Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

By the time this is published I will be on leave, but I welcome you back to Term 2. I trust the Easter holiday break was rejuvenating for all members of our Trinity community. The joy of the Resurrection was tinged with sadness this year with the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis led a remarkable life. From humble beginnings in Argentina, to the challenges of the ‘Dirty War,’ to his leadership of the Jesuit order, through to his election as Pope in the 2013 conclave, Francis’ papacy has had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on the Catholic and broad world.

As the first Pope to take the name ‘Francis,’ he consistently put those on the margins at the centre of his ministry. It has been reported that 40 migrants, prisoners and homeless people met his coffin as it arrived at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to draw the world’s attention to those on the margins, just as Jesus did in his ministry.

It will take time, perhaps years, for the Church and the world to reflect on and see the fruits of Francis’ papacy. In the meantime, we can give thanks to God that Francis did his best, with the human weaknesses he showed to the world, in bringing the Good News to life. He was a passionate preacher, a strong advocate for peace, and a pastor to not only the 1.5 billion Catholics across the world but indeed to humanity.

• Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in eternal peace. Amen. +

ANZAC Day

The exceptional Trinity turnout at ANZAC marches and commemorative services across the region was wonderful to see. Thank you to all the students and staff who participated, and to our parents/carers who transported students to and from marches.

This was followed by our Trinity ANZAC Ceremony last Friday, 2 May. Mr Steve Shaw was our 2025 Guest of Honour. Mr Shaw is a former special forces soldier, serving with 2 Commando for 14 years, and has a history of multiple peacekeeping and combat deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan.

Steve is a highly decorated soldier with an eventful military career. He  served in the Personal Security Detachment, coordinating and accompanying multiple Australian Prime Ministers and dignitaries on their trips to war zones. Steve was additionally posted to the Tactical Assault Group in a domestic anti-terrorism role. He also worked for 2 years at the Special Forces Training Centre where he trained new special forces soldiers. His specialty is in amphibious warfare. Steve discharged from the army in 2013 when he became a dad, and has worked as a personal trainer since this time.

We were truly blessed to have Mr Shaw address our ANZAC Ceremony. He spoke poignantly about the meaning of ANZAC Day and the spirit of ANZAC, in addition to sharing some deeply moving experiences from his time in Afghanistan. He reminded us all that our freedom is certainly not free.

This tribute video was prepared by Trinity staff and students and was played at this year’s ceremony.

Lest we forget. 

Student Enrolments

Applications for Year 7, 2026, will be processed as per the following timeline: 

• Wednesday 30 April – Year 7 2026 Applications Close
• Friday 30 May - Year 7 2026 First Round Offers Issued
• Friday 13 June - Year 7 2026 First Round Acceptances Due
• Monday 16 June – Second Round Offers Issued
• Monday 23 June - Second Round Acceptances Due

All enrolment enquiries are best directed to our Enrolments Officer via email - enrolments@trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au - or phone: (02) 6627 6647. Applications can be made through our College website. 

Updated Details - Parent Portal

A reminder to parents/carers to update any changes to contact details eg. phone number/s, home address, email, emergency contact person/s, medical advice, for your student/s by logging onto the Lighthouse parent portal.  It is essential that the College has up to date information on file.

Uniform & Presentation

I ask that all students present in accordance with the College uniform and presentation policy, with particular attention being paid to ensuring that uniform components fit correctly and length etc falls within College guidelines (particularly sport shorts), hairstyles (neat and appropriate) and jewellery (no facial piercings). The College’s uniform policy can be found on the College website. It is vital that we maintain high standards in all areas of College life, including uniform and presentation. 

Long Service Leave - Term 2

In November 2024 I submitted a long service leave application to the College Council for Weeks 4-10 of Term 2, 2025. This was approved by the Council, which I very much appreciate. As a result of my absence the following temporary appointments have been made: Acting Principal & CEO - Ms Alison Unwin, Acting Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching - Mrs Tracy Benfield and Acting Director of Learning - Mrs Sueanne Parker. All other leadership positions at the College remain the same.

SCU Traffic Management Plan

I am seeking the support of students and parents/carers in observing this plan. The university has a 20km/hr speed limit across the campus. Unfortunately, this speed limit is not being observed across the campus which compromises safety.

Resources for Parents – Online Safety

I once again share relevant resources for parents/carers to help build awareness and promote conversation with your child/ren.

Free Webinars for Parents

The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a number of helpful webinars for parents on a variety of topics. CCSP Free Webinars in Term 2. Parents may also like to subscribe to the ParentTalk newsletter, which provides interesting articles for parents in Catholic schools.

Boys and Young Men - Free Webinar

For boys and young men, the internet can be a place where they seek connection, validation and guidance as they explore what it means to be a man today. However, it also exposes them to risks like concerning content, online exploitation and the growing influence of harmful ideologies.

This free webinar will help parents understand:

• Social and cultural influences shaping boys and young men.
• How boys engage online, build relationships and how they may be vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation.
• The impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on their attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity.
• Practical strategies to build critical thinking, challenge harmful narratives, and create open conversations that empower boys and young men to navigate the online world safely and respectfully.

Register for this webinar here.

Jesse Smith

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to the mothers, and motherly role models, who joined with their student/s for our Mother’s Day breakfast on Friday 9 May.  The quality and variety of the food supplied is testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our Canteen staff. To all our Trinity mothers and maternal role models, I hope you were surrounded by gratitude, love and happiness on Mother's Day.  Thank you for all that you do and the example you set the young people in your life. Here are some photos from the morning - others can be found on our social media channels. 

Uniform & Presentation - Winter uniform commences on 2 June 2025.

I ask that all students present in accordance with the College uniform and grooming policy, with particular attention being paid to hairstyles (neat and appropriate) and jewellery (no facial piercings). The College’s uniform policy can be found on the College website. It is vital that we maintain high standards in all areas of College life, including uniform and presentation.

K Block Pick-up

In recent weeks we have seen an increase in the number of students being collected from K Block at the end of the day. This creates some difficulties and presents a safety concern,  given the volume of buses and vehicles that are moving through this area. Parents are requested to collect students from the Military Road carpark, students are able to walk quite easily to that location from K Block and it provides a much safer pickup  point. 

Tony Flood

Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

Welcome to Term 2. There is a lot of information for parents in this correspondence in relation to academic and student growth celebrations, subject selection processes, exams, assessments and support for study. Please be in contact if you have any questions regarding this information.

The teaching staff also continue on a learning journey as we look to build knowledge, skills and understanding of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)’s  Curriculum Reform. In 2026 most Key Learning Areas will be implementing a new curriculum and methodology of best practice in teaching. This is also a time for teaching staff to embed our school wide pedagogy into our practice.

In the coming weeks student focus groups will be asked to unpack their understanding of our school wide pedagogical pillars as we seek to align student and teacher understanding.

We wish all our students and their families the very best for an exciting Term of learning.

2025 Academic Celebrations – Save the Dates!

We are excited to announce the dates for our 2025 Academic Celebrations. These important events recognise the dedication, achievement, and effort of our students throughout the year. Please mark your calendars:

• Years 7–10 Academic Awards Ceremony
  Monday, 15 December 2025
   A celebration of student achievement and growth across all subjects.
  
  
• Year 11 First in Course Awards
  Friday, 31 October 2025
   Honouring outstanding academic performance in individual subjects.
  
  
• Year 12 Graduation Day, Prize Giving & Farewell Assembly
  Wednesday, 24 September 2025
   A formal farewell to our graduating class, with recognition of academic excellence and personal growth.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Thank you to the parents who are attending the PSTI opportunities in week 3 and 4.  It is vital that the College’s connection with home is active to ensure the best learning outcomes for individual students.  Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s learning.

Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection

Throughout Term 2 Year 10 students will be faced with the task of deciding their immediate future in relation to the path they will choose to take with their secondary education. Below is the timeline of events that will help our students with the decision making process.

Term 2

• Week 3 & 4 Key Learning Area Subject Talks for Students
• May 23 2025 Year 10 Students and Parents receive their Stage 6 Subjects Recommendation letters
• May 27 2025 Year 8 and 10 Subject Selection Information Night
• May 27 2025 Subject Selection Portal opens
• June 27 2025 Year 10 into 11 Re Enrolment Application and fee due

Term 3

• July 23 2025 Subject Selection closes and Subject Selection receipt due to Office of Student Learning
• August 8 2025 Year 10 into 11 Interviews ( 20 min appointments). Students only attend for their appointment and regular classes are paused.

Year 9 and Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Night

Year 8 and 10 parents are asked to note 27 May in their calendar for the College’s Subject Selection Evening.  These students are attending elective subject talks during week 3 and 4 to assist in considering their study options.  We encourage you to have open conversations at home before final choices are made.

We understand that some families may have children in both Year 8 and Year 10. If you are only able to attend one session on the night, we encourage you to first visit the subject displays and then attend the Year 10 Information Session. This will ensure you receive key information about subject selection for both children and pathways for senior years.

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there.

HSC Exams

HSC written exams will start on Thursday 16 October 2025 with English Paper 1 and finish on Friday 7 November 2025. Please find here the link to the complete 2025 HSC written exam timetable with additional information including the Exam Equipment List. Each Year 12 student will have access to their personal exam timetable through studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au. This timetable lists the students' written exams. It also lists any other exams they are entered for, including oral exams for languages, performance exams and submitted works.

Year 12 Semester 1 Reports

Year 12 Semester 1 Reports were published to the Parent Portal at the end of Week 1. This report  focuses on the students Term 4 (2024) and Term 1 (2025) academic progress and assessment results. If you have issues logging in to Lighthouse that persist after resetting your password, please email parentportal@trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au so we can arrange access for you.

Stage 6 Assessment

All Year 11 and 12 students can access their Term 2 2025 Stage 6 Assessment Calendars on the Office of Student Learning page on Lighthouse.

Student Responsibility

It is the student's responsibility to complete all assessment tasks to the best of their ability.

If a student is unable to attend school on the day of a scheduled assessment task or in class test they must:

• phone the Office of Student Learning on 6627 6603 by 9.00 am and explain the problem on that day (a Doctor's Certificate or other suitable documentation may be required); then
• report to the Office of Student Learning at 9.00 am on the next day of attendance to complete the task or substitute task.

If the student is unable to bring a hand-in task to school on its due date they must:

• phone the Office of Student Learning on 6627 6603 by 9.00 am and explain the problem on that day;
• try to send the task to school with some other person; or
• submit the task in advance.
• Contact the teacher of the subject to check if emailing the task will be acceptable

NOTE: Email submission will not always be accepted as they do not always send or arrive. Emails can be blocked by our system. (See ICT policy for further detail on this).

Students cannot submit a misadventure appeal based on failure of an email delivery and / or other ICT related failures.

Assessments and Backups

Failure of hardware or software will not be deemed as an acceptable reason for late submissions of an assessment task. It is the student’s responsibility to make a backup of their school work and personal files. The ICT staff are not responsible for the loss of these files when fixing a computer problem. (From ICT policy).

Students are reminded to review the Stage 6 Assessment Handbooks on Lighthouse for further information around assessment procedures.

Lifelong Learner Program

As students progress through high school, their learning needs and approaches evolve. Here are some targeted tips — along with how families can help at home — to support success at every stage:

Years 7–8: How to Learn

• Build routines: Set regular times for homework, reading, and revision to create good habits.
  
• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification in class.
  
• Use active learning: Draw diagrams, teach someone else, or summarise ideas in your own words.
  
• Family support: Encourage curiosity by talking about what they're learning and showing interest in school topics.
  

Years 9–10: How to Revise

• Break it up: Revise in small, focused chunks over time (not all at once!).
  
• Use retrieval practice: Quiz yourself without notes to strengthen memory.
  
• Make it visual: Use mind maps, flashcards, or flowcharts to organise key ideas.
  
• Family support: Help create a quiet, organised space for revision and encourage balance with breaks and rest.
  

Years 11–12: How to Study

• Set goals: Have clear, realistic goals for each study session.
  
• Eliminate distractions: Create a quiet, focused study space and limit phone use.
  
• Practice under exam conditions: Complete past papers with a timer to build confidence and speed.
  
• Family support: Be understanding of workload pressure, check in regularly, and support healthy routines with sleep, food, and exercise.

NSW Legislative Council Public Speaking Competition

Congratulations to Gingerlily Woods of Year 11 who recently represented Trinity at the NSW Legislative Council Public Speaking competition in Grafton.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to compete at a NSW parliament regional public speaking competition late last term. This was my first formal experience with public speaking, and the whole experience was so rewarding, even though in the moment, I was terrified. I didn't win, but that wasn't my intention. I went to push past my comfort zone and gain more experience in such an important life skill to obtain. Thank you to Mrs Unwin for your support and positivity throughout this whole journey. Gingerlily Woods Year 11

We wish all students and families well for the remainder of Term 2.

Alison Unwin - Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Tracy Benfield - Director of Learning

Amy Pascoe - Director of Teaching Excellence

Dear Trinity families,

Year 12 Retreat

In Week 10 of Term 1 Year 12 students spent four days at the beautiful Bornhoffen venue in QLD. The amazing staff of our Senior Retreat Team led the students through a reflective and challenging programme focussing on self, key relationships, future and faith.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our seniors to take time for reflection and self development.

Mission Team BBQ - St Joseph’s Tenaru, Solomon Islands

On Sunday, 11 May the Mission Team hosted a BBQ at Bunnings in Ballina. This year Australian Marist Solidarity has St Joseph’s, Tenaru in the Solomon Islands as focus country for fundraising as Marist schools from across the country come together to support students and staff in the developing world. The school is in need of more classroom spaces to ease cramped conditions as their student numbers continue to rise and access to clean drinking water and some basic science resources to be able to teach students. Trinity has previous  links to this community and we are very enthusiastic about helping to make a difference. Keep a lookout for our next BBQ as we try to stand in solidarity with young people in the Oceania Province who are less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to staff students and families who helped us to start this project.

Save the date - All School’s Mass - All Welcome - New date

Once a Term, families from our local primary and secondary schools are invited to come together to celebrate Mass. In Term 2 this will be held on Saturday 14th June 5:30pm in St Carthage’s Cathedral.  The Mass and music will see students from all schools involved. Mass will be followed by a sausage sizzle in the grounds of the Church. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family to Mass and meet other families from our local parish schools.

Please mark the following All School’s Mass dates in your calendar.

Term 2 - Saturday June 14   - 5:30pm

Term 3 - Saturday August 16 - 5:30pm

Term 4 - Saturday November 8 - 5:30pm

Staff Spirituality Days

Each year we stop and gather as a whole staff to reflect on the annual Marist theme. This year we were led by Brother Tony Leon and David Bobkowski on our annual Marist Spirituality Day through the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope - Look Beyond’.  A group of staff have also just returned from the Nagle Education Alliance Australia Conference where they were able to connect with other Presentation schools and share ways we can continue to make our school one which imbues the Presentation spirit. These events are always nurturing opportunities for staff and it is a gift to our community that staff and students are part of both our Marist and Presentation charisms.

Term 2  Mission Events

• Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 5
• Champagnat Day Liturgy - 6th June
• Year 11 Servant Leadership Day - 16th June
• Year 8 Reflection Day - 18th June
• Year 9 Reflection Day -19th June
• Year 10 Reflection Day - 25th June
• Year 7 Reflection Day - 26th June
• Yr 11 Street Retreat 26-29 June (Optional)
• NAIDOC Celebrations - Week 10

Annette White - Director of Mission

The rain clouds that have graced us with their presence for what seems like an eternity has definitely messed with our calendar this Term and at the end of last.

Although sooo many of our events have been postponed, rescheduled or cancelled due to the impact of the rain, we still have some awesome achievements to share.

BILL TURNER DOUBLE HEADER

Our Girls and Boys Bill Turner teams were selected from 1 trial/training session. All our local grounds have been closed ever since. Our coaches and students however were scheduled to play a double header on Thursday, 8 May, against friends and long standing Rivals, St John’s College Woodlawn at Woodlawn.

The sun was shining, the field was dry and our players were game ready. Their motivation, tenacity and teamwork was awesome to witness, as were the TWO WINS!!

Our Girls beat Woodlawn 6 nil, it was an incredible team achievement and the Boy’s Cup Team were also victorious over Woodlawn with a 2 nil win. 8 Goals to TRINITY on the day!!!

Soccer this season looks promising.

DIOCESAN TENNIS

We also took nominated students to the Diocesan Tennis Carnival on 14 May where the sportsmanship and spirit of Trinity stood out to the crowds. Our seniors had a wonderful day, but our junior boys team were Runners Up in their division.

Coming up in sport

Our spirited, dedicated and brilliant netballers leave for the 2025 Marist Netball Carnival in Adelaide, hosted by Sacred Heart College on the weekend. We wish Eden Flood, Ayla Welch, Amelia O’Connor, Brylee Wessling, Keira Higham, Evelyn Stocks, Ava Smith, Emi Compton, Lilly Comber and Bridie Benfield alongside coaches and managers, Mrs Brooke Churchill, Mrs Cassie Allen and Mrs Lisa Yopp the best of luck and safe travels.

22/5/25 NRCC Hockey Gala Day - Hosted by Trinity Catholic College

23/5/25 DIO Cross Country

30/5/25 Year 11/12 Fast 5’s Netball

Later in the Term, Northern Rivers Futsal Competition, Junior DIO Soccer, Opens DIO Soccer, Boys and Girls Country Cup and the NRCC Touch Football.

Look Out For

Students have access to the nomination sheets on Lighthouse for the Athletics Carnival events. Some events will be run prior to the carnival so prompt nominations are necessary.

Gemma Meyer 

MIP 2025 - Music Instrumental Program

At Trinity we have excellent, professional Music tutors in a range of instruments; Guitar, Violin, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Piano. If you’re interested please email amcdermott@trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au.

Jordane: Piano

Jordane Francois is a French-Australian pianist with over 20 years of teaching and performance experience in France and Australia. Classically trained, she holds a Premier Prix de Conservatoire, a Bachelor of Music from the University of Nice, and a degree in Music Education from the University of Marseille. Jordane teaches piano at various local schools, accompanies Eurythmy classes at a Steiner school, and runs a thriving private studio in the Byron Shire. She has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician and is the co-founder of The Onyx Duo, a piano-cello ensemble focused on contemporary classical and cross-genre works.

Learn more at: theonyxduo.com

 Scott Hills: Drums

Scott is a highly experienced drummer and educator with over 25 years of teaching and performing across Australia and internationally. He holds a BA in Contemporary Music and has worked with artists such as Troy Cassar-Daley, John Williamson, The McClymonts, and Candi Staton. He played on the ARIA-winning album Between The Fires and has received a Golden Guitar Award with his band The Flood. Scott has taught at Southern Cross University, the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, and privately, mentoring over 600 students—many now touring or recording professionally. His teaching focuses on creativity, technique, and musicality, tailored to each student’s needs. Scott remains active in local music scenes and continues to inspire the next generation of drummers.

Amie: Voice

Amie holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Voice) from Southern Cross University and stays up to date with modern vocal techniques through masterclasses and study. She has extensive experience as a lead and backing vocalist in original and cover bands, recording sessions, and collaborations. Also a guitarist and pianist with strong music theory knowledge, Amie is a passionate and versatile singer across styles including R&B, Pop, Jazz, Rock, and more. She loves teaching and aims to nurture confidence and creativity in her students. Amie currently sings with Cassie Rose and the Sol Garden and is a guest vocalist at the Lismore Supper Club.

Willow: Violin/ guitar

Willow Stahlut began music early, with a handcrafted guitar from her luthier father and violin studies from age five. She holds an AmusA with Distinction and a BMus in Jazz and Improvisation from the Victorian College of the Arts. Willow has performed internationally at festivals like Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe, and collaborated with artists including Cinematic Orchestra, Goldfrapp, and Blue King Brown. She teaches a wide range of styles—Classical, Jazz, Celtic, Rock, and more—and guides students through AMEB exams with great success. Willow is also passionate about improvisation, helping students develop creativity and confidence in their playing.

Linden: Bass, Guitar, Drums

Linden is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator with a Bachelor of Contemporary Music and over two decades of teaching and performing experience. He has taught guitar, bass, and drums in schools across Australia, including Shearwater Steiner, St John's Mullumbimby, and numerous Victorian schools, and has extensive experience running band programs and music workshops, including in remote Indigenous communities. As a touring/session bassist, Linden has performed nationally and internationally with artists such as Bobby Alu, Harry Angus (The Cat Empire), Tim Freedman (The Whitlams), and Ainslie Wills, and at major festivals including Glastonbury, WOMAD, and Woodford. He continues to inspire students through his dynamic teaching and deep industry experience