2026 Term 1 Week 0 23 Jan 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2026 School year. I hope you have all enjoyed a restful Christmas break and some special time with family and friends.

The beginning of a new year always brings a sense of optimism, and I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead for our students and our School community in 2026. There is much to look forward to, and our students will benefit significantly from the opportunities available at Lindisfarne.

Our vision is to redefine regional education on a global stage, with local impacts, where belonging, personalised learning and innovation, grounded in our Anglican ethos, shape young people for lives of significance and service.

At Lindisfarne, we are proud of the strong culture we have built together. Our staff are deeply committed to high-quality teaching and learning, and to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student is known, supported, and encouraged to grow as a young person of Character.

Yesterday, our staff and school observed the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the 14 December 2025 Bondi Beach antisemitic terrorist attack.

Staff gathered in the Mahers Lane Chapel ahead of the School Day for a time of silence, prayer, reflection, and to light candles in memory of the victims.

Later that evening, we observed a minute's silence at our staff dinner and lit a candle, knowing that light will always overcome darkness. I shared with the staff information about a Mitzvah for Bondi, made available through the office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in collaboration with the Jewish Community.

A Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. It is about taking practical action to help others through simple everyday acts of kindness that, together, create a powerful wave of goodwill. This can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to local businesses, or donating to those in need.

In all, there are 15 suggested Mitzvah for the 15 people lost in the Bondi attack.

1. Give to others – donate to organisations in service of others.

2. Uplift the sick – visit someone who is unwell and offer support.

3. Help those who have helped you – perform one small task to help your parent or older relative.

4. Open your home – offer hospitality to someone you may not have thought to.

5. Travel with care – help those needing transport, treat the roads and drivers with respect.

6. Act with intent – reflect with a moment of silence to seek guidance and clarity before beginning a task.

7. Prioritise family – spend the first hour of your evening dedicated to your family, screen-free.

8. Gratitude first – begin your day with thanks for the good things surrounding you.

9. Prayer for healing – say a prayer for the complete physical and spiritual recovery for the victims of the Bondi massacre.

10. Work with integrity – give the time you committed to the tasks you committed to. 

11. Pay it forward – When someone wants to repay you for an act of kindness, encourage them to ‘pay it forward’ to a stranger instead.

12. Cherish your partner and friend – remind those you love every day how grateful you are for all they do for you.

13. Kindness without expecting anything in return - Quietly perform an act of kindness to brighten someone else's day.

14. Teach children – read children stories that show them all the good in the world. 

15. Legacy of life – empower the next generation to carry forward not with loss but with hope.

Our School Chaplains, Reverend Lyndon Mulholland and Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu, have chosen the theme of Kindness for the 2026 School year.

Our office reopened on Monday, 05 January, and both campuses have been a hive of activity as we prepared for the start of the year. It has been rewarding to see the progress on the construction of our Year 7 Centre and Creative Industries Precinct, a project that will make a significant difference to how we support learning in the future. The project will be completed and ready for student use at the commencement of the 2027 School year. In the meantime, we have installed six demountable learning spaces to support our Creative Industries program while construction takes place.

As families return and routines begin, traffic becomes a challenge at both campuses, particularly in the early weeks of the year. I encourage families to allow extra time, carpool where possible, prioritise use of bus services, and make full use of our approved Drop and Go zones. Please also encourage your child to walk to school, where it is safe to do so. A reminder that Year 12 students should also prioritise using the available bus services and avoid driving to school unless necessary, as parking is limited. Thank you for respecting our neighbours and never parking across residents’ driveways.

Last night, we gathered for our annual Staff Dinner, where we honoured staff who have reached significant service milestones at Lindisfarne. It is always a meaningful evening and a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such committed and passionate professionals shaping our students' lives every day.

I would like to acknowledge the following staff members for their service:

10 Years of Service
Lisa Price, Frank Malone, Monique Murphy, Simon McKinley, Yolanda Whitaker, Amber Phillips, Rhiannon Archer, and Jesse Edwards. Each of these staff members has contributed strongly to the life of our School, bringing skill, care, and dedication to their roles.

15 Years of Service
Margaret Taylor, Sarah Rolfe, Abbey Read, Dana Dowker, Ashleigh Manning, Sue Hammond, John Cadman, and Julie McDowell. Fifteen years of service reflects a deep commitment, and we are grateful for the steady influence these colleagues have had across many student cohorts.

20 Years of Service
Cathy Myers and Melanie Wischer. Over the past two decades, Cathy and Melanie have played important roles in the development of our school, and their contributions continue to be felt every day.

25 Years of Service
Simon Leach, Clare Cootes, Linda Howarth and Nicola Jamison. 25 years is an extraordinary milestone, and these staff members have had a profound impact on Lindisfarne through their leadership, care for students, and service to our community.

30 Years of Service
We also honoured Gail Dessmann for an outstanding 30 years of service to Lindisfarne. Gail’s loyalty, professionalism, and consistent contribution over three decades have been truly exceptional. Her commitment reflects the very best of our School, and we sincerely thank Gail for all she has given to Lindisfarne and our students.

The Principal’s Welcome Event – Friday 06 February

One of the great strengths of Lindisfarne is the way our parent community connects and supports the life of the School. Together with our Parents and Friends Association, I warmly invite all parents and guardians to join us for our annual Principal’s Welcome Event on Friday, 6 February, commencing at 6.30 pm (NSW time), hosted for our School Community. The venue will be our Sunshine Avenue Campus.

This evening is an excellent way to start the year, meet other parents, meet our Executive staff and other members of staff, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Guests will be treated to drinks and gourmet canapés, followed by a twilight celebration featuring a live string quartet and captivating student music performances.

The evening is a complimentary, adults-only event, exclusively for Lindisfarne parents, guardians, and members of the Lindisfarne community. I encourage you to RSVP early. Click here to confirm your attendance. I look forward to seeing many of you there and sharing a special evening as we officially welcome the year ahead.

The start of the School year is a timely reminder of our School Standards and Expectations.

As we prepare to commence School on Tuesday, 27 January, I encourage all families to review the following important documents:

• Student Code of Conduct

• Parent Code of Conduct

• Parent and Student Guide 2026

• Uniform Handbook 2026

Thank you for your support in upholding the values and expectations of our School. When we are consistent and united in upholding our values and expectations, our students benefit greatly and are better prepared now and for their future lives beyond School.

Please also carefully note the term dates for the 2026 and 2027 School years, respectively. Please click link.

I look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, 27 January, ready for the year ahead. Thank you for your continued support and for your role in supporting the quality education and opportunities available to our students at Lindisfarne. Together, we nurture young people of Character who are ready to learn, serve, contribute, and thrive.

Kind regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Please use the following link to advise of your attendance:  LINK

Driving to School or a Passenger in another Student’s Vehicle? Don’t Forget This!

To ensure student safety, all Year 11 and 12 parents/guardians are requested to complete the Student Driver & Passenger Authority Form. This grants permission for your child to drive to and from school and provides essential vehicle details for safety and identification.

This is a requirement for all student drivers and passengers and must be completed BEFORE driving to school is permitted.

Please complete the form here: Student Driver & Passenger Authority

SCHOOL FEE CASH PAYMENTS

If anyone wishes to pay their school fees in cash at either Mahers Lane or the Junior School, please call or email accounts in advance to make an appointment outside of start and finish bell times.

Planning ahead will ensure you do not have to wait.

ANNUAL FEE CALCULATIONS

If you wish to take advantage of a 5% discount of the Tuition component of your 2026 school fees, and are yet to email a request, please email accounts as soon as possible.

We have over 150 current requests to respond to, and the due date is not until 10 February 2026. We will endeavour to complete these in plenty of time for payment.

PAYMENT PLANS

All parents who have requested a payment plan by direct debit for 2026 school fees, have been emailed the calculations and direct debit authority.

If you have not yet returned your direct debit authority and wish to be included, please return this authority as soon as possible to Accounts.

Email: accounts@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

LINDISFARNE BUSES

All Bus allocations and bus route information for 2026 will be emailed to relevant families before Tuesday, 27 January.

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 of this matter is appreciated.

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

Brett Dinsdale
Business Manager

Applications for scholarships for 2027 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 Registrar.

For further information and details on how to apply for a scholarship, please download the 2027 Scholarship Information Booklet

Simon McKinley
Director of Community Engagement

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At the start of 2026, we will begin drawing up our lists from applications submitted by families seeking enrolment places for the 2027 school year.

Current families must ensure that siblings are registered for the 2027 school year as soon as possible. Sibling priority will be given to all sibling applications received prior to Friday, 13 February 2026.

Please use the link below to make an application.

Lindisfarne Enrolment Application

Kind regards,

Julie Organ
Registrar

The Lindisfarne Parents and Friends Association (P&F) is a group of enthusiastic parents and carers who work together to support our school community. The focus of the P&F is to build connections between families, support school initiatives, and help create positive experiences for our students. 

During 2025 several important projects were funded and delivered. These include installing industrial fans in the Sunshine Avenue Assembly area, upgrading bubblers across both campuses, refurbishing the beautiful Steinway piano, and replacing the Middle School playground hammocks. It has been a joy to see these improvements already being used and appreciated by students and staff alike.

We also committed to funding a number of projects that will be delivered in 2026. These include the creation of a new creek bed at the Sunshine Avenue Campus, upgraded seating in the Mahers Lane Canteen, six additional marquees for School events, a new drinking fountain at B Block, and a wonderful new muddy kitchen for the Preschool. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting vibrant, engaging, and inclusive learning spaces

Being involved in P&F does not require a large time commitment, and there is no obligation to formally join. Families are encouraged to be involved in ways that suit their availability.

Ways you can support P&F include:

• Volunteering at one event per year.
• Helping out for a short time at a school event.
• Sharing skills, ideas, or resources for raffles at Mother's and Father's Day events.
• Attending a meeting when you are able.

Every contribution — big or small — helps strengthen our school community, and all support is greatly appreciated. To find out more come and talk to a member of the P&F at the Principal's Welcome on Friday, 6 February or contact the P&F via pandf@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Harriet O'Donnell
Secretary

At Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, our community is the heartbeat of everything we do. Our Parents & Friends (P&F) group is a dedicated team of families and carers working together to enrich the school experience and create lasting memories for every student.

The Magic Behind the Scenes

This year is set to be one of our most exciting yet! We are hosting several large-scale events that our students look forward to all year, including our amazing school musical Beauty and the Beast, and our bi-annual Funfest. These initiatives do more than just raise funds; they build a sense of belonging and provide our children with experiences they will remember for a lifetime.

However, these events simply cannot happen without the support of our school community.

Commitment and Participation

We understand that families manage demanding schedules. The P&F does not necessitate a large or ongoing time commitment. There is no requirement to join the committee formally or attend regular meetings.

The sustainability of our school events relies on a "many hands" approach. Often, the most significant help comes from families who contribute just a few hours of their time to a single event annually.

Opportunities for Contribution

If you are in a position to assist, there are several practical ways to offer support:

• Event Assistance: Volunteering for a shift during the Musical or Funfest.

• Logistics: Assisting with the set-up or pack-up of equipment and facilities.

• Donations for Fundraising: Providing items, gift vouchers, or professional services that can be used for raffles and auctions.

• Skills & Resources: Providing specific expertise or equipment that may assist in event planning or school projects.

• Meeting Attendance: Attending a meeting on an ad-hoc basis when your schedule permits.

Our Shared Goal

Every level of contribution helps to strengthen our school community and ensures that these enrichment activities remain viable for our children. We thank those who have already offered their time and look forward to welcoming new volunteers.

For more information on how you can assist with our upcoming events, please contact our P&F volunteers at pandf@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

The P&F Team

As we prepare to officially begin the 2026 school year, we are very much looking forward to welcoming our Junior School students and families back to the Sunshine Avenue campus.

Today, our Orientation Morning was a great success, providing a warm and positive introduction for our newest enrolments and a reassuring return for our continuing Lindisfarne students. It was lovely to see students exploring their new surroundings, meeting teachers, and beginning to form connections ahead of the start of term. We thank families for their support in helping make the morning such a smooth and welcoming experience.

Earlier this week, I shared correspondence with families outlining details relating to Orientation Day and the First Day of term, as well as important information regarding uniform and grooming expectations. Thank you for your support in upholding these important standards, which contribute so strongly to the culture, pride, and sense of belonging that characterise Lindisfarne. A reminder also that parking in Sunshine Avenue is limited, and families are asked to remain mindful of our neighbours by avoiding blocked driveways and access points. As has always been the case, parking in Sullivan Street for school access is not permitted under Council regulations, and we appreciate your cooperation in this regard.

As the year begins, our Junior School focus for 2026 will be on personal effort, encouraging students to give their best, to persevere when learning is challenging, and to take pride in their progress. This focus aligns closely with our ongoing work in embedding the Round Square Heroes of Discovery, which will continue to shape learning experiences and interactions across classrooms and playgrounds.

In readiness for the new school year, our teachers have been busily preparing both their classrooms and their curriculum. We are particularly excited by the introduction of the new Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) syllabus, which opens the door to rich and engaging learning opportunities. The professional learning associated with this syllabus has been enthusiastically embraced by staff, as they prepare to explore a range of exciting new topics and contexts with students.

I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated Junior School team for the professionalism, care, and energy they have shown in preparing for the year ahead. Their commitment ensures that students will begin the year in well-prepared, purposeful, and welcoming learning environments.

When students return for Week 1, the focus will be on Welcome Week. This time will allow students to settle into their new classrooms, build relationships within their carefully curated class groups, and establish routines that support wellbeing and learning throughout the year.

We look forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead and to working in partnership with our families as we support each child to flourish.

Jeremy Godden
Head of Junior School

Happy New Year and welcome back to all our returning families and students. We also extend a warm welcome to our new students commencing in 2026.

Once again, we will be hitting the ground running, beginning with our Junior/Middle School Swimming Carnival in Week 3 of Term 1.

The year ahead promises to be filled with plenty of sporting fun and opportunities for everyone.

Term 1 Key Dates – Junior School

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

• Wednesday, 25 February (Week 3): LAGS Primary Swimming Carnival – Years 3–6
  

• Wednesday, 25 February (Week 5): NCIS Primary Swimming Carnival
  

• Friday, 27 March (Week 9): Pre-school – Year 1 Fun Cross Country
  

• Thursday, 2 April (Week 10): Years 2–12 Lindisfarne Cross Country Carnival

Junior and Middle School Swimming Carnival

Our first major carnival for the year will be the Years 3–6 Swimming Carnival, to be held on Wednesday, 11 February (Week 3).

All students in Years 3 and 4 will attend the carnival, along with competitive swimmers who turn 8 in Year 2.

Further information will be sent home in the coming weeks to all eligible students.

Please ensure you read this information carefully. If you have any questions, please contact Damien Clucas (Head of Sport) or Nathan Croft at the Junior Campus.

Total Football Academy – After School Program

The Total Football Academy after-school program will commence in Week 3 on Monday, 9 February and run until Week 10, Monday, 30 March.

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

The program will also run again in Terms 2 and 3, and possibly Term 4 this year.
Further information can be found in the flyer here: Term 1.pdf

Runners Club

Lindisfarne Junior School will recommence Runners Club in Week 2 at Sunshine Avenue. The aim of Runners Club is to support students’ running development and assist with preparation for upcoming Cross Country events.

Runners Club has been well supported in previous years, with students and parents joining to improve fitness or simply enjoy exercising together. Students in Years 1–4 are welcome to attend.

Training Details:

• Days: Monday and Wednesday mornings
  

• Time: 7:30am–8:15am
  

Students may wear any suitable running attire but must bring their school uniform to change into after training. Time will be provided to change and have something to eat before the first bell at 8:45am.

Parents and carers are more than welcome to join in.

Awards:
Students can earn certificates for cumulative distances completed during the term:

25 km – Half Marathon
42 km – Marathon
50+ km – Ultra Marathon

Certificates will be presented at assembly.

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 Sports - Junior School

As we prepare to begin the 2026 school year, I look forward to welcoming our Middle School students and families back to the Mahers Lane campus. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to those joining the Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School community for the first time. I hope the holiday break has provided time to rest, reset, and enjoy being together ahead of the year to come.

Over the past week, Middle School staff have returned to campus to connect, plan, and prepare for the return of students. Orientation Day offered a valuable opportunity for new students and families to become familiar with the campus, meet key staff, and begin their Middle School journey with confidence. We look forward to continuing to build these connections as the year unfolds.

The Start of the School Year

The first days of term are focused on helping students settle into routines, reconnect with peers, and feel comfortable and confident in their learning spaces.

Traffic congestion is typically high during the first week of school, and parking on campus is limited. Families are encouraged to use the drop-off and pick-up zone, where staff will be available to assist students. Where possible, students are also encouraged to utilise the school bus service. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this busy time.

Uniform and Presentation

As we begin the new school year, we encourage students to take pride in their appearance and uphold the uniform and grooming standards that reflect our shared values as a school community. Returning to school routines is a timely opportunity to revisit expectations, and families are encouraged to review the Parent and Student Guide for further details. We appreciate your ongoing support in this area.

Supporting Digital Wellbeing - Wait Mate

Supporting student wellbeing, including healthy and balanced technology use, remains an important focus in the Middle School. Families are encouraged to engage with Wait Mate, a movement that supports parents in delaying smartphone access for children until at least high school.

Research continues to highlight the benefits of delayed smartphone use, including stronger face-to-face relationships, improved focus, and reduced pressure during the Middle School years. Through Wait Mate, families can access resources, connect with other parents in the same year group, and make informed decisions about technology use at home.

Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evenings

Early in the term, Middle School families are warmly invited to attend our Meet the Homeroom Teacher Evenings. These sessions provide an opportunity to meet Homeroom Teachers, Year Coordinators, and key Middle School staff, gain a clearer understanding of routines, expectations, and pastoral care and support structures, and strengthen connections between home and school. We strongly encourage all families to attend these important evenings.

Each evening will begin with an Information Technology session from 5.00–6.00pm (NSW time), followed by Meet the Homeroom Teachers and key staff from 6.00–7.00pm, held in the Senior Centre.

• Stage 4 (Years 7-8) - February 2026

• Stage 3 (Years 5-6) - Monday 9 February 2026

Looking Ahead

The Middle School years are a time of significant growth, independence, and change. Throughout 2026, our focus will be on supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally, while helping them develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.

As always, the strength of our Middle School lies in the partnership between students, staff, and families. I look forward to working closely with you throughout the year and wish all Middle School families a positive and settled start to 2026.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

Next week marks the beginning of the 2026 school year, and I look forward to welcoming Senior School students and families back to the Mahers Lane campus. A new year always brings a sense of possibility, and with it the opportunity for renewed effort and growth.

Our staff have had a busy and productive week back on campus, preparing thoughtfully for the return of our students. A particular highlight of the week was a session with Dr Robin Nagy from Academic Profiles, who works closely with the School each year to analyse our HSC results. There was much to celebrate in our 2025 outcomes, and we are proud of the achievements of that cohort. At the same time, this work has helped us to sharpen our focus as a staff, with clear goals and aspirations for the 2026 cohort and for the year groups that follow. There will be more information shared with families about this work as the year progresses.

This reflection and planning sits alongside our broader approach to learning in the Senior School. We know that learning is not always easy, nor should it be. Challenge is an essential part of growth, and it is through sustained effort, persistence and reflection that students develop both academically and personally. As we look ahead to the year to come, we do so with confidence in our students and a clear belief in the value of striving to do one’s best, even when the path is demanding.

I look forward to seeing our students return, reconnecting with their peers and teachers, and engaging fully in the opportunities ahead. I wish all our families a positive start to the school year and look forward to working in partnership with you throughout 2026.

I would also like to remind families of an important event early in the term. On Monday, 2 February, parents and guardians are warmly invited to attend the Meet the Senior School Tutor Evening, to be held in the new Senior Centre from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. This evening provides an opportunity to meet House Tutor teachers and Heads of House, gain a clearer understanding of their role in supporting students, and hear about key areas of focus within the Pastoral Care Program for the year ahead. It is also a valuable chance for parents and guardians to connect with one another.

Following this, from 7.00pm to 8.00pm, we ask that all Year 9 parents attend TheRite Journey Information Evening. During this session, Heads of House and Rite Journey teachers will introduce this significant (and compulsory) wellbeing program.

The Rite Journey is a rite of passage program designed to support adolescents as they navigate the challenges and experiences of this important stage of development. Through a structured series of lessons and experiences, students explore identity, difference and diversity, while building resilience, confidence and a strong sense of self. The program plays a key role in supporting students as they move from childhood towards adulthood, and parent partnership is an essential part of its success. We therefore ask that Year 9 parents make every effort to attend this evening as a priority.

As always, the strength of our Senior School lies in the partnership between students, staff and families. I look forward to the year ahead and to working together to support our young people as they are challenged, grow in confidence and continue to develop into thoughtful, capable and resilient learners.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

As we fast approach our return on Tuesday, I would like to warmly welcome all returning students and extend a special welcome to those new students joining Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in 2026.

As we enter a new year, it is timely to remind students that this is a genuine fresh start. Regardless of efforts in 2025, whether they met, exceeded, or fell short of expectations, Tuesday marks a new day and the beginning of a new year. The start of the year provides students with the opportunity to build on what was achieved last year, make adjustments where needed, set new goals, and approach their learning with renewed focus and purpose. With this comes an important opportunity for growth, both personally and academically.

As we begin the year, I would also like to take this time to remind families of some non-negotiable standards that all senior students are expected to uphold. These expectations are in place to support a positive, respectful, and productive learning environment for all.

All uniform expectations can be found in the 2026 Uniform Handbook. Please note the following key requirements:

• The school skirt is to be worn on the knee and must not be cut, hemmed, or rolled above this level

• Boys’ shirts must be tucked in at all times

• A belt is to be worn with formal shorts

• Hair must be tied back if it is shoulder-length or below

• All haircuts must be in accordance with the Uniform Handbook

• Jewellery must comply with the Uniform Handbook

• The only bag permitted is the official school bag

Students who are not meeting uniform expectations will be given a period of up to seven days to address the issue, and parents or carers will be notified during this time. We aim to support students in meeting these expectations while maintaining a consistent and positive learning environment. We appreciate your support in ensuring that all uniform requirements are met from Day 1. Please note that the school uniform shop is operating extended hours and has an ample supply of skirts should a replacement be required.

Maintaining high standards in relation to school uniform is not about being strict or punitive, nor is it about control. Rather, it is about fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and shared culture within our school community. When students wear their uniform correctly, they represent not only themselves but also the values and expectations of Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. These standards play an important role in preparing students for life beyond school, where professional presentation and non-negotiable expectations are a reality in workplaces, sporting environments, and the wider community. By upholding these standards, we are supporting students to develop responsibility, respect, and readiness for the world they will enter as young adults.

We thank you in advance for ensuring your child arrives on Day 1 ready for an incredible year.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students - Senior School

A warm welcome back to our returning families, and a special welcome to those joining the Lindisfarne community for the first time. We trust you have enjoyed a restful break and are energised for the year ahead.

Integrated Sports sign-ups for term 1 are now closed. Thank you to everyone for completing this process promptly. We are currently finalising logistics and timetables. Please remind your children that their selections are final and no sport swaps will be permitted.

Keep an eye on your inbox for the ‘Sports Introductory Letter - 2026’, which will be sent shortly. This comprehensive document outlines our full sporting program. As the weeks/terms/years move SO quickly, it's best to be really organised and well-read. Know when your trials are, and sign up via Clipboard - then attend punctually. Please note that our first sports trials begin as early as NEXT WEEK. Students will ideally prefill our database if they are keen to trial. It is a very simple process, our Sports Prefects have pulled an instructional video together - HERE.

Rowing - Queensland States

Rowing today, and across the weekend, are four Lindisfarne girls up at Wyaralong.

The draw is out — QLD States draw.

Good luck to the following athletes competing this weekend:

• Ayla Drury

• Annabelle O’Grady

• Maeve Swanson

• Zara Wyatt

Lindisfarne Swimming Carnival

Our yearly pilgrimage to the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre - Murwillumbah for our Swimming Carnivals are on the following dates:

• Secondary Swimming Carnival (Years 7 to 12) - 10 February

• Primary Swimming Carnival (Years 3 to 6) - 11 February

  • Please note that students in Year 2 who turn 8 (in 2026) will also be invited.

Australian Schools Volleyball Cup

The Australian Schools Volleyball Cup was held in December, 2025. It was an awesome week for our SIX teams. Our Teacher in Charge of Volleyball, Mrs McLeish, will have a full editorial in next week's newsletter edition.

Key Interim 2026 Carnival Dates

Spotlight on Lennox Eke

Lennox Eke attended the QLD State Swimming Championships in December across a massive 7 days of racing, where he competed in 13 events. Lennox capped off the year with three individual State medals, including Silver in the 200m Backstroke and 2 x Bronze Medals in both the 50m and 100m backstroke. Lennox will soon set his sights on the QLD State Sprint Champs in February and has now also qualified for the Australian Age Nationals in April.

Damien Clucas
Head of Sports and Activities

Saturday Netball Club registration is now open

Lindisfarne Club Netball is played each Saturday at Tweed Netball Club. Registration is a two-step process this year with Step 1. Netball Connect registration and Step 2. Registration through Clipboard for Muster Day with an all players payment.

Further information can be found in our Netball Bulletin here.

The Netball Bulletin is delivered each week and can be bookmarked for all of the latest Netball news.

School Netball Trials are on in Week 1 and 2 of Term 1.

After a highly successful 2025 campaign, the Lindisfarne Netball School Representative Teams EOI trials for our 2026 nomination are now open. Information for players can be found in our Netball Bulletin here.

All trials will be held in Ngariyah, Lindisfarne Mahers Lane, Terranora. We are incredibly fortunate to have Bond conduct our Year 5/6, Year7/8 and Year 9/12 School Representative Netball selections for our 2026 Representative Netball teams.

To register please use this link. Trial dates for each team are below.

• Netball Trials Year 9, 10, 11, 12 (2026) players - Wednesday, 28 January 7 am - 8 am NSW
• Netball Trials Year 7 and 8 (2026) players - Thursday, 29 January 7 am - 8 am NSW
• Netball Trials Year 5 and 6 (2026) players - Wednesday, 4 February 7 am - 8 am NSW
• Netball Trials Year 7-12 (2026) Boys players - Thursday, 5 February 7 am - 8 am NSW

Suzanne Evans
Teacher in Charge of Netball

Welcome back to the new school year, and a warm welcome to the new parents and students who are joining our Lindisfarne community. Our Rugby Union program is in its fifth year and similar to previous years, our program will be for both boys and girls. The list of teams will include:

• Boys’ XVs and 7s: 1st XV, U16, U15, U14, U13, U12

• Girls’ 7s: U18, U16, U14

You can find out more about the 2026 Lindisfarne Rugby Union program in our information pack HERE, including our Key Dates HERE.

For a brief description of the 2026 season for boys and girls, please see below.

Boys

Our boys program starts immediately upon return to school and we have a very full schedule for all squads in Term 1 with our major tournament for boys’ 1st XV, U16 and U14 squads being the Ballymore Cup, which is Queensland’s largest schoolboy XV-a-side tournament. Preceding this tournament, there will be warm up games against Somerset, Kings College, All Saints, and Sunshine Coast Grammar. Meanwhile, our U12 boys will once again compete in the Armidale School Rugby Carnival, the largest primary school rugby tournament in Australia, for the fourth year. We will also have anticipated games in the APS Rugby competition on Friday afternoons beginning towards the end of Term 1 and continuing into Term 2. Also in Term 2 for our senior boys, there will be fixtures against other northern NSW schools like Woodlawn and Xavier Catholic College in the NSW Rugby Len Diett Cup and an international match at the end of the term against The Mill school from the UK. For our junior U12 boys, they will also compete in the NSW Far North Coast Primary 7s (to hopefully once again qualify for the State Finals where they finished 2nd in 2024) and also compete in the QLD Rugby Daly Norton Knight Cup. Following the end of term 2, our 1st XV boys and U18 girls 7s team head to Fiji for our school’s first international rugby tour. Lastly in term 3, our senior boys’ squads (U18, U16 and U14) will predominantly be focused on 7s competing in a number of tournaments across the term culminating with the NSW State Finals (if qualify) and QLD All Schools 7s at the end of this term.

Girls

Our girls’ program will also start immediately on return to school to prepare for their first game in our interschools with Kings and Sunshine Coast Grammar as well as the NSW Rugby Ballina Coast 7s, the Miami Girls 7s and then our U16 and U14s will join our U12 boys at the Armidale School Carnival in the Term 1 holidays. Progressing to Term 2, our girls will compete in some friendly games against other local schools like Miami and Somerset and following the end of term 2, our U18 girls 7s team will head to Fiji with our 1st XV for our school’s first international rugby tour. Similar to the boys in Term 3, our girls’ squads will continue to compete in a number of different 7s tournaments with ultimate aims of qualifying once more for the NSW 7s State Finals, where our U16 girls finished 2nd in 2024, and capping the year with a strong performance in the QLD All Schools 7s at the end of term 3.

Please take note of the following important items:

• Make sure you have registered for rugby in integrated school sport.
  

• All squads will start training immediately upon return to school in week 1 beginning with Thursday school sport on the 29th January for senior students and Friday 30th for our U12 boys.

• Please have a look at the key dates for both boys and girls programs HERE and make sure you are available for all the fixtures listed in your respective age grade
  

• Please note that some of these competitions are in the last weekend of Term 1 school holidays (e.g., The Ballymore Cup, The Armidale Schools Rugby Carnival for U12 boys, U16/U14 girls).

• There is a $175 levy for all players that will cover player gear (e.g., training tops, boot bags and bucket hats), all non-overnight bus trips, competition entry, and expert coaching support like former All Black Rico Gear and current NRLW player, Georgia Grey.

KEY DATES

Please see upcoming key dates for our rugby program below. You can find the full list of 2026 key dates HERE.

OTHER ITEMS

Stack Team APP

The Stack Team app will be our Rugby Union program’s main form of communication for all our squads, with exception of U12 boys.

As a reminder, both parents and students who have parental permission for smartphones will need to download the app and join the Lindisfarne Rugby Program in the app.

To download the Stack team app, use the following links:

● iOS: https://www.teamapp.com/ios-ap...

● Android: https://www.teamapp.com/androi...

Once downloaded, please search for 'Lindisfarne Rugby Program' and request to join.

More Information

If you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Coyne jcoyne@lindiisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Dr Joseph Coyne
Director of High Performance, Athlete and Sports Development

We are hitting the ground running this year in the Lindisfarne Recording Studio and our school record label, Germinate Records.

For those new to the school, our recording studio and record label exist around the core focus of using our gifts for the good of others. This is a space for young creative musicians, producers and engineers to develop their talents while giving back to the local and global communities.

Through community-based initiatives such as Germinate Records Live—our annual fundraiser for Tweed Palliative Support—and the Sing for R U OK? Community Choir, students directly experience the positive impact that their talents can have on the local community.

This year, we continue to build on a major project which serves the global community – There Is Always Love. This is a collaborative music video uniting school students and music professionals from Apple Distinguished Schools across the globe in a shared message: that love is what truly matters. In an age dominated by fear-driven headlines and negativity, this uplifting project shifts the spotlight to hope, kindness, and the innate goodness in people—especially in our youth. With heartfelt performances and a spirit of unity, There Is Always Love offers a moment of light in the darkness, reminding us all of what really comes first.

First stop: Tokyo!

During the holidays, a group of Lindisfarne students travelled to Japan to work with our first international collaborators on the There Is Always Love project, Tokyo Seitoku University High School. This was an unforgettable experience, as students formed new friendships while working together on a project with genuine purpose.

Plans are already underway with our next international partner, and I look forward to sharing further details as they become available.

In other news, from Term 2 we will continue The Germinate Records Band, our ongoing collaborative ensemble bringing together selected senior music students, university-aged musicians, and professional artists to create brand new music.

We are also developing a collaborative sound installation project for Tweed Regional Museum, planning new music releases for mid-2026, and continuing our one-on-one lessons in songwriting, music production, and bass.

It’s shaping up to be a big and exciting year ahead.

Brett Canning
Recording Studio Producer/Manager

2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Round Square, with a wide range of conferences and collaborative projects available for students to explore. More on these next week.

A highlight each year is Round Square’s International Service Projects (RSIS), which give students the chance to contribute meaningfully to communities around the world.

In July, RSIS will be hosted in South Africa, and students are invited to join RSIS South Africa 2026 at Tiger Kloof Educational Institution.

Since 2015, Tiger Kloof has operated a soup kitchen in the Huhudi settlement, approximately 10km from the campus. The program provides meals for children aged 3–6 years who are not enrolled in preschools and have limited access to early childhood nutrition initiatives. Many of these children experience malnutrition and related health challenges, and have few safe spaces for learning and play.

Over time, Tiger Kloof students and staff have expanded the initiative to include basic literacy and numeracy sessions, held three times per week. One of the ongoing challenges, however, is the lack of shade and protection from the wind. The key focus of RSIS South Africa 2026 will be to build a structure that provides shelter and a safe, supportive space—enabling the soup kitchen to offer more consistent and structured learning opportunities for the children.

Students may apply individually to join an RSIS project and are not accompanied by a teacher from Lindisfarne. As part of the program, students travel unaccompanied and are met at the airport by Round Square’s Project Leadership Team. Throughout the experience, participants are supported by Round Square staff, follow a structured timetable, share accommodation with their project group, and collaborate with peers from a range of backgrounds, developing independence, responsibility, and cultural understanding through purposeful service.

Students must be 16 years or over to apply, and can submit their application via the QR code on the poster.

Please email Mr Lush: mlush@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.

Mike Lush
Round Square Coordinator