Reflections from our 2025 Head Girls

September 26, 2025

Leading with a Heart: A Reflection from 2025 Head Girl Gracie Mack

Stepping into the role of Head Girl was comforting and inspiring. There was this feeling of knowing you had big shoes to fill and a lot of responsibility ahead, but also knowing your grade was behind you, cheering you on. That support made me want to jump in even more. We started working together almost immediately, with Year 11 Breakfast, the Year 11 Song - it all kicked off so quickly. And then came the planning for the year ahead, which was honestly super exciting.


One of the most special parts of this year was seeing the Fairholme spirit come alive in moments that weren’t necessarily planned or formal. Like when our grade came together at lunchtime to rehearse the Year 11 Song, no one told us to, we just did it. Or Galentine’s Day, which was a whole school event. Year 7s came to me asking for piggytails, girls lined up for the photo booth and face painting, it was one of those days where you could really feel the joy of being all together. And even though it’s not technically a Head Girl thing, I have to mention March Past. The effort that goes into it, and then seeing everyone cheer each other on, it’s such a beautiful example of what Fairholme is all about.


This year wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments where I felt overwhelmed and honestly wanted to throw in the towel. Sometimes I did. But I was lucky to have mentors and peers who helped me get back on track. One of the biggest lessons I learned was to stick to my values. The year flies by and there’s so much you want to do, but you can’t do it all. I had to remind myself – often - that it’s more important to act from your core values than to chase outcomes. That idea came from our leadership conference in Sydney at the start of the year, and it stuck with me.


Something I’ve realised, especially towards the end of the year, is that leadership isn’t about how much you do, it’s about the connections you make. As Head Girl, it’s easy to compare yourself to those who came before you, but I’ve come to understand that the most meaningful part of my role was talking with girls from younger grades, being someone they could look up to. That’s not something you can measure, but it’s what brought me the most joy. It’s bucket-filling in the best way.


There were definitely some standout moments when I got to represent Fairholme. The leadership conference at the start of the year was a highlight, and getting to speak at Commencement Assembly was surreal. I’m really looking forward to Presenting Fairholme 2025, my last. One moment that meant a lot to me was speaking at Dr Evans’ Celebration Assembly with Savanah and Ella. Being able to share how much she’s impacted our lives was incredibly special.


If I could leave behind anything, I hope it’s happiness and kindness. I hope I made someone’s day better, even in small ways. I’ve grown a lot in understanding what really matters to me and how much love and connection mean over success or recognition.


I’m so grateful for the mentors who support me; Dr Hobart, Ms Sharp, Mr McCormick, and Dr Evans. They’ve worked closely with us and helped us through so much. And I couldn’t have done any of it without my fellow Head Girls, Lucy and Katie by my side. Truly, nothing would have been possible without them.


Kindness in Leadership: A Reflection from 2025 Head Day Girl Katie Seaby

Being chosen as Head Day Girl for 2025 was both exciting and a little daunting. I was genuinely looking forward to the year ahead and the chance to contribute to our school community in a meaningful way. It didn’t take long for me to realise that leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight or having a title, it’s about supporting others, listening to their ideas, and doing your best to make a positive difference.


Over the year, I’ve seen how even small actions, like encouraging someone or offering guidance, can have a real impact. Some of the most meaningful moments for me were the ones where I could help strengthen the Fairholme spirit. Whether it was contributing to special celebrations, supporting events, or simply encouraging others to get involved, I found so much joy in seeing people feel included and proud to belong. Creating an environment where girls could celebrate each other’s strengths has been one of the most rewarding parts of leadership.


Of course, leadership came with its challenges. Balancing responsibilities with academics, sport, and service meant I had to stay organised and resilient. There were times when I doubted myself or felt stretched too thin, but those moments taught me to trust others, lean on my team, and remember why I was in the role - to serve, not to be perfect. Those experiences shaped me into a leader who values collaboration and teamwork above all.


One of the greatest privileges of this role has been supporting younger students. I’ve loved connecting with girls across different year levels, whether through special initiatives or just everyday conversations. Encouraging them, listening to them, and celebrating their achievements reminded me that leadership is about lifting others up. One of my favourite things we do as head girls is visiting the Junior School every Thursday morning to play with the girls before school. It’s such a fun and special time. I still remember my Year 12 buddy Riley from when I was in Fairholme Kindy, and how much I looked forward to her visits. I hope some of the junior girls feel the same way about us.


I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and help out with so many events. I’ve loved being able to share my voice and the voices of others to encourage positive change. But more than anything, I hope I’ve left behind kindness. I truly believe we can never have enough of it. A smile, a quick chat, or a simple “are you okay?” can make a world of difference in someone’s day, or even their life. I hope the Fairholme community continues to nurture kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, and I hope to carry those lessons with me into whatever comes next.


None of this would have been possible without the support of my peers, teachers, and the leadership team, especially Dr Evans, as my set planner for Year 10 English, and mentor, her guidance and belief in me gave me the courage to step into leadership. She taught me the powerful idea that “pressure is privilege” - a reminder that the responsibilities we’re given are opportunities to grow and make a difference. I’m deeply grateful for the friendships I’ve formed, the lessons I’ve learnt, and the chance to serve a community that has shaped me into the person I am today.


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In Principal: Pride and Purpose

By Sarah Richardson • December 3, 2025
It has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication of our students, staff and families who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow. There are many memories from this term in my first year that will linger for a time to come. The Year 6 Graduation was a beautiful celebration of our Junior School girls stepping confidently into the next chapter of their educational journey. Their music and presentation reflected maturity beyond their years and their enthusiasm about what is to come was infectious. Similarly, the Junior School Presentation Assembly showcased the incredible talent and effort of younger students. These awards remind us that success comes in many forms. At the other end of the spectrum, our Year 12 external exams ended with our glorious Valedictory dinner and assembly honouring the graduating class of 2025. These young women have left an indelible and positive mark on our school. Their leadership and camaraderie went beyond being known as our 100%ers and we know they will continue to shine brightly in their chosen paths. Beyond the classroom, our students have embraced opportunities to challenge themselves and excel. This year, our team garnered national recognition in the Future Anything showcase, where their innovative ideas placed them among the country’s best young entrepreneurs. Likewise, our Junior School Lego League newcomers impressed everyone with their creativity, research and problem-solving skills, proving that age is no barrier to innovation. Sporting achievements this month were equally inspiring. Eden Broksch claimed the title of State Tetrathlon Champion for her age bracket – a feat that speaks to determination and versatility. These successes remind us that education is not confined to textbooks. It flourishes on sports field, stages and in collaborative spaces where passion meets perseverance. The November edition of At Holme is brimming with stories that reflect the heart and soul of our community. You will read about our amazing Mrs Nichol, whose dedication to our youngest Kindy students earned her the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Apple Award. She is a shining example of the impact great educators have on young lives. Miranda Mann, our Head Boarder, shares insights into the unique experience of living and learning on campus, offering a glimpse into the bonds that make boarding life so special. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named Lion’s Youth of the Year for the Wilsonton club, a recognition of leadership and service that embodies our school values. These individual achievements, alongside team triumphs, weave a narrative of excellence that is both humbling and inspiring. What makes these accomplishments truly meaningful is the sense of community that underpins them. Parents, teacher and friends have all played a role in nurturing talent and encouraging ambition. Whether cheering from the sidelines, guiding through challenges, or simply offering words of support, our collective efforts have created an environment where every student can burn yet flourish. As we close the chapter on 2025, on behalf of the entire staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, Old Girls and broader community for your unwavering support and partnership. It is through value of collaboration that we continue to build Fairholme as a school where character is nurtured alongside a commitment to excellence in whatever we do. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and restful summer break, as the festive season approaches. May this holiday bring time for relaxation, laughter and connection with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready to embrace fresh opportunities and challenges with the same spirit that has made 2025 so memorable. Here is to a bright and exciting 2026! Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

Leading with Heart: Miranda Mann, 2026 Head Boarder

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
As we welcome a new year, 2026 Head Boarder Miranda Mann talks about her ambition for her time in the role, reflects on her formative years and looks to what the future holds beyond the tartan. Miranda represents the sixth-generation of cattle graziers from Hillgrove Station, north of Charters Towers. With a deep connection to the land and a heart full of compassion, Miranda brings a grounded, inclusive, and community-focused ideal to the Head Boarder role in 2026. Beginning at Fairholme in Year 7, when she first arrived from her family’s historic Brahman cattle station, established in 1861, before the founding of Townsville. The transition from rural life to boarding school was significant, but it was the unwavering support of her fellow boarders and the dedicated boarding staff that helped her find her place. “An experience that has shaped me to who I am today is the support I received from fellow boarders and staff during tough times,” Miranda reflects. “It’s a great feeling when you know the people around you care for you and want you to succeed. That drives me to do the same for others, because the impact can be significant.” As Head Boarder, Miranda is most excited about working closely with students and staff throughout the year, especially during key events that bring the community together. “I want to make the most of my time left at Fairholme, it’s going to fly by,” she says. “My goal is to leave an everlasting impact by building a more connected and respectful boarding environment. I want every girl to feel comfortable and to enjoy the boarding space even more than they do now.” Miranda’s hope is that her leadership style is rooted in empathy and action. She encourages younger boarders to embrace every opportunity: “Get involved with others and join in on activities around the boarding house, even something as simple as a game of touch. It really makes the term more enjoyable and creates everlasting memories. And don’t be afraid to try new extracurriculars, even if you haven’t done them before.” With her strong sense of community, deep appreciation for her roots, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, Miranda Mann is set to make 2026 a memorable and meaningful year for the Fairholme boarding family.

Celebrating Peer Support in Boarding

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
Friendship, connection, and a beautiful handover afternoon tea. At the beginning of this year, our Boarding Wellbeing Audit highlighted one message loud and clear: strong peer support is one of the most powerful influences on boarder wellbeing. In response, we set out with intention to strengthen and expand the ways our older girls walk beside and uplift our younger ones. In Term 2, we introduced our Middle Sisters program: a group of dedicated Year 11 Boarders who stepped in to support our Year 7s as the Year 12 academic demands increased. Over the past three terms, the Year 7s and Year 11s have shared plenty of laughs, chats, and practical support, building bonds that have enriched daily boarding life. Wanting our Year 8s to experience the same connection, we extended the initiative to include Year 10 Boarders who were interested to take on a similar role. This group has done a wonderful job running relaxed, group-style mentoring over shared dinners—something the Year 8s have thoroughly enjoyed. A big thank you to Year 11 Boarder, Bella Quinn, who has taken the lead in organising our next group of peer mentors. She has brought together our current Year 9s, who will step into mentoring roles in 2026, supporting today’s Year 7s as they move into Year 8, continuing the cycle of connection and care. Bella hosted a lovely afternoon tea to mark the handover. It was a chance for our Year 11 Middle Sisters to introduce their Year 7s to the new Year 9 mentors who will walk alongside them next year. The Cameron Room was filled with chatter, laughter and the beginnings of friendships that will carry through many years of boarding life. It was a reminder of what makes our community so special: girls supporting girls, encouraging one another, and finding strength in connection.
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