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The return to school after the break has been a genuinely pleasing one. It has been wonderful to walk our corridors and look into classrooms to see students settled, engaged, and ready to learn. A strong start to the term sets the tone for everything that follows, and the attitude I have observed from both students and staff has been very encouraging. With the colder months upon us, I want to warmly encourage all students to get involved in winter sport or a new club or activity. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or giving something new a try, the benefits of extra-curricular activities, teamwork, resilience, commitment, and simply having fun, extend far beyond the field, stage or court. Of course, none of these opportunities happen by chance, and I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the many coaches and staff members who give so generously of their time to make them possible. Your contribution to our students' experience does not go unnoticed. There is a great deal to look forward to in the weeks ahead. I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter.  |
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Adrian Fastier |
In this newsletter:
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ANZAC Day Our Head Students (Dan, Ben, Sophie and Cartier) had the honour representing our kura at the Lincoln ANZAC Day Memorial Service on Saturday 25th April. Cartier had the opportunity to be the youth representative for the service. She shared stories of two ancestors who served in the Great War and reflected on the connection between past to present. |
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The service brought our community together and strengthened out connection with the past. We paused to acknowledge the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives, not just in the Battle of Gallipoli, but across all battles and Wars. ANZAC day serves as an important reminder not only of battles like the Gallipoli Campaign, and moments recorded in history books, but about the stories before us. It is about individuals who were called to serve, and who gave more than we can ever truly comprehend. -Dan Hurst and Cartier Dann |
Winter Sports |
Winter sport is gearing up at Lincoln High School, with a wide range of codes preparing for a busy and exciting season ahead. Student participation is strong across multiple sports, reflecting growing enthusiasm and commitment. Badminton and squash are seeing particularly positive numbers, with squash experiencing a significant increase in players this year. Table tennis is also underway. |
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Basketball preparations are in full swing, with 7 teams entered into our Friday night competition and Our Junior A and Senior A competing on a Tuesday. On the court, the Senior boys’ basketball team delivered an impressive performance, securing a convincing win to stay in the Division One competition. These teams are showing great momentum early in the season. Alongside this, there has been a strong push for student involvement in game-day roles, with refereeing and benching opportunities helping to grow leadership and engagement within the sport. |
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Girls Rugby continues to grow, with a Selwyn Combined First XV girls’ teams, and a Junior A LHS team. In Boys Rugby we have our First XV that are well into their pre-season games, notable wins against Rolleston and Cashmere recently. These boys have one last pre-season game before they start their competition. Selections are completed for our U15 team and this team will regroup later in the year to begin preparations for Winter Tournament. |
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Looking ahead, road cycling events are scheduled to begin next week, adding further depth to an already diverse winter sports programme. With strong participation, dedicated staff support, and a variety of competitive and social opportunities, Lincoln High School is well-positioned for a successful winter sports season. |
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Across all sports, a clear theme is emerging, high participation, increasing opportunities, and a strong sense of community support. Whether competing, officiating, or cheering from the sidelines, Lincoln students continue to embrace all aspects of school sport. |
Lincoln Combined 1st XV Rugby |
The Lincoln Combined 1st XV team has been training hard since the end of January preparing for their big season in the Miles Toyota Cup – Championship division. They have had three pre-season games, beating Cashmere HS 29-7; going down to Rangiora HS 36-24 and winning against former compatriots Rolleston College 35-13 under lights at Waihora Rugby Club last Thursday. They have one more pre-season game against Mid-Canterbury on the 9th May before the season kicks off on Saturday 16th May against Roncalli Aoraki at the Lincoln Rugby Club. |
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The team is Captained by Lincoln High School Year 13 student Connor Calcroft who is playing his third season in the 1st XV. He is supported by the experience of other returning players; Rhys Gilmore, Reagan Duckmanton, Zac Forward and Jake Cleland. There are also some exciting young players coming through with Year 11 players Kai Dromgool and Declan Henry making their mark in the team, and Kayden Hughes and Ezra Tapuvae looking to get their opportunity as part of the wider training squad. All the best to the team for the season and their endeavour to win the Championship. |
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Students in the Spotlight - Tournament of Minds |
Lincoln High School is excited to be part of Tournament of Minds (TOM) again in 2026, with five teams preparing for this year’s competition. Our students are being coached by Ms Dillon, Mr Phillipps, and Ms Lamont, alongside a group of former TOM Hall of Famers, now in Year 12 (Eric Zhang, Eshal Hasan, Fiona Matheson-Grant, Matilda Myers, Nika Shi, Ovian Meiyalaghan and Sam O’Hagan), who are supporting and mentoring our teams. Tournament of Minds is an international, team-based competition that challenges students to solve creative and critical thinking problems. Teams of seven work over several weeks on a long-term challenge in areas such as STEM, The Arts, Social Sciences, or Language Literature, and also respond to a spontaneous problem on competition day. The focus is on collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Lincoln has been involved in TOM since 2018. After a pause during COVID, the programme has grown in strength since 2023, with Lincoln teams achieving national championship success across multiple categories in both 2023 and 2024. In 2024, two Lincoln teams went on to represent New Zealand at the international competition—an outstanding achievement. We wish our teams all the best as they prepare for the regional competition in September and look forward to seeing their creativity and teamwork in action. |
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Recent Student Success |
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Mobile Dental Clinic On-site Term 2 During the middle of this term, Lincoln High School will have the mobile dental clinic onsite for three weeks. If your child is high school aged and under 18 years old, they are entitled to FREE dental care. This care is funded by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. Every eligible child is entitled to an annual visit where they will receive high-quality dental care using modern equipment in a safe, fun environment at school. Each annual visit includes a dental check-up, dental x-rays, oral health education, teeth cleaning, fissure sealants and fluoride treatment if required. |
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If your child requires further treatment, such as fillings or extractions, they’ll let you know. Another appointment will be made on the mobile unit and the treatment will be completed at school. Whānau welcome. All treatment will be FREE. They will not see your child if your child is not enrolled. Mobile Dental Aotearoa is working with our school to remove as many barriers as possible to access dental care. We want to ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy healthy teeth and gums. If you do not wish to be contacted please complete the enrolment form as consent declined. To find out more or enrol online please visit www.mobiledental.org.nz |
China Trip 2026 |
During the April school holidays (7–19 April 2026), we travelled to China for a cultural experience. Together with two schools from Christchurch and one from Dunedin, our group consisted of 25 students and five teachers. The trip was organised by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Huazhong Science and Technology University (HUST), and the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury (CIUC). It was an eye-opening and unforgettable journey filled with learning, cultural exploration, and new friendships. |
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We arrived in Beijing on 8 April and visited the CLEC headquarters, where students participated in a range of language and cultural activities, including calligraphy, Beijing Opera, and interactive Chinese character games. At the Zhengyang Bridge night market, students practised their bargaining skills in an authentic setting. Highlights of our time in Beijing included visits to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall at Juyong Pass. Despite wet weather and steep steps, we successfully reached the watchtower. On 10 April, we travelled by high-speed rail to Xiangyang. Along the way, students experienced China’s efficient delivery services when KFC was delivered directly to the train station for our lunch—a detail many found surprising. At Xiangyang No. 5 High School, we took part in a cultural exchange. New Zealand students performed two hakas and sang songs in both Māori and Chinese, while local students presented traditional performances such as dance and tea ceremonies. These interactions were a highlight, with students warmly exchanging gifts, contact details, and friendly conversations. |
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That evening, we visited Tang Dynasty City, where impressive light displays created a vibrant atmosphere. Students enjoyed purchasing handmade souvenirs for family and friends. The following day, we explored the ancient city walls of Xiangyang and used Chinese in real-life situations such as ordering drinks and shopping. For many students, using Chinese in authentic contexts was both challenging and highly rewarding. On 11 April, we travelled to Wuhan, where an opening ceremony was held at HUST. Our student representative, Alexander Renwick, delivered a speech in both Chinese and English, which was very well received. The following day, we visited the Hubei Provincial Museum, where students viewed significant historical artefacts, including ancient bronze bells and the Sword of Goujian. This artefact is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship, featuring over 100 small dragons intertwined using a lost-wax casting technique that remains difficult to replicate today. We also visited the famous Yellow Crane Tower, enjoying panoramic views of the city. In the evening, a cruise along the Yangtze and Han Rivers showcased Wuhan’s modern skyline.
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On 13 April, we visited Wuhan Zoo, where students saw a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas, lions, and monkeys. From 14 to 17 April, students took part in language classes at HUST. They studied conversational Chinese, actively participated in lessons, and confidently performed role plays. It was encouraging to see their enthusiasm and progress, as well as their appreciation for their teachers, shown through small gifts from New Zealand. We departed Wuhan on 18 April and returned home safely the following evening. This trip provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience Chinese language and culture firsthand. It deepened their understanding of Chinese society and strengthened their appreciation for cultural exchange. Overall, the experience broadened our perspectives and inspired us to continue learning about the world and engaging with other cultures. |
From The Archives - Fundraising Events |
Lincoln High has a long tradition of raising funds for charities and for the school itself. In the early 1960s a Charity Week was established, where various events were held, including non-uniform days, film screenings (when the power allowed it), mannequin parades, raffles of donated stockings, theatre tickets and staff baby photo competitions. There was also a mystery envelope for sale, (kind of like a lucky dip) that gave the recipient either a lollypop, an all-day sucker, a ruler, a pencil sharpener or a pocketknife! The 1962 Charity Week raised £108 for Corso (former NZ aid agency); about $11500 in today’s money. Other Charity Weeks raised money for Save The Children, Sheltered Workshop, Red Cross and Templeton Hospital. |
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In 1962 the school’s PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) started planning for another annual tradition, the School County Fair, originally to help finance sporting facilities. Fairs would include cake stalls, raffles, White Elephant Stalls and various fun & games to play. In the early 1970s the Fair raised $1200 for the swimming pool fund, that’s $32,000 today! The pool was finally completed in 1975, Eventually, School Fairs were replaced by Workdays to obtain money for school facilities. On Workdays, students would be employed by local businesses, go gardening, paint fences, do farm work or make coffee at their caregiver’s workplace. All wages earnt would be given to the school. The 1982 Workday raised $8600 which bought new library books as well as a new computer. (You read that right, just one!) A class competition was also held for the class that raised the most money, which 4MN (“4” as in fourth form and “MN” their form teacher code) won, receiving a trip to Mt Hutt. Workdays continued to be a feature on the calendar well into the 2000s at Lincoln. Today, the School Council continues to run numerous events for charities, especially within Canterbury, and does a great job of doing it! Show your support! |
Fun fact
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House Competition and Student Council Update |
Week 2 of Term 2 is well underway, and our student leaders are already stepping up and making a positive impact across the school. HOUSE COMPETITION Currently, the house standings are: |
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Term 2 House Events House Spirit Week – Week 3 Get ready, LHS! We are about to dive into an action-packed Spirit Week, brought to you by our incredible Kūaka House Captains with the stellar support of Mr. Marshall. Prepare for a week of high-stakes competition and house pride! We’re kicking things off with the legendary Tug-o-War challenge, featuring an epic Staff vs. Students showdown. If you’re looking to showcase your creative side, get involved in the Writing Competition or the National Sign Language Competition, all leading up to the grand finale: the second annual School Talent Quest. To top it all off, it’s time to show your colours for our "Accessory Only" House Dress-Up Day on Friday 8th May. Dig out your boldest headbands, wildest socks, and brightest gear to prove that LHS spirit is second to none. Let’s make this a week to remember! Students should check their House Teams pages for more information about the events throughout the week. House Canta Quiz – Week 9 Look out for more information later on this term! |
YEAR 13 SCHOOL COUNCIL Kotahitanga Kai – chocolate truffle fundraiser Recently, the Taha Wairua rōpū, part of the 2026 School Council, ran Kotahitanga Kai – a chocolate truffle fundraiser focused on unity and supporting our school community. The idea began with a simple question: how could we create something meaningful that brought people together and made a practical difference? From there, the truffle fundraiser took shape. Taha Wairua led the planning and organisation, while other members of the School Council pitched in to help make the truffles. The truffles themselves also carry history for LHS. The recipe, “Jude’s Balls”, was given to the school by Jude in 2019, when LHS was fundraising for micro-businesses through Project Fifty-One in the wake of the Christchurch Mosque attacks. Using the same recipe again allowed us to acknowledge that history while continuing to build something positive from it. |
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We are also incredibly grateful to Pak’nSave Rolleston, who kindly supported the fundraiser by taking $50 off our ingredient purchase. What made the fundraiser especially worthwhile was knowing where the money would go. All funds raised from Kotahitanga Kai are being put into the school’s Awhina Fund, which supports students who may not be able to afford essential items such as uniform, stationery, or a laptop. In this way, the fundraiser is not just about selling food, but about making sure students are supported in practical and meaningful ways. |
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Upcoming School Council Events Week 3 - Friday 15th May - Uniform Free Day in support of Pink Shirt Day (wear pink!) Week 8 – Whānau Fest |
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Ongoing Activities Study Lounge – Every Monday in Wai Tūhura from 2:45-4:30pm Breakfast Club – Every Wednesday in Wai Ora from 7:45-8:30am Junior Impact Team The Junior Impact Team is officially up and running for the year, with four outstanding year 11 student leaders appointed to guide the group. Congratulations to Emily Beaufoy, Clara Graham, Max Davey, and Oli Seifert, who have stepped into these leadership roles and are already beginning to shape the direction of the team. We are excited to see the impact they will have as they work alongside year 9 and 10 students to lead meaningful projects and initiatives within our junior school community.
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Student Executive The Student Executive has begun the year with the appointment of their 2026 leadership team. Congratulations to Alexander Renwick (Lead Student), Evie Nicholls (Deputy Lead Student), Inian Meiyalaghan (Lead Administrator), and Curtis Johnson (Deputy Administrator), who will guide the work of the Executive this year. The team has already hit the ground running, with their first clipboard campaign taking place in Week 3. During this time, members of the Student Executive will be out during breaks, canvassing the student body to gather valuable student voice and insights to help shape future initiatives. OTHER STUDENT LEADERSHIP GROUPS IN ACTION Action Compassion Hui At the end of Term 1, two year 12 students, Maree Botha and Alana Wood, attended the Action Compassion Youth Hui. Organized by Seed the Change, the hui focused on student wellbeing and building their capacity to develop wellbeing initiatives back at school. Below is a reflection from Maree. I really enjoyed the Action Compassion hui, it was such a refreshing and energising experience. From the moment it started, there was a welcoming atmosphere that made it easy to step outside of my comfort zone. What stood out most to me was how naturally it encouraged connection without labels or expectations. It felt like everyone was just showing up as themselves, which made conversations feel more genuine and open. One of the highlights for me was when we split off into random groups and went out to approach strangers for our survey. At first, it felt a bit nerve-wracking, but that quickly turned into excitement. It was such a fun and unexpected way to meet people, and I really enjoyed the spontaneity of not knowing who you’d be talking to next. Each interaction was different, and it was interesting to hear a range of perspectives while also working together with people I had just met. That experience, in particular, pushed me in the best way it helped build confidence, encouraged teamwork, and created a lot of shared laughs along the way. It also showed how easy it can be to connect with others when you let go of overthinking and just give it a go. Overall, the hui was a really positive and memorable experience. It was a great mix of stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, and having fun while doing something meaningful. I came away feeling more confident, more open, really glad I took part and I’m looking forward to the next hui! -Maree Botha, Year 12 |
World Vision 40 Hour Challenge Conference On Thursday 30th April, the LHS 40-hour Challenge Planning Team attended the World Vision Youth Conference at La Vida Centre in Christchurch. In 2025, LHS raised over $5000 to support families in the Solomon Islands, and the 2026 planning team is energized to raise funds again. Erica Yin, Cartier Dann, Abby Wilson, Zoe Lancaster, Eshal Hassan, and Grace Bunting are the key organizers for the challenge this year but will be looking for more LHS students to join in on the fun! |
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Christchurch Secondary School Science Technicians visit Wai Tūhura |
We were delighted to recently host 12 science technicians from across the Christchurch secondary school region, who visited our new Wai Tūhura science building. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase our facilities, share ideas, and strengthen connections with colleagues from other schools. The technicians were highly impressed with the thoughtful layout and modern design of Wai Tūhura, particularly how the spaces support both practical work and collaborative learning. Many commented on the functionality of the prep areas and the seamless flow between teaching and laboratory spaces, noting how well the building supports both staff and student needs. A special thank you to our science technician, Punam Dahiya, for organising this successful and collaborative event. |
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Afternoon Cultural Exchange from Niijima High School, Japan |
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Sayoonara to our 3 Month Ryuugakusei (International Students) from Japan |
Year 11 Japanese enjoyed learning alongside international students from a variety of schools in Japan. It enabled wonderful Japanese learning one on one and lasting friendships to be made. At the end of last term, we were sad to say goodbye to Mihori Awano, Akiko Kobayakawa, Mahiro Miyao, Ryo Sakai, Koshiro Tamitsuji, Minami Yoshihara and Sho Zenitani. We wish you all the best for the future - Gambatte Kudasai ! |
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Year 11 Mātauranga Māori and Science Trip |
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Education Perfect World Championships - 5-12 May |
Eight Days of international online language competition with prizes for top students. Language classes are excited to be taking part in this competition. If there are any students outside these classes who would like to join the competition, please ask your Linc teacher to forward names to the Languages Team at LHS. |
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Term Two Dates for Your Diary
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