Ending on a high

For Charlotte Ostwald, her last year in Boarding School is bittersweet.

Head Boarder, Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Ostwald, has wasted no time in making the most of her final year in the MacLaren tartan.

‘It’s been a massive year, but such a rewarding one. Now that we are coming to the end, I have been reminiscing about Fairholme’, says Lottie.

Between Lottie’s dual leadership roles as Head Boarder and Equestrian Captain, being one of Australia’s top ranked Combined Training Equestrian riders, and chasing her aspiring career goals, Lottie is most proud of her work she’s done in the Boarding House to support the wellbeing of her fellow boarding sisters.

‘With the help of the Boarder Prefects, I’ve tried to concentrate on the mental health aspect of Boarding. Being a Boarder is lots of fun most of the time, but it can be very hard sometimes being away from your family. As a Boarder, you have to find new support systems.

‘Through addressing mental health publicly and our Boarders’ gift project, we have focussed on bringing the girls from all grades together. I want each girl to know that they are supported and if they are struggling, they’re not alone and can reach out for help.

‘This year round tables were introduced to the Dining Room to help the girls build connections and foster a sense of belonging. This small change has certainly made a big difference. So much so that mealtimes are now much louder with all the talking.’

While being extremely fulfilling, juggling multiple leadership roles along with her academic and sporting commitments hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Lottie.

‘I’m not the most naturally organised person. I’ve had to really work on improving my time management skills to balance it all. I still feel that I have a long way to go, but challenging myself this year has helped me to improve a lot.’

As we race towards the end of the year and the many lasts for our class of 2024 cohort, Lottie still has so much to look forward to, including her final time competing at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships.

Lottie earnt herself a spot in the Queensland Equestrian team following her achievement of not one, but two Queensland titles in high level classes. She was also acknowledged for her contributions and etiquette, being named as the Senior award winner by the Event Officials.

‘At Nationals, I am competing in my favourite discipline, Combined Training, which involves jumping and dressage. I have in the past done well at Nationals and although I’ll be putting in my best effort, I’m focussing more this time on enjoying my final experience and soaking up the electric atmosphere.

‘I’ve loved being part of Fairholme Equestrian team, particularly as Captain this year. When I first started in Year 7, it was a small team and we’ve all grown together. It’s been great to follow each of the team members’ journeys and the growth of the team.

‘It’s really satisfying seeing the girls’ flourishing and achieving new personal bests. Everyone has worked so hard together as a team, cultivating a really supportive environment where everyone wants to do their best.

‘The team has done so well this year winning the Lorette Wigan Cup for the fourth consecutive year which is awarded to the Champion Equestrian Secondary School at the Interschool Queensland Championships.

‘I am in two minds about my final days at school. I am so excited to move onto a new chapter in my life, however it’s going to be very hard to

say goodbye to Fairholme.

“I will miss seeing my friends every day and it will be sad to farewell the teachers that have helped me so much.

‘Next year I’ll be hanging up the competitive Equestrian reigns for a little while to focus on university. I hope to gain entry to study Law and

Commerce at UQ. I’m thinking I might want to work in Commercial Disputes one day or may be even go into Politics.’

Wherever life’s path ends up taking you Lottie, we’re sure you’ll continue to shine.