Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

Term 3 is now well advanced and we have been blessed with some remarkable sunshine. The past month has been filled with many wonderful community events and celebrations that I would like to highlight in this edition of The Lantern Newsletter.

40th Anniversary Celebrations

On Friday 15 August the whole College community gathered in St Carthage’s Cathedral to celebrate Foundation Day and the Feast of the Assumption. Bishop Greg, Fr Bing and Fr Jim Griffin celebrated this important Mass with all students and staff.  We very much valued the presence of several Presentation Sisters and Marist Brothers who were also able to attend.

Each year on the Feast of the Assumption we come together to remember and celebrate our rich history and heritage. The Feast of the Assumption of Mary has been chosen as the date on which we celebrate “Foundation Day” for two reasons: firstly, it is the date in 1886 when the Presentation Sisters began St. Mary’s College, an independent school for girls; and secondly, the day is central to the spirituality of both the Presentation Sisters and the Marist Brothers.

In his homily Bishop Greg reminded us to look to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, for inspiration. He reminded us of two important lessons that Mary’s life and example teaches us: that our lives must always remain centred on others - not self; and that, when our God-given gifts are used for the benefit of others, these gifts grow. This powerful message has been a source of much reflection for our College community this Term.

2025 also marks 40 years since St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Marist Brothers amalgamated in 1985 to form Trinity Catholic College, Lismore.  Our Charisms, and the spirit of Mary - the Mother of Jesus, permeate all aspects of College life and directs us to focus on God. Foundation Day was a day to celebrate and give thanks for the tradition and history we are all part of; a day to appreciate what we have, as well as a time to consider those who have come before us and have helped to make this College the great community that it is.

At the conclusion of Mass service awards and badges were presented to the following staff:

5 Years of Service::

Naomi Robinson

Sulmae Keane

10 Years of Service::

Pauline Leeson

Serena Rose

Tracy Benfield

15 Years of Service::

Jesse Smith

Patrick Martin

Paul Cartwright

20 Years of Service:

Alissa O’Reilly

Reggena Grew

Julie Fryer

25 Years:

Tony Flood

Zelinda Brown

30 Years of Service:

Lisa Yopp

Narelle Cole

Vicki Evans

Julie Spark

I also had the pleasure of announcing our 2026 College and Ministry Captains - Tayla Matthews, Solly Neilsen, Mia O’Reilly and Logan Connolly. Congratulations to each of these students and their families, and thank you to all of the wonderful candidates who put themselves forward for these important roles.

40 Years of Trinity Celebration Dinner

Our 40th celebrations continued on Saturday 16 August with 230 alumni of staff and students coming together for dinner. During the evening a fitting video tribute featured Sister Mary Cannane, Trinity’s Foundation Principal, a highly intelligent, humble and practical leader who was visionary and well ahead of her times.

In the first Trinity Year book in 1985 Sister Mary’s report focused the First Letter of John:

My children,

Our love is not to be just words

Or mere talk

But something real and active.

Grounded in the notion of Christian love, she went on to outline her vision for the Trinity graduate. Her  message is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago:  “I hope that Trinity ex-students will be recognised in the future as people of tolerance and compassion, men and women who can recognise the good in other people even though they may disagree with their beliefs or actions.” “I hope that their compassion and Christian love will make them active in righting the wrongs of our society whatever way their gifts suggest. I hope they will be seen to be concerned about others, especially those less privileged.” What remarkable words!

The night celebrated the countless students who have walked through the Trinity gates and grew into people of purpose and character. We are proud of the way our alumni contribute—not just locally or nationally, but globally. In every corner of the world, you will find former students living out the values nurtured by the College working with integrity, leading with compassion, and serving others.

Ours is a resilient, connected, and deeply supportive community of people. That is what has carried us through 40 years — the highs and the lows — and it is precisely what will carry us into the future. Thank you to Mrs Jenny Dwyer, Miss Ava Coombes, Mrs Annette White and all of the staff who assisted to bring this celebration together.

2026 Return Date

For the information of families the Leadership Team has determined the following in regard to the commencement of 2026.

• Staff Days (pupil free) - 27 January & 28 January 2026
• Year 7, 11, 12 - 29 January 2026
• All Students - 30 January 2026

Speed Zones on SCU Campus - 20km/hr

Students, staff, parents and visitors are asked to observe the 20km/hr speed limits on the Southern Cross University Campus. Unfortunately we have had vehicles moving through the campus at high speed which put pedestrians and others at risk. Trinity students driving to and from school need to park in the Kellas Street Car Park and ensure that they observe the speed limits and road rules just like any other driver. Thank you for your support with this important safety issue.

 Vaping - Cancer Council Resource

The Cancer Council and Mid-North Coast Health remain committed to vaping cessation and educating young people and families about the risks associated with vaping. Schools can access a range of up-to-date, evidence-based resources for students and parents via the NSW Health Vaping Resources page. We also encourage you to promote Pave, a free, evidence-based app developed by the Cancer Council to support young people in quitting vaping. This tool offers practical strategies, personalised support, and motivation for those looking to quit. You may wish to display the Pave App poster in areas visible to students or include it in your wellbeing communications.

Student Enrolments

All enrolment enquiries are best directed to our Enrolments Officer via email - enrolments@trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au - or phone: (02) 6627 6647. As we are entering the phase of developing the 2026 timetable I respectfully request that you advise the College if your student will not be returning next year. Thank you to families who have already provided this information.

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.

e-Safety Resources for Parents/Carers

Below I include a series of resources produced by Safe on Social. I strongly encourage parents/carers to read through these and discuss them with their children. The language - ‘sextortion, deepfakes, phishing’ - may be foreign to us but it is essential we are informed.

• Sextortion - What it is and How to Respond
• Sextortion through Instagram DM’s
• Script for Discussing Sextortion with Teens
• Understanding Sextortion
• Help Lines for Issues Related to Non-Consensual Deepfake Nude Images
• Deepfake Bulling - Student Advice
• Non-Consensual Deepfakes What You Need to Know for Online Safety
• How to prevent  people  from  creating  deepfake  images  of  you
• Understanding Phishing and Tips to Avoid It

Key Dates for Term 3

• Year 11 Exams 8-16 September
• Year 12 Graduation Mass - Tuesday 23 September at 6.00 pm
• Year 12 Graduation Day - Wednesday 24 September
• Last Day of Term - 26 September

Thank you for your ongoing support of the College. May Venerable Nano Nagle, St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our Trinity community.

Jesse Smith

As we step into the vibrant season of spring, our College continues to flourish with student-led initiatives, community engagement, and outstanding displays of talent across academic, cultural, and sporting arenas.

Student-Led Colour Run for Motor Neurone Disease – A Meaningful Momentum

On Wednesday, 3rd September, our senior students spearheaded a spirited and colourful fundraising event in support of Motor Neurone Disease research. The student-led MND Colour Run was not only a vivid expression of solidarity but also a shining example of student initiative and compassion. The event was widely embraced by staff and students alike, creating a memorable atmosphere of community, energy, and purpose. All proceeds will go towards supporting ongoing research and support services for those affected by MND.

Captain’s Council Sparks Friendly Rivalry in House-Based Olympic Events

The Year 12 Captain’s Council is currently running a series of House-based Olympic-style lunchtime events as part of the race for the Delaney Cup. These events have ignited friendly competition among students, promoting school spirit and camaraderie. With activities ranging from relay races to skill-based challenges, these lunchtime games have drawn enthusiastic participation and spectatorship, making the most of our glorious spring afternoons.

Celebrating Our Fathers – College Father's Day Breakfast

We were delighted to welcome families to our annual Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday, 5th September. It was a joyful morning of connection and gratitude, where students and staff honoured the fathers and father figures who play such a pivotal role in our community. A hearty breakfast, thoughtful student-led presentations, and a sense of shared appreciation made the event a true highlight of the Term.

Excellence in Sport – Celebrating Student Success

Our sporting teams continue to demonstrate excellence and determination across a range of competitions. Recent highlights include victories in interschool athletics, district soccer, and the senior netball league. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students and coaches, and we commend all athletes for their teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

Year 12 Music Showcase – A Night of Exceptional Talent

The recent Year 12 Music Perform Showcase was a resounding success, captivating audiences with the exceptional talents of our senior music students. The showcase provided a platform for students to present their HSC performance pieces, reflecting both technical skill and artistic depth. Parents, peers, and staff were treated to a diverse and moving program, and we extend our congratulations to the performers for their outstanding artistry and preparation.

Summer Uniform Now in Effect

With the arrival of spring, students are now permitted to wear the College summer uniform. We remind families to ensure uniforms are clean, well-fitted, and worn with pride in accordance with our College standards.

We are immensely proud of the enthusiasm, leadership, and spirit our students have shown this Term. As the days grow warmer and brighter, we look forward to continuing to celebrate the many ways our students are making a positive impact within and beyond our school community.

Tony Flood

Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

Many Year 12 students have already completed major parts of their HSC, Dance students have had their practical works marked by NESA and The Industrial Technology and Visual Arts students have handed in their bodies of work. Congratulations to the Year 12 Music class on an incredible show Performa. We wish them well as they polish their performances for their practical exams in the coming weeks.

Write a Book in a Day – 14 August 2025

On Wednesday, August 14, 105 of our students accepted the creative and charitable challenge of 'Write a Book in a Day'. In just 12 hours, teams worked together to plan, write, and illustrate a complete storybook. The task was no easy feat, where each team was given strict parameters to follow, including set characters, a specific setting, and an issue that had to be central to their story. The completed books are now part of a national library of stories donated to children in hospitals across Australia, bringing joy and hope to young readers.

This challenge is more than a test of creativity and collaboration; it is also a chance to make a difference. Each team raises funds for The Kids’ Cancer Project, supporting critical research into childhood cancer. Once a team raises $240, the book becomes eligible to be judged. Judging is conducted by a panel of distinguished Australian authors, illustrators, and literary experts. For the Secondary Division, this year’s judges include Mick Elliott, award-winning author and illustrator of The Turners series and Squidge Dibley, and Angus Olsen, illustrator and advocate whose work supports children and families experiencing cancer.

Sponsorship and donations remain open until 30 September, providing our school community with the opportunity to continue supporting both our students and this life-saving cause. Every dollar raised contributes directly to funding research, while also recognising the hard work of our teams as they aim for their books to be judged.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, teamwork, and generosity shown by our students on the day. Their commitment reminds us that storytelling has the power to not only entertain but also to connect, heal, and inspire.

Here is a Chapter One excerpt from The Copy and Pasters Team. Their book is titled Ferry, Ferry Wrong!

Year 11 End of course Exams

The Year 11 Examination period will run from 8 - 12 September.  During this time, Year 11 students are only required to be at the College for their exams, there will not be any Year 11 timetabled classes. We wish Year 11 all the very best for their exams.

Additionally, Elevate Education has provided support and resources to help students prepare effectively. We encourage students to take full advantage of these resources from their workshop to perform their best.

Elevate Education Workshops

Last week, students in Years 10, 11, and 12 took part in a series of Elevate Education workshops, each designed to enhance their academic performance and support their personal development.

Year 10 – Time Management
As a follow-up to the recent Year 10 into Year 11 interviews, students participated in a Time Management workshop aimed at helping them establish effective study routines. The session focused on working smart, forming productive study groups, overcoming procrastination, and finding time to complete tasks efficiently, all key skills as they transition into senior studies.

Year 11 – Ace Your Exams
With End of Course exams approaching, Year 11 students attended the Ace Your Exams workshop, which targeted critical exam preparation skills. Students explored techniques for effective study, learning from mistakes, allocating time wisely, and mastering in-exam strategies to boost their performance. The workshop also provided guidance on balancing academic responsibilities with personal well-being.

Year 12 – The Finishing Line
As they approach the final months of their school journey, Year 12 students engaged in The Finishing Line workshop. This session provided a clear road map to support students through their final exams. Key strategies included stress management, goal setting, maintaining a steady work pace, and practical tips for final exam preparation.

These workshops were a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their learning habits and adopt proven strategies for success as they move through the academic year.

Term 3  Student Reports

Year 7 to 10 Interim reports along with Year 12 Semester 2 reports will be  available for students and families through the Reports tile Lighthouse at the end of Term 3. Further Parent, Student, Teacher interviews will be offered in early Term 4. If you have any questions about your child's reports please make direct contact with their class teacher. Year 11 Academic Reports will be available at the end of the course in early Term 4.

We wish all students and families well for the remainder of Term 3.

Alison Unwin, Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Amy Pascoe - Director of Teaching Excellence

Tracy Benfield - Director of Learning

Dear Trinity Families,

As I look back on the start of Term 3, it has been filled with many opportunities for students and families to connect. A highlight this Term is always celebrating our Foundation Day Mass in the Cathedral, this year con-celebrated by Bishop Greg, Fr Bing and Fr Jim. This day also marked the College’s 40th birthday and the students returned from Mass to share a BBQ with their tutors and year groups. Our Foundation Day celebrations were followed by our first Alumni Dinner marking the 40 year milestone for past students and staff. This was an opportunity to gather together for an evening of memories, laughter and reconnection. The same evening saw others gather at St Carthage Cathedral for the Term 3 All Schools and Community Mass. It has been a wonderful start to the term for our community and long time associates of the College.

CSYMA NEWS

Our Year 9 and 10 CSYMA Youth Ministry classes recently returned from a two day Shine event. As part of the Lismore Proclaim, Shine offers students an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and the Church, to explore dynamic faith, to be equipped for ministry and living a Christian life, and to be empowered to impact Church and the world. It was an opportunity for like minded students to gather from across the Diocese to celebrate and share an experience of faith. This is always a highlight in the Youth Ministry calendar for our CSYMA classes. Thank you to Ms O’Reilly, Mr Puglisi and Ms Lidbetter for accompanying our students to Shine 2025.

10 CSYMA and The Bishops Online Masses: A small group of Year 10 CSYMA students have been working with Ms Alissa O’Reilly and Mr Joe Pereira to read at the upcoming Bishops' online Masses. Be sure to join the 25,000 others who will view these Masses on the Lismore Diocese Youtube channel. Many thanks to Gigi Zorzo, Nel Axman, Hugh Martin and Andreas Pereira for volunteering to read at these important masses. The Trinity student Masses will be broadcast on 14 September (Triumph of the Cross Mass) and November 2 (All Soul’s Day). Here is the link for interested families Lismore Diocese - YouTube .

Lighthouse Mission Page

Our Mission Team has created a Mission page which contains important College and event information in one location.

This is your one stop spot for information regarding:

• Community Service ‘In Word and Deed’ Programme & Recording Log
• Nano Nagle & Marcellin Champagnat information
• Youth Ministry & CSYMA
• Term Mission Events
• All School’s Mass dates

Do take a look at the Mission tile on your child’s Lighthouse Dashboard for all things Mission.

Upcoming All School’s Mass

Please join us  and the other Lismore Catholic Schools at the next Community & School’s Mass. The weather will have warmed by then and it will be lovely to share Mass and the Sausage sizzle to follow. I am looking for volunteers to help with the cooking and serving of the BBQ on this evening in November. Please mark this in you Term 4 calendar - Saturday November 8 - 5:30pm.

Community Service ‘In Deed and Word’ Community Service Program

Due dates:      Years 12 due 5th September

                      Years 7-10 due Term 4, 21st November

Each student must complete at least 10 hours of community service each year as part of our service learning program. A copy of the log can be found on the Mission tile on your child’s Lighthouse dashboard.

The log can be submitted to the RE teacher either electronically or by hardcopy on or before the due date.  Here is a list of volunteer activities for student planning.

Annette White - Director of Mission

Stage 4 Science - Engaging, Challenging and Connecting

This Term, Year 7 and 8, students have been learning about Cells, Classification and Energy.

Science teachers have been thrilled to see the students’ clever problem-solving, persistence and engagement in building their mini Cell Models and their Rube Goldberg machines.

Thanks for the help from home - it’s been wonderful to see the behind-the-scenes involvement and support.

Katie McCloskey - Leader of Science