Never Ever Ring The Bell ...
January 31, 2025
Beginning. Starting. Commencing. What does beginning well actually look like?
Sometimes when we expect a perfect start, we overlook the quiet power of simply showing up, the world is run by those who show up. Those people who never, ever ring the bell, those people who show up, even when it is hard to do so, especially when it is hard to do so. Brene Brown reminds us that “the willingness to show up changes us, it makes us a little braver each time we do.” In enacting bravery, it is important to start small if that’s what it takes.
American Naval Admiral, William McRaven says this: “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you can’t do the little things right, then you will never do the big things right.” He believes in persistence. His mantra is this: don’t ever, ever ring the bell. He refers to the initial training for the United States of America Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams the SEALS. Their initial training sees more than 80 percent of participants drop out.
During this training, a brass bell hangs in the center of the room for all the students to see. If they find the work too hard. If they decide against becoming a SEAL. All they have to do to quit—is to ring the bell. Ring the bell and they no longer have to wake up at 5 o’clock. Ring the bell and they no longer have to complete freezing cold swims. Ring the bell and they no longer have to endure long runs carrying heavy weights, the obstacle courses, or to suffer the hardships of training. Just ring the bell and it’s all over.
When exhausted SEAL candidates reach their breaking point, they haul themselves to the bell and ring it three times. The sound echoes through the training grounds and announces publicly that another candidate has “opted out.” All they have to do is ring the bell. Just ring the bell and the hard work stops.
I wonder if Lilli Hamilton (Queensland cricketer and HEAT member) rang the bell when Cricket training no longer felt like it was fun, or if Alex Edwards (Australian Orienteering representative) opted out of orienteering because frankly, the distance was too far, or if Scarlett Sippell (Emus National Youth Touch Football Squad member) gave up because training was too tough …. what they would miss out on … When we opt out, even when it is hard, we also miss out on possibilities.
There are so many opportunities at Fairholme to achieve one’s best - academically. In the Arts. In Sport. Opportunities to serve others. To be a good friend – a good person. But then again, if any of those things are too hard, all anyone has to do is – opt out. Say it’s too hard. Say they didn’t get selected in the right team. Say their teachers didn’t give them the right results. Say they weren’t given the right position. Text their parents and tell them that Fairholme is awful. All they have to do, is ring the bell.
Yet, if we want to change the world, If we want to get the best out of this year at Fairholme, whatever that involves - never ever give up. Start small, aim big. Always show up. Don’t give up. Don’t ever, ever ring the bell. The most meaningful changes in life are often built in the times that no one sees, and, importantly, in the daily decision to simply show up, and to show up for others.
When my daughter, Natalie was twenty-one, she began her teaching career at an Autism specialty school in Brixton, London. She would phone me often: for advice, for debriefing, for re-setting – her school was classified as being in Special Measures – it was on the brink of closure. Often, when she phoned to describe her day – to talk about the boys in her class, all aged 12 or 13, it went a little like this: “Today, Mashley threw a chair through a window because he didn’t like the activity we were doing. I had to break up a fight at lunch. Jerome pulled a knife on me. Three boys in my class have joined gangs.” I wanted to say: “Natalie: get another job. That one is too dangerous.” I wanted to fly her home from London, immediately. I had to stop the urge to board the next plane to London and rescue her. But my advice to her – was this: Show up. Keep showing up. No matter how you feel… Get up, dress up, show up: don’t give up. These kids need to know that someone cares enough to show up. After all, when we show up for others, we can affect the most profound of changes.
I am always intrigued about who shows up here at Fairholme – especially at difficult times. In 2011 when floods ravaged Toowoomba and so much of Fairholme was flooded – staff showed up - in their holidays. They turned up to rip up carpets, move furniture, clean floors, and walls. Last year, in the sadness of Sess’ passing our community showed up, in droves, with deep compassion – importantly, our community showed up for one another.
I think of 2024 Year 12s who showed up for others, after they had officially finished attending classes at and were preparing for or undertaking their external exams. Lizzy Kelly and Ciara Teahan showed up to play in the stage band, for the Year 11 Leaders Assembly, so that the group could perform at its best. Roma Aarons came to an Assembly in November to share a fabulous rendition of ‘Hotel California’. On a Sunday morning, early in December, graduated students Rachel Yap, Alana Callaghan, Amelia Ramia and Roma Aarons, showed up at Rosies to prepare food for Toowoomba people who don’t have easy access to basic necessities.
After last year’s Interschool Athletics Carnival, Clare Hogan noticed staff picking up loads of lost property and carrying it into the Assembly Hall. She asked – Can I help?
When we show up, especially when it is for others, especially when it’s hard, we learn a lot about ourselves and others. The students at the school where my daughter taught in Brixton, London – needed teachers to show up, they needed people to notice them, they needed interest, care, attention. They needed to know that they mattered.
The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time, particularly when we show up for others.
Show up. Keep showing up. Show up for others. And remember the advice of Naval Admiral, William McRaven … even when it’s hard, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.
Begin well, continue well, finish well.
Dr Linda Evans│Principal
More News…
‘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
Off the back of her selection in the Queensland team, set to compete at the Australian Schools Swimming Championship in Brisbane in July, Year 8 student Mia Geise talks about her record breaking journey in the face of adversity. How did you get into swimming, and have you always swum competitively? When I was two years old my older brother Henry was taking learn to swim lessons at Fairholme, and I used to go along with my parents and was wanting to join in. It is funny to think back, that as a two-year-old I started learn to swim lessons with Mrs Dickinson and she used to tell the instructors to, ‘watch out for Mia as she will jump in the pool when you’re not looking’. I had no fear and just wanted to get on with it. All the instructors and swim coaches were aware that I had received a liver transplant when I was not even 4 months old. They were very supportive of me, and I went through the learn to swim grades. I commenced swimming competitively at meets when I was about 7 years old and swam for the Junior School at Andrews Cup. In Year 4 my health took a turn, and the doctors told my parents that I needed another transplant. The family moved to Brisbane to prepare. As I got sicker, I had to give up my favourite activities, including swimming which was really hard. I had a second transplant in Year 5, and six weeks after that, I was feeling healthy again, back at swim squad, but not competing. I returned to Fairholme at the beginning of Year 7 where my THRIVE teacher Mrs Aleesa Barton mentioned to me that I might be eligible to compete in multi class sport events. When I talked to Dad, he thought it was a great opportunity for me and got me registered to compete in multi class swimming and athletics. I was swimming in Fitness Squad at the time and with the encouragement of the Development Coach Mr Michael (Mick) Winton I returned to swim squad under his guidance. That was about nine months ago, and in November 2024, I resumed swimming competitively after more than a three year break. My goals at my first meet was to set new times to simply enable me to swim in multi class events at the Queensland Swimming Championships in December last year. The unexpected happened... I not only set some new times which allowed me to swim at the Queensland Championships, but I set National qualifying times. This was the start of what has been an extraordinary past six months where I have achieved more than I ever thought was possible. What does your weekly training schedule look like? I currently swim up to three times a week with the Development Squad under the guidance of my coach, Mr Mick Winton, and I also participate in two lighter sessions with the Fitness Squad. In addition to swimming, I incorporate a gym session at school to focus on strengthening. During the cross country and track and field seasons, I adjust my training by reducing the number of swim sessions and replacing them with two running sessions to maintain my conditioning. What do you love about swimming? It isn’t all about training and competition. I have made lovely friendships with my squad members and the young women I compete against. Do you have a favourite stroke? Breaststroke is by far my best stroke and is definitely my favourite. I enjoy the feeling when going through (almost cutting) the water when I am swimming breaststroke. You are off to Nationals in July, do you have any goals for this meet? I am selected for multi-class 50m and 100m Breaststroke and 200m Mixed Medley Relay Team A (Breaststroke). Even though I am at the younger end of the 13-15 age group if I swim personal best times, I will be competitive in my individual events. My goal is for personal bests and top 6 finishes, anything better than that will be a bonus. In the Mixed Medley, we have a real chance of a top 2 finish. It is going to be an exciting 3 days for Coach Mick and me; I am looking forward to it! Do you have any long-term sporting goals? My dad says that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to long-term progression in sport and to not get ahead of myself. We take every training block and swim meet as stepping stones to continue with setting personal best times that will in the future hopefully make me the best junior multi-class breaststroker in Australia. If I achieve this, it has potential to open pathways to gain selection in junior teams to compete internationally. Is there anyone particular who inspires you? Alexa Leary – A multi-class swimmer and Paralympics gold medallist, and world record holder. Four years ago, while training for triathlon Alexa had a horrible crash on her bike that left her with brain damage and weakness down her right side. Alexa’s courage and determination to learn to speak and walk again and go on to swim for Australia at a Paralympics is extraordinary. It gives me the chills. MEDALS Australian Age and Multi Class Age Championships Bronze: 12–13 Years 50m Breaststroke Queensland Representative Schools Championships Bronze: 13–15 Years 50m Breaststroke Bronze: 13–15 Years 100m Breaststroke Queensland Championships Silver: Open 100m Breaststroke Bronze: Open 50m Breaststroke Silver: 12–14 Years 50m and 100m Breaststroke Silver: 12–14 Years 50m and 100m Backstroke Queensland Sprint Championships Silver: 12–14 Years 50m Breaststroke RECORDS Australian Records Long Course: Open: 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke (three records) 13 Years and Under: 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke (three records) Short Course: Open: 100m Breaststroke and 100m Medley (two records) 13 Years and Under: 50m and 100m Backstroke, 50m and 100m Breaststroke, 100m Medley (five records) Queensland Records Long Course: Open: 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke; 50m and 100m Backstroke (five records) 13 Years: 50m and 100m Freestyle, 50m and 100m Breaststroke, 50m & 100m Backstroke (six records) 12 Years: 50m and 100m Freestyle, 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke, 50m and 100m Backstroke (seven records) (Note: No Queensland Short Course records are maintained for Multi Class)
To find your calling in life—and to feel a deep connection to a vocation—is a special thing. For Sophie Byatt, that calling has always been clear: she knew from a young age that she wanted to care for and serve others. A career in healthcare is calling her. Now in Year 11, Sophie is undertaking the Health Services Advanced Pathway Program through Fairholme’s Health Hub—a fully equipped, on-campus simulated hospital ward with an Allied Health station. The Fairholme Health Hub is a unique offering in skilling our next generation of health professionals. For girls like Sophie, it has provided the opportunity to learn and explore a job in healthcare in real time. After successfully completing Certificates II and III in Health Support Services, Sophie has enrolled in the STATIM Micro-credential Program. This unique initiative allows her to gain hands-on experience by taking shifts in hospitals and aged care facilities under the guidance of registered nurse mentors. Learning on the job is giving Sophie—and other students like her— the skills and confidence to get a head start in their healthcare careers. Sophie’s mother, Tamika Byatt, says the program has opened countless doors and given Sophie the clarity that a career in health is the right path for her. Through her work caring for the elderly, sick, and vulnerable in the community, Sophie has also connected with Fairholme Old Girls and former staff members. These experiences have deepened her sense of purpose and commitment to serving others. Looking ahead, Sophie plans to study a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland in 2027, with aspirations to specialise in paediatrics or midwifery. Well done to each of our Year 11 and Year 12 students who have recently completed the STATIM Micro-credential Program: Sophie Byatt, Serah Vimal, Olivia Kennedy and Lucy Schwennesen. For more information, visit Fairholme Pathways Program .
