Fairholme Annual Report

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Our Vision and Values

Fairholme College offers a diverse range of high-quality, contemporary educational experiences within a Christian community. Founded in 1917, it is a College of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. The College is located on the Darling Downs, perched on the edge of the Range escarpment in Toowoomba.

Fairholme – a nurturing Christian school, committed to developing a vibrant learning community; one that challenges students to become confident and respectful contributors within our global society.

Christ-Centred Faith | Collaboration | Enjoyment | Respect | Seeking Excellence

VISION VALUES SCHOOL SECTOR

Fairholme College is an independent day and boarding school.

COLLEGE INCOME

Please refer to the My School website (myschool.edu.au) for detailed information regarding College income broken down by funding source.

STUDENT BODY

Fairholme College enjoys a vibrant and varied student body. Our large, dynamic boarding family contributes invaluably to the unique nature of our College community. Boarding students predominately call Queensland and New South Wales home; however, we have girls from diverse regional centres throughout Australia.

The College is proud of its First Nations students; there were 28 enrolled during this reporting period. While small in number, our international students further enrich our student community.

YEAR LEVELS

Fairholme College offers programs for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12, with boys welcome in the Kindergarten programs. Boarding commences from Year 5 and caters for students through to the completion of Year 12.

TOTAL ENROLMENTS

Total enrolments in 2023 reached 875 students, comprising of 673 Day Students and 202 Boarders.

27% of enrolments were in the Junior School (Kindergarten to Year 6), 37% in Middle School (Years 7-9), and 36% in Senior School (Year 1012).

TOTAL STUDENTS

875 Total Enrolments

673 Day Students

202 Boarders

First Nation Students: 3.2%

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Chairman’s

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Mr Ian Andersen

At Presentation Evening last year, I mused about what the College community would like to hear from the Chairman at such events –and that applies similarly to a report such as this.

In the same vein as my address that night, and given that many of you were not present, I thought it would be useful to recap my observations about the College’s ‘State of Being’ from a Board of Directors’ perspective – that is, what does the Board see that you might not?

By way of introduction, it is worth noting that the Board is a quite diverse group of people – currently eleven members strong, five women and six men, and it includes lawyers, an accountant, an engineer, a retired minister, farmers, an actor; and our Principal is also a Board Member. Six are former parents (including three who had daughters in Boarding), one is a current parent, four are Fairholme Old Girls, including one who was a Boarder. I appreciate the wide-ranging experience and skills they bring to discussions at our Board Meetings.

It is also important to note that the Board developed its

‘Academically, Fairholme College has a first-class reputation across the Independent School Sector. Dr Evans leads the College with passion, commitment, and a deep understanding of current and emerging academic needs. Our NAPLAN results have been exemplary in recent years. We continue to excel on the Sports Field, in our Cultural and Arts programs and in our service to the Community.’

- Mr Ian Andersen

own Strategic Plan as part of the process in developing the College’s current Strategic Plan. We determined that our purpose is ‘To provide governance to the College to educate young women who approach their futures with hope and the agency to lead positively within their communities’. Our Vision is ‘To support the College to live its Christian faith and provide an inclusive, dynamic and safe learning environment’.

Principally, our role is to provide strategic direction to the College and general oversight of the day-to-day operations.

I am blessed to lead this talented group of people and I acknowledge the exceptional service they have provided again this year. I applaud their enthusiastic support and commitment and I am continually grateful for their knowledge and their interest in, and support of, the College. It is also worth noting that the College continues to enjoy the full support of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland.

How are we travelling?

Academically, Fairholme College has a first-class reputation across the Independent School Sector. Dr Evans leads the College with passion, commitment, and a deep understanding of current and emerging academic needs.

Our NAPLAN results have been exemplary in recent years. We continue to excel on the Sports Field, in our Cultural and Arts programs and in our service to the Community.

At the end of 2023, 874 students (including 204 Boarders) were enrolled at Fairholme, which was well above budget – with predictions for a total of enrolment of 880 students including 220 Boarders at the start of 2024: our highest enrolment ever.

Financially, the College is in the best position it has been for many years – certainly in my time on the Board. In part, this is because we have been unable to commence Stages 1 and 2 of our Masterplan. This is a source of significant frustration to me and to the Board, and it is due to the Presbyterian Church of Queensland’s ongoing receivership situation.

Having said that, the College continues to operate absolutely unhindered in its day-to-day operations.

As I write this report, I still cannot tell you when we might be able to proceed with Stage 1 but thought you should be aware of the situation as it currently stands. The good news is that while this is the case, we will continue to accumulate significant funds towards the construction of Stage 1.

In 2023, the College continued to improve its already very strong financial position. We maintained our policy of investing substantial funds towards the improvement of facilities and infrastructure as well as other capital equipment, spending over $1.9 million on such improvements. This is despite the fact that we hope to demolish and rebuild some of those facilities in the years to come.

Projects approved and/or completed during the year, which included contributions from the Parents’ and Friends’ Association, included:

> the very significant upgrade of the Senior School facilities over the 2022-2023 Christmas period at a cost of over $700,000

> completion of refurbishment of the Junior School L Block classrooms with the upgrade of the Year 3 facilities

> the complete remodelling of the Rest-Room facilities in the undercroft area of the Junior School

> the complete remodelling of the Gymnasium foyer and Rest Rooms

> ongoing upgrade and replacement of Information Technology equipment

> furniture, fittings, plant and equipment replacements.

The Board approved the 2024 Budget at its November meeting. The Board continues to be very aware of the many competing factors in developing the budget each year. This year in particular, the challenges of higher inflation led to significant increases in many of the College’s overhead costs such as staff employment costs, insurance, electricity, gas, student resources (equipment/ consumables) and computer licensing, all of which had a considerable impact on the College’s annual budget.

Keeping these considerations in mind, the 2023 Budget provides for a 7.7 per cent increase in Kindergarten Tuition Fees, an 8.5 per cent increase for Prep to Year 6 Tuition Fees and a 6 per cent increase for Years 7 to 12 Tuition Fees. Boarding Fees will increase by 5 per cent and the Capital Levy will increase by 5 per cent. In addition, General Purpose Levies have been implemented for all year levels from Prep to Year 12.

As I conclude, I must record my sincere thanks to our Principal, Dr Evans, and the members of the Senior Leadership Team for their continued unfaltering commitment, drive and passion as they lead the College and for their enthusiastic engagement with the whole Fairholme Community.

I can assure you the College is very well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities as 2024 unfolds.

‘Principally, our role is to provide strategic direction to the College and general oversight of the day-to-day operations.’

- Mr Ian Andersen

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dr Linda Evans

2023: A Year of (re)Connection

‘With the bedrock of Christian faith and values, an underpinning of restorative approaches to relationship growth and a deep valuing of relational pedagogies, Fairholme is an interpersonal community.’

- Dr Linda Evans

School connectedness is an important protective factor for many students. It influences regular school attendance, which is key to improved education and health outcomes. Connectedness also reduces risk-taking behaviour and violent and antisocial behaviour, as well as the likelihood of emotional problems. (Bowles, Scull, and Russo, 2019)

Each year, our Annual Report seeks to chronicle the highlights and achievements of the year that has passed, that which are quantifiable and verifiable, and to mirror the major activities from the College calendar.

For me, it is also important to reflect the unquantifiable, the intangibles that are at the base of Fairholme’s culture, the precious elements that make us who we are. Thus, the publication celebrates and acknowledges the successes that occurred throughout 2023 through those who sought out opportunities to challenge themselves in a diversity of learning contexts.

Some will see these successes captured in data; for others, perhaps more significantly, those successes will be captured in their sense of connectedness with others, and within themselves: tangibles and intangibles.

It needs to be noted that 2023 saw us emerge from the three-year COVID-19 experience, with its shadow clearing but not entirely absent. Here we discovered the preciousness of connection, as did Doveton College in Melbourne whose staff logged 19,000 phone calls to families during one Victorian lockdown period.

No doubt, research into the future will inform understandings about the impact of this pandemic and the way in which our world view has been altered. Are schools the same? Probably not.

We are re-engaging with one another, and we are also seeking to disengage and disentangle ourselves from the technology hold that crept unwittingly and ubiquitously into our practices during the past three years. Further, we are working against the ‘working from home’ mindset

which crept its way into broad society during the COVID pandemic. It is a self-evident truth that students need to be regular school attendees in order to develop relationships and a sense of self worth within those relationships. Absences decrease the likelihood of this occurring.

The research work of psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (cited in Bowles, Scull, and Russo, 2019) speaks to a four-factor model that says, ‘attending leads to belonging, which leads to engagement, which leads to flow.’ The former pair of descriptors are about relationships, the latter pair about performance. You cannot have best performance without the base of relationships. Flow is described beautifully by Csikszentmihalyi as the state when students ‘are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that [they] do it for the sheer sake of doing it’.

Flow activities are hard to quantify in a school context, yet evidence of flow is very Fairholme. You see it in service projects where students lose themselves within an activity; the Year 10 Intergenerational Morning Tea held in November of 2023 is one example. Older members of the Toowoomba community were invited for morning tea at Fairholme, and it would be hard to say who derived a greater sense of ‘flow’ from the experience.

Or the students who helped curate the annual Facets Art Exhibition alongside Fairholme Old Girls and celebrated

REFERENCES

Bowles, T., Scull, J., and Russo, D. (2019) ‘Why is School Connectedness so important?’ Pursuit: Learning and Teaching. The University of Melbourne. https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-isschool-connectedness-so-important

Flett, M. (2023). ‘Want to Believe in Yourself? ‘Mattering’ Is Key.’ The New York Times. 27 September 2023.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/27/well/mind/ mental-health-mattering-self-esteem.html

Artists and Curators: Sue Lohstroh and Sandy Pottinger lost themselves in the experience. Or those who faced a challenge on a school camp where a physical activity pushed their limits; they now understand the concept of extending themselves beyond that which is familiar or comfortable, which leads to immersion in learning (Bowles, Scull, and Russo, 2019).

In the pages that follow, you will read about measurable and quantifiable achievements. But I am always drawn back to the intangibles, the ‘flow’ activities, the growth of character which occurs when Csikszentmihalyi’s four-point model is in action, beginning as it does with attendance and belonging.

Connectedness matters. In so many ways, Fairholme is founded on connectedness. With the bedrock of Christian faith and values, an underpinning of restorative approaches to relationship growth and a deep valuing of relational pedagogies, Fairholme is an interpersonal community. Such is our culture: rich, deep, dense – able to hold one another in support.

The year of 2023 was marked by activities of engagement and re-engagement, and we look forward to our connections and our (re)connections, at this school where our community matters. After all, a sense of mattering is fundamental to human flourishing (Flett, 2023).

Mar> Sporting success – Fairholme Swim Team wins the Toowoomba Secondary School Sport Overall Champion Girl School Shield and our netballers take home the Year 7-9 Laura Geitz Darling Downs Cup

Jan

> The outstanding ATAR achievements of Fairholme’s graduating class of 2022 were celebrated at our Commencement Assembly. With a median ATAR of 91, the cohort topped the Darling Downs and performed among the highest in the state.

May

> 2023 Seniors raise over $70,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation World’s Greatest Shave

> The Fairholme Open Art Prize FACETS Exhibition, in its seventh year, attracted over 400 remarkable art pieces and awarded $12,500 in prize money

> Fairholme is Champion Girls’ School at the Darling Downs Cross Country Championships

> Our Junior School class choirs sing their way to winning the Primary School Choir section at the Toowoomba Eisteddfod

> The Ladies and Lassies High Tea brings together mothers and daughters from our Junior School to raise funds for Friends of the Junior School

Feb

> Launch of the Fairholme College Strategic Plan 2023-2026 at the Principal’s Welcome function

Apr

> Fairholme Boarders bake hundreds of Anzac biscuits for families and volunteers experiencing flooding in far North Queensland

Jun

> Fairholme College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) released in National Reconciliation Week

> Staff and students of Fairholme College and Toowoomba Grammar School brought to life an exhilarating co-production of Footloose the Musical

> Our Junior Vicki Wilson 1 Netball Team is crowned Darling Downs Champions and our Seniors are Runners-Up

> Annual Fathers’ Dinner with special guests Ed and Dan from TradeMutt

> Fairholme Orienteering team named 2023 Queensland Schools Orienteering Champions

> Fairholme Equestrian team wins the Loretta Wigan Cup and the Summers McDougall School Trophy at the Interschool Queensland State Championships

Sep

> Readers Cup State Champions

> At the annual Sony Camp, Fairholme students provided students with disabilities a weekend filled with fun, growth and learning

> South West Qld Touch Football Secondary All School: U13 and U15 –Champions, Opens – Runners-Up

> Boarding Mothers Spring Soirée event provides a wonderful opportunity for Boarding families to connect

Nov Jul Oct

> Parents, friends and staff combined their efforts to deliver yet another successful Fairholme College Spring Fair

> Fairholme Fashion Week shines the light on the incredible talents of our Fairholme Fashion students

Aug

> Fairholme awarded Equestrian Queensland 2023 School of the Year

> Sold out Mothers’ Long Lunch featuring 2015 Australian on the Year, Rosie Batty

> Fairholme Youth Development Touch Football clinic attracts more than 60 young girls from across the region

> Inaugural Intergenerational Morning Tea invites Senior Citizens to connect with our Year 10 girls

> P&F Long Lunch with Guest Speaker Alexandra Hindle (FOG 2008)

> Prep to Year 6 Junior School Arts Showcase

> Fairholme awarded Champion School in the Queensland Debating Union Darling Downs competition

> Founders’ Day Careers Mentoring Luncheon brings together our Seniors and Old Girls

Dec

> Construction begins on our new outdoor learning and play area in the Middle School

> The Class of 2023 achieves a median ATAR of 89.9, with 48.6% of ATAR-eligible students achieving a score in the 90s

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Student Outcomes

SENIOR CLASS OF 2023

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Fairholme’s Senior Class of 2023 demonstrated the Fairholme way through their perseverance, resilience and positivity – traits that will hold them in good stead long into their promising futures.

The cohort achieved a commendable Median ATAR of 89.9, with an impressive 48.6% of ATAR-eligible students achieving a score of 90 or higher.

Notably, four remarkable students achieved perfect scores in both internal and external assessments in individual subjects.

The academic accomplishments of our students, however, extended far beyond just ATAR scores. 98% of our students graduated from Fairholme with one or more Vocational Education qualifications; practical skills and valuable credentials that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavours.

‘These outstanding successes demonstrate the dedication of our students and an exceptional team of educators who are committed to cultivating a vibrant and thriving school community.’

QUALIFICATIONS ATTAINED IN 2023

Cert I - 2 qualifications

Cert II - 51 qualifications

Cert III - 74 qualifications

Cert IV - 7 qualifications

Diploma - 8 qualifications

BEYOND HOLME

2023 saw 96% of Year 12 students who applied for university through QTAC receive an offer for one of their preferences. In addition, there was a sustained interest in Head Start courses during 2023. These courses serve as advanced academic programs at the university level,

TOP UNIVERSITY PREFERENCES

University of Queensland - 32

Queensland University of Technology - 17

University of Southern Queensland - 8

Australian Catholic University - 4

University of Sunshine Coast - 4

catering to high-achieving students in Years 10, 11, or 12. Ten Year 12 students graduated having completed a Head Start course in diverse subject areas, such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Bioscience, and News Literacy.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Student Outcomes

NAPLAN RESULTS

Our girls in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sat the annual National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests in March 2023 and once again our results were well above the State and National averages across all areas.

Our Year 9 students recorded the best secondary school result in the region, further demonstrating the College’s commitment to fostering a strong learning culture.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Student Attendance

Fairholme College recognises that attendance each day and each lesson is an integral part of student success. We take great care to monitor the attendance of every student each day.

ATTENDANCE RATE AT FAIRHOLME

Attendance is recorded electronically for each lesson. In addition, rolls are marked in Assembly/Chapel or Holme Group Meetings. Absentee lists are generated during the day and communicated with staff.

MANAGEMENT OF NON ATTENDANCE

Administration staff follow up any students who are absent to ensure that we have had contact from parents or caregivers to let us know of their whereabouts.

These staff will phone, email or SMS the parents of any students not accounted for on campus.

Additionally, students who are missing from classes during the day are also followed up by academic staff such as a Head of Sub-School or Head of House.

These staff are also involved in supporting students to return to school when they have had an extended absence.

When a student is ill or unable to attend school, it is expected that parents of Day Girls notify the College before

school commences, by phone, email or via the College app.

Boarding staff notify key collegues about Boarders who are unable to attend class and are therefore in the College Health Centre.

Should a student be absent for more than three days, the Head of House Team or Head of Sub-School will contact the family to offer support and enquire as to the student’s welfare at that time. In the case of prolonged absence, the College works closely with students and families.

Student absences during examination/assessment time are managed through the College’s Student Academic Policy.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Curriculum

Our purpose at Fairholme College is to create an engaging and nurturing learning environment where our girls feel supported to grow and challenge themselves academically. It is our aim to prepare our students with the skills and knowledge to reach their full potential, and to be young women of integrity, compassion, and confidence.

JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Fairholme Junior acknowledges the importance of the acquisition of strong literacy and numeracy fundamentals embedded through meaningful and differentiated learning experiences across all areas of the Australian Curriculum – English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technologies, Health and Physical Education, The Arts and Languages.

Innovative teaching programs, reflecting 21st century learning models and contemporary thinking, are characterised by a balance between modelling and scaffolding, and investigative and activity-based learning. The integration of Information Communication Technology enhances the learning process in receiving, reflecting and applying information to shape the girls’ thinking and understanding.

In addition to our highly experienced classroom teachers, specialist teachers helped deliver an all-encompassing curriculum in 2023 for our Fairholme Junior students.

Specialist lessons included:

> Christian Education (Prep to Year 6)

> Physical Education and Sport (Kindy to Year 6)

> Languages - French and Japanese (Prep to Year 6)

> Music (Kindy to Year 6)

> Instrumental Music Program (Year 2 and Year 4)

> Drama (Prep to Year 6)

> Dance (Kindy to Year 6)

> Visual Arts (Prep to Year 6)

> Greta Junior Library (Kindy to Year 6)

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The Middle School at Fairholme College is a platform which allows our teachers to create an exciting curriculum that caters for the specific learning needs of this unique group of students – girls aged between 11 and 14 years.

The principles that underpin the best learning in the Middle School years include creating a curriculum that is:

> focused on literacy and numeracy

> relevant to their lives

> authentic, not contrived

> challenging at every level

> intellectually engaging.

Furthermore, evidence-based research demonstrates that

THRIVE PROGRAM

Every student in Years 7-12 attends life skills lessons once every two weeks. The program presents an opportunity for the girls to be heard and deliberate over some of the contemporary issues that individuals in today’s society might face. The aim is to develop each girl’s acceptance of herself as a worthwhile, competent and productive young woman, and also to provide information to enable students to make informed life choices.

the Middle School offers a unique experience which lays the foundation for success in senior years.

This is achieved through ensuring:

> Students have a small number of teachers with whom they interact and develop positive and trusting relationships

> The amount of assessment is reduced, yet the quality of the assessment allows for greater depth of learning and skill building

> The students are offered choice in subjects (increasing from Year 7 to Year 9)

> The curriculum encourages negotiation and student agency to ensure that students focus on areas of personal interest, as well as developing interest in diverse and unexplored areas.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

At Fairholme, we are committed to providing comprehensive academic support to all our students, ensuring they achieve their fullest potential from Junior to Middle to Senior school. Our structured support programs are designed to cater to the unique needs of students at each stage of their educational journey. We strive to foster a love of learning and equip our students with the skills they need to thrive both in school and in life.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Curriculum Offerings

FAIRHOLME CURRICULUM OFFERINGS

SENIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The Year 10 subject offerings seek to expand girls’ conceptual understanding of core subject areas, as well as provide opportunity for a greater degree of specialisation. This ensures students are able to make informed decisions as to which subjects they would like to pursue further.

In line with the QCAA requirements, Year 10 students are required to undertake a Senior Education Training (SET) Plan, whereby parents, students and a member of the Senior SET Plan Team meet to begin to formulate each student’s individual plan for her educational journey.

In Years 11 and 12 Fairholme College maintains an extensive range of study options and opportunities that prepare our students for life beyond school – whether they choose university, TAFE or study through another further education and training provider, take up an apprenticeship or traineeship or gain employment.

These include:

> Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) General subjects

> QCAA Applied subjects

> Vocational Education and Training programs (VET)Pathway Programs

> Traineeships/School-based Apprenticeships (SATs)Pathway Programs

> University Head Start Programs

> Excellence in Music program

(Music Extension is offered for Year 12 students)

> Excellence in English

(English Extension is offered for Year 12 students)

PATHWAYS CENTRE

The Fairholme College Pathways Centre aims to empower each girl to explore their unique career interests long before they reach graduation, ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their future study, work, and career pathways.

All girls from Year 10 to Year 12 at Fairholme College are afforded the opportunity to create an exciting an authentic career plan and gain hands-on opportunities to explore what is available outside of traditional subject offerings early in their Senior schooling.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Boarding

As at the end of November 2023, Boarder enrolments at Fairholme College reached 202, constituting over 23% of our total student body.

OUR BOARDER ORIGINS

Our Boarders hail from across Australia, as well as internationally, with Boarding students in 2023 predominately originating from country areas of Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

FROM OUR HOLME TO YOURS

Our ‘Home’ visits commenced as part of a research project in 2014, to support our new Boarders and their families as they navigate the transition to Boarding School.

In the first year, five Boarders were visited by academic and boarding staff members in their home towns prior to commencing at Fairholme College. After experiencing the resounding benefit of these visits, the program was widened to include all girls entering boarding in the following year.

In 2023, College staff visited 43 girls across Queensland and Northern New South Wales, travelling around 21,572kms. Staff travelled to Cooktown and Kowanyama in the Far North, to Edgeroi NSW, and into Southern and Western Queensland. Wherever possible, the girls were visited in their homes and at their schools, so staff could get to know their families and meet their teachers. The girls loved showing us their pets and a glimpse of their home life; also alleviating anxiety at starting at Boarding School and turning it into anticipation.

OUR BOARDING TEAM

A committed, qualified and professional team of teaching, residential and medical staff ensure the highest level of care and support for each individual Boarder.

The Boarding House Team consisted of 28 staff in 2023:

> Head of Boarding

> Deputy Head of Boarding

> Head of Wellbeing - Boarding

> Junior/Middle Years Boarding Co-ordinator

> Eight Full-time Boarding Supervisors

BOARDING HIGHLIGHTS

There is always something exciting happening in the Fairholme College Boarding House. Our Boarders were involved in many activities across the year, including:

> Attending Rugby League and Rugby Union games in Brisbane

> Watching a show at The Empire Theatre

> Enjoying a circus show

> Trips to Wet’n’Wild

> Spectating at local Panthers netball games

> Enjoying games of Putt-Putt golf

> Participating in photography afternoons

> Joining with Toowoomba Grammar School for fun activities

> Four casual Boarding Supervisors

> Assistant to the Head of Boarding

> Two Front Office staff (one weekend and one weekday)

> 24-hour Health Centre staffed by a Nurse Manager and eight nurses.

> Social opportunities such as the Year 11 Dinner with students from Toowoomba Grammar School and The Glennie School

> Taking part in craft activities

> Cooking on weekends.

In addition to the myriad Boarding activities, our Boarding students were involved in all aspects of College life, including:

> Debating

> Eikon and Nokie art groups

> Association Netball and Touch Football

> Choral and instrumental music ensembles

> Science and engineering challenge

> TAFE courses

> Cross Country training

> Speed, power and strength sessions in the Fairholme Gym.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Co-Curricular Activities

CO-CURRICULAR SPORT MIDDLE AND SENIOR

Fairholme girls once again participated in a vast array of team and individual sports, showcasing outstanding dedication, sportsmanship and Fairholme spirit.

For some, this was in pursuit of excellence at a high level. For others it was an opportunity to make new friends, enjoy a regular routine or try their hand at something new.

450 girls involved in individual sporting activities

More than 130 teams in local competitions

SPORT IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

In 2023, Fairholme girls achieved resounding success in Representative School Sport, with 127 girls selected in Darling Downs School Sport teams and 21 progressing further to represent Queensland School Sport.

Fairholme had more than 130 teams in local competitions and more than 450 girls were involved in individual sporting activities.

127 girls selected in Darling Downs teams

Throughout the year, co-curricular sporting activities enriched the dynamic Physical Education program at Fairholme Junior.

Co-curricular opportunities were offered across a wide variety of sports, providing our junior girls with strong sporting foundations.

Fairholme Junior co-curricular sports included:

> Participation in the Queensland Girls’ Primary Independent Schools Andrews Cup Association sporting competitions – Swimming, Touch Football, Tennis, Cross Country, Netball, Athletics, Gymnastics and Basketball

> Queensland Primary All Schools and South West Queensland Touch Football Tournaments

> Interschool sport and association sports – Touch Football, Netball, Cricket, Soccer and Basketball

> Cross Country and Athletics after-school training

> Fairholme Aquatic Centre learn to swim classes, squad training and Fairholme Aquatics Swim Club

> Tennis coaching

> Lunchtime Junior Swimming Knockout Tournament.

21 girls progressing to represent Queensland

SPEED, POWER AND STRENGTH

Our highly successful Speed, Power and Strength program is offered to all Fairholme girls. The program is designed for the specific needs of various sports with a focus on helping athletes gain a competitive edge, along with general conditioning and corestrength sessions.

> Eight morning sessions per week with dedicated program and onsite coach.

FAIRHOLME SPORT

2023 Highlights

AFL

> U15 and Open teams –StreetSmart Schools Cup Regional Champions, progressed to Metro South Finals

> One Darling Downs representative

Basketball

> Open – Darling Downs Armstrong Automotive Basketball Challenge Champions

> Year 7/8 team – Darling Downs Armstrong Automotive Basketball Challenge Runners-Up

> Three Friday Night TSSS teams – 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 teams: SemiFinalists

> Regional CBSQ Basketball Competition – Winners of three out of four games

> Andrews Cup Primary A Grade Champions

> Two Darling Downs representatives

Cricket T20

> Year 7-9 T20 StreetSmart Cricket Competition Champions, Metro South Gala Day in Ipswich

> Six Darling Downs representatives

Cross Country

> Interhouse Carnival ChampionsBlack House

> Toowoomba Secondary School Sport and Darling Downs Overall Champion Girls’ school and agegroup team winners: U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and 18/19 Years

> Andrews Cup Primary Cross Country Carnival – Percentage Cup Winners

> Queensland All Schools Cross Country Team Relays – 12yrs 1st, 14yrs 3rd, 16yrs 2nd , 17yrs 3rd

> 18 Darling Downs and one Queensland representative

Equestrian

> Equestrian Queensland School of the Year

> Darling Downs and South West Queensland Regional Championships – Overall Grand Champion School, Champion Secondary School, Secondary Combined Training Team, Show Horse Team, Champion Secondary Dressage Team and Summers Trophy for the Overall Champion Secondary Rider and Reserve Champion Show Jumping

> State Championships – Summers McDougall School Trophy (Sportsmanship and Teamwork) and the Lorette Wigan Cup for Overall Champion Secondary School

> Convenors of Fairholme IQ Show Jumping at Pittsworth

> 13 Darling Downs and 13 Queensland representatives

Football

> One Association Team finishing 4th overall

> One Darling Downs representative

Futsal

> Five Association Teams:

> South West Queensland Futsal Tournament – three teams participating

> Association Futsal Term 4

Competition: five teams participating – Year 7-10 Competitive Champions and Seniors Champions

Hockey

> Darling Downs Schools Cup Hockey participants – 5th overall

> Three Darling Downs representatives

Netball

> 28 Association Netball teams (Saturday and Wednesday nights)

– 12 Association Teams Grand Finalists in respective divisions, five Premiership teams.

> Darling Downs Junior Vicki Wilson Shield – Team 1 Regional Champions, Team 2 Development Regional Runners-Up

> Darling Downs Senior Vicki Wilson Shield – Team 1 Regional RunnersUp; Team 2 Regional Development Champions

> Vicki Wilson State Final – Junior team 5th place, Senior team 12th place

> Year 7-9 Laura Geitz Darling Downs Schools Cup – Division 1 Champions

> Seven Darling Downs and one Queensland representative

Orienteering

> Queensland Schools Orienteering Championships – Champion School

> Eight Darling Downs and three Queensland representatives

Rugby 7s

> Over 70 girls training and playing in U13, U15 and U18 teams

> South West Sevens Competition –U13 Champions, U18 Runners-Up and U15 3rd place

> Scots PGC College Rugby 7s Tournament – 15 Years Champions, 13 Years 3rd and Opens 2nd in pool

> Queensland All Schools Rugby 7s Tournament – U13 6th place

> Four Darling Downs, one Queensland representative and one shadow player

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Co-Curricular Activities

Rugby League

> Two Darling Downs representatives

Softball

> Darling Downs Golden Gloves participants

Swimming

> Interhouse Carnival Champions –Cameron House

> Toowoomba Secondary School Sport Swimming – Winners of the Francis Hopkins Diamond House Trophy for Aggregate Champion School, Champion Relay School and Age Champions: 13 years, 14 years and 15 years

> Seven Darling Downs and two Queensland representatives

Tennis

> Knowles Cup Tournament –Intermediate Finalists

> Darling Downs Secondary Schools Cup – Regional Runners-Up

> One Darling Downs representative

Touch Football

> Six Association Winter Series Competition teams – A2 Ladies Division Champions

> Eight Summer Competition teams

> South West Queensland All Schools Touch Tournament – U13 Champions, U15 Champions and Open Runners-Up

> South West Queensland Swans Schools Cup – U13 Champions, U15 Champions and U18 Runners-Up

> Gold Coast Titans Queensland All Schools Touch Carnival – 3 teams participating: U15 top 8, U13 round of 16 and Open round of 16

> All Hallows’ Touch Tournament –U15 and Open Semi-Finalists, U13

Place Final Runners-Up

> 11 Darling Downs representatives

Track and Field

> Interhouse Carnival Champions –Stephens House

> Darling Downs School Sport Track and Field – 24 gold, 18 silver and 10 bronze medals

> Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships – highest ranked Toowoomba school

> Andrews Cup Primary Athletics

Carnival – Percentage Cup Winners

> 20 Darling Downs and one Queensland representative

Triathlon

> Nine Darling Downs and one Queensland representative

Volleyball

> Five Association teams in Terms 1, 2 and 3

> Term 1 - F4 Champions, F1/F3/F5 3rd overall

> Term 2 – F5 Champions, F3 2nd and F3 3rd

> Term 3 – F3 Champions, F1 2nd

> Darling Downs Schools Cup – Year 7/8 Champions, Year 9/10 5th overall

Water Polo

> One Association team

> Annual Fairholme vs Glennie ‘Chris Stumkat Shield’ Winners

> Four Darling Downs representatives

Interhouse Overall Champion House for Sport

Black House

TOP OF TOOWOOMBA FOR SPORT

In 2023, Fairholme College won Darling Downs Championships across eleven different sports:

> AFL

> Basketball

> T20 Cricket

> Cross Country

> Equestrian

> Netball

> Orienteering

> Rugby 7s

> Swimming

> Touch Football

> Volleyball

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Co-Curricular Activities

CO-CURRICULAR ARTS

The Arts at Fairholme in 2023 engaged, challenged and empowered students through an extensive array of highly creative and immersive experiences.

To support our rigorous academic programs, our Junior, Middle and Senior School girls were offered a wide variety of exciting co-curricular opportunities in Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, Debating, Public Speaking and Sound and Lighting.

CO-CURRICULAR OFFERINGS

Dance

> Dance Collective (Years 7-12)

> Dance Troupe (Auditioned Group Years 10-12)

> Troupettes (Auditioned Group Years 7-9)

> Specialist Dancers (Auditioned Group 7 – 12)

> Physie Dance (Junior School)

Drama

> CentreStage Drama Group (Years 8-12)

Choral Music

> College Choir (Years 7-12)

> Chamber Choir (Auditioned Group Years 7-12)

> Middle Voices Choir (Years 7-9)

> Senior Voices Choir (Years 10-12)

> Junior Chorale

Instrumental Music

> Symphony Orchestra > Symphonic Wind Band

> Stage Band > Saxophone Ensemble

> Clarinet Ensemble > Brass Ensemble

> Flute Ensemble > Chamber Strings

> Percussion Ensemble > Junior Band

> String Quartets (Junior, Middle and Senior)

> String Trio (Middle School)

> Chime Choir (Junior, Middle and Senior)

> Junior School String Orchestra

Visual Art

> Nokie Art Group (Middle School)

> Eikon Art Group (Senior School)

Additional Co-curricular Groups

> Qld Debating Union Darling Downs Competition

> Sound & Lighting Crew

> Public Speaking – Lions Youth of The Year, Rostrum and EVATT competitions

Specialist Tuition

>Individual Instrumental, Music Theory and Music

Technology Specialist Tuition

> Individual Vocal Tuition – Fairholme Singing Studio

> Speech & Drama Specialist Tuition

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Co-Curricular Activities

ARTS EVENTS

Our Fairholme Arts program is enriched by the depth of quality performance and presentation opportunities on offer to our Junior, Middle and Senior School students. Our extensive array of events in 2023 included:

> Footloose the Musical, Co-production with Toowoomba Grammar School

> Fairholme Open Art Prize – FACETS Art Exhibition

> City of Toowoomba Eisteddfod – Vocal, Choral and Instrumental Music, Dance and Drama sections

> Instrumental and Choral Music Camps

> Music Excursion to see Hamilton at QPAC, Brisbane

> Visual Art Excursion to ‘Air’ Exhibition, QAGOMA

> Zen Zen Zo Drama Workshop

> Brightest & Best Combined Schools Choral Music Festival, St. John’s Cathedral, Brisbane

> String Out Music Festival at the Empire Theatre

> Annual Instrumental and Choral Music Camps

> Kaleidoscope Concert Series

> Junior, Middle and Senior School Lunchtime Concerts

> Junior, Middle and Senior School Assemblies

> Autumn Tones Concert

> Sunset Soirée

> Crème de la Crème Concert

> Legends at their Game Luncheon Performance

> Annual Dance Showcase

> Junior School Arts Showcase

> Queensland Theatre Company ‘Scene Project’

> Kingaroy Dance Eisteddfod

> Visual Art Displays, Exhibitions and Regional Competitions

> Curtain Call Arts End-of-Year Showcase and Awards Presentation Evening

> Fairholme Singing Studio Annual Recital

> Fairholme Community Carols and Thanksgiving Service

> Kindy to Year 3 Christmas Musical Play

> Blue Care Performances – Middle Voices, Haydn Strings and Soloists

> A Box of Chocolates Middle School Concert

> Musical Nuances Concert

> Cynthia Delaney Chime Choir Worksop

> Spring Fair Dance, Vocal Choral and Instrumental Music

CHALLENGING CREATIVE MINDS

High performing students were extended through participation in:

> AMEB Examinations

> Drama Empire Theatre Junior and Senior Impact Ensembles

> State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) – Vocal and Instrumental

> Australian Honours Ensemble Program

> Gondwana National Choir

> Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland Regional Exhibition

> UniSQ Future Visions Art Exhibition

> Damian Callinan Comedic Drama Workshop for Middle and Senior School students and his Weird School Book Presentation workshop for the Junior School

> Mashed Theatre Performance

> Regional Schools’ Jazz on the Range Concert

> Prelude to Peace St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choral Music Concert

> Paul Morton Memorial Choral Music Concert – Downlands College

FAIRHOLME ARTS IN

‘FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL’

Eight months of rehearsals culminated in two outstanding performances at The Empire Theatre for the cast and crew of Footloose the Musical in 2023.

Students in Years 6-11 were invited to audition for the biennial co-production musical with Toowoomba Grammar School in October 2022.

FAIRHOLME OPEN ART PRIZE – FACETS ART EXHIBITION

In its eighth year, the Fairholme Open Art Prize delivered an exceptional curated art exhibition, showcasing talented student works alongside those of acclaimed artists.

SPEECH & DRAMA BARBARA SISLEY AWARD RECIPIENTS

Year 7 Speech & Drama students, Samantha Cheetham and Te Paea Strugnell were each awarded a Barbara Sisley Award after receiving the highest results in the State on their AMEB Speech and Drama exams! These are truly outstanding achievements and the second time Samantha’s exam results have topped the State.

The Spotlight

CREATIVE GENERATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN VISUAL ART

From the four finalists selected to represent Fairholme in these state-wide awards, Maggie Lattimore and Alyssa MacDonald Smith were awarded Certificates of Excellence and Laura Patterson was awarded a Certificate of Commendation.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Co-Curricular Activities

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND FUTURE VISIONS ART AWARDS

The 2023 Future Visions Art Awards attracted 149 students’ submissions from schools across the Darling Downs region and further afield, with judges selecting just 59 as finalists for inclusion in the Exhibition and, of these, thirteen of these works were produced by Fairholme students.

In the Environmental Science Art Award, Fairholme Year 11 art student, Kadence Wilson, was awarded Overall Third Prize for her photographic work, ‘A Land of Flooding

TOOWOOMBA EISTEDDFOD

Choral Music

> Chamber Choir - Secondary > School Folk Singing Section - Second Place

> Senior Voices - Secondary School > Hymn Singing Sections - Second Place and Third Place

> Junior Chorale - Primary School Modern SectionThird Place

> Year 3 /4 Class Choir - Primary P-4 Choir SectionSecond Place

> Year 5 /6 Class Choir - Primary School Choir B Grade Section - First Place

> Middle Voices - Middle School Choirs (Minimum 17 Voices) - Second Place

> Middle Voices - Middle School Vocal Ensemble (5 -16 Voices) - Second Place

Rains’ and Year 12 Art student, Alyssa McDonald Smith, was awarded Overall Second Prize for her digitally manipulated photographic studies, ‘Mother Nature’s Void’.

In the Visual Art Open category, Year 11 Art student, Roma Aarons, was awarded Overall First Prize for her fabulous synthetic polymer diptych work, ‘Shutter Symphony’ (after Schoenheimer).

Instrumental Music

> Symphony Orchestra Secondary School Orchestra Section - Second Place

> Secondary School String Ensemble Section: Chamber Strings - Second Place

> Secondary School Strings A Grade Trio / Quartet Section: Corelli String Quartet - Highly Commended

> Primary Instrumental Ensemble Section: Fairholme Junior Chime Choir - First Place

> Secondary School Brass Ensemble Section: Saxophone Ensemble - Third Place

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

In addition to the Arts and Sport Co-Curricular activities, students in the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools are offered a wide-ranging variety of before, during and after-school activities and clubs on a regular basis each term.

Some of these opportunities included:

Junior School

> Readers’ Cup

> Club G

> Craft Club

> Maths Olympiad

> LEGO Challenge

Middle and Senior School

> Chess Academy

> Garden Club

> Creative Thinking Club

> Opti-MINDS

> Creative Writing Whizzes

> Regular service activities such as Homework Help, Tony’s Kitchen meal preparation, and Rosies Friends on the Street breakfast BBQs

> Robotics Club

> Interact Club

> Film Club

> Cadets

> Threads Sewing

> Readers’ Cup

> Premier’s Reading Challenge

> Maths Team Challenge

> Nokie and Eikon Art Groups

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Faith and Wellbeing

Throughout 2023, our approach to Wellbeing at Fairholme was grounded in and guided by the College’s ongoing commitment to its values: Christ-centered Faith, Collaboration, Enjoyment, Respect and Seeking Excellence.

We are grounded in Christ-centered faith: We perceive individuals in our community to be made in the image of God; we reflect His worth, love and purpose for our lives; we forgive others and are forgiven.

We Collaborate: We provide an environment where we feel free to share openly and honestly, take risks when suggesting ideas, and ask, ‘Is there a better way?’

We have Enjoyment in life together: We find reward and pleasure in our work and face challenges with camaraderie, free from fear. We appreciate generosity of spirit and take time to rest.

We demonstrate Respect: We embrace diversity and the contributions of others. We seek to listen in order to understand.

We Seek Excellence: Aware of our individual strengths and abilities, we encourage perseverance, curiosity and the readiness to learn, paying attention to the undertakings that promote growth.

VERTICAL SUPPORT: THE HOUSE SYSTEM

The House system provides the avenue through which effective pastoral care is provided to all students and staff. It is also the way in which girls are organised within their sub-school into smaller Holme Groups of 12-16 students. Holme Groups meet daily and provide the opportunity for care and camaraderie.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

As a school owned by Presbyterian Church, the Christian ethos is evident in the culture and practices of the College. Formal Worship is engaged in through weekly assemblies and Chapel services for all year levels in the day and boarding schools. Christian Education classes are compulsory for all students from Prep to Year 12. Students are also able to enact their agency in choosing to deepen their Christian Faith, through Breakfast club or Growth Groups, or Faith and Friends in the Boarding House.

WELLBEING FRAMEWORK: WAYS OF BEING

After two years, during which a focus group of staff engaged in the process of Appreciative Inquiry, the College has created and adopted a unique Framework, inspired by the extensive international research behind the ‘5 ways to Wellbeing’.

Recognising that mental health and overall wellbeing can be strengthened, and that incorporating actions into everyday activities is the most effective method for schools to promote mental health and wellbeing, this framework

promotes the balanced use of simple and effective actions to improve psychological, social and emotional health for individuals.

Fairholme strives to maintain a culture in which all people are valued and have a sense of belonging and where opportunities exist for students to engage in each of these domains through classroom work, before- and afterschool programs and activities, camps, and through specific instruction.

SERVICE LEARNING

Engagement in service remains a priority within the life of Fairholme College as it offers students the opportunity to deepen connections, grow in awareness, be giving and learn more about the world around them. Students were offered myriad opportunities to serve with local organisations. During 2023, highlights in this important area were:

> The inaugural Intergenerational Year 10 Morning Tea with local residents

> Year 10 and 11 participation in the Homework Help Program for children of Migrants and Refugees through HumeRidge Church of Christ

> Increase in Year 9 service participation in cooking for Tony’s Kitchen

> Various days of giving in the Junior School to raise awareness and support for local charities.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Social Climate

PARENT ENGAGEMENT

The culture of the College is one which invites connection and positive relationships with families.

Formal avenues, such as information evenings, Parent/Teacher/Student interviews, and social gatherings held regularly across the College, offer opportunities for discussion and parent involvement. Additionally, the Parents and Friends groups offer important information-sharing and friend-raising avenues.

Importantly, in recognition of the importance of relationship development for new Boarders, key staff travel to meet each incoming Boarder ‘at home’, in the year before entry.

From a parent-engagement perspective, a number of teachers have been involved in a research project with Griffith University and Independent Schools Queensland to look at ways of developing stronger connections between home and school through appropriate pedagogical approaches.

Underpinning this is our drive to work collaboratively with families to enhance learning outcomes for our students.

ANNUAL SURVEY

The feedback received through our annual MMG Education survey helps us better understand parent and student perspectives, assisting the College to continually improve the education experience.

Year 6, Year 9 and Year 12 families were offered the opportunity to complete this survey during Term 4. The questions provided the opportunity to indicate satisfaction, and provide specific feedback, on all areas of College life.

‘I feel confident as my daughter matures that she will value and appreciate the time she has spent at Fairholme. She is a very happy and relaxed girl who loves seeing others succeed and do well and this is promoted at Fairholme daily.’

– Fairholme Parent

‘I am glad that my daughter has a group of friends and experiences that she will never forget. I am truly grateful to the staff at Fairholme for providing a wonderful boarding/day girl experience for my 3 daughters and giving them a nurturing environment in which to put down their roots and flourish.’

– Fairholme Parent

The top 5 elements of College life ranked in order of the importance parents placed on reasons for choosing a school for their daughter. % of parents noting expectations were met or exceeded.

‘Fairholme has provided the opportunity for my daughter to take up challenges and achieve a sense of accomplishment. I’ve watched her confidence grow each year, and for this I am very grateful.’

– Fairholme Parent

Parents were asked to provide open responses to the most valued aspects of Fairholme College.

The most frequently nominated aspects were:

Year 9 Parents

> The College community

> Friendships/connections developed between students and parents

> Academic curriculum and standards

> Safe, caring and supporting environment

> Quality of teachers and staff

Year 12 Parents

> Safe, caring and supportive environment

> Sports program

> Personal growth, development and achievements

> Academic curriculum and standards

> The College community

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Social Climate

STUDENT VOICE

At Fairholme College, we strongly believe that involving students in decision-making processes promotes a sense of belonging and engagement within our school community, ultimately leading to more effective learning and teaching outcomes.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Student driven, student centred and student led.

Our Senior School motto is centred around the Student Voice – student driven, student centred and student led. Several key student engagement initiatives continued throughout 2023, ensuring our students’ voices were heard on all aspects of life at Fairholme.

Senior School Student Voice initiatives included:

> Senior School Meetings

Students in Years 10 and 12 met individually with the Head of Senior School (Year 10 in Term 1 and Year 12 in Term 2)

> Carpet Conversations

Occurring in Term 3, groups of 12 students met with the Head of Senior School for lunch to discuss their successes and uncover the areas we need to prioritise in the following year

> Student Focus Groups

Groups were formed as required in areas such as AI and Progressive Reporting

> Lunch with the Head of Senior School

Groups of students met with the Head of Senior School in Term 4 to provide feedback and identify what is working well, and any areas for improvement

> Year 12 Survey

Conducted each year in October, our Year 12 students and their parents were presented with the opportunity to provide feedback via a formal survey

> Frameworks

Students continued to play a role in the feedback for frameworks such as our wellbeing framework and the teaching and learning framework

> Students as Employees

Students have an active say as employees in a variety of areas across the College, such as marketing and photography.

– Fairholme Parent

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Year 9 Leadership Committees

In our Middle School, each Year 9 student is a member of a Leadership Committee, encouraging all girls to take an active role in the Fairholme Middle School community and influence the areas of school life where they feel connected.

The students are provided with the opportunity to have their say on the way things operate in the Middle School, as well as contributing their ideas for activities, events and fundraisers to implement.

The eight Committees aim to run one activity per term. Some highlights from our 2023 Year 9 Leadership Committees included:

> Arts Committee

Cupcake fundraiser, Box of Chocolates concert, Christmas Card making, weekly Arts emai

> Cultural Committee

Harmony Day, NAIDOC poster competition, Healing Tree, Rainbow Serpent chalk drawing, Peace activity

> Environment Committee

World Environment Day activities

> Pastoral Care Committee

Friday Fun Day games in amphitheatre, positive messages written on mirrors in bathrooms

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Year 6 Leadership

As in our Middle and Senior Schools, our Year 6 students in their final year in the Junior School are inspired to leave Fairholme Junior a better place for all.

The girls apply to be a leader in a specific area in which they are interested, where they have personal capacity and where they would like to make a positive contribution and a difference.

> Kindy > Prep > Year 1

> Community Events

> Performing Arts

> Christian Education

> Chess

> Environmental

> Visual Arts

> Greta Junior and Reading Support

> Sport, Lunch and Before School Activities

> Teaching and Learning Committee

Cents for Sense game, Book Week Kahoot, stress ball making

> Service Committee

Beanies for Brain Cancer fundraiser

> Sport Committee

Dodgeball, rob the nest, games in the Middle School amphitheatre (every Friday)

> Wellness Committee

Play dough, bubble blowing, colouring in/chalk drawing, friendship bracelets.

FAIRHOLME COLLEGE Staff

OUR TEAM

In 2023, teaching staff at the College numbered 64 full-time and 20 part-time employees. Additionally, 39 fulltime and 64 part-time employees undertook non-teaching roles in the business, catering, maintenance, health, residential, Arts and Sporting facets of College operation.

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS

Average staff attendance for the school was, based on unplanned absences of sick and emergency leave periods of up to five days. The average staff attendance for permanent staff, temporary staff and school leaders in 2023 was

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Professional Learning opportunities at the College encourage ongoing professional growth as there is a strong connection between teaching standards and teacher Professional Learning; the link to student learning is clear.

Our staff endeavor to deepen their subject knowledge, develop their teaching skills and stay current with new research while striving to remain innovative and imaginative in their field.

In addition to Professional Learning days, visiting experts, keynote speakers, collaborative work, seminars, workshops and conferences, for both academic and non-academic staff covered a disparate range of fields and topics in the past year.

The College values the knowledge and commitment of its employees. We recognise that teacher knowledge and skills contribute significantly to the quality of teaching and learning at the College.

Therefore, Fairholme actively supports the professional development of our staff which included the following areas of

learning:

> Maintaining a Professional Workplace

> Child Protection

> Restorative Practice Facilitation

> Work Health and Safety Training

> Inclusion, Diversity and Trauma-Informed Practice

> Disability Standards

> First Aid and CPR

> Information and Communication Technologies Management

EXPENDITURE

In summary, $57,434.74 was spent in supporting Professional Learning for 84 teaching staff, equating to an average expenditure per person of $683.75.

‘The College values the knowledge and commitment of its employees. We recognise that teacher knowledge and skills contribute significantly to the quality of teaching and learning at the College’