2026 Term 3 Week 8 11 Sept 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

It has been another full and rewarding week at Lindisfarne, with opportunities to connect, celebrate and learn extending well beyond the classroom.

Earlier this week, I was fortunate to travel to Perth with Ms Caroline Jeffries and Ms Gypsy Togo to attend the AISWA National Conference on Aboriginal Education and Independent Schools. It was an enriching few days of learning, conversation and reflection alongside educators and leaders from across the country, exploring how schools can continue to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, deepen cultural understanding and build authentic and respectful partnerships. I returned with much to reflect upon as we continue this important work at Lindisfarne.

Back at School, Wellbeing Week has brought plenty of energy to our campuses, with Wednesday's Colour Run at Sunshine Avenue undoubtedly one of the highlights. There was colour, laughter and excitement everywhere, and it was uplifting to see our Year 12 student leaders head down to the Junior School to join in the fun. Moments like these, where our youngest and oldest students join together, are a special part of being a Preschool to Year 12 community and help build the sense of connection and belonging we value so highly.

Wednesday evening saw our U18 Boys Basketball team take to the court for their Grand Final. Reaching a Grand Final is an achievement in itself and reflects the commitment, teamwork and hours of training that sit behind the opportunity to compete on such a stage. Congratulations to our players and coaches on an outstanding season, which culminated in a Grand Final victory, and for the way they have represented Lindisfarne throughout the competition.

Our Big Boys' Breakfasts at both Sunshine Avenue and Mahers Lane were another highlight of the week. It is always rewarding to see so many dads, grandfathers, carers and significant male role models sharing breakfast with our students. These mornings are about far more than the breakfast itself; they provide an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and celebrate the important people who encourage, guide and support our young people. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the staff who made both mornings possible.

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending our Year 12 Hospitality Dinner, which was an impressive showcase of the skills our students have developed throughout their studies. From the preparation and presentation through to the service and professionalism demonstrated across the evening, our students should be incredibly proud. Congratulations to our Year 12 Hospitality students and sincere thanks to their teachers and staff for the guidance and encouragement that they provided along the way.

This morning, I joined our Year 3 students at camp for breakfast, which was a wonderful way to begin the day. Camp is such an important part of a young person's school experience. Away from the familiarity of home and the classroom, students learn to become a little more independent, navigate challenges, strengthen friendships and discover that they are capable of more than they sometimes realise. These experiences help build resilience, confidence and character, and I was delighted to see our Year 3 students embracing the opportunity so enthusiastically.

This year, we introduced our inaugural Middle and Senior School Spelling Bee to continue building House spirit, pride, and ownership across the School. Beginning at the Tutor and Homeroom levels, the competition progressed through the Year and House semi-finals before our finalists took to the stage for the Grand Finals. Last week, we held our Middle School Grand Final, with Year 8 St Hilda student Mia Bradbrook taking out the title. Today, our Senior School finalists competed for the championship, with Year 10 St Hilda student Eamon Brennan taking home the prize. As we continue to grow our House culture and encourage students to build a genuine sense of pride, belonging and ownership within their House, we look forward to introducing further challenges and opportunities.

There was also plenty of excitement at Mahers Lane today as our annual Year 12 Students versus Staff Challenge got underway, with volleyball providing the opening contest. This has become a much-loved tradition in the final weeks for our Year 12 students, bringing plenty of competitive spirit, good humour and, perhaps most importantly, bragging rights! It was terrific to see students and staff embracing the challenge and enjoying the occasion together.

Tonight, we turn our attention back to the basketball court as our U14 Boys and U16 Girls teams compete in their respective Grand Finals. Reaching this stage of the competition is a tremendous achievement, and I congratulate every player and coach on the dedication and teamwork that have brought them this far. We wish both teams the very best tonight and know they will represent Lindisfarne with pride, determination and sportsmanship.

Weeks like this remind us that learning extends beyond the classroom. It is found in the challenge of camp, the confidence to compete, the responsibility of serving others, the joy of coming together as a community and the relationships our students build along the way.

Over the weekend, you may like to visit the annual Swell Art installation at Currumbin and view the Lindisfarne work created by Year 7 and Year 8 students titled Tidal Orchestra.

Thank you, as always, to our staff whose commitment and energy make such a diverse range of opportunities possible for our students.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Members of the Lindisfarne School Community

Using Our Gifts to Serve Others

“To whom much is given, much is required” ~Words of Jesus in Luke 12:48.

At Lindisfarne, we often speak about using our gifts for the good of others and leveraging our educational opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. It is wonderful to see this principle exemplified in the work our students and staff do every week.

As Toni Morrison reminds us, our power is found in empowering others, and our freedom in freeing others. In recent weeks, we have seen two powerful examples of this truth: Dolly Parton and Wendell Berry. Both have used their unique gifts for the good of others and for the world.

Dolly Parton transformed the challenges of her childhood into a motivation to be the best she can be. She dreamt of being a global artist and worked tirelessly to achieve it. Above all, she recognized that her gifts and talents are from God, and she has used all she was given to serve God and others. Even her father, who couldn’t read or write, became an inspiration for her, leading her to start the Imagination Library, which has given millions of children the opportunity to discover the joy of reading.

Wendell Berry, on the other hand, was a farmer and environmentalist who used his words to inspire millions to care for Creation and for each other. His poem, The Peace of Wild Things, beautifully sums up his life’s work:

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

During this Wellbeing Week, when we are asked to keep learning about ourselves, others, and creation, may the exemplary lives of Dolly Parton and Wendell Berry inspire us to continue to embody empathy, compassion, wisdom, and love in a way that makes our school community a place where everyone feels loved, accepted, valued, and seen.

Blessings and bliss,

Reverend Constantine Osuchukwu
Chaplain

As Week 8 draws to a close, it has been wonderful to see our students and families coming together across the Junior School. From our Big Boys Breakfast and Wellbeing Week Colour Run to our Year 3 students’ first overnight camp, there has been so much to smile about this week.

Big Boys Breakfast

Our Big Boys Breakfast was a special opportunity to celebrate the dads, grandfathers and significant men in our students’ lives. Sharing breakfast and spending time together was a lovely reminder of the important role these relationships play in helping our children feel supported and valued.

A highlight was the debut performance of our Infants Choir! Congratulations to our young singers on their first live performance together, and a special thank you to Mrs O’Donnell for leading the choir and helping our students prepare for this exciting moment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the staff who helped make this such a welcoming event for our school community.

Wellbeing Week & Colour Run

Wellbeing Week provided a valuable opportunity to explore simple ways to support our wellbeing by being physically active, recognising our emotions and connecting with others.

Our much-anticipated Colour Run was a fun and colourful way to put this into practice, bringing students together to get active and enjoy a shared experience.

We encourage families to keep these conversations going at home, exploring small ways to make wellbeing part of everyday life. Taking time to pause, sharing how we feel and showing kindness can help us care for ourselves and one another.

Year 3 Camp - Welcome Home

Our happy campers arrived back from their very first overnight camp this afternoon a little braver, a little wiser, and ready for a well-earned rest! This was an exciting milestone, with opportunities to build independence, strengthen friendships and try something new.

We hope our Year 3 cohort had the best time, and we look forward to sharing the Year 3 camp adventures in next week’s newsletter.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff who attended camp and supported our students throughout the experience, and to everyone whose preparation and care helped make it possible.

Parent-Teacher Interviews - Next Week

K -4 Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled to begin on Tuesday next week. These conversations are a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate their progress and achievements, and discuss their learning goals and next steps.

If you have not yet booked, please use the Parent-Teacher Interviews link on Parent Lounge, which can be accessed via SEQTA Engage.

Bookings close on Monday 14 September at 9 am

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and for all you do to keep our school community happy and connected.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Angela Mundy
Head of Junior School

What an incredible week our P–4 students have had! From start to finish, our Junior School was bursting with energy, smiles, and meaningful learning as we explored what it truly means to look after our minds, bodies, and friendships.

Guided by our wonderful teachers and staff, students discovered practical daily tips to help them stay grounded, positive, and healthy, even practising our French language skills during Yoga. But the learning didn't stop in the classroom, it spread right across our whole school community.

• Strengthening Connections: Highlights included the annual favourite our Colour Run, bringing energy, laughter, and vibrant colour as our Year 12 leaders joined our youngest students. Additionally, the heartwarming Big Boys Breakfast gathered families for memorable moments of shared laughter, meaningful conversation, and strong community connection.

• The Joy of Giving: Our students learned firsthand that bringing joy to others is one of the best ways to boost our own wellbeing! By raising money for the Nepal/Tibet flood aid, they showed huge hearts and proved that kindness truly makes a difference.

• Our Wall of Sunshine: To celebrate R U OK? Day in our own special way, students filled our "Wall of Sunshine" with bright messages of friendship, empathy, and care for one another.

• Year 3 Camp - What a week our Year 3 team has had, finishing off with sharing time and adventures with classmates and teachers at Camp Goodenough.

As we keep learning and growing together, our P–4 students are showing us every day that taking care of ourselves and healthy relationships are what make our school community shine!

Dana Dowker
Dean of Students - Junior School

As we reach the end of Week 8, there has been plenty happening across the Middle School, with Parent Teacher Interviews and Wellbeing Week both featuring prominently this week. With only two weeks remaining in Term 3, there is also plenty still to come.

Parent Teacher Student Interviews

It has been a busy week of Parent Teacher Student Interviews for Stages 3, 4 and 5.

Thank you to the many parents and carers who attended, and to our staff for the time and preparation involved. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity to discuss student progress, recognise achievements and identify areas for further focus. Thank you to everyone for their engagement in these conversations and for the ongoing partnership between home and school.

Wellbeing Week

Wellbeing Week has brought a different energy to the School this week, with a range of activities taking place across the campus. It has been great to see students getting involved, having some fun and embracing the different activities on offer.

Thank you to the staff and students who have organised and supported the activities throughout the week. It has been a timely focus on wellbeing, connection and the importance of looking out for one another.

Finishing the Term Well

With two weeks remaining in Term 3, students are understandably starting to look towards the holidays. There is, however, still plenty happening across the Middle School and it is important that we finish the term well.

At this point in a busy term, tiredness can start to show and routines can begin to slip. Over the next two weeks, we will continue to encourage students to stay organised, complete their work, maintain good routines and continue to meet our expectations right through to the end of term.

Year 8 24-Hour Run

Next Thursday and Friday, our Year 8 students will take part in the 24-Hour Run, their major leadership and service project for the year.

Students will work together to keep the treadmills moving continuously for 24 hours while raising funds for the First Nations Bursary supported by Toowoomba Anglican School Foundation. This year’s fundraising builds on Lindisfarne’s connection with the Hope Vale community and the relationships developed through our Service Trips.

We would love the support of our wider Lindisfarne community as our Year 8 students take on the challenge.

Support the Year 8 24-Hour Run

Donations can be made via the follwowing link: Donation Link

Thank you to everyone who has already supported the students. We look forward to seeing Year 8 come together for a big 24 hours next week.

Cathy Cox
Head of Middle School

This week, the Mahers Lane campus was buzzing with energy, connection, and compassion as students and staff came together to celebrate Wellbeing Week. Designed to foster mental health awareness, build community, and encourage daily mindfulness, the week offered a vibrant mix of engaging activities and meaningful causes.

Key Highlights from the Week

• Mufti Day for Nepal: Students swapped their school uniforms for casual clothes to raise vital funds for children in Nepal affected by recent tragic events. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our school community, we raised a fantastic sum that will directly support relief efforts on the ground.

• Energising Lunchtime Activities: Break times were filled with laughter and friendly competition. From organised sports tournaments and taking part in the community garden to quiet crafting corners, there was something to help every student recharge their batteries.

• Focused Homeroom Connection: Each morning began with targeted Homeroom sessions. Students explored practical tools for stress management, practised simple daily mindfulness exercises, and engaged in open group discussions about building emotional resilience and supporting one another.

• R U OK? Day: A central focus of the week was observing R U OK? Day. Students learned the importance of checking in on their peers using four simple steps: Ask, Listen, Encourage action, and Check in. The day served as a powerful reminder that a simple, genuine conversation can make a life-changing difference.

Wellbeing Week highlighted the strong sense of empathy and community that defines our Middle School. A big thank you to our student leaders, Homeroom teachers, and pastoral care team for organising such a memorable and impactful week.

Amber Phillips
Dean of Students - Middle School

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Following the incredible success of last year’s inaugural event, our Year 8 students are stepping up - and stepping on - to take on the 24-Hour Run Next Week on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th September. For a full day and night, the treadmills will not stop moving. Working in teams, students will take turns running, walking, managing event logistics, and cheering each other on to keep the momentum going continuously for 24 hours straight. More than just a physical challenge, this is a premier leadership and service project designed to build resilience, teamwork, and community spirit.

Building Connections: Hope Vale & The First Nations Bursary

Following our first inspiring Service Trip in 2025, Lindisfarne students returned during the recent school holidays to the Hope Vale community to further deepen the friendships and connections established through the program. This year’s run sees Lindisfarne students continue to support the Hope Vale community.

Every dollar raised during the 24-Hour Run directly supports the First Nations Bursary through the Toowoomba Anglican School Foundation. This vital bursary provides young people from Hope Vale with the opportunity to undertake their secondary education at Toowoomba Anglican School, opening doors to expanded educational pathways and bright futures.

Living the Round Square IDEALs

For our Year 8 cohort, this event is a powerful, practical demonstration of the Round Square Ideal of Service. Leadership is forged through action and active dedication to others. By taking ownership of various responsibilities throughout the event and pushing through the late-night fatigue, our students are discovering that service to others requires grit, empathy, and collaboration.

Event at a Glance

• Dates: 17 – 18 September (2pm Thursday to 2pm Friday)

• Who: Year 8 Students (working in continuous team rotations)

• Goal: Continuous treadmill motion for 24 hours while raising funds

• Cause: Hope Vale First Nations Bursary (Toowoomba Anglican School Foundation)

We invite all Lindisfarne families to get behind our Year 8 students, support their fundraising efforts, and cheer them on as they turn their steps into real-world impact!

Fundraising Support:

Families are invited to support the Year 8 24-Hour Run by donating through Lindisfarne’s fundraising page using the link or QR code below. All funds raised will be directed to the First Nations Bursary through the Toowoomba Anglican School Foundation.

FUNDRAISING LINK - https://gofund.me/fa2967be4

With Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our event partners for their generous support. Their partnership plays a vital role in making this event possible, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our vision. We thank them for championing our cause and contributing to what will be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

Andrew Hayes
Assistant Head of Middle School

We are excited to announce that starting in 2027, the Ad Astra program will expand to include Year 5. This extension builds directly on the wonderful work Sunshine Ave has been doing to support our high-performing and high-potential students. The program will continue in 2027 for students entering Years 6, 7 and 8. The name “Ad Astra” comes from the Latin phrase Per Ardua Ad Astra - ‘through hard work to the stars.’

The Ad AstraProgram provides students with opportunities to further develop and extend their academic abilities. They will work with like-minded and similarly capable students, in a challenging environment to enable them to reach their highest academic potential.

An email will be sent to all parents of students in years 4, 5, and 6 outlining the process to apply for this program early next week. Students currently in the Ad Astra program will not need to reapply.

An online Parent Information session will be held on Thursday 24th September at 6:00pm. This session will explain the structure and expectations of the Ad Astra program and address any questions parents may have. Please use the link provided: Online Parent Information Session

Mrs Jodie Duggan
Director of Learning Enrichment

A growing sense of celebration surrounds the Senior School as our Year 12 students move closer to the end of their formal schooling. Plenty remains to be done in the weeks ahead, but there is also an unmistakable air of anticipation and excitement.

The Year 12s are gradually ticking off the final tasks and marking the many “lasts” that come with this stage of the year. Today’s staff versus Year 12 volleyball match was one of those moments. It was a chance to have fun together and celebrate the relationships built over many years. These occasions may seem small at the time, but they often become some of the memories students treasure most when they look back on their years at school.

This time of year also reminds us how precious time is. When students first arrive in Year 7, the end of Year 12 can feel impossibly far away. Then, somehow, the years pass and the final weeks arrive. Our graduating students are suddenly attending their last assemblies, finishing their final lessons and preparing to say goodbye to a place that has been such a significant part of their lives.

It is a timely reminder for every student to make the most of what is in front of them. Schools offer so many opportunities to be involved, yet it can be easy to assume there will always be another chance. Another carnival. Another performance. Another opportunity to try something unfamiliar or contribute to the life of the School. The truth is that these opportunities pass more quickly than we realise.

At the end of their schooling journey, few students will be glad that they stayed on the sidelines. They are far more likely to remember the moments when they put their hand up, joined in and gave themselves the chance to grow. Not every experience will be comfortable, and not every attempt will lead to success. That is part of the value of getting involved.

As we celebrate our Year 12 students and the exciting conclusion that lies ahead for them, I encourage all students to take notice of the opportunities around them. Say yes a little more often. Be present for the moments that matter. School does not last forever, so make the most of it while you are here.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

It has been a truly uplifting week as our School community came together to celebrate Wellbeing Week 2026.

One of the highlights was our Mufti Day, which saw our students not only embrace the opportunity to step outside their usual uniform, but also demonstrate an incredible commitment to supporting others. Together, our students raised more than $2000 for those impacted by the devastating floods in Tibet and Nepal. Just as importantly, they demonstrated that they could enjoy a day of difference while still showing respect for our School expectations and adhering to the Mufti Day guidelines. It was wonderful to see our students get behind the initiative with such generosity and maturity.

Another meaningful addition to our School this week has been our Service Prefects' Blue Tree initiative. Students designed and painted a blue tree, to which we added messages of positivity, encouragement and hope, creating a powerful visual reminder that everyone has a story and that no one should feel they are facing challenges alone. Our hope is that, in time, the Blue Tree will become a permanent installation at Lindisfarne, connecting us with the Blue Tree Global Project, where blue trees around the world have become powerful symbols of mental health awareness- silent yet unwavering reminders that you are not alone.

The week also provided an important opportunity to recognise R U OK? Day, with conversations taking place in Tutor classes about the importance of checking in with ourselves and others and, importantly, keeping those conversations open. The selling of yellow doughnuts helped remind us along the way that sometimes a simple “Are you OK?” can be the beginning of an important conversation.

The week wrapped up with our Photo Booth, where laughter, fun and plenty of smiles echoed across the playground. For those who weren’t busy capturing memories, there was plenty happening, including the highly anticipated Staff vs Year 12 Volleyball game.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the week was seeing our students step up and take ownership of the events. Our Year 12 students headed down to Sunshine Avenue and had a wonderful time helping with the Colour Run, while our Year 10 students helped run the doughnut stall, painted the Blue Tree and assisted with the Photo Booth. Their willingness to volunteer, contribute and help create these experiences for others was a wonderful demonstration of student leadership and community spirit.

It has been a truly uplifting week and a wonderful reminder that maintaining wellbeing is something we all play a role in. A huge thank you to our staff for embracing the week so wholeheartedly and to our students for their engagement and leadership.

Julie McDowell
Dean of Students - Senior School

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HSC Examinations

French Continuers HSC Oral is tomorrow, Saturday, 12 September

Design and Technology marking will take place on Tuesday, 15 September

The HSC Music students will undertake their Performance Examinations on Thursday, 17 September.

We wish them all the best for these examinations next week.

Year 11 Examinations

Year 11 Examinations commence on Monday 14, September the timetable can be viewed here.

We wish all the Year 11 students and Year 10 accelerants all the best for their examinations over the next two weeks.

Term Break HSC Revision Sessions

The timetable for HSC revision sessions during the Term Break will be sent home to students and families via email next week.

Caroline Jeffries
Dean of Studies

Lindisfarne is proud to once again be part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival in 2026. Following the success of our 2025 installation, Child’s Play, we are excited to introduce Tidal Orchestra in 2026.

Tidal Orchestra is a collaborative installation created by our Year 7 and Year 8 Visual Arts students. The work features approximately 150 individually handcrafted clay fish, each reflecting the unique ideas, personalities and creative interpretations of our students. Together, they form a wonderfully quirky and vibrant school of fish, celebrating individuality while exploring the impact of many small parts coming together as one.

The installation can be found along the footpath at the southern end of SWELL, near Flat Rock. We encourage the Lindisfarne community to visit the festival, seek out Tidal Orchestra and experience the students’ work within the beautiful coastal environment for which SWELL is renowned.

While you’re there, take a closer look at the 150 fish and see if you can choose a favourite and don’t forget to snap a photo!

We are incredibly proud to see the creativity of our young artists once again represented at this celebrated community arts event.

Jane Brennan
Director of Creative Industries

RUGBY CAPTAINS’ DINNER

The 2026 Lindisfarne Rugby Captain's Dinner and Presentation Night will be held on Monday, 21 September from 6.30pm (6.00pm arrival) at Twin Towns, Tweed Heads. This dinner will be for our Years 5 to 12 students and parents who have been involved in the rugby program. There will be a number of awards presented on the night including:

• Boys U12 Player of the Year

• Boys U13 Player of the Year

• Boys U14 Player of the Year

• Boys U15 Player of the Year

• Boys U16 Player of the Year

• Boys 1st XV Player of the Year

• Girls U13 Player of the Year

• Girls U14 Player of the Year

• Girls U15 Player of the Year

• Girls U16 Player of the Year

• Open Girls Player of the Year

• Most Promising

• Most Improved

• Representative Player of the Year

• Lily Dick Spirit of Rugby Award

Tickets are $45 and you can book your tickets through this link HERE. All students are required to be in formal school uniform on the night with parents in smart dress. This will be a great evening and a wonderful way to cap off the 2026 school rugby season for both XV-aside and 7-aside programs. If you have any questions, please let Dr Coyne or your respective coach know and we hope to see you all there.

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The Annual Staff vs Year 12 Sports Championships started today, with Volleyball in Ngahriyah. Next week, the games continue with Football and Basketball.

Exciting times for THREE of our Lions Basketball club teams tonight, playing off in the grand finals at Carrara. Likewise, our Netball Lions club teams continue to play off tomorrow, trying to get into the big grand final dance on 19 September.

Week 9 Key Dates

14 September: Lindisfarne Tennis Championships

14&15 September: Touch Football Kings Cup (Secondary) Years 7-12

15&16 September: Futsal 12 Years #ALWAYS VETO Cup

16 September: Lindisfarne 6 v 6 Football Tournament (Year 3&4 Girls, Year 3&4 Boys, Year 5&6 Girls, Year 5&6 Boys)

16 September Basketball Lions Presentation Evening

17 September: Rugby NSW King of Country (U16 Boys)

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