2026 Term 3 Week 9 18 Sept 2026

Dear Lindisfarne Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the final week of Term 3, a wonderful sense of anticipation is building across the School, particularly among our Year 12 students as they prepare to enter the final days of their day-to-day attendance. This time of year offers an opportunity to reflect on the outstanding contributions of the class of 2026 and the many experiences, friendships, and people who have shaped our young people along the way.

I began the week in Hervey Bay, where I visited Fraser Coast Anglican School as they progressed their candidacy for global membership of Round Square. Having seen the School at different stages over the past decade, it was remarkable to witness its continued growth and development. I was particularly struck by the commitment to sustainability, the work on student agency and voice, the outdoor education program, and the improvements in facility provision. Visiting schools is always valuable; it provides an opportunity to share ideas, observe different approaches and reflect on our own practice. Our involvement with Round Square continues to connect Lindisfarne with an extraordinary network of schools committed to developing courageous, compassionate and globally minded young people of character.

On Wednesday morning, I had the privilege of walking down memory lane with our Year 12 Foundation Students as they returned with a number of their parents to our Sunshine Avenue Campus. For these students, this was where their Lindisfarne journey began many years ago, and there was something incredibly special about seeing them return in their final weeks of school.

The students toured the campus, reconnected with teachers, revisited familiar places, and shared morning tea with their families and staff. For parents in particular, I am sure there were moments when it felt like only yesterday that you were walking your young child through the gates for the first time. Now, those same children stand on the threshold of their final exams and life beyond school. It was a beautiful, full-circle morning and a precious memory for our students and families to carry as their time at Lindisfarne draws to a close.

On Wednesday, we were also delighted to welcome colleagues from Santa Maria College in Western Australia to our Mahers Lane Campus. It’s valuable to connect with colleagues from schools across Australia, share ideas and discuss the programs and opportunities we provide for our students at Lindisfarne. Our visitors toured the campus and spent time learning more about our approach to teaching, learning, technology and student experience, while providing an opportunity for rich professional conversation and the sharing of ideas. Visits such as these remind us of the value of collaboration across the independent school sector and the importance of continuing to learn from one another.

There was plenty of action on Wednesday afternoon as the second instalment of our Year 12 Students versus Staff Challenge moved to the basketball court. After the staff claimed the opening volleyball match, our students responded emphatically, with their speed, agility and basketball skills proving too strong on the day. The series now sits at 1–1, setting the scene perfectly for today's deciding football match on the Top Oval. Regardless of the final result, this has become an enjoyable tradition and a wonderful way for our staff and Year 12 students to share fun, friendly competition during these final weeks together.

Our Basketball Presentation was a great opportunity to celebrate an outstanding season and recognise the commitment of our players, coaches and families. A particular thank you to Sami Kerr and Nash Campbell for leading the program this year, and to everyone who contributed their time and energy throughout the season. The continued strength of basketball at Lindisfarne reflects the enthusiasm of our students and the dedicated people supporting them.

As I write, our Year 8 24-Hour Run is approaching the finish line after an extraordinary effort from our Middle School students. The Run is an important part of our Year 8 leadership and service program, challenging students personally while reminding them of their capacity to make a difference for others.

This year, the Run supports our ongoing connection with the Hope Vale community, with funds raised contributing to educational opportunities for young people from Hope Vale through the First Nations Bursary supported by the Toowoomba Anglican School Foundation. I congratulate our Year 8 students on the spirit with which they have embraced the challenge, and thank our Middle School staff and wider community for making this meaningful initiative possible.

Our younger Lions are also celebrating their season today, with the Junior Netball Presentation taking place at Epic Skate Rink. What a fun way to finish another terrific year of netball for our youngest players and recognise the friendships, teamwork and development that happen across a season.

Tomorrow, we wish three of our teams the very best as they take to the court for their Tweed Netball Association Grand Finals. The Jabari Lions play at 9.00 am, followed by the Leo Lions and Sikara Lions at 10.30 am. Reaching a Grand Final is a wonderful achievement, and I congratulate every player and coach involved. If you can make it tomorrow, I know our teams would love to see plenty of Lindisfarne support on the sidelines.

As we prepare for the final week of Term 3, our attention naturally turns towards our Year 12 students and the significant milestones ahead. It is a special time for them, their families and the staff who have walked alongside them throughout their Lindisfarne journey. I encourage our Year 12 students to enjoy these final days together, to take in the familiar places, appreciate the friendships and people around them, and make the most of the moments that will soon become treasured memories.

Thank you, as always, to our staff for the tremendous energy and care they continue to give our students and to our families for your ongoing support of the School.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Stuart Marquardt
Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

In my last two articles I wrote on two of our symbols on our School Crest - the Open Book (the Bible) and the Torch, respectively.

In this article I would like to draw your attention to one of the other symbols upon the Lindisfarne Crest - the Lion.

The Lion, of course, evokes a number of images - the King of the Jungle, pride (as in a pride of lions), courage and fierceness etc., but there is also a particularly powerful biblical promise/prophecy concerning the Lion from the first book of the Bible to the last.

Upon the Patriarch Jacob’s death (Jacob was renamed Israel as he was the father of the sons of the twelve tribes of Israel - see Genesis 32:22-32), he imparted prophetical blessings upon his twelve sons.

What is particularly interesting for our purposes is the messianic nature of the prophetical blessing he gave to his son, Judah.

I will quote the most pertinent portion of the blessing:

Genesis 49:8-10

“Judah, your brothers will praise you;

your hand will be on the neck of your enemies;

your father’s sons will bow down to you.

You are a lion’s cub, Judah;

you return from the prey, my son.

Like a lion he crouches and lies down,

like a lioness—who dares to rouse him

The scepter will not depart from Judah,

nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,

until he to whom it belongs shall come

and the obedience of the nations shall be his.

A quick history of the Jewish people will help us understand the significance of this promise.

The Hebrew people began with Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham, but weren’t named after Jacob/Israel until the Exodus under Moses and especially the entry into the Promised Land under Joshua.

Israel as a nation reached the peak of her powers under Solomon, King David’s son, but upon his death the Kingdom split in two.

Ten of the tribes moved their capital north to Samaria whilst the two other tribes - Judah and Benjamin - remained in Jerusalem, the original capital captured by King David around 1000BC.

In 722BC the Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians leading to what is historically known as ‘the ten lost tribes of Israel.’

In time this led to the remaining Israelites being called Jews, after the dominant and royal tribe of Judah.

It was from this tribe that the promised Messiah (Messiah means, ‘Anointed King’), was prophesied to come.

It was believed by the early Jewish Christians that Jesus, being of the royal line of David, was and is this promised Messiah (see Matthew 1:1-17).

In fact, during the first Century AD, especially before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD by the Romans, Christianity was just seen as being another sect within Judaism of the time, along with the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes and the Zealots, and Christians were originally known simply as followers of ‘The Way’ (see Acts 9:2).

Towards the end of the first century, also under a time of Roman oppression, St John wrote his Revelation of Jesus Christ (‘Christ’ comes from the Greek word, ‘Christos’ from the Hebrew word for Messiah, Hamashiach).

In Revelation 5:5 he offers the following comforting words to the oppressed Christians:

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

I’m not sure how many of you are Narnia fans, but ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ is actually an intentional presentation of Jesus’ death and resurrection through the genre of a children's story, by Oxford Philosopher, CS Lewis.

I’ll conclude with a pertinent quote on the purpose and nature of the Lion, Aslan:

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Blessings, 

Reverend Lyndon
Chaplain

Week 9 has provided some lovely opportunities to celebrate the connections that make our Junior School community so special. From welcoming our Year 12 Foundation students back for a walk down memory lane to connecting with families through Parent-Teacher Interviews, there has been much to reflect on and celebrate.

Year 12 Foundation Students – A Walk Down Memory Lane

Welcoming our Year 12 Foundation students back to the Junior School was a special opportunity to reflect on where their school journey began. Returning to these familiar surroundings was a lovely reminder of how much they have grown and the many experiences that have shaped their time at school.

As they prepare for the next chapter, we wish them every success and look forward to seeing where their journey takes them.

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Underway

Our K–4 Parent-Teacher Interviews are well underway, with our final day scheduled for Wednesday 23 September.

Thank you to our families and teachers for making time for these important conversations. The partnership between home and school plays such an important role in helping our children feel supported, confident and ready to learn.

Vacation Care – September School Holidays

The upcoming school holiday Vacation Care program by Extend is now available and open for bookings, with a range of activities and experiences planned across the holiday period.

Families can view the full Vacation Care program and booking information here:

Vacation Care program link

Caring for Country Market – Next Tuesday

Next Tuesday, 22 September, we will hold our end-of-term Caring for Country Market in the Music Garden from 7.30 am. Families are invited to join us before school to enjoy fresh produce, handmade items and music while supporting a worthwhile cause.

All money raised will go towards providing habitats for native wildlife.

We look forward to sharing a lovely morning together as our school community puts caring for Country into action.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support

Have a wonderful weekend.

Angela Mundy
Head of Junior School

What an incredible milestone for our Year 3 students! Leaving the familiar comfort of home for their very first overnight school camp, our brave campers headed off to Camp Goodenough at Carool for an action-packed two days and one night of outdoor adventure, discovery and personal growth! 

From the moment the buses rolled out, the air was buzzing with energy and excitement. A little rain and a slight drop in temperatures couldn't dampen our spirits or levels of participation one bit! For many students, this was their first time away from family overnight, making their courage, enthusiasm, and big smiles even more special to witness. 

Growth, Grit & Great Times 

Camp isn't just about fun - it's a powerful classroom without walls! Over the two days, our Year 3s stepped out of their comfort zones, putting vital life skills into practice:

• Building Independence & Self-Reliance : From keeping track of daypacks, hats and water bottles to taking responsibility for their own belongings, students took massive strides in self-reliance.

• Growing Self-Confidence & Resilience: Overcoming hesitation, trying new things and bouncing back with grit made everyone beam with pride!

• Teamwork & Collaborative Problem-Solving: Students put their communication, co-operation and leadership skills to the test during team challenges, learning how much more we achieve together.

• Consideration for Others & Friendships : Cabin life inspired kindness, empathy and inclusion, helping students form wonderful new friendships alongside existing bonds.

Expand article for more.

Term 3 Key Dates – Junior School

Please add the following important Term 3 dates to your calendar:

• 22 September - NSWTA - Touch Football Gala Day

Term 4 Key Dates – Junior School

Please add the following important Term 4 dates to your calendar:

• 19 October - TFA begins for Term 4

• 13 November - FUN Swim carnival (K-2 students )

• 4 December - Big Bash Cricket (year 3 and 4 students)

LAGS 6 v 6 Football Gala Day

On Wednesday, 16th September, our students headed out for an action-packed day at the LAGS 6 v 6 Football Championships. Blessed with fantastic weather, all four of our Year 3/4 teams—Gold and Navy Boys, along with Gold and Navy Girls—represented the school with phenomenal energy, skill, and sportsmanship.

Year 3/4 Boys

• Gold Team: Showed tremendous grit throughout the day, securing two well-deserved wins out of their four matches. It was a great effort from start to finish!

• Navy Team: Powered through their division all the way to the Grand Final. Demonstrating incredible teamwork and communication,, the Navy boys took out the championship title in a thrilling final match!

Year 3/4 Girls Both of our Year 3/4 Girls teams stepped up to an extra challenge by playing up in the Year 5/6 division.

• Gold Team: Played exceptionally well, holding their own against older, tough competition and displaying amazing growth across every game.

• Navy Team: Delivered a standout performance against the higher year group, fighting their way all the way to the 3rd vs. 4th playoff!

Overall, it was an excellent day out. Beyond the impressive results, every single player competed in high spirits, making us extremely proud of their effort and encouragement on and off the field. Congratulations to all of our players!

Thank you also to our team managers for the day, Kristy, Sarah, Laura and Melanie. The teams were well looked after and learnt a lot with you guiding them.

Total Football Academy – After School Program

The Total Football Academy after school program will kick off in week 2 of Term 4 on Monday 19 October and will continue until week 9 Monday 30 November.

This program is very popular and will fill quickly. These vacancies will be filled on a first come first basis, so if you are interested please register using the Parent Lounge.

Information about the program can be found in the Flyer here : LINK

AFL

AFL Queensland are running a holiday Program for our Lindisfarne students.

In one fun filled day, kids will learn and play footy in a safe environment. They will pick up new skills, play mini games and get creative designing new footy goods.

It will be open to two divisions - 4-7 year olds Auskick and 7-12 Superkick.

Information can be found in the flyer here: AFL Holiday Program

General Information

All information relating to sporting programs, gala days, and competitions at the Junior Campus will be communicated through assemblies and the school newsletter. Relevant details will then be sent home to interested students and families.

Please continue to check the newsletter regularly for updates, events, and sporting opportunities throughout the year.

If you have any questions about Sport at the Sunshine Avenue campus please email Mr Nathan Croft - ncroft@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

Nathan Croft
Head of Sport - Junior School

Following a highly successful Regional Competition, Lindisfarne proudly entered three teams in the Tournament of Minds State Final at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. This marked the first time Lindisfarne has had three teams qualify for the State Final, representing a significant achievement for both our students and the school.

While our teams did not progress to the International Final, all three Lindisfarne teams were recognised through the Spirit of ToM Award. This award acknowledges teams that demonstrate outstanding teamwork, enthusiasm, resilience, respect, creativity and a positive spirit throughout the competition. A huge thank you to the support behind the teams from facilitators and parents ensuring the day was a success. Here’s what some of our students had to say about their experience:

Ashton Schneider: Going to Sydney with my friends was extremely fun! Although we didn’t win, we certainly got a lot out of the experience, improving both our problem solving skills, and our friendship as a team!

Jack Bennetts: I really enjoyed going to Sydney to compete, we may not have won but we made it there and that is the greatest accomplishment anyway!I'm so glad I went and that I got to spend time with my friends. TOM 2026!!!

Mia Davies: Going to Sydney was a really amazing and memorable experience and I am really grateful that I got to go to such an amazing place with my friends. I am really proud of everything our team achieved and GO FUNKY FRIENDS!

Evie Berryman: It was a super fun day, and I'm so glad we went. It was definitely a great experience that really tested our teamwork, and I would totally recommend it to everyone.

Keely Mohan: I am so incredibly proud of our whole team for even trying out, going to Sydney was just a bonus! We were one of the youngest teams competing in our section so the competition was tough but we did super well considering everything.

Tesse Judd: I am so happy I went and experienced the finals. It was really rewarding to be able to spend time with my team to create a solution to the challenge, even though we didn't win.

Elzin Abbey: It was a great experience that truly tested our skills, teamwork, and creative thinking.

Lachie Cornell: My experience of the Tournament of the Minds state finals was one of fun and friendly competition. Everyone there was really kind to us and it was awesome being around likeminded individuals.

Emma Lanyon: Getting the opportunity to go to Sydney and be able to participate in all the fun activities such as the long-term and spontaneous was a great experience for us.

Tesse Judd: I am so happy I went and experienced the finals. It was really rewarding to be able to spend time with my team to create a solution to the challenge, even though we didn't win.

Van Judd: I really liked just being able to chill and work on something cool with my friends.

Chloe Manwarring: It was so fun to spend the weekend in Sydney with my friends and have fun working on a project that mostly worked.

Lucy Jacks
Teacher

For all photos, please expand the article.

I will admit, I need to remind myself to step away from technology.

I often reach for my phone the moment I want to know something, rather than taking a minute to see whether I can remember it. I sometimes open my laptop to help shape an idea before I have really worked out what I think. The convenience is wonderful, but it is very easy to become dependent on it.

I had this very much in mind when I read about the Minns Government’s plans to limit the time students in NSW public schools spend learning on screens. From 2027, recommended limits will apply based on a student’s age, with a greater emphasis on handwriting and reading from paper. These limits are expected to become compulsory in public schools in 2028.

As an independent school, we don't yet know quite what this will mean for us. However, the message behind the announcement is worth listening to.

I certainly wouldn't call myself a Luddite, but... Technology has an important place in our Senior School classrooms and offers our students wonderful learning opportunities. It supports individual learning needs and allows students to work creatively. Digital literacy will also be essential in their lives beyond school.

The question is not whether technology belongs in education. Of course it does. It is whether we have allowed it to take over parts of the learning day that might be better approached another way.

The announcement has brought renewed attention to concerns about literacy levels and students’ ability to sustain attention when reading. These are not new concerns, nor can they be attributed to technology alone. They do remind us that strong literacy requires regular practice, including time spent reading closely and writing without the distraction of a screen.

Our Year 11 students are experiencing this very practically as they complete their Preliminary examinations. They are being asked to write for sustained periods, organise their thoughts clearly and recall what they have learnt without digital assistance. Writing by hand develops the fine motor skills needed for fluency, but it also forces us to slow down. Reading from a book or annotating a printed article can similarly help us notice things we might miss when scrolling.

Across the Senior School, this is a timely prompt to keep considering when technology genuinely adds value and when students would be better served by putting their devices aside.

I sometimes worry we are becoming a little too comfortable letting technology do the heavy lifting for us. We can find an answer without remembering anything or produce a paragraph without fully understanding it. Talk of the “dumbing down” of society can sound dramatic, but there is a risk if we keep outsourcing our thinking. We need to recognise that tendency in ourselves, not only point it out in young people.

The same thinking sits behind Australia’s social media laws for children under 16. Some young people may see these laws as an unfair restriction. From my perspective, they are a positive attempt to protect children while they are still developing the maturity needed to manage these platforms.

In the Senior School, we regularly see how quickly online problems become school problems. A message sent at night or exclusion from a group chat can become a serious concern the following morning. Social media can be difficult enough for adults to manage well. We should not be surprised that children struggle with it.

AI companies are also introducing stronger protections for younger users, including age-appropriate settings and parental controls. Even those developing this technology recognise that unfettered access is not necessarily in children’s best interests. I hope the horse has not already bolted.

None of this means abandoning technology. It means being more aware of when we use it and why. Sometimes a laptop will be the right choice. At other times, our students will be better served by a book, a pen and some uninterrupted time to do their own thinking.

It is a reminder many of us need from time to time, myself included.

Kate Cornell
Head of Senior School

Year 11 Examinations Continue next week

Year 11 Examinations Timetable can be viewed here.

We wish all the Year 11 students and Year 10 accelerants all the best for the rest of their examinations.

Term Break HSC Revision Sessions

The timetable for HSC revision sessions during the Term Break can be found here.

ATAR notes are also running online revision sessions further information can be found via the link.

Reports

Year 12 Final Reports and Interim Reports for students in Years 5-10 will be published next week.

Caroline Jeffries
Dean of Studies

Week 10 Key Events:

21 September: Rugby Captains Dinner

22 September: Netball Secondary Presentation Evening

We have three Lindisfarne Lions Netball teams playing in the grand final this weekend. If you get the chance, please head on down to the Tweed Netball Courts to cheer them on. We wish them all Good luck!!

For all Sports News, please expand the article.

The Lindisfarne Race Kayaking Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Paddle Queensland Schools Sprint Titles at Lake Samsonvale, bringing home two medals and strong minor placings.

Medal Highlights

• Gold: Sienna and Lucy Mannion – U16 Female TK2 500m

• Silver: Felix Forbes – U16 Male K1 500m

Event Wrap-Up

Our athletes demonstrated fantastic power, technique, and determination across all 500m sprint heats and finals. A massive thank you to Ken Wallace for team management, and to all supporting parents for making the trip possible. Congratulations to the entire squad for representing Lindisfarne with pride!

Tom Campbell
Teacher

Over the past fortnight, more than 100 Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School students, ranging from Kindergarten all the way through to Year 11, took to the stage to compete in the prestigious Gold Coast Eisteddfod Speech and Drama sections. Showcasing their incredible talent across poetry, drama, mime, and prose, our students delivered outstanding performances, with many earning multiple medals and Highly Commended awards.

While the medal tally is impressive, the true highlight of the Eisteddfod is the invaluable performance opportunity it provides. This event allows all participating students to step out of their comfort zone, showcase the dedication and creativity developed during their Speech and Drama lessons, and enjoy the experience of performing live for an audience.

This remarkable event is made possible by the dedicated guidance of our Speech and Drama teachers: Kim Shepherd, Hannah Roberts, Holly Gramsch, Melissa McCabe, and Katy Crosby. Their expertise and encouragement ensured every student stepped onto the stage with confidence and flair.

Each year, the Eisteddfod adjudicator identifies exceptional performers across the entire competition to receive major individual honors. This year, three Lindisfarne Middle School students stood out for their exemplary skills and were selected for these prestigious accolades:

• Jack Bennetts (Year 7): Awarded Outstanding Speaker of Prose.

• Amelia Haubeck (Year 8): Presented with the Jessica Bird Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in Speech and Drama.

• Beatrice Broad (Year 9): Awarded Outstanding Speaker of Prose.
  

Amy Camer
Director of Theatre and Dance 

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Business Breakfast Booking Link

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

This episode is something special, bringing together every sub-school of Lindisfarne in one big conversation!

Our Senior School students sat down with Junior School students to chat about what they think the future might hold, while Middle School students caught up with Senior School students to talk about their futures and share their fondest Lindisfarne memories.

It's a great mix of perspectives across the whole school community. Enjoy the episode.

https://youtu.be/sycDKFvhl7U

Ryan Murphy 
Head of House - St Andrew