2026 Term 4 Week 3 30 Oct 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

Today, we join communities nationwide in celebrating World Teachers' Day. I want to take a moment to express my deepest, personal gratitude to our extraordinary teaching staff across both Sunshine Avenue and Mahers Lane. So much of our teachers' remarkable work happens quietly behind the scenes: late-night lesson planning, individualised care, extracurricular coaching, and the constant encouragement they give every child. Our teachers are the heartbeat of Lindisfarne, and we are profoundly grateful for their dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to nurturing our young people.

The Class of 2026 have continued with their HSC examinations this week. With the finish line now well in sight for many, our thoughts, encouragement, and prayers remain firmly with them as they navigate these final papers. They have approached this intensive exam period with focus and maturity, and we look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2026 and their parents at the Graduation Eucharist and School Formal at the end of next week, as the students complete this major milestone in the coming days.

On Wednesday morning, our Sunshine Avenue Campus was filled with excitement as we welcomed our incoming Kindergarten students for 2027 to their first Kindy Transition session. The classrooms and outdoor spaces buzzed with joyful activity as our youngest learners engaged in creative play, explored their new learning environments, and began making special connections with each other and the staff. For both the children and their parents, this marks the start of an exciting journey at Lindisfarne, and we are delighted to welcome our future Kindergarten students to our School.

Leadership development for our incoming Year 12 cohort, the Class of 2027, has also been a major focus over the past two days. Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending our Leadership retreat at The Boathouse alongside key staff members and our newly inducted student leaders. It was an exceptional afternoon filled with team-building exercises, lively games, rich conversation, and genuine connection.

That momentum continued today as the Class of 2027 headed to Kingscliff for a dedicated leadership, personal development, and team-building day, facilitated by Character Builders. This experience provides our students with practical tools, personal reflection, and collaborative challenges to help them lead with authenticity, empathy, and integrity over the coming year.

I am delighted to invite you to the Principal’s Evening of Thanks, an annual twilight celebration recognising the individuals, families and community partners whose contributions enrich the Lindisfarne community.
Please find your invitation attached, and kindly confirm your attendance here at your earliest convenience to assist with catering arrangements. I look forward to sharing this special evening with you.

Scholarship applications are now open for students entering Years 5, 7, 9 or 11 in 2028. New and current students are invited to apply.  Lindisfarne proudly offers academic, general excellence, music, and sports scholarships, and whilst highly competitive, I encourage students and families to consider making an application. For more information please see the Scholarship page linked from our website.

As we head into the weekend, I warmly invite our families and friends to join us this Sunday afternoon for our Spiritual Gym gathering at Mahers Lane Chapel. We will begin with light refreshments together at 4:30 pm, followed by a warm, uplifting service from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It is a wonderful space to slow down, reflect, and connect, and all members of our community are most welcome to attend.

Thank you to our staff for their energy throughout another full week, and to our parents and guardians for your ongoing partnership.

Have a peaceful weekend with your families, and hopefully a chance to enjoy the outdoors after the past fortnight's rain.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Attendance Link

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

Tomorrow is All Hallows’ Eve, and while many in Australia celebrate Halloween with dressing up, Trick-or-Treating or parties, it is less common to celebrate October 31st as an actual day of Christian worship.

So what is All Hallows’ Eve, and what does it have to do with Halloween?

The word “Halloween” is derived from “Hallow’s Eve”—but it’s not only that. For Christians, there is a rich history here that a lot of us may not realise.

What is All Hallows’ Eve?

So, let’s start with the basics. What does ‘hallow’ mean?

Well, hallow simply means holy, as the Lord’s Prayer suggests (“hallowed be thy name”), so a “hallow” is a holy person—a saint.

All Hallows’ Eve, then, is the eve of All Saints’ Day—the day The Church remembers all the men and women throughout Church history, from St. Peter to St. Augustine to St. Thérèse—people who modeled holiness for us to emulate.

All Saints’ Day is followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, the day the Church recognises all the faithful departed—that is, every person who has ever lived and died in Christ, whether The Church officially recognises them as a canonised saint or not.

On All Souls’ Day, many churches hold services that specifically remember loved ones who have died over the past year.

For over a century, the Church has observed All Hallow’s Eve as an evening vigil to watch and wait for these two holy days that honour the friends, family, and heroic saints who are now part of the “cloud of witnesses” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1, cheering us on from heaven as we run the race set before us.

All Hallows’ Eve is similar to Christmas Eve in that we are eagerly and festively anticipating the holy days that follow.

So, to recap: October 31st is All Hallows’ (Saints) Eve, November 1st is All Saints’ Day, and November 2nd is All Souls’ Day.

Where did it come from?

So, now that you’ve got the basics, you might be wondering how witches and goblins came to be associated with these holy days on the Church’s calendar.

Well, October 31st through November 1st were the dates of a Celtic festival called Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season.

The Gaels believed that beginning at sun down on October 31st, the boundary between the dead and alive thinned, and the dead would return seeking hospitality among the living.

If the dead were not appeased, it was thought that they would wreak havoc on livestock and crops, causing sickness and famine.

So on October 31st, the Gaels would wear costumes, light bonfires, and imitate sorcery practices in order to ward off evil spirits and appease the dead. All hell would break loose and these festivals would often devolve into nights of havoc and terror.

In 835 AD the Church supplanted this pagan festival, setting All Saints Day on November 1st, to coincide with Samhain.

They replaced the havoc and mischief created by the supposed evil dead on Samhain with a hopeful watching, waiting, and celebration of the holy dead, God’s saints.

This history presents us with two views of death: one as terrifying and haunted, the other as hopeful and holy.

The Church has chosen the latter, and on October 31st we make a party out of it!

All Hallows’ Eve is an opportunity for Christians everywhere to celebrate the work God has done in and through his saints, and that neither their stories nor ours will end with the grave.

So, happy All Hallows everyone!

Blessings,

Reverend Lyndon
Chaplain

Applications for scholarships for 2028 are now open.

Each year, Lindisfarne offers a limited number of Academic, General Excellence, Music and Sport scholarships to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Students eligible to apply for scholarships for the 2027 school year will be commencing in one of the following; Years 5, 7, 9 or 11. All students will be required to sit an academic test.

Scholarship Categories

• Academic – Based on a high level of academic merit.
• General Excellence – For students who demonstrate strength in a range of areas as listed below.
• Music – High level of music capacity is required combined with satisfactory academics.
• Sport – For students who are competing in at least one sport at state level or above combined with satisfactory academics.

Lindisfarne also offers support for Indigenous students. Further information in this area can be obtained from the Head of Enrolments.

For further information and details on how to apply for a scholarship, please download the 2028 Scholarship Information Booklet or visit the Scholarship page on our website.

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement

Australia celebrates teachers on World Teachers’ Day on Friday, 30 October 2026.

At Lindisfarne, our teachers’ passion and care are standout qualities of our community. It is all they do in the classroom and beyond that allow for us to deliver the high quality education we are proud to offer. Today our students said ‘thank you’ through a gratitude activity in Homeroom and Tutor Group time which was distributed out to our teachers this morning, along with a small gift from the school to show our appreciation. Our student leaders across the school also shared a message of thanks on behalf of their peers in the following video - LInk

Today we shine a light on Australia’s teachers who inspire, support and empower our children and young people every single day. From lightbulb moments to helping someone find their way, teachers make a difference in ways big and small. Let’s remember to show our teachers how much we appreciate them by reaching out and saying thanks for all that they do.

2027 SCHOOL FEES

If anyone is wishing to request either Direct Debit Payment Plan, or Annual Fee Calculations for school fees next year, please email us anytime and we will add you to the list. Calculations will be emailed out before the start of Term 1 2027.

Email : accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Lindisfarne Buses

The Lindisfarne buses provide a service for students registered to travel to and from the closest bus stop to the residential address of the family. The Lindisfarne Bus service does not have the capacity to meet requests such as transport for students to swap buses for travel to other locations for sport, work, social or other reasons.

Should your child need to attend such an activity we advise you to make alternative arrangements like carpooling to transport your child to their event.

Your understanding in this matter is appreciated.

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

Lauren Ward
Business Manager

The Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School Community is invited to Biren Cultural Group’s Grassroots Initiative Community Corroboree.

Tweed Heads Public School

Saturday, 7 November, 2026

3pm QLD Time

We would love to see our community come together in strength and unity. Bring your family, friends and your jarjums and come and be a part of something truly special.

This free community event is in its second year and was an incredible sharing of Culture, dance, family and celebration last year attended by many. Come and enjoy dance troupes from across Bundjalung Country.

This year it has moved from the beach to the school grounds to ensure shade and protection from the weather.

Image credit: @SJCampbell Photography

SchoolTV Resources for Lindisfarne Families and Friends

Lindisfarne is pleased to continue our partnership with SchoolTV to provide families with easy access to a range of evidence-based resources across a range of topics.

Please use this link to explore the Topic Library:

The Early Years Wellbeing Series – is the most recent addition to these topics.

The first five years don’t just prepare children for school. They help shape who they become.

SchoolTV is delighted to introduce:The Early Years Wellbeing Series.

The first five years of a child’s life are foundational—not only for school readiness, but for shaping their overall development and future identity. To support families during these crucial formative years, SchoolTV has launched The Early Years Wellbeing Series in collaboration with leading psychologist Dr. Emma Woodward.

This series is designed specifically as a resource for parents and carers of children aged 3 to 5 years. Through a collection of specialized Editions and Special Reports, it delivers evidence-based tips, practical strategies, and trusted guidance to help families confidently navigate the everyday opportunities and challenges of early child development.

Use this link to access the SchoolTV - The Early Years Wellbeing Series and please feel free to share these resources with family and friends who may benefit.

Julie Henry
Junior School Psychologist

New beginnings are made easier when we feel welcomed and connected. Week 3 has provided opportunities to begin building those connections for 2027, as we welcomed our future Kindergarten students into classrooms and spent time with our incoming Junior School Prefects.

2027 Kindergarten Transition

This week, our preschool students and new enrolments took their first steps into the world of Kindergarten as part of our 2027 Kindergarten Transition program. They visited classrooms, made new connections and spent the morning becoming familiar with the learning environment they will join next year.

The move to ‘big school’ is an exciting milestone for children and their families. These transition sessions provide a gentle, supported introduction, giving children time to explore, ask questions and begin to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Familiar faces and small moments of connection help build the confidence and sense of belonging that support a positive start to school.

We look forward to continuing these connections at our upcoming sessions:

Session 2: Wednesday 4 November | 9 am–10 am (includes a Parent Information Session)

Session 3: Wednesday 11 November | 9 am–10 am

Thank you to Jo Hetherington and the ELC team for the care and warmth with which they welcomed our youngest learners, and to our families for sharing this important step with us.

2027 Junior School Prefects Leadership Retreat

On Thursday afternoon, I had the pleasure of spending time with our incoming 2027 Junior School Prefects, Bowie Robinson and Remy Brown, during their leadership retreat. Both are eager to meet our students and become part of Junior School life. Their warmth, enthusiasm and drive left me in no doubt that they will bring so much joy to our campus in 2027.

It was lovely to get to know them beyond their new roles, to hear about their families, what brings them joy, what inspires them and their dreams for the future. I was particularly impressed by the maturity and thoughtfulness they brought to our conversation, sharing their ideas openly and listening carefully to each other.

Leadership begins with relationships. Listening, showing an interest and helping others feel included can make a meaningful difference to a child’s school experience. I look forward to introducing Bowie and Remy at an upcoming assembly and working closely with them throughout the year, supporting their ideas and creating opportunities for them to grow as leaders and contribute to Junior School life.

Whether preparing to enter Kindergarten or step into a Year 12 leadership position, students have opportunities to learn, contribute and connect. Feeling supported and valued helps each student approach these new experiences with curiosity and confidence, discovering new capabilities along the way.

Thank you to our staff and families for helping our students take these next steps with confidence.

Angela Mundy
Head of Junior School

Middle School Leadership

With our Middle School leadership selection process underway, I have been reflecting on what we want our young people to understand about leadership and the influence they have on others.

Our Year 7 students are currently taking an important step in this journey, with House leadership speeches presented over the past week and Middle School Captain speeches to follow in two weeks. I commend those who have put themselves forward, recognising that doing so requires confidence and a willingness to accept the outcome, whatever that may be. All Middle School leadership appointments will be announced once the speeches and voting have concluded. While the selection process will determine who takes on formal responsibilities in 2027, the greater opportunity is for every student involved to begin thinking about the contribution they can make to their school.

On Thursday afternoon, I had the privilege of spending time at the Boat House with our incoming Year 12 leaders and their mentors as they explored their responsibilities for 2027. My conversations with our incoming Middle School Prefects centred on the influence they can have on younger students, particularly through the relationships they build. For a Year 5 student, having a Year 12 student take an interest in them can mean a great deal. It is often these seemingly small interactions that shape a student's sense of belonging.

There is an important connection between these two leadership experiences. Whether students are preparing to lead Middle School or beginning their final year, the responsibility is much the same: to recognise the influence they have and consider how they use it.

And this is where I believe the conversation about leadership needs to extend beyond those seeking formal positions. Every student influences the experience of others. The way they include their peers, respond when something isn't right or contribute to their class has a direct impact on the kind of school community we share.

Not every student who nominates will be appointed, but I hope they recognise that their capacity to lead is not determined by the outcome of an election. The opportunity to make a difference remains open to every one of them.

As we look towards 2027, this is the understanding of leadership I hope we continue to develop across Middle School: that every student has influence, and with that comes the responsibility to use it well.

Mrs Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Over the past few weeks, we have seen some disappointing behaviour from a small number of students in Years 9 and 10. At times, students who are polite and respectful on their own have been rude, dismissive or disruptive when with friends, both in classrooms and in the playground.

It is a question worth asking - what changes when we are part of a group?

Friends matter enormously during adolescence. They can give us a sense of belonging and help us feel confident. But being part of a group can also make it easier to follow the mood around us, join in behaviour we wouldn't choose on our own, or assume someone else will take responsibility. A comment that might seem amusing amongst friends can hurt the person to whom it is directed.

When this behaviour is aimed at a teacher or Learning Assistant, its effects do not stop with that interaction. It can make it harder for them to support students and keep learning on track. It can also unsettle the classroom, interrupt a lesson and take attention away from the needs of other students.

Respect is an important part of the relationship between students and the adults who teach and support them. Teachers and Learning Assistants are expected to treat students with respect, and students are expected to show respect in return. This does not mean students are exempt from accountability when their choices affect others. It is never acceptable to derail the learning of a class. Students can lose valuable learning time, and the classroom can become a less settled place for everyone.

There is courage in choosing not to join in. That might mean changing the subject, getting on with the task, or simply not laughing when someone is being put down. These choices can feel difficult in the moment, but they show the kind of character that strengthens a friendship and a community.

Families can help by reminding their young people to respect their teachers and Learning Assistants, and the learning environment more broadly. We will continue to address behaviour that disrupts learning or shows a lack of respect, while supporting students to reflect on the impact of their choices and make better ones.

We want every student to be able to learn, take part and spend time with their peers in an environment where people treat one another with care. A useful question for all of us is: am I still the person I want to be when I am with my friends?

As we mark World Teachers’ Day today, I encourage everyone in our school to pause and recognise the tremendous work our teachers do, supported by our Learning Assistants. Their work goes well beyond delivering lessons. They build relationships, encourage students through challenges and work hard to create classrooms where young people can learn and feel supported. They deserve our thanks, and they deserve to be treated respectfully.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

HSC 2026 Update

Next week is the last week of the Higher School Certificate written examinations, which will conclude with Physics HSC on Thursday, 5 November.

We wish all the students all the best for their final examinations.

Assessment Block - Week 4

Students in Year 7, 8, 9 ,10 will continue with their in class assessments and yearly examinations next week.

Year 12 2027

All students, including our accelerant students, have received the 2027 Rules and Regulations booklet from NESA

The 2027 HSC Assessment Policy and Schedules and Stage 6 Malpractice Policy and NESA Rules and Regulations are available on SEQTA under documents.

Term 4 Assessment dates for HSC courses are visible on the school calendar.

Caroline Jeffries
Dean of Studies

Evie Nowland Named in BUFTA Top 27: Vote for Dear Lillian!

Congratulations to Year 11 student Evie Nowland, whose animated short film Dear Lillian has been selected in the Top 27 of the 2026 Bond University Film & Television Academy Awards (BUFTA).

Evie was one of two Lindisfarne students named in the competition’s Top 45 earlier this term. Advancing to the Top 27 is an outstanding achievement in Australia’s largest student film competition, which attracts hundreds of entries from Year 11 and 12 students across the country and around the world. Dear Lillian is one of just three films shortlisted in the Animation category, and was created this year as part of Evie’s Year 11 Digital Media course.

As a Top 27 finalist, Evie will attend the red-carpet BUFTA Gala Awards Night at Bond University, where she will be in the running for a range of prizes, including a full scholarship to study the Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond.

How you can help

Evie’s film is also in the running for the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by public vote and will be announced on 21 November. We would love the Lindisfarne community to get behind her.

1. Visit bond.edu.au/bufta-peoples-choice

2. Watch Dear Lillian (listed under Animation)

3. Click Vote now! and select Evie’s film

Please share the link with family and friends, as every vote counts.

Congratulations, Evie. We are incredibly proud of you and wish you the very best of luck on the night!

Ryan Murphy
Digital Media Teacher and Head of St Andrew House

This week, our newly elected 2027 School Captains and Vice Captains traveled to Lismore to participate in the annual GRIP Leadership Conference. Joining student leaders from secondary schools right across the region, our captains spent the day immersed in team-building activities and interactive discussions focused on what it truly means to lead.

GRIP Leadership conferences are specifically designed for school leaders, focusing on real-world skills that students can immediately apply within their own school communities. Throughout the day, our leaders explored several key themes:

• Building School Pride: Discovering fresh ways to boost school spirit, foster inclusivity, and make every student feel connected to our community.

• Being a role model is more important that being a Leader: Exploring integrity, empathy, and leading by example, focusing on leadership as a service to others rather than just a title.

• Functioning well as a leadership team: Knowing each other's strengths and what you bring to the team, backing and supporting each other.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to speak with student leaders from other schools. Our captains shared ideas, discussed common challenges, and gathered fresh inspiration for projects and events to roll out over the coming year.

We returned to school motivated and buzzing with practical ideas for 2027. Walking away from the conference, one thing became abundantly clear: our school community is in very safe, capable, and passionate hands with our newly appointed leaders.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students - Senior School

Overseas Tour Opportunity – Model United Nations 2027

Colombia and the USA | 17–27 February 2027

Lindisfarne students in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2027 have an exciting opportunity to participate in CACMUN XVI, an international Model United Nations conference hosted by Colegio Anglo Colombiano in Bogotá, Colombia, in February 2027.

The conference will bring together students to debate global issues, explore international diplomacy and develop valuable skills in public speaking, leadership, negotiation and critical thinking. Students will also enjoy a cultural experience in Colombia, including a visit to the spectacular Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

Travelling via Dallas, students will have the opportunity to visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Students will also visit the Dallas World Aquarium before continuing their journey to Bogotá.

Following the conference, the group will travel to New York City, where highlights will include guided visits to United Nations Headquarters and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. These experiences will provide a meaningful connection between the students' Model United Nations participation and the realities of international diplomacy and global affairs. There will also be time to explore some of New York's iconic attractions, including Times Square, Central Park and One World Observatory, as well as attend a Broadway show.

Tour dates: 17–27 February 2027
Eligible students: Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2027
Cost: $5,500 per student

This promises to be an outstanding Global Learning opportunity, combining international collaboration, cultural discovery and experiences beyond the classroom.

Expressions of Interest are now open. Information and Expression of Interest forms were emailed to families on Wednesday this week. Interested students and families are encouraged to review the information and submit their Expression of Interest.

Mike Lush
Head of Global Learning

Citizen Science in Action: Year 12 Earth & Environmental Science Visit to Sea World

On Wednesday, our Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science students traveled to Sea World on the Gold Coast to participate in a hands-on citizen science project targeting microplastic pollution.

The excursion began in the underwater viewing gallery at Shark Bay, where students learned about the sources, distribution and environmental impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystems. Putting theory into practice, the class conducted field sampling and data analysis in the local Broadwater ecosystem using scientific transects and quadrats. They then returned to Shark Bay to sort and identify microplastics from coastal samples collected at Currumbin, before taking time to explore the rest of the park.

This immersive experience directly aligns with the Senior Earth and Environmental Science curriculum, which examines human impacts on Earth’s spheres and the sustainable management of Australia's vital waterways. By gathering data for the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP), our students gained authentic field research experience while contributing real-world evidence to a national scientific initiative.

We encourage our entire school community to visit the AUSMAP website, explore their interactive data maps, and consider how small everyday choices can help reduce plastic pollution in our local environments.

‘It was surprising to see how many microplastics are in our beaches and environment, and to understand the impact it has on marine life. The excursion was a good opportunity to learn more about the issues affecting our oceans. Being able to have time at the end to enjoy the park was really good as well.’
Harry Andis

‘Sea world was so fun! The Plastic Pathway program was very interesting and educational, being involved in the field work for microplastics. The downtime after was also very fun, going around the park and rides.’
Jessica Klein

Mrs Sophie Farmer
Teacher

We are eagerly anticipating three days of competition at the QPAS Touch Football event. Additionally, our U11 Girls Futsal squad has been working hard in training over recent weeks as they get ready to head to Brisbane next week for the Australasian Champion of Champions tournament, representing our sole qualifying side for this year's event.

Looking ahead to upcoming sporting fixtures, our Open Boys Cricket team is preparing to take the pitch on Monday against Emmanuel Anglican College for round one of the Douglas Shield. Meanwhile, our Primary Girls rugby players are preparing for an introductory gala day in Week 5, which also coincides with the upcoming Northern NSW Anglican Schools Sports Day.

Week 4 Key Events

• Monday, 2 November: Cricket Douglas Shield v Emmanuel Anglican College

• Thursday- Saturday, 5- 7 November: Futsal Australasian Champions of Champions

Action kicked off TODAY at the Redlands Touch Association (Cleveland Showgrounds) for the 2026 Queensland Primary All Schools Touch Championships! It’s a massive few days of sport, with over 360 primary school teams from right across the state. Our players have put in a years worth of hard training work to prepare for this competition, and we couldn't be prouder of their effort

Molly Loxton-Humphreys

Isla Hollands

Toby Davis

Storm Lucas

Bonnie Pollard

Piper Grieves

Axel Ward (injured)

Harper Kelly

Sydney Pau'u

Layla Buchanan

Hugo Lush

Ben Parker

Marlie Bold

Ashton Herbert

Ariana Costello

Eadie O'Sullivan

Jack Solley

Jack Preston

Jayden Linnemann

Ben Johnstone

Miller Glenister

Marlo Miller

Jobe Stephens

Sonny Bishop

Spencer Martin

Spotlight on George Morgan

Well done to George Morgan (Year 10), who has been selected to trial for the Australian U18S Sevens team. He will travel to the AIS in Canberra next month for the trial camp. George has some serious speed, and combined with rugby IQ/smarts - he will give this trial an almighty shake. We are all behind you George, go have some fun and do your thing.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sports and Activities

REGISTRATION LINK

Capping Off the 2026 Business Network Calendar with High Energy and Inspiration

Our final Business Breakfast for the year was a morning filled with laughter, wisdom, and unmatched energy. Bringing together students, school parents, and members of our Business Network, the event delivered the perfect mix of community spirit and high-performance insight.

The audience was captivated by Laurie Lawrence AO, the legendary Australian Olympic Swimming Coach and motivational leader, as renowned journalist and presenter Leila McKinnon interviewed him.

Known nationwide for his heart-felt passion, Laurie delivered a presentation that was as hilarious as it was impactful. Within minutes, he had the entire room off their chairs, singing, waving their arms in the air, and embracing his trademark enthusiasm.

Beyond the anecdotes from his years coaching Olympic champions, Laurie shared practical strategies for success and peak performance. His core lessons around resilience, clear goal-setting, standards, and unconditional commitment resonated deeply across the whole audience. Whether applied to elite athletics, running a business, tackling school exams, or navigating everyday life, Laurie proved that a winning mindset is universal.

Adding to the morning's brilliance, acclaimed Channel Nine journalist Leila McKinnon led an engaging, insightful interview with Laurie.

Leila’s warm and perceptive questioning drew out rich stories behind Laurie’s historic career, exploring what truly drives high achievers when the pressure is on. The dynamic between Leila’s polished journalism and Laurie’s larger-than-life personality made for compelling listening, leaving everyone inspired to bring that same drive into their own careers and personal goals.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making this final 2026 Breakfast such a resounding success. We look forward to connecting with you all again when the Business Network event series returns in 2027!

We invite you to partner with us: Join the 2027 Lindisfarne Business Network

Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School has always valued its connection with the community. As a growing school in the region, we have been deeply supported by our families and local businesses, support that has helped shape the Lindisfarne story and strengthened our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for our students.

Moving into its sixth year, the Lindisfarne Business Network was established to build on this foundation and to create a purposeful space where business leaders can connect, collaborate, and contribute more directly to the life of the School. Through a dedicated annual program, including our networking events, we showcase outstanding speakers, develop meaningful professional relationships, and strengthen partnerships between Network members and the wider community.

2027 Sponsorship Benefits:

• Brand Visibility: Showcase your organisation to an engaged audience of local families, staff, alumni and other regional business owners

• Exclusive Events: Attend curated networking sessions featuring inspiring guest speakers.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with fellow professionals to strengthen business and community ties across the region.

We invite all interested businesses and individuals to partner with us.

Sponsorship opportunities are available across a range of tiers, and we are grateful for every level of involvement. To formalise your support, please refer to the Lindisfarne Business Network Expression of Interest formHERE.

Launching the Lindisfarne Business Directory: Support Local, Stay Connected

We are proud to present the Lindisfarne Business Directory, a key initiative of the Lindisfarne Business Network designed to connect local leaders, foster collaboration and support our regional economy.

Our school thrives on the strength of its surrounding network and this new platform connects our families, local businesses and regional services. Created to benefit everyone, the Lindisfarne Business Directory provides a curated resource for our families, staff, alumni and members of the surrounding community to intentionally "shop local" and support the businesses that champion our school. Whether you are looking for trusted trade services, professional consulting, healthcare providers, or local retail, the directory makes finding community businesses easier than ever.

For business owners, it offers a highly visible platform to showcase your products and services directly to thousands of engaged families across the southern Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and northern New South Wales region. We invite members of our school community to explore the Business Directory, make it your first stop when looking for local services and intentionally get behind the businesses that generously support our school.

You can explore the digital directory anytime via this link, and a printed copy will be sent home with each Lindisfarne family early in Term 4.

We are already planning for the 2027/2028 Lindisfarne Business Directory. If you are interested in featuring your business, we invite you to complete our Expression of Interest (EOI) form here to learn more and join our growing directory.

Thank you for supporting the school and local region as we work together in continuing to build a strong, interconnected Lindisfarne community.

Susannah Jepson
Administrator - Partnerships

E: susannah.jepson@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

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