Patience

September 6, 2022

“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.” (David G Allen)


What is the best piece of advice your parent has given you? What is the voice in your head that directs you to act in a particular way, holds you firm to a value or gives you wisdom when confronted by difficulty? What is the best advice you have given your child or children? When Gai Waterhouse was asked recently for the best piece of advice her father, trainer, TJ Smith gave her, her reply was swift – “he told me to be patient.” Implicit in the notion of patience is the idea of waiting, the delay of gratification, and the ability to endure - even the toughest of circumstances. 



Waterhouse, as the first female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup, understands patience better than most. It does not mean there was any lack of urgency, low bar of expectations, or a relinquishment of drive - quite the reverse, really. It meant she had no such word as ‘can’t’, it meant she was persistent at banging the glass ceiling until it cracked and possessed a determination to wear others down. Patience does not mean standing stationary. Without patience, and a willingness to persist, Gai Waterhouse would not have carried the Melbourne Cup in the boot of her car for three months, following her epic win. Without her mantra, to keep getting on and doing it, and her willingness to see adversity as an opportunity for growth and an opportunity to appreciate that growth, she would have followed a different pathway. She says, “sometimes you win, sometimes you rise.”


Of course, the advice we give is best seen in our actions, not our words. I watched the Matildas lose with grace to the Canadian women’s soccer team on Saturday afternoon. Down by one goal very early on in the match, the Matildas were patient in seeking opportunities to even and then better the score. They were also persistent and determined. No doubt they will rise from the opportunity to play and lose against one of the world’s best soccer teams. But what struck me most were the Matildas who were waiting for a spot on the field. They were warming up with focus, each half, practising drills and repeating sprint patterns. They were waiting, waiting for their call up to take to the action. Not all got that call up. No doubt within them there was high anticipation and hope surging – and in the midst of that hope and anticipation, they too were learning patience. Sometimes patience is about waiting for an opportunity that might not arrive or might arrive in different packaging and at a different time. It is a skill worthy of our attention. 


Consider the school week that has just passed and with it, the joy of a Junior School Showcase where our girls from Prep to Year 6 presented snippets from their Music/Drama/Dance classes, along with performances from the Junior Strings, Junior Band, Choirs, and the Middle School Voices Choir. It was an Arts feast and a beautiful celebration of ‘becoming’ – becoming confident on stage, becoming confident with self-expression, and becoming part of a team or group with a collective goal in mind. One cannot decide which Prep girl twirling her chiffon scarf as she danced across stage will become a ballerina or an accomplished dancer, nor which choir member will continue to sing publicly throughout her life – and neither should one. Patience is, after all, the calm acceptance that things can and do happen in a different order than the one we have in mind. It is often about simultaneously setting expectations and abandoning them when they become too prescriptive, too detailed, and too unrealistic.


My [then teenage] son, watching me proof-reading Year 1 reports many years ago was stunned by the number of descriptors for each student. With a mix of tongue in cheek and genuine disbelief, he said, “Why don’t they just write – this is Lucy, she is five years old, she’s fabulous – let’s just see how she goes.” There is a lot in that, isn’t there? Yes, the calm acceptance that we, and especially our youngest people, are still becoming … they become who they are over a lifetime, and we need to be patient. All our hopes and intent will not and cannot dictate the path of that becoming. So many factors influence our pathways, our successes and our setbacks, and our ability and interest in learning and improving. The Gai Waterhouses of the world have achieved through dogged persistence and sheer hard work, more than through talent or opportunity. Early mornings, long nights, self-reflection, and the willingness to do things differently, all have their place. So too does patience, the ability to accept the pattern of things, the readiness to wait, and having the faith to believe in the becoming process – the process of a lifetime.


Sometimes we win. Sometimes, we rise within ourselves, when we calmly accept that life rarely follows the order that we imagine for ourselves, or for our children. Patience is indeed a virtue worth acquiring.


Dr Linda Evans | Principal



More News

By Sarah Richardson August 1, 2025
‘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
By Sarah Richardson June 20, 2025
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)
By Sarah Richardson June 20, 2025
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 .
All News

More News…

By Sarah Richardson August 1, 2025
‘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
By Sarah Richardson June 20, 2025
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)
By Sarah Richardson June 20, 2025
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 .
All News