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…

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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