Old Stomping Ground
September 17, 2021
Heavy fog blanketing Daisy Culpin Courtyard on a cold morning, strips of coloured cotton fabric tied to school bags, the spirited tradition of Day Girl versus Boarder at Interhouse Carnivals…
these are the memories vividly and indelibly etched into Jacinta Bury’s mind from her time as a Fairholme girl in the early 2000s.
‘These are the aspects of College life that feels like I only left yesterday,’ Jacinta says. ‘While some parts, of course, have changed in technology, society and the curriculum, the essence of Fairholme remains uncompromised.’
Jacinta returns to the College as a teacher of Psychology, stepping into Mr Stewart Peacock’s shoes as he takes long-service leave.
‘Having experienced the high standard of teaching at the College and stepping into the talented Mr Peacock’s classes in his absence, I wanted to ensure I was bringing my best. The whole staff has been so welcoming and have assisted in making my transition into the College community smooth.’
Jacinta says she has wanted to be a teacher from a young age – in no small part because of the teachers from her time at Fairholme.
‘While at Fairholme, each of my teachers in their own unique way modelled respect, genuine care, and authenticity in their classrooms. There was never a culture of authoritarianism governing the class. These experiences as a student, have no doubt shaped the culture and climate I seek to establish in the classroom.’
Psychology is a relatively new subject at Fairholme, but Jacinta says it is quickly becoming a popular choice amongst the Year 11 and 12 girls.
‘Senior Psychology is a rich and diverse subject, exploring many aspects of individual development and behaviour, identity, health, relationships, and the influence of others. It challenges the girls to think critically and not take information at face value,’ she says. ‘During my first lesson with both the Year 11 and 12 classes, I expressed my envy, as Psychology was not a subject available in the curriculum when I was at school.’
But it was her time as a Boarder that Jacinta remembers so fondly… ‘I still have notes, photographs and items of nostalgia from my time Boarding at Fairholme,’ Jacinta says.
‘I visited the Boarding house while attending the 2014 Spring Fair, which was the weekend of our 10 year reunion. To catch up with Miss Burns and have her still remember our names and where we were from was a testament to the care the staff took in knowing us as individuals. Upon getting to know some of the current Boarding students in my classes, I had to inquire as to whether the giant plate-sized pancakes were still being served on a Saturday morning….’
…They are!
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.
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.
