Mapped for Success
August 1, 2025
How Alexandra Edwards’ love of Orienteering took her from school PE to the forests of Europe.
What began as a fun lesson in primary school PE has transformed into an international adventure for Year 11 student Alexandra Edwards, whose passion for Orienteering has taken her from local parks to the forests of Europe.
We caught up with her fresh from competing at the European Youth Orienteering Championships (EYOC) to find out more about her remarkable
journey, her training, and why she believes Orienteering is the perfect sport for anyone who loves a challenge.
‘We did Orienteering in PE in Grade 3/4 and I thought it was so much fun,’ Alex recalls. ‘So, in Grade 5 I trialled for the Darling Downs team and managed to win the Sprint at the Queensland Schools Champs later that year.’ By Grade 7, Alex had earned her first Queensland representative spot. What started as ‘just another fun sport alongside tennis and netball’ soon grew into something much bigger.
Selection for the EYOC team to compete in the Czech Republic was no small feat. ‘All of our national results from the past few months were looked at, like the national league rounds in Newcastle and Bendigo, and our Australian ranking,” she explains. Currently ranked 6th in Australia for Women 20 & Under and 3rd for 18 & Under, her consistent results secured her spot.
This wasn’t her first time wearing the green and gold either. Earlier in the year, Alex represented Australia at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand, her first taste of international competition in stunning pine forest and sand dune terrain. The EYOC experience, held in
Czechia, was about far more than just competition. ‘It was so great to experience the atmosphere at such a big international carnival!’ she says. One teammate’s impressive 4th place in the sprint was a shared moment of pride for the whole squad.
And then there’s the cherished end-of event tradition – swapping running shirts with athletes from other countries. ‘I swapped one of my Australian tops for an Austrian top and also managed to get a German and Spanish shirt, a Denmark singlet, and an Irish jumper,’ she laughs. ‘It’s such a fun way to remember the friendships you make.’
In the lead-up to major events, Alex’s training routine balances physical endurance and mental strategy: one long run, an interval run, an easy run, and weekend competitions, plus strength sessions at the gym. ‘I’m still doing tennis three times a week too for extra fitness and fun!’ she adds. And before EYOC, four days of events in Austria helped her adjust to new terrain.
For Alex, Orienteering’s appeal is endless. ‘Firstly, I’ve been lucky to visit the most amazing places. Every run is a new challenge because no map or area is ever the same.’ But the sport’s real heart lies in its people. ‘Everyone is so incredibly friendly. I’ve met some of my best friends through Orienteering and friends from around the world too.’ Beyond friendships and travel, Orienteering teaches valuable life skills such as perseverance, grit, and problem-solving.
‘It’s not just about being the fastest. It’s a mental and physical challenge, and there really is something for everyone. Some people are better at sprints in urban areas, whereas others are better at longer courses in forest areas. And you don’t even have to compete if you don’t want to! A lovely bushwalk with friends on an easier course is always a nice thing to do on your weekend.’
The coming months are going to be very busy for Alex. After the Queensland Schools Championships, she has her sights set on the Australian Nationals in September. And her longer term dream? ‘I’d love to make the Australian team for Junior World Champs (20 & U) in the next few years. Next year is in Sweden, which would be an amazing experience.’
Wherever the compass points next, there’s no doubt Alex’s love of Orienteering will keep guiding her through many more adventures.
More News…
One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.
Inspiring, imaginative and the ultimate celebration of creativity, the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival trip was one to remember for our Year 11 and 12 Fashion Students. Across three inspiring days, students immersed themselves in world-class design, bold artistic expression and the evolving future of fashion. Students explored the joyful and imaginative ‘Let’s Party’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Drawing from the gallery’s renowned Fashion & Textiles Collection, the showcase celebrated playful accessories, inventive silhouettes and the expressive power of dressing up. Seeing fashion presented within a fine-art context proved eye-opening. Pieces were bold, theatrical and delightfully unexpected, encouraging students to view clothing not just as garments, but as creative statements. The visit also included a stunning display of works by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Her fearless use of colour, texture and form captivated the group, offering a masterclass in how fashion can challenge conventions while remaining unmistakably beautiful. In a powerful celebration of women in the arts, students next explored the dazzling Diva collection at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The exhibition featured breathtaking costumes worn by icons including Cher and Cate Blanchett. A tram ride to Lygon Street brought a shift in focus from glamour to responsibility at MIND: The Regenerative Fashion Store, which returned for an exclusive three-day appearance as part of the festival. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented, the space encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textiles. The visit highlighted an important message that fashion isn’t just about what’s trending on the runway, it’s about responsibility, sustainability and investing in the future. Of course, no Melbourne Fashion Festival experience would be complete without the runway, and our students were treated to some breathtaking productions. Between inspiring exhibitions and runway moments, the experience was rich with creativity, individuality and discovery. The students have returned buzzing with ideas and inspiration, ready to channel what they had seen in their own creative work. Heartfelt thanks go to our Fashion staff for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.
