Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

One of the highlights of my year is witnessing the HSC class celebrate all that they have accomplished in Graduation Week. This year’s Graduation Mass, Prize Giving and Farewell Assembly were fitting tributes to the Class of 2025 who have overcome much and achieved even more.

I sincerely congratulate each member of the Graduating Class for their resilience, tenacity and ability to endure the trials and tribulations of the past six years. The prayer recited for Year 12, following the distribution of their Trinity crosses on Tuesday night, encapsulates Trinity’s desire for our Year 12 students:

“May you embrace the mystery of life as it unfolds before you. May your life be richly fulfilling; a celebration of God’s love for you. May you meet the challenges that lie ahead with hope and enthusiasm. May you always know that wherever you go our prayers are with you too. May God’s all powerful love be with you always, to give you strength to persevere in tough times, faith to keep believing, and the hope to see you fulfill your potential.”

 

I wish all of HSC students well for their examinations which commence in Week 1 of Term 4. I also thank all of those long-term Trinity families whose association with the College ends with the graduation of their child in 2025. Thank you for your endless support and encouragement - we sincerely appreciate it.

2026 Student Leaders

I am pleased to announce the following students have been appointed to designated leadership positions in 2026:

• College Captains - Tayla Matthews, Solly Nielsen
• Ministry Captains - Mia O’Reilly, Logan Connolly
• Year 12 Student Representative Councillors - Stella Burke, Logan Cartwright, Ayla Crotty, Summer O’Connor, Indigo Scanlan, Isabelle Slater
• Cannane House Captains - Isabella Watson, Bill Themsen
• Carthage House Captains - Rose Robinson, Sam Cottee
• Champagnat House Captains - Darcy Healy, Gus Norwell
• Chanel House Captains - Laura Rose, Jeremy Ellemore-Collins
• D’Arcy House Captains - Isabel Schilling, Lila May
• Dennis House Captains - Lilly Comber, Oliver Rose
• Doyle House Captains - Ava Greensill, Amarli Grande
• McColl House Captains - Ali Robertson, Maria Mitchell
• Nagle House Captains - Annie Krieg, Jahli Brady
• Wilson House Captains - Jellian Doohan, Levi Haxton

At the time of writing this Lantern, elections for our Years 8-11 SRC are underway.

Term 4 Return Dates

Staff Days - Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October 2025

Students Return - Wednesday 15 October 2025 (Day 3)

HSC Commences - Thursday 16 October 2025

The Australian Minimum Age for Social Media

From December 10, 2025, social media platforms in Australia will be legally required to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. To help parents and students understand these changes, and to prepare, I am include a series of resources from reputable organisations:

1. Parent & Carer Guide - The Australian 16+ Age Delay by Kirra Pendergast.
2. The e-Safety Commissioner’s Regulatory Guidance.
3. ​​The Australian Minimum Age Regulatory Framework Decoded by Kirra Pendergast.

Enrolment Terms & Conditions

The College is currently in the process of updating its enrolment terms and conditions to ensure that they reflect the changing world in which we live. Changes to privacy, student data, cyber security, artificial intelligence and more requires us to review and update our enrolment terms. A parent code of conduct will be included in these updates. Further information will be provided in Term 4.

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 4

• HSC Exams 16 October - 10 November
• Year 12 Graduation Evening - 14 November
• Nagle Day Liturgy - 21 November
• Last Day of Term - 17 December

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 Term 3 comes to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a vibrant and memorable chapter in our school year. Over the past ten weeks, our students, staff, and wider school community have engaged in a wide range of activities that have showcased the heart, spirit, and talent that define our school. One of the standout events this term was the MND Colour Run, which brought a wave of colour, joy, and purpose to our school grounds, raising awareness and funds in support of Motor Neurone Disease. The energy and unity displayed by students and staff alike was a testament to our strong community values. The Junior SRC took the lead in hosting a highly successful Trivia Night, bringing together students and families for an evening of fun, facts, and friendly competition. Meanwhile, over 100 of our students took part in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ program, working collaboratively to craft stories under tight deadlines. Their creativity and determination raised over $10,000 for Kids’ Cancer Research, an outstanding achievement that reflects both their empathy and work ethic.

Our Creative Arts Faculty has also been at the forefront this term. Performances such as Performa and the Year 12 Major Work Exhibitions provided platforms for students to express their unique voices. The Annual Art Show was a particular highlight, drawing in families and friends to celebrate the talent and dedication of our emerging artists.

Term 3 also saw a wide range of sporting opportunities and achievements, with students participating in local and regional competitions across multiple codes. From athletics and soccer to basketball, touch football, volleyball and netball, our teams consistently displayed determination, teamwork, and school pride. A special congratulations goes to our three netball teams who, after strong performances, have progressed to the State Finals in Term 4—a remarkable accomplishment. We extend our sincere thanks to our Sport Manager (Ms Meyer), coaches, and staff, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts make these opportunities possible for our students.

As Term 3 culminated, we turned our focus to the Year 12 Class of 2025, who concluded their formal schooling with grace, pride, and emotion. Graduation Day, Give Back Day, and the ever-entertaining ‘Anything But a Bag’ Day brought both laughter and reflection. The final Delaney Cup events saw Chanel House dominate the Tug of War with an impressive show of strength and teamwork, while Doyle House emerged victorious in the overall House point score for 2025—a well-earned accolade.

A particularly moving moment was the Year 12 Guard of Honour, where staff, students, and families lined the grounds to farewell our graduates. The connection, pride, and emotion evident in that shared experience encapsulated the deep bonds formed within our school community. We were also proud to announce the appointment of our new senior leadership team for 2026, who will begin their leadership journey in Term 4. Their fresh ideas, energy, and commitment to service will shape exciting opportunities in the months ahead, as we look forward to leadership development, celebration events, and academic consolidation in the lead-up to the end of year.

As we head into a well-earned break, we thank all families for your continued support and partnership. Term 3 has been a testament to the vibrancy, resilience, and potential of our students—and we look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.

Wishing you all a restful and safe holiday.

Tony Flood

Dear Members of the Trinity Community, 

Year 12 Graduation Assembly

It was a truly fitting end to the term as we celebrated the achievements of the graduating Class of 2025. Below is a passage from the address shared by our Director of Learning.

I would also like to welcome and acknowledge all the wonderful parents, carers, family members and friends who are here with us to celebrate this milestone. Welcome.

Year 12, today we gather as a Trinity family to honour and farewell you, the graduating class of 2025. After 13 years of formal education, you have almost reached the end of your school journey, but more importantly, you are ready to step into the beginning of something new.

When I think about you as a group, one word comes to mind: humility.

Our College Vision calls you to be courageous, compassionate, and inclusive; to act with integrity and strive for excellence. You have lived this vision quietly but consistently, showing us what it means to lead with humility and strength. You have been people of word and deed, not seeking the spotlight for yourselves, but showing leadership in the way you included others, supported each other, and carried the spirit of Trinity through your actions.

Humility is often misunderstood. Some think it means being timid or downplaying your gifts. But true humility is strength under control. It is the ability to recognise your talents while also lifting others up. It is knowing that success is never yours alone, but is always shared—with parents, friends, teachers, and your community.

Year 12, you have shown us this humility. The humility to work diligently without needing recognition. The humility to celebrate the achievements of others as if they were your own. The humility to lead in a way that makes space for every voice, and to build a community where people feel valued and included.

You have given us, your Trinity family, an example of what it looks like to live with integrity. You have shown us that true leadership is not about seeking attention, but about serving others with kindness, respect, and compassion.

As you prepare to leave, I want to remind you that the world beyond Trinity will continue to ask for your humility. There will be times when you succeed, and times when you stumble. In both, humility will ground you: reminding you to keep learning, to keep listening, and to keep growing.

Today we celebrate your academic success, but we also celebrate something greater: your growth as young adults - individuals who possess strong minds and gentle hearts. You are people who carry hope, humility, and compassion into the world.

So my advice is this: don’t keep your humility hidden, let it shine through your actions. Let it be seen in the way you treat others, the way you lead, and the way you live out your values, so that wherever life takes you, others will see the Trinity spirit alive within you.

You are the 40th cohort to graduate from Trinity Catholic College, Year 12, and we thank you for your contribution to our Trinity family. We are very proud of you and we farewell you with much gratitude and joy. Congratulations Year 12.

First in HSC Courses Awards

HSC Commendation Awards

Outstanding Service to Music in the College - Georgina Cappe

Outstanding Achievement in Community & Family Studies Research Tasks -  Amira Askew-Smith

Choreographic Talent in Dance - Sienna Ambler

Outstanding Achievement in Industrial Technology - Robert Benfield

Outstanding Achievement in Fitness - Daisy Smith

Outstanding Achievement in Catholic Faith in Action - Daisy Smith

Outstanding Achievement in Hospitality - Freya Mackney-Byrne

Excellence in Social and Cultural Literacy Research - Tallulah Ebejer

Enthusiasm in the Performing Arts  - Sam Motahedi

English Virtuoso Award - Maeve Heart

Outstanding Achievement in Manufacturing and Engineering -  Leo Poel

Kevin Hogan Award For Outstanding Primary Research Skills in History Extension - Owen Carroll

Foreign Language Mastery for her Dedication and Commitment to the Study of Foreign Language - Georgina Cappe

Presentation of Sports Award

Girls Best & Fairest Soccer - Sakura Baker                       

Boys Best & Fairest Soccer - Mitchell Mayes                                    

Boys Basketball Best and Fairest - Lachlan Mallett & Louis Ashby                    

Girls Best & Fairest Hockey - Sienna Ambler                   

Boys Best & Fairest Hockey - Jack McFadden                                     

Girls Best & Fairest Netball - Keira Higham                     

Sportswoman for 2025 - Keira Higham                                       

Sportsman for 2025 - Louis Ashby                                            

Excellence in Sporting Achievement - James Cremona                 

Principal's Special Awards

Thomas Ambrose,  Emerson Compton, Lahni Coombes, Sienna Gorman, Brinn McAteer, Freya Mackney-Byrne, Rigby O’Meara, Ava Smith and Yavita Waiko

Australian Defence Force Leadership Award        Wendall Pointon-Wales	Australian Defence Force Innovation Award        Rory Gleeson

HSC Dance Callback Nominations

Congratulations to the following students who have been nominated for the possible inclusion of Callback. Callback is a showcase of exemplary HSC Dance performances and compositions by HSC students of Dance in NSW.

Sienna Ambler - Core Performance

Pippa Kennedy - Core Performance & Core Composition

HSC Industrial Technology SHAPE Nomination

Congratulations to Robert Benfield who has had his Major Project for Industrial Technology- Timber nomination for SHAPE. SHAPE is a selection of outstanding projects from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students and will be held at the University of Technology, Sydney in early 2026.

HSC Term 3 Holiday Study

Year 12 students are encouraged during the Term 3 holidays to plan and make use of the SCU Library space which they are now accustomed to attending for HSC preparation and study.  This space provides the required atmosphere and is available to our students through our university partnership.   The Library will be open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm throughout the Term 3 holidays.  Students are reminded of College expectations when accessing this public space.

Year 12 HSC Written Exam Timetable

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.

HSC 2026 Pattern of Study Forms

Last Wednesday we met with Year 11 students regarding the transition from Year 11 courses to HSC courses in Term 4. Year 11 students are asked to return their “Yellow Cards,” indicating any changes to their pattern of study, by Friday 24 October (Week 2, Term 4). Students are encouraged to make informed choices before making any amendments to their pattern of study. Changes to patterns of study will take effect from Week 4, Term 4.

Parent Student Teacher Interviews

PSTI for Years 7 to 11 will take place on Thursday 23 October and Monday 27 October from 3.40 pm to 7.00 pm.  Parents will be able to make bookings from Monday 13 October until 4.00 pm on Friday 17 October via the booking portal.  Families will receive separate instructions regarding how to book appointments.

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. 

College Trivia Night – A Night of Fun and Friendly Competition

On Wednesday, 18 September, our College community gathered for a night of excitement and teamwork at the annual College Trivia Night. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, 21 teams across Years 7–12 participated in a lively trivia challenge, showcasing their knowledge, quick thinking, and sense of humour.

The event was expertly led by our Student Representative Council, who acted as MCs, created the questions, and organised the night. Supporting them were the 2026 College Captains and Ministry Captains, as well as teaching staff who assisted throughout the evening to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their combined efforts created an enjoyable atmosphere filled with laughter and friendly competition.

The trivia rounds kept everyone on their toes, and the crowd's cheering added to the night's energy. Congratulations to the winning teams:

Juniors
 1st – Tool Belt Titans
 2nd – The Chipmunks
 3rd – The Distinguished Gentlemen

Seniors
 1st – Cowboy
 2nd – Shiver Me Trivia
 3rd – DOG

The evening was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, with students across all year levels coming together for an unforgettable night. A special thank you to the SRC, our future Captains, the teaching staff, and every student who participated in making the College Trivia Night such a success.

ANVDC Quarter Final Debate

On Tuesday, 16 September, the Junior A team, consisting of four Year 8 students, proudly represented Trinity Catholic College in the quarter finals of the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition (ANVDC). The topic was “That Australia should ban the export of live animals.”

As the affirmative team, they presented a strong and well-structured case, showcasing their research skills, persuasive arguments, and teamwork. They faced a tough opposition in Regents Park Christian School A, who argued the negative side and made it into the Grand Final in 2024.

After a close and hard-fought debate, the Trinity junior team narrowly missed out on progressing to the semi-finals. Despite the result, our students demonstrated outstanding communication, critical thinking, and confidence under pressure, making the College extremely proud.

Congratulations to the Trinity Catholic College Junior A team for reaching the quarter finals of this national competition. It was an impressive achievement that highlights the talent and dedication of our debaters.

Names from left to right - Anneke Inglis, Bonnie Hogan, Sarah Robinson, Caitlyn Maxwell

Alison Unwin, Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Amy Pascoe - Director of Teaching Excellence

Tracy Benfield - Director of Learning

Dear Trinity Families,

YEAR 12 GIVE BACK DAY - Act Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with God.

On 19 September, as our graduating Year 12 students moved through their final day of formal classes, a new tradition commenced at the College under the theme of ‘Giving Back’. Students embraced this incredible ‘Give Back’ opportunity which saw them involved in activities including:

• Visiting Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School for reading, art and singing,
• Donating blood through the Red Cross Blood Service,
• Packing 200 birthing kits to be sent to third world countries,
• Collating snack packs and “Mums and Bubs” packs for the local Vinnies mobile van,
• Baking sweet treats for distribution at the Winsome Soup Kitchen Cafe,
• An environmental clean up of our SCU campus

Students finished the day with a gratitude activity.  It is hoped that this new tradition continues to reinforce the College’s motto - “In Word and Deed” - and our mission of serving others. Through their experience of this day, each student was able to witness first hand how even small actions can carry a powerful message of hope and compassion,  as they step beyond the classroom.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION MASS

The farewell of our Year 12 students is always both a joyous and emotional event. This Mass is one of thanksgiving and celebration and hope for the future. As a Catholic community we come together to celebrate the Eucharist at the start of the College’s farewell events. Fr Bing and Fr Jim celebrated Mass with its message to love others and be beacons of compassion and hope.

The Graduation Mass saw our 2025 Captains handing over the College’s sacred symbols to our incoming 2026 Captains, in an important handing over of the legacy and traditions to the students who will lead the College next year.  Following Mass the College presented key community awards recognising students for leadership spirit and community service

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 your Term 4 Calendar - Saturday November 8 - 5:30pm.

Community Service ‘In Deed and Word’ Community Service’ Program

Due dates: 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 student’s 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

Year 10 Child Studies Jarjum Excursion

This Term we have been going to Jarjum. It felt more like a family and I really enjoyed the experience.

Amber

I loved how kind the educators were with each other, the children and us.

Charlotte

Jarjum is a great setting.They teach the children words in the indigenous language.The children are great to play with and I had lots of fun. 

Siri

I enjoyed playing with the children and learning some Indigenous language.

Arna

Jarjum was a fun and enlightening experience.I enjoyed reading the kindness book to the children.

Nina

At Jarjum I enjoyed seeing the facilities including the sensory room.

Zara

I enjoyed Jarjum educators' kind approach to care and focus on child development milestones.

Eden

I enjoyed the variety of free play choices they provide  and I had fun interacting with the children.

Kirra

Community and Family Studies – Class of 2025 Reflections

CAFS has been my favourite course in Years 11 and 12. It’s given me a head start in understanding family, societal interactions and child protection, all of which connect with my future goals.
 Georgina

Studying CAFS helped me better understand people, not just in theory but in everyday life.
 Abbey

Our excursions deepened my understanding of course content and let us bond in fun, educational ways outside the classroom.
 Milaya

This class has shaped my outlook on life and reminded me to always consider others’ situations while creating a positive environment.
 Amy

Engaging with community members during our excursions, especially line dancing at the Richmond Valley Day Club, was a fun and meaningful experience.

Caitlin

I’ve gained valuable knowledge I’ll carry for life. The excursions, from laughing on the bus to line dancing with seniors, are memories I’ll always treasure.

Amira

CAFS gave us the chance to broaden our attitudes and knowledge, especially through visiting services like RedInc, which offered real insight into disability support.
 Jade

Listening to the singing and watching the dancing at REDinc was a joyful and unforgettable experience.

Emily

Our class was inclusive and supportive, and the excursions, especially to the Richmond Valley Day Club, were highlights that helped us truly connect with the community.
 Tyleah

I’ve enjoyed exploring the diverse groups in our community through our privileged excursions. CAFS taught me to care for and understand others more deeply, lessons I’ll carry into the future.   To the Class of 2025, we did it!
 Peppa

Write a Book in a Day is a fundraising campaign for paediatric cancer research in which students form teams to write, illustrate and publish a novel in just 12 hours.

More than 100 Trinity students participated in Write a Book in a Day earlier this Term. Between them they wrote more than 64,000 words in 16 books, created more than 100 illustrations, and ate way too much chocolate and lollies.

Most importantly, as a collective, the students fundraised nearly $10,000 which goes directly to The Kids’ Cancer Project to support vital childhood cancer research. Every book submitted will also be made available for free to kids in hospitals around Australia.

If you wish to sponsor one of the Trinity teams and help us break the $10,000 fundraising barrier (we’re literally only a few hundred dollars short), visit any of the team links below. Fundraising ceases on 30 September.

Chaos Champions

Military Theatre Kids

Chapter Five

Half a Dozen Writers

Preppy Purples 2.0

The Copy and Pasters

The 7 Dwarfs Plus 1

couchcroissants.com.au

Magical Unicorns

[insert awesome team name]

The Lebron GLAZERS

Goldilocks and the 6 bears

The Divas 2.0

We can be bees

Tax-evading dinosaurs

Cats in pajamas