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