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As we head into the final weeks of the term, I want to acknowledge that this is an important stretch of the academic year. For our Year 9 to 11 students, end-of-semester assessments are taking place, and these are a valuable opportunity to show the learning they have built over the last two terms. For our Year 12 and 13 students, internal assessment deadlines and NCEA work are coming thick and fast, and the effort put in now matters, both for results and for the habits that carry into the second half of the year.
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Adrian Fastier |
In this newsletter:
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Our New Science Block - Wai Tūhara - Wins at Canterbury Architecture Awards We are delighted to share that Wai Tūhura, our science block, has won the Education category at the 2026 Canterbury Architecture Awards, announced at the Christchurch Town Hall on 4 June. The awards are run by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects and celebrate the best new architecture across the region each year, judged on qualities such as how well a building serves its users, its relationship to its site, and its contribution to the community. This is wonderful recognition of the work of Athfield Architects, whose design has given us far more than an attractive building. Wai Tūhura has created light-filled, flexible laboratories and learning spaces that our science department uses to deliver engaging, high-quality science education every day. The award is equally a tribute to the staff and students who bring the building to life. |
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As a regional winner, Wai Tūhura is now eligible for consideration in the national New Zealand Architecture Awards later this year. Our congratulations and thanks go to the team at Athfield Architects and everyone involved in the project. Photo Credit for Below: Sarah Rowlands |
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Winter Sport Updates |
Basketball: Senior and Junior Boys The Senior boys picked up their second win in the Thomson Trophy with a comfortable win over Burnside High School. Lincoln led from the start and benefited from playing a fast paced game. Final Score: 89 - 71 The Junior boys got their first win of the season with a closely fought win over Papanui High School, Charlie Kingston provided the game winner basket 4 seconds from full time. Final Score: 81-79 Both teams are playing at home next week: Tuesday 16 June: Seniors vs Ashburton College 7.30pm in Gym 3 Juniors vs Christ College 4.10pm in Gym 3 |
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Selwyn Sings – A Celebration of Student Voice |
On Friday 5 June, our Year 9 music students, alongside a group of vocal students, took part in Selwyn Sings—a fantastic festival celebrating singing across the Selwyn region. Held at the Lincoln Events Centre, this event brings together schools to share the joy of singing, build confidence, and provide meaningful performance opportunities for students. This year marked Lincoln High School’s first involvement, making it an especially memorable experience for our students. Throughout the term, students worked hard in class to prepare their repertoire. On the day, they performed as part of a combined choir and presented their own piece—Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne, directed by our vocal tutor, Trisa Espiner. They looked and sounded fantastic on stage. For many, this was their first time performing in a large singing event. Despite some nerves, they represented the school with pride, showing commitment, courage, and real growth. Their performance was warmly received by a very supportive audience. We are incredibly proud of all students involved. Selwyn Sings is a valuable festival that continues to grow singing in schools across our region, and we look forward to being part of it again. |
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Lincoln High School was proudly represented by The Lost Haven, a three-piece metal band featuring Reuben Fone (drums and vocals), Ryan Fox (bass), and Theo Pulley (guitar and vocals). They delivered an explosive and well-rehearsed performance, confidently taking control of the stage and connecting with the audience from the outset. While they did not progress to the national finals, the band should be extremely proud of their performance. They demonstrated a high level of musicianship, energy, and commitment, representing the school with confidence and professionalism. Well done to all students involved. |
Upcoming Drama Productions |
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From The Archives - Rugby at Lincoln High School |
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As Lincoln Combined 1st XV gets fully into competition in 2026, it’s worth looking back on the rich tradition of rugby at this school. Our original 1st XV coincided with the opening of the school in 1959. We also had enough depth to field a 2nd XV. In that first season we played six games winning three and losing three including a first ever match against St. Andrew’s College (a boys only school at the time) and despite a 8-28 loss, the Lincoln backs were described as having their “finest game of the season.” Lincoln teams predominately played and dominated the local Wednesday competitions winning the title over numerous years. Matches against Motueka High School during the annual Sports Exchange were always a highlight of the year. In 2006, the Lincoln 1st XV was granted a place in the Press Cup – the elite Canterbury school rugby competition pitting us up against some of the traditional rugby powerhouses. Highlights of that season were wins over St Bede’s College, St. Thomas’ College and Shirley Boys’ High School, as well as an outstanding draw against Christs’ College. The team would finish the season strongly, finishing a credible 9th and winning the Press Bowl. Lincoln teams also held the Press Shield on multiple occasions – a challenge shield similar in concept to the Ranfurly Shield. Girls’ rugby has also been available at school for some time with the earliest report in the 1986 school magazine. The team went undefeated that year including a 28-0 win over Mariehau High School and a 0-0 draw with Hornby High School, who they then beat 10-8 in the return match. Girls’ rugby has expanded over the years with 15s, 10s and 7s teams. The latter eventually qualified for the national Condor Sevens and produced former Silver Ferns Chelsea and Alana Bremner. |
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Fun Facts:
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Students in the Spotlight - EPRO8 |
Epro8 Challenge Round 1 – LHS Shows Strong Representation In week 7 LHS took 4 Senior and 4 Junior Teams to their respective Round 1 challenge. All our students demonstrated our LHS Tikanga and were strongly motivated to win. The challenge involves construction, calculation and demonstration of skills students have learned in Literacy, Technology, Science and Mathematics. Strategy in choice of Task based on Team member strengths is also vital to success. This year style also earned extra points. The challenge requires Teamwork and Speed of Execution without sacrificing Accuracy. It was very interesting seeing the differing interpretations of the build while still staying within the given brief. Our top teams spent most of the competition in the top 5. Unfortunately, none of our teams won this round, but we did take second and third place in each division. This means we still have 2 chances in both the Juniors and Seniors Challenge, which takes place at Holmes Solutions, the major sponsor for the Epro8 Event, on 18th June. So watch this space! |
Junior Teams who went through to the finals: ACB² - Adam Blagdon, Ben O'Hagan, Conrad Heenan, Charlie Shi The Bash Girls: Hayley Olivier, Sonya Mallard, Bella Le, Isabella Unabia |
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Seniors Teams who went through to the finals: Yang Fans: Sam O'Hagan, Ovian Meiyalaghan, Harry Digby, Kobie Ashby Bohn Jingus: Toby De Silva, Charlie Burns, Ethan Menzies, Leo Yang |
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Driver Safety Concerns Around School |
Boundary Road and North Belt are very busy during peak times – 8:30am and from 2:30pm around the two schools. A few reminders for everyone.
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Trial Period of Tuesday Mornings Detention Time |
We are trialling an additional detention time on Tuesday mornings for the remainder of this term and Term 3 (starting 16th of June). This is being introduced to give students another opportunity to complete their consequences quickly, clear their pastoral record, and move forward. Detention times are now: Monday: 2.45pm to 3.45pm in F10 Thursday: 2.45pm to 3.45pm in F10 Tuesday morning: 8.00am to 8.40am in F10 Our expectation is that students complete any detention within one week of receiving it. Students receive after-school detentions for things such as skipping class, repeated incorrect uniform, failing to attend lunchtime detentions, or failing to report to the office or transfer class if transferred. The purpose of this trial is to support students to take responsibility, complete the consequence, and move on positively. |
Chinese Bridge Competition Success |
On 30 May 2026, the South Island Final of the 2026 Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition was held at the University of Canterbury. More than 100 students, teachers, and parents from across the South Island attended the event. Six Lincoln High School students competed in the event. Junior students delivered a speech about their Chinese learning journey and performed a talent item. Senior students completed the same tasks and answered a Chinese-language question. Award Winners
Congratulations to all our students on their outstanding results. Their hard work and commitment have been rewarded, and they represented Lincoln High School with pride. |
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Life Education Trust - Smashed |
In Linc time this week, Year 11 students were treated to one of the more memorable sessions of the year - a presentation called Smashed, delivered by the Life Education Trust. Far from a dry lecture, Smashed was entertaining and participatory, drawing students in with humour before delivering some really important and relevant information. The session covered the short and long-term effects of alcohol, with a particular focus on something many teenagers don't fully appreciate: the impact of alcohol on the developing brain. Unlike an adult brain, the adolescent brain is still forming, and alcohol interferes with that process in ways that can have lasting consequences. The presentation tackled underage binge drinking head-on, drawing a clear distinction between that and sensible adult drinking. Students learned how alcohol impairs decision-making and amplifies emotions, a combination that can quickly turn a fun night into something much harder to walk back from. |
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Student Leadership |
YEAR 13 SCHOOL COUNCIL Whānau Fest Week 8 at LHS was spent celebrating the diversity and culture in our community! Taha Wairua, a rōpū of the Year 13 School Council, organized the week with partnership from various student groups at school. The celebrations kicked off on Monday with a Muay Thai session led by Taetae Ittirote and Aymeric Fenix, two Year 13 students. International Films were shown on Tuesday and the LHS Te Ao Haka rōpū performed on Wednesday. Thursday was the annual Spicy Noodle competition, with 40 students competing for the title of Spicy Noodle Champ! Thomas Munkhbaatar, Year 12, won the individual title, finishing his bowl of noodles in 23 seconds. Seth McLenaghan and Josh Lammers, Year 13, won the doubles competition. Finishing their bowls of noodles in 46 seconds. Staff members also got involved in the fun! Mr Marshall and Mr Yang competed in the solo event, with Mr Yang winning the competition, finishing his noodles in 24 seconds. Mr Yang and Mr Bickers took on the students in the doubles competition, finishing in second place! On Friday, students experienced the range of diverse cultures at LHS through a market day, where student-led groups shared their food, cultural dress, and games/activities with the school community. Students from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, France, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, South Africa, and New Zealand represented their countries with pride. |
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LHS on Socials! Want to keep up with what’s happening around the school? Make sure you follow our school Instagram page! Run by our School Council, the page shares upcoming events, student achievements, sports results, reminders, and plenty of snapshots of school life. Give it a follow and stay connected with our school community! |
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Upcoming School Council Events Term 3, Week 6 – Wellness Week Save the Date: Senior Formal – Saturday 1st August – 730-1130pm – Wigram Air Force Museum 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 Student Tutoring – contact tutor@lincoln.school.nz for more information |
OTHER STUDENT LEADERSHIP GROUPS IN ACTION Student Executive Student Executive Investigates Belonging at LHS This term, the Student Executive were asked to find out what helps students feel like they belong at Lincoln High School and what makes that harder. We surveyed students across the school and found a clear message: people matter most. Friends were by far the most common factor that helped students feel connected, along with supportive teachers, friendly classmates, and opportunities to get involved in sports, clubs, music, and other activities. When asked what makes belonging harder, students most often mentioned bullying, exclusion, being judged, and social drama. Some students also highlighted stress and feeling unsupported. The findings have been shared with SLT and will help inform future decisions about student wellbeing and school culture. A big mihi to everyone who shared their thoughts. Your voice helps make LHS a better place for everyone. Junior Impact Team |
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Year 9 and 10 students in the Junior Impact Team, led by Year 11 students Clara, Emily, Max, and Oli, are running a donation drive and bake sale in Week 10 to support the Christchurch Aunties. The Christchurch Aunties are a local charity that supports women and children across Canterbury who have experienced family harm, displacement, or other difficult circumstances. They work alongside community agencies to provide essential items that help families rebuild their lives with dignity and support. Bake Sale Come along and grab a treat! All proceeds will go directly to the Christchurch Aunties. Donation Drive Items needed include:
Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. We'd love to see the LHS community get behind this awesome initiative and help support local families in need. |
Peer Support Peer Support Programme Concludes for 2026 This term marked the conclusion of our 2026 Peer Support Programme, bringing to an end months of connection, learning, and relationship-building between our Year 12 and 13 Peer Support Student Leaders and their Year 9 LINC classes. Throughout the year, our Peer Support Student Leaders have worked alongside their groups to help students navigate the transition to secondary school, develop positive relationships, and build confidence within our school community. Through a range of activities and discussions, students have explored topics such as friendship, communication, resilience, conflict resolution, and seeking support when needed. The programme's success is a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of our leaders, who have generously given their time, energy, and encouragement to support our newest students. Their willingness to lead, listen, and connect has helped create a welcoming environment in which Year 9 students can thrive. We would like to thank all of our Peer Support Leaders for their outstanding contribution to the school community this year. We also congratulate our Year 9 students for their engagement and willingness to participate throughout the programme. While the formal programme has now concluded, we hope the relationships, skills, and sense of belonging developed through Peer Support will continue to have a positive impact throughout the students' time at school. Lincoln Youth Workers BBQ David and Sarah, our LHS Youth Workers held a BBQ for all ākonga on Tuesday 9th June to show manaakitanga and build whanaungatanga within our school community. With 650 sausages grilled, various games to play, and information about how to access support within the community, students eagerly came over to check out what was going on. With support from other Lincoln Youth Workers, La Vida Trust, and several Peer-Support Leaders the event ran smoothly and was a hit! Thanks to David and Sarah for organizing this for our kura! Seek Winter Speaker Series |
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Term Two Dates for Your Diary
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