In Principal: The Value of Enjoyment
March 4, 2026
‘Enjoyment is the energy that fuels engagement, the spark that ignites curiosity, and the kind of glue that binds young and old alike.’ - Dr Leigh Hobart
At Fairholme, values are more than words on a wall – they shape the culture, guide decision-making, and give meaning to daily life. One of our core values, and perhaps one of my favourites, is enjoyment.
At first glance, enjoyment can seem like a soft value. Yet in a high-performing girls’ school such as ours, enjoyment is anything but trivial. It is the energy that fuels engagement, the spark that ignites curiosity, and the kind of glue that binds young and old alike. When young women experience joy in their learning and in their relationships, they flourish.
Our February 2026 edition of At Holme
captures that spirit beautifully. Our recent Swimming Carnivals for the Junior and Secondary Schools were a perfect expression of enjoyment in action. Yes, there was spirited competition in the pool and impressive athletic achievement (congratulations Stephens House!), but what lingered most powerfully was the sound of laughter, songs and dancing echoing across the stands.
The March Past – proudly won this year by Cameron – reminded us that belonging matters. The creativity, choreography, storytelling, and sheer enthusiasm of our girls, particularly our Year 7 students experiencing their first carnival, created something distinctly ours: girl-centric, wholesome, and deeply bonding. In those moments, enjoyment was not peripheral to school life – it was the point.
That same spirit was alive at our Year 7 Camp in Maleny. Outdoor education provides challenge, but challenge wrapped in encouragement and shared experience becomes joy and memory. I had the privilege of the joining students on the giant swing – and I suspect I may have screamed the loudest. Watching our girls encourage one another up the 6-metre and 15-metre abseiling walls, celebrate small victories, and step beyond their comfort zones was a powerful reminder that enjoyment and courage often travel together. When girls feel safe and supported, they will take risks – and often discover strength and friendships they did not know they possessed.
Our Year 9 students embraced a different kind of adventure at Noosa North Shore, building resilience through shared challenge and time away from the familiar rhythms of school. Meanwhile, our Year 10 cohort deepened their understanding of the remarkable environment of Moreton Bay during their camp at Tangalooma on Moreton Island. Learning about the beauty and fragility of this ecosystem is not simply an academic exercise; it is an invitation to wonder and experience awe. Awe and wonder, too, are forms of enjoyment – ones that expand perspective and deepen gratitude.
We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named the 2026 Toowoomba Region Young Citizen of the Year, for her tireless advocacy for girls and young people. Such achievements reflect service, character and contribution. But even here, enjoyment has a place. Young people who find joy in serving others, who experience fulfilment in contributing beyond themselves, are those most like to continue doing so. Enjoyment, in this sense, becomes purposeful and full of meaning.
As a principal with a very healthy interest in learning, I am often asked about academic outcomes, pathways and future readiness. These matter greatly. However, research consistently affirms what we witness daily: students who enjoy their schooling are more engaged, more resilient, and ultimately more successful. Enjoyment enhances learning; it does not detract from it. Positive emotion broadens thinking, strengthens relationships, and builds the psychological resources young people need to navigate complexity.
For girls in particular, environments that celebrate connection and wholehearted participation are transformative. When a girl can dance her heart out for her House, leap from a giant swing, debate passionately in a competition, perform on stage, or dive into the pool with determination – and feel the full support of her peers – she learns that her voice and presence matter.
Enjoyment, then is not about constant fun or the absence of challenge. It is about cultivating a community where effort is energised by joy, where belonging enhances bravery, and where learning is infused with vitality. As you read the stories in these pages – from carnivals to camps, from leadership to service – I hope you glimpse what we see each day: a school alive with laughter, courage and connection. In nurturing enjoyment, we are not lowering expectations; we are creating the conditions in which young women thrive.
And if occasionally that includes a principal screaming her way down from a giant swing, then I consider that a small price to pay for a community built on joy.
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.
