2026 Term 1 Week 7 13 Mar 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

It has been another busy and engaging week across our campuses, with numerous opportunities for learning, connection, and community engagement.

We began the week on Monday by welcoming 16 students and two teachers from our Japanese sister school, Nabari Seihou, who have joined us for their visit to Lindisfarne. Our school community gathered in the Chapel to formally welcome them, and we look forward to sharing our campus, classrooms, and culture with them during their time here. Experiences such as these continue to strengthen our international partnerships and provide valuable global connections for our students.

Also this week, we continued Parent–Teacher Interviews, offering another opportunity for families and teachers to connect and discuss our students' progress and well-being. These conversations are an important part of the partnership between school and home, and we appreciate the strong engagement from our parent community.

On Tuesday afternoon, we hosted Sunshine Coast Grammar School for an exciting afternoon of Rugby Union. Our U16 girls and boys teams, along with the First XV, competed strongly and represented Lindisfarne with great pride and sportsmanship. It was a fantastic afternoon of school sport and camaraderie.

The 2026 Naplan literacy and numeracy testing for Years 3,5,7 and 9 commenced on Wednesday with some disruption due to a national technical issue. I’m grateful to the staff and students for working through this challenge so proactively.

On Thursday, I travelled to Coffs Harbour, where I spent the past two days attending the Diocese of Grafton Term 1 meeting alongside fellow Anglican school leaders and diocesan representatives. During this time, I also had the privilege of attending the Consecration of Bishop Tiffany Sparks, a significant and historic occasion for the Diocese and the wider Anglican community.

I look forward to join parents and friends next Saturday night at the annual Parents and Friends Trivia Night. It is always a fun relaxed night and I encourage everyone in our community to get a team together for a great night. Bookings can be made here.

Looking ahead, preparations for our School Musical – Beauty and the Beast continue to gather momentum. Rehearsals will continue over the weekend and I would like to sincerely thank the dedicated staff and students who have generously given up many Sundays since the start of the year to bring this production to life. Their commitment and enthusiasm are truly commendable. There are still a limited number of tickets available, and I encourage our community to come along and support what promises to be a wonderful showcase of talent. Tickets can be purchased here.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in the life of our School.

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

For my articles this year, we are focusing on the six Ideals of Round Square and their subcategories.

In this article, we will look at the Ideal of Internationalism.

Internationalism is about having an appreciation for and an understanding of diverse traditions, languages and cultures.

It views the world as a global community where everyone offers a unique contribution from their own story and background.

This includes looking for the resonances between cultures, languages, and traditions.

For example, just this week, I had the privilege of welcoming students from Nabari School, Japan.

I drew their attention to the similarities between the Japanese understanding of what it means to be human with the Judeo-Christian understanding.

The Japanese character 人 (read as hito, jin, or nin) translates to "person," "human," or "people". It is a fundamental 2-stroke kanji, often visualized as two people supporting each other.

This has deep resonances with how humanity is portrayed in Genesis chapter 2, where the woman is drawn from the man’s side.

Over three hundred years ago, Biblical commentator, Matthew Henry, commented on the significance of this by stating:

Not out of his head to top him, not out of his feet to be trampled upon, but from his side to be equal, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.

Both cultures share a fundamental understanding of what it means to be human - that we are human in relation to other human beings.

Just last week, I attended one of the year 7’s “Respect and Contribution” sessions down at the Boat House.

We learned from our First Nations Cultural Engagement Coordinator, Gypsy Togo, that the term Cudgenburra (also spelled Goodjinburra, Kudjingburra, or Gujinbara) refers to a specific clan of the Yugambeh people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the southern Lower Tweed River Valley, including where our Boat House is situated.

The name is derived from Cudgen (Red Ochre - a reddish pigment) and the clan/locality suffix -burra (people of), so, "People of Red Pigment"

This is fascinating because in Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament - aka, the Hebrew Scriptures - the word Adam (אָדָם), means "man" "humankind" or "humanity".

It is closely related to the Hebrew word adamah (אֲדָמָה), meaning "ground" or "earth," signifying that man was fashioned from the dust of the ground. It also carries connotations of being red or ruddy, referencing the clay from whence he came.

Two ancient cultures, separated by almost 15,000 kms, have a remarkably similar understanding of primeval history, and what it has to say about being human.

In my next two articles, I will write about the two subcategories of Internationalism, ‘Appreciation of Diversity’ and ‘Ability to Solve Problems,’ respectively.

But I wanted to begin by drawing your attention to the profound unity we have as human beings across the globe, that dates back to our earliest recorded histories, to highlight, as the saying goes, that “what unites us is far greater than what divides us.”

Blessings,

Reverend Lyndon Mulholland
Chaplain

Dear Families,

We have recently introduced a new booking system for our Out of School Hours Care (OOSHC) service at the Junior School.

Families who previously used Qikkids to make their bookings will not automatically transfer to the new system. If you plan to use OOSHC or Vacation Care at the Junior School, you will need to complete a new enrolment before your child can attend.

To enrol, please use the link below: Kidsoft Enrolment Link – OOSHC
Once your enrolment is complete in the Kidsoft portal, all OOSHC and Vacation Care bookings can be made through this system.

Please note:
The End of Day Arrangements entered in SEQTA Engage ensure the Junior School staff know where your child is going after school. However, this does not replace the need to make an OOSCH booking in Kidsoft.

If your child will be attending OOSHC after school, please ensure that:

• OOSHC is selected in SEQTA Engage for the End of Day Arrangement, and
• A booking has been made in the Kidsoft system.

If you have any questions or need assistance with enrolment, please contact our OOSHC Coordinator, Michelle Hobbins, at ooshc@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

TICKETS ON SALE VIA THIS LINK

TICKETS ON SALE VIA THIS LINK 

Contact:musical@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

SCHOOL FEE CASH PAYMENTS

If anyone is wishing 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

All members of the Lindisfarne Community are invited to the next meeting of the Parents and Friends Association.

Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, 5 May at 6.30pm
Senior Centre
Mahers Lane Campus

Penny Brady
President

The Parents and Friends Association (P&F) is seeking a passionate and organised volunteer to take on the role of Treasurer. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the School community by helping guide the financial stewardship of the P&F while supporting events, initiatives and fundraising that enrich the experience of students and families. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys collaboration, organisation and community involvement. The Treasurer will be well supported by the President and Secretary of the P&F, as well as the Director of Community Engagement and the School Accountant, ensuring that you are never working alone in the role.

The time commitment is minor with only seven meetings per year, whilst face-to-face is preferred, Zoom is certainly an option.

For more information, please click the link or email pandf@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au or smckinley@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au.

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement
on behalf of the Lindisfarne P&F

Join the P&F for a fun-filled night. Get a team together or get a single ticket and join a table.

TICKET BOOKING LINK - trybooking.com/DJJVH

TICKET BOOKING LINK - trybooking.com/DJJVH

SchoolTV – Supporting Our Families

Lindisfarne is proud to be a member of SchoolTV, a trusted online wellbeing resource designed to support parents and carers in navigating the challenges young people face today.

SchoolTV provides practical, evidence-based information from leading experts across a wide range of topics relevant to children and adolescents including mental health, cyber safety, school survival, positive parenting, diversity and inclusion.

The platform offers videos, fact sheets and guidance to help families better understand and respond to issues impacting student wellbeing. New topics are regularly added to ensure families have access to current and relevant information.

We encourage all parents and carers to explore this valuable resource.

Access Lindisfarne’s SchoolTV page here: https://lindisfarne.nsw.schooltv.me/

With Harmony Week approaching next week, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity that exists within our school, our community and our culture. It is a time that reminds us of the many opportunities available each day to embrace school life and the journey that comes with it.

We often tell students that life at Lindisfarne is brimming with opportunities, and the last thing anyone would want is to take that final walk up the stairs in Year 12 feeling as though they have simply “passed through.” School is not just about attending classes,it is about participating, connecting with others and making the most of the experiences on offer.

Research consistently highlights how important this participation is. Research from Monash University states “how strongly a student feels like they belong at their school can shape their life, well into adulthood.” A strong sense of belonging at school has been linked to improved wellbeing, stronger relationships and greater motivation to engage in learning.

Next week alone there will be many ways to get involved. Students can try activities such as basket weaving, cultural food, Origami and Karaoke. In addition, St Cuthbert’s will be holding their celebratory week, offering opportunities to contribute to a large collaborative mural, take part in a bake sale and try to crack the Monastery Code. These activities provide a multitude of ways for students to engage, meet new friends and immerse themselves in school life.

Schools that foster belonging do so by creating opportunities for connection and participation. When students feel connected, supported and valued within their school community, it has positive impacts on their wellbeing and engagement in learning.

I encourage all students to take the opportunity to participate in at least one activity next week. You never know what new interest you might discover, who you might meet, what you may learn or how a small moment of participation might shape your experience of school in a positive way.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students- Senior School

Next week we celebrate Harmony Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds and traditions that make our community so special. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about inclusion, respect and belonging, and to celebrate that everyone belongs.

On Monday, 16th, students are invited to wear a splash of orange with their normal school uniform to mark the beginning of Harmony Week. This could be orange socks, a ribbon, a headband, a hat or another small accessory. Students are also invited to bring a gold coin donation in support of Harmony Week.

Harmony Week Canteen Special
To celebrate Harmony Week, the canteen will be offering a Junior School lunch special on Friday 20 March. Students can enjoy a delicious beef lasagna for $8, available to pre-order through Flexischools.

Please note that orders will close on Wednesday 18 March, so be sure to place your order before then.

We look forward to celebrating Harmony Week together!

Mrs Dana Dowker

Dean of Students - Junior School

Many of you will know Alison Lester’s award-winning children's book Are We There Yet?. If not, it follows the journey of an impatient 8-year-old protagonist, ‘Grace’, as she travels around Australia with her family. Driven by a constant desire to reach her next destination, Grace spends her trip staring out of the front window, focused on what lies ahead rather than looking in the rearview mirror to acknowledge everything that has already passed.

In many ways, school can feel the same. We become so focused on the next milestone, the next exam, the next assignment, the next year – that we rarely pause to reflect on how far we have already come.

Yet, taking the time to turn around, look out the back window, and recognise your progress is essential. By shifting our perspective from a rigid, goal-oriented mindset to one that values the journey itself, we cultivate a deeper sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.

By reflecting on past challenges and the skills we have learnt along the way, we begin to appreciate the small wins that often go unnoticed. Personal growth rarely happens overnight. Instead, it unfolds slowly - an often invisible process that may feel stagnant and unchanged in the moment. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting fields, or in the arts, take a moment to look back to where you began and recognise just how far you’ve come.

As a member of the class of 2026, I cannot help but reflect on both my individual and our collective schooling journey. Over our 13 years of education, I can certainly say that as a cohort, we are a little taller, more mature, and entirely more appreciative of the journey than we were back in kindergarten. It has been one characterised by curiosity, resilience, and encouragement, as we continue to learn, reflect on past mistakes, and support one another along the way.

While the road may be winding and at times feel never-ending, every step forward is a step towards personal growth. Instead of always looking forward, take the time to turn around and have a look at the view you have mapped behind you - a map of challenge, accomplishment and growth. And while everybody's may look different, each one tells the story of the progress we have made.

Emily Daniel
St Barnabas Captain

It has been a wonderful week of learning and activity across the Junior School, with many families joining us on campus for our Year 1 - 4 Parent Teacher Interviews. It was fantastic to see such strong attendance and engagement from our Junior School families.

This week also marked the beginning of NAPLAN for our Year 3 students. Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language have now been completed by those in attendance. Numeracy is scheduled next week on Monday, 16 March, during the middle session. Students are to be congratulated for the calm, focused manner in which they have approached these assessments.

We were also excited to welcome visiting groups from Aoyama Gakuin University and the Nabari Group from Japan to the Junior School this week. Both groups spent time in our P–2 classrooms, observing learning in action, sharing their Japanese culture and gaining insight into how schooling operates in Australia.

As part of our ongoing commitment to character development through the Round Square Heroes of Discovery, students were introduced to our newest hero, Diversity Dani. Diversity Dani encourages students to recognise, respect and value the cultures, perspectives and heritage of others. This learning aligns beautifully with our Harmony Week celebrations taking place across the school next week.

On Monday, students across the school are invited to wear a splash of orange with their school uniform to recognise Harmony Week. A gold coin donation is encouraged, with all funds raised supporting a local community group in need.

Excitement is also building in Year 4 as students and staff finalise preparations for their three-day, two-night camp to Camp Goodenough in Bilambil next week. Camp provides a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, develop resilience and strengthen friendships through shared experiences. We look forward to sharing the Year 4 Camp experience in the newsletter in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support.

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

Over the past few weeks, our Year 3 students have been studying the story Two Mates, a text that explores themes of friendship and introduces aspects of Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. As part of their learning, students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding through a hands-on experience.

Mrs Mead brought in a selection of local bush tucker for the students to see, smell, feel and taste. This provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect the story to real-life cultural knowledge and learn more about traditional foods used by Aboriginal peoples.

Students were curious and enthusiastic as they explored the different flavours and discussed how these foods are sourced from the local environment. Experiences like this help bring learning to life and support students in developing a deeper appreciation for Australia’s rich cultural heritage.

Rachel Mead and the Year 3 Team

Please see the gallery below for photos

Term 1 Key Dates – Junior School

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

• Friday 27 March (Week 9): Pre-school – Year 1 Fun Cross Country
  

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

Total Football Academy – After School Program

The Total Football Academy after-school program will run until Week 10, Monday 30 March.

The program will also run again in Terms 2 and 3, and possibly Term 4 this year.
Information relating to the term 2 program will be released in the coming weeks.

Runners Club

Lindisfarne Junior School has enthusiastically embraced Runners Club at the Sunshine Avenue Campus, with students lacing up their shoes and hitting the course each week. The aim of Runners Club is to support students’ running development while helping them prepare for upcoming Cross Country events, all while encouraging a healthy and active start to the day.

Students in Years 1–4 are invited to take part, and the program has once again proven to be extremely popular with both students and parents. Many families join in to improve their fitness, build confidence in running, or simply enjoy exercising together in a supportive and positive environment.

Over the first six weeks, participation has been outstanding. More than 100 students and parents have taken part in the sessions, collectively covering an incredible 1,472 kilometres. That equates to an average of 122 kilometres per session, a fantastic achievement for our Junior School community.

The distance challenges have also inspired some impressive individual efforts:

• 21 participants completed the 21 km Half Marathon Challenge
  

• 7 participants completed the 42 km Marathon Challenge
  5 participants went even further and completed the 50 km Ultra Marathon Challenge

All of these participants receive certificates on assembly to recognise their achievements.

These results highlight the determination, perseverance and enthusiasm of our students, who continue to challenge themselves and support one another each week.

Runners Club has become a wonderful way to build fitness, resilience and community spirit, and it has been fantastic to see so many students and families embracing the opportunity to be active together.

We look forward to seeing even more students join us as we continue building towards this year’s Cross Country season. All Year 1–4 students are welcome, so bring your running shoes and join the fun! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Training Details:

• Days: Monday and Wednesday mornings
  

• Time: 7:30am sharp –8:15am
  
  

Students may wear any suitable running attire but must bring their school uniform to change into after training. Time will be provided to change and have something to eat before the first bell at 8:45am.

Parents and carers are more than welcome to join in.

Awards:
Students can earn certificates for cumulative distances completed during the term:

• 25 km – Half Marathon
  

• 42 km – Marathon
  

• 50+ km – Ultra Marathon
  
  

Certificates will be presented at assembly.

General Information

All information relating to sporting programs, gala days, and competitions at the Junior Campus will be communicated through assemblies and the school newsletter. Relevant details will then be sent home to interested students and families.

Please continue to check the newsletter regularly for updates, events, and sporting opportunities throughout the year.

If you have any questions about Sport at the Sunshine Avenue campus, please email Mr Nathan Croft - ncroft@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Nathan Croft
Head of Sports - Junior School

Diocesan Primary Leaders Day

The Diocesan Primary Leaders Day was a fun and memorable experience. We took part in a range of activities that strengthened our faith and leadership journey. Sophia and Josh even had the special experience of sitting in the Bishop’s seat, and Josh tried on the Bishop’s hat.

We rotated through three activities. First, we stood in a circle for prayer and played a game called “No No No.”

Another activity was a Godly Play session. We sat on the floor while the Dean of Grafton, Dean Naomi, told the story of creation, placing objects in a circle as the story unfolded: the sun, moon, water, animals, and people. Afterwards, we discussed the story and placed a wooden figure where we felt most connected before exploring the beautiful Grafton Cathedral and its history.

In the third activity, there were three stations. At first, we wrote our names and five things we care about, pinned them to a board and connected them with a string. In the second, we wrote about what could be improved at our school and how it could be improved. At the third, we wrote how we could be a leader on a rock and placed it in the sand.

Lunch was also a great opportunity to meet and connect with students from other schools.

At the end of the day, we gathered in the chapel to say our school prayers. We really enjoyed meeting students from other schools and learning about their school prayers.

It was a wonderful day and a great program for young leaders like us.

By Josh Joby, Sophia Daranjo, Shanti Pettit, Layla Buchanan, Semara Bosward, Viv Antonio, Jake Chacko, Eva Febin and Alin Jeejo

Celebrating Community Leadership

We are delighted to share the wonderful achievement of one of our Middle School students.

Each year, the Heart of Women Awards recognise individuals who are making a positive difference in their communities through leadership, compassion and service. The awards also support the important work of AGAPE Outreach, a local organisation that provides meals, care and practical support to people experiencing homelessness or hardship in our community.

This year, Alice Selvey was recognised as the Young Ambassador of the Year for her commitment to supporting the work of AGAPE. Through her service and dedication to helping others, Alice has shown what it means to lead with kindness and compassion.

We are incredibly proud of Alice and the example she sets for our Middle School community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

NAPLAN - Years 3, 5, 7 and 9

NAPLAN testing began this week for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 and will continue into next week.

Students have settled into the testing sessions well and have approached the assessments in a calm and focused way. It has been pleasing to see the effort students are giving and the way they are supporting one another during the testing period.

As testing continues next week, we encourage students to simply keep doing their best, take their time and read each question carefully.

We thank families for the support you provide at home in helping students arrive at school rested and ready for the day.

Stage 3 Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to the many Stage 3 families who attended the Parent-Teacher Interviews on Monday evening. It was a very positive opportunity for parents, carers and teachers to connect and discuss how students are progressing in their learning.

For families who were unable to attend last week, a second opportunity for interviews will be held on Monday, 16 March, in the Mahers Lane Chapel from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

As with the previous evening, we encourage students to attend alongside their parents or carers so they can hear feedback from their teachers, celebrate their successes and reflect on the goals they are working towards this term.

Students attending interviews are asked to wear their full school uniform, presented to the same standard expected during a normal school day.

We look forward to welcoming our Stage 3 families again next Monday evening.

Importance of Connection

I recently read an article in The Atlantic called “The Anti-Social Century” by Derek Thompson. It explored how many people today spend more time on their devices and online, and less time connecting with others face-to-face.

It made me think about how important real connection is, especially for young people.

One of the great strengths of school is that it brings people together. Each day, students learn alongside others with different interests, strengths and ideas. Through this, they learn to listen, show respect and work through differences.

Connection at school doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It grows when students get involved in sports, music, clubs, leadership and the many activities that make up school life.

When students try something new, they often build friendships, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging.

School is more than a place for academic learning; it is also where students learn how to be part of a community and look out for one another.

We encourage families to support this by encouraging their children to become involved in the many opportunities school life offers. Taking part can make a real difference to a student’s sense of belonging

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Stratified Forest to Southport Skyline

Year 11 Geographers ventured deep into Lamington National Park for hands-on investigation of subtropical rainforest ecosystems. At multiple sites along the Border Track, students measured tree heights, canopy cover, soil pH and temperature gradients while observing orographic rainfall effects and stratified vegetation layers from emergent hoop pines to ground-layer fungi. The fieldwork perfectly illustrated how altitude, aspect and moisture shape ecosystem functioning and biodiversity – key concepts for the HSC exam. Students returned with rich primary data and deeper appreciation for the McPherson Range's World Heritage environment.

Year 12 Geographers explored Southport – the Gold Coast's emerging Priority Development Area (PDA) – to analyse urban character transformation and sustainable development strategies. The group conducted Environmental Quality Surveys (EQS), field sketches and land use mapping across key sites, including Smith Collective, 1 Park Lane and Broadwater Parklands.

A highlight was the exclusive talk by Jack Bryce, Urban Design Coordinator from City of Gold Coast Council, who explained how soil vaults, passive irrigation and light rail integration create social, economic and environmental sustainability. Students also experienced Chinatown's cultural vibrancy and observed rapid urban consolidation first-hand.

"I especially enjoyed visiting Chinatown and Broadwater Parklands – the vibrant restaurants, open green spaces and waterfront views showed how sustainable design enhances liveability!" – Shayna Foster, 12 Geographer

Thanks are extended to Mr Alex Coulter and Mr Nathan Alterator for their assistance on the excursions.

Nathalie Newton-Walters
Senior Geography Teacher

RECENT GAMES

ALL SAINTS INTERSCHOOL FIXTURE

Our squads had their second match of the season against All Saints Anglican School on Monday 3 March at All Saints. All games were contested in good spirit and there was some great rugby played up at All Saints.

1st XV 24-10

After falling to All Saints last year, this fixture carried extra edge — and Lindisfarne responded with a strong 24–10 victory built on defensive resolve, breakdown dominance, and improved second-half intensity.

Slow Start, Strong Platform: Lindisfarne were slow out of the blocks, needing a double-figure phase defensive set early to fully switch on. But once they found their rhythm, the tone of the match began to shift. The lineout was outstanding and set a solid platform all afternoon. Accuracy and structure in that area paid immediate dividends, with Lindisfarne’s first try coming from a powerful maul 7 metres out. New forwards coach Cameron Lillicrap would have been smiling — it was a statement try built on control, cohesion, and forward dominance.

Breakdown Masterclass & Individual Brilliance: Caleb Doevendans carried his form forward from the Kings match and delivered a dominant performance at the breakdown. A master at the jackal, he secured 5–6 crucial turnovers across the game, repeatedly halting All Saints’ momentum and flipping field position. His efforts were capped with an impressive individual try in the second half — stepping and accelerating through traffic, leaving defenders flat-footed and watching as he crossed the line. A complete performance. George Morgan, who shifted to 13 this week, was another standout. He produced one of the moments of the match with a beautiful try from halfway — slicing through on a sharp line break, showing composure to put a kick ahead, and then the pace to win the race and finish. It was instinctive, confident rugby. Impact from the bench also proved decisive, with big Eddie Esgate finishing strongly in the corner for a powerful momentum try.

Defence – The Lindisfarne Trademark: Defence continues to define this Lindisfarne side. Before the break, they absorbed a sustained All Saints surge and held firm under pressure. In the second half, the intensity lifted notably, and All Saints simply couldn’t stay with the tempo. The scramble defence was particularly impressive. On several occasions it looked certain that All Saints would score, only for Lindisfarne defenders to recover, track across, and bundle attackers into touch. That desperation and commitment is becoming a hallmark of this team.

Work Ons: The main area for improvement remains ball control deep in Lindisfarne’s own territory. Too many handling errors handed All Saints easy access to attacking zones, eventually leading to their lone try. Better possession management in the defensive third will be key moving forward.

Summary: A strong overall performance built on lineout accuracy, breakdown dominance, and trademark defence. The second-half lift in intensity showed growth and maturity, and the team demonstrated resilience after a slow start.

A deserved 24–10 win — and a clear step forward from last year’s result.

U12

The Lindisfarne U12s stepped up to a significant challenge this week, taking on a physically imposing All Saints U13 side in classic Rugby XVs conditions. The match was played on a heavy, rain-soaked pitch, turning the contest into a traditional battle of territory and grit.

The age and size advantage of the All Saints outfit proved a major factor in the wet, with their powerful ball-runners finding traction in the mud. However, the Lindisfarne forward pack refused to be bullied, working tirelessly in the tight exchanges to retain possession and contest the breakdown. Their work rate at the coalface gave the backline a platform to operate, and despite the slippery ball, the Lindisfarne backs remained dangerous. They probed the line with several creative set plays and clever tactical kicking, but unfortunately, the final pass just wouldn’t stick in the difficult conditions.

While the scoreboard may not have fallen in Lindisfarne's favour, the poise shown by the U12s against older, stronger opposition was a major win for the team’s development. The boys walked off the field covered in mud but with their reputations as fierce competitors firmly intact.

Please expand the article to read more Rugby news.

Despite rainy conditions, Sienna and Lucy Mannion (Year 10) proudly made their debut representing Lindisfarne at a recent Interschools Equestrian competition.

As is often the case in equestrian sport, the day brought a mix of challenges and successes. Lucy’s horse, Delilah, was recently injured, so she competed on a friend’s horse, Dottie (Spots and Dots), a striking Appaloosa. Unfortunately, Dottie wasn’t feeling her best on the day, and Lucy made the thoughtful decision to retire her from the competition. While a difficult call to make, the welfare of the horse always comes first for responsible riders.

Sienna and her horse, Palouse River (Billie), had an outstanding day in the dressage arena, placing first in both their tests and securing the title of Senior Preliminary Champion. Sienna also earned two Regional Interschool qualifiers and is now looking ahead to competing at Regionals and potentially the State Championships later this year.

Their mum, Emma, shared that the girls “looked great in their Lindisfarne gear and were so excited to represent the school!” Congratulations and welcome to the team Sienna and Lucy!

Kathryn Leary
Equestrian Coordinator

LINK to complete Google form 

On Wednesday, 11 March, a small group of Stage 6 students travelled to the Tweed Civic centre toattend the NSW Parliament Public Speaking Competition and Youth Forum. The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to experience the democratic process first-hand and engage with important issues affecting young people in regional areas such as our own, as well as across the state more generally.

Our students proudly supported Nicolas Leotta, who represented the school in the public speaking competition. Nicolas delivered a thoughtful and engaging speech on the topic of the “kindness economy,” exploring the value of compassion, empathy, and positive social impact in today’s world. While he did not take out the top prize, Nicolas spoke confidently and represented the school with great maturity and insight.

Following the competition, students participated in the Youth Forum, where they were invited to share their views on issues that matter most to young people. This session allowed students to connect with peers from other schools, exchange ideas, and engage directly with members of the NSW Parliament. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to feel heard and to see how young voices can contribute to broader conversations about the future of our communities.

I am incredibly proud of Tessa, Kimiyo, Lachlan, Nicolas, Ben and Walt, who represented our school with pride in all of their interactions and contributions at this event.

Emily Brewer
Director of English

Last week at the Junior School, our students participated in our yearly school clean-up in conjunction with Clean Up Australia Day. While the Junior School grounds may look relatively clean, there is a lot of small pieces of litter around the grounds and rubbish hiding in the gardens. Our students did a fantastic job and cleaned up everything from plastic food wrappers and paper to some odd finds like pillows. By the end of the clean-up, we removed half a wheelie bin worth of rubbish. This event is also a great opportunity to educate our students about the impact litter and our waste has on the environment, which can help foster positive and sustainable behaviour changes for our students. Clean Up Australia Day is just one day a year, so we must carry on our good efforts and continue to make sustainable choices. The small actions that we all make add up to make a real difference.

Patrick Brabant
School Assistant - Sustainability

Corporate Benefits Program - Please note, you must be signed in to Parent Seqta Engage to access this link.

Be a Part of Lindisfarne’s Business Network Community

We invite you to join the Lindisfarne Business Network.

Membership provides valuable recognition for your business, enhanced brand visibility, and direct access to our vibrant and connected school community. It offers a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation while building meaningful relationships with families, alumni, staff, and fellow business leaders.

The Business Network serves as a dynamic platform for fostering strong, ongoing partnerships between the School and the many outstanding businesses that support and enrich our region.

Our Business Network events create powerful opportunities to connect with established professionals and aspiring business leaders, expand your reach, and position your business at the heart of a thriving and engaged community.

To formalise your support of the Lindisfarne Business Network, please refer to the Lindisfarne Business Network Expression of Interest form HERE.

OOSHC Mobile Number: 0409 467 667
Opening hours: 7:30am to 6:00pm
Cost: $80.00 to $120.00 per day. Additional $35.00 cost for in/excursion may apply.

Please note: excursion days are not available to Preschool children.

Please select your days carefully. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance

Otherwise, full fees apply. Changes to bookings after 31st March 2026 will incur a $25.00 fee.

How to book: Complete the OOSHC registration form by emailing ooshc@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au for the registration link. Book via your kidsoft parent portal. If a certain day is fully booked, we will have a wait list. Please email to place your child on the wait list. If a place becomes available for a certain day we will confirm by phone.

Signing children: Please bring your child into OOSHC and sign/out using the Konnect portal on the Ipad

What to wear: Sun-safe clothing and closed-in shoes.

What to bring: Hat, water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent, change of clothes, Morning Tea,

Lunch and Afternoon Tea, snacks. (We find children are extra hungry during vacation Care.) Please prepare hot foods at home, e.g. cooked noodles, and place in a thermos.

Medication: If your child has an action plan, please make sure the plan and medication is current. We will not accept any booking without a current action plan and a medical management plan written before your child starts. Children with out of date plans will not be allowed to attend.

Student medication must be given to the morning educator on arrival and you must complete an administration of medication form.
Please provide your own sunscreen if your child is unable to use the OOSHC sunscreen. (Please have all belongings labelled)

Bus Travel: During our excursions we will be travelling with Lindisfarne buses, they are fitted with seat belts. Please be prompt and arrive 10 minutes before our bus departure times.

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