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From the moment she could walk, Grace Andersen was dancing. At just two years old, she took her first ballet class, not quite knowing that her tiny feet were stepping onto the path of a lifelong passion. ‘I didn’t always love it,’ she admits, ‘but I did it anyway.’ It wasn’t until a change of schools in Year 1, moving to JE Dance , that Grace fell in love with dance in a whole new way. She thought ballet was the only style out there, until she discovered contemporary, jazz, and more. But ballet always held her heart. ‘There’s just something about it,’ Grace says. ‘I like the structure. With ballet, you need the right technique, it’s disciplined. That’s what I love.’ Now, ballet is more than a hobby; it’s a central part of Grace’s daily life. She trains nearly every day. Monday through Friday at JE, and on Thursdays she leaves school early to travel to Brisbane for coaching with Classical Coaching Australia. ‘It started this year,’ she says, ‘and I’ve already learned so much.’ This dedication recently led Grace to one of the most exciting moments of her young career - being cast in Queensland Ballet’s Coppélia during its regional performance in Toowoomba. ‘At first, Mum and I thought it would be like any other show,’ Grace recalls. ‘But then we had to fill out forms with bank account details, that’s when we realised it was something more.’ And it was. Grace was cast in not one, but two roles: the opening dancer as Little Coppélia, and a Smith sister in the village scene. ‘It was such a big surprise. When the curtain went up, I was the first dancer on stage. It was amazing.’ Performing with Queensland Ballet offered Grace more than just a moment in the spotlight, it gave her a glimpse into the world she dreams of joining. ‘Just seeing everyone there… it showed me what it would be like to be a professional dancer, which is what I’ve wanted since I was really little.’ Her ultimate dream? To dance with the Paris Opera Ballet, and one day become a ballet mistress, coaching and mentoring future dancers in a top company. ‘But first, I want to get into a good ballet school or academy,’ she says. ‘It takes a lot of practice. On weekends, I bring my ballet ball out to the living room and stretch or do rises while watching TV.’ Grace doesn’t just talk about hard work, she lives it. Her weeks are full, her schedule demanding, but her love for ballet never wavers. ‘You definitely have to be strong and fit and flexible, but most of all, you have to love it.’ While she doesn’t have a famous ballerina idol, she finds inspiration closer to home. ‘My mum was a dancer. She went on pointe and everything. She didn’t perform in shows like I do, but she helps me, and I really look up to her.’ Up next, Grace is preparing for her role in The Fairy Queen with Brisbane City Youth Ballet this winter. It’s her third time with the company, and she’s already setting her sights on what comes next. Because for Grace, ballet isn’t just a series of steps, it’s the rhythm of her future.
School mates cast in lead roles for the Empire Theatre’s 2025 Junior Impact Production When Phoebe Hohn and Sammy Cheetham auditioned for this year’s Junior Impact Production, Soul Trading, they had no idea they’d be cast opposite each other in two of the show’s leading roles. Set in the year 2079, Soul Trading is a futuristic play that explores a world where every child’s future is shaped by their personal learning robot – except for one. Phoebe plays Geri, a quirky and fiercely independent girl who refuses to follow the AI-dominated path everyone else is on. ‘Geri doesn’t have a bot like the others. She’s different, and she’s proud of it,’ says Phoebe. ‘I love playing someone who questions everything and isn’t afraid to go her own way.’ Her co-star, Sammy, takes on the complex role of Neutron, a clever and rebellious robot who doesn’t quite fit the mould. ‘Neutron is actually an illegal robot that Geri secretly 3D printed,’ Sammy explains. ‘She’s bright, ambitious, and wants to live a free life – but Geri tricks her into thinking she’ll die if she leaves.’ Throughout the show, Neutron cleverly manipulates both humans and bots to bend the rules and follow her lead. For Sammy, this is her second year involved in the Junior Impact Ensemble. ‘Last year, I was part of Our Egg Named Larry, and I absolutely fell in love with the program,’ she says. ‘That experience made me want to audition again this year, and I was thrilled to receive one of the main roles.’ Phoebe and Sammy, who are also speech and drama partners, supported each other through the audition process and have relished the opportunity to bring this fast-paced, futuristic story to life together. Their characters’ dynamic is central to the narrative, and their real-life friendship brings depth and energy to every rehearsal. With the production set to hit the Armitage Centre stage this July, both students say the experience has pushed them creatively and helped them grow in confidence. ‘Performing in a space like the Armitage is a dream,’ Phoebe says. ‘It’s exciting and a little bit surreal.’ We can’t wait to see Phoebe and Sammy shine on stage as Geri and Neutron – two bold characters in a brave new world.
10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry, 2025 Fairholme College Prefect for the Arts and lead character in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical.
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
A new program will help out students set goals and grow both academically and personally. Read about our new INSIGHTS program.
10 minutes with Fairholme Principal Dr Hobart.
The MacLaren tartan has long been woven into the fabric of the Hall family, its threads connecting generations through time. For 101 year old Nessie Hall - Fairholme College’s oldest living Old Girl - the legacy began in 1938 when she started Fairholme as a Year 9 Boarder.
Amanda Barwick’s path to becoming a leading voice in the rural industry is rooted in her formative years at Fairholme College, where she first experienced the power of connection.
As a Boarder from Inverell, the Boarding House not only became her home, but her community, which she says was instrumental in shaping her perspective on life. ‘The sense of belonging and support within the Boarding House was something I never took for granted,’ she reflects.
Fairholme College’s Class of 2014 reunion brought Belle Ronnfeldt (nee Thelander) a wave of nostalgia, as she reunited with old friends and celebrated cherished memories. ‘It was a wonderful reminder of my incredible time and the amazing friendships I built at Fairholme,’ Belle shared.
‘The importance of women supporting each other cannot be overstated. When women come together to support and empower one another, we create a ripple effect of strength and inspiration that extends far beyond the workplace. It’s about lifting each other up, sharing knowledge, and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive.’ Dietitician and Fairholme Old Girl, Rhiannon Stone (2013), walks the talk, exemplifying the power of women supporting women. This year, Rhiannon returned Holme to mentor Senior girls who were about to walk down Palm Drive for the last time, offering guidance, encouragement and wisdom as they approached a pivotal moment in their lives. It was a testament to her commitment to fostering a community where young women feel empowered, supported and ready to step confidently into the next chapter of their journey. ‘I was once told that “Mentors aren’t there to make us better—they’re there to help us uncover the greatness that’s already within us”.’ Rhiannon said the true value of mentorship lies in the knowledge of those who have walked the path before us. ‘They’ve encountered the speedbumps along the way, and while their insights can’t eliminate every challenge, they offer us the tools to navigate them with greater confidence and purpose. Mistakes, after all, are invaluable lessons. Reflecting on those experiences and using mentorship to forge your unique path is what shapes your identity and empowers you to thrive in any field. By embracing mentorship, Fairholme students can gain not just knowledge, but the courage to write their own extraordinary story.’ She says what truly sets Fairholme apart is its remarkable ability to foster lifelong connections and a true sense of belonging. ‘Even though it’s been 11 years since I graduated, the relationships I built there feel as fresh and meaningful as if I had left yesterday.’ Fairholme, in tandem with the Old Girls’ Association, is deeply committed to mentoring current students, inviting past students to return and share their experiences, insights, and wisdom with the Senior girls as they prepare to step into the next phase of their lives. Rhiannon was one of a number of Old Girls who returned to school this year to take part in a mentoring luncheon. ‘Walking back into the school and being greeted by familiar teachers or chatting with students who share nearly identical experiences to my own creates an unbreakable bond,’ Rhiannon said. ‘The shared traditions, the mutual support, and the understanding that we’re all part of something greater make it truly unique. There’s a profound sense of connection that Fairholme instills in every student, one that continues to inspire and uplift long after graduation.’ Rhiannon, who has built a thriving dietetics business in Toowoomba, Balance Nutrition, said her pathway since school was shaped by many small yet meaningful experiences. ‘It all started with my love for sport, which was a big reason I came to Fairholme in the first place. I knew I wanted a career in health and fitness, but a Year 10 work experience placement quickly taught me that anything involving bodily fluids wasn’t for me—I fainted at the sight of blood! ‘That’s how I landed on dietetics, a health-focused path that aligned perfectly with my passions.’ Concurrently, Rhiannon saw how nutrition directly impacted her performance in sport, which in turn fueled her desire to learn more. ‘Reflecting on it now, I think another key driver was my personal experience as a teenager trying to navigate the often confusing and conflicting messages about food. Like many young women, I was bombarded with advice from magazines and social media about what to eat and what to avoid. This curiosity—combined with a desire to cut through the noise and help others, particularly young women—became the foundation of my career in dietetics.’ When Rhiannon returned to the Homestead for her mentoring session with current girls, she was suffused with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing that her journey had come full circle and that she could now offer the guidance and support she had once received. ‘While I often work with Fairholme students to help them understand nutrition and fuel their bodies for success in school, sport, and life in a more clinical setting, returning to the college to offer mentorship was different,’ Rhiannon explained. ‘It was an opportunity to share my journey, the influences that shaped my career, and the parts of my job I truly love. What made it even more meaningful was the chance to remind the girls of something I’ve learned since leaving school: what you aspire to now doesn’t define you forever. ‘The pathways we traditionally think of after school don’t have to be the ones you follow. Life is incredibly short, and the best choices are the ones that truly fill your cup—not the ones you feel you ‘should’ make. For example, I took a gap year at 23. Was that traditional? No. Was it one of the best decisions I’ve ever made? Absolutely. Life is full of career opportunities, and the key is to pursue the one that brings you joy.’ But what if that changed down the track? ‘That’s okay, too!’ Rhiannon said. ‘Mentoring the girls reminded me of how important it is to guide and inspire the next generation, showing them that the possibilities are endless and that their journey is uniquely their own. Giving back to Fairholme in this way was an incredibly rewarding experience.’ Rhiannon’s connection to Fairholme extends well past mentoring. Some of her best friends today are from her school days. ‘I absolutely keep in contact with friends from school, and those connections are truly special,’ she explained. ‘We share in the big milestones—weddings, babies, career achievements—but it’s the smaller moments, too, that really matter. The everyday challenges where you just need a friend to talk things through.’ Boarding, in particular, gave Rhiannon friendships that she says are unlike any other. ‘It’s a unique bond built on shared experiences and long-lasting memories, and it’s something I’ll always cherish. ‘These friendships are more than just school ties—they’re forever connections, and I’m eternally thankful for the opportunity to have formed them.’ ___________ Rhiannon is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with Balance Nutrition, with over six years of private practice experience. Upon finishing Boarding school at Fairholme and relocating from Roma, she completed a Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics at Griffith University in 2017. After living and working in London, Rhiannon returned home in 2020 to work with Balance Nutrition, where she continues to develop her clinical practice alongside her personal values of compassion, curiosity and mindfulness. In 2021, Rhiannon completed further training to become an Accredited Sports Dietitian and has since become a qualified eating disorder clinician through ANZAED. Rhiannon loves connecting with women who are going through times of change in their lives, such as during adolescence and as young adults. A believer in taking a practical, no-nonsense approach in guiding clients towards better health, Rhiannon is skilled at building relationships with those who may be overwhelmed and seeking to simplify their approach to nutrition.
