Fairholme in January 2021

January 21, 2021

‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’  Nelson Mandela

Dear Members of the Fairholme Family


Welcome to a new school year and a fresh start for all. No doubt, this newsletter comes as a relief to some that ‘normal’ life is returning, for others it is more intrusive, marking the end of holiday time or for others it heralds the reality a significant change. We do look forward with optimism towards a challenging and rewarding year of learning, despite the hovering presence of COVID-19.


I particularly welcome all new students and families who are beginning their Fairholme journey. I know that many girls have been preparing for this new chapter in their education with a shifting mixture of excitement and trepidation, as have their parents. We are excited to welcome an influx of students, an influx that means a full boarding house (with a waiting pool of students) and strong day student enrolments across the College. We are hopeful of greater face-to-face opportunities with all this year, albeit with mindfulness about health requirements and expectations, as well as the adaptability to adjust plans if and when it is necessary.


I am conscious that irrespective of whether your child is brand new to school, becoming a boarder for the first time or simply returning to school after holidays, it is important to consider that there is an emotional impact of new beginnings. Major milestones and transitions can bring exhilaration; they can also be challenging or frightening, especially for those who are completely satisfied with their current routines.


How can we best support our children in the midst of all this newness?

  • Speak positively about your child’s school and teachers
  • Help your child visualize her/his new environment
  • Allow your child to keep a transitional object nearby
  • Always say “goodbye”
  • Give it time - be gentle with yourself and allow the entire family some time to adjust. (Vien, L. 2020).


As the beginning of the school year beckons, I ask that you keep a close look at the College web site or phone app (details to follow) for start-up information, or to contact the administration office (07) 4688 4688 should you have any further queries.


Building and Maintenance

As is typical of the holiday period, significant refurbishment and upgrades to buildings and grounds have occurred in readiness for students’ return. Whilst the quality of teaching, learning and pastoral care will always be sited first in our school context, we are also grateful for spaces and areas that enhance learning and living for our students and our staff.


The following areas may directly affect your daughter or you: the Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms have been refurbished and are stunning learning areas for some of our youngest; Ms Catrina Sharp, Deputy Principal and her assistant have relocated to the offices adjacent to the Amy Carson Room; the Long Jump tartan run up has been re-laid and awaits the feet of our keen athletes and there have been numerous occasions of painting, polishing and refurbishing of spaces that have occurred over the break, also. Grateful thanks are extended to our grounds and maintenance staff who have been pivotal in many of these projects, along with attending to their regular maintenance and tending the gardens throughout the holidays.


We anticipate with excitement that mid-2021 will see the beginning of Stage 1 of our Masterplan: the construction of a three-storey administration and classroom building, along with the reconfiguration of our current administration building, as an assembly/chapel/function space.


Congratulations

If you have accessed our website, you may have already noted the strong academic achievements of the senior cohort of 2020. Whilst we will acknowledge these girls more formally at the Commencement Assembly and Induction of Leaders on Thursday 28 January, we express our pride in their accomplishments, as well as appreciation of the work of our teachers and families who have journeyed with these young women. Our 2020 seniors have such diverse and significant opportunities that lie ahead, and we are excited by their promising futures. We have watched the release of university offers with great interest.


Fairholme Communique 2021

Please note that our communiqué with you is predominantly electronic – through the phone app, via the Parent Lounge of MyFairholme, or e-mail. We understand that some boarder families have limited, or intermittent internet access and we will continue to send communication via mail to these families.


For any parents who require hard copy information, we ask that you contact the administration office or Fairholme Communications. To facilitate effective and timely communication, we require each family’s current e-mail address and mobile phone details and for this to be updated with immediacy should a change occur during the school year.


E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 07 4688 4688

All ‘start-up’ school year information is on-line. You can access this through the Parent Lounge, via login at the College web site › Parent Lounge


For those new to the Fairholme family, I trust that you have already loaded our phone app which we utilise to notify you of any urgent information, calendar changes, provide reminders about significant events, or as a quick avenue for notices such as bus return times from excursions, or camps.


Please contact the administration office (07) 4688 4688 if you require assistance with accessing the app.


Health

Those who have been affected directly by border closures and Brisbane’s lockdown will be aware of the speed with which life can be affected by the presence of COVID-19 within the community. For now, that is our collective reality and The College will continue to actively monitor and enact Public Health advice responsively and in accordance with requirements. We will make changes to College routines and practices as required to ensure the health of our community and, at times, this may have to occur quickly and may be disruptive to our plans. Thank you in anticipation of your patience and full support.


We are reminded that the following health practices are a given in our community:

  • Stay home if I’m sick
  • Get tested if I have COVID-19 symptoms and remain in isolation until a negative result is received
  • Maintain physical distance when and where appropriate to do so
  • Clean hands often with soap or sanitiser
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Get the flu shot to help prevent the spread of germs


Online Safety/Family Zone

We continue to work with former staff member and founder of Stymie, Rachel Downie, to enable our students to report concerns they have about their friends and peers. The Stymie platform allows students from Years 5 to 12 to report harm, suspected harm, or any concerning behaviours of their friends and peers: on-line and anonymously. This triggers an email alert for key pastoral staff who then meet with the student of concern, and work with her to address the issues identified, in a manner with which she is most comfortable.


A further part of our approach to address issues of cyber safety has led us to develop a school and parent partnership with Familyzone – Australia’s leading provider of cyber safety and security services to schools and parents. It is a cyber-safety solution that protects children on the internet wherever they are; at home, at school, and everywhere in between. As parents you are able to manage your child/ren’s online activity, with ongoing support from a team of leading cyber experts.


The Familyzone app is installed on all College laptops, and this enables the College to monitor use of technology whenever students are logged in to the school network.


At any point if you need further assistance, you can contact the Family Zone Support Team on 1300 398 326 to access information about installation or with any questions you may have.


Head of Information and Communication Technology, Mr Chau Chuc will work through the app with new Boarder families on 27 January and is available to talk through its applications to any day parents.


Staffing Matters

We warmly welcome our twenty new staff members who will be working across the campus in a range of roles, as well as current staff who are moving into new roles for 2021. The number of new staff reflects retirements that occurred at the end of last year as well as growth that has occurred through our strong enrolments.


Senior Leaders 2021

We look forward to supporting our Year 12 cohort as they step up to the challenge of leading Fairholme College throughout 2021. We are excited about the abilities and enthusiasm they bring to this important a role and look forward to acknowledging each member of the senior cohort at the Senior Commencement Assembly.


This occasion is a celebration of the commencement of our school year. It also acknowledges our 2020 cohort, Senior School academic award winners for Semester Two 2020 and, particularly, it welcomes our Senior leaders for 2021.


All Year 12 parents are welcome and encouraged to celebrate this important milestone and, as always, we enjoy the opportunity to celebrate with you. Current restrictions enable two family members per Year 12 student to attend. No RSVP is required for your Year 12 daughter. Our plan is to host morning tea afterwards, should restrictions permit this at that time; currently they do not. If this becomes possible, we will let families know.


* We will be streaming the Assembly and further details will be sent via communications, closer to the event. Please use Fairholme Connect Events › to RSVP for two family members per Year 12 student.


We are delighted to welcome back Tatum Stewart (Senior 2019) as our guest speaker.


We also congratulate our Prefects and Captains for the year; their names, along with those of the Middle School Leaders are available: 2021 Middle & Senior School Leaders ›


Finally…

As we look forward to a promising and enriching 2021, I hope that you are able to engage in the school community throughout the year, including those scheduled in the near future. Any changes that may need to occur because of the impact of COVID-19 will be communicated with as much notice as is possible. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.


Kind regards

Dr Linda Evans │ Principal

More ‘In Principal’

In Principal: The Value of Enjoyment

March 4, 2026
‘Enjoyment is the energy that fuels engagement, the spark that ignites curiosity, and the kind of glue that binds young and old alike.’ - Dr Leigh Hobart At Fairholme, values are more than words on a wall – they shape the culture, guide decision-making, and give meaning to daily life. One of our core values, and perhaps one of my favourites, is enjoyment. At first glance, enjoyment can seem like a soft value. Yet in a high-performing girls’ school such as ours, enjoyment is anything but trivial. It is the energy that fuels engagement, the spark that ignites curiosity, and the kind of glue that binds young and old alike. When young women experience joy in their learning and in their relationships, they flourish. Our February 2026 edition of At Holme captures that spirit beautifully. Our recent Swimming Carnivals for the Junior and Secondary Schools were a perfect expression of enjoyment in action. Yes, there was spirited competition in the pool and impressive athletic achievement (congratulations Stephens House!), but what lingered most powerfully was the sound of laughter, songs and dancing echoing across the stands. The March Past – proudly won this year by Cameron – reminded us that belonging matters. The creativity, choreography, storytelling, and sheer enthusiasm of our girls, particularly our Year 7 students experiencing their first carnival, created something distinctly ours: girl-centric, wholesome, and deeply bonding. In those moments, enjoyment was not peripheral to school life – it was the point. That same spirit was alive at our Year 7 Camp in Maleny. Outdoor education provides challenge, but challenge wrapped in encouragement and shared experience becomes joy and memory. I had the privilege of the joining students on the giant swing – and I suspect I may have screamed the loudest. Watching our girls encourage one another up the 6-metre and 15-metre abseiling walls, celebrate small victories, and step beyond their comfort zones was a powerful reminder that enjoyment and courage often travel together. When girls feel safe and supported, they will take risks – and often discover strength and friendships they did not know they possessed. Our Year 9 students embraced a different kind of adventure at Noosa North Shore, building resilience through shared challenge and time away from the familiar rhythms of school. Meanwhile, our Year 10 cohort deepened their understanding of the remarkable environment of Moreton Bay during their camp at Tangalooma on Moreton Island. Learning about the beauty and fragility of this ecosystem is not simply an academic exercise; it is an invitation to wonder and experience awe. Awe and wonder, too, are forms of enjoyment – ones that expand perspective and deepen gratitude. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named the 2026 Toowoomba Region Young Citizen of the Year, for her tireless advocacy for girls and young people. Such achievements reflect service, character and contribution. But even here, enjoyment has a place. Young people who find joy in serving others, who experience fulfilment in contributing beyond themselves, are those most like to continue doing so. Enjoyment, in this sense, becomes purposeful and full of meaning. As a principal with a very healthy interest in learning, I am often asked about academic outcomes, pathways and future readiness. These matter greatly. However, research consistently affirms what we witness daily: students who enjoy their schooling are more engaged, more resilient, and ultimately more successful. Enjoyment enhances learning; it does not detract from it. Positive emotion broadens thinking, strengthens relationships, and builds the psychological resources young people need to navigate complexity. For girls in particular, environments that celebrate connection and wholehearted participation are transformative. When a girl can dance her heart out for her House, leap from a giant swing, debate passionately in a competition, perform on stage, or dive into the pool with determination – and feel the full support of her peers – she learns that her voice and presence matter. Enjoyment, then is not about constant fun or the absence of challenge. It is about cultivating a community where effort is energised by joy, where belonging enhances bravery, and where learning is infused with vitality. As you read the stories in these pages – from carnivals to camps, from leadership to service – I hope you glimpse what we see each day: a school alive with laughter, courage and connection. In nurturing enjoyment, we are not lowering expectations; we are creating the conditions in which young women thrive. And if occasionally that includes a principal screaming her way down from a giant swing, then I consider that a small price to pay for a community built on joy. Read the February 2026 Edition of At Holme. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

In Principal: A Year of Optimism and New Beginnings

By Sarah Richardson • February 4, 2026
The beginning of a new school year always carries a particular kind of magic - a blend of anticipation, renewal, and possibility. At Fairholme, this sense of beginning is felt deeply. It is woven into our traditions, our faith, and our shared belief in the potential of every girl who steps onto our campus. As we welcome 2026, that spirit feels especially vibrant. During our staff preparations last week, each staff member selected a single word to guide their approach to the year ahead. Their uplifting words reflect the depth of care, professionalism, and purpose that define the Fairholme team. My word was Optimism. Optimism is not simply a feeling; it is a discipline and a choice. I do not mean a fleeting or naïve optimism, but the steady, Fairholme kind. The kind that grows from gratitude, courage, and the knowledge that we are held by a community that believes in us. Our students have returned to campus with the energy and enthusiasm that make Fairholme feel whole again. To our new students across all year levels, and especially our Year 7s, we extend a warm welcome. Your Fairholme story begins now - a story that will be shaped by friendship, challenge, discovery, and joy. And to our 229 boarders, including those who have travelled from across Queensland, interstate, and overseas, we are so glad you are here. The boarding community remains at the heart of our college, enriching us with perspectives and experiences that strengthen the fabric of who we are. The holidays also brought extraordinary opportunities for some of our girls, including those who travelled to Cambodia as part of our service and cultural immersion program. Their experiences - from working alongside local communities to learning about Cambodia’s history and resilience - reflect the values we hold dear: compassion, service, and global awareness. Their stories have already begun to inspire others, reminding us that learning extends far beyond the classroom. We also celebrate the outstanding ATAR and QCE results achieved by our 2025 graduates. Their success is a testament to their hard work, the dedication of their teachers, and the unwavering support of their families. It is also a powerful reminder of what is possible when young women are encouraged to strive, to question, and to believe in their own capacity. We welcomed many of these Old Girls back to campus this term at our Commencement Assembly as we recognise their scholarly achievements - a moment of pride for them, their families, and the entire Fairholme community. The physical landscape of our college has also embraced the spirit of new beginnings. Over the holidays, our new C Block was installed - a remarkable feat that saw a tired three classroom building replaced with a modern, double storey learning space featuring six classrooms and two staff rooms. Watching the new structure being craned into place was a moment of awe and excitement, symbolising our commitment to providing contemporary environments for our girls. With new technology, fresh spaces, and thoughtful design, C Block stands as a tangible expression of our optimism for the future. Our recent MMG survey results further affirmed the strength of our community. Families and students from Years 6, 9, and 12 provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly in areas such as academic programs, wellbeing, boarding, communication, and overall satisfaction. Parents highlighted our strong sense of community, supportive staff, and the quality of educational opportunities. Students spoke of their friendships, their teachers, and the positive learning environment for which Fairholme is known. We are humbled by this feedback and grateful for the trust placed in us. It will continue to guide our planning as we shape the next chapter of our college. This semester marks the beginning of our work on Fairholme’s new Strategic Plan - an exciting opportunity to dream boldly and think deeply about the future. This process invites us to honour our heritage while preparing our girls for a rapidly changing world. It fills us with optimism because we know that when this community comes together with purpose, extraordinary things happen. As we step into 2026, we do so with optimism in our hearts and purpose in our steps. May this year be marked by growth, grace, and the unmistakable spirit of Fairholme - a spirit defined by courage, connection, and extraordinary possibility. Welcome to a new year at Fairholme. A year of beginnings. A year of hope. A year of optimism. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

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
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More News…

Meet our Coordinator of High Performance Coaching

March 4, 2026
Fairholme College is delighted to welcome Mr Mitch Koina as our new Coordinator of High Performance Coaching. Bringing more than a decade of experience across diverse educational settings, Mitch joins the community with a strong commitment to student wellbeing, participation, and performance. ‘This is my 12th year of teaching,’ Mitch shares. ‘I’ve done a range of different contexts now, I did two years down at Lockyer District High School, I then spent six years at St Mary’s College before moving to St Josephs, where I’ve been for the last three years. Now obviously I’ve made my way over to Fairholme which I’m really excited about.’ It was both the College’s reputation and the scope of the role that drew Mitch to Fairholme. ‘Fairholme is a very prestigious college, it’s got a great name and reputation,’ he said. ‘The role itself is really exciting for me. I’ve got a passion for fitness and particularly looking after the wellbeing of young girls, whether that be on the sporting field or with their social aspect, academics, just all round developing good girls on and off the court.’ A strong advocate for pastoral care, Mitch brings valuable leadership experience to the position. ‘I did a Head of House role at St Mary’s for three and a half years, so pastoral care has always been my calling so it’s great to tie in the sporting aspect as well as wellbeing,’ he explained. His philosophy centres on the connection between student wellbeing and performance. ‘It’s all dependant on each other. If we’ve got girls who are happy and their wellbeing is flourishing, then they are doing well on the sporting field and vice versa too.’ Looking ahead, Mitch is focused on building both excellence and enjoyment within the program. ‘I would love to get participation rates very high. We have a lot of elite athletes here that I want to achieve and do really well, but I also want to work on girls enjoying their training, coming in and having a nice vibe around the sporting field and the training.’ Importantly, Mitch emphasises that success looks different for every student. ‘We’re not all Australian representatives, but if girls are working really hard and achieving to the best of their potential, whatever level that may be in the sporting arena, I think that’s a program we can be very proud of.’ As he begins his journey at Fairholme, Mitch is eager to connect with the community. ‘I’m really excited to be a part of Fairholme, it is a great opportunity. The staff and the students have been fantastic to me so far, but as the weeks go on, I’m really looking forward to getting to know the girls and building some relationships from there.’ We warmly welcome Mitch to Fairholme and look forward to the energy, care, and expertise he will bring to our High Performance Sports program.

Meet 2026 Prefect for Sport: Scarlett Sippel

March 4, 2026
What inspired you to apply for the Prefect for Sport position? I was inspired to go for this position as I have seen the passion that Fairholme as a community has for sport, and the true love and respect the staff have for athletes at the college. I wanted to work closely with the girls and staff to help progressing sport at Fairholme. Do you have a favourite sport? My favourite sport is touch football. It has given me so very much and I am forever grateful. What has been your proudest sporting moment so far? My proudest sporting moment so far was being fortunate enough to represent my country in the sport I love most. Who has been your biggest influence or role model in sport? My biggest role model in sport has to my parents. They never fail to push me towards things that might seem out of my comfort zone or scary. They constantly support me through everything and influence me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. What are you hoping to achieve this year as Prefect for Sport? I aim to inspire everyone to just have a go. By the end of my final year at Fairholme I hope I can inspire people to just get o ut of their comfort zones and try something new. What advice would you give your Year 7 self? I would tell my Year 7 self that in the big picture no one is going to judge you for trying your hardest and giving things ago! And not to put too much pressure on yourself! Do you hope to pursue sport after school? I wish to continue to play sport at a high level after school. whether that is through touch or rugby. Sport is a very important part of my life that will hopefully continue well after I leave school.

Meet 2026 Prefect for The Arts: Claire Murphy

March 4, 2026
How long have you been involved in The Arts at Fairholme? Since I began here in Year 7, but before then I started playing piano and violin in Year 5. I have participated in a number of ensembles within the school and greatly enjoyed each of these. What does being the Prefect for The Arts mean to you? Personally, I think that being the Prefect for The Arts is primarily a role in which I can help to support other girls. I’m a designated person that girls can come to if they have any questions or concerns with anything regarding extracurricular artistic involvement, and I do a little to help with running some of the artistic aspects around the school, such as finding girls to volunteer for busking at events. But mostly, I think it is about being a positive promoter for the arts, and encouraging other girls to expand their world view to include creativity. Which art form do you enjoy most (e.g. music, drama, visual art, dance etc)? My main art form that I participate in is instrumental music, through my involvement in a few ensembles within the school on violin and piano. However, other art forms, like dancing during March Pasts or singing Shine Jesus Shine are pretty fun too. Do you have a most memorable Arts experience? I think that one of the most memorable Arts experiences that I have had has been at events where I have accompanied my grade, like when all the Year 11’s last year sung at the Valedictorian dinner and I played piano along with other instrumentalists in my grade, Tilly Anderson and Emma Salter. However, I think the most enjoyable Arts experience that I have had is playing Jingle Bell Rock at the boarding Christmas dinner last year, when the rest of my cohort stood around the piano singing. I felt that this was one of those excellent examples of how music can bring people together. What advice would you give to students who might be nervous about joining an arts activity? I would say that it is always worth giving something new a go. You’re much more likely to regret the chances you never took than the ones you do. I’m a strong believer that being involved in any form of extra-curricular activity is so beneficial for everyone; it expands your world view, you meet new people, and get outside your comfort zone. Each individual has something they are good at, and how are you going to find out what that is if you don’t try? Do you hope to continue with The Arts after school? Definitely. It has become such a big part of my life, and I honestly get so much enjoyment out of it. The great thing about the arts is that they are things that you can do at any time of your life. You’re never too old, that’s a skill you have for life. Other people can also get so much enjoyment out of the artistic abilities of others. Who doesn’t love to have someone who can sit around the camp-fire and play guitar, or create a beautiful piece of artwork?
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