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’

A New Beginning

By Sarah Richardson • August 1, 2025
‘Your daughters are not just participants in the Fairholme story – they are its authors. As they learn, lead, stumble and soar, they bring to life the values that underpin our College: Christ-centred faith, collaboration, respect, enjoyment and the pursuit of excellence.’ It is both an honour and privilege to write to you in my first formal newsletter as the 15th Principal of Fairholme College after the induction ceremony earlier this week. While I have already enjoyed a term within this vibrant and welcoming community, this moment still marks a new beginning – not only for me, but for Fairholme, and for the journey we now take together. And yet, as with all new beginnings, this moment is shaped and strengthened by what has come before – by the faith and vision of our founders, by the commitment of my predecessors, by the unwavering trust of our families, and by the many young women who have called Fairholme home over generations. More than anything, I want to acknowledge the young women of Fairholme. Because your daughters are the reason we are here. Their energy, insight, curiosity, laughter and growth – these are the heartbeat of our College. Every day, they remind us why our work matters. Every day they challenge us to lead with purpose, to teach with integrity and to shape a learning culture grounded in care and high expectation. Your daughters are not just participants in the Fairholme story – they are its authors. As they learn, lead, stumble and soar, they bring to life the values that underpin our College: Christcentred faith, collaboration, respect, enjoyment and the pursuit of excellence. I want to pause here, in particular, on the value of excellence. At Fairholme, we understand excellence not as perfection or external accolades, but as the ongoing commitment to growth, effort and wholehearted participation. It is about doing our best with the gifts we have been given – in the classroom, on the field, in music ensembles, through service and in relationships with one another. This edition of At Holme is filled with examples of students doing just that. From Alexandra Edwards excelling in orienteering to Mariam Nabizada who has acted in service and stepped forward to represent their peers in Youth Parliament. Each of these achievements reflects a deep commitment to excellence and to personal growth. I congratulate each student involved and celebrate what their accomplishments say about our community’s shared vision. What makes these moments even more meaningful is that they don’t happen in isolation. One of the most powerful things we witness at Fairholme is the joy that comes when girls find their kindred spirits – those who share their passions, encourage their development, and offer the kind of friendship that brings out their best. Whether it’s in the science lab, the boarding house, the chapel, or the choir room, your daughters are discovering the transformative power of belonging and striving to be better. A visiting educator recently captured this beautifully after the induction ceremony where the boys from Brisbane Boys’ College sang alongside our own amazing choir: ‘Finding kindred spirits is a fantastic thing…I met a lovely young woman…who sang a William Byrd motet with bright and engaged friends next to her, in a culture of beauty, support, bravery and optimism…the strands of time and place came together in a bright flash of human flourishing and furtherment. That’s core business in my view.’ That is our core business – not only providing an excellent education but nurturing the whole experience of each girl. We are deeply committed to shaping women of wisdom, strength and compassion who will be ready to lead, serve and contribute meaningfully to the world beyond Fairholme. The verse chosen for our recent induction service speaks directly to that hope: “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” - Proverbs 3:13 True wisdom is more than knowledge. It is compassion in action, it is leadership grounded in humility, and it is the courage to listen and respond with grace. These are the qualities we aim to nurture in your daughters – and in ourselves. It is a joy to see that growth in action. Whether it is a prep student offering high fives at the front gate, or senior students leading younger students with quiet confidence and care. It is in the joy of a performance, the grit of training, the curiosity in solving a problem, or the resilience shown in difficult moments. These are enduring, formative experience – the kind that shape character, strengthen purpose and prepare young women for lives of meaning and impact. Thank you, parents, for your trust, your partnership, and your confidence in our care. The privilege of educating your daughters is not lost on us. It is a sacred responsibility and a joyful one. As part of the induction service, I committed to continuing the legacy of strong leadership that began with Margaret Cameron and Miss Amy Carson and has been shaped by many since. Together with staff, students, and families, I look forward to building upon the strengths of Fairholme while embracing opportunities for innovation, connection and growth. Fairholme is a school with heart – one that beats with faith, hope and love. As we look to the future, I do so with great confidence. Not because the path will always be easy, but because I know we will walk it together. May we continue to seek wisdom. May we deepen our understanding. And may we – as a Fairholme family – be richly blessed. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

In Principal | Coming Holme

By Sarah Richardson • June 20, 2025
As a regional centre, Toowoomba has long been known for its charm, heritage and lifestyle – but in recent years, it has also become one of Queensland’s most exciting and dynamic growth corridors. After listening to demographer, Simon Kuestenmacher, recently, Toowoomba has a growing importance as Australia’s second largest regional hub, reflected by both population growth and economic data. For families choosing to live and educate their children in this region, there is much to celebrate – and a great reason to be optimistic about the future. Over recent weeks, I had the great honour of attending the ICPA (Isolated Children’s Parens’ Association) State Conference in St George – an inspiring gathering of parents, educators and community leaders passionate about ensuring equity in education for rural and remote students. What struck me most was the deep commitment to connection – to building strong pathways for children no matter where they live, and to strengthening the regions that sustain them. This theme could not be more relevant. Our city continues to experience significant population growth, attracting families not only from metropolitan areas but also from across Northern New South Wales. As the gateway to the Darling Downs and the south-west, Toowoomba services a vast catchment and this demand is driving impressive investment in infrastructure and opportunity, particularly in the health sector. Healthcare is currently the largest employer in the Toowoomba region, accounting for one in every five local jobs. That’s 20% of our regional workforce engaged in caring for others (Toowoomba Regional Council Economic Profile, 2023/4). This is only growing. With the new Toowoomba Hospital on the horizon (Queensland Government Darling Downs Health, 2025) and an ever-increasing demand to service areas throughout Queensland and Northern New South Wales, the need for dedicated, well-trained health professional has never been more urgent. And yet, as health services expand, there is a growing shortage o f workers – particularly in nursing, allied health, mental health and aged care. The good news is that regional students who study and train locally are far more likely to stay, live and work in those same communities (Regional Universities Network, NA). They – the young women in our classrooms now – are the future of our region. That is why I am so proud of the work happening in our College’s Health Hub. This innovative space is more than just a classroom – it is a launch pad. It’s where curiosity meets compassion and where students begin to imagine how they might make a positive impact. In 2024, Health was the single largest study area for our students – a strong sign that our young women are listening to the needs of their community and leaning into service. Our partnership program with Mater Education and on-the job options with STATIM Regional Health Solutions is already providing students with real work learning opportunities and micro credentialling to give them a head start with their future pathways. I recently received one of the loveliest letters I have e ver received in my time as an educator, from a grateful son whose mother had been provided care by one of our girls during work experience. He shared that ‘although this student’s genuine kindness is exceptional to our mind, I have no doubt that it is indicative of the values that are instilled in your Fairholme students more generally.’ With over a dozen of our current Year 12 girls eagerly preparing to sit their medical entry exams through UCAT preparations, this touching tribute to our students and staff could not be more fitting. With a rapidly changing world, there is no doubt that health remains one of the most stable and essential sectors – both now and into the future. But more than that, it is a deeply human profession. Whether our graduates go on to become doctors, nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals or researchers, we know they will be making an impact that matters. Toowoomba is not just growing - it is thriving. And as educators, we are excited to be helping shape a generation who will contribute meaningfully to that growth. Our College is proud to stand at the intersection of education, innovation and community service. To each of our families - thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the values you instil and the trust you place in us. The ICPA reminded me once again of the strength that exists in our rural and regional families - and of how important it is that our schools honour that strength with opportunity. The future looks bright – and I have every confidence it will be even brighter with our graduates at the helm. Have a restful break and I look forward to seeing you and your daughters back for an exciting and inspiring second semester. Dr Leigh Hobart Principal

Coming Holme

By Sarah Richardson • May 22, 2025
What an extraordinary joy and privilege it is to write to you as the 14th Principal of this exceptional school. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I have been welcomed with warmth, grace, and an unmistakable sense of belonging. The smiles of the students, the genuine conversations with parents, and the deep care shown by staff all speak to a school community that is not only thriving but grounded in something truly special. Moving to the Darling Downs has, in many ways, felt like coming home. I was brought up in the country and the values I learned as a child – authenticity, resilience, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility to one another – are the same values I see woven through the tartan of this College. They are lived daily through the actions of our students and staff, especially our boarders whose strength of character and sense of connection enrich the whole school. Celebrating National Boarders Week recently was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the significant place boarding holds in our history and in our hearts. The stories, spirit and laughter that filled the week were a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and belonging. In just a short time, I’ve been privilege to witness the heart of this school in action. The recent FACETS Art Show was a perfect example – a celebration of creativity, courage, and excellence. To walk through the gallery and see the work of the artists, including our students, was to be inspired by their talent and joy. Excellence here is not simply about achievement, but about growth, engagement, and the pursuit of God-given potential. This is a school that understands the importance of enjoyment in learning – and in life. Our Christian-centred faith is the foundation upon which everything stands. It informs our approach to care, character, and community. It reminds us of the worth of every individual, the hope we carry into each day and the call to live our lives with purpose and service. I see this in the way our students support one another and in the respectful and nurturing relationships that define our school culture. Faith here is not an add-on, it is the lens through which we view education, leadership, and life. I have been deeply moved by the commitment and passion of our staff. It is evident that this is more than a workplace – it is a vocation. The love they have for the school, for their students and for their craft is palpable. It is the careful planning lessons, the words of encouragement, the coaching in the early (or late!) hours and the quiet presence beside a student in need. Their collaboration and tireless dedication make this a place where young women are empowered, supported, and celebrated. As I look towards the future, I am filled with optimism and hope. This is a school grounded in strong traditions and clear values, yet one that is not afraid to embrace innovation in how we teach, care, and grow. With a rich sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence, collaboration, respect, and joy, we will continue to nurture a community where every student can thrive. As John Steinbeck is attributed to writing, 'A great teacher is a great artist… teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.' I believe the same can be said of leadership in schools. It is both a privilege and responsibility to walk alongside young people as they discover who they are and who they are becoming. I look forward to sharing in that journey with you and building upon the remarkable legacy of this community, together. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal
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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.
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