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This term is also an important one for course selection. Over the coming weeks there are assemblies, a Course Selection Afternoon, and a Careers Expo to help our Year 9 to 12 students, and our enrolling Year 8 students, make informed decisions about their subjects and pathways for 2027. I encourage families to take up these opportunities and to have those conversations at home. Alongside this, our senior Whānau/Kaiako interviews are coming up on the 13th August, an important chance for whānau, students, and teachers to discuss progress and priorities ahead of the derived grade and external examinations later in the year. For those students sitting the CAA assessments in September, the message about consistent effort remains as relevant as ever. There is also plenty of energy building around House Spirit Week in Week 3, with a range of competitions and events for students to get involved in. It is a great opportunity to connect with others and get behind your house, and I encourage students to join in and take part. There is a great deal to read about in this edition, from our Junior A Netball team's outstanding tournament result, to the announcement of our 2027 production, the return of our Social Sciences students from their European trip, and strong performances across our winter sport. The breadth of what our students are involved in continues to be something we can all take real pride in. I wish our seniors a wonderful evening at the Formal, and everyone a productive term ahead.  |
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Adrian Fastier |
In this newsletter:
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Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite (CAA) examinations - September |
The second sitting of the Literacy and Numeracy co-requisite assessments will be held in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term. The following dates are when the year levels are sitting these assessments. Please note that Year 10 students are all sitting the reading and writing exams (with a few exceptions) and will not have normal timetables classes on this day but will attend school for their assessment. Week 8 Monday 7th Sept - Yr 11-13 Reading Wednesday 9th Sept - Year 10 Writing - no timetabled classes for Year 10 students. Thursday 10th Sept - Yr 11-13 Writing Friday 11th Sept - Yr 10 Numeracy Week 9 Monday 14th September - Yr 11-13 Numeracy Tuesday 15th September - Year 10 Reading - no timetabled classes for Year 10 students Further information will be sent out closer to the time to relevant students and whānau regarding times and rooming of the assessments. Students with SAC provisions will be asked over the next few weeks what provisions they would like to use for the assessments, and they will receive a separate timetable depending on reader/writer and rooming availability. |
Senior Whānau/Kaiako Interviews |
Whānau of Year 12 and 13 students are invited to attend our upcoming senior parent teacher interviews on the 13th August from 3-7pm. These interviews provide an important opportunity to discuss your student’s progress, preparation for the derived grade examinations, and what they need to focus on before the external NZQA assessments later this year. By working together, whānau, students, and teachers will share a clear understanding of current progress, key priorities, and the next steps needed to support each student’s success. These interviews are now open for booking via the School Bridge app. Select the Conferences - Whānau/Kaiako Hui tile on the home screen.
Interviews to meet Leesa, our Careers Advisor, are also available on the 13th August. See the Careers Update below for booking information. |
2027 Course Selection - Important Information and Dates |
This term there are several events to support our Yr 9-12 students (as well as the enrolling Year 8 students) to make their course selections for 2027. Updated information regarding the structure of the Year level curriculums and available subject choices can be found on the school website. At this stage, it is useful for parents and students to start looking at this information and have some discussions about potential subject selections and pathways for 2027 and beyond. Students can also start to have conversations with their subject and Linc teachers. There is also useful information on the website: www.tahatu.govt.nz The key dates for the Course Selection process are: Week 4 - Course selection assemblies: Wednesday 12th August: Year 9 and 10 (Linc time) Friday 14th August: Year 11 and 12 (Linc time). Students will receive printed information about the course selection process This will also be emailed to students/families. Week 6 - Portal Opens and Course Selection Afternoon Monday 24th August: Course Selection Portal opens Tuesday 25th August: Course Selection Afternoon & Careers/Tertiary Provider Expo 4.00-6.00pm. Students and parents are encouraged to come along to ask questions and learn about different courses across the learning areas. The tertiary provider expo will be held in Wai Tūhura (New Science block) and the Learning Areas will be set up around the school. There will also be a short presentation on NCEA (similar to that which was held in Term 1), with a focus on understanding NCEA in relation to course selection, therefore suitable for students going into senior school. This will be at 5.15pm in Wai Tūhura. Week 7 - Portal Closes Friday 4th September – Course Selection Portal closes at 12.00pm. |
Students in the Spotlight |
What a fantastic week our Junior A Netball Team had at the SISS Junior Championship Tournament! Finishing 4th overall out of 32 teams and winning 6 of their 8 games is an outstanding achievement and one the team should be incredibly proud of. The girls brought so much energy, fun, and laughter throughout the week, balanced with a steely determination to give their very best every time they stepped onto the court. They certainly didn't disappoint. Their skill, teamwork, resilience, and talent were on full display, making for an exciting week of netball. Most importantly, they represented Lincoln High School with pride, sportsmanship, and respect. It was fantastic to hear so many opposition teams complimenting their performances and cheering them on from the sidelines—a true reflection of the way they conducted themselves throughout the tournament. |
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A huge congratulations to Kay, Moana, our girls, and all our supporters who helped make this tournament such a memorable success. We are incredibly proud of you all. A special shout-out also goes to Ebony Curry and Imogen Hyde, who represented Lincoln High School as tournament umpires. Their professionalism, commitment, and willingness to give back to the game are greatly appreciated. Well done to you both! Congratulations, team! What an incredible week! |
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Performing Arts: 2027 Production Announced |
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Bring It On: The Musical is Coming! With auditions completed 8-9 August and cast announced on 15 August, cast and crew will be gathering for their first rehearsal on 6 September, followed by an important parent meeting after this rehearsal. Bring It On: The Musical is shaping up to be one of our most energetic and ambitious productions yet. Combining high-energy music, dynamic choreography and incredible athleticism, this is a show that will challenge and showcase the talents of our students in new and exciting ways. The rehearsal process will run throughout Term 3 and 4, continuing until 13 December, before resuming in early January as preparations intensify for opening night. This extended rehearsal period reflects the demanding nature of the show and the commitment required from everyone involved. A Show Like No Other Bring It On is aimed at a teenage audience and tells the story of friendship, determination, rivalry and finding your place. Filled with contemporary songs, exciting dance numbers and plenty of humour, it offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars now: Performance dates are as follows:
We are thrilled to begin this journey and cannot wait to see our talented cast and crew bring this exciting production to life. Stay tuned for updates as rehearsals get underway and preparations build toward what promises to be an unforgettable season of theatre. |
Flynn Naysmith delivers again! Flynn has once again impressed audiences this year with a standout performance as Charlie Brown in Son of Poseidon Theatricals' holiday Musical of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Playing the lovable lead with sincerity, charm, and impeccable comic timing, Flynn perfectly captured Charlie Brown's hopeful spirit and everyday struggles. Whether singing about the agony of writing school essays, trying to catch the attention of a girl well out of his league or dealing with bossy friends, Flynn brought humour, warmth, and authenticity to each vignette. Flynn has had an incredible run this year, performing in back to back shows and reviews.
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From The Archives - Debutant Balls & Formals |
A highlight for many Year 12 and 13 students is the school formal – a chance to arrive in a fancy car, dress up, pose for photos and socialise. Lincoln High School’s first such event, the Debutante Ball, was held in 1962 and organised by the Old Pupils’ Association. So, what was a Debutante Ball? Originating from English high society, it was a formal coming-of-age event where young women were officially presented to society. Debutantes would traditionally wear formal, floor-length white gowns—similar to wedding dresses—along with long white gloves. The young women were typically escorted by young men in formal evening wear (white or black tie) and formally presented to the attendees. A highly anticipated part of the event was the formal curtsy, a choreographed, sweeping movement requiring months of practice. The debutantes would also often perform a traditional waltz, a father-daughter dance, and sometimes a highly choreographed group routine with their escorts. At the Lincoln Ball, debutantes were presented to the Hon. John McAlpine, National MP for Selwyn, and his wife, Lesley. Lincoln’s Debutante Balls were a tradition until around 1978 largely due to diminishing numbers and support for the Old Pupils’ Committee. From this time, School Councils ran various dances and socials, mostly as fundraising ventures until the Senior Ball was inserted into the calendar. Up until the cohort got too big, (and the Christchurch earthquakes intervening) the Senior Ball was held for many years at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Students arrived via the elevator, receiving a warm welcome from staff and students. A full dinner was provided along with the typical DJ or band fueling the dance floor. Recently Senior Balls have been held at the Wigram Airforce Museum. |
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Fun Facts:
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Social Sciences Trip to Poland, France and Germany |
Over the school holidays, 33 Year 12 and 13 students, accompanied by four staff members, embarked on an unforgettable 16-day journey through Warsaw, Kraków, Berlin and Paris. The trip offered students a rich blend of history and culture, alongside plenty of practical, real-world experience. Along with taking in world-famous sights, travellers picked up valuable life skills — from navigating airport security to figuring out public transport systems in unfamiliar cities, and even mastering the art of operating a laundromat washing machine in Berlin! |
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With so much packed into just over two weeks, students found it impossible to name a single favourite destination. Among the many highlights were visits to the deeply moving Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination and concentration camp, the historic Berlin Wall, the beautifully preserved old towns of Warsaw and Kraków and the Wieliczka” Salt Mine in Krakow. A visit to Oskar Schindler's Factory offered a powerful and personal connection to the history students had learned about in the classroom. |
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This trip gave our students a rare opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience history, culture and independence firsthand. |
Updates from our Winter Sports Captains |
HOCKEY 1ST XI GIRLS 2026 report Captains; Carmen Stewart, Lilia Phare The First XI Girls' Hockey team has had a tough season, with some great performances alongside a few disappointing losses. A standout moment was our pre-season Rolleston Exchange, where we played Rolleston College and Ashburton College, winning both games – including a victory over Rolleston, who are competing in the grade above us this year. Some of our best performances this season have included a 6–0 win over Marian College and a 5–1 victory against Ashburton College, which lifted us a place on the competition table. Our team has been at its best when we've kept our attitudes positive, committed to one another, and trusted each other completely. Every player has worked incredibly hard this year, and we've seen significant improvement as the season has progressed. We've also had to stay resilient, working through a number of tough losses and multiple injuries, both during games and outside of hockey. Because of this, we'd like to give a special thank you to the players from our Second XI who have stepped up to help our team throughout the season. We would also like to thank our coach, Mo Stewart, our assistant coach and team manager, Gina Cridge, and our manager, Ms Horgan, for all their support and commitment. Our goal for the remainder of the season is to finish in the top five and, ultimately, secure a top-four finish at the Audrey Timlin Cup in Timaru later this year.
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LINCOLN COMBINED 1ST XV RUGBY 2026 Report Captain; Connor Calcroft, Vice Captain; Zac Forward Lincoln Combined have started the season strongly with four wins from five games, along with a bye, and are currently sitting third in the Miles Toyota Championship. The highlight of the season so far came in Round 6 with a memorable 38–34 victory over new rivals Rolleston College, lifting the Selwyn Shield for the first time. The team now looks to build on this impressive start with two big matches ahead against second-placed Christchurch Boys' High School 2nds and competition leaders Rangiora. There have been several notable individual performances, as well as some outstanding team efforts. Zac Forward kicked the winning goal against Roncalli Combined in a tight 6–5 encounter, while Flynn Tainui, who was originally named to start on the bench, produced an outstanding performance by kicking six from six off the tee. With players coming together from four different schools, the team has placed a strong emphasis on building a positive team culture. Earlier in the season, the squad held a team values meeting where four key values were identified: Excellence, Discipline, Attitude, and Unity. These values have been central to the team's approach this season as they strive to put their best foot forward. Attitude and unity have been especially important, with players from four different schools coming together to form a close-knit team. This has helped enormously in several tightly contested matches. Another season highlight came against Mid Canterbury Combined, where second-year player Rhys Gilmore played his cap game and was presented with his team cap. This is a significant milestone and a well-deserved achievement. Heading into the second half of the season, one of the team's main goals is to secure a place in the playoffs by finishing in the top four. To achieve this, the team needs at least six wins and currently requires just two more victories. This successful season would not be possible without the dedication of coaches and managers Jade, Jared, Mark, and Steve, who have all done an outstanding job stepping into their roles for the first time this year. A huge thank you also goes to the parents and supporters who turn up each week to cheer the team on. The atmosphere during the match against Rolleston College was a particular highlight, with many of the players experiencing such a large crowd for the first time. It was an incredible experience and one they will remember for years to come.
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Senior Selwyn combined Art Exhibition Don’t Mind the Truth: The Art of Selwyn Youth |
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Don’t Mind the Truth brings together artwork created by Year 11, 12 and Year 13 ākonga from Darfield High School, Lincoln High School, and Rolleston College. While all three kura are anchored in the Selwyn district, each operates within a distinct landscape—differing in scale, heritage, and educational character. Yet, across these varied contexts, a shared intensity for visual artmaking emerges. What began as an informal conversation between Visual Arts kaiako across the three schools quickly grew—over countless phone calls, emails, Teams meetings, and WhatsApp threads—into this inaugural cross-district exhibition. The title, Don’t Mind the Truth, plays on the flexible boundaries between observed reality, personal fiction, and pure fantasy in artmaking. In Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari observes that information does not always serve to mirror objective truth; rather, its primary drive is to build networks and bind communities together. Throughout history, mythologies and shared fictions have often taken precedence over uncomfortable facts because they create cohesion and connection. Visual artists have long understood this dynamic—sometimes as quiet observers, sometimes as active participants in shaping social narratives. As these young creators navigate an era increasingly defined by AI, synthetic media, and shifting definitions of authenticity, Don’t Mind the Truth celebrates how our rangatahi continue to use art-making to forge genuine human connection. |
Careers Update |
Stay up to date with the latest careers news, events, and job opportunities by visiting our CareerWise website: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/. Students can also book appointments with the Careers Team and explore a wide range of resources to help them plan their future. For bookings on the 13th August during the Senior Whānau Kaiako interviews please use the link below. Careers Meeting Senior Whanau Interviews Important to know: Leesa is available to meet with senior students and their whānau to discuss course selection and provide information about tertiary options. As appointment times are limited, these meetings are intended to support students with gathering career and study information rather than in-depth career exploration. If students need support exploring their options, they can book an appointment with me during school hours through our Careers Website: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/ Careers Expo – Tuesday 25 August | 4.00pm–6.00pm Our biggest careers event of the year is fast approaching! The Lincoln High School Careers Expo will be held on Tuesday 25 August, from 4pm to 6pm, here at school. With around 30 exhibitors attending, including universities, polytechnics, training providers, businesses, industry organisations, and employers, this is a fantastic opportunity for students and whānau to explore study and career pathways, ask questions, and make informed decisions about future options. Everyone is welcome to attend – we encourage all students and their families to come along and make the most of this valuable event. |
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Upcoming Career Events for Term 3 Course Planning Throughout Term 3, university liaison staff visit Lincoln High School to help Year 13 students plan for first year. These sessions provide valuable one-on-one guidance and help students enroll in the correct courses for their chosen degree. We strongly encourage all students intending to study to attend.
Events Outside of School for Senior Students: *For Open Days senior students can attend with whānau and let school know for attendance purposes. Open Days: Ara Open Day: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/post/332 Massey University Open Day: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/post/204 NZ Institute of Sport: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/post/343 Hagley Pre Professional Programmes: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/post/320
Scholarships: Use the link below to view scholarships on offer https://lincoln.careerwise.school/posts?category=news Selwyn District Council Tertiary Scholarships open today https://www.selwyn.govt.nz/services/funding-And-grants/tertiary-scholarships Short Course Opportunity: Trades Exploration Programme for Year 12 and 13 students interested in Electrical and Plumbing trades https://lincoln.careerwise.school/post/369
Latest Jobs: https://lincoln.careerwise.school/posts?category=jobs
How caregivers can connect with us: Contact details: |
Student Leadership and House Update |
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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 House Spirit Week 3-7th August 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 The Student Executive is a group of Year 9 to 13 students working to gather student thoughts, ideas, and opinions within our school. Whether students have new ideas for the uniform or would like changes made to the timetable, all ideas are welcome. Throughout this term, we plan to run a Clipboard Campaign. This is where members of the Student Executive gather student feedback during break times. We will have three different questions to ask students. The first question is, "What's on top?" This question is broad and allows any ideas from the student body to be shared. Secondly, we will ask “What helps students feel genuinely connected to their house, and what could be improved to strengthen that connection?” This is an area Senior Leadership would like input on, and the Student Executive will write a report summarising the feedback. Lastly, we will ask a question to gather ideas for the proposal to be presented to the LHS School Board in Term 4. The proposal is where the Student Executive presents one major idea or change, they would like to make to the Board. It will be based on the data collected from the Clipboard Campaign and a digital survey that will be sent out later this term. After collecting opinions from the student body, the Student Executive will filter through the ideas and present a detailed proposal to the Board.
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Seek Winter Speaker Series The most recent two sessions of the Seek Winter Speaker Series have been incredible, to say the least. It’s been amazing to witness the growth in audience and to see people bringing their friends along to hear from such inspiring speakers. Anton Matthews, an accomplished entrepreneur, shared both the successes and mishaps of his journey, giving students valuable insight into how leadership plays out in the world of business. He taught us about challenging ourselves to get as far as we can while never forgetting our roots and where we come from. Di Foster, a business coach and podcaster, was an unforgettable speaker and brought an entirely new energy to the session. She shared experiences from her life that made me realise how important it is to stay grounded in the present and perspectives that challenged the way I think. Di demonstrated what it truly looks like to be a fearless woman who is not afraid to step outside the box that others might try to put her in. These speakers have been inspiring, and I’m excited to see what’s next! Saanvi Pandya Whāia te iti kahurangi | Seek the Highest Good |
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School Sponsorship |
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Term Three Dates for Your Diary
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