Trinity marks 40 years

TRINITY Catholic College will mark its 40th anniversary with a dinner at the Lismore Workers Club, where hundreds of alumni are expected to gather.

The celebration will include a performance from the Cath Simes Band on Saturday August 16.

The school traces its history back to St Mary’s College for Girls, founded by the Presentation Sisters in 1886.

It later merged with St Joseph’s High School for Boys to form Trinity Catholic College.

Principal Jesse Smith said it was a milestone for Catholic education in the region.

“The history of the amalgamation is remarkable reading, and full credit needs to go to Sister Mary Cannane as the first principal and one of the architects of that merger,” Smith said.

“The St Mary’s Sisters and Marist Brothers played a critical role in building a positive and community-minded culture which still exists today.

“We’re very excited to celebrate what has been achieved and what is still yet to come.

“We have thousands of alumni sprinkled all throughout the world and some of the original staff from 1985 will be there on the night.”

The school was based at Dawson Street until it was damaged beyond repair in the 2022 floods, prompting a move to Southern Cross University.

Smith said the resilience of students, staff and parents helped during the transition.

“School pride and a sense of community has continued in a new environment,” he said.

“Without that support it would have been a very difficult transition.

“The connection between the college and broader community has always been strong and it’s evident in local sporting clubs and all sorts of organisations.

“It’s a testament to the students, staff and families who have built up that reputation and community mindedness over the past 40 years.”

Tickets can be purchased at trybooking.com/events/landing/1379233