2026 Term 2 Week 5 22 May 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

It has been another incredibly rewarding week across our Lindisfarne School community, with many of our students participating in one of the most valued parts of school life, Camp Week.

Throughout the week, students from Years 7–11 have travelled to a variety of locations and outdoor education experiences, each designed to challenge, inspire, and strengthen our young people beyond the classroom. Camps provide opportunities for students to develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and confidence, while also building lasting friendships and memories. I thank our staff who generously give their time and energy to make these experiences possible for our students each year.

At the beginning of the week, I attended the Association of Heads of Independent Schools (AHISA) Term 2 NSW Branch Meeting hosted by Newcastle Grammar School. These gatherings are always valuable opportunities to collaborate with fellow independent school leaders, engage in professional dialogue, inspect school facilities and programs, and reflect on the evolving landscape of education and leadership.

On Tuesday evening, I attended the Future of Business in Tweed event at Twin Towns Services Club. It was encouraging to hear from Australia’s leading demographer, Bernard Salt and business leaders about the opportunities, challenges, and future growth of our region. Events such as these continue to reinforce the importance of strong partnerships between schools, industry, and the wider community as we prepare young people for the future and develop the ‘school of choice’ for our region.

Today began with our Year 12 Industry Breakfast, an important initiative providing our senior students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into future career pathways and life beyond school. These conversations and connections are incredibly important as our students begin preparing for life beyond school and give considered thought to their future aspirations.

This morning, we also welcomed our current Year 4 families to Mahers Lane for an introduction and tour of the campus as students prepare for their transition into Year 5 in 2027. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with this important next step in their child’s educational journey. Transition moments like these are exciting milestones that help students and families feel confident and connected as they move into the next phase of school life. We look forward to the class of 2034 joining us on the Mahers Lane campus next year.

This afternoon, I travelled to Lismore to attend the Norco Primex Field Day at the Lismore Showgrounds. It was fantastic to see such strong representation from regional industries, agriculture, education, and local businesses, showcasing innovation, opportunity, and community spirit across the Northern Rivers region. Lindisfarne, as a major provider of high-quality education in the region, had a booth at the field day, which provided a great opportunity to connect with past, current, and future School families.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership in the life of our School community.

Wishing all families an enjoyable and restful weekend.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Throughout Term 2, students across the Junior School have continued their learning journey through the new NSW HSIE syllabus, engaging in rich and meaningful units of work that deepen their understanding of history, geography, people and place.

Building on the strong foundation established in Term 1, students have been immersed in learning experiences that encourage curiosity, inquiry and a stronger understanding of the world around them. Across each grade, students are developing important historical and geographical knowledge while building skills in questioning, research, communication and critical thinking.

Kindergarten – Stories of Our Past

Kindergarten students have been sharing stories, photographs and special objects from the past, comparing them with life today to explore how things change over time. Through family stories, classroom discussions and hands-on activities, students are developing an early understanding of history and learning how the past helps shape the present.

Kindergarten students exploring how food and mealtimes have changed over time, learning about Bush Tucker, traditional foods from the past, and the history of ANZAC biscuits.

Year 1 – Where in the World?

Year 1 students have been using maps, globes and digital tools to investigate Australia’s place in the world. Students are exploring continents, oceans and neighbouring countries while discovering how people, places and environments are connected across the globe.

Year 2 – Communicating Through the Ages: From Signals to Smartphones

Year 2 students have been fascinated by the evolution of communication over time. From ancient smoke signals and handwritten letters to telephones and modern smartphones, students have explored how technology has transformed the way people share information and stay connected.

Year 2 students exploring communication through storytelling as they retold the traditional Dreaming story Tiddalik the Frog.

Year 3 – Climate Zones and Natural Wonders

Year 3 students have been investigating climate zones across Australia and around the world, comparing environments, weather patterns and natural features. Students are also developing an appreciation for the sophisticated ways Aboriginal Peoples map and understand Country and Place through deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land.

In Visual Arts, Year 3 students created temperate climate zone landscapes, linking their creativity with their HSIE learning about Climate Zones and Natural Wonders.

Year 4 – Life at Sydney Cove and Historical Recounts

Continuing their learning across Terms 1 and 2, Year 4 students have been examining the arrival of the First Fleet and exploring the perspectives and experiences of convicts, Aboriginal Peoples and settlers. Students have engaged thoughtfully with the lasting impacts of colonisation and are developing a deeper understanding of Australia’s shared history. This unit continues to build on the important historical foundations introduced earlier this year.

It has been wonderful to see students so engaged in their learning, asking thoughtful questions and making meaningful links between the past, present and future. The new syllabus continues to provide opportunities for students to explore rich concepts, build strong knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of their role within local and global communities.

We also encourage families to continue engaging with their child’s Seesaw Learning Journal throughout the term. Seesaw provides a valuable window into classroom learning, allowing parents and carers to celebrate student growth, view learning experiences and stay informed about the exciting learning taking place across the Junior School.

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

Over the coming weeks, the Junior School will be recognising and celebrating several important national events.

From 27th May – 3rd June, we will acknowledge Reconciliation Week, providing students with opportunities to learn about and reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, while continuing to build respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the wider Australian community.

On Wednesday, 27th May, students will also take part in National Simultaneous Storytime, joining schools and libraries across Australia in reading the same story at the same time. This annual event celebrates the joy of reading and highlights the importance of literacy and storytelling. This year, the story is ‘Luna Roo’. On this day, students are invited to wear a splash of green and gold with their usual uniform. Items such as ribbons, socks, hats, sunnies etc.

To conclude these events, students are invited to participate in Wear it Yellow Day on Wednesday, 3rd June in support of Children’s Ground. Students are encouraged to wear a splash of yellow with their usual school uniform to help raise awareness and support positive outcomes for First Nations children and communities.

Don’t forget, also, to utilise the Junior School ‘Walking Bus’ available each morning and afternoon. The two morning buses leave at 8:15am and 8:30am from Tweed United FC Clubhouse, and the afternoon Walking Bus leaves the back gate at roughly 3:05pm.

Mr. Hugh Scott
Acting Dean of Students – Junior School

Term 1 Key Dates – Junior School

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

• 17 June - 400m & 800m Races for Athletics Carnival

• 19 June - K-6 Athletics Carnival

• TFA Football Sessions - Every Monday until 22/6.

• AFL Auskick - Every Wednesday afternoon until 17/6.

AFL AUSKICK

AFL Auskick has returned. Auskick and Superkick have been extrtemeuly popular with students having a great time learning and playing AFL. There are still 4 weeks left. Get in quick to secure your spot and have a lot of fun with the Auskick team.

Every Wednesday afternoon until 17th June.

3:10 - 4:10PM | $80 + Exclusive AFL goodies

Choose Suns as your club of support to receive a free suns flexi 4 membership

For more information use the QR code on this Flyer: AFL

or email or call Tom at thomas.standish@afl.com.au | 0447 597 070

Total Football Academy – After School Program

The Total Football Academy after-school program will continue until Monday 22/6 (week 10)

This popular program still has limited vacancies available, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations can be completed via Parent Lounge.

The program will also run again in Terms 3, and possibly Term 4 this year.
Further information can be found in the flyer here: Lindisfarne - Term 2 - 2026_compressed.pdf

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 Sport - Junior School 

Welcome to Week 5 of Term 2.

This week, our Year 7 and Year 8 students returned from camp, and by all accounts, it was a wonderful experience. We were certainly fortunate with the weather, which allowed students to make the most of everything camp had to offer.

School camps are such an important part of the Middle School experience, providing opportunities for students to strengthen friendships, challenge themselves, develop independence, and create memories that often stay with them long after the week has ended. A great deal of planning goes into making these experiences possible, and I would like to sincerely thank the staff who gave their time, energy, and care so generously throughout the week.

I suspect many of our Stage 4 students will be making the most of a well-earned Camp Recovery Day today. I hope families have enjoyed following along via Tripcast, and we look forward to reflecting on some of the camp highlights in next week’s newsletter.

We look forward to sharing some camp highlights in next week’s newsletter.

ParentEd

A reminder also for families about our upcoming ParentEd Session: Anxiety During Adolescence - Strengthening Teens Against Anxiety, to be held on Thursday, 28 May at 6.30 pm in the Chapel at Mahers Lane.

We are very pleased to welcome Karen Young, a highly regarded speaker and leading voice in the area of child and adolescent anxiety. Karen is known for her engaging, practical, and research-informed approach, supporting parents with strategies that are both insightful and immediately useful. This promises to be an excellent session for families navigating the adolescent years.

Please indicate your intention to attend via this link: here

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

The Senior School camp program concluded this week with great success, and I would like to commend both our students and staff for the resilience, positivity and determination they demonstrated throughout the experience.

The first half of the week brought exceptionally wet weather across all camps, yet I was continually impressed by our students' and staff's willingness to embrace the challenges and make the very best of the situation. Their attitude, perseverance and support for one another reflected the very qualities we seek to nurture in young people at Lindisfarne.

Fortunately, the final two days of camp brought drier, sunnier conditions, which undoubtedly lifted spirits and allowed all groups to fully enjoy their programs. It was wonderful to see students engaging enthusiastically, strengthening friendships, building confidence and creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.

While the overwhelming majority of students participated wholeheartedly, a small number still find the challenges of attending camp difficult to overcome. To those students, I implore you to make every effort to participate in 2027. The rewards of camp experiences are immeasurable. The resilience and friendships forged through shared challenge are among the most valuable aspects of school life.

In the Senior School, it is certainly our responsibility to grow young people of character and, after all, as I often say, through challenge comes growth.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Our CIS Primary Netball epresentative girls did really well by all accounts during the week. Congratulations to Isla Hollands, Jasmine Pointon, Bonnie Pollard and Avery Warren for your contributions to the team.

Koa Stotz, Riley Johnston and Lennox Eke are down at SOPAC again, mixing it up with the best in the state at NSW All Schools swimming.

The NSW Primary Rugby Boys 7’s FINALS were on today, with our Lindisfarne crew down there hopefully going hard at it with all guns blazing.

Other than those three rep events, it has been a catch-up week - with all of our secondary boys/girls on camp week.

Week 6 Events:

• 26 May: AFLQ Primary School (Yrs 5&6)

• 26/27 May: Basketball NSW U16’s State Championships

• 26/27 May: CIS Secondary Boys and Girls 18&U Football Championships

• 27 May: Netball Vicki Wilson Cup

• 28 May: NCIS Primary Football Championships

• 29 May: Rugby APS Rnd 8

• 29/31 May: Volleyball QLD intermediate schools cup

Term 3 Sport Selections Open Wednesday, 27 May at 7 pm.

This is a reminder that Sport selections for Term 3 will open via Clipboard next week, on Wednesday, 27 May at 7:00 pm and close on Tuesday, 2 June at 8:00 am.

ALL students are required to make a selection and payment - this includes students selected for Basketball Lions, Dance, Netball, Rugby, Touch Football, and Volleyball.

** Please note that sport options may vary from term to term due to the seasonal nature of some activities.**

To log in to Clipboard, please follow the instructions below carefully:

1. Log in to SEQTA or click on the following link HERE

2. Select the SPORT SELECTIONS tile (this will launch the Clipboard portal)

3. Go to ACTIVITY SELECTION (left hand side of calendar view)

4. Select the correct student at the top right

5. Navigate to Term 3 (Year Group) Integrated Sports 2026

You can also use the following instructions to login to Clipboard HERE.

NCIS Cross Country

The 2026 NCIS Cross Country Championships were held at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School on Friday 8 May in perfect conditions, with sunny skies and mild temperatures providing an excellent setting for competition.

The course and facilities were very well prepared, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone involved. Sincere thanks to the Lindisfarne ground staff and the organising team.

More than 900 students attended across the day, creating a fantastic atmosphere of participation, sportsmanship, and competition. Congratulations to every student who competed and gave their very best effort throughout the championships.

Our boys and girls ensured that Lindisfarne was the winning school. As they should be with our considerable home course advantage!

Age Champions

Congratulations to the young jets who managed to win either Age Champ - or Runner Up.

A special thank you is extended to all staff who willingly carried out their assigned duties throughout the event. The smooth, safe, and successful running of a carnival of this size would not be possible without the support and cooperation of each school.

Good luck to the representative qualifiers who will be heading off to NSWCIS in a few short weeks!

Surfing

The 2026 Australian Interschools Surfing Championships were held at Kirra Beach on Thursday and Friday, 14–15 May, with Lindisfarne proudly represented across all divisions. Students attended the opening ceremony at Southern Cross University alongside almost 500 competitors and 120 teams from around Australia. Competitors heard from former world champion Wayne Bartholomew and current professional surfers India Robinson and Ziggy Mackenzie, who spoke about resilience and the dedication required to compete at the highest level.

Despite waking to wild and wet weather conditions, students were greeted by clean surf across both days, with offshore southerly winds and a consistent 2-foot swell providing quality waves at Kirra. The event presented plenty of challenges, with competition days stretching beyond nine hours and conditions constantly changing with the tides.

Our school entered two Junior Girls teams, three Junior Boys teams, two Open Girls teams and five Open Boys teams. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, and all teams represented the school with pride, determination and sportsmanship.

In the Junior Boys division, the Mohatus (Oliver Clarke, Naish Morgan & Finn Jones) finished an impressive 6th overall, while the Lokis (Billy Daniel, Luca Waddel & Jay Whitfield) placed 7th out of 42 teams, missing out on the final by only 0.12 points in their semi-final.

In the Junior Girls division, the Nalas (Malia Watson, Cami Mellis & Milly Waddel) surfed all the way to the final and achieved a fantastic 5th place finish, while the Xenas (Sailor Lonergan, Sienna Gedoun & Georgia Brunke) finished 9th overall.

Our Open Girls teams also had some great moments throughout the event and gained valuable experience for the future. With many of the surfers only in Year 10, the teams will continue to build strongly heading into next year’s event.

In the Open Boys division, the Fangs (Marv Freeman, Jackson Mater & Sam Prelc) finished an outstanding 5th overall, while the Kings (Mac Brindley, Bowie Robinson & Lincoln Dell) placed 9th out of 52 teams.The Fangs were sitting in 2nd place based on surfing scores alone; however, one unique aspect of the competition is the awarding of three bonus points if all three surfers return to the designated beach “box” before time expires. In a dramatic finish to the final heat, just as our last surfer prepared to head in, the ocean went flat, leaving no option but to paddle hard to shore. After an enormous effort through the gutters and onto the sand, he sprinted towards the box, but time expired just 50 metres short. The missed bonus points saw the team drop from 2nd to 5th in heartbreaking fashion.

Overall, it was a fantastic few days of surfing and an outstanding experience for all involved. A big thank you to Mr Mellis, Ms Priestley and Mr Fisher for their support and organisation throughout the event. We look forward to returning even stronger next year.

Matt Fisher

Spotlight on Koa Stotz

Koa Stotz’s recent swimming success in Fiji is outstanding, where he represented Australia at the 2026 Oceania Swimming Championships.

Following a few days of team training in Suva, the championships began on 8 May and ran through to 13 May, bringing together swimmers from across the Pacific region. It was a really valuable experience for Koa, giving him exposure to international competition in the open division, travelling independently with the Australian team, and a different racing environment.

Koa had a really successful meet, and his results were:

• 1st – Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay
• 1st – Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay
• 2nd – Men’s 50m Freestyle
• 2nd – Men’s 100m Freestyle
• 2nd – Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay
• 2nd – Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay
• 2nd – Mixed 4x50m Freestyle Relay
• 2nd – Mixed 4x50m Medley Relay
• 2nd – Men’s 4x50m Freestyle Relay

Damien Clucas
Head of Sport and Activities

Book Here

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Join renowned parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson for Parental Guidance, a refreshing presentation that will challenge conventional parenting wisdom and equip you with effective, science-backed strategies. Hear from Justin here.

Don't miss this important session Book Here

Meet Australian Netballer Gretel Bueta (nee Tippett) at the Sports Lunch

Pioneer for Female Athletes

Gretel Bueta has stamped her authority in Australian Netball as one of the great innovators, which is highlighted by her trademark lay-up shot. Her distinguishable look and playing flair contribute to her popularity and marketability.

Just her second season back from maternity leave, the Firebirds and Diamonds star has had a scintillating 2022, demonstrated by her selection and dominance in the Quad Series and Birmingham Commonwealth Games, taking home Player of the Match and Series and MVP respectively. Gretel's performance at the Games was ' best-in-the-world', with Gretel playing an integral role in the Australian Diamonds bringing home the Gold Medal against Jamaica.

Celebrating her stellar year for the Firebirds, Gretel was awarded the Laura Geitz MVP medal, and was named Goal Attack in the Nissan Net Points 2022 Team.

Prior to her netball career taking off at the age of 19, Gretel played in three Basketball junior World Championships (2009-2011). She also played for the Australian Institute of Sport in the Women’s National BasketballLeague during the 2010/11 season.

Gretel’s Achievements:

Ambassador for Suncorp, Nike, Nissan Australia, Demi International and People and Culture Strategies

47 Caps for the Diamonds. Debut in 2015

2022 MVP for Australian Diamonds at Commonwealth Games

2022 Netball Queensland Laura Geitz Medal

2022 Quad Series Player of the Match and Series

2019 Netball Australia Liz Ellis Diamond and International Player of the Year

Booking Link Here

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.

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

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.

Events and Payments

Please ensure you check in SEQTA/Parent Lounge, under “Accounts & Payments” drop down menu, to see if you have any invitations outstanding under “Events & Payments”. There are many outstanding Events that require your attention before the Event closes. This also includes Elective Subject Levies that remain outstanding for Term 1, along with Camps, excursions etc.

We appreciate your assistance in keeping on top of your Event acceptances, which will ensure that you are not sent further email reminders to accept/pay.

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.

We write to provide a reminder regarding the scheduled departure times for our School provided bus service. To ensure all students arrive at School safely and on time each morning, it is essential that the buses depart promptly at their designated intervals.

The full schedule including all routes and times can be viewed here on our website. We ask that you please review your route and stop time, and that students arrive at the bus zone prior to the departure times listed.

If you use the Route A intercampus bus, please note that the last morning departure for this service is 8.20am. Students must be at the Chapel to meet the supervising staff member by 8.15am at the latest to allow time for roll taking and boarding.

Please note that for the safety of our students and to maintain our route schedules, drivers are unable to wait for late arrivals.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a reliable and efficient service for all families.

Your understanding of these matters is appreciated.

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

Brett Dinsdale
Business Manager