2026 Term 3 Week 1 24 July 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to Term 3. I trust that students, staff and families enjoyed a refreshing winter break or at least the change of routine. For our students, this is a time to quickly refocus on the semester ahead. I hope you have returned to school with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the learning and achievement still to come. It has been wonderful to see our campuses filled with the excitement and anticipation that makes Lindisfarne such a special place.

This week, Lindisfarne proudly strengthened its longstanding partnership with Nabari Seihou High School in Japan through the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Our longstanding relationship has been built on genuine friendship, cultural exchange and a shared commitment to providing meaningful global learning opportunities for our students.

This renewed agreement reaffirms our shared vision of preparing young people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Through student exchanges, cultural immersion and authentic international partnerships, our students gain invaluable experiences that broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding of other cultures and foster lifelong friendships. We are deeply grateful to our colleague, Principal Takahisa Matsuzaki, and Teacher Hiroshi Okamoto at Nabari Seihou High School, and we look forward to continuing this special partnership for many years to come.

We proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week this week. The theme this year was “50 years of Deadly,” marking five decades of NAIDOC and highlighting the resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Throughout the week, our students have taken the opportunity to reflect on the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a School, we remain committed to fostering understanding, respect and meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples and communities.

One of the highlights of the week was undoubtedly 100 Days of Kindergarten, celebrated on Wednesday at our Sunshine Avenue Campus. It was wonderful to see our youngest students proudly marking this significant milestone in their learning journey surrounded by proud parents and staff. The celebration was a lovely reminder of just how much our Kindergarten students have grown in confidence, curiosity and independence over their first 100 days of school.

On Wednesday evening, our School community enjoyed the 2026 Dance Showcase. The dedication, passion and talent displayed by our dancers were exceptional, and it was uplifting to see students of all ages perform with such confidence and enthusiasm. My congratulations go to every performer who took to the stage, and my sincere thanks to our dedicated Dance staff and support team whose countless hours of preparation made the evening such a memorable celebration of the performing arts.

This week, we held the first of our community information sessions for the proposed Mahers Lane Junior School and the long-term Master Plan for the Mahers Lane Campus. Thank you to the parents and community members who attended, met with the Project Team and shared their perspectives. As we plan for future generations of Lindisfarne students, feedback from our parents is particularly important, and I encourage all families to learn more about the proposals and complete the online survey via the Master Plan Consultation page on our website, before feedback closes at 8.00am on Monday, 7 September.

There is an additional session being held on Monday, 27 July from 4.00pm - 7.00pm in the Senior Centre and our community will also get to see the information on display at FunFest on Saturday, 22 August. Please view the video below for an introduction to the projects.

This morning, we gathered for our Athletics Carnival Assembly, celebrating the outstanding achievements from our recent Athletics carnival. It was a pleasure to recognise our Age Champions and Runners-Up, along with the many students who demonstrated determination, perseverance and House spirit whilst competing for their house last term. Congratulations to all students on their achievements and for embracing the 2026 Athletics carnival with such enthusiasm.

Today was an exciting day of school sport on the Mahers Lane campus with Lindisfarne hosting visiting Schools on our Top Oval. Our U15 Girls Football Team competed against Trinity College, Lismore in the Bill Turner Regional Final, with the opportunity to progress to the prestigious Round of 16. We also welcomed Scots College, Sydney, for Primary Boys Football and Primary Boys Rugby fixtures. It was wonderful to see our students representing Lindisfarne with pride, determination and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day.

Looking ahead to the weekend, a number of members of our community are supporting the Hope Walk organised by Reverend Constantine in support of providing funding for two students from Hope Vale to attend Toowoomba Anglican School in Toowoomba as a boarder from 2027. The Hope Walk will take place this Saturday from 12.00 pm, walking from St James Kingscliff to St Mark’s Pottsville.

FunFest 2026 is shaping up to be a wonderful celebration of our Lindisfarne community, with entertainment, activities, rides, food and plenty of fun for all ages. This year, FunFest will also incorporate the Student Art Exhibition, providing even more opportunities for our community to view and engage with the outstanding work of our students. Adding to the excitement will be our major raffle, with an MG3 car as the first prize. Details on how to purchase tickets will be shared shortly. I encourage everyone to save the date and join us for one of the highlights of the School calendar.

Thank you as always to our students, staff and families for the enthusiasm and commitment you continue to bring to our School community. I look forward to a term filled with learning, opportunity and shared success.

Wishing you all a great weekend ahead.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

As outlined above by Principal Marquardt, Lindisfarne is seeking feedback from families and the wider community on the proposed Mahers Lane Junior School and the long-term Master Plan for the Mahers Lane Campus. Parents can learn more at the next community information session on Monday, 27 July in the Senior Centre. Registration is essential by emailing consultation@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au to confirm attendance. There will also be an opportunity to learn more at FunFest on Saturday, 22 August.

We encourage all members of the Lindisfarne community to review the project information and complete the online survey at www.lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au/mpcc. Your feedback is an important part of the planning process and will help inform the future of the Mahers Lane Campus.

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

Since Semester 2 began with the wonderful celebrations of NAIDOC week, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a personal story about my journey towards truly connecting with our indigenous peoples of this beautiful Bundjalung Country.

A few years back, when I was serving as the Anglican Minister of Murwillumbah, I was writing my Master’s Thesis on Intertexuality.

Periodically, I would engage in online discussions with other Thesis Students and Research Professors, as we presented where we were up to in our research.

On one of these occasions, an Anglican Minister from Sydney, who was doing his PhD in Aboriginal Studies, mentioned his connection with the Bungjalung people of Fingal Head.

I asked him how he knew them, when he lives all the way away in Sydney?

He said that because he had connected with his local indigenous community, that they had connections with the Bungjalung people of Fingal Head and so he got to know them through their connection.

I remember being disappointed with myself as I had been in Murwillumbah for over five years and had yet to connect with our local indigenous people, whilst another Anglican Minister, who lived over 800kms away, had.

And it wasn’t until I came on staff here at Lindisfarne that this connection was finally made, and I can honestly say that I am all the richer for it.

For it is through the intentional efforts of the school, especially the wonderful work of Gypsy Togo, our First Nations Cultural Engagement Officer, that these personal connections, particularly with Uncles Victor and Gary, and Pastors Adrian and Greg, have been made, so thank you, Gypsy.

I have even been invited to come and speak at some of their Christian gatherings, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

So as a Christian Minister, this got me thinking about how correct it is for us to have National Sorry Day on the day prior to Reconciliation Week, before we have the celebrations of NAIDOC Week.

Because from a Christian perspective, saying sorry always precedes reconciliation, which, in turn, leads to celebration (for example, see the Parable of the Prodigal in Luke 15:11-24).

For just as apologising to God for our sin and rebellion leads to reconciliation with God, resulting in celebration, so is it necessary for our acknowledgment of the sins of the past against our First Nations people to come before any true reconciliation. Only then, can we celebrate together.

And the result in both instances leads to relationship - relationship with God and with each other.

For at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about - connecting through relationship.

And so, as I encouraged our students during our Middle School Assembly, may we not only take the opportunities presented to us throughout NAIDOC Week - to connect through relationship - but may we carry this connection into our ongoing lives, as we celebrate 50 years of Deadly, and beyond!

I would also like to share briefly about five Baptisms we had over the break in the Mahers Lane Chapel.

The occasion was a wonderful celebration and the enthusiasm, expressed appreciation and generous response of each of the families, was a highlight of my time here in Chaplaincy, thus far.

The five children Baptised came from three families with current and historical connections to the school, including two parents who are alumni of Lindisfarne.

This is one of the special joys of belonging to a well established school like Lindisfarne, as it affords the opportunity for intergenerational connections, especially though the Sacrament of Baptism.

We will also be preparing students who, along with their parents and guardians, have expressed interest in Baptism and/or Confirmation later in the year.

More information regarding Baptism and/or Confirmation preparation will be communicated to these families in the near future.

Blessing, 

Reverend Lyndon
Chaplain

One of the major components of FunFest is the Mega Auction, we need your support through the provision of goods and services to help support this event.

Donated items can be pledged via email to pandf@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au; please include full contact details and a business logo if relevant.

All items will be used in the Mega Auction, Silent Auction or the Major Raffle.

If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions, please contact Simon McKinley via smckinley@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au or call 0438 953 922.

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.

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

Book HERE for Opening Night

Homework Club for Middle and Senior School students is held every Wednesday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Library.

Homework Club provides students with the opportunity to complete homework and assessment tasks, with support from the Learning Enrichment Team.

For further information, please email Jodie Duggan at jduggan@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au  or Amanda Murphy at amanda.murphy@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Jodie Duggan
Director of Learning Enrichment - Middle and Senior School

Please refer to the following documents for the opportunities available at the Mahers Lane campus in Term 3:

Co-Curricular Activity Offerings

Break Times Clubs & Activities

Academic Assistance

These are also available on SEQTA Engage under the ‘Documents’ tab.

Amy Williamson
Academic Administrator

Welcome back to Term 3! It has been wonderful to see our students return from the holiday break excited to reconnect with friends, settle back into familiar routines and embrace the learning and opportunities that lie ahead. 

Although NAIDOC Week officially fell during the school holidays, we chose to celebrate it together this week at Lindisfarne, so our students could fully engage in the important learning and experiences it offers. We began the week with a meaningful NAIDOC-themed Chapel service featuring a traditional Smoking Ceremony led by Shannon Kitchener, a Welcome to Country delivered by respected local Elders Uncle Garry Kafoa and Uncle Victor Slockee, and a vibrant cultural dance performance by the Coonjaburra Dance Group. Together, these experiences provided a powerful celebration of culture, connection and community for our Junior School Community. 

The learning continued throughout the week as our Preschool to Year 4 students participated in a range of hands-on, engaging cultural workshops. These experiences provided authentic opportunities for students to learn from members of our local First Nations community and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives. A huge thank you to Gypsy Togo, our First Nations Cultural Engagement Coordinator, and Dana Dowker, our Dean of Students at the Junior School, for the incredible planning and organisation behind this week's celebrations. Your passion and commitment created meaningful opportunities for our students to learn from, connect with and celebrate alongside members of our local First Nations community. 

This week also marked a very special milestone for our Kindergarten students as they celebrated their 100th day of school with their families. It was a wonderful celebration of 100 days of learning, growth and friendship. They also had great fun making pizzas with Mrs Leary as part of their new Science unit, exploring how food gets from the farm to their table. 

Leadership was another highlight of the week as many Year 4 students nominated to become our Term 3 House Captains. We look forward to officially announcing and inducting our successful candidates at our Junior School Assembly on Monday at 2.00pm. Congratulations to every student who self-nominated and demonstrated the courage to step forward and lead. 

I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to the new students and families who have joined our Junior School this term. We are delighted to have you as part of our community and look forward to getting to know your family and supporting each student as they begin their journey with us. I look forward to sharing the many wonderful moments, achievements and celebrations of Junior School life with you throughout the term. 

Angela Mundy 
Head of Junior School

Please see the gallery below for more photos.

On Wednesday morning, our Junior School First Nations Jarjums travelled to the Mahers Lane Cultural Room to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a special morning tea, hosted by Miss Gypsy and a wonderful group of our Year 8 First Nations students and their friends.

This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks 50 years of NAIDOC celebrations, providing a meaningful opportunity to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, stories and community.

Throughout the morning, students enjoyed weaving, drawing, colouring and sharing conversations while learning more about culture in a welcoming and inclusive environment. It was a fantastic opportunity for our younger students to connect with their older peers, build relationships across our Junior and Middle School campuses, and strengthen their sense of belonging within our Lindisfarne community.

A heartfelt bugalbeh (thank you) to Miss Gypsy and our Year 8 students for their warm hospitality and for creating such a memorable experience for our Jarjums. We are incredibly grateful for the time, care and pride they shared with our students.

We look forward to visiting again very soon.

Rachel Mead
Director of Learning Enrichment - Junior Campus

For all photos, please expand the article. 

Something amazing happened in Kindergarten on Wednesday, 22 July. All of our cute little five and six year old friends turned into 100 year old grannies and grandads! Beryl and Betty, Cecil and Arthur, Chester and Joyce and so many others arrived to celebrate this milestone day in Kindergarten.

In between the sun showers we made fairy bread using 100s and 1000s, managed to do 100 exercises without breaking a hip and filled in a 100 chart all the way to 100 without our memories failing us. There was even time for a tea party and a quick jewellery making session! What a day!

It was a wonderful celebration of all that these little humans have achieved in their first 100 days of formal schooling. To think that just 100 days ago, they could barely hold a pencil or count to 5, to now being able to read and write and count to 100. What a phenomenal leap in learning and knowledge they have made. We Kindy teachers are so proud of each and every one of them. Mr Marquardt and Ms Jo handed out special badges to commemorate this event too. We look forward to what the remaining days of Kindergarten bring for our students.

The Kindergarten Teachers

For all photos, please expand the article.

A Wonderful Start to Term 3

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope all of our Middle School families enjoyed a restful break and are looking forward to the many opportunities the term ahead will bring.

A very warm welcome to the new students, families and staff who have joined our Middle School community this term. We are delighted to welcome you to Lindisfarne and look forward to getting to know you over the coming weeks.

The first week of term has certainly been a busy one, with our students already embracing opportunities in sport, culture, the performing arts and community life.

Kokoda Challenge

Our term began even before students returned to school, with six teams of Year 8 students participating in the 30 km Kokoda Challenge on Sunday. The Kokoda Challenge is much more than an endurance event, requiring students to demonstrate resilience, teamwork and determination while supporting one another throughout the course. We are incredibly proud of every student who took part and thank the staff and parents who generously gave their time to support them during this memorable experience.

NAIDOC Week

Term 3 formally commenced with our celebration of NAIDOC Week. Throughout the week, students have participated in Homeroom activities and classroom discussions exploring this year's theme, '50 Years of Deadly', which celebrates the achievements, strength and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A highlight of the week was Tuesday's special Middle School Assembly. We were honoured to welcome Uncle Victor, Uncle Garry and Shannon Kitchener, who led our Welcome to Country. Performances by the Coodjinburra Dancers, the Karem Bau Torres Strait Islander Dancers, and Sugar Elsom's rendition of My Island Home provided a fitting celebration of NAIDOC Week and an opportunity for students to engage with and appreciate First Nations culture.

Dance Showcase

Congratulations to all of our Middle School students who performed in Wednesday evening's Dance Showcase alongside our Senior HSC dancers. Students from the Aslan and Simha dance groups (Years 5 and 6), together with the Raio and Leona dance groups (Years 7–9), should be proud of their performances. Thank you to our Theatre and Dance team for the time and dedication they invest in providing these wonderful opportunities for our students.

Special Athletics Assembly

This week also provided an opportunity to recognise our Middle School Athletics Carnival Age Champions and Runners-up. Congratulations to all students who were acknowledged for their outstanding performances, and to every student who contributed to the positive House spirit that made this year's carnival such a success.

ParentEd Event

Looking ahead, I encourage all Middle School parents and carers to join us on Monday, 27 July, at 6.00pm in the Mahers Lane Chapel for our ParentEd presentation with Nathan Verinder from Online Guardians.

Nathan is a former police officer and founder of Online Guardians, working with schools and families across Australia to support young people as they navigate today's digital world. His presentation will provide practical advice on topics including online safety, social media, gaming and digital wellbeing, equipping parents with strategies to support healthy technology use at home.

I encourage all parents and carers to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Please register your intention to attend via this link.

I wish everyone a wonderful Term 3.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

With the HSC Trial examinations now only a week and a half away, our Year 12 students have reached a point where their focus must be unrelenting. The coming weeks are not about dramatic changes or last-minute reinvention. They are about doing the important things consistently and well.

This means maintaining effective study habits whilst also protecting time for sleep, good nutrition, exercise and carefully planned breaks. Research tells us that sleep supports attention, learning and problem-solving, and plays an important role in consolidating memories. Headspace recommends that students establish a study routine and maintain balance during examination periods. In other words, rest and exercise are not time taken away from preparation. They are part of good preparation.

Routine is particularly important when pressure begins to build. Students should know when they are studying, when they are resting and what they need to accomplish each day. A realistic plan, followed consistently, will be far more valuable than late-night cramming or allowing anxiety to dictate the rhythm of the week.

This is also not the time to rock the boat. Examination pressure can sometimes emerge as irritability, conflict or a desire to push boundaries at home and at school. Whilst stress is understandable, disregarding long-held expectations is not. Regular attendance, punctuality, appropriate presentation and respectful conduct remain important. These expectations provide structure at precisely the time students need it most.

Our Year 12 students have worked for many years to reach this point. Staff will continue to work incredibly hard to support them through the Trials and the weeks that follow. Students must match that support with their own commitment by attending every lesson, using their time purposefully and accepting guidance.

The message is simple: stay steady, maintain the routines that support success and finish well.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

This episode features an interview with Lindisfarne's Director of High Performance, Athlete and Sports Development, Dr Joseph Coyne, a look back at LTV’s origins, and some Dad Jokes from Mr Bedford. Enjoy!

The live format continues to give students valuable hands-on experience with professional broadcast equipment. From operating cameras and audio to coordinating vision, presenting, and producing, students are developing practical skills while working together to build a live show from the ground up.

This term, the Year 10 Digital Media class is creating reports to feature in LTV Live as part of their broadcast journalism unit. Students have been exploring the role of news, objective journalism, news bias, and the choices that shape how stories are presented. We are looking forward to seeing what they produce!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVqAdwfrry8

Ryan Murphy
Head of House - St Andrew

During the recent mid-term break, 26 students from Years 9–11 studying Textiles, Food Technology and Hospitality embarked on an unforgettable 14-day educational tour of Italy. Travelling through Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice and Milan, students experienced an immersive learning opportunity that brought their classroom studies to life while exploring one of the world's most influential destinations for fashion, textiles and food.

From the moment the group arrived in Rome, students were immersed in Italy's rich history, culture and culinary traditions. They explored iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Vatican precinct, gaining a deeper appreciation of the country's remarkable history alongside its vibrant modern culture.

For our Food Technology and Hospitality students, the tour provided countless opportunities to experience authentic Italian cuisine beyond the classroom. Students participated in hands-on pasta-making and Italian dessert classes, preparing traditional dishes under the guidance of local chefs. Visits to producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional balsamic vinegar offered fascinating insights into the craftsmanship, passion and generations of tradition behind some of Italy's most celebrated foods. Street food tours, bustling local markets and shared meals in regional restaurants further showcased the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the role food plays in bringing people together.

Textiles students were equally inspired by Italy's reputation as a global fashion capital. Highlights included visits to the Textile Museum in Prato, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, Gucci Garden and an exclusive fashion workshop in Milan. Students also enjoyed the spectacular Valentino Garavani exhibition, exploring the creativity, innovation and craftsmanship that have made Italian fashion renowned around the world. These experiences provided valuable insight into textile production, fashion history and contemporary design while inspiring students' own creative thinking.

The cultural experiences continued throughout the tour with visits to Florence's renowned art galleries, the picturesque islands of Murano and Burano, a traditional Venetian mask-making workshop and a glassblowing demonstration by master artisans. Whether wandering through centuries-old streets, travelling by water taxi through Venice or enjoying time in local piazzas, students embraced every opportunity to experience Italian life firsthand.

While the educational experiences were exceptional, some of the greatest learning occurred beyond the scheduled itinerary. Students demonstrated resilience, independence and maturity as they navigated international travel, adapted to different cultures, communicated across language barriers and supported one another throughout the journey. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to embrace new experiences were evident every day, and they represented Lindisfarne with pride wherever they travelled.

Educational tours such as this provide experiences that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. They allow students to make meaningful connections between their learning and the real world while developing confidence, cultural understanding and lifelong memories.

We congratulate our students on the outstanding way they represented Lindisfarne throughout the tour. Their positive attitude, respect, resilience and enthusiasm ensured they made the most of every opportunity while serving as exceptional ambassadors for our school. We also extend our sincere thanks to the parents and guardians whose support, encouragement and trust made this incredible experience possible. Together, these partnerships continue to provide our students with life-changing opportunities that will inspire them long after their return home.

Hayley McDonald
Director of Careers and VET

Our students personified Mission in Action on the recent 'Happiness Lies in Gratitude' trip to the Philippines. Teaming up with Mr. Daniel Kuzeff, founder of Global Gratitude, we travelled to Cebu, via Manila, for a life-changing 10 days. Students spent the majority of their time on Bantayan Island, staying in Ancop Village. Our hosts were some of the happiest and most generous people we had ever met, but they have so little compared to our lifestyle.

Our students fully immersed themselves in village life, and a strong emotional connection quickly established itself. Students learned firsthand how the villagers rely on the fishing industry, how water, for all purposes, is collected from a well, and were afforded every opportunity to taste village culture. They were welcomed into the village homes, partook in song sharing, karaoke, and spirited dances.

Reflecting on their own lives, they found their level of gratitude was unmistakably high. There is high potential for this to be the first of many such trips. Our Dean of Students, Caroline Jeffries, and I accompanied the students on this thoroughly rewarding and eye-opening journey, and we could not be more proud of the way they threw themselves into everything, without a single complaint. Happiness really does lie in gratitude. Why is it so easy to forget in our busy lives?

John Cadman
Head of House - St Cuthbert 

For more photos, please visit the gallery below.

Please enjoy this collaborative article written by Year 11 and 12 debating students.

During the last week of Term 2, we went to the Great Debate, an event hosted by Women of Influence, which is a local non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a forum for motivated and successful women to network, learn, and connect. At this event, we networked with local people from the Gold Coast and enjoyed a delicious breakfast whilst watching a debate on the topic ‘Confidence is more important than competence in the workplace’.

At this event, we had the opportunity to connect with powerful women in our community, which was a very valuable and worthwhile experience.

As soon as we entered the venue, the room was buzzing with inspiring conversations and smiles that radiated warmth, which encouraged us to feel welcomed and a sense of belonging. The debate was spoken by some very intelligent women whose careers spanned from law and business to psychology and performing arts, all with experience in leadership within their fields. Their eloquent language mixed with an array of theatrical and comical performances and entertaining slideshows truly showed us how wisdom can be delivered through amusing ways to keep the audience engaged and to ensure your message is memorable.

At first, I believed the topic would be extremely hard to find points for, especially for the affirmative team. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the informative performance that the affirmative team presented to a room filled with 500+ people! I enjoyed their argument, which took an extremely hard line in favour of confidence being more important than competence, because the majority of women in the workforce have the competence to back themselves up. The first speaker had experience within the performing arts, which was reflected in her outgoing manner- she captivated the audience and really drew everybody in. She also utilised humour extremely well, giving the affirmative team an edge. The second speaker deepend the overall argument by exploring how the human brain trusts a person through the confidence an individual exudes. This part of the debate really made me think. The third and final speaker wrapped up the argument, and she did super well! One of her points towards the negative team practically destabilised their argument. She spoke with confidence and really drove the affirmative team’s argument home. The affirmative team really showed me a new side of the argument I didn’t think about before going to the event, and it broadened my perspective on confidence within the workplace!

The negative team debated that while confidence matters, in today's workplace, competence matters more. Their argument, while being entertaining, really proved how important skill and dedication are. They humorously noted that men believe they are 4000% more effective in a fight than they actually are. They talked about the damage fake confidence can produce in everyday life and in workplaces (especially in high-stakes jobs). They shared an example of ‘The Dunning-Kruger Curve’, showing how false confidence lands you at the top of ‘Mount Stupid’; as the confidence washes away, you are left in the valley of despair, with building your competence as your only way back up. This led them to the claim, “competence is what causes confidence.” This claim ultimately is what won the negative side of the debate. The women presented a very entertaining, funny and educational debate about the workplace and helped deepen my understanding of how confidence and competence interact.

Tahlia & Kimiyo (Year 12) 
Sofia, Amali, Ava, Molly (Year 11)

For all photos please see gallery below.

From Grime to Rhyme: How Our Students Are Bringing Shakespeare to Life

Approaching the works of William Shakespeare can sometimes feel to students like trying to read a foreign language. Ahead of teaching Shakespeare this term, we wanted to show our students that Shakespeare’s plays aren't just dusty old texts to be read quietly at a desk - they were written to be loud, lively, and full of energy.

Through a series of hands-on workshops, our students didn't just study Shakespeare; they rolled up their sleeves and brought his words to life. Here is a look at what they achieved:

We started by looking at the universal themes that make Shakespeare's stories so famous: love, jealousy, and human relationships. To get everyone talking, we set up a "speed dating" style discussion.

Students sat face-to-face and had just two minutes to debate a big question with a classmate before a timer rang and they rotated to the next person. They debated everything from Shakespeare’s own mysterious love life to how modern theatres change his plays today. The room was buzzing with quick thinking and fantastic arguments.

Shakespeare, or British Grime Music?

One of the most exciting lessons of the week was led by our resident British English teacher, who introduced the students to British Grime music (a modern style of fast-paced rap and spoken-word poetry from the UK).

While a 400-year-old play and modern street music might seem completely opposite, the students discovered they actually share the exact same DNA: clever wordplay, strong rhythms, and sharp social commentary. Students played a game where they had to listen to a line of poetry and guess whether it was written by Shakespeare or a modern musical artist. It was a brilliant way to show them that Shakespeare’s style of writing is still alive in the music they listen to today.

The Art of the Shakespearean Insult

Before writing their own serious scenes, students loosened up by learning how to insult each other like Elizabethans. Using a grid of authentic words used by Shakespeare, they crafted their own hilarious, rhythmic put-downs. Hearing a classroom full of teenagers creatively branding each other as "rank, bottle-ale rascals" or "beetle-headed flap-dragons" proved just how fun and expressive language can be when you play with it, positioning the world of Shakespeare’s conflicts to the forefront of our understanding ahead of reading his plays.

Taking the Stage

For the grand finale of the project, students stepped into the shoes of the actors and playwrights themselves. Working in small groups, they were challenged to write, practice, and perform their own original scenes in Shakespeare's exact style.

The rules were strict: they had to pay close attention to the traditional rhythm, structure, and dramatic style of the era. The results were outstanding. Our students showed incredible confidence, teamwork, and a genuine understanding of how to command a stage, all while dressed in their very best ‘Elizabethan style’ costumes.

A Note from the Teachers: "Our main goal was to take the fear out of Shakespeare. By comparing his work to modern music and getting the students up on their feet, they realised his plays were originally written as popular entertainment for everyone to enjoy. We are incredibly proud of how much creativity and hard work they put into this unit."

We want to congratulate all of our students for stepping out of their comfort zones and showing such fantastic imagination.

Rachel Grant 
Teacher - English

Welcome back to Semester Two - as we make the transition to the Spring months, which will be upon us before we know it.

We have sprung into a stack of representative events this week: Gold Coast Cricket Classic, Champion of Champions QLD Futsal, SthQLD All Schools Touch Tournament, AFL, Emerging Schools Rugby. I was lucky enough to get around to quite a few of these fixtures and support our boys and girls.

Week 2 is a similar scenario, with representative sport going on across the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas.

Week 2 Key Dates

28July:

• Touch Football SQ All Schools (Primary) Years 3-6

29 July:

• Chess coaching Day Incursion Year 5 & 6 (20 pax)

• Futsal QLD Champions of Champions 9 years girls, 11 years Boys & Girls

• Netball titans FINALS (Yr ⅞, Yr 9/10, opens, boys/mixed

30 July:

• Netball Clash of the Coast round 5

• AFLQ Schools Cup Years 9/10 boys & girls Round 2

• Futsal QLD Champions of Champions 12 years Boys & Girls

31 July:

• Futsal QLD Champions of Champions 14 Years Girls

For all Sport news, please expand the article

Well, that was a weekend that will go down in the memory books of Kokoda.

On a chilly weekend in the Gold Coast Hinterland, we had a large contingent of Lindisfarne Students competing in events ranging from 30 km through to the gruelling 96 km event.

Our entries included

• 6 x 30 km teams

• 1 x 48 km team

• 3 x 96 km teams

The day began at Mudgeeraba Bowls Club, with our 96 km walkers setting off on their journey. At 10:00 am, our 48 km teams began their challenge, followed by our 30 km walkers at 3:00 pm.

Along the way, every participant faced steep climbs, thick mud, darkness, and increasingly sore and tired legs. Over the next 7 to 32 hours, they were tested both physically and mentally. From pushing through relentless fatigue in the early hours of the morning to managing blisters, cramps, and aching bodies, they continued putting one foot in front of the other, determined to reach the finish line. In doing so, they honoured the spirit and resilience of the soldiers whose footsteps they were walking to remember.

After 32 hours, every Lindisfarne participant had crossed the finish line. Achieving a 100% completion rate is something we always strive for, and it is a testament to the determination, resilience, teamwork, and courage shown by every one of our walkers.

We are incredibly proud of the efforts of every one of our walkers and immensely grateful to the parents who volunteered their time to lead and support our teams throughout the event. For the first time, every Lindisfarne team, from our Brisbane participants to our Gold Coast teams, was parent-led. Their commitment, encouragement, and care were instrumental in helping our students achieve such an outstanding result.

The level of parent involvement was exceptional and the envy of many other schools. It is a wonderful reflection of the strong sense of community that exists at Lindisfarne. We simply could not provide opportunities like the Kokoda Challenge without the generosity and dedication of our parent volunteers, and we thank them sincerely for everything they did.

I will leave it to our 96 km walkers to sum up their experience.

"I would recommend the 96km Kokoda to everyone, for it is one of the biggest tests of endurance and teamwork. The feeling after you have finished is something I can't describe in words; after spending over 30 hours walking and 10 minutes of sleep, it tests how far you're willing to go for your team and yourself."

Noah Rynehart

"Despite the mentally challenging injury I experienced at the 30km mark, I was able to push myself past my limits and complete the event with the incredible efforts of my support crew and the motivation of my teammates. I thoroughly enjoyed this Kokoda Challenge (despite the difficult moments - and there were a lot), and experiencing it with my friends will certainly remain one of my favourite times of this year."

Alicia Brown

"In the end, we survived a gruelling challenge, and in the end, I learnt that a plan that never fails is no plan at all. You know why? If you make a plan, life never works out that way. With no plan, nothing can go wrong, and if something spins out of control, it doesn't matter. So don't let the world change your smile; let your smile change the world. Challenge yourself.

Walt Samuel

"It was quite the surreal experience, being awake for so long, pushing through the pain to get to the next rest stop and drinking heaps of coffee. My entire body was exhausted by the end, and some of my teammates were hallucinating and falling asleep as we walked, but the joy, relief and pride we felt after we crossed the finish line made it all worth it."

Thomas Miklos

"Taking part in the 96km Kokoda challenge was an incredible journey, it not only tested my physical strength and endurance but also my mental strength. Completing this challenge really taught me the importance of perseverance and teamwork; it has also become one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had."

Art Lush 

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students - Senior School

For all photos please see gallery below.

While many students were enjoying a relaxing holiday break, Lindisfarne Equestrian Team member Maya Cohen (Year 6) braved the icy conditions of Toowoomba to compete at the 2026 Interschool Queensland State Championships.

Partnering with her pocket rocket pony, Kingswood Shimmer (known to his friends as ‘Simba’), Maya produced an outstanding performance against the state's best young riders. After months of dedicated training and preparation, the pair rose to the occasion to claim the Primary 60cm State Show Jumping Championship title!

Huge congratulations to Maya and Simba on this fantastic achievement and for representing Lindisfarne with skill, determination and sportsmanship.

Kathryn Leary
Equestrian Coordinator

We warmly invite you to join us for our HSC Drama Showcase Evening, commencing at 6.00 pm on Thursday 30 July in the Mahers Lane Chapel.

This special evening celebrates the culmination of our Year 12 Drama students' practical work, showcasing a diverse range of original and scripted Individual and Group Performances alongside a display of HSC Costume Designs. Together, these works reflect the creativity, collaboration, and theatrical skills developed throughout the course.

Please note that some performances contain mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences. To assist with seating and catering arrangements, we ask that all guests register their attendance via the Drama Event Registration Form.

We look forward to welcoming families, friends, and members of the Lindisfarne community as we celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 Drama students and wish them every success in their upcoming HSC examinations.

Amy Camer
Director of Theatre and Dance

Over two powerful evenings in the final week of last term, our Year 11 Drama students delivered a gripping production of Lord of the Flies by Nigel Williams, adapted from William Golding’s classic novel.

The culmination of months of rehearsal, collaboration and creative exploration, our students worked hard to bring this powerful and thought-provoking story to life.

Performed by an all-female cast, the production tackled confronting subject matter with maturity, courage and remarkable skill, inviting the audience to reflect on the fine line between order and chaos.

Congratulations to our talented cast and crew and the Drama team on a compelling and highly skilled performance.

Amy Camer
Director of Theatre and Dance

See the gallery below for all photos.

I am pleased to offer another evening session of the 123 Magic program for families with children aged 2-12 years. Please see the flyer for further details and use the TryBooking link below to register.

Julie Henry
Junior School Psychologist

TRYBOOKING LINK

There Is Always Love - New Zealand Trip

On the last day of Term 2, a group of Year 12 Music students travelled to New Zealand for the final international leg of our There Is Always Love global music video collaboration.

Our journey began with a visit to St Andrew's Anglican Church in Taupō, where students learned about the church's remarkable community outreach, led by Rev'd Robert, before performing during the Sunday morning service.

From there, we travelled south to Palmerston North, where we were warmly welcomed by the staff and students of Whakarongo School. Our hosts treated us to a powerful Kapa Haka performance before joining us in recording and filming for the There Is Always Love project.

This session marked the completion of the recording and filming phase of the project, which has brought together music and dance performances from students at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Whakarongo School in New Zealand, Lakefield College School in Canada, and Tokyo Seitoku University High School in Japan.

It has been an extraordinary experience for everyone involved, particularly for our students, who experienced the power of authentic connection through music while being immersed in new cultures, communities, and learning environments.

We now move into the editing, mixing, and mastering phase of the project and look forward to sharing the finished work with the Lindisfarne community in the coming months.

Brett Canning 
Germinate Records

For more photos, please see the gallery below.

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