News

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.

The beginning of a new school year always carries a particular kind of magic - a blend of anticipation, renewal, and possibility. At Fairholme, this sense of beginning is felt deeply. It is woven into our traditions, our faith, and our shared belief in the potential of every girl who steps onto our campus. As we welcome 2026, that spirit feels especially vibrant. During our staff preparations last week, each staff member selected a single word to guide their approach to the year ahead. Their uplifting words reflect the depth of care, professionalism, and purpose that define the Fairholme team. My word was Optimism. Optimism is not simply a feeling; it is a discipline and a choice. I do not mean a fleeting or naïve optimism, but the steady, Fairholme kind. The kind that grows from gratitude, courage, and the knowledge that we are held by a community that believes in us. Our students have returned to campus with the energy and enthusiasm that make Fairholme feel whole again. To our new students across all year levels, and especially our Year 7s, we extend a warm welcome. Your Fairholme story begins now - a story that will be shaped by friendship, challenge, discovery, and joy. And to our 229 boarders, including those who have travelled from across Queensland, interstate, and overseas, we are so glad you are here. The boarding community remains at the heart of our college, enriching us with perspectives and experiences that strengthen the fabric of who we are. The holidays also brought extraordinary opportunities for some of our girls, including those who travelled to Cambodia as part of our service and cultural immersion program. Their experiences - from working alongside local communities to learning about Cambodia’s history and resilience - reflect the values we hold dear: compassion, service, and global awareness. Their stories have already begun to inspire others, reminding us that learning extends far beyond the classroom. We also celebrate the outstanding ATAR and QCE results achieved by our 2025 graduates. Their success is a testament to their hard work, the dedication of their teachers, and the unwavering support of their families. It is also a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are encouraged to strive, to question, and to believe in their own capacity. We welcomed many of these Old Girls back to campus this term at our Commencement Assembly as we recognise their scholarly achievements - a moment of pride for them, their families, and the entire Fairholme community. The physical landscape of our college has also embraced the spirit of new beginnings. Over the holidays, our new C Block was installed - a remarkable feat that saw a tired three classroom building replaced with a modern, double storey learning space featuring six classrooms and two staff rooms. Watching the new structure being craned into place was a moment of awe and excitement, symbolising our commitment to providing contemporary environments for our girls. With new technology, fresh spaces, and thoughtful design, C Block stands as a tangible expression of our optimism for the future. Our recent MMG survey results further affirmed the strength of our community. Families and students from Years 6, 9, and 12 provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly in areas such as academic programs, wellbeing, boarding, communication, and overall satisfaction. Parents highlighted our strong sense of community, supportive staff, and the quality of educational opportunities. Students spoke of their friendships, their teachers, and the positive learning environment for which Fairholme is known. We are humbled by this feedback and grateful for the trust placed in us. It will continue to guide our planning as we shape the next chapter of our college. This semester marks the beginning of our work on Fairholme’s new Strategic Plan - an exciting opportunity to dream boldly and think deeply about the future. This process invites us to honour our heritage while preparing our girls for a rapidly changing world. It fills us with optimism because we know that when this community comes together with purpose, extraordinary things happen. As we step into 2026, we do so with optimism in our hearts and purpose in our steps. May this year be marked by growth, grace, and the unmistakable spirit of Fairholme - a spirit defined by courage, connection, and extraordinary possibility. Welcome to a new year at Fairholme. A year of beginnings. A year of hope. A year of optimism. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

It has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication of our students, staff and families who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow. There are many memories from this term in my first year that will linger for a time to come. The Year 6 Graduation was a beautiful celebration of our Junior School girls stepping confidently into the next chapter of their educational journey. Their music and presentation reflected maturity beyond their years and their enthusiasm about what is to come was infectious. Similarly, the Junior School Presentation Assembly showcased the incredible talent and effort of younger students. These awards remind us that success comes in many forms. At the other end of the spectrum, our Year 12 external exams ended with our glorious Valedictory dinner and assembly honouring the graduating class of 2025. These young women have left an indelible and positive mark on our school. Their leadership and camaraderie went beyond being known as our 100%ers and we know they will continue to shine brightly in their chosen paths. Beyond the classroom, our students have embraced opportunities to challenge themselves and excel. This year, our team garnered national recognition in the Future Anything showcase, where their innovative ideas placed them among the country’s best young entrepreneurs. Likewise, our Junior School Lego League newcomers impressed everyone with their creativity, research and problem-solving skills, proving that age is no barrier to innovation. Sporting achievements this month were equally inspiring. Eden Broksch claimed the title of State Tetrathlon Champion for her age bracket – a feat that speaks to determination and versatility. These successes remind us that education is not confined to textbooks. It flourishes on sports field, stages and in collaborative spaces where passion meets perseverance. The November edition of At Holme is brimming with stories that reflect the heart and soul of our community. You will read about our amazing Mrs Nichol, whose dedication to our youngest Kindy students earned her the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Apple Award. She is a shining example of the impact great educators have on young lives. Miranda Mann, our Head Boarder, shares insights into the unique experience of living and learning on campus, offering a glimpse into the bonds that make boarding life so special. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named Lion’s Youth of the Year for the Wilsonton club, a recognition of leadership and service that embodies our school values. These individual achievements, alongside team triumphs, weave a narrative of excellence that is both humbling and inspiring. What makes these accomplishments truly meaningful is the sense of community that underpins them. Parents, teacher and friends have all played a role in nurturing talent and encouraging ambition. Whether cheering from the sidelines, guiding through challenges, or simply offering words of support, our collective efforts have created an environment where every student can burn yet flourish. As we close the chapter on 2025, on behalf of the entire staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, Old Girls and broader community for your unwavering support and partnership. It is through value of collaboration that we continue to build Fairholme as a school where character is nurtured alongside a commitment to excellence in whatever we do. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and restful summer break, as the festive season approaches. May this holiday bring time for relaxation, laughter and connection with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready to embrace fresh opportunities and challenges with the same spirit that has made 2025 so memorable. Here is to a bright and exciting 2026! Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

As we welcome a new year, 2026 Head Boarder Miranda Mann talks about her ambition for her time in the role, reflects on her formative years and looks to what the future holds beyond the tartan. Miranda represents the sixth-generation of cattle graziers from Hillgrove Station, north of Charters Towers. With a deep connection to the land and a heart full of compassion, Miranda brings a grounded, inclusive, and community-focused ideal to the Head Boarder role in 2026. Beginning at Fairholme in Year 7, when she first arrived from her family’s historic Brahman cattle station, established in 1861, before the founding of Townsville. The transition from rural life to boarding school was significant, but it was the unwavering support of her fellow boarders and the dedicated boarding staff that helped her find her place. “An experience that has shaped me to who I am today is the support I received from fellow boarders and staff during tough times,” Miranda reflects. “It’s a great feeling when you know the people around you care for you and want you to succeed. That drives me to do the same for others, because the impact can be significant.” As Head Boarder, Miranda is most excited about working closely with students and staff throughout the year, especially during key events that bring the community together. “I want to make the most of my time left at Fairholme, it’s going to fly by,” she says. “My goal is to leave an everlasting impact by building a more connected and respectful boarding environment. I want every girl to feel comfortable and to enjoy the boarding space even more than they do now.” Miranda’s hope is that her leadership style is rooted in empathy and action. She encourages younger boarders to embrace every opportunity: “Get involved with others and join in on activities around the boarding house, even something as simple as a game of touch. It really makes the term more enjoyable and creates everlasting memories. And don’t be afraid to try new extracurriculars, even if you haven’t done them before.” With her strong sense of community, deep appreciation for her roots, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, Miranda Mann is set to make 2026 a memorable and meaningful year for the Fairholme boarding family.

Friendship, connection, and a beautiful handover afternoon tea. At the beginning of this year, our Boarding Wellbeing Audit highlighted one message loud and clear: strong peer support is one of the most powerful influences on boarder wellbeing. In response, we set out with intention to strengthen and expand the ways our older girls walk beside and uplift our younger ones. In Term 2, we introduced our Middle Sisters program: a group of dedicated Year 11 Boarders who stepped in to support our Year 7s as the Year 12 academic demands increased. Over the past three terms, the Year 7s and Year 11s have shared plenty of laughs, chats, and practical support, building bonds that have enriched daily boarding life. Wanting our Year 8s to experience the same connection, we extended the initiative to include Year 10 Boarders who were interested to take on a similar role. This group has done a wonderful job running relaxed, group-style mentoring over shared dinners—something the Year 8s have thoroughly enjoyed. A big thank you to Year 11 Boarder, Bella Quinn, who has taken the lead in organising our next group of peer mentors. She has brought together our current Year 9s, who will step into mentoring roles in 2026, supporting today’s Year 7s as they move into Year 8, continuing the cycle of connection and care. Bella hosted a lovely afternoon tea to mark the handover. It was a chance for our Year 11 Middle Sisters to introduce their Year 7s to the new Year 9 mentors who will walk alongside them next year. The Cameron Room was filled with chatter, laughter and the beginnings of friendships that will carry through many years of boarding life. It was a reminder of what makes our community so special: girls supporting girls, encouraging one another, and finding strength in connection.

Fairholme Year 6 student, Eden Broksch, has once again shown her incredible talent and determination, taking out the State Championship title in the Tetrathlon for the second consecutive year. Competing at the Queensland Representative School Sport State Track and Field Championships in Townsville, Eden shone across all four Tetrathlon events: 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put and 800m. The competition, held over two days, began with the 100m and Long Jump. Eden admits the first day didn’t quite go to plan. ‘At the end of the first day, I was in about 12th place,’ she shared. But day two brought a remarkable turnaround. After a strong Shot Put performance, she surged up the leaderboard. ‘After the Shot Put, I moved up to fourth place. I was pretty confident I could place in the top three if I finished with a good run in the 800m,’ she said. What followed was a determined and inspiring final effort. Eden ran her heart out in the 800m — her favourite event and that final burst was enough to secure the overall win. ‘I ran a personal best time in the 800m and ended up winning overall by just a couple of points,’ she explained, smiling. This victory also means Eden will once again don the maroon colours, earning her place on the Queensland team for the second year in a row. ‘It feels so good,’ she said. ‘I love going away with the team, it’s so much fun and one of my best friends is also going too, which makes it really enjoyable to share the experience.’ In the lead-up to nationals, Eden has been training with enormous commitment and energy. ‘I’m running usually five days a week, two throws training sessions, two long jump sessions and I also play touch football,’ she explained. Shot Put and the 800m remain her favourite events, but her love for combined disciplines continues to grow. She’s already looking ahead to the future. ‘I love competing in the combined events. I don’t just have to focus on only one event, I can do multiple. I hope to move from the tetrathlon to the heptathlon when I’m old enough.’ Eden is also a true all-round athlete. This year alone, she has represented Darling Downs in Orienteering and both Queensland and Darling Downs in Cross Country, all while representing Fairholme in touch football, netball and gymnastics as well. Her passion for sport extends beyond competition — she treasures the friendships she has forged along the way. ‘I’ve made lots of great friends through athletics from all over,’ she said. As Eden prepares for the School Sport Australia National Championships in Canberra at the end of the month, her goals are clear. ‘I want to improve on last year’s score and achieve another personal best in the 800m.’ Congratulations, Eden! Fairholme is incredibly proud of your grit, talent and wonderful attitude. We’ll be cheering you on as you take on the national stage once again.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our extraordinary Fairholme Kindy Teacher, Mrs Sonya Nicol, who has been recognised as one of Australia’s most outstanding educators in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA). Sonya was announced as a 2025 NEiTA Apple Award Winner for Primary – one of only two primary educators across Australia and New Zealand to receive this prestigious honour. With more than three decades of teaching experience, Sonya still steps into the Kindy classroom each day with the energy, creativity, and passion of a first-year teacher. NEiTA says 'Sonya’s love for early childhood education is simply unmatched, and the impact she has made on generations of students, families, and colleagues is extraordinary,' and we couldn’t agree more. ‘I’m still in a state of disbelief and shock, however, I am humbled and honoured to receive a National Excellence in Teaching Award,’ Sonya said. ‘There are so many brilliant teachers out there doing an amazing job. It’s absolutely wonderful to be recognised. ‘For me, teaching is not a thankless profession. I have the opportunity to watch children progress, change, and develop as they progress through Fairholme.’ NEiTA Foundation Chairperson Catherine O’Sullivan said educators like Sonya illustrate the power of exceptional teaching. ‘Sonya is a talented, passionate, and a life-changing force in education,’ Catherine said. ‘As an extraordinary teacher, Sonya is leaving a lasting mark on the lives of countless students. ‘The Fairholme College community is strengthened, courtesy of Sonya’s ability to motivate, educate, and inspire the next generation of young minds. Sonya’s achievement is not only a celebration of her remarkable career, but also a reflection of the heart, dedication, and excellence she brings to Fairholme each and every day. We are immensely grateful for the joy and inspiration she shares with our youngest learners, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her talent recognised on a national stage. Congratulations, Sonya, this honour is so richly deserved.

Our Year 12 Visual Artists achieved outstanding success in the 2025 Creative Generation Excellence Awards and were recognised at the Official Opening of the DDSWQ Regional Exhibition. Congratulations to the girls on their outstanding achievements: > Certificate of Excellence Award – Bron Francis, ‘Choose your path’. Bron’s work will be exhibited at QAGOMA in 2026 as part of the State’s Central Exhibition – an incredible honour! > Regional Encouragement Award – Amelia Bryant-Peterson, ‘Perspectivae Culturales de Morte’ (cultural perspectives about death) > Certificate of Commendation Award – Indianna Hitchcock, ‘Omnia ad Initium Redeunt’ (Everything Returns to the Beginning) > Certificate of Participation Award – Yas Lethbridge, ‘Perceived Façades, Assumed Expectations and Underlying Realities’ This year, from almost 500 submissions across 168 schools in Queensland, only 150 works were shortlisted, with just 40 Excellence winners (including 2 from the DDSWQ region) and 8 Regional Encouragement awardees.  The DDSWQ Regional Exhibition is on display at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery until 16 November – we encourage you to visit and view these inspiring works.