2022 Welcome
January 31, 2022
‘No matter how attentively we have prepared for this moment, it can also feel that nothing has prepared us for this moment…’
Welcome to 2022 - a new school year on the brink of commencing, but not in the way we imagined.
We enter our third year negotiating pandemic living. Having skirted its full force for the past two years, we are confronting its reality in new ways. We can expect change, adaptation, cancellations – and thus, there is a deep need for flexibility, adaptability, and acceptance that things are not as they used to be: they are not. Despite this, there is much to look forward to in the year ahead.
Beginning always has its challenges, doesn’t it? Be it for current or new students dealing with a situation not anticipated, the wrench of leaving an established pattern of life including the freedoms of holidays, yes, beginning can be fraught.
We find ourselves in a heightened state of excitement or anxiety – or perhaps both, after all, the physiological response is the same, irrespective of how we brand the feeling, the branding does matter. Excitement and anticipation are much more palatable sensations than fear or anxiety.
To our brand-new starters…
When our children start school or boarding school for the first time, it’s at the top of the change scale.
No matter how attentively we have prepared for this moment, it can also feel that nothing has prepared us for this moment.
Add a disrupted beginning and it really is OK as a parent to feel even more unsettled than our child! So, what to do to allay that feeling?
- Talk to other parents – particularly pertinent for our new boarder parents
- Talk about school and the things you know, the things to look forward to, and the things that might need some adjustment, don’t fixate on the hard stuff, but don’t avoid it entirely, either
- Be positive about the change and get involved in the practicalities of getting ready – even though the mode of beginning has been altered and delayed
- Respond to questions and assure that together you will find out the answers
- Remind your children that whenever they can, to move off the metaphoric sideline – yes, even when learning remotely and online, and, to ask for help if needed. The phrase ‘fake it ‘til you’ll make it’ has relevance to everyone beginning again. For all parents, the fundamental ‘do’ is to speak in the positive – even about the difficult ‘stuff’.
Boarding remains the front of mind consideration for many. We continue to seek information and direction; I am hopeful that the National Cabinet meeting set for tomorrow might provide a path forward.
Maintaining a symptom-free environment within a school and particularly in a boarding community is complex. We continue to grapple with quarantine requirements, testing procedures and isolation processes. Fairholme family support and understanding remains so important. Further, if day families have connections with boarding families, and can assist in some way, please be in touch with them.
We had exceptional support from our day families in 2020 when numbers permitted in boarding were restricted and this enabled many of our boarders to resume face-to-face schooling as day students.
This is the time for our College to work as a community. Be assured that any changes that may need to occur because of the requirements of COVID-19 management will be communicated with as much notice as is possible - we will let you know, as we know!
Let us look forward to a promising and enriching 2022, despite our unanticipated beginning and the challenges we collectively face.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility – it is always appreciated.
Kind regards,
Dr Linda Evans | Principal
More News
We are delighted to introduce our Head Girls for 2026: Bronte Callachor (Head Girl), Miranda Mann (Head Boarder) and Alexandra Edwards (Head Day Girl). In announcing the new leaders, Mr Tom McCormick, Head of Senior School, spoke warmly about the unique contributions each girl will bring. ‘Our Head Girls each bring unique strengths and thoughtful character, and together I know they’ll form a leadership team that’s both balanced and compassionate,’ he said. ‘What makes this moment especially meaningful is how their individual journeys reflect the richness of our school community, with Bronte and Miranda joining us in Year 7 and Alexandra having been part of our story since Kindy. We look forward to the warmth, integrity, and spirit they’ll bring to leading our Seniors next year.’ The announcement was also a moment of reflection for outgoing 2025 Head Girl, Gracie Mack, who shared her pride in handing over the responsibility of leadership. ‘It has been an honour to serve our College in this role,” she said. “Leading alongside my peers has taught me so much about courage, kindness, and community. As I hand the baton to Bronte, Alexandra, and Miranda, I feel confident that they will continue to guide Fairholme with wisdom and heart, inspiring the girls around them.’ Each of the 2026 Head Girls expressed her excitement for the year ahead and the role they will play in shaping Fairholme’s community. Bronte is looking forward to building on the strong foundations of her cohort. ‘We have such an incredible group of girls,’ she said. ‘I’m really excited to work alongside them and to help strengthen the culture of positivity and inclusivity at Fairholme. I’d love to see even more connections formed across grades so everyone feels part of something special.’ Our Head Boarder Miranda shared her eagerness to contribute in a way that makes a lasting difference. ‘I’m looking forward to being a strong part of the Fairholme community and making my own impact while encouraging others to do the same,’ she said. ‘I want to help create an environment where everyone feels connected and valued.’ Alexandra, who has grown up at Fairholme since Kindy, expressed gratitude and a strong sense of purpose. ‘Fairholme has given me so much over the years, and I’m so excited to be able to give back,’ she said. ‘For me, leadership is about empowering others to try their best and believe in themselves.’ We congratulate Bronte, Alexandra, and Miranda and we look forward to seeing the legacy they will create in 2026.
This year’s Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Toowoomba Secondary Schools Competition saw Fairholme teams deliver an outstanding season of debating, showcasing sharp thinking, quick wit, and true Fairholme spirit. ‘We have such a wonderful culture of debating at Fairholme, with a great number of students keen to participate every year. The growth I observe in our debaters is extraordinary, from their confidence in speaking, to their exceptional teamwork and critical reasoning when preparing arguments on a wide range of contemporary issues’, says our Debating Co-ordinator, Mrs Kim Scudamore. A special congratulations goes to our Year 7.4 team, who claimed the Grand Final victory against Toowoomba Grammar School. They successfully argued the affirmative on the topic: ‘That we should actively encourage the use of Artificial Intelligence in classrooms.’ Their ability to build persuasive cases and respond confidently to rebuttals was a testament to their hard work and teamwork throughout the season. Our Year 8, Year 10 and Senior teams also impressed, each reaching their respective Grand Finals and finishing as runners-up after tightly contested debates. Their efforts reflected not only strong debating skills but also resilience and camaraderie in high-pressure settings. In total, 16 Fairholme teams competed this season, with 12 teams making it through to the finals. Congratulations to every debater who took part in this year’s competition. The future of debating at Fairholme is certainly in good hands. Fairholme Grand Final Debaters: Team 7.4 - Sophie Cussons, Suzana Yusaf, Abigail Walker, Norah Joseph and Bella Cherry Team 8.2 - Tanishka Chaudhary, Annabelle King, Claire Fischer and Elaine Mutsando Team 10.1 - Sophie Haller, Richa Vimal, Brooke Johnson, Caitlin Schultheiss, Isabella Kentish and Georgia Nicholls Team 12.1 - Ayesha Saleh, Rori Zimmerman, Chanudi Dissanayake and Mabel Galbraith
Year 8 student Ella Phillips has returned holme after an unforgettable tour of the United States, where she proudly represented Australia in the Babe Ruth Softball World Series as part of the Aussie Drop Bears team. Ella’s journey began in Dallas, Texas, before heading to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she participated in a high-level training camp with local college softball coaches. The team also competed in warm-up matches to prepare for the main event in Florence, Alabama. Competing in the Under 14 division, Ella and her Australian team made it all the way to the double elimination final, narrowly missing out on the championship title by just one run in a nail-biting 8 - 9 loss. Despite the result, their second-place finish is a highlight achievement for Ella. Ella’s individual performance was nothing short of outstanding. During the closing ceremony, she was named in the Under 14 All World Series Team and the Under 14 All Defensive Team, a testament to her talent and consistency on the field. She also ranked in the top 10 for both batting and fielding statistics across the entire tournament. Reflecting on her journey, Ella shared that her softball career began humbly at home in Taroom encouraged by her mum and PE teachers to trial for the South West state team. That experience sparked a passion for the sport and she now plays for Dodgers Softball Club in Toowoomba. ‘I’ve been really lucky with the support I’ve had,’ Ella said. ‘The stats don’t say everything, but they’re the best I’ve ever had. I’m really proud of how I played in America.’ Boarding since Year 7, Ella has ambitions to study veterinary science but also has her sights set on a softball career. With aspirations to play in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Ella is already planning her next steps, including a trip to Japan in 2026 to further develop her skills.
More News…
We are delighted to introduce our Head Girls for 2026: Bronte Callachor (Head Girl), Miranda Mann (Head Boarder) and Alexandra Edwards (Head Day Girl). In announcing the new leaders, Mr Tom McCormick, Head of Senior School, spoke warmly about the unique contributions each girl will bring. ‘Our Head Girls each bring unique strengths and thoughtful character, and together I know they’ll form a leadership team that’s both balanced and compassionate,’ he said. ‘What makes this moment especially meaningful is how their individual journeys reflect the richness of our school community, with Bronte and Miranda joining us in Year 7 and Alexandra having been part of our story since Kindy. We look forward to the warmth, integrity, and spirit they’ll bring to leading our Seniors next year.’ The announcement was also a moment of reflection for outgoing 2025 Head Girl, Gracie Mack, who shared her pride in handing over the responsibility of leadership. ‘It has been an honour to serve our College in this role,” she said. “Leading alongside my peers has taught me so much about courage, kindness, and community. As I hand the baton to Bronte, Alexandra, and Miranda, I feel confident that they will continue to guide Fairholme with wisdom and heart, inspiring the girls around them.’ Each of the 2026 Head Girls expressed her excitement for the year ahead and the role they will play in shaping Fairholme’s community. Bronte is looking forward to building on the strong foundations of her cohort. ‘We have such an incredible group of girls,’ she said. ‘I’m really excited to work alongside them and to help strengthen the culture of positivity and inclusivity at Fairholme. I’d love to see even more connections formed across grades so everyone feels part of something special.’ Our Head Boarder Miranda shared her eagerness to contribute in a way that makes a lasting difference. ‘I’m looking forward to being a strong part of the Fairholme community and making my own impact while encouraging others to do the same,’ she said. ‘I want to help create an environment where everyone feels connected and valued.’ Alexandra, who has grown up at Fairholme since Kindy, expressed gratitude and a strong sense of purpose. ‘Fairholme has given me so much over the years, and I’m so excited to be able to give back,’ she said. ‘For me, leadership is about empowering others to try their best and believe in themselves.’ We congratulate Bronte, Alexandra, and Miranda and we look forward to seeing the legacy they will create in 2026.
This year’s Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Toowoomba Secondary Schools Competition saw Fairholme teams deliver an outstanding season of debating, showcasing sharp thinking, quick wit, and true Fairholme spirit. ‘We have such a wonderful culture of debating at Fairholme, with a great number of students keen to participate every year. The growth I observe in our debaters is extraordinary, from their confidence in speaking, to their exceptional teamwork and critical reasoning when preparing arguments on a wide range of contemporary issues’, says our Debating Co-ordinator, Mrs Kim Scudamore. A special congratulations goes to our Year 7.4 team, who claimed the Grand Final victory against Toowoomba Grammar School. They successfully argued the affirmative on the topic: ‘That we should actively encourage the use of Artificial Intelligence in classrooms.’ Their ability to build persuasive cases and respond confidently to rebuttals was a testament to their hard work and teamwork throughout the season. Our Year 8, Year 10 and Senior teams also impressed, each reaching their respective Grand Finals and finishing as runners-up after tightly contested debates. Their efforts reflected not only strong debating skills but also resilience and camaraderie in high-pressure settings. In total, 16 Fairholme teams competed this season, with 12 teams making it through to the finals. Congratulations to every debater who took part in this year’s competition. The future of debating at Fairholme is certainly in good hands. Fairholme Grand Final Debaters: Team 7.4 - Sophie Cussons, Suzana Yusaf, Abigail Walker, Norah Joseph and Bella Cherry Team 8.2 - Tanishka Chaudhary, Annabelle King, Claire Fischer and Elaine Mutsando Team 10.1 - Sophie Haller, Richa Vimal, Brooke Johnson, Caitlin Schultheiss, Isabella Kentish and Georgia Nicholls Team 12.1 - Ayesha Saleh, Rori Zimmerman, Chanudi Dissanayake and Mabel Galbraith
Year 8 student Ella Phillips has returned holme after an unforgettable tour of the United States, where she proudly represented Australia in the Babe Ruth Softball World Series as part of the Aussie Drop Bears team. Ella’s journey began in Dallas, Texas, before heading to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she participated in a high-level training camp with local college softball coaches. The team also competed in warm-up matches to prepare for the main event in Florence, Alabama. Competing in the Under 14 division, Ella and her Australian team made it all the way to the double elimination final, narrowly missing out on the championship title by just one run in a nail-biting 8 - 9 loss. Despite the result, their second-place finish is a highlight achievement for Ella. Ella’s individual performance was nothing short of outstanding. During the closing ceremony, she was named in the Under 14 All World Series Team and the Under 14 All Defensive Team, a testament to her talent and consistency on the field. She also ranked in the top 10 for both batting and fielding statistics across the entire tournament. Reflecting on her journey, Ella shared that her softball career began humbly at home in Taroom encouraged by her mum and PE teachers to trial for the South West state team. That experience sparked a passion for the sport and she now plays for Dodgers Softball Club in Toowoomba. ‘I’ve been really lucky with the support I’ve had,’ Ella said. ‘The stats don’t say everything, but they’re the best I’ve ever had. I’m really proud of how I played in America.’ Boarding since Year 7, Ella has ambitions to study veterinary science but also has her sights set on a softball career. With aspirations to play in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Ella is already planning her next steps, including a trip to Japan in 2026 to further develop her skills.
