2026 Term 2 Week 8 12 June 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

Giving at Lindisfarne

The Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School we know today has been shaped through the generosity, vision and care of those who have come before us. Across many years, families, friends and members of our wider community have invested in opportunities for young people and helped create the foundations upon which our students learn, grow and flourish. Today, we are proud to introduce Giving at Lindisfarne, a program that reflects this enduring spirit of generosity and shared purpose within our School community.

Giving at Lindisfarne provides families, alumni and supporters with the opportunity to contribute to the future of the School in meaningful and purposeful ways. Through the Scholarship Fund, Building Fund and Library Fund, the program will support Learning Access, Learning Spaces and Learning Futures for generations of students to come. These funds will help strengthen the educational experience we offer through scholarships, facilities, resources and opportunities that encourage creativity, curiosity and innovation across all areas of our School.

Importantly, Giving at Lindisfarne is always an invitation, never an expectation. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps shape the future of our School and the opportunities available to our students. Some may choose to support through financial giving, while others may contribute through advocacy, encouragement and connection within our community. Together, these acts of generosity become part of something greater than ourselves and help ensure Lindisfarne continues to thrive for future generations.

For further information, please visit the Giving at Lindisfarne page on our website.

While it has been a shorter week, it has still been busy, with many important opportunities for connection, engagement, and celebration.

On Tuesday evening, our Parents and Friends Association (P&F) Executive Meeting was held. Recently, the P&F have funded the Junior School Dry Creek Project, Mahers Lane Oval Grandstands and at this meeting approved support for outdoor blinds for the Stephanie Alexander Outdoor Kitchen. I want to thank our P&F volunteers whose work goes beyond fundraising, and thank them for giving their time to support our School and our community.

Last night, nearly 300 people attended the Chill Unplugged event. Year after year, this event continues to showcase the extraordinary depth of talent within Lindisfarne, and this year’s performances were truly exceptional. From vocal and instrumental performances to dance and drama, our students displayed remarkable confidence, creativity and professionalism. I extend my sincere thanks to our Friends of the Arts (FOTA) Committee, who once again give our School their time and energy to support our students and the Arts.

I was honoured to attend the Bond University Principals' Lunch on Wednesday, bringing together educational leaders from across the region. These occasions provide valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and engage in conversations about the future of education. The partnership between schools and institutions such as Bond University continues to create exciting pathways and opportunities for our students.

Yesterday, Lindisfarne hosted the Independent Schools New South Wales Annual Briefing for our region, welcoming Chief Executive Officer Margery Evans, along with more than twenty educational leaders and delegates from across northern New South Wales.

It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our School and the exciting developments taking place at Lindisfarne, including our Senior Centre and the ongoing development of our Year 7 Centre and Creative Industries Precinct, both of which are progressing despite the ongoing challenges with the weather.

I look forward to seeing parents late next week at our Athletics Carnivals as we move into the final fortnight for Semester 1. If you can give some of your time to the P&F to support the BBQ at this event, please do so via the online sign-up. P&F Volunteer Link.

Wishing all families a wonderful weekend ahead.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

For my articles this year we have been focusing on the Six Ideals of Round Square, most recently the Ideal of Environmentalism.

During recent Chapel services, I asked the students to get into small groups and brainstorm some ideas on how they could practically contribute to the betterment of the environment.

This article will pick up on, expand upon and add to some of those ideas.

Be waterwise: A practical way that was suggested to do this was to have shorter sowers. One of the temptations as we move into the cooler months of the year is to do the exact opposite - to have longer showers because we enjoy the warmth.

Some time ago, the Gold Coast was facing very serious water restrictions because of an extended drought.

The City Council therefore supplied suction cupped sand timers to stick on the shower wall to mark the time required to have an effective shower so as not to waste water.

It was also encouraged that residents fill buckets with water until the water ran hot and to use that bucketed water to water the plants.

Whilst we are currently experiencing extended rain it is wise to be mindful of such practices during times of drought.

Minimise single-use items: Another suggestion was to avoid as much as possible one-use items.

A practical way to do this is to supply one’s own keep-cup when visiting either of our cafes here at Lindisfarne.

Avoid unnecessary consumerism: One of the dangers is how cheap some online shopping has become and how prevalent its advertisement.

One of the small group of students suggested refraining from impulse buying.

Buy locally sourced products: Wherever possible, as the saying goes, ‘buy local.’

The environment benefits from buying products (especially food) that travel shorter distances as it reduces carbon emissions associated with long-haul transportation.

Grow your own fruit and veg: Ever since the conflict in the Middle East and the related fuel crisis, my family has intentionally grown more of our own fruit and veg.

Our aim is to have at least one ingredient in our evening meals that was grown in our own backyard.

We also have our own compost, which not only lessens landfill, but enriches our soil for future crops.

Biodegradable packaging: Another suggestion was to replace the use of plastic bags with biodegradable ones.

Biodegradable packaging minimizes the ecological impact that plastic bags have had on the environment, especially in developing countries where infrastructure for rubbish collecting isn’t as developed.

Reduce, reuse, recycle: a bunch of ideas from the students, some of which have already been mentioned, can be helpfully summed up in the phrase, ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.

It was suggested that we should only buy what we need, not what we want and that we should give away the clothes we have grown out of or even buy second hand clothes in the first place.

At the end of these brainstorming sessions in Chapel I asked the students by show of hands if they were willing to put their ideas into practice and I was very encouraged by the sea of hands before me.

I therefore encourage each and every of you who are part of our wonderful Lindisfarne community to think up creative ways to contribute to the betterment of the environment and then put them into practice.

Blessings, 

Reverend Lyndon
School Chaplain

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The major event for the Parents and Friends Association, FunFest, is coming later this year. If you would like to show your support through sponsorship, please use the link below to view the available opportunities. There are also opportunities to support other events.

SPONSORSHIP BOOKLET 2026

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

The Parents and Friends Association is looking for volunteers who can assist with cooking and serving on the P&F stand at the Athletics across both days next week.

If you can assist, then please put your name down via the link below.

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP - ATHLETICS BBQ

Penny Brady
President

Last Friday, the 5th of June, a group of students and I had the privilege of attending the second annual Lindisfarne Business Network Sports Lunch at Twin Towns, an event that brought together the school, the wider community, and some of Australia’s most accomplished sporting personalities, including Curtis McGrath OAM, Billy Moore, Leisel Jones OAM, Gretel Bueta and MC Brooke Hanson OAM.

Throughout the afternoon, we listened to powerful and inspiring stories about resilience, dedication and success at the elite level. A real highlight was the opportunity to engage in conversation with professional athletes from a range of sports, gaining insight into their personal journeys and the commitment required to perform at the highest level.

We are extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of hearing directly from such inspiring sporting figures.

Amber Sullivan
Sports Prefect
Netball Captain

If you had asked me two years ago what leadership entailed, it is likely that I would have mentioned something about confidence.

I’m sure I would have spoken about public speaking and decision-making, maybe initiative and responsibility. I certainly won’t deny that these are imperative qualities, and ones I’ve grown to use at my disposal on a daily basis throughout my time in this role. Yet, after my three of my four terms as School Captain nears its conclusion, I’ve gradually come to the realisation that leadership is built on a pillar far less visible or audible.

It is built on Trust.

Throughout the year thus far, countless members of our school community, whether that be members of staff, parents at school events, or most frequently, fellow students, have launched a conversation with me about something that matters to them. Occasionally, it has been serious: concerns, frustrations, a desire for change. Sometimes it has been as simple as an idea scribbled illegibly on scrap paper, slipped into the SRC suggestion box. Yet, regardless of their nature, each of these interactions carried the weight of a common message:

I trust you to take care of this.

Every conversation, suggestion, concern and idea shared with me has manifested as a small act of trust. Looking after that trust has become far more important than any title I wear, and the greatest privilege of my time here at Lindisfarne.

In that same sense, perhaps leadership resembles borrowing rather than owning. The strength of any community depends not on how much authority the leaders possess, but on how responsibly they care for the trust that they are granted.

For those students who may one day find themselves in a leadership position, which approaches very soon for the Class of 2027, whether that be as captains, prefects, mentors or leaders in your local community, my advice is simple: focus less on the title and more on the very people who have entrusted it to you. I implore you to reach out. Connect. Build relationships. Spend your finite time as a leader, badged role or not, fostering that trust that will inevitably grow your sense of personal fulfilment.

Yes, titles may open doors in life. But it’s crucial to remember that trust is the drive that leads you to walk through them.

Phoebe Robins
School Captain

Become a Homestay Family with Study Match

Our International Program is growing at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, and we are seeking warm, welcoming families to support students from around the world as they experience life and learning in Australia.

To ensure our long term international students are placed in safe, caring, and supportive homes, we work closely with our preferred homestay provider, Study Match.

Each year, we welcome students from across the globe to experience Australian school life, improve their English language skills, and connect with our culture, community, and way of life. In return, these students enrich our school community by bringing diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences to our campus.

Study Match places international students with families for a variety of durations, including:

• One school term

• One semester

• Long-term placements through to graduation

If you have a spare room and would like to share your family life, culture, and community with a long term international student, they would love to hear from you.

By registering with Study Match to become a homestay family, you can make a meaningful difference in a student's Australian journey while providing your own family with a unique cultural experience.

For more information about becoming a homestay host for long term students, please contact Study Match, their details on the flyer below.

Hosting international students has been such a positive experience for our family. We’ve loved sharing our home, hearing their stories, and learning about different cultures. What often starts as hosting a student quickly feels more like welcoming a new member into the family.

Sophie Elineau
Banora Point

Being a homestay host has been incredibly fulfilling; having hosted over 11 students, we love sharing our home and culture, learning from others and building lifelong connections with students we can meet up with again in their own countries. Because my husband, our eldest daughter, and I were all lucky to have been hosted internationally ourselves, we know firsthand how important it is to give back and create that same home-away-from-home for others.

Elissa Periott
Terranora

Rebecca Wilson
Manager - International Development

Throughout Term 2, our Junior School students have continued their journey with the Round Square Heroes of Discovery, exploring the character strengths that help them grow as learners, leaders and positive contributors to the world around them. Building on the foundations established in Term 1, students have focused on four Heroes and the valuable traits they represent.

This term's spotlight Heroes have been Compassionate Carlos, Tenacious Tino, Inventive Idris and Problem Solving Papri, each inspiring students to develop skills and qualities that support their learning, relationships and personal growth.

Compassionate Carlos encourages us to care for others, show empathy and offer support when it is needed. Students have been learning that kindness, understanding and respect help create a positive and inclusive school community.
Tenacious Tino reminds us to persevere when faced with challenges. Through classroom learning, sporting activities and everyday experiences, students have been encouraged to learn from mistakes, believe in themselves and keep trying, even when things feel difficult.
Inventive Idris celebrates creativity and innovation. Students have explored ways to think imaginatively, generate new ideas and approach tasks with curiosity and originality, discovering that there is often more than one way to solve a problem.
Problem-Solving Papri has inspired students to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges. Papri teaches us that effective problem solvers are willing to try different strategies, seek help when needed and persist until a solution is found.

Across classrooms, playgrounds and assemblies, students have been recognising and celebrating these character strengths in themselves and others. Through these experiences, students are developing the confidence, resilience and character needed to become compassionate, courageous and responsible leaders of the future.
As we continue our Heroes of Discovery journey throughout the year, we look forward to introducing more Heroes and the character strengths they represent, helping our students shape their character and make a positive difference in the world around them

Angela Mundy
Assistant Head of Junior School

Last week, our Kindergarten students embarked on an adventure to “The Big School” where our mission for the day was to explore History: Past and Present. We boarded the bus ready and raring to go! Mr. Marquardt was there to welcome us off the bus, prompting one proud little friend to announce to the crowd, "Yes! I didn’t vomit!" Right on cue, Ms Bold safely stopped traffic to let our eager group cross, ensuring we had smooth paths and easy access everywhere we needed to go.

We started with a trip down memory lane with Mr. Marquardt, where the children were stunned to look at photos of the school's early days. They couldn't believe that to keep cool or warm in the past, students simply opened a window or put on a jumper! No air conditioning or fans in sight! From the past, the future unfolded before our eyes with the diggers hard at work building the new Year 7 block.

We started our rotations. At the Wood Tech shed, one of our visiting mums fondly noted hadn't changed a bit since she was a student here in the “olden days” with Mr Wright as a teacher! Inside, our new friend, “Wrighty” shone as a natural Kindy teacher. He quickly adopted the Kindy Frogs as his own, shooing Miss Brown away, and helped the children craft their own fidget spinners with the assistance of our new Year 9 Wood Tech friends.

The energy stayed high on the adventure playground and the top oval. Some of our speedy students got to run laps with Mr. Dunne, though Mrs. Dickens was convinced she was going to have a heart attack after running quite so far! Over at the futuristic gym and running track, our sports prefects, Amber and “Gaston” wowed us with demonstrations comparing old school exercises (star jumps) with today's fancy gym machines (treadmill). We even got to sprint up and down the indoor running track ourselves! Olympics 2032 watch this space…!

In Food Tech, Mrs. Whitaker and the Dolphins taught James what a sphere looks like, which we immediately practiced by rolling and baking delicious jam drops (complete with plenty of sneaky licks of the spoon!) The Trade Skills kitchens were really cool and James showed us where we will one day be making our own burgers and tacos when we’re at the big school.

We wrapped up our big day of discovery with a beautiful story from Ms. Dessman in the library, capped off with a super-fast turn down the big red slide, which was a definitive highlight for many! A massive thank you to all the Parent helpers, staff and students at Mahers Lane who rolled out the red carpet and put so much heart into making this day so special for our youngest learners. We are so grateful!

Kindergarten Teachers

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.

Athletics Carnival

Information regarding the upcoming Years 2–6 Athletics Carnival has been emailed to families by the Sports Department. Students in Years 2, 3 and 4 who have qualified for finals events on Carnival Day can be identified within this information by following the relevant hyperlinks.

Students who have not qualified for finals will still be actively involved in the carnival through a range of non-competitive events running concurrently throughout the day.

Parents and students are encouraged to carefully read all information provided in the carnival documentation, as it contains important details regarding event schedules, participation requirements, and carnival procedures.

The information can be found here:

2026 Athletics Carnival Parent/Student Letter Year K-12

K–1 FUN Athletics Carnival

Information for the K–1 FUN Athletics Carnival will be sent home early next week and will include a program of events for families.

Students in Kindergarten and Year 1 will participate in a variety of athletics activities through a fun, rotation-based format, ensuring all students have the opportunity to be involved and enjoy the day.

We warmly encourage parents and family members to come along and join in the excitement as we celebrate participation, fun, and physical activity together.

Touch Trials

Touch Football trials for Year 3 and 4 students will be held during Wednesday lunchtimes for the remainder of Term 2, in conjunction with the Lindisfarne Touch Football coaches.

Students who wish to be considered for selection in the school Touch Football teams for the Term 3 Gala Days are encouraged to attend.

Teams will be selected at the end of the term, with training commencing early in Term 3 in preparation for a number of Touch Football Gala Day events.

Voyager Tennis Tweed Heads

Voyager Tennis Tweed Heads is excited to offer before-school training sessions to complement its existing after-school tennis program.

These sessions provide students with an additional opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy being active before the school day begins.

For further information, please refer to the attached flyer here: Voyager Tennis - Flyer

or contact Jareth on mobile: 0485 881 466.

Total Football Academy – After School Program

The Total Football Academy after-school program will conclude on Monday 22/6 (week 10).

The program will also run again in Terms 3, and possibly Term 4 this year.
Information for Term 3 will be available before the holidays.

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

Our Year One students had the opportunity to play and learn on Country in our beautiful new dry creek bed, nestled beneath the tall paperbark trees. This special outdoor space has provided a meaningful and engaging environment for exploration, creativity and connection with nature.

As part of their learning, students explored the work of renowned Aboriginal artist Emily Kngwarreye. They examined a range of her artworks, sharing their thoughts and discussing which pieces they connected with and why. Inspired by her use of natural materials and expressive techniques, students then worked collaboratively to mix and blend their own shades of ochre.

Using these earthy tones, each child selected a rock and created their own unique artwork, thoughtfully applying the skills and ideas they have developed. It was a wonderful afternoon of creativity, reflection and hands-on learning, with students showing great care and pride in their work.

We are so fortunate to have this space to enrich our learning experiences and support students in developing a deeper appreciation for art, culture and the natural world.

Year One Teachers

Brisbane Kokoda Challenge

Tomorrow, 18 teams of Lindisfarne Year 7 students will take part in the Brisbane Kokoda Challenge.

Over recent years, the Kokoda Challenge has become a valued part of the Year 7 experience, providing students with an opportunity to challenge themselves, work as a team and demonstrate perseverance in the face of adversity. The event encourages students to support one another, push beyond their comfort zones and experience the satisfaction that comes from achieving a shared goal.

To have 18 teams participating this year is a wonderful reflection of the enthusiasm our students have for the program and the support it continues to receive within the Lindisfarne community.

Thank you to Mrs Bedford and Mrs McDowell for their organisation and leadership of the program. I would also like to acknowledge the many staff and parents who will be supporting students throughout the event. Opportunities such as these rely on the generosity of our wider community, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment to our students.

We wish all participants the very best for tomorrow's challenge and look forward to hearing about their experiences next week.

Athletics Carnivals

A reminder to families that our Athletics Carnivals will take place next week at Walter Peate Reserve.

• Thursday, 18 June – Senior School Athletics Carnival

• Friday, 19 June – Middle School Athletics Carnival

These days are always a highlight of the school calendar, providing opportunities for participation, House spirit and friendly competition. We look forward to seeing students involved and encouraging one another throughout the events.

Please note that the Athletics Carnivals are considered normal school days and attendance is expected. Students who are unable to attend due to illness should follow the usual absence notification process.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

On Wednesday 3 June, Year 11 Legal Studies students travelled to the Supreme Court of Queensland in Brisbane for an engaging and highly valuable excursion.

A highlight of the day was meeting Judge Rosengren, who welcomed students into a courtroom and shared her experiences of the legal system and the changes she has witnessed throughout her distinguished career. Students had the opportunity to sit in the positions of key roles in a criminal trial, including jurors, barristers, solicitors, witnesses and co-accused. Judge Rosengren generously answered students’ questions, spoke about her journey to the bench, and offered thoughtful advice about hard work, career pathways and the importance of contributing positively to the community.

Students then rotated through several public courtrooms, where they observed real court proceedings in action. They watched a Judge provide directions to Jurors about how to consider evidence, listened to barristers present arguments in criminal matters, and observed a civil hearing in the Banco Court. Students were also able to appreciate the impressive architecture and artwork within the court, including the striking mural behind the bench in the Banco Court.

The excursion provided students with an invaluable opportunity to see the concepts studied in Legal Studies applied in a real-world setting and to gain a deeper understanding of the Australian legal system.

Here is what the students had to say:

"Judge Rosengren said 'the people she charges aren’t bad, people just end up in a bad circumstance' - most of them were so remorseful and accepting of what they did." - Mayzie

“I can apply what I learnt to my Mock Trial” - Noah

“It was very intense and surreal, but a very well-rated and great experience to think about, thank you” - Jezel and Zali

Elissa Periott
Teacher 

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In this week's assembly, I spoke candidly with our students about kindness, bullying, and the responsibility we all share in creating a school where every person feels safe and respected.

I deliberately chose strong language. Not because I believe our young people are incapable of making mistakes, but because I believe they are capable of understanding the significant impact their words and actions can have on others.

Too often, when we think about bullying, we picture repeated and obvious acts of cruelty. However, harm can also occur through a careless comment, exclusion from a group, a rumour shared behind someone's back, an unkind social media post, or the decision to stand by silently while others are targeted. Whilst a single act may seem insignificant to the person responsible, we rarely know what someone else is carrying.

For a young person who has already endured a difficult day, week, or even year, one additional unkind comment can become the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. The consequences can be devastating.

I make no apology for speaking plainly about this reality. If my message has prompted discussion amongst students and families, then it has achieved its purpose. These conversations matter. They encourage reflection and remind us that kindness is not simply the absence of bullying - it is an active choice we make every day.

As teachers and parents, we all want our children to grow into compassionate and courageous adults. That means helping them understand that mistakes will occur, but also helping them recognise when they have caused harm, take responsibility for their actions, and learn from those experiences.

My hope is that every student leaves our assembly not feeling fearful, but empowered: empowered to choose kindness, empowered to include others, empowered to speak up when they witness wrongdoing, and empowered to be the person who makes someone else's day better.

The standard we set in the Senior School is simple. We expect our students to treat others with compassion, wisdom and respect. When that occurs, everyone benefits. When it does not, we will continue to address it directly and unapologetically.

Kindness costs nothing, but its impact can be immeasurable.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

On Wednesday, a small group of Year 12 students attended the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Developed in 1986 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the program is a vital component of the growing community effort to reduce death and injury resulting from alcohol, drug, and risk-related incidents.

The P.A.R.T.Y. Program is centred on prevention and awareness. It provides young people with the opportunity to learn through powerful, emotional, and authentic experiences. Throughout the day, students follow the journey of a trauma patient as they are rushed through the trauma room doors, into surgery, rehabilitation, and, if fortunate, recovery. The program highlights the devastating consequences of a single decision and encourages young people to reflect on their choices.

From the moment we arrived, students were immersed in a series of confronting and thought-provoking videos. This was followed by sessions exploring the treatment of trauma patients, the impacts of drugs and alcohol, and the long-term effects of trauma on both patients and their families. A particularly moving aspect of the day was hearing firsthand from a young trauma survivor, who shared her journey over the past 12 months and the challenges she continues to face as a result of one life-changing event.

The program was impactful, confronting, and at times graphic, but it delivered an important message that all young people need to hear. It served as a powerful reminder of life's fragility and how a single decision can alter the course of a person's future forever.

Following the program, Year 12 students reflected on their experiences and shared their thoughts on the valuable lessons they had learned.

The P.A.R.T.Y. program was extremely influential and informative, and I would recommend it to absolutely everyone. It touched on what the recovery of trauma patients is like, as well as life after a trauma accident, and the struggles many people go through after a trauma. It was highly engaging and has changed my perspective to appreciate life more, and be more grateful for the life I have. 
Holly Pratt, Year 12 Student

The P.A.R.T.Y. Program at Gold Coast University Hospital was a confronting and eye-opening experience that highlighted the real-life consequences of risky decisions. Hearing personal stories and seeing the impact of trauma firsthand made me reflect on the importance of making safe choices and considering how one decision can affect not only myself, but also my family, friends and community.
Kyas Todd, Year 12 Student

The P.A.R.T.Y. program was a great way to learn about all the dangers around us and how easy it is to end up in the ED from just one wrong decision. It was super interesting and even made me consider looking into a career in the health pathway. All of the staff were so friendly and fun to chat with, which made the day really enjoyable. I really appreciated them hosting us and teaching us so much. Although some of the content was quite gory, I found it really fascinating to learn how surgeons and other healthcare workers can repair serious injuries and help people recover. I left with 100 times more respect for the people who dedicate their lives to helping others.
Summah Orford, Year 12 student

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students - Senior School

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Earlier this year, a number of Lindisfarne Year 12 students participated in Bond University’s Year 12 Extension Program, an initiative designed to give students the opportunity to experience university-level learning in their chosen field of interest while still at school.

The program offers streams in Business and Mathematics, allowing students to engage with academic content, connect with university staff and gain valuable insight into tertiary study. As an added incentive, top-performing students are eligible to receive exclusive Bond University scholarships, providing a 25% or 50% reduction in tuition fees for an undergraduate degree.

On Tuesday 2 June, Bond University hosted its Awards Evening to recognise outstanding student achievement within the program.

We are proud to announce that School Captain, Nicolas Leotta, was recognised as an award recipient on the evening. This is a wonderful achievement and reflects the commitment, enthusiasm and academic capability demonstrated throughout the program.

Congratulations to all Lindisfarne students who embraced this opportunity and represented the School so well. A special congratulations to Nicolas on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing where this achievement and the experiences gained through the program lead in the future.

Hayley McDonald 
Director of Careers and Vocational Education & Training (VET)

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Senior Geography teacher, Nathalie Newton-Walters, has recently been recognised for her expertise beyond the classroom, firstly as an author in the new NSW Stage 5 Geography textbook ‘Geography Transformed’, published by Cambridge University Press, and secondly as a presenter at the Geography Teachers’ Association of NSW & ACT Conference in May.

Nathalie authored chapters relating to changing settlement patterns and urban planning for sustainability, drawing on both local case studies from the Byron Shire and broader examples such as the role of the Olympic Games in driving sustainable change, including the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Games. Nathalie also created supplementary digital resources to support the textbook implementation.

At the teachers’ conference, Nathalie delivered a workshop on practical fieldwork and assessment for Stage 6, where she shared innovative approaches aligned with the new syllabus. Drawing on her extensive experience and the local fieldwork programs she has developed and implemented at Lindisfarne, she emphasised the importance of engaging students in real-world geographical learning to foster global perspectives.

Her presentation also provided practical insights for teachers, including ways to manage fieldwork planning and streamline associated administrative processes, ensuring these valuable learning experiences remain achievable in a range of school contexts.

Nathalie’s contributions reflect her ongoing commitment to excellence in Geography education and her passion for equipping students with real-world skills in observation, data collection and environmental decision-making. We are proud to have her representing our school at both a state and national level while contributing to the professional growth of Geography teachers across NSW and the ACT.

On Wednesday, a group of 30 students across Years 9 and 10 competed at Elanora State High School at the Gold Coast Science and Engineering Challenge. The competition involves completing a range of problem solving activities throughout the day, accumulating points for our school overall score which is calculated at the end of the day. There were 7 other schools competing on the day.

Challenges ranged from designing the most efficient Wind Turbines, designing a house to meet specific requirements, making a glider that travelled the furthest but also maintained accuracy and experimenting with the placement of ‘fish traps’ to achieve specific goals for catching different varieties of ‘fish’.

Highlights of the day included three teams winning their small group challenges:

• Eddie Slater, Ashton Schneider, Van Judd and Kai Friend in ElectraCITY

• Jasper Murray, Aziah Phoenix-Coy and Maya Stokes in Confounding Communications

• Monica Drury, Bella Lowe, Bess O’Brien and Milla Carpenter in Wind Turbine

The day finished off cheering our bridge building team with the final challenge and overall we achieved a close Second Place - our best performance in the 3 years since we re-entered the competition. We were very proud of our teamwork and achievement.

Thank you to the students who represented our school well. We look forward to next year’s competition as we continue to work towards a place at the national finals.

Jo Mendoza 
Director of Science

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Important Dates

Tuesday, 16 June: QLD School Kayak Marathon Championships

Wednesday, 17 June:

• Rugby Len Diett Carnival (boys & girls)

• NCIS Secondary Basketball Championships

• Athletics Carnivals 400m & 800m runs

Thursday, 18 June: Secondary Lindisfarne Athletics Carnival

Friday, 19 June: Primary Lindisfarne Athletics Carnival

Due to the wet weather and the resulting cancellation of several sporting events this week, this edition of the Sports Report is smaller than usual. While it has been a challenging week for outdoor sport, we are looking forward to a busy and exciting week ahead with our Athletics Carnivals. We wish all students the very best as they compete and encourage everyone to get involved, support their peers, and enjoy the carnival spirit.

For all Sport news, please expand the article.

On Saturday night, I had the honour of attending the 80th Barbara Sisley Awards at Parliament House in Brisbane. The award ceremony acknowledges students who received the highest mark in either AMEB or Trinity London Speech and Drama exams throughout Queensland.

We had a remarkable EIGHT Lindisfarne students recognised at this ceremony. I am confident that Lindisfarne had more students represented at this prestigious event than any other school in the state. What an incredible achievement for our school's incredibly strong Speech and Drama program.

Not only did the students receive their awards on stage, they performed pieces from their exam program for the audience. All students performed with confidence and demonstrated why they achieved such high marks.

We are incredibly proud of the following students;

Lucia Kirkman, Rishi Pettit, Ari Srinath, Harper Reid, Amelia Haubek, Lucy Simmonds, Sienna Williamson & Madeline Neumann.

Kim Shepherd
Drama Teacher 

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We are very excited to announce the introduction of Waste Free Wednesday at Lindisfarne starting next week. This initiative aims to encourage students to make more environmentally friendly choices and reduce the staggering amount of waste produced during recess and lunch. Every Wednesday, students are encouraged to bring a 100% waste-free lunch to school and to homeroom to show homeroom teachers and earn house points. This will help the Lindisfarne community take small yet meaningful steps toward protecting our school and community environments.

What is a Waste-Free Lunch?

A waste-free lunch is one that produces no landfill waste, meaning no disposable packaging like chip packets, and instead choosing reusable or recyclable alternatives. Examples include reusable containers instead of cling-wrap or zip-lock bags, a reusable drink bottle rather than a plastic one, fresh foods such as fruit, sandwiches or homemade snacks packed in containers and reusable cutlery where needed.

What should be avoided?

• Individual chip packets

• Muesli bar wrappers

• Plastic straws

• Single-use plastic bags

• Cling-wrap or foil

• Disposable drink containers

Even small changes can make a massive difference when our whole school community works together. We encourage all families to support this initiative and help students prepare waste-free lunches each Wednesday.

Here are some simple recipes for waste-free alternatives to packaged food items:

https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/galleries/30-easy-ideas-school-lunch-boxes/vs42w74b

We understand that preparing completely package-free lunch options is not always practical for every family, every day, but Waste Free Wednesday is not about complete perfection; it’s about building awareness and encouraging a culture of everyday sustainability where possible. Even reducing just one or two pieces of disposable packaging every week can make a positive difference over time.

Thank you for helping make Lindisfarne a more environmentally conscious place!

Lyla Macdonald and Andy Yen
Sustainability Prefects

This year’s Lindisfarne Business Network Sports Lunch was a tremendous success, bringing together members of our School and business communities for an afternoon of inspiration, networking and shared celebration.

We were privileged to welcome an outstanding panel of Australian sporting greats, including Curtis McGrath OAM (Paracanoeist), Leisel Jones OAM (Olympic Swimmer), Gretel Bueta (Netballer) and Billy Moore (NRL Legend). Guests enjoyed hearing firsthand accounts of their sporting journeys and gained valuable insights into performance, resilience, leadership, teamwork and success both on and off the field.

We were also delighted to welcome back Brooke Hanson OAM (Olympic Swimmer) as our Master of Ceremonies. Brooke's warmth, professionalism and engaging interview style ensured an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion throughout the afternoon.

A highlight of the event was the attendance of special guest Laurie Lawrence OAM. In a memorable and spontaneous moment, Laurie recited the motivational poem he famously shared with the Australian Olympic Swim Team. His passion, enthusiasm and uplifting message captivated the audience and left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

The event was made even more special by the presence of Lindisfarne staff and students, who had the opportunity to hear directly from some of Australia's most accomplished sporting personalities. Their participation reinforced the strong connection between our School community and the wider business network.

We sincerely thank everyone who attended and supported the Sports Lunch. Events such as these provide valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, share experiences and foster meaningful connections within our community.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Laurie Lawrence OAM back as a guest speaker at our Business Breakfast on Friday, 23 October, where he will be interviewed by respected journalist and television presenter Leila McKinnon. This promises to be another outstanding event and we encourage you to secure your tickets early.

We also warmly invite members of the Lindisfarne community to join us for our Golf Day on Friday, 25 September at the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club. Whether you're an experienced golfer or simply looking to enjoy a day of networking and camaraderie with friends, colleagues, and clients, this event promises plenty of fun and friendly competition. Registration is open so book now.

Both events offer excellent opportunities to connect with members of the local business and school communities, strengthen professional relationships and support the ongoing work of the Lindisfarne Business Network.

We are incredibly grateful for the support and involvement of our sponsors, attendees, and community members, whose contributions make these events possible.

For all photos, please expand the article.

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

Refugee Week 2026 in Australia runs from Sunday, 14 June to Saturday, 20 June. To celebrate this Year's event, we are screening a Film, "We Are Not Powerless" (see flier below for all details) at the Mahers Lane Chapel on Monday, 15 June 2026, at 5.00pm

Entry is by Gold Coin Donation.