Dear Members of the Trinity Community,

Last Monday, 6 June, we celebrated the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat as a College. Not only was it wonderful to acknowledge the Feast Day, but also the 150 Year [Sesquicentenary] Anniversary of Marist Education in Australia and, in a special way, formally celebrate Br John’s tenure as Principal - the last Marist Brother to lead a school in Australia.

I highly doubt that educators of my generation will endure the Principalship lifespan of Br John. To carry that weight of responsibility 24/7 for the best part of 17 years is both incredibly stoic but also symbolic of the call: a call to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.

Br John has taught me a lot about Marist education. He has championed Marcellin’s creed, “If you want to teach young people, first you must love them. You must love them all equally.” But more significantly, he always, always, reminded Marist educators of Marcellin Champagnat’s next sentence: not only must you love them equally, you must love even the most unlovable.

Br John has also been greatly respectful and welcoming of the College’s Presentation heritage. He commissioned the Nagle Statue on St Mary’s Site and has consistently promoted both charisms equally – even taking the opportunity to deliver keynote addresses at College Nagle Day celebrations.

It is true that Br John’s principalship of Trinity from 2013-2021 will be remembered as a period of stability in the midst of relative chaos. From floods, fires, pandemics and tragic losses of life, Brother has led with determination and commitment; always putting the College ahead of himself.

Trinity graduates throughout his Principalship will remember him fondly as encouraging them to become good citizens and good Christians ‘In Word and Deed.’

Thank you, Br John, for your dedication and committed service as College Principal. It is great that you will be by our side in the Director of Master Planning role in the years ahead as we all unite to build the next chapter of our 136-year history as a College community.

Champagnat Day also provided us with an opportunity to acclaim those students and staff who demonstrate ‘In Word and Deed’ the Marist characteristics: presence, simplicity, love of work, in the way of Mary and family spirit. I congratulate each of the following for being great examples in our College community.

Champagnat Award Recipients Year 7

• Amy Tran – Champagnat Medalist
• Bryce Roberts
• Madeleine Donnelly
• Zali Black
• Kaity O'Brien

Champagnat Award Recipients Year 8

• Elisha Lovell - Champagnat Medalist
• Amarli Grande
• Indgio Scanlan
• Summer O'Connor
• Eva Skeet

Champagnat Award Recipients Year 9

• Lachlan Noffke - Champagnat Medalist
• Sienna Gorman
• Angus Faulkner
• Gerogina Cappe
• Pippa Kennedy

Champagnat Award Recipients Year 10

• Tyler McGlashan - Champagnat Medalist
• Kaliani Millane
• Jorgi Kreig
• Myles Ware
• Travis Ball

Champagnat Award Recipients Year 11

• Athenea Nash Aros - Champagnat Medalist
• Molly Drum
• Aidyn Butler
• Mackinnon Connolly
• Olivia Shea

Champagnat Award Recipients Year 12

• Perinn McDermott - Champagnat Medalist
• Lancelot Hall
• Finley Hoolihan
• William Garland
• Emma Dunn

Champagnat Award Recipients Staff

• Mr Frazer Heyden - Champagnat Medalist
• Mrs Alissa O'Reilly
• Mr Dave Ritchie
• Mrs Tracy Benfield
• Ms Angela Geoghegan

Marist Education Years of Service Recipients

• Mrs Robyn Schober - 20 Years
• Mr Dave Ritchie - 20 Years
• Brother John Hilet - 25 Years
• Mrs Lisa Yopp - 25 Years

Trinity’s access to Government Support
I am yet to receive a response from the Education Minister. I thank the parents/carers who were able to respond to my 31 May letter regarding Trinity’s inability to access government support following the February and March flood events.

Winter Uniform & Presentation
If any student, particularly any flood affected student, requires support with uniform items please liaise with the relevant Leader of House and this will be sorted. I ask that all students present to school each day in accordance with the College expectations, with particular attention being paid to hairstyles (neat and appropriate) and jewellery (no facial piercings). Male students are to be clean shaven. The College’s uniform policy can be found on the College website. As we are now in winter uniform mode, College jumpers and blazers are required. Thank you for your support in this space.

Open Day in July & 2023 Enrolments
I am pleased to confirm we will run an ‘Open Day’ at our SCU campus on Sunday 31 July between 11.00am - 2.00pm for prospective students and families. Enrolments for 2023 are now being received in pleasing numbers. Applications can be made through our website or by contacting our Enrolments Officer, Mrs Jenny Dwyer, phone: 6627 6647 or
email enrolments@trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au. 

Best wishes for the fortnight ahead. May Venerable Nano Nagle, St Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our Trinity community.

Mr Jesse Smith