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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.

It was a huge holiday for our Equestrian State Representatives, who took to the arena at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships. The team’s hard work and dedication paid off, with Hayley Richter (2nd), Kate Frith (3rd) and Ruby Hooper (3rd) achieving incredible top three placings among the nation’s best young riders. Adding to the excitement, Ruby enjoyed a star-studded moment meeting Olympic Showjumpers Hillary Scott and Vicki Roycroft, along with Olympic Eventers Stuart Tinney and Shane Rose. We’re so proud of all our riders for representing Fairholme with such skill and spirit. Check out the full list of results below. Combined Training Hayley Richter: Secondary CT95cm – 2nd Overall Kate Frith: Secondary CT2* – 3rd Overall Dressage Hayley Richter: Int. Novice 2.2/2.3 – 12th Overall Lucy Doolin: Int. Novice 2.2/2.3 – 14th Overall Bella Ostwald: Sec. Medium 4.2/4.3 – 8th Overall Bella Ostwald: Sec. Advanced 5.2/5.3 – 9th Overall Eventing Jemima Southwood: EV. 95cm – 6th Overall Gracie Bunker: EV. 80cm – 22nd Overall Show Horse Ruby Hooper: Int. Working Hunter 65cm – 3rd Overall Show Jumping Lucy Doolin: Int. 90cm – 5th Overall Hayley Richter: Int. 90cm – 15th Overall Addy Gilbert: Sec. 90cm – 9th Overall Geneva Searle: Sec. 100cm – 5th Overall 

It was a special day for our Cadets involved in the Toowoomba Grammar School Cadet Unit Annual March Out Parade. Congratulations to our Year 12 students, Brooke Hurford and Kate Lindenmayer, who were presented with the TGS Parents and Friends’ Service to Cadets Awards. Kate was also awarded the MAJ G.E. Ainsbury Award for Best Senior NCO and the Dickinson Trophy for best shot WTSS, while Brooke received the Patron’s Award for Exceptional Dedication of Service to the Unit. Ruby Lucht (Year 8) received the Ron Culliford Memorial Award for Most Promising First Year Cadet and Year 9 student Kate Carrigan was awarded the WO1 Walter John Davies Memorial Shield for Best Second Year Cadet. Well done girls on these exceptional achievements!

After three years of dedication, discovery, and adventure, Year 11 student Rori Zimmerman, Fairholme’s first Duke of Edinburgh International Award Gold-level recipient, reflects proudly on a journey that has challenged her, connected her with others, and taught her valuable life skills along the way. ‘The Duke of Ed has four sections,’ Rori explains. ‘You have to do a skill, a physical recreation, a voluntary service, and Adventurous Journeys. For me, my skill has been piano, my sport has been netball, and my service has included a mix of different things – from Homework Help tutoring and aged care service to, this year, serving as a Boarding Prefect.’ Each level of the Award – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – demands greater commitment and responsibility. ‘You need to dedicate at least an hour a week to each area. Bronze runs for 13 weeks, Silver for 26, and Gold for 52. It’s a real test of consistency.’ The Gold level also requires a Residential Project, where participants spend 10 days in a foreign environment, giving back to a community. For Rori that opportunity came through the College’s Cambodia trip with RAW Impact. Of all the components, however, the Adventurous Journeys stand out as both the most challenging and the most transformative. ‘For Bronze, it’s a one-day, two-night hike; for Silver, two nights and three days; and for Gold, three nights and four days.’ ‘You’re out in the middle of nowhere with your maps, a leader, and everything you need on your back. It’s tough, but it’s where I’ve learnt the most about myself.’ She laughs as she recalls some of those moments of endurance. ‘There were definitely times I didn’t want to keep going, but that’s where I’ve learnt not to give up when things get hard. I’ve also learnt skills that not many young people have these days, like reading a map and using a compass when there’s no phone service or Google Maps. It’s pretty cool to be able to say I can do that!’ Her Gold Adventurous Journeys were conducted through PCYC Gold Coast, where she had the chance to meet students from other schools. ‘I’ve made a really good friend from St Margaret’s. We went on our first Gold hike together on the Sunshine Coast Great Walk and bonded straight away. We then did our second Gold hike together at Maroon Dam during the holidays. The terrain was really challenging, but it was so rewarding.’ Reflecting on her experience, Rori encourages other Fairholme students t o give the Duke of Edinburgh program a go. ‘I already did a lot of the activities that are part of the program, so it’s great to get recognition for the things I was already involved in,’ she says. ‘But beyond that, it’s a fantastic way to try new things, meet people, and learn life skills. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you want to push yourself and gain global recognition for your efforts. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a globally recognised framework for non-formal education, used by schools and community organisations for more than 60 years to celebrate the personal growth and achievements of young people. As Fairholme’s first Gold Award recipient, Rori has set a high standard and opened the door for many others to follow in her footsteps. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact Fairholme’s Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator, Mr Peyton for more information.

Senior student, Mackenzi Shefe, represents Fairholme - and Australia - on an American tour with Sports Travel Australia. During the Term 3 school holidays, Year 12 student, Mackenzi Schefe, was invited on an American tour with Sports Travel Australia to c ompete in multiple cross country races against athletes from American high schools and colleges. The opportunity came unexpectedly, delivered in an envelope from her Holme Group teacher, Mrs Anderson, recognising Mackenzi’s previous achievements and inviting her to represent Australia on the international stage. Mackenzi travelled with the Sports Travel Australia team and competed in three major races, each offering a unique challenge and atmosphere. Her first race was the Music Mountain Invitational Cross Country, where she placed 2nd in a large and competitive field. The second race was the Vegas Elite Twilight Invitational, held at late in the evening, 10.20pm, under a canopy of fairy lights, where she placed 4th. The final race was the Thunderbird Invitational Varsity, where she secured 3rd place. Thanks to her strong track record, Mackenzi was placed in the elite race category, giving her the chance to test herself against some of the best young athletes from both America and Australia. Reflecting on the experience, Mackenzi shared that one of the biggest lessons she learned was the importance of adaptability. Competing in unfamiliar environments, including desert terrain and in night conditions, pushed her out of her comfort zone and taught her to stay focused no matter what challenges arose. The tour has only strengthened Mackenzi’s passion for cross country. With her sights set on future representative teams, she’s more motivated than ever to continue competing and improving. Her journey is a powerful example of where dedication and opportunity can lead for those willing to take it on.

Fairholme College is celebrating the success of three talented students, Mia Hall, Helen Yong, and Abigail Walker, who have been awarded Empire Theatre Foundation Y outh Bursaries for 2025. These bursaries provide young performers with access to professional development opportunities at leading Australian performing arts institutions. The Empire Theatre Foundation Youth Bursaries program supports students who demonstrate excellence and commitment across a range of disciplines, including dance, acting, instrumental music, singing, music theatre, and film and television. The program enables recipients to attend intensive short courses designed to elevate their skills and broaden their industry experience. Mia Hall, a Year 10 student, received her bursary for Dance and will attend the renowned Conroy School of Dance. For Mia the bursary means an opportunity to explore new styles of dance and work with many different choreographers in an unfamiliar environment. “It will help me grow as a dancer, gain insights into the industry, and transition from an enthusiastic student into a pre-professional dancer. The bursary also helps with tuition fees, allowing me to access top-tier training and expand my professional network,” Mia said. Helen Yong, also in Year 10, was awarded a bursary for her achievements as a violinist. Having played since the age of eight, Helen is excited to participate in a national music program. “I’m looking forward to learning from and connecting with other musicians across Australia to expand my skills,” she shared. Abigail Walker, a talented trumpet player in Year 7, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity. “Going through the application process and panel interviews was a valuable experience,” she said. “Receiving this bursary is something I’m keen to make the most of.” These achievements reflect not only the students’ dedication and talent but also the strength of the Fairholme Arts programs, which continue to nurture and inspire young creatives. As these students prepare to take the next steps in their artistic journeys, their success serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of opportunity, mentorship, and the transformative power of the arts.

As we approach the final weeks of the 2025 school year, I find myself reflecting on the strength and spirit of our school community – one that continues to be shaped by the values of faith, respect, joy, collaboration and excellence. These are not just words we teach in classrooms; they are lived experiences, woven into the fabric of our school culture and reflected in the actions of our students, staff and families. This past month has been a powerful reminder of what is means to belong to a community that values both tradition and progress. Our annual Presenting Fairholme was a celebration of academic excellence, leadership and service. It was heartening to see so many families gathered to honour the achievements of our students and to hear from our special guest speaker Tarryn Sorour (OG 2020), who reminded us of the importance of purpose and resilience in all that we do. Equally inspiring was our 2026 Leaders Induction, where we welcomed our new cohort of student leaders, led by Bronte Callachor, Miranda Mann and Alexandra Edwards. These young women have already demonstrated a deep commitment to their peers and to the broader school community. Their willingness to serve, to listen and to lead with empathy fills me with great confidence in the future of this beautiful College. Another highlight was our Spring Fair, complete with Fashion Parade, and held under clear blue skies and the gentle warmth of early spring. The wonderful weather seemed to mirror the joy and connection felt by all who attended. Families, students, staff and members of the wider community came together in a celebration that truly embodied our country values – hospitality, togetherness and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. A particularly special part of the day was welcoming back our Old Girls, whose reunions added a rich l ayer of history and belonging to the event. After catching up with some from the class of 1995 in our beautifully refurbished FOGA Foyer, their stories, laughter and continued connection to the school reminded me that community is not just about the present – it is about honouring the past and nurturing lifelong ties. From the vibrant stalls and student performances to the shared moments over homemade treats, the day was a vivid reminder of the strength of our community and importance of nurturing relationships. It was more than just a school event – it was a reflection of who we are and the values for which we stand. In the spirit of recognising excellence, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding student achievements, discussed further in this edition: The Fairholme Equestrian team’s hard work and dedication paid off with three of our riders achieving top three placings among the nation’s best young riders at the Interschool Equestrian Championships. Numerous other accolades were achieved from our incredible equestriennes. Our Visual Arts students continue to impress, with three of our young ladies receiving awards for the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art program. Bron Francis will have her work displayed in the Gallery of Modern Art as part of a statewide exhibit, after winning an Excellence Award. Rory Zimmerman completing a significant milestone in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, demonstrating perseverance and leadership through adventurous journeys and community service. Mia Hall, Helen Young and Abigail Walker have received a bursary from the Empire Theatre, recognising their talent and dedication to the performing arts. And in a remarkable achievement, Mackenzi Schefe travelled to the USA with Sports Travel Australia to compete in multiple Cross-Country races. These accomplishments are not just personal triumphs – they are reflections of the values we hold dear. They show us what is possible when young people are supported by a community that believes in them. Looking ahead, we remain focused on nurturing a culture where every student feels seen, heard and valued. As our Seniors prepare and engage in their external exams, we are reminded that academic success is just one part of a much broader journey. Education, at its heart, is about building character, fostering curiosity and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. While we support our student in achieving their best academically, we also continue to prioritise their wellbeing, personal growth and sense of purpose – ensuring they leave our school not only well-educated, but well prepared for life. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal