2026 Term 1 Week 9 27 Mar 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

In the absence of our Principal, Mr Stuart Marquardt, who is currently attending the Round Square Conference in Germany, it is my privilege to share this week’s update with you.

This week, our School has come alive!

A very special congratulations to Year 11 student, Ayla Drury, who has been awarded U17 Australian Champion in the Women’s Single Scull (2000m). Ayla delivered an outstanding performance, leading from the start and holding her position through every split to take the win in an impressive time of 8:29.06. It was a remarkable display of strength and composure on the national stage.

Adding to this incredible achievement, Ayla has continued her exceptional form, securing another race win this morning, testimony to her consistency and competitive spirit at the highest level. We are immensely proud of Ayla and all she continues to accomplish.

Since Wednesday evening, our stage has been filled with the magic of Beauty and the Beast, and what an extraordinary production it has been. There has been a palpable sense of excitement across our community, as students, staff, and families have come together to celebrate something very special.

Behind every moment on stage lies months of dedication, commitment, and quiet perseverance. Our cast and crew have been rehearsing since the Christmas holidays, giving up evenings and weekends to bring this production to life. To now see their efforts under the lights, performed with such heart, has been incredibly moving.

What has stood out most is not only the talent on display but the courage of our students, stepping onto the stage, supporting one another, and striving for excellence together. It is in these moments that we see the true spirit of Lindisfarne.

For those who have already experienced the production, I am sure you would agree that it has been remarkable. For those yet to attend, we look forward to sharing these final performances with you. We look forward to another wonderful show this evening, before concluding tomorrow with our matinee and closing night.

To every student, staff member, and supporter who has contributed to this production, thank you. You have created something memorable for our school community.

Finally, a reminder that our Easter Services will be held next week, Tuesday, 31 March, at our Mahers Lane Campus. The Senior School Service will take place at 9.40am, followed by the Middle School Service at 11.50am. These gatherings are an important opportunity for reflection as we approach the Easter season.

Wishing you all a safe and restful weekend as we head into the final week of Term 1.

Charlotte Lush
Deputy 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 second subcategory of Internationalism - Ability to Solve Problems.

Ability to solve problems means finding solutions when faced with challenges.

Problem-solving involves careful thinking and being open to different ideas in order to sort out differences and overcome difficulties.

There is an example of how the Early Church managed this exceptionally well in Acts chapter 15.

As the Church started to include more and more Gentiles (non-Jews), a dispute arose regarding whether they should become full adherents to Judaism or if faith in Christ alone was sufficient for them to receive salvation.

What was being asked here was the question, ‘what made a person a Christian?’

As Christianity grew out of Judaism, it was naturally assumed by some of the first Jewish believers in Jesus that becoming a Christian was effectively converting to Judaism.

However, there had long been some serious reasons why Gentiles were hesitant to convert to Judaism, simply because some of the expectations were contrary to their scruples.

This had led to a large contingent of Gentiles, known as ‘the God fearers,’ who attended Jewish worship in the Synagogues but had not fully converted to Judaism.

When these Gentiles first became Christians they did so on the basis that they could have all Judaism had to offer, and more, without needing to adhere to the aspects of Judaism that gave them pause..

Now they were faced with the same dilemma in relation to their newfound faith in Jesus, unless this was carefully resolved, which, thankfully, was the case.

After a thorough discussion and a consideration of all the different perspectives, it was decided that the Gentile converts should not have any added burden to their newfound faith in Christ, except for that which promotes unity between them and their fellow Jewish believers, which was actually presented more like a courteous request than a command.

The decision was communicated through a carefully crafted letter, sent with Apostolic delegates to elaborate on the letter’s intent.

The letter and the delegates were warmly received, which resulted in a deep sense of unity in the Early Church, despite its diversity. In a very real sense, it resulted in unity rather than uniformity.

As we live in a culturally diverse global community, there is much we can learn from how the Early Church resolved conflicts and solved problems.

We learn that it usually requires a level of accommodating for the other whilst not letting go of one’s distinctiveness.

It shows that solutions to problems can be found if they are sought together and desired by all participants.

Finally, we learn that an appreciation for diversity means that the ability to solve problems is not to result in uniformity but rather unity, encapsulated in the phase and point of my previous article - Unity in Diversity.

Blessings,

Reverend Lyndon

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

Caring for Country Market

On Thursday morning, Eliza and I were able to attend the Junior School Caring for Country Market, which was a lovely event where students were able to sell their handmade products to raise money for the local wildlife. Many of the items sold at the market were made in their Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden classes with Mrs Leary, including some delicious protein balls and cookies, while others made handmade items during lunchtime craft club with Mrs Jo and Mrs Dowker. Students created custom wrapping paper and bracelets, and allowed a chance for some parents to get involved with some beautiful hand painted cards. The market was also supported by generous donations of handmade goods and fresh produce, and Mr Scott’s live guitar music added to the atmosphere throughout the morning.

In total, $800 was raised, which will go towards supporting local wildlife. It was a great outcome and showed how small contributions from lots of people can add up to make a difference. It was great to see so many kids getting involved and purchasing items along with parents and staff, creating a really strong sense of community at the Junior School.

Lily Dickens and Eliza Evesson
Junior School Prefects

Year 4 students recently enjoyed a fantastic three-day, two-night camp at Camp Goodenough, Carool. The experience provided valuable opportunities for students to build confidence, independence and teamwork while enjoying time outdoors with their peers.

Students participated in a range of exciting activities, including building billy carts, indoor rock climbing, archery, the giant swing and the crate stack challenge. Many students stepped outside their comfort zones, showing perseverance, resilience and encouragement towards one another.

We are very proud of the positive attitude and behaviour shown by all students throughout the camp. The experience was a memorable highlight of the year. A huge ‘thank you’ to the staff who supported and guided the students (day and night) during this valuable learning opportunity.

These are just some of the skills camp assisted in supporting:

• Organising personal belongings, including making beds, hanging towels and keeping cabins clean.

• Contributing to a team

• Patience

• Taking turns

• Washing and drying dishes

• Serving others

• Listening

• Learning new skills, and slowing down to let new skills and information distil

• Keeping calm

Great work, Year 4!

Mr Hugh Scott
Year 4 Teacher

To see all photos from the Camp please expand the article.

This week our youngest students were fortunate to participate in the Bravehearts Ditto Keep Safe Adventure Show, a fun and engaging incursion designed to teach young children important personal safety skills. Our Preschool students enjoyed a tailored Early Years performance, while students from Kindergarten to Year 2 participated in their own interactive session.

The show featured Ditto the lion cub and used songs, dancing and interactive activities to help children learn in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Through this lively performance, students explored important concepts such as recognising safe and unsafe feelings, understanding body ownership, and knowing what to do if they feel unsafe or unsure.

A central focus of the program is Ditto’s 3 Keep Safe Rules, which children are encouraged to remember and use:

• We all have the right to feel safe with people

• It’s OK to say NO if you feel unsafe or unsure

• Nothing is so yucky that you can’t tell someone about it

Julie Henry
Junior School Psychologist

For all photos, please expand the article.

Our Bush Preschoolers recently enjoyed a very special visit to the nursery with Fingal Coast Care, where they learnt how local volunteers help care for and restore our natural environment.

The children explored the nursery and discovered how native plants are grown specifically for our local area. A highlight of the day was participating in a hands-on seed sowing activity, where the children planted seeds of a special vine that supports the endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. They also planted lilly pilly and beach bird’s eye seeds, helping to contribute to future revegetation efforts.

This experience helped the children understand how even small actions, like planting a seed, can make a big difference in caring for Country and supporting wildlife.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful Coast Care volunteers - Sarah, Kay, Kate, Karen and Peter - for sharing their knowledge, time and passion with our children. Your support made this such a meaningful and memorable learning experience.

We look forward to continuing our connection with Coast Care and watching our plants grow over time! If any one in the school community is interested in joining the efforts at Fingal Coast Care please email me at michelle.donohue@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au and I can provide you with a membership form.

Michelle Donohue
Bush Preschool Leader

For all photos, please expand the article

Final Day of Term and Cross Country

A reminder that the final day of Term 1 is Thursday, 2 April, with Good Friday falling on Friday as a public holiday.

Our final day of term will also see the running of our annual Cross Country Carnival. This is a compulsory school event, and all students are expected to attend and participate. We encourage all students to approach the day with strong House spirit, positive energy, and a willingness to contribute to the overall experience.

A Timely Reminder as we Head into the Easter Break

As we move into the Easter break, it feels like an important moment to pause and reflect on the online world our young people are navigating.

Recently, I was reading insights shared by Kirra Pendergast, an international expert in online safety and founder of Safe on Social. Her message was both powerful and confronting.

She spoke about the role of the smartphone in young people’s lives; not simply as a tool, but as something that is shaping what they learn, how they think, and how they see themselves and the world. In many ways, it is no longer just supporting education; it is becoming the education.

She captured this in a way that is worth sharing:

“The device on the bedside table, or under the pillow, is not merely a phone. It is the single most complete archive of human experience ever assembled… It also contains the mechanics of self-harm, the grammar of misogyny… and the highly produced, algorithmically amplified architecture of people who have decided that the confusion of young men is a market, and that the self-doubt of young women is inventory.”
(“Who Is Designing the Lesson Plans?”, March 23)

It is a confronting reminder of the complexity of the online environment our children are growing up in.

As a school, we will continue to work alongside families as we navigate the Social Media Delay and support our students in developing safe and healthy online behaviours.

Supporting your child at home, some simple and practical strategies we continue to promote include:

• Mobile Phone Use
  Establish clear boundaries around when and where phones are used (for example, no phones overnight in bedrooms). Keep conversations open by regularly checking in about what your child is seeing and experiencing online, and reinforce the importance of privacy and thoughtful sharing.

• Managing Screen Time
  Encourage balance with offline activities, including sport, hobbies and family time. Build in regular screen breaks and model healthy habits as adults; this is often the most powerful influence.

• Online Safety
  Stay informed about the platforms your child is using and create space for open, judgment-free conversations. Talk openly about cyberbullying and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.

These small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference.

As we head into the break, I hope families can enjoy some time together, to rest and reconnect away from the pace of the term.

It can also be a valuable opportunity to reset routines around screen use and reconnect in ways that support balance and wellbeing.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Easter.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

It is always a highlight of the School year when our musical season arrives, and once again, our students have surpassed expectations. Following the tremendous success of Mamma Mia in 2024, this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast is nothing short of spectacular. Since opening earlier this week, the production has demonstrated an extraordinary level of talent and dedication.

What has been particularly encouraging is the breadth of student involvement. While we naturally see many of our talented dancers and musicians on stage, it has been equally pleasing to see students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests stepping into the spotlight. Whether they are more commonly found on the sporting field, in the classroom, or in other pursuits, students have embraced the opportunity to be part of something creative and collaborative.

This is a powerful reminder of what makes our school so special. In the Senior School, students are not confined to a single identity. They are not just academic, athletic or artistic. They are encouraged to explore, to take risks, and to discover that they can be all of these things. Our musical is a vivid expression of that philosophy in action.

I am particularly proud of our senior boys, who are leading by example and showing younger students that singing, dancing, and performing are not only acceptable but something to be celebrated. Their enthusiasm and willingness to step outside traditional expectations are helping to shape a culture where every student feels confident to participate fully in school life.

I hope that many members of our community were able to secure tickets to what has been a completely sold-out and truly memorable production.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Our Year 10 Service Learning group is excited to be giving back to our community through a hands-on gardening initiative.

Alongside our grounds staff, Mr Jamie Sullivan and teacher Mr Davies, students will be offering practical support to members of our community who may need a helping hand with their gardens. This may include mowing lawns, weeding, and general garden maintenance.

We are seeking nominations from within our school community for individuals or families who would genuinely benefit from this support. This could include elderly residents, those recovering from illness or injury, or anyone experiencing circumstances that make garden upkeep difficult.

If you know someone who would appreciate this assistance, please contact kbedford@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au with their details and a brief description of how we can help.

This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for our students to serve others, build connections, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.

Thank you for helping us support our community.

Mrs Kelly Bedford
Service Learning Coordinator

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting 17 university students from the esteemed Aoyama Gakuin University in Japan, who spent three weeks participating in an intensive English Immersion program on our Mahers Lane campus.

During their time with us, the students fully embraced school life, joining our classes and engaging in authentic Australian classroom experiences. They shared thoughtful cultural presentations with our students, offering valuable insights into Japanese traditions and daily life, while also building meaningful connections across our community.

Beyond the classroom, the group enjoyed a range of uniquely Australian experiences. They tried their hand at making pavlova, explored their creativity through Australian-inspired art, and learned how to pass and kick an AFL ball. Their program also extended into our local region, where they experienced the beauty of Byron Bay (despite the flooding rains!) and deepened their understanding of our environment through a visit to Tropical Fruit World, learning about the rich biodiversity of the area.

A highlight of the program was the final celebration, where students shared song and dance, reflecting the friendships formed and the joy of cultural exchange. Their warm smiles, enthusiasm, and willingness to share their culture - from engaging presentations to hands-on origami workshops - truly enriched our school community.

A heartfelt thank you to our staff, who created opportunities both in the classroom and during lunchtimes for our students to engage in Japanese cultural experiences. An even bigger thank you goes to the families within our school community who so generously opened their homes. Your support made this experience truly special and unforgettable for our visitors.

Rebecca Wilson
Manager - International Development

Watching Ayla Drury win TWO gold medals this week at Rowing Nationals at Lake Barrington in Tasmania was outstanding. Congratulations to Mrs Tara Townsend for her exceptional leadership and coaching excellence. If any of you want 8 minutes of exhilarating rowing racing, please watch a replay of Ayla Drury jagging gold yesterday. From the 21:26 minute mark - HERE.

Our CIS Primary Swimmers were going about their business in Sydney this week. We will gather a comprehensive write-up for next week's newsletter.

We are all in readiness for the Lindisfarne Cross Country Carnival next Thursday, which you have all received emails about. Run Sheet - HERE

For all the Sport news, please expand article.

APS RUGBY RD1

The U14 rugby team delivered an outstanding performance on Friday in their match against AB Paterson College, securing a convincing win in what was a fantastic display of teamwork and skill. From the outset, the team played with great energy and intent, executing their structures well and showing strong support play across the field.

It was particularly pleasing to see every player contribute, with a real sense of cohesion and unselfish play evident throughout the match. The boys maintained their focus and intensity, which allowed them to build pressure and capitalise on their opportunities.

A special mention must go to Sky, Archer, Finn, and Ben, who demonstrated excellent sportsmanship by assisting the opposition in the second half. Their willingness to support AB Paterson College reflects the true spirit of the game and is something they should be very proud of.

Overall, a terrific team performance and a great result to cap off the week.

For all Rugby news, please expand the article. 

Homework Club will finish up in week 9 and will return in Week 2 of Term 2. 

Have a wonderful holiday.

On the 19 of March, four student leaders from the business and economics subjects, School Captain Nicolas Leotta, School Vice-Captain Byron Millar, Prefect Grace Martin, and House Captain Lachlan Clarke, attended the Northern Rivers Business and Economics Breakfast. They were accompanied by Principal Stuart Maquardt, Director of Staffing and Economics Teacher Lauren Ward, Humanities Coordinator, Economics Teacher Elliot Duke, and Business Teacher Thomas Campbell.

The event featured keynote speakers from the upper echelons of the Australian business and economics community, including Sally Auld, Chief Economist of the National Australia Bank; Alan Kohler, finance and economics journalist with the ABC; Luke Elias, Director of Operations & Engagement for Healthy North Coast; and Nathan Wallwork, Head of Economics & Policy for Business NSW.

Students and staff were engaged and intellectually stimulated by the insights provided into global, domestic, and regional economic and business conditions. The event afforded our students an invaluable opportunity to network with some of the region's most prominent business figures, and provided our staff with the chance to garner valuable insights to incorporate into their teaching for the wider cohort. We are sincerely grateful to Business NSW for extending the invitation to attend and look forward to the continuation of the robust relationship the School maintains with regional businesses.

Elliott Duke
Teacher

This week, our school came together to celebrate Earth Week and the 20th year of Earth Hour, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging people to take action to protect our planet. Earth Week reminds us that caring for the environment is not just a one-day event but an ongoing responsibility, representing how collective small actions can lead to meaningful global change. 

We celebrated Earth Week by participating in a range of activities. One of the highlights was our Earth Week pledge banner, outside O-Commons, where students wrote personal commitments toward our earth, from reducing waste to conserving energy. The pledges were proudly displayed on our banner, a visual reminder of how anyone can contribute to sustainability through small actions. Some took inspiration from pre-prepared pledges, while others got creative and made their own commitments. 

Some highlights were: growing more food, riding bikes more, using reusable containers and charging devices less, all simple yet important ways to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and reduce energy consumption. Every lunch, short environmental films were shown, sparking important conversations about sustainability and making for a fun way to spend lunch! In Homeroom, students took part in our Earth Week trivia competition, testing their knowledge on environmental issues and brainstorming practical ways to make a difference in their daily lives. 

Earth Week serves as an important reminder that protecting our planet starts with awareness and action. Everyone at Lindisfarne showed great enthusiasm, and to continue this, we’d like to encourage everyone to participate in Earth Hour this Saturday by turning off non-essential lights for one hour, starting at 8:30 pm NSW time, as a symbolic gesture to give an hour to the earth.

Lyla Macdonald and Andy Yen
Sustainability Prefects

We invite you to join the Lindisfarne Business Network

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.

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.

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.

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We invite you to promote your business in the Lindisfarne Business Directory.

Showcase your business to school families, local customers, and fellow professionals by advertising in our Business Directory. Boost your visibility, build connections, and highlight what makes your business unique.

To express interest, please refer to the Business Directory Expression of Interest form HERE.

If you would like to discuss partnership opportunities or explore ways your business can be involved, please contact:

Dr Kane Bradford Head - Professional Practice, Innovation and Partnerships

Email: kane.bradford@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Please use the following link to access the Corporate Benefits Program. LINK

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