Holme away from home

September 10, 2024

For Year 7 Boarder, Audrey Colville, just getting from her home on Groote Eylandt to Fairholme is an adventure in itself.

Fairholme College is not just a school; it’s a second home for girls who come from far and wide, seeking an education that is as enriching as it is welcoming. Our Boarding family is a vibrant mix of students hailing from across Australia and even beyond, each bringing their unique backgrounds, lifestyles, and communities into the fold of the Fairholme community. 


One such student is Audrey Colville, a Year 7 Boarder who embarks on quite a journey to reach school each term. 


Audrey’s home is on Groote Eylandt, a small, remote island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which she calculates is “2,182 kilometres” from Toowoomba.


Describing her island home, Audrey shared, “It’s very remote, with a couple of little shops, and then lots of beaches.”


Her trip to Fairholme involves two flights—from Groote to Cairns, then Cairns to Brisbane—followed by a drive to Toowoomba.


Audrey’s family chose Fairholme College after hearing about it from a close family friend, and so far, she’s thrilled with the decision. When asked about her favourite part of being at Fairholme, Audrey quickly responded, “Having all the friends and the opportunities.”


Before moving to Groote Eylandt, Audrey lived in Tasmania and Sydney, but she now enjoys the outdoor life on the island, where she spends her time “fishing and camping.” Groote Eylandt is a “traditional place,” she explained, where people engage in activities like “spear making” and exploring “bush tracks and water holes.”


While life in Toowoomba is vastly different, Audrey says she “loves the cold” and enjoys weekends either “going out with some daygirl friends” or spending time with her boarder friends at school.


Since arriving at Fairholme, Audrey has quickly embraced the many extracurricular activities the school offers, including “netball, swimming, horse riding, speed, power, strength, and choir.”


These opportunities, available to all students, provide a fantastic way for both boarders and day girls to connect, make friends, and pursue their passions.


Despite her enthusiasm for Fairholme, Audrey admits that homesickness has been a challenge. “This term it’s definitely better,” she said, noting how the close-knit community of the boarding house has helped her adjust. Audrey’s favourite part of boarding? The friendships she’s made, with girls from places like Julia Creek and Alice Springs.


Fairholme College is fortunate to have boarders from diverse backgrounds who form such an integral and unique component of our community. They contribute to the dynamic environment that makes our school a true ‘holme away from home.’


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