Jesse Smith appointed first lay Principal of Trinity Catholic College Lismore

Ex-Trinity Catholic College student Jesse Smith is the first lay person to be given the top job at his old stomping ground.

Trinity Catholic College captains Daniel Pereira and Perinn McDermott with newly appointed lay Principal Jesse Smith.

Trinity Catholic College in Lismore has announced that acting principal Mr Jesse Smith will be taking on the top job from Brother John Hilet in term 2.

Chair of Trinity College Council, Brother Neville Solomon said the day marks a significant moment in the history of the College given the appointment of Trinity Catholic College’s first Lay Principal.

“Brother John Hilet FMS will conclude his tenure as Principal of Trinity Catholic College Lismore at the end of Term 1, 2022,” Brother Neville said.

“From Term 2 this year he will take up a new position as Director of the Master Planning, which will involve leading the recovery and revival of Trinity Catholic College Lismore following the devastating flood events of 28 February and 30 March, 2022.”

Due to the scope of devastation it became clear to the College council they needed someone to take the helm of the recovery and rebuilding stages.

“With the enormity of the devastation, it was obvious that this would be far too big a role for anyone to absorb and required someone with an intimate knowledge and understanding of the College.

“Brother John Hilet is the best person to work with Jesse and the Council in this important work,” Brother Neville said.

Left: Trinity Catholic College Ministry Captains, Mena Penanueva and Liam Moloney with school Captains Daniel Pereira and Perinn McDermott (right) and newly appointed lay Principal Jesse Smith.

Mr Smith brings extensive experience in governance and board matters from his work with local charity Jodie’s Inspiration and the Scott Rindfleish Foundation.

With Masters degrees in theology and education leadership it was no surprise Mr Smith was chosen.

Trinity is a historic school boasting a long history of 136 years of presentation and Marist education.

Five Marist Brothers have held the position since founding Principal Sister Mary Cannane PBVM completed her term as Foundation Principal of Trinity.

The Sisters founded St Mary's College in Lismore in the 19th Century and then Trinity College.[from left} Clare Axman of the Presentation Society of Australia, Sister Margaret Cannane, present Head of the Presentations, her Sister Mary Cannane [both were heads of St Marys. Trinity College} and Sister Anne Shay who runs Social Justice chapters in Ballina.

Local resident and staffer at Trinity, Alissa O’Reilly said that Mr Smith is highly regarded within the community.

“Jesse is an exceptional leader,” Mrs O’Reilly said.

“He has the respect of all members of our community and will lead and rebuild our college.”

Mr Smith was school Captain of Trinity in 2006 and has always been a “Trinity person”.

“As a parent, we have nothing but confidence in him and as a staff member, he has our trust and we will follow him into our College’s future.”

Gallery: Trinity Catholic College Lismore Formal

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Mrs O’Reilly apologised for being emotional and said that many staff are former students that have their own children attending now.

“I am just very emotional about our school,” she said.

“We love the place, it is in our blood.”