2026 Term 1 Week 2 6 Feb 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we conclude Week 2 of Term 1, the energy and excitement across our School have been noticeable. With major events, key programs, and community connection clearly evident, it has been a week that reflects the depth of education at Lindisfarne.

We began the week with the Junior School Year 4 House Captain Induction Ceremony. It was a proud and significant moment for our student leaders as they accepted the responsibility of leading their peers this term. Congratulations to all inducted students, and thank you to our staff and families for your support.

That same evening, the Mahers Lane campus came alive with two important events. Our Senior School “Meet the Tutor” evening offered valuable opportunities for parents to connect with their child’s House tutor and hear more about the year ahead.

In addition, we hosted a compelling Parent Education session featuring Andrew Lines, who introduced The Rite Journey's philosophy and framework. This award-winning program remains a strength of our Year 9 offering, fostering growth, purpose, and resilience in our students. We are proud to have facilitated this transformative journey at Lindisfarne for the past eight years. Recently, Lindisfarne was recognised nationally as a Lead School for the Rite Journey program.

Tuesday marked a major milestone with the ‘Turning of the Sod’ Ceremony for our new Year 7 Centre and Creative Industries Precinct. It was a joy to share this event with students, staff, School Council, architects, builders and project partners as we broke ground on what will become a signature learning space on our Mahers Lane campus. The Year 7 Centre will transform how our Year 7 students commence the secondary years of their education, and the Creative Industries precinct will serve as a future-focused hub for innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

We aim to have both facilities operational for the 2027 School Year, with the Class of 2032 as the first Year 7 cohort to use the Year 7 centre.

Please see the carousel below for more images of the ‘Turning of the Sod’ Ceremony.

On Wednesday morning, we welcomed several prospective families interested in attending the School in future years to our first 2026 Principal’s Tour at the Mahers Lane campus. The strong attendance reflects Lindisfarne's growing reputation as a school of choice in our region. Thank you to our student leaders and staff who showcased the campus with pride and professionalism.

Later that evening, we had strong attendance from parents of Year 7 and Year 8 students at the parent information evening. It is encouraging to see so many parents actively engaging in their children's education.

This morning, both campuses had the opportunity to view the NRL and NRLW Premiership trophies, medallions, and Broncos Premiership Ring from the 2025 season. I’m grateful to Nathan Baunach, General Manager Community and Social Impact at the Brisbane Broncos, for sharing this opportunity with our Lindisfarne Students and Staff. We congratulate the Brisbane Broncos on their success and for the off-field community work they do each year.

Today, we also bid farewell to a valued member of our Grounds and Maintenance Team, Michael Boag, who is embarking on an extraordinary journey with Papershoes, an environmental awareness campaign running 80 marathons in 80 consecutive days across India to raise awareness of plastic waste and pollution.

Papershoes uses the marathon as a powerful metaphor: protecting our planet is a marathon, not a sprint. Beyond the physical challenge, the initiative represents long-term responsibility, collective action, and care for the next generation. Michael will be joined by two fellow runners from India and Italy, reinforcing the truly global nature of this cause.

We are incredibly proud of Michael, and as he embarks on this courageous, values-driven initiative, we wish him every success as he runs with purpose and strives to make a meaningful difference on the world stage. You can follow and support his journey via www.paper.shoes or contribute through GoFundMe.

Tonight, we look forward to welcoming parents to the ‘meet the teacher’ evening at Sunshine Avenue, followed by the 2026 Principal’s and P&F Welcome Evening for parents, supporters and staff from both campuses. These events provide important touchpoints to strengthen the home-school partnership and share our collective vision for the year ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

A final reminder that our first Spiritual Gym service for 2026 will take place this Sunday afternoon at Mahers Lane Chapel. Join us for fellowship and refreshments at 4.30pm, followed by the service from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. All are warmly invited.

Thank you all for your continued support, and have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Guardians,

As you may already be aware, Lindisfarne is part of the internationally diverse network of schools known as ‘Round Square.’ Round Square has Six Ideals which we will be exploring during our year 7-10 Chapel Services this year.

I would also like to take the opportunity to speak to these ideals in my Newsletter Articles throughout the course of the year, starting with the First Ideal of ‘Democracy.’

The purpose of democracy is to provide the opportunity for everyone to have their say in decisions that affect them.

Democracy dates back to the fifth Century B.C. and originated in Athens, Greece. The word itself is of Greek origin and is a compound word - dēmos (people) and kratos (rule/power), so, “rule by the people.”

Democracy initially spread due to Alexander the Great’s intentional hellenization of much of the ancient world through his military campaigns from Egypt to Asia.

Democracy, whilst not of Christian origin, is often seen as being compatible with Christianity.

This is due, in large part, to the Bible’s emphasis on human equality as expressed through the concept of the imago Dei, the Image of God, which, historically, predates democracy.

But to truly appreciate the concept of the imago Dei we need to understand it within its original context of the Ancient Near Eastern world.

In ancient Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilisation, the concept of the image of the gods was reserved for the king whilst everyone else was a slave to the gods and to their image bearer, the king. This was an absolutely oppressive regime for all but the very few.

It was from within this predominant worldview of oppression that came the radically liberating concept that absolutely all of humanity bears the imago Dei, the image of God - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, mental capacity, physical ability, social or economic status, political affiliation, or any other distinction imaginable - everyone, bears the image of God.

And so, historically speaking, this is where the recognition of universal human dignity and equality within our Western culture actually comes from - from the very first chapter of the Bible (Genesis 1:26-7).

This is the reason why democracy is seen as not only being compatible with Christianity but also complementary to the entire Judeo-Christian Tradition.

If all human beings are of equal value then all should have the opportunity to have an equal say in how they are governed and on other decisions that impact on their daily lives.

Here at Lindisfarne we promote the Ideal of Democracy because we firmly believe in the innate worth of each member of our community.

All of us should have the freedom to contribute in ways which are fair and just for the betterment of our school.. But with this freedom comes the responsibility to ensure that we make wise and informed decisions.

So as we begin the new school year, I encourage all of you to consider how you can best contribute to the life of our wonderful school community. - knowing that the freedom to choose comes with it the responsibility to do so wisely.

Blessings,

Reverend Lyndon

School Fee Cash Payments

If anyone wishes to pay their school fees in cash at either Maher’s Lane or the Junior School, could you please call or email accounts in advance to make an appointment, outside of start and finish bell times.

Planning ahead will ensure you do not have to wait.

Email : accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Lindisfarne Buses

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

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

Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.

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

Brett Dinsdale
Business Manager

Students are invited to bring a personal school-related object- pencil case, etc, to be blessed.

Register via the following link: LINK

What a wonderful start we have made to the year at the Junior School! Across the campus, there has been a real sense of energy and purpose as students have settled into routines, reconnected with friends and embraced the opportunities ahead. It has been a pleasure to see classrooms alive with learning and our students demonstrating the curiosity, enthusiasm and respect that characterise our community.

Adding to the excitement today was a very special visit to the school by Lindisfarne parent Nathan Baunach, who generously brought with him the NRL and NRLW Premiership trophies. The buzz around the school was palpable as students had the opportunity to see the trophies up close, take photos and share in a truly memorable experience. Alongside the excitement, it was particularly pleasing to hear our students' thoughtful and insightful questions. We extend our sincere thanks to Nathan for this wonderful opportunity and for generously sharing his time with our community.

Looking ahead, we are excited for next week’s Junior Swimming Carnival, to be held on Wednesday. Communications from our Sport Department should have reached family inboxes today and include all the important information students and parents need to know. We ask families to please note the importance of punctuality on the day, as buses will need to be loaded promptly from 8:40am.

It is shaping up to be a terrific start to the year, and we look forward to the many learning, sporting and community moments still to come.

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School

As we settle into the 2026 school year, we are excited to continue building a strong, positive culture across the Junior School and to warmly welcome the new students and families who have joined our community.

Next week, we will begin our Round Square Heroes of Discovery cycle for 2026. This is a much-loved and deeply embedded part of Junior School life, where we explicitly teach, identify and celebrate positive character traits aligned with the Round Square Discoveries. Through this journey, students learn that character matters and that their actions, choices and attitudes can have a positive impact on others and the world around us.

Throughout the year, students will be introduced to 12 Heroes of Discovery, each sharing a unique trait and positive message.

We will begin next week with one of our favourites, Responsible Rami, who teaches us the importance of making thoughtful choices, taking ownership of our actions, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching!

As part of the launch, we will also hold an induction session for new students in Years 1–4. During this session, students will learn about our Junior School hero journey so far and take part in a Hero Hunt, venturing into the playground to discover our Heroes “in the wild” alongside our Year 4 House Captains.

We look forward to welcoming our new students and families into this journey and continuing to build a strong, positive and values-driven culture across the Junior School.

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

As part of the Junior School leadership process, we begin the school year with House Captain elections, recognising our Year 4 students as the leaders of the Junior School campus. The house system fosters leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging within our Junior School community.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce our Junior School House Captains for Term 1 2026. Students recognised by their peers and teachers for their enthusiasm, integrity, and commitment to leading by example.

Our House Captains play an important role in building House spirit, supporting school events, and modelling our school values through their everyday actions.

St Andrew - Archer Krebs and Essy Watson 

St Barnabas - Lily Clunies-Ross and Kai Fydler

St Cuthbert - Davyn Lockett and Isabel Gallagher

St Hilda -  Sam Moor and Alayah Aitken

St Margaret - Max Gatwood and Mackenzie McLeish

St Stephen - Lilly Haigh and Archer Plant

We congratulate each of our House Captains and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have at the Junior School

Dana Dowker
Dean of Students - Junior School

Parent Ed - Dr Kaylene Henderson

Parents are invited to attend Bringing Out the Best in Your Child, a practical and engaging presentation by leading child psychiatrist and parenting specialist Dr Kaylene Henderson. This session will explore how to balance encouraging independence while maintaining a strong parent–child relationship, and will share research-based strategies for calming children when they are upset, building problem solving skills, and encouraging cooperative behaviour. Presented in Dr Kaylene’s warm and relatable style, the session will also include time for questions. Dr Kaylene is one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, a highly trained medical specialist, and a mother of three. The presentation will be held on Thursday 26 February at 9:00 am in the Lindisfarne Junior School Performing Arts Centre. Please register through the link in the flyer attached to this newsletter.

K - 6 URSTRONG - Language of Friendship Workshop (Online)

Please keep an eye out for information about our upcoming URSTRONG: Language of Friendship parent session. Through interactive parent–child activities, parents will learn the language and strategies used at school to support children in developing healthy, feel-good friendships. The session will revisit key concepts from the URSTRONG Friendology curriculum, helping to reinforce a consistent “language of friendship” across both home and school.

• The 4 Friendship Facts

• The Friend-o-Meter

• The Friend-o-Cycle

• Friendship Fires vs Mean-on-Purpose

Dana Dowker
Dean of Students Junior School

As 2026 begins and Term 1 is well and truly underway, the Learning Enrichment team has enjoyed a positive and purposeful start to the year alongside our Junior School students and staff. It has been wonderful to see students settling into new routines, reconnecting with peers, making new friends and engaging confidently in learning across all our classrooms.

What a wonderful start to Kindergarten we’ve had! Over the past two weeks, our little Turtles, Dolphins and Frogs have been busy settling into school life, making new friends and getting to know everyone’s names. We’ve been practising walking in two straight lines, sometimes wiggly, sometimes wonderful, and enjoying peaceful picnics together under the shady trees.

Term 1 Key Dates – Junior School

Please add the following important Term 1 dates to your calendar:

• Wednesday 25 February (Week 3): LAGS Primary Swimming Carnival – Years 3–6
• Wednesday 25 February (Week 5): NCIS Primary Swimming Carnival
• Friday 27 March (Week 9): Pre-school – Year 1 Fun Cross Country

• Thursday 2 April (Week 10): Years 2–12 Lindisfarne Cross Country Carnival

Junior and Middle School Swimming Carnival

Our first major carnival for the year will be the Years 3–6 Swimming Carnival, to be held on Wednesday 11 February (Week 3).

All students in Years 3 and 4 will attend the carnival, along with competitive swimmers who turn 8 in Year 2.

Further information will be sent home in the coming weeks to all eligible students.

Please ensure you read this information carefully. If you have any questions, please contact Damien Clucas (Head of Sport) or Nathan Croft at the Junior Campus.

Thank You - Stage 4 Families

Thank you to our Stage 4 (Years 7–8) parents and carers who attended the Information Technology session and Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening earlier this week. It was wonderful to see such strong attendance and engagement.

The evening provided a valuable opportunity to discuss shared expectations and processes around school devices and digital use, as well as to strengthen connections between families and key Middle School staff. The thoughtful questions and positive conversations highlighted the importance of partnership between home and school, particularly as students continue to settle into Middle School routines and expectations.

We appreciate the time families took to attend and contribute, and we look forward to working closely together throughout the year.

Stage 3 (Years 5-6) - Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening

Stage 3 families are warmly invited to attend our upcoming Information Technology Session and Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evening on Monday, 9 February, held at the Senior Centre.

This evening is designed to provide clarity, connection, and a strong start to the year. The night will be split into two important sessions:

• 5:00PM – 6:00PM | Digital Learning & Communication (Information Technology Session)

Learn how digital platforms are used to support student organisation, learning, and feedback. We will show you how to stay “in the loop” with your child’s progress, school communications, device use, and Middle School routines and expectations.

• 6:00PM – 7:00PM | Meet the Homeroom Teacher

Your child’s Homeroom Teacher plays a key role in supporting their wellbeing and day-to-day learning. This session provides the opportunity to meet Homeroom Teachers, Year Coordinators, and key Middle School staff, and to hear important information about pastoral care, learning routines, and upcoming Stage 3 experiences, including camps. Families will also have the opportunity to ask questions

We strongly encourage all Stage 3 families to attend and look forward to welcoming you for an informative and supportive evening.

Upcoming Swimming Carnivals at Lindisfarne

We are looking forward to our annual Lindisfarne Swimming Carnivals at the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, Murwillumbah. These carnivals are always a highlight of the school calendar, showcasing House spirit in a fun and competitive atmosphere.

• Secondary Swimming Carnival (Years 7–12)

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

• Primary Swimming Carnival (Years 3–6)

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Both carnivals are normal school days, with compulsory attendance for students in the relevant year groups. Whether students are competitive swimmers or enthusiastic supporters, everyone is encouraged to get involved and proudly represent their House.

Students should wear House colours and school-appropriate swimwear, and come prepared for a full day of participation, cheering, friendship, and school spirit.

The Sports Department has shared further details with families, including departure and return times, what to bring, and lunch arrangements. We encourage all students to arrive prepared and ready for a positive day of connection, energy, and House pride.

Starting the Year with Gratitude and Connection

“Life is not always happiness. Sometimes, there are many hard days. But you must remember that you are lucky to be alive. Every breath is a gift. Life is beautiful if you let it be. Happiness is in your hands.”

As we begin a new school year, Eddie Jaku’s words remind us to notice the positive in our lives. Gratitude, appreciating the people, experiences, and acts of kindness around us, helps students build resilience, form stronger friendships, and feel a sense of belonging.

This is an ideal time to celebrate existing friendships and welcome new peers into our Middle School community. By recognising kindness, effort, and support from others, we strengthen our connections and create a positive, inclusive environment.

Together, as staff, families, and students, we can make this year one filled with respect, kindness, and shared growth.

Wishing all our Middle School families a positive and settled start to 2026.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

A few quick updates for Stage 3 families:

Canteen & Bahna Cafe Updates

Students can access the Canteen and Bahna Café during the first 10 minutes of both eating breaks.

A friendly reminder: while the café is a fun option, it is not a substitute for lunch. Please continue to pack a healthy meal for your child. Students are encouraged to eat their packed lunch first and may then purchase items for themselves.

Payment: We recommend loading funds onto your child’s student card for ease of use. Please ensure you have an active Flexischools account set up.

Seesaw: Years 5 & 6

Get ready to see learning in action! This year, Years 5 and 6 will use Seesaw to share regular updates and work samples. Login instructions will be sent home shortly so you can follow your child’s classroom learning and achievements.

Stage 3 Break Time Activities - Term 1

We’re pleased to share the range of break-time activities available to our Year 5 and 6 students this term. These offerings are designed to support student wellbeing, connection and choice, giving students opportunities to unwind, move, create and collaborate during the school day.

Across Weeks A and B, students can choose from a variety of supervised activities, including:

• Library activities for quiet reading and games

• Unwind Club and Colouring Club for calm, creative time

• Garden Club, meeting at the slide, for hands-on outdoor learning

• Line Dancing and Just Dance for movement and fun

• Craft Club and Jigsaw Club for creativity and problem-solving

• Robotics Club for students who enjoy design and technology

• Games Club and Round Square Club to encourage social connection and teamwork

These break-time options help students build friendships and try new interests.

We encourage families to talk with their children about the activities they might like to explore and remind them that they are welcome to try different options across the fortnight.

Paula Drew & Kristina Diaz
Stage 3 Coordinators

From the Head of Senior School

Monday evening’s Meet the Senior School Tutor Night, held in the Senior Centre, was a wonderful success and a very positive start to the year. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to connect with one another, as well as to spend time with staff in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Most importantly, it allowed families to begin building meaningful relationships with their child’s House Tutor.

As we so often emphasise, the House Tutor is a crucial touchpoint for students and their families throughout their time in the Senior School. Tutors are most often the first point of contact when families need to connect with the School, and strong relationships established early are central to effective communication and pastoral care. It was pleasing to see so many conversations taking place and such a strong sense of community evident throughout the evening.

Following this event, we were delighted to host a highly engaging Information Session for our Year 9 parents with Andrew Lines, founder of The Rite Journey, our flagship Senior School wellbeing program. Andrew’s presentation reinforced the importance of intentional, developmentally appropriate support for adolescents and was very well received by those in attendance.

Wednesday marked a particularly significant milestone for our Year 12 students, who were formally presented with their Year 12 jerseys. This moment represents an important rite of passage in the Senior School, symbolising both the responsibilities and the privileges that come with stepping into the role of our most senior students. The presentation of the jerseys is always a powerful reminder of the journey our students have taken to reach this point, and of the leadership, integrity and commitment we now ask them to model for those who follow.

Looking ahead, next week we turn our attention to the Years 7 to 12 Swimming Carnival, an important and much-anticipated event in the life of the School. I would like to reiterate the clear expectation that all students attend the carnival. Where possible, students are expected to compete and contribute to their House points. In cases where swimming is not possible, students are still required to attend and support their peers. These carnivals play a vital role in building School culture, House spirit and a shared sense of pride and belonging.

A reminder also that all students are required to travel to and from the carnival via bus from the Mahers Lane campus. Students driving directly to or from the venue is not permitted under any circumstances.

School carnivals provide far more than just competition. They are opportunities for students to demonstrate teamwork and sportsmanship, and to participate in a collective experience that strengthens our school. We look forward to a spirited and enjoyable day for all involved.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge that there has been an increase in parent enquiries regarding homework expectations across the Senior School. I can confirm that, together with the other Heads of Subschool, we are currently developing a clear set of guidelines grounded in best practice. This document will be designed to support both students and families in understanding homework expectations, with careful consideration given to a student’s age, stage of development and overall wellbeing. Further information will be shared with families once this work has been finalised.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

We are delighted to share that our School Captain, Phoebe Robins, and Vice Captain, Kimiyo Tango, have been named finalists in the Young Woman of the Year category at the Heart of Women Awards, to be held on Saturday, 7 March at the Imperial Hotel on the Gold Coast.

The Heart of Women Awards form part of the Gowns and Crowns Awards Night, a charity event celebrating women who demonstrate compassion, leadership and service within their communities. The event proudly supports Agape Outreach Inc, a not-for-profit organisation committed to living out agape, meaning self-sacrificial love.

Founded by Theresa Mitchell, Agape Outreach Inc works to support people who are hurting, homeless, isolated or in need. Through initiatives such as meals on the streets, food hampers, housing support and life-skills training, the organisation seeks to honour the dignity and worth of every person, showing love through action and building community through care.

Phoebe and Kimiyo’s selection as finalists is a wonderful recognition of their leadership, empathy and commitment to service. They exemplify the values of our school and continue to make a positive impact both within our community and beyond.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Parent Information 2026

We would like to sincerely thank the parents who attended our recent Parent Information Evening and had the opportunity to meet Andrew Lines, founder of The Rite Journey. Andrew shared his deep insight into the philosophy and purpose of the program, and we are grateful for the guidance and support he has provided our school over the past eight years. We are especially appreciative of his encouragement as Lindisfarne becomes a lead school for The Rite Journey.

For families who were unable to attend the evening, the following information provides an overview of The Rite Journey and what your child will experience throughout the year.

What is The Rite Journey?

The Rite Journey is a year-long pastoral care program designed to support students through the important transition from childhood to being a young adult. Using the Rite of Passage framework and the Hero’s Journey, the program encourages personal growth, self-reflection, resilience, and the development of meaningful relationships.

At Lindisfarne, we have used The Rite Journey framework to create events and ceremonies that are unique to our community and aligned with our values.

The Calling Ceremony

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Students will walk along the beach from Kingscliff to Fingal, participating in a range of team-building activities along the way. After lunch, the Calling Ceremony will be held on the beach at Fingal. This ceremony marks the beginning of each student’s Rite Journey and their commitment to the year ahead.

The Departure Ceremony

Wednesday 18 February 2026, 5.45 am, Lindisfarne Top Oval

Parents and carers are invited to attend this important ceremony, which formally marks the students’ departure from childhood. Every student needs to be accompanied by a parent or carer. A note with further details and RSVP information will be sent shortly.

The Role of the Mentor

Following the Calling Ceremony, students will be introduced to the Mentor Challenge. With parental support, each student will select and invite a trusted adult to be their mentor. Together, they may work on a project or develop a new skill.

Mentor presentations will take place in Week 2 of Term 3. This experience is highly valued by both students and mentors and is often one of the most meaningful aspects of the program.

Challenges

Throughout the year, students will complete a series of physical, social, and emotional challenges designed to stretch them beyond their comfort zones. These challenges provide valuable learning experiences that help build resilience, confidence, and independence.

An outline of the 2026 challenges will be shared with students shortly and made available on SEQTA. It is expected that all students complete each challenge, with parent support and encouragement.

The Abyss Solo Challenge

10–13 August 2026

As part of this experience, students will camp overnight at Mebbin. Boys and girls will camp on separate nights. Students are encouraged to bring their own tent and sleeping mat. Once camps are set up, students will spend 24 hours in silence, with no technology or communication, allowing them time for reflection. Those who fully embrace this experience often gain the most from it, with many students reporting a strong sense of achievement and personal growth.

The Homecoming

Tuesday, 24 November 2026 at 6.30pm

Parents are invited to join us for this formal celebration that honours the learning, growth, and achievements of our students throughout the year. The Homecoming is a significant rite of passage and provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their journey and celebrate their transition with gratitude and pride.

As Rite Journey teachers, it is a privilege to walk alongside our students during this important year. We are deeply committed to the program and to providing the best possible experience for each child.

Below is a snapshot of the important events and dates that complete the Rite Journey Program:

While students do not become adults simply by completing The Rite Journey, they do begin that journey. Through the lessons, challenges, ceremonies, mentoring relationships, and shared experiences, we aim to support our students in becoming the best version of themselves.

The success of The Rite Journey relies on a strong triangle of support with the student, parent and The Rite Journey teacher.

Although there are no formal assessments in the program, we greatly value your support in encouraging your child to engage fully in the challenges and attend all Rite Journey events. Students who are supported at home and actively participate in their Rite Journey classes consistently gain the most from the experience.

Thank you for partnering with us as we guide your child through this meaningful and transformative year.

Cathy Myers
Head of St Stephen House, Rite Journey Co-ordinator

From the Dean of Students

There is a well-known saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and at Lindisfarne, we feel grateful to be a part of the village.

Behind every student is a network of people who know them, support them, guide them, and care deeply about their well-being and growth. Our tutors, Heads of House, counsellors, admin staff, coaches, nurses, psychologists, classroom teachers/ assistants, and school leaders work together every day to ensure our students, your children, feel known, supported, and challenged to be their best.

Together, we are raising young people who are preparing to leave Lindisfarne equipped with the skills, confidence, and character to step into what can at times feel like a challenging and uncertain world. This work happens through everyday conversations, setting consistently high expectations, encouragement, and care. It’s the relationships we build that truly make a difference.

We ask families to trust us when we set and uphold high expectations around uniform, attendance, and appearance. These expectations are never about control or compliance, but about consistency, belonging, and preparing young people for life beyond school. They are set with care, purpose, and the best interests of our students at heart.

Your support and partnership in this work matter. When we walk alongside one another with trust and shared commitment, our students benefit most.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students

There is a range of opportunities for Senior School students from the following universities.

• Southern Cross University
• Queensland University of Technology
• Bond University
• University of Melbourne

Click below to read more.

As part of our ongoing commitment to international understanding and global engagement, we are delighted to share with you a range of upcoming international hosting opportunities for 2026. These programs enable our students, families, and the broader school community to engage in meaningful cross-cultural experiences, fostering lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for global diversity. 

Our Hosting Models at Lindisfarne

At Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, we operate several models of international hosting to support the variety of programs and partnerships we engage in globally.

Short to Long-Term Homestay (Paid Hosting via Homestay Provider)

Through our partnership with StudyMatch, families may host international students who enrol for an extended period at Lindisfarne. These placements are arranged on a contracted, paid basis and typically involve students enrolled in long-term study programs at the school. Voluntary Hosting (Sister School and Friendship School Exchanges) Our most inclusive and enriching hosting model invites 

Lindisfarne families to voluntarily welcome students from our network of sister and friendship schools across the globe. These visits focus on building enduring global connections, often with opportunities for future reciprocal visits by Lindisfarne students.

Current partnerships include schools in: India (Kerala) - Pallikoodam China (Hangzhou and Suzhou) - Hangzhou Wenlan Middle School, Hangzhou Wenlan High School, Kunshan Bacheng Senior High School Japan (Tokyo, Shizuoka, Hokkaido, Nabari) - Aoyama Junior High School, Nabari Seihou High School, Chitoku High School, Hokkaido Australia Society We are immensely grateful to the many families who have generously opened their homes in recent years, creating life-changing opportunities for both visitors and hosts.

Upcoming Hosting Opportunities We are excited to announce several upcoming visits in Semester 1, 2026, and warmly invite your family to consider participating.

If you are interested in participating in any of these hosting opportunities, or would like to register for future programs, please complete the Homestay Expression of Interest Form

Your generosity and hospitality are what make these international programs so special. Whether this will be your first time hosting or you are a returning host family, we sincerely thank you for your interest and support.

Rebecca Wilson 
Manager - International Development 

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School / Head of Lindisfarne International

The Mathematics Faculty is once again pleased to offer academic assistance every morning before school and every lunchtime to students in Years 7-12.

Students are encouraged to bring their mathematics equipment and any questions arising from classwork or homework, allowing staff to provide guidance and support as needed. Attendance is optional and flexible; students may attend at times that best suit their individual needs. There is no requirement to attend when their regular classroom teacher is already present.

Please note that in the interests of student wellbeing and maintaining a calm assessment environment, Maths Help is not available on the morning of an assessment task.

Mrs Karen West
Coordinator of Mathematics

Looking forward to next week's Lindisfarne Swimming Carnivals at Murwillumbah pool. All is in readiness from a Sports Department standpoint.

Please see the full programs below:

Secondary School Swimming Carnival (Years 7-12) Tuesday 10 February - Program Link

Primary Swimming Carnival (Years 2-6) Wednesday 11February - Program Link

Week 3 Events:

10 February - NCIS Tennis Championships Boys & Girls Primary/Open

10 February - Secondary Swimming Carnival

11 February - Primary Swimming Carnival

11 February - Secondary Boys 19&U Cricket Trials (Day 1 and 2)

11 & 12 February - Bronze Duke of Ed Qualifying Journey - Rescheduled from term 4 2025

11 February to 18 March - Touch Football Open Squad trials Years 7-9

12 February Netball Muster Day Junior School - year 1 - 4

14 February - Rugby Camp

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

The first week of the Summer holidays was a huge one for Lindisfarne Volleyball, with our students travelling to locations across the Gold Coast to compete in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. This year was particularly special, as we proudly entered a record six teams — three boys’ teams and three girls’ teams across Years 9, 10 and 11.

Across the eight-day tournament, our students represented Lindisfarne with pride, resilience and outstanding sportsmanship. Their teamwork, commitment and positive attitude both on and off the court were a credit to the school, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts.

We are delighted to congratulate two of our teams on their fantastic results:

• Year 9 Boys – Silver Medal 🥈

• Year 10 Boys – Bronze Medal 🥉

These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work shown by all players throughout the year and during the tournament.

Volleyball training will recommence on Friday morning in Week 3. Students who would like to join the Lindisfarne Volleyball Program and be part of these exciting opportunities are encouraged to sign up via Clipboard. For further information, please refer to the email sent by Mr Clucas last week, or contact the teacher in charge, Mrs Bec McLeish, via email.

This term, we will be entering teams into the Queensland Beach School Cup held on March 1 and 2 at Coolangatta Beach and the Australian Beach Schools Cup also at Coolangatta Beach from March 13 - 15. Please email teams of two or four to Mrs McLeish ASAP to nominate.

We look forward to another exciting year of volleyball ahead!

For more Sports news please expand article.

Please use the following link to register your attendance - LINK

Stack Team APP

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

As a reminder, both parents and Boy’s U13, U15, 1st XVs and 7’s and Girl’s 7s students who have parental permission for smartphones will need to download the app and join the Lindisfarne Rugby Program in the app.

To download the Stack team app, use the following links:

● iOS: https://www.teamapp.com/ios-ap...

● Android: https://www.teamapp.com/androi...

Once downloaded, please search for 'Lindisfarne Rugby Program' and request to join.

2026 Training Schedule and Notes

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.

Please take note of the 2026 training schedule below. Also, please note we will NOT be sending reminders for these training sessions (all players and families should assume our Monday afternoon (all squads except U12) and Tuesday afternoon (1st XV) 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.

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.

2026 Rugby Union Training Camp

The 2026 Rugby Union Training Camp will be held on Saturday, 14thFebruary from 0900 to 1400. The aim of this training camp is to establish the culture and standards for any students involved with the Lindisfarne rugby union program for the new season. There will be a number of team building activities on the day and there will be lunch provided. This camp will only be for year 5-12 boys and year 7-12 girls.

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

2026 Rugby Union Program Season Launch

Please see the invitation below to the Lindisfarne Rugby Union Program 2026 Season Launch at Pioneer Country on the 19th February from 6.30pm-8.00pm (6.00pm arrival). This invitation is for all year 5 - 12 students (boy or girl) who wish to play or are interested in playing for the school in rugby union this year, along with their parents/guardians. The dress code is smart casual for parents and full formal uniform for students.

We will have Mr Harrison Usher, who plays for Queensland Reds and Bond University, as our guest speaker for the evening. You can RSVP through this link HERE or through the link in the below invitation. We hope to have as many of you as possible at this event and if you have any questions, please let me know.

Insert Season Launch invite

KEY DATES

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

More Information

If you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Coyne jcoyne@lindiisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Dr Joseph Coyne 
Director of High Performance, Athlete and Sports Development

Homework Club will Commence in Week 3

3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Library.

Please ensure that you pick up your child promptly from the Pickup zone or Library.

Round Square is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, and we are delighted to invite students to apply for a place on an extraordinary expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in August.

This remarkable adventure will bring together students from across the globe for a shared experience that challenges them to step beyond their comfort zones while developing courage, resilience, and teamwork.

Rising majestically above the Tanzanian landscape, Mount Kilimanjaro reaches an impressive height of 5,895 metres. The eight-day trek will follow the Lemosho Route, renowned for its gradual ascent, excellent acclimatisation profile, and high summit success rate. The route passes through five distinct ecological zones, offering a truly unique and enriching experience.

This is a non-technical climb and is suitable for students who are active and have a good basic level of fitness.

For further information about this amazing opportunity, please click the following link:  Mt Kilimanjaro Information Pack

Mr Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator

Our school is committed to providing students with unique learning opportunities, which is why we are pleased to introduce ePlatform, a digital library for students that provides free access to eBooks.

The benefits of ePlatform Digital Libraries:
With ePlatform, your student has 24/7 access to eBooks for free. This is a wonderful extension of our physical school library and allows titles to be checked out at home, over the weekend or during school breaks without the worry of losing books as they are automatically returned at the end of the loan period.

Students of all ages can benefit from ePlatform's reading and comprehension tools. A service like this can benefit struggling or reluctant readers, learning-challenged students, second-language learners, as well as gifted readers alike.

• Unique reader customisation with Settings Wizard, across all devices

• Introduce students to books above their reading level

• Help busy kids find time to read

• Professionally curated collection with age restrictions set by school staff

• Increase vocabulary and improve pronunciation and comprehension

• User-friendly for all types of readers (e.g. reluctant, dyslexic)

How does it work?
Ensure your reader has the ePlatform app, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store, Google Play Store or visit eplatform.co to begin (called ‘ePlatform Digital Libraries). Students have their own unique login to access the platform. Please get in touch with us directly should your reader have any trouble logging in

Gail Dessmann
Library Manager

Use the following link to access the benefits, and please note you will need ot be signed into SEQTA to login in: Corporate Benefits Program

Casuarina Hockey Club – 25 Years of Hockey, Family & Community

Casuarina Hockey Club has proudly been running for over 25 years, and during that time we’ve been closely connected with Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, supporting both the school and the wider community on and off the field.

Our values run deep in our culture, and we’re truly a family club – welcoming players of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.

How to Join

• Sign up online: www.casuarinahockey.com
• In-person sign-on: Every Thursday during February, 5:30pm – 7:00pm - 1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina, NSW

What We Offer

Hookin2Hockey Program
Wednesdays
Ages 5–8
Perfect for beginners and kids new to hockey

Junior Hockey Teams
Tweed & Gold Coast competitions
Age groups: U8, U11, U14 & U18
Boys and Girls

Senior Hockey – Parents Welcome!
Men’s & Women’s Divisions 1, 2 & 3
Competing in Tweed or Gold Coast competitions
NEW! Social Hockey

Wednesday night social run-around at the club
Great fun, fitness, and friendships

More Information
Email: info@casuarinahockey.com
Website: www.casuarinahockey.com
Follow us: Facebook & Instagram
Club Hockey Shop: www.mercianhockey.com.au

We’d love to welcome more Lindisfarne families to our hockey community and continue building strong connections through sport.

Casuarina Hockey Club