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Fairholme College is delighted to welcome Mr Mitch Koina as our new Coordinator of High Performance Coaching. Bringing more than a decade of experience across diverse educational settings, Mitch joins the community with a strong commitment to student wellbeing, participation, and performance. ‘This is my 12th year of teaching,’ Mitch shares. ‘I’ve done a range of different contexts now, I did two years down at Lockyer District High School, I then spent six years at St Mary’s College before moving to St Josephs, where I’ve been for the last three years. Now obviously I’ve made my way over to Fairholme which I’m really excited about.’ It was both the College’s reputation and the scope of the role that drew Mitch to Fairholme. ‘Fairholme is a very prestigious college, it’s got a great name and reputation,’ he said. ‘The role itself is really exciting for me. I’ve got a passion for fitness and particularly looking after the wellbeing of young girls, whether that be on the sporting field or with their social aspect, academics, just all round developing good girls on and off the court.’ A strong advocate for pastoral care, Mitch brings valuable leadership experience to the position. ‘I did a Head of House role at St Mary’s for three and a half years, so pastoral care has always been my calling so it’s great to tie in the sporting aspect as well as wellbeing,’ he explained. His philosophy centres on the connection between student wellbeing and performance. ‘It’s all dependant on each other. If we’ve got girls who are happy and their wellbeing is flourishing, then they are doing well on the sporting field and vice versa too.’ Looking ahead, Mitch is focused on building both excellence and enjoyment within the program. ‘I would love to get participation rates very high. We have a lot of elite athletes here that I want to achieve and do really well, but I also want to work on girls enjoying their training, coming in and having a nice vibe around the sporting field and the training.’ Importantly, Mitch emphasises that success looks different for every student. ‘We’re not all Australian representatives, but if girls are working really hard and achieving to the best of their potential, whatever level that may be in the sporting arena, I think that’s a program we can be very proud of.’ As he begins his journey at Fairholme, Mitch is eager to connect with the community. ‘I’m really excited to be a part of Fairholme, it is a great opportunity. The staff and the students have been fantastic to me so far, but as the weeks go on, I’m really looking forward to getting to know the girls and building some relationships from there.’ We warmly welcome Mitch to Fairholme and look forward to the energy, care, and expertise he will bring to our High Performance Sports program.

What inspired you to apply for the Prefect for Sport position? I was inspired to go for this position as I have seen the passion that Fairholme as a community has for sport, and the true love and respect the staff have for athletes at the college. I wanted to work closely with the girls and staff to help progressing sport at Fairholme. Do you have a favourite sport? My favourite sport is touch football. It has given me so very much and I am forever grateful. What has been your proudest sporting moment so far? My proudest sporting moment so far was being fortunate enough to represent my country in the sport I love most. Who has been your biggest influence or role model in sport? My biggest role model in sport has to my parents. They never fail to push me towards things that might seem out of my comfort zone or scary. They constantly support me through everything and influence me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. What are you hoping to achieve this year as Prefect for Sport? I aim to inspire everyone to just have a go. By the end of my final year at Fairholme I hope I can inspire people to just get o ut of their comfort zones and try something new. What advice would you give your Year 7 self? I would tell my Year 7 self that in the big picture no one is going to judge you for trying your hardest and giving things ago! And not to put too much pressure on yourself! Do you hope to pursue sport after school? I wish to continue to play sport at a high level after school. whether that is through touch or rugby. Sport is a very important part of my life that will hopefully continue well after I leave school.

How long have you been involved in The Arts at Fairholme? Since I began here in Year 7, but before then I started playing piano and violin in Year 5. I have participated in a number of ensembles within the school and greatly enjoyed each of these. What does being the Prefect for The Arts mean to you? Personally, I think that being the Prefect for The Arts is primarily a role in which I can help to support other girls. I’m a designated person that girls can come to if they have any questions or concerns with anything regarding extracurricular artistic involvement, and I do a little to help with running some of the artistic aspects around the school, such as finding girls to volunteer for busking at events. But mostly, I think it is about being a positive promoter for the arts, and encouraging other girls to expand their world view to include creativity. Which art form do you enjoy most (e.g. music, drama, visual art, dance etc)? My main art form that I participate in is instrumental music, through my involvement in a few ensembles within the school on violin and piano. However, other art forms, like dancing during March Pasts or singing Shine Jesus Shine are pretty fun too. Do you have a most memorable Arts experience? I think that one of the most memorable Arts experiences that I have had has been at events where I have accompanied my grade, like when all the Year 11’s last year sung at the Valedictorian dinner and I played piano along with other instrumentalists in my grade, Tilly Anderson and Emma Salter. However, I think the most enjoyable Arts experience that I have had is playing Jingle Bell Rock at the boarding Christmas dinner last year, when the rest of my cohort stood around the piano singing. I felt that this was one of those excellent examples of how music can bring people together. What advice would you give to students who might be nervous about joining an arts activity? I would say that it is always worth giving something new a go. You’re much more likely to regret the chances you never took than the ones you do. I’m a strong believer that being involved in any form of extra-curricular activity is so beneficial for everyone; it expands your world view, you meet new people, and get outside your comfort zone. Each individual has something they are good at, and how are you going to find out what that is if you don’t try? Do you hope to continue with The Arts after school? Definitely. It has become such a big part of my life, and I honestly get so much enjoyment out of it. The great thing about the arts is that they are things that you can do at any time of your life. You’re never too old, that’s a skill you have for life. Other people can also get so much enjoyment out of the artistic abilities of others. Who doesn’t love to have someone who can sit around the camp-fire and play guitar, or create a beautiful piece of artwork?

Year 12 student, Mariam Nabizada, is a young woman whose leadership, compassion and commitment to advocacy are already creating meaningful change. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community, Mariam Nabizada was named the 2026 Toowoomba Young Citizen of the Year, an honour presented at the Australia Day Awards ceremony held at Picnic Point. This award acknowledges Mariam’s tireless advocacy for young people, her leadership with Toowoomba Regional Council, and her work co-founding the Maryam Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable families and refugee communities. It is recognition not just for one achievement, but of a wide-ranging commitment to empowering others and using her voice to drive positive change. Among Mariam’s many recent accomplishments is her selection as the Queensland winner of the Country to Canberra Leadership Competition at the end of 2025. As the state winner, Mariam travelled to Canberra to participate in a highly regarded leadership workshop and networking program designed to develop the next generation of leaders. ‘I entered to amplify the voices of regional and multicultural young women. As a youth advocate from Toowoomba, I’m passionate about using leadership to create change. This program provided a chance to connect, grow, and bring new perspectives back to my community.’ Over the summer holidays, Mariam’s learning continued when she attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra. This immersive experience allowed her to participate in hands-on science activities, engage with experts in the field, and explore science as a potential career pathway. An experience that aligns closely with her future aspirations. Mariam currently serves as a youth leader with Toowoomba Regional Council and is a YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament member for Toowoomba North, where she advocates for issues affecting young people and contributes to discussions around policy and social change. These roles have strengthened her ability to represent youth voices at decision-making tables and reinforced her passion for civic leadership. At the heart of Mariam’s advocacy work is the Maryam Foundation, which she co-founded to provide essential support to vulnerable families and refugees. One of the foundation’s initiatives, Bags for Change, focuses on raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to supply newly arrived refugee and migrant families with bags containing lunchboxes and essential school items for their children. ‘It would be incredibly stressful coming to a new country without knowing what materials your children need for school,’ Mariam explains. ‘This is a way of welcoming families and making that transition a little easier.’ Mariam has also participated in the AFS Intercultural Online Exchange Program, broadening her global perspective and deepening her commitment to cross-cultural understanding. Through this program, she hopes to have the opportunity to travel to Switzerland in August to attend the National Youth Assembly, further expanding her international advocacy experience. Looking ahead, Mariam will soon attend the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Youth Summit, an annual event designed to amplify the voices of young people. At the summit, Mariam will present her advocacy work on stage to an audience of policy- and decision-makers, sharing ideas for positive change aimed at improving the lives of children, young people, families and communities. Adding to an already impressive list of achievements, Mariam was recently awarded Lions Youth of the Year for the Wilsonton Club and will progress to the r egional competition in March, which includes both an interview and a formal speech. Despite her many accomplishments, Mariam remains firmly focused on the future. ‘My goal is to go into the medical field and use my skills to help others,’ she says, ‘while continuing to grow my foundation to support youth and refugee communities. I hope to make a positive impact through both healthcare and community leadership.’ Mariam Nabizada’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one determined young person can make. Through leadership, empathy and a deep commitment to service, she is not only shaping her own future, but also helping to shape a more inclusive, compassionate community for all.

‘Enjoyment is the energy that fuels engagement, the spark that ignites curiosity, and the kind of glue that binds young and old alike.’ - Dr Leigh Hobart At Fairholme, values are more than words on a wall – they shape the culture, guide decision-making, and give meaning to daily life. One of our core values, and perhaps one of my favourites, is enjoyment. At first glance, enjoyment can seem like a soft value. Yet in a high-performing girls’ school such as ours, enjoyment is anything but trivial. It is the energy that fuels engagement, the spark that ignites curiosity, and the kind of glue that binds young and old alike. When young women experience joy in their learning and in their relationships, they flourish. Our February 2026 edition of At Holme captures that spirit beautifully. Our recent Swimming Carnivals for the Junior and Secondary Schools were a perfect expression of enjoyment in action. Yes, there was spirited competition in the pool and impressive athletic achievement (congratulations Stephens House!), but what lingered most powerfully was the sound of laughter, songs and dancing echoing across the stands. The March Past – proudly won this year by Cameron – reminded us that belonging matters. The creativity, choreography, storytelling, and sheer enthusiasm of our girls, particularly our Year 7 students experiencing their first carnival, created something distinctly ours: girl-centric, wholesome, and deeply bonding. In those moments, enjoyment was not peripheral to school life – it was the point. That same spirit was alive at our Year 7 Camp in Maleny. Outdoor education provides challenge, but challenge wrapped in encouragement and shared experience becomes joy and memory. I had the privilege of the joining students on the giant swing – and I suspect I may have screamed the loudest. Watching our girls encourage one another up the 6-metre and 15-metre abseiling walls, celebrate small victories, and step beyond their comfort zones was a powerful reminder that enjoyment and courage often travel together. When girls feel safe and supported, they will take risks – and often discover strength and friendships they did not know they possessed. Our Year 9 students embraced a different kind of adventure at Noosa North Shore, building resilience through shared challenge and time away from the familiar rhythms of school. Meanwhile, our Year 10 cohort deepened their understanding of the remarkable environment of Moreton Bay during their camp at Tangalooma on Moreton Island. Learning about the beauty and fragility of this ecosystem is not simply an academic exercise; it is an invitation to wonder and experience awe. Awe and wonder, too, are forms of enjoyment – ones that expand perspective and deepen gratitude. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named the 2026 Toowoomba Region Young Citizen of the Year, for her tireless advocacy for girls and young people. Such achievements reflect service, character and contribution. But even here, enjoyment has a place. Young people who find joy in serving others, who experience fulfilment in contributing beyond themselves, are those most like to continue doing so. Enjoyment, in this sense, becomes purposeful and full of meaning. As a principal with a very healthy interest in learning, I am often asked about academic outcomes, pathways and future readiness. These matter greatly. However, research consistently affirms what we witness daily: students who enjoy their schooling are more engaged, more resilient, and ultimately more successful. Enjoyment enhances learning; it does not detract from it. Positive emotion broadens thinking, strengthens relationships, and builds the psychological resources young people need to navigate complexity. For girls in particular, environments that celebrate connection and wholehearted participation are transformative. When a girl can dance her heart out for her House, leap from a giant swing, debate passionately in a competition, perform on stage, or dive into the pool with determination – and feel the full support of her peers – she learns that her voice and presence matter. Enjoyment, then is not about constant fun or the absence of challenge. It is about cultivating a community where effort is energised by joy, where belonging enhances bravery, and where learning is infused with vitality. As you read the stories in these pages – from carnivals to camps, from leadership to service – I hope you glimpse what we see each day: a school alive with laughter, courage and connection. In nurturing enjoyment, we are not lowering expectations; we are creating the conditions in which young women thrive. And if occasionally that includes a principal screaming her way down from a giant swing, then I consider that a small price to pay for a community built on joy. Read the February 2026 Edition of At Holme. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

Congratulations to Year 9 student, Mia Geise, on her outstanding performance at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Swimming Championships. Representing Fairholme Aquatics Swim Club, Mia set new personal bests over the holidays in four of her five events and walked away with an impressive haul of medals and records.  Her championship results included: > 4 silver medals in the 12-14 Years Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke > Australian Records in the Open and 13 Years and Under Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke (SB16 Category) > Queensland Multi-Class Records in the Open 100m Breaststroke, Open 50m Backstroke, and 13 Years events across 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly One of the standout moments of the championships was Mia’s qualification for three open finals, where she competed against some of the country’s most experienced swimmers, including two Paralympians and athletes who have represented Australia on the international stage. In elite company, Mia more than held her own, finishing 4th in the 50m Breaststroke, 5th in the 100m Breaststroke, and 6th in the 50m Backstroke. What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is the context behind them. Mia only returned to competitive swimming in December 2024, following an almost three-year break after undergoing her second liver transplant. Her results at this championship are not only a testament to her talent, but to her resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to the sport she loves. Adding to the celebrations, Mia’s coach Michael (Mick) Winton was recognised for his outstanding work at the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Awards, held during the championships. Mick was awarded the 2025 Multi-Class Emerging Championship Coach Award, a well-deserved honour that acknowledges his dedication and leadership in supporting Mia’s development over the past year.

Fairholme Year 10 students Georgie Cussons, Amelia Taylor, Anna Le Lievre and Claire Longmire are making the most of their exciting exchange at Oakham School in the United Kingdom, where they will spend six weeks fully immersed in British school life. From classroom learning and social events to sporting fixtures, the girls have wasted no time settling in and making the most of every opportunity. Also in the UK, Gemma Sullivan has begun an 11-week exchange at Bryanston School, where she is already keeping busy through her involvement in netball and the school’s swim, bike, run team. Cindy Deng is likewise enjoying her time abroad, experiencing the traditions and daily life of Rugby School during her own 11-week exchange. Back at Fairholme, we are delighted to be welcoming international students into our community. Joining us for Term 1 are Sienna Hoffman from Bryanston School and Charlotte Campbell from Rugby School, along with Mei Kawasaki and Rio Usami from Keisen High School in Japan. Each brings a unique perspective to campus life, enriching our classrooms and strengthening the global connections that sit at the heart of the Fairholme exchange program.

We are delighted to welcome Mr Rob Anderson as our new Head of Sport, bringing with him a wealth of experience across teaching, coaching, and sport administration throughout Queensland.

The incredible talent of Year 9 student, Giaan Zammataro, has captured national attention with Giaan announced as the 2025 Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) National Songwriting Competition – Young Songwriter of the Year.