In Principal: Belonging in our Community
October 30, 2025
As we approach the final weeks of the 2025 school year, I find myself reflecting on the strength and spirit of our school community – one that continues to be shaped by the values of faith, respect, joy, collaboration and excellence. These are not just words we teach in classrooms; they are lived experiences, woven into the fabric of our school culture and reflected in the actions of our students, staff and families.
This past month has been a powerful reminder of what is means to belong to a community that values both tradition and progress. Our annual Presenting Fairholme was a celebration of academic excellence, leadership and service. It was heartening to see so many families gathered to honour the achievements of our students and to hear from our special guest speaker Tarryn Sorour (OG 2020), who reminded us of the importance of purpose and resilience in all that we do.
Equally inspiring was our 2026 Leaders Induction, where we welcomed our new cohort of student leaders, led by Bronte Callachor, Miranda Mann and Alexandra Edwards. These young women have already demonstrated a deep commitment to their peers and to the broader school community. Their willingness to serve, to listen and to lead with empathy fills me with great confidence in the future of this beautiful College.
Another highlight was our Spring Fair, complete with Fashion Parade, and held under clear blue skies and the gentle warmth of early spring. The wonderful weather seemed to mirror the joy and connection felt by all who attended. Families, students, staff and members of the wider community came together in a celebration that truly embodied our country values – hospitality, togetherness and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. A particularly special part of the day was welcoming back our Old Girls, whose reunions added a rich layer of history and belonging to the event.
After catching up with some from the class of 1995 in our beautifully refurbished FOGA Foyer, their stories, laughter and continued connection to the school reminded me that community is not just about the present – it is about honouring the past and nurturing lifelong ties. From the vibrant stalls and student performances to the shared moments over homemade treats, the day was a vivid reminder of the strength of our community and importance of nurturing relationships. It was more than just a school event – it was a reflection of who we are and the values for which we stand.
In the spirit of recognising excellence, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding student achievements, discussed further in this edition:
- The Fairholme Equestrian team’s hard work and dedication paid off with three of our riders achieving top three placings among the nation’s best young riders at the Interschool Equestrian Championships. Numerous other accolades were achieved from our incredible equestriennes.
- Our Visual Arts students continue to impress, with three of our young ladies receiving awards for the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art program. Bron Francis will have her work displayed in the Gallery of Modern Art as part of a statewide exhibit, after winning an Excellence Award.
- Rory Zimmerman completing a significant milestone in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, demonstrating perseverance and leadership through adventurous journeys and community service.
- Mia Hall, Helen Young and Abigail Walker have received a bursary from the Empire Theatre, recognising their talent and dedication to the performing arts.
- And in a remarkable achievement, Mackenzi Schefe travelled to the USA with Sports Travel Australia to compete in multiple Cross-Country races.
These accomplishments are not just personal triumphs – they are reflections of the values we hold dear. They show us what is possible when young people are supported by a community that believes in them.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on nurturing a culture where every student feels seen, heard and valued. As our Seniors prepare and engage in their external exams, we are reminded that academic success is just one part of a much broader journey.
Education, at its heart, is about building character, fostering curiosity and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. While we support our student in achieving their best academically, we also continue to prioritise their wellbeing, personal growth and sense of purpose – ensuring they leave our school not only well-educated, but well prepared for life.
Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal
More News…
One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.
Inspiring, imaginative and the ultimate celebration of creativity, the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival trip was one to remember for our Year 11 and 12 Fashion Students. Across three inspiring days, students immersed themselves in world-class design, bold artistic expression and the evolving future of fashion. Students explored the joyful and imaginative ‘Let’s Party’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Drawing from the gallery’s renowned Fashion & Textiles Collection, the showcase celebrated playful accessories, inventive silhouettes and the expressive power of dressing up. Seeing fashion presented within a fine-art context proved eye-opening. Pieces were bold, theatrical and delightfully unexpected, encouraging students to view clothing not just as garments, but as creative statements. The visit also included a stunning display of works by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Her fearless use of colour, texture and form captivated the group, offering a masterclass in how fashion can challenge conventions while remaining unmistakably beautiful. In a powerful celebration of women in the arts, students next explored the dazzling Diva collection at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The exhibition featured breathtaking costumes worn by icons including Cher and Cate Blanchett. A tram ride to Lygon Street brought a shift in focus from glamour to responsibility at MIND: The Regenerative Fashion Store, which returned for an exclusive three-day appearance as part of the festival. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented, the space encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textiles. The visit highlighted an important message that fashion isn’t just about what’s trending on the runway, it’s about responsibility, sustainability and investing in the future. Of course, no Melbourne Fashion Festival experience would be complete without the runway, and our students were treated to some breathtaking productions. Between inspiring exhibitions and runway moments, the experience was rich with creativity, individuality and discovery. The students have returned buzzing with ideas and inspiration, ready to channel what they had seen in their own creative work. Heartfelt thanks go to our Fashion staff for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.
