Welcome to Trinity Catholic College Lismore – and thank you for visiting our website. Whilst this website may provide a glimpse of our College, I truly believe that you need to visit our campus, meet our wonderful students and staff, and immerse yourself in the life of the College, in order to fully appreciate the unique family spirit of Trinity.
As an independent Catholic College in the Lismore Diocese, our origins trace back to 1886 when the Presentation Sisters established St. Mary’s College, an independent school for girls. The commencement of St Mary’s, situated on the land of the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation, marks the foundation of Catholic Education in Lismore. The Marist Brothers opened St. Joseph’s High School in 1911. The two schools... operated independently until they amalgamated in 1985 to form Trinity Catholic College.
The College’s focus is inspired by our Mission Statement – “Enabling students to achieve the fullness of life” – and is therefore holistic: the spiritual formation, pastoral care and learning growth of our students are key priorities.
As a contemporary faith community, we tend to the spiritual formation of our students in a broad and inclusive way. Meditation, prayer, liturgy, masses, Religious Education lessons and community service opportunities allow our students to better understand their place in the world.
Pastoral care at Trinity is best described as a way of being rather than a structure or system. Our approach to pastoral care is highly relational, where individual students are known and valued. As a Catholic College, the dignity of each community member is paramount and informs how we interact, challenge and celebrate individual students.
Trinity Catholic College is also a place of learning excellence where student growth and personal excellence are promoted. Our Vision for Learning and Schoolwide Pedagogical Framework articulates our inclusive, challenging, engaging and relational approach to learning and teaching. This approach ensures current students achieve personal excellence and helps explain the College’s very strong academic record over time.
I am confident you will find our College an excellent choice for your child, and strongly encourage you to make contact with our Enrolment Officer to organise your tour of the College.
Jesse Smith Principal
Trinity Leadership Team
Jesse Smith - Principal
Mr Jesse Smith is the first lay Principal of the College having succeeded Br John Hilet fms in 2022. Prior to taking on the Principalship, Mr Smith was the Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching. He holds post graduate qualifications in History, Education Leadership and Theology, and teaches History, Ancient History and Religious Education.
Alison Unwin - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Ms Alison Unwin was appointed Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching in 2022, having served as Director of Curriculum and Leader of Creative & Performing Arts prior. She has been a dedicated teacher and leader at Trinity since 2009 and currently oversee the Learning Team. Ms Unwin teaches Dance as part of the Creative Arts Department.
Sean Baldwin - Assistant Principal Staff and Students
Mr Sean Baldwin joined the College as Assistant Principal Students & Staff in 2021. He has over 30 years’ experience working in secondary education across a number of locations. Mr Baldwin has held various leadership roles in the Clontarf Academy in Moree, NSW, and Catholic Colleges in the Armidale Diocese. He teaches Commerce and Geography in the HSIE Department.
Julie Fryer - Director of Pastoral Care
Mrs Julie Fryer is the Director of Pastoral Care, a role she has held since 2019. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience dealing with pastoral care concerns of students and staff and prides herself on working closely with other to achieve the best outcome in every situation. Mrs Fryer is also a passionate teacher in the English and Religious Education Departments.
Tracy Benfield - Director of Learning
Mrs Tracy Benfield is the Director of Learning. She is responsible for jointly overseeing the Learning Team and the Office of Student Learning. Mrs Benfield moved into this role in late 2021, having served as the Leader of Learning – Mathematics for 3 years. She teaches Mathematics and Religious Education.
Amy Pascoe - Director of Teaching Excellence
Mrs Amy Pascoe was appointed Director of Teaching Excellence in 2023. Her role is to enhance the quality of learning and teaching through the adoption of research-based pedagogies that meet the needs of today’s learners. Prior to taking on this role, Mrs Pascoe held a pastoral care leadership position. She teaches English, HSIE and Religious Education.
Annette White - Director of Mission
Mrs Annette White was appointed Director of Mission in 2023. She has many years of experience as a pastoral care leader at Trinity and is actively involved in the faith life of the College and broader Parish community. Mrs White is a long-standing member of the Language and Religious Education Departments.
Tanya Harmon - Director of Finance and Enteprise
Tanya has over 25 years’ experience working and leading in the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, having held Chief Financial Officer and Senior Management Accountant roles in other organisations. Since her arrival at Trinity in 2023, Tanya has made a substantial and positive contribution to the College.
