Reflection
November 8, 2022
My Name is Katie McGrath and home for me is 900km from Toowoomba. I come from a cattle and sheep station 160km North-West of Bourke in NSW and I started boarding in grade 7 in 2017.
I completed my primary school years through Bourke- Walgett School of Distance Education and I had two older brothers who went to Toowoomba Grammar so growing up I was always set on coming to Fairholme. It came to the point where I actually refused to even look at other schools, and to be honest I have no idea why I was so determined. I didn’t have a sister or a family member that came to Fairholme it was just the place I wanted to go to and that was just that, such an eager 11-year-old. My eldest brother came away to boarding school in 2009, so I’ve been travelling to Toowoomba for many years now and every time I saw a Fairholme Panama or the senior jersey a little more excitement grew inside of me.
Well as I said before 2017 was the start of my journey and the final leg for my parents. I remember waking up the morning of my first day in Term 1. I was so nervous about if my badges were on the right way (I still sometimes have to double check) and whether I was going to scrunch my summer socks or fold them over. Well I folded them, and I have folded them everyday day since then. It was a decision I had to make, and I made it even if I wasn’t sure if was the best way to do it. It would be a similar feeling to how some of you might be feeling right now. You want to make the best decision for you daughters to allow them to have the best opportunities and education. There is always going to be second guessing but eventually you just make the decision, and head ups the decision to choose Fairholme is the right one.
I was keen to come away, but (yes there’s always a but) I would be lying if there weren’t times where I was very homesick. The phone calls to mum where I would cry for her not to hang up. It’s the times like this where even writing this speech I’ve filled with tears. In my younger years the day before driving back each term I would sit with my parents/ brothers and just cry, these were the hard days. But reminiscing on these memories it wasn’t always because I didn’t want to come back, it was that I didn’t want to leave home.
As every time I would walk into my new room and be greeted by all the other girls, there was just an instant smile and reassurance that it was going to be okay. I am now 18 and in year 12 and I must admit I definitely still have these moments. I still sometimes call mum twice a day… or share some tears when saying goodbye but it’s these moments I am surprisingly grateful for. The bond between boarders and their parents grows stronger with every goodbye and the sight of every approved end of term leave request.
My time at Fairholme is something that I will be forever grateful for, the memories and friendships I have made are truly amazing. There is a saying that the little things mean the most in life and being a boarder it’s the little things that have made my last (nearly) 6 years the best with every Friday movie night, Sunday Raw energy walk and Wednesday Milo night.
As I stand here reaching my home stretch for my Fairholme Journey my advice would be to all new parents and to their daughters:
- Have faith (this is something my mum always told me, have faith that that everything will be okay, it always is)
- Homesickness is normal (it is tough but there is endless support within boarding, it is different for every girl but eventually they will feel at home and you as parents might feel a bit more at ease)
- Encourage your daughter to try as many things if possible, like sport, music. Having distractions like lessons and trainings really help with homesickness but also to meet new people and form those friendships.
- Lastly, believe it or not the time truly does fly by, so when possible enjoy every moment, because soon enough your little girl will be in year 12 and getting ready to leave and all they’ll want to do is to stay (it’s funny how things change).
Before I came, I had never stepped into a classroom, played in a team sport or ever imagined being surrounding by so many amazing friends and teachers, but Fairholme gave me these opportunities. I have no doubt that your daughter will love her boarding experiences like I have. I’m so grateful to be able to call this place my second home and I will honestly miss it when I leave.
More News
As we return from the Easter season and settle into the rhythm of Term 2, our community is reminded of the hope and renewal that sit at the heart of our Christian story. Easter invites us to centre ourselves once again in Christ - His example, His teachings, and His call to live with courage, grace, and compassion. At Fairholme, our value of Christ-centred Faith continues to shape how we learn, how we lead, and how we care for one another. It is also a fitting lens through which to view the many moments of joy, achievement, and connection captured in this edition of our newsletter. The start of this term has been filled with energy and purpose. For me, it marks a personal milestone as well: having completed my first full year as Principal, I now step into my second with deep gratitude for the trust, honesty, and partnership shown by students, staff, families, and Old Girls. Over recent months, we have been working together to shape Fairholme’s next chapter through the development of our new strategic plan. The thoughtful and aspirational insights shared have been grounded in a genuine love for this school and have been invaluable. I am delighted to share that this plan will be launched in Term 3, setting a bold and exciting direction for our future. This edition of At Holme reflects the vibrancy of our community. On the last night of Term 1, our Year 12 Formal was a highlight, with the girls looking stunning and carrying themselves with confidence, warmth, and genuine joy. The soiree with parents was a beautiful reminder of the strong relationships that underpin the Fairholme experience. These are the moments where our values become visible - not only in celebration, but in the way we honour one another, show gratitude, and build memories that will stay with us long after the evening ends. This week we also paused to reflect on ANZAC Day, a solemn and significant moment in our national life. Our Cadets, in partnership with Toowoomba Grammar School, represented Fairholme with dignity and respect, embodying values of service, sacrifice, and humility. Our own commemorations on campus invited us to consider how compassion can be expressed through courage and a commitment to peace. These ceremonies remind us of the importance of remembering well and living with purpose. We were also proudly represented by our boarders, Head Girls and cadets at community commemorations. In this issue, you will also find a timely wellness article from our fantastic Social Worker, Cassie Walton, offering encouragement for navigating the ups and downs of a busy Term Two. School life is full and dynamic, and it is important that we extend compassion not only outward but inward - recognising when we need rest, connection, or support. I am grateful for the expertise and care our wellbeing team brings to our community, ensuring that every student and family feels held and supported. It is very much a part of the Fairholme spirit and often recognised by visitors and our community alike. We are also delighted to celebrate our ten-year anniversary of FACETs, our much loved Art Show. This year’s specially jewelled theme reflects the creativity and imagination that shine so brightly within our community. Art has a unique way of helping us see the world differently, inviting us to appreciate beauty, express emotion, and understand one another more deeply. I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to purchase your tickets to our gala Opening Night – not only to gain a sneak peek (and maybe an early purchase!) of the beautiful artworks exhibited, but to join our community in celebration. And of course, we acknowledge the remarkable achievements of our Year 8 national champion in discus and shot put, Emily Carrigan. Her dedication, humility, and perseverance are an inspiration to us all. Sporting excellence at Fairholme is never just about results; it is about character, discipline, and the joy of striving for personal bests. As we journey further into Term 2, there is a genuine sense of momentum building across the College. With our new strategic plan set for launch in Term 3, we are stepping into an exciting chapter - one shaped by the voices of our students, staff, families, and Old Girls. The months ahead will bring opportunities to grow, to celebrate, and to continue strengthening the connections that make Fairholme such a vibrant and supportive place to be.
Tell us a bit about your background in sport and education? I was lucky enough to have amazing Health and Physical Education teachers, both in primary school and high school, which lead me to a career in teaching. I studied at QUT, then headed out to Wandoan State School P-10 for my first teaching position. I worked as the HPE Teacher and Sports Co-ordinator out there for four years, before making the move to Toowoomba where I have enjoyed teaching at Centenary Heights SHS, Downlands College and now, Fairholme College! What sports did you enjoy most growing up? I grew up in the small town of Chinchilla, so as most smalltown-kids do, I played them all! I loved having a go at any sport that was on offer, but particularly loved playing Touch Football for the Chinchilla Comets. What is your vision for Junior Sport at Fairholme? My vision is to foster a lifelong love of sport, movement and physical activity. I want our girls to leave Junior Sport at Fairholme with positive experiences and memories, confidence in their abilities, and a love of being active that continues well beyond their school years. Goals for this year? My main goals this year are to continue building strong participation, provide positive sporting experiences for all students no matter the sport or event, and encourage the girls to challenge themselves in the sporting space. I’d also love to continue building on the already strong house/team culture and school spirit. How do you hope to develop students’ confidence and teamwork through sport? I aim to create an environment where students and athletes feel safe to try new things and make mistakes. I love to celebrate effort, not just results, and am big on identifying and building on the strengths of each person. When students understand what they bring to a team and feel valued for their contribution, it naturally builds both confidence and teamwork. Are there any new programs or initiatives you’re excited to introduce? This year is a great chance for me to learn, observe and gain a deeper understanding of the wonderful programs already in place at Fairholme Junior. It’s been exciting to see how strong the culture of sport already is here. Over time, I’m looking forward to identifying new opportunities, growing current programs and continuing to create experiences our girls are excited to be part of. What life skills do you hope our students gain through participating in sport? My hope is that through sport, students can learn the importance of winning with humility and losing with grace, knowing there is always something to learn from every result. Olympic sprinter, Wilma Rudolph reminds us, ‘Winning is great, sure, but if you are really doing something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a defeat, you are going to be a champion someday.’ What message would you like to share with students and parents about Junior Sport? I’d encourage every student to get involved and give something a go! You don’t have to be the best player/athlete to enjoy sport or benefit from it. To parents, thank you for the support and encouragement you give your daughters. I’m really looking forward to a fun and positive year of Junior Sport at Fairholme.
Travelling during the school holidays to Charters Towers to compete in the NQ High School Cup, our Fairholme Campdraft team rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, securing the title of Overall Team Champions. The girls competed against riders from all corners of Queensland and the Northern Territory, demonstrating not only their skill in the saddle, but perhaps more importantly, the strength of connection between the team. Event organisers were quick to recognise what set this group apart. ‘The Fairholme girls were a standout all weekend,’ they noted. ‘Always presenting beautifully, always together and always supporting one another. Whether it was in the stands or by the cutout yard, you could see the way they backed each other and genuinely rode as a team.’ That sense of camaraderie also translated into individual success with Jaylee Smith, Payton Kane, Amelia Frame and Olivia Hawkins each earning their place among the competition’s top 20 riders. Leading the charge was Jaylee Smith, whose consistency and composure saw her awarded Highest Scoring Female (Average), a fitting recognition of her standout performances across the event. We are so proud of the team for representing the College with such pride and team spirit.
More News…
As we return from the Easter season and settle into the rhythm of Term 2, our community is reminded of the hope and renewal that sit at the heart of our Christian story. Easter invites us to centre ourselves once again in Christ - His example, His teachings, and His call to live with courage, grace, and compassion. At Fairholme, our value of Christ-centred Faith continues to shape how we learn, how we lead, and how we care for one another. It is also a fitting lens through which to view the many moments of joy, achievement, and connection captured in this edition of our newsletter. The start of this term has been filled with energy and purpose. For me, it marks a personal milestone as well: having completed my first full year as Principal, I now step into my second with deep gratitude for the trust, honesty, and partnership shown by students, staff, families, and Old Girls. Over recent months, we have been working together to shape Fairholme’s next chapter through the development of our new strategic plan. The thoughtful and aspirational insights shared have been grounded in a genuine love for this school and have been invaluable. I am delighted to share that this plan will be launched in Term 3, setting a bold and exciting direction for our future. This edition of At Holme reflects the vibrancy of our community. On the last night of Term 1, our Year 12 Formal was a highlight, with the girls looking stunning and carrying themselves with confidence, warmth, and genuine joy. The soiree with parents was a beautiful reminder of the strong relationships that underpin the Fairholme experience. These are the moments where our values become visible - not only in celebration, but in the way we honour one another, show gratitude, and build memories that will stay with us long after the evening ends. This week we also paused to reflect on ANZAC Day, a solemn and significant moment in our national life. Our Cadets, in partnership with Toowoomba Grammar School, represented Fairholme with dignity and respect, embodying values of service, sacrifice, and humility. Our own commemorations on campus invited us to consider how compassion can be expressed through courage and a commitment to peace. These ceremonies remind us of the importance of remembering well and living with purpose. We were also proudly represented by our boarders, Head Girls and cadets at community commemorations. In this issue, you will also find a timely wellness article from our fantastic Social Worker, Cassie Walton, offering encouragement for navigating the ups and downs of a busy Term Two. School life is full and dynamic, and it is important that we extend compassion not only outward but inward - recognising when we need rest, connection, or support. I am grateful for the expertise and care our wellbeing team brings to our community, ensuring that every student and family feels held and supported. It is very much a part of the Fairholme spirit and often recognised by visitors and our community alike. We are also delighted to celebrate our ten-year anniversary of FACETs, our much loved Art Show. This year’s specially jewelled theme reflects the creativity and imagination that shine so brightly within our community. Art has a unique way of helping us see the world differently, inviting us to appreciate beauty, express emotion, and understand one another more deeply. I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to purchase your tickets to our gala Opening Night – not only to gain a sneak peek (and maybe an early purchase!) of the beautiful artworks exhibited, but to join our community in celebration. And of course, we acknowledge the remarkable achievements of our Year 8 national champion in discus and shot put, Emily Carrigan. Her dedication, humility, and perseverance are an inspiration to us all. Sporting excellence at Fairholme is never just about results; it is about character, discipline, and the joy of striving for personal bests. As we journey further into Term 2, there is a genuine sense of momentum building across the College. With our new strategic plan set for launch in Term 3, we are stepping into an exciting chapter - one shaped by the voices of our students, staff, families, and Old Girls. The months ahead will bring opportunities to grow, to celebrate, and to continue strengthening the connections that make Fairholme such a vibrant and supportive place to be.
Tell us a bit about your background in sport and education? I was lucky enough to have amazing Health and Physical Education teachers, both in primary school and high school, which lead me to a career in teaching. I studied at QUT, then headed out to Wandoan State School P-10 for my first teaching position. I worked as the HPE Teacher and Sports Co-ordinator out there for four years, before making the move to Toowoomba where I have enjoyed teaching at Centenary Heights SHS, Downlands College and now, Fairholme College! What sports did you enjoy most growing up? I grew up in the small town of Chinchilla, so as most smalltown-kids do, I played them all! I loved having a go at any sport that was on offer, but particularly loved playing Touch Football for the Chinchilla Comets. What is your vision for Junior Sport at Fairholme? My vision is to foster a lifelong love of sport, movement and physical activity. I want our girls to leave Junior Sport at Fairholme with positive experiences and memories, confidence in their abilities, and a love of being active that continues well beyond their school years. Goals for this year? My main goals this year are to continue building strong participation, provide positive sporting experiences for all students no matter the sport or event, and encourage the girls to challenge themselves in the sporting space. I’d also love to continue building on the already strong house/team culture and school spirit. How do you hope to develop students’ confidence and teamwork through sport? I aim to create an environment where students and athletes feel safe to try new things and make mistakes. I love to celebrate effort, not just results, and am big on identifying and building on the strengths of each person. When students understand what they bring to a team and feel valued for their contribution, it naturally builds both confidence and teamwork. Are there any new programs or initiatives you’re excited to introduce? This year is a great chance for me to learn, observe and gain a deeper understanding of the wonderful programs already in place at Fairholme Junior. It’s been exciting to see how strong the culture of sport already is here. Over time, I’m looking forward to identifying new opportunities, growing current programs and continuing to create experiences our girls are excited to be part of. What life skills do you hope our students gain through participating in sport? My hope is that through sport, students can learn the importance of winning with humility and losing with grace, knowing there is always something to learn from every result. Olympic sprinter, Wilma Rudolph reminds us, ‘Winning is great, sure, but if you are really doing something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a defeat, you are going to be a champion someday.’ What message would you like to share with students and parents about Junior Sport? I’d encourage every student to get involved and give something a go! You don’t have to be the best player/athlete to enjoy sport or benefit from it. To parents, thank you for the support and encouragement you give your daughters. I’m really looking forward to a fun and positive year of Junior Sport at Fairholme.
Travelling during the school holidays to Charters Towers to compete in the NQ High School Cup, our Fairholme Campdraft team rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, securing the title of Overall Team Champions. The girls competed against riders from all corners of Queensland and the Northern Territory, demonstrating not only their skill in the saddle, but perhaps more importantly, the strength of connection between the team. Event organisers were quick to recognise what set this group apart. ‘The Fairholme girls were a standout all weekend,’ they noted. ‘Always presenting beautifully, always together and always supporting one another. Whether it was in the stands or by the cutout yard, you could see the way they backed each other and genuinely rode as a team.’ That sense of camaraderie also translated into individual success with Jaylee Smith, Payton Kane, Amelia Frame and Olivia Hawkins each earning their place among the competition’s top 20 riders. Leading the charge was Jaylee Smith, whose consistency and composure saw her awarded Highest Scoring Female (Average), a fitting recognition of her standout performances across the event. We are so proud of the team for representing the College with such pride and team spirit.
