Reflections from our 2025 Head Girls

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.

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.