Unstoppable stride

August 7, 2023

At just 11-years-old, Lucy Barnes has already proven herself as a force to be reckoned with on the running track.


After coming second in the state competition, she has secured a spot at Nationals in Canberra, an opportunity she is determined to make the most of.


Despite her disappointment at not winning the state competition, she quickly found solace in the fact that being second in the state and says it is still a remarkable achievement. ‘I always want to do my best and make my family proud.’


Lucy’s weekly schedule revolves around her passion for running and her commitment to improving her fitness. She dedicates several days a week to running and utilises a day for music practice, as well as a day of rest to recharge.


‘I also play Netball, Orienteering and Touch Football,’ she adds.


Her journey in running began when she was just six years old, inspired by her siblings who were participating in their own cross-country training. Ever since that moment, Lucy’s love for running has only grown stronger, and she has never looked back.


In her first-ever cross-country race, she finished second behind a boy, leading to a friendly rivalry between the two.


‘I remember having an argument with him at the end of the race, so I made sure I flogged him in every other race we competed against each other.’


To fuel her running performances, Lucy relies on her mother’s energy balls, which she consumes an hour before each race. She also has a favourite pre-race meal: Tuna Casserole the night before.


Despite the nerves that accompany big competitions like States and Nationals, Lucy views them as an opportunity to perform even better, using the butterflies in her stomach to fuel her speed.


With Nationals approaching in five weeks, Lucy has set her sights on a top-three finish, hoping to earn an individual medal. Having come

fourth last year, she is more determined than ever. ‘I got outsprinted last year, so I want to work on that and make sure I sprint harder.’


Though she’s done Orienteering in Canberra before, this will be her first experience competing in cross-country there.


Looking into the future, Lucy has a grand vision of participating in long distance running at the Olympics—an ambitious goal for a young athlete with such immense talent and dedication.


Lucy’s passion, drive and commitment to running serve as an inspiration not only to her peers but also to anyone looking to pursue their dreams.


With her focus on excelling at Nationals and her eyes set on a future at the Olympics, Lucy Barnes is undoubtedly a young athlete to watch out for in the world of running and we are so proud of her.

More News…

Toowoomba Eisteddfod Success

By Sarah Richardson • August 1, 2025
Congratulations to our Fairholme instrumental ensembles and bands on an exceptionally busy and successful week performing in Part 2 of the 2025 Toowoomba Eisteddfod. With impressive musical skill, dedication and grace, our girls continue to shine on stage. A heartfelt thank you to our conductors, accompanists, supervisors and supporters whose time, guidance and encouragement make these valuable experiences possible. We also celebrate all of our students who performed individually. Your hard work and courage inspire us all. Secondary School Orchestra 1st place – Fairholme College Symphony Orchestra Secondary School Small Instrumental Ensemble 1st Place – Fairholme College Rhythmic Strings 2nd Place – Fairholme College Winterfall Strings Primary School Percussion Ensemble 1st place – Fairholme Junior Chime Choir Secondary School Percussion or ORFF Ensemble 1st place – Fairholme College Chime Choir Secondary String Trio/Quartet 1st place – Fairholme College Wirra String Quartet Secondary Instrumental Trio/Quartet 1st place – Fairholme College Corelli String Quartet 2nd place – Fairholme College Amadeus Quartet Secondary Woodwind Trio/Quartet 1st place – Fairholme College Saxophone Quartet Secondary School String Ensemble 2nd place – Fairholme College String Orchestra Primary School Small Concert Band 2nd Place – Fairholme Junior Band Primary School String Ensemble Highly Commended – Fairholme Junior String Orchestra Primary School Beginner Band Highly Commended – Fairholme College Year 4 Band Immersion

Sports Spotlight: Simoné Botha

By Sarah Richardson • August 1, 2025
Year 11 student, Simoné Botha, is carving out a name for herself as one to watch on the netball court, with her dedication and talent earning her multiple state and national honours this year. After a standout performance at the Netball State Championships in May, Simoné was selected for the Queensland Representative School Sport U/19 team, earning Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours for the Darling Downs U/19 side. Later this year, she’ll join some of the state’s top young players at a high-performance camp on the Gold Coast — a coveted opportunity to refine skills and learn from the best in the game. Earlier in the 2025 season, she took to the national stage as part of Queensland’s U/17 team at the Netball Australia National Championships. Her leadership skills shone through as she was appointed Vice-Captain, guiding the team to a commendable 5th-place finish. Her impressive form during the tournament caught the eye of national selectors, leading to her inclusion in the U/17 Australian Netball Squad and recognising her potential at the highest level. In early July, Simoné’s sport took her to Canberra, where she joined fellow rising stars at the Australian Institute of Sport for an intensive high-performance training camp. The experience offered a unique chance to learn from elite coaches and train alongside some of the nation’s best young talent. Closer to home, Simoné continues to compete in Queensland’s premier netball competitions, playing in the Ruby division of the HART Sapphire Series in Brisbane. Looking ahead, she’s excited to make her debut in the prestigious Sapphire High Performance Netball League. With her passion, skill and determination, Simoné’s journey in netball is only just beginning and there’s no doubt her name is one we’ll be hearing for years to come.

Beyond the Classroom: Year 10 Work Experience

By Sarah Richardson • August 1, 2025
In the first week of term, our Year 10 students traded textbooks and timetables for real-world workplaces, embarking on a journey that opened their eyes to the many possibilities beyond the school gates. This annual work experience program, delivered by the Fairholme Pathways Centre, offers students the chance to explore industries they’ve long been curious about or discover new passions. During the week, the girls stepped into roles that spanned a fascinating range of professions: from the high-tech world of cybersecurity to the hands-on care of veterinary clinics and physiotherapy practices. Some students experienced the fastpaced environments of surgery centres and radiology clinics, while others found themselves immersed in the precision of equine veterinary services or the creativity of marketing and jewellery design. Careers in education were popular too, with placements at kindergartens and primary schools, and for those drawn to justice, law firms offered an insightful glimpse into the legal world. Many of these choices reflect the Specialist Elective Programs the students are pursuing, including qualifications like the Diploma of Business and Social Media Marketing, Certificate IV in Crime and Justice, Certificate III in Fitness, Certificate III in Early Education and Children’s Services and Certificate II in Animal Care. Our Year 10 students are provided with six hours per fortnight in their timetable to dedicate to completing a Specialist Elective Program, providing real-world experiences that help bring classroom learning to life. Together, these programs and real world experiences help bridge the gap between study and future careers. One of the highlights of the week was the immersive placement for students undertaking the Certificate II and III in Health Services Assistant. These students travelled to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, where they participated in two transformative days of hands-on learning. Partnering with Mater Education, they stepped into real hospital scenarios, learning about patient care, wound dressing, feeding assistance, vital sign monitoring, and even midwifery. Beyond clinical skills, the girls built invaluable connections with patients, gaining a deep understanding of compassion in healthcare. At Fairholme College, preparing students for life beyond school isn’t just about what happens inside the classroom. Thanks to the dedicated work of our Pathways Centre, initiatives like the Year 10 work experience program ensure that each student steps forward equipped not only with knowledge, but with vision, purpose and real-world insight.
All News