clear delivery, and confidence on stage. Adjudicators commented on the strength of structure and use of persuasive language across all year groups.

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up in each division, and well done to every student who took part. A sincere thank you to the English faculty for their organisation, the adjudicators for their feedback, the families who came along to support the evening, and to our Communications Prefect, Amelia Holtsbaum, for assisting on the night.

The competition is always a highlight of the year, giving our students the chance to practise an important skill: speaking with clarity and conviction.

Stage 3 Winner: Bridie Haslop

Stage 3 Runner Up: Woodrow Jackson

Stage 4 Winner: Belle Clarke

Stage 4 Runner Up: Calvin Barlow

Stage 5: Winner: Annebelle Simms

Stage 5 Runner Up: Walt Samuels

Stage 6 Winner: Nicolas Leotta

Stage 6 Runner Up: Leo Lush

Julia Treacy
Teacher

See gallery below for photos

Team Kuchisabishii at the ToM NSW State Finals

After a long journey to Sydney, the Kuchisabishii Tournament of Minds (ToM) team arrived at the University of New South Wales, ready to take on the State Finals. Passing through the grand gates of UNSW, we were eager to discover this year’s STEM challenge.

The challenge gave us just three hours to create a solution, with a spontaneous problem revealed halfway through that had to be solved in only a few minutes. We entered the room full of energy (and snacks!) and worked hard to complete both tasks.

After lunch, we watched other teams present their creative solutions, before it was our turn to take the stage at 3:20pm, coincidentally, the same time our school day usually ends. We shared our presentation confidently, then faced some thoughtful questions from the judges.

Once all teams had performed, we joined the crowd of hundreds for the much-anticipated results. The atmosphere was electric as the STEM Secondary category was announced. While our team didn’t take home a trophy this year, we were proud of our efforts and inspired by the ingenious solutions of the winning teams.

It was a memorable day, filled with teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, and we are already looking forward to next year’s challenge.

Interested in joining ToM in 2026? Sign-ups will open at the end of Term 2.

Ashton, Elzin, Riva, Eddie, Beatrice, Samantha and Stephanie.
Team Kuchisabishii

Louise Godden
Teacher

Proudly Supported By

RUGBY CAPTAINS’ DINNER

The 2025 Lindisfarne Rugby Captain's Dinner and Presentation Night will be held on Thursday, 25 September from 6.30pm (6.00pm arrival) at Twin Towns, Tweed Heads. This dinner will be for our year 5 - 12 students and parents who have been involved in the rugby program. There will be a number of awards presented on the night, including:

• Boys U12 Player of the Year

• Boys U13 Player of the Year

• Boys U14 Player of the Year

• Boys U15 Player of the Year

• Boys U16 Player of the Year

• Boys 1st XV Player of the Year

• Girls U15 Player of the Year

• Girls U16 Player of the Year

• Girls 1st 7 Player of the Year

• Most Promising

• Most Improved

• Representative Player of the Year

• Lily Dick Spirit of Rugby Award

Tickets are $40 and bookings can be made HERE or by clicking the link in the invitation below. All students are required to be in a formal school uniform on the night with parents in smart dress. This will be a great evening and a wonderful way to cap off the 2025 school rugby season for both XV-aside and 7-aside programs. If you have any questions, please let Dr Coyne or your respective coach know, and we hope to see you all there.

To read more, please click expand article.

We are delighted to celebrate the incredible success of our Year 12 Drama class, who have achieved an extraordinary 16 nominations for OnSTAGE 2025, one of the highest levels of recognition for HSC Drama students across New South Wales. This includes three Group Performances and an astounding thirteen Individual Performances.

Such an achievement is a true testament to the creativity, dedication, and resilience of our students. Over the course of three terms, including countless afternoons, weekends, and school holidays, the Year 12 Drama class has immersed themselves in both self-devised works and scripted performances, bringing to life a diverse range of characters, ideas, and stories on stage.

To have 16 works recognised for OnSTAGE is a brilliant achievement, one that underscores the talent and dedication of this cohort. The nomination process is highly competitive, with only the most outstanding works from across the state considered. Our students’ success is the result of months of rigorous rehearsal, peer collaboration, and the courage to take risks in their artistic practice.

We are especially proud of the outstanding group of Year 12 students, including Scout Bee Jones, Tess Burgess, Charli Cameron, Meadow Chamberlain, Levi Elias, Layla Hutchinson, Lily Keane, Chloe Latham, Jamie Mifsud, Evie Mills, Ivan Pacak, Cameron Risk, Tyler Sim, Bonnie Starling, Escher Theobald, Zephyr Togo, Uma von Stolzenheim, and Lilly Warman. Each student has made a remarkable contribution to this achievement, and together they have set a new benchmark for excellence in Drama at Lindisfarne.

Amy Camer
Acting Director of Performing Arts

Our Year 10 Drama students recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in Queensland Theatre Company’s Scene Project, presenting their own interpretation of Recalibrate, a brand-new Australian work. The Scene Project invites students from across the state to engage in the creative process by exploring a professional script, reimagining its themes and structure, and shaping it into a unique 15-minute performance.

The class approached this challenge with remarkable imagination and dedication. Their version of Recalibrate demonstrated incredible scriptwriting skills, creative problem-solving, and ensemble collaboration. Under the direction of Anna Haubeck and Sofia Wilson, the students brought the play to life with flair and confidence, balancing humour, poignancy, and powerful ideas.

Special mention goes to Sienna Williamson, Madeleine Neuman, and Clementine Ball, who took on leading roles with maturity and stage presence. Yet, this performance was truly a collective achievement. Every member of the class contributed with professionalism, skill, and creativity, ensuring the final performance was cohesive, dynamic, and deeply engaging.

The day was an inspiring experience for our students, allowing them to perform in a professional theatre environment while collaborating with one of Australia’s leading theatre companies. Their work exemplifies the strength of our Drama program and the creativity of our young performers.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Kennedy and Mrs Shepherd for accompanying and supporting the students on this wonderful day.

Amy Camer
Acting Director of Performing Arts

It has been an exciting and rewarding fortnight for our Lindisfarne students who competed in the Speech and Drama sections of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

With 137 categories and over 1,000 young performers from across the region, the Eisteddfod is one of the largest of its kind—and our students shone brightly on this competitive stage.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 10 represented Lindisfarne with skill and confidence, participating in a wide range of sections including Poetry, Drama, Prose, Mime, and Improvisation, individually, in pairs or in groups. Their performances were of an exceptional standard, with many students proudly bringing home medals.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents and caregivers for your continued support with practice and costuming. Your encouragement plays a vital role in the success of our performers.

We are so proud of every student who took part—you represented Lindisfarne with poise, creativity, and enthusiasm.

Kim, Holly, Hannah, Katy, Melissa and Maddy
Speech and Drama Tutors

We are so excited to share that three Lindisfarne students took out major awards in the Speech and Drama section of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. These major awards were chosen by the two adjudicators and presented to the students by the Chair of the Eisteddfod Nick Scott and General Manager, Nicci Wilson.

Congratulations to;

Kaspar Morrison (Year 2) - Outstanding Speaker of Prose

Madison Camer (Year 4) - Outstanding Speaker of Prose

Keely Mohan (Year 6) - Outstanding Speaker of Verse

A special mention must also go to Amelia Haubek (Year 7) who won an unbelievable six gold, one silver and one bronze medal at this Eisteddfod. An outstanding achievement!

KimShepherd
Drama Teacher

Homework Club will resume in Week 2 of Term 4. Enjoy the break!

Jaqueline O'Sullivan
Director of Learning Enrichment - Middle School

Lindisfarne is proud to again offer the Ad Astra program in 2026. The name “Ad Astra” is derived from the Latin phrase “Per Ardua Ad Astra”, which means “through hard work to the stars”. The Ad Astra Program provides students with opportunities to further develop and extend their academic abilities. They will work with like-minded and similarly capable students in a challenging environment to enable them to reach their highest academic potential. This program will continue Years 6, 7 and 8. An email has been sent to all parents of students in years 5, 6 and 7 outlining the process to apply for this program. Students currently in the Ad Astra program will not need to reapply.

Key dates:

1. Attend an online Parent Information session on Tuesday, 14th October at 6:00 pm (NSW time). This session will explain the structure and expectations of the AdAstra program and address any questions parents may have. Please use the link provided: Online Parent Information Session

2. Complete the Application Form. Submissions are due by 3 pm on Friday, 24th October.

3. Applicants who are new enrolments to the school in 2024 will need to be available on Saturday, 1st November from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to complete rigorous testing, as part of the application process. Please arrive at the Chapel by 8:45 am. If your child usually requires special provisions, please email Mrs JacquiO’Sullivan at jacqueline.osullivan@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au prior to the examination date, along with evidence from your child's school or Individual Plan.

4. For current Lindisfarne student applicants, the testing process will occur at school on Friday, 31st October.

Mrs Jacqueline O’Sullivan
Director of Learning Enrichment - Middle School

Take advantage of the best range of products and great prices.

As a partner of Lindisfarne, we are excited to announce that JB Hi-Fi is generously offering the School Community access to their Corporate Benefits program.

Choose from hundreds of technology brands and thousands of unique technology products, appliances and electronics.

Susannah Jepson
Administration Assistant - Partnerships

Designed for primary aged children, ROAR! is a full-day school vacation program based around Performing Arts experiences. We aim to nurture children’s creative expression and deliver maximum fun! Daily activities will include drama games, music, singing and dance, team quests, puppet shows and heaps more. We cater for all levels of experience and confidence - from first-timers through to budding superstars!

Children will develop confidence, explore, embrace and express their own creativity, develop teamwork skills and self-control, all while making new friends and having fun on their holidays! It's held at the beautiful Kirra Hill Community and Cultural Centre over two days - come for one day or both. More details on the flyer or call Katy Crosby on 0411714449 for more info and enrolment.