Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

Appointment of Pope Leo

Our Catholic community welcomes the appointment of Pope Leo XIV.  The Pope, as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, guides us not only through teachings but also through example inviting us to live out Christ’s love in our daily lives.

Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to compassion, unity, and the pursuit of justice encourages us to deepen our own faith journey. In our school community his appointment is an opportunity to reflect on how we can be instruments of peace and kindness, just as the Pope strives to be for the Church and the world. Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV’s wisdom and strength, trusting that under his guidance, our Church will continue to grow in faith and love.

College use of Social Media

The Leadership Team has been liaising, over a period of time, with Safe on Social expert Kirra Prendergast regarding the day to day social media evolution we live in and with.  In this regard we have had a particular focus on the exposure risks to our students, your children, via social media platforms. This coupled with the invention of AI and the astounding ability of certain apps to copy and amend an image, and being able to forge the identity of an individual is something we are acutely aware of.  You will no doubt appreciate this as we begin to see increasing advertisements on how to protect ourselves from fraudulent behaviour online.  We have a responsibility as a College to safeguard our students, your children, when we use social media.  Of course there is so much to celebrate and share about student achievements and College activities every week, however there is  a need to do this with increased caution and awareness.  I want to assure our parent/carers community that whilst we do not have all the answers in this ever changing online world, we are continuing to seek advice for policy review and development.  

Winter Ball

On Saturday 15 June 14 of our senior students, supported by teacher Mrs Emma Chamberlain, attended the Our Kids Winter Ball serving food and providing on ground support to organisers.  We are privileged every year to be offered this opportunity and I thank the students for representing the College at this community event.

Student Enrolments

Please note the following timeline:

• Monday 16 June – Second Round Offers Issued for Year 7 2026
• 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.

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

As at 2 June, we are now into our Winter Uniform Period. 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.

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.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Alison Unwin

Important Update: Uniform Shop Relocation and Access Options

Dear College Community,

We would like to inform families that the School Locker Uniform Shop currently located on SCU Campus will be relocating offsite as of next week. As part of this transition, the College is actively working with School Locker to identify some suitable alternatives to make accessing uniforms as convenient as possible for our families. School Locker is currently looking at potential new locations within the Lismore area.

In the meantime, families are reminded that uniforms remain fully accessible via two other convenient methods:

• In-store at the Ballina School Locker location
  
  
• Online through the School Locker website, with the option for home delivery
  

For families who may find the trip to Ballina challenging, the College is also exploring the possibility of providing access to uniform sizing samples on campus. This will allow students to try on items before placing an order, helping ensure the correct fit without the need for travel.

As always, we take great pride in the way our students represent the College. Wearing the correct uniform and maintaining a high standard of presentation reflects our values of respect, responsibility, and pride in our learning community. We kindly ask that all families continue to support the College by ensuring their child is dressed in accordance with the uniform policy each day.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work through this period of change, and will keep families updated with further developments regarding the new Lismore uniform shop location.

We are pleased to share a potential opportunity for families that supports student health and wellbeing. Specsavers Lismore has offered to provide free vision screening for students at our school as part of their commitment to improving children's eye health across the Northern Rivers.

The screening would be conducted by a qualified optometry team and take only about 5 minutes per student. It involves a series of brief tests, including:

• Vision assessment
  
  
• Eye muscle testing
  
  
• Colour vision screening
  

Last year, over 300 students in the region participated in Specsavers' school screenings, with more than 70 students identified as needing further care. In those cases, Specsavers offered bulk-billed follow-up eye tests and discounted glasses for those requiring vision correction.

Each participating student would receive a brief, confidential report outlining their results. No personal information will be retained by Specsavers beyond what is needed for the screening itself (name and date of birth).

If the school proceeds with this program, screenings would take place on campus between August and September.

Healthy vision plays a crucial role in a child’s learning, and we’re excited about the possibility of offering this valuable service. Further details, including consent forms and scheduling, will be shared with families if this initiative is confirmed.

Stay tuned for updates in upcoming newsletters.     

Junior Social: A Night to Remember – Organised by Students, for Students

Last Friday evening, the indoor basketball court was transformed into a vibrant dance floor as students gather for the much-anticipated Junior Social, hosted by our very own Student Representative Council (SRC).

From planning the theme to setting up the space and running the event on the night, the Junior Social was a fantastic example of students leading with initiative and creativity. The SRC team worked hard behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, creating an inclusive and fun-filled evening for all who attended.

A highlight of the night was the high-energy music, that was provided by none other than Year 12 student JJ Walters, who generously volunteered his time and talent to bring the event to life. Giving up his Friday night, JJ created an incredible atmosphere with a playlist that kept everyone dancing and enjoying themselves well into the evening.

Events like the Junior Social remind us of the value of student leadership and the power of community spirit. Congratulations to all the SRC members involved in making the night such a success — your efforts truly made it a special occasion for your fellow students!

Tony Flood

Subject Selection Evening

Thank you so much to the families of Year 8 and Year 10 students who attended the Subject Selection information evening on Tuesday 27 May. Please continue to speak with your child regarding the most appropriate subject selection for 2026. You are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Learning if you have any questions about the subject selection process. 

Term 2

• 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.

Assessment in Years 7 to 10

At our College, assessment is more than just a mark on a page — it’s a tool for learning, growth, and reflection. In Years 7 to 10, we place a strong emphasis on formative assessment practices that empower students to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential.

Formative assessment is an ongoing process that provides students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and progress towards learning outcomes. Rather than focusing solely on one-off tests or final grades, our approach encourages students to engage with feedback, reflect on their work, and improve over time.

This model recognises that learning is not always linear and that students develop at different paces. By offering varied and repeated chances to show what they’ve learned, we create an environment where effort, persistence, and growth are valued alongside achievement.

Teachers use a wide range of strategies — from quizzes and draft submissions to peer feedback and practical tasks — to gather evidence of learning. Students receive timely, constructive feedback to help them identify strengths and areas for improvement. Importantly, they are given the chance to act on that feedback before final judgments are made.

Our goal is to build confident, capable learners who understand that success is a journey. Through this approach, we aim to nurture students who are not only academically prepared, but also resilient, reflective, and motivated to improve.

Parents and carers play an important role in this process. We encourage families to engage with their child’s learning, ask about feedback, and celebrate the progress being made — not just the end result.

Together, we are creating a culture of learning where every student is supported to achieve their personal best.

We look forward to celebrating the hard work and success of our students with staff, families, and the college community.

Year 12 Trial Exams

Please see linked the timetable for the Year 12 Trial HSC Examination period which commences on Monday, 4 August 2025. All Year 12 Students are also encouraged to read the NESA 2025 Rules and Procedures Guide in relation to the exam period.

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.

Students Reports

Our teachers are currently finalising Year 7 to Year 10 Semester Reports and Year 11 Interim Reports, reflecting on each student's progress and achievements so far this year. Student Reports will be available to families via the parent portal on Lighthouse on Thursday 3 July. We encourage you to take the time to review the report with your child and celebrate their efforts and growth this semester. 

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

Tracy Benfield, Acting Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Amy Pascoe - Director of Teaching Excellence

Sueanne Parker - Acting Director of Learning

Dear Trinity families,

Sorry Day Assembly and Reconciliation Week

On Monday 26 May the College community came together to acknowledge Sorry Day through reflection, prayer and song.  During the preceding week in RE classes students identified with a personal intention for Sorry Day and transferred this intention symbolically by tying a ribbon to a cross.  The powerful symbol of the cross became our centre piece for the assembly.

Throughout the remainder of Reconciliation Week students undertook activities including Aboriginal Art and some of our senior students attended the SCU yarning circle where they had the privilege of listening to some local elders describe their experiences of being part of the Stolen Generation.

Champagnat Day Liturgy

Friday 6 June the College celebrated St Marcellin Champagnat through a Liturgy which included a dramatisation of how Marcellin was a pilgrim of hope for us. Marist communities from 80 countries around the globe celebrated this important feast day. We were honoured to have Br Bill and Br John celebrate with our community on the day as we gave thanks for the life and work of St Marcellin and also honoured the enormous contribution of the Marist Brothers to Catholic Education in Lismore.

Each year students and staff are asked to nominate their peers for Champagnat Day Awards based on the Marist characteristics of Simplicity, Family Spirit, Presence, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary.

This year our Champagnat Awardees were:

Year 7 - Layla Winterbon, Luca Lombardo, Tom Henschke, Milli Eaglesham, Isabella Mitchell.

The Year 7 Medalist: Layla Winterbon.

Year 8 - Will Collins, Luca McLaren-Philips, Grace Dowd, Sara Robinson, Lucy Fry.

The Year 8 Medalist: Grace Dowd.

Year 9 - Laura Lockwood, Ayla Welch, Jax Poole, Laura Dennett, Ryan Simeoni.

The Year 9 Medalist: Laura Dennett

Year 10  - Aria Poplin-Wu, Eden Flood, Micah Waiko, Milla Cahill, Tom Hunter.

The Year 10 Medalist: Eden Flood

Year 11 - Nyah Roxburgh, Ava Greensill, Indigo Scanlan, Bill Themsen, Angus Thamm

The Year 11 Medalist: Angus Thamm

Year 12 - Sam Thompson, Pippa Kennedy, Isabella Rixon, Harvey McPhee, Abbey Corrigan

The Year 12 Medalist: Sam Thompson

Staff - Michael Lill, Vanessa McKenzie, David Perry, Jenna Moore, Alissa O’Reilly

The Staff Medalist: Michael Lill

Reflection Days

Year 7-11 will have their Reflection days in the next two weeks. These are important days which introduce each Year to the idea of Sacramentality and to the College’s Retreat programme. Each Year group has a particular focus.: Year 7 - Belonging, Year 8 - Who am I?, Year 9 - The Real Gift, Year 10 - Looking Back, Moving Forward, Year 11   Servant Leadership.

We are excited to have facilitators Br Tony Leon, Mr Dave Jorna and Mr Michael Fitzpatrick leading these days for us.

A reminder that our Year 7-10 days will occur offsite (as per information in the parent email) and there will be no canteen facilities on the day. Students need to be at school ready to depart the College for Alstonville at 9:10am. The Leader of Year and RE teachers will accompany students.

All School’s Mass

We gathered last Saturday 14th June at 5:30pm in St Carthage’s Cathedral to celebrate Mass together at the Community and School’s Mass. It was wonderful to see many new families and students join us for Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family to Mass and meet other families from our local parish schools.

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

Term 3 - Saturday August 16 - 5:30pm

Term 4 - Saturday November 8 - 5:30pm

Annette White - Director of Mission

HOW AMAZING HAS THE SUNSHINE BEEN!!!

The sun is warm and the breeze is cool, this has allowed for some awesome sporting events to take place this week.

AFLQ

The AFLQ Cup held at the Cavenbah Centre in Byron Bay on, 12 June was an exceptional day. Our open boys team consisted of over 20 students from Year 9 to Year 12. The rucks were impressive, the kicking was on point and despite not making the finals the students were smiling ALL DAY!! The team had a win to start the day and two very narrow losses. Such an incredible effort from all. My highlight was definitely the students' pre-game pep talks and huddles. Thank you to Mrs Churchill and Mr McCalman for your coaching and expertise on the day.

DICOESAN NORTH OPENS FOOTBALL GALA DAY

We also had our Opens Girls and Boys footballers compete in the Norths DIO Opens Football Gala Day on 12 June. This event was the most anticipated event of the Term… Why??? Because it had been rescheduled due to the weather and wet grounds… 4 times!!! Our senior footballers had been waiting very patiently for this opportunity since Term 1 and it was an exceptional day. Mr Heffernan and Mrs Moore took the teams to Skennars Head for the competition, the sun was shining, and the Footballers had an immense amount of fun. The boys had 2 wins and 2 losses, the girls savoured their win and the students were overjoyed just to be doing what they loved. A great event!!! Thank you to the families for your patience and support and the coaches for your commitment.

BILL TURNER TROPHY and CUP

It is a testament to our coaches to see our teams work so tirelessly when training and time to gel together has been so limited over the Term.

Our Bill Turner Trophy team (Girls) took out another victory against Alstonville High School last Tuesday winning 4-2.

Our Bill Turner Cup team (Boys) were competitive and played an awesome game of soccer however conceded defeat 5-2 against Richmond River. A huge congratulations to both teams for epic effort and sportsmanship.

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the following students on their representative selections.

Lyla Russell - Year 7 qualified for both show horse and dressage for the interschool state championships in Toowoomba as an independent rider.

Zali Black - Year 10, made the NSWCCC 18's Girls Football team and will play in the ALL Schools Competition in Sydney.

Hugh Marshall - Year 9, made the NSWCCC Hockey Team and was selected for the ALL Schools Hockey team.

Elissa Hills - Year 10 who placed 2nd in the Lismore Diocesan Cross Country and ran in the CCC Cross Country and placed 18th out of 54 runners.

We also had a number of students who attended state competitions over the last few weeks for Netball, Hockey, Rugby and many more - Congratulations to everyone for their efforts and hard work. The local sporting community is a valuable one because of your contributions.

NETBALL FAST 5’S

We sent four teams to the Fast 5’s competition in Ballina on 30 May and my goodness did they show incredible resilience. The rain was torrential, the puddles were plentiful, the breeze was cold and when they returned you could hear them squelching. They were cold, but smiling. Thank you to all the students that attended, for keeping playing in the rain and creating memories. YOU ARE ALL AWESOME - A huge thanks to Mr Heffernan , Mrs Collings and Mrs Chamberlain for your absolute commitment to the game and squelching alongside the students. ANOTHER THANK YOU to Macy Simes and Elley Smith for umpiring and contributing to the College netball community.

DIOCESAN CROSS COUNTRY

Each year this event offers the students an incredible opportunity. It is a highlight in the calendar and when we FINALLY got to go ahead and attend the very frequently rescheduled event, it was awesome. Thank you to Mr Green and Mrs Woods for taking the students all the way to Woolgoolga to compete. Everyone did exceptionally well but a special mention to Elissa Hills who came second and qualified for the CCC Cross Country.

MARIST NETBALL

Let’s reflect on the achievements of our Marist Netballers, their coaches and manager.

Firstly thank you to Mrs Yopp, Mrs Allen and Mrs Churchill for coaching, managing, travelling and offering such an amazing opportunity to our netballers.

The 2025 Marist Netball Team consisted of 10 students from year 8-12. The team  travelled to Adelaide on 24 May. Prior to leaving the team had trained mornings, afternoons and during sport since Term 4 2024 and were well prepared and psyched for a competitive and elite competition. The girls made the Championship Division on day 1 playing 8 games and winning 5. Over the 3 day competition Trinity Catholic College played over 20 games and placed 8th out of 17 at the conclusion of the event. The Trinity crew also, for the second year in a row, were awarded THE SPIRIT SHIELD!!!

We are soooo proud and ecstatic for each and every member of the team, the coaches and managers. A huge shout out to the player families who were an integral part of the event and the teams success. Pretty sure Trinity Catholic College is already preparing for the 2026 competition. ?

COMING UP -

18/6/25 - Junior Diocesan Football Competition

19/6/25 - Bill Turner Trophy Game 3 vs Summerland Christian College

1/7/25 - NRCC Touch Football

2/7/25 - Country Cup Boys Rugby League

20/6/25 - 2025 Trinity Catholic College Athletics Carnival - POSTPONED

A FEW REMINDERS

• Students are reminded to stay up to date by checking their emails and the Sports tile on Lighthouse.
• Students must have a hat for any outdoor sport on Wednesdays.
• Students will make their sport selections for Term 4 next week. More information to come.

Ms Gemma Meyer