Coming Holme

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

More News…

Back-to-Back State Champion

By Sarah Richardson • November 19, 2025
Fairholme Year 6 student, Eden Broksch, has once again shown her incredible talent and determination, taking out the State Championship title in the Tetrathlon for the second consecutive year. Competing at the Queensland Representative School Sport State Track and Field Championships in Townsville, Eden shone across all four Tetrathlon events: 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put and 800m. The competition, held over two days, began with the 100m and Long Jump. Eden admits the first day didn’t quite go to plan. ‘At the end of the first day, I was in about 12th place,’ she shared. But day two brought a remarkable turnaround. After a strong Shot Put performance, she surged up the leaderboard. ‘After the Shot Put, I moved up to fourth place. I was pretty confident I could place in the top three if I finished with a good run in the 800m,’ she said. What followed was a determined and inspiring final effort. Eden ran her heart out in the 800m — her favourite event and that final burst was enough to secure the overall win. ‘I ran a personal best time in the 800m and ended up winning overall by just a couple of points,’ she explained, smiling. This victory also means Eden will once again don the maroon colours, earning her place on the Queensland team for the second year in a row. ‘It feels so good,’ she said. ‘I love going away with the team, it’s so much fun and one of my best friends is also going too, which makes it really enjoyable to share the experience.’ In the lead-up to nationals, Eden has been training with enormous commitment and energy. ‘I’m running usually five days a week, two throws training sessions, two long jump sessions and I also play touch football,’ she explained. Shot Put and the 800m remain her favourite events, but her love for combined disciplines continues to grow. She’s already looking ahead to the future. ‘I love competing in the combined events. I don’t just have to focus on only one event, I can do multiple. I hope to move from the tetrathlon to the heptathlon when I’m old enough.’ Eden is also a true all-round athlete. This year alone, she has represented Darling Downs in Orienteering and both Queensland and Darling Downs in Cross Country, all while representing Fairholme in touch football, netball and gymnastics as well. Her passion for sport extends beyond competition — she treasures the friendships she has forged along the way. ‘I’ve made lots of great friends through athletics from all over,’ she said. As Eden prepares for the School Sport Australia National Championships in Canberra at the end of the month, her goals are clear. ‘I want to improve on last year’s score and achieve another personal best in the 800m.’ Congratulations, Eden! Fairholme is incredibly proud of your grit, talent and wonderful attitude. We’ll be cheering you on as you take on the national stage once again.

Celebrating one of Australia’s Best Educators: Sonya Nicol

By Sarah Richardson • November 19, 2025
We are incredibly proud to celebrate our extraordinary Fairholme Kindy Teacher, Mrs Sonya Nicol, who has been recognised as one of Australia’s most outstanding educators in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA). Sonya was announced as a 2025 NEiTA Apple Award Winner for Primary – one of only two primary educators across Australia and New Zealand to receive this prestigious honour. With more than three decades of teaching experience, Sonya still steps into the Kindy classroom each day with the energy, creativity, and passion of a first-year teacher. NEiTA says 'Sonya’s love for early childhood education is simply unmatched, and the impact she has made on generations of students, families, and colleagues is extraordinary,' and we couldn’t agree more. ‘I’m still in a state of disbelief and shock, however, I am humbled and honoured to receive a National Excellence in Teaching Award,’ Sonya said. ‘There are so many brilliant teachers out there doing an amazing job. It’s absolutely wonderful to be recognised. ‘For me, teaching is not a thankless profession. I have the opportunity to watch children progress, change, and develop as they progress through Fairholme.’ NEiTA Foundation Chairperson Catherine O’Sullivan said educators like Sonya illustrate the power of exceptional teaching. ‘Sonya is a talented, passionate, and a life-changing force in education,’ Catherine said. ‘As an extraordinary teacher, Sonya is leaving a lasting mark on the lives of countless students. ‘The Fairholme College community is strengthened, courtesy of Sonya’s ability to motivate, educate, and inspire the next generation of young minds. Sonya’s achievement is not only a celebration of her remarkable career, but also a reflection of the heart, dedication, and excellence she brings to Fairholme each and every day. We are immensely grateful for the joy and inspiration she shares with our youngest learners, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her talent recognised on a national stage. Congratulations, Sonya, this honour is so richly deserved.

Creative Generation Excellence Awards 2025

By Sarah Richardson • October 31, 2025
Our Year 12 Visual Artists achieved outstanding success in the 2025 Creative Generation Excellence Awards and were recognised at the Official Opening of the DDSWQ Regional Exhibition. Congratulations to the girls on their outstanding achievements: > Certificate of Excellence Award – Bron Francis, ‘Choose your path’. Bron’s work will be exhibited at QAGOMA in 2026 as part of the State’s Central Exhibition – an incredible honour! > Regional Encouragement Award – Amelia Bryant-Peterson, ‘Perspectivae Culturales de Morte’ (cultural perspectives about death) > Certificate of Commendation Award – Indianna Hitchcock, ‘Omnia ad Initium Redeunt’ (Everything Returns to the Beginning) > Certificate of Participation Award – Yas Lethbridge, ‘Perceived Façades, Assumed Expectations and Underlying Realities’ This year, from almost 500 submissions across 168 schools in Queensland, only 150 works were shortlisted, with just 40 Excellence winners (including 2 from the DDSWQ region) and 8 Regional Encouragement awardees.  The DDSWQ Regional Exhibition is on display at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery until 16 November – we encourage you to visit and view these inspiring works.
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