At Holme Issue 17 - August 2023

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Most of us do not need to dip too deeply into our childhood memories to draw on the nubs of wisdom and truisms passed on in conversations – formal and informal. “Practice makes perfect,” is but one. It continues to be a mantra that we casually share with our children and with students – and, implicit within, are two problematic ideas.

The first being that practice does not lead to perfection, if ever, because the notion of ‘perfection’ in any setting, is riddled with the potential for an elevated level of ‘stress sensitivity.’

The second problem is that whilst we often laud perfectionism as a worthy skill, share it proudly in job interviews and other settings, yet it can be a curse and a precursor to a mindset that takes us to places of shame, blame and deep dissatisfaction.

Practice itself when undertaken with commitment can elicit perseverance, aid retention and, at best, practice can give a skill or a learning, ‘permanence’ (Garth Mole, 2023).

The best tangible gift I ever received as a child was a Netball goal – it was for my ninth birthday (yes, a long time ago). Yet, I still remember watching intently as Dad attached it to a timber pole, meticulously measuring the accuracy of height and placing it in the depths of a neatly dug hole on a flat piece of lawn, adjacent to our clothesline.

They say that perfection is merely 10,000 hours of practice away. I think I must have surpassed that time frame – the quest for perfection was a strong drive – as well as an impossible one. Quite honestly, I was OK with that – the thrill of improvement,

Oh to be perfect...

‘I am not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well’ -Cristiano Ronaldo

the hope of achieving one hundred out of one hundred drove me on, to achieve whatever goal I set myself on any given day – even though the outcomes were always different between one afternoon and the next. It kept me busy. It kept me focused. It led to accuracy - but never perfectionism.

If you do not practice you will never achieve perfection. True. If you do practice you will never achieve perfection. True. In a world where perfection is an airbrush away, can be manufactured through technological intervention or artificially constructed, we do need to hold proudly to the reality of our flaws, the learning lessons of perseverance and our ability to fall short of expectation, pick ourselves up, and have another shot – literally or metaphorically: because that is the pattern of life.

Researchers continue to contest the nature versus nurture argument, their dichotomous views place them on a continuum where genetics and effort are poised at either end.

Anders Ericsson in his combined studies with Charness in 1994, argued that intentional and appropriately structured practice leads to ‘perfect’ performance outcomes, outcomes that some researchers had previously attributed to genetics or innate ability.

Their adage that practice makes perfect is contested avidly by other researchers. However, the dangerous downside of perfectionism, as discussed by Ruggeri, 2018, is much more difficult to contest. Ruggeri cites a meta-analysis undertaken by Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill comparing perfectionism across generations from 1989 to 2016 in the US, UK, and Canada. Their study found significant increases among the most recent undergraduates. Further, Katie Rasmussen, who researches child development

and perfectionism at West Virginia University, states that “as many as two in five kids and adolescents are perfectionists,” (cited in Ruggeri, 2018).

Consider the snapchat world of adolescents and their drive to compare, to rate their accomplishments and insta moments against others, and this statistic should not surprise us.

So, what do we do about that? Put goal posts in our backyard, take care with the truisms (that may indeed not be true at all) that fall carelessly from our lips or continue to laud that which is perfect?

of expectation, pick ourselves up, and have another shot...’

One needs only to look at a recent Fairholme post which shows our Fairholme cross country runners competing at the state titles to capture how committed practice develops permanence of skill, it nurtures perseverance and the healthy will to improve.

In the literal mud through which they ran, each competitor learned more about the joy of competition – against self and others, the scope and possibilities for their next run and how to manage disappointment when the high bar of expectation is not reached. I trust that each runner had a ‘Cristiano Ronaldo moment,’ where they felt they had done well: and they did, exceptionally so.

‘In a world where perfection is an airbrush away... we do need to hold proudly to the reality of our flaws, the learning lessons of perseverance and our ability to fall short

– Dr Linda Evans

REFERENCES

Ericsson, K. A., & Charness, N. (1994). Expert performance: Its structure and acquisition. American Psychologist, 49(8), 725–747. https:// doi.org/10.1037/0003066X.49.8.725

Konnikova, M. (2016). ‘Practice doesn’t make Perfect’. The New Yorker. September 28, 2016. https://www.newyorker.com/ science/maria-konnikova/ practice-doesnt-makeperfect

Ruggeri, A. (2018). ‘The dangerous downsides of perfectionism.’ Best of BBC Psychology. February 21, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/ future/article/20180219toxic-perfectionism-is-onthe-rise

Hours of practice led them to run with strength and will and drive –exceptional skills that translate to so many other corners of living.

The Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ notion of finding beauty in imperfection is worth consideration, it’s worth juxtaposing against the constructed on-line world: fabricated for impact and a hot bed for the development of an unhealthy sense of self. Practice should not be used as a tool for perfectionism. Practice, at its core, should be about focus, grit and hard work. At best, it is a rehearsal, a means by which permanence of skill or understanding develops and its full value exists when that rehearsal is enjoyable, challenging and innately driven.

My parents would attest to my Netball goal post as one of their wisest fiscal investments in me; it was tangible evidence that practice, in the seeking of excellence, is an active concept, never an endpoint. Practice and perfectionism are disparate terms, despite the commonality of their pairing. Practice for permanence of skill acquisition is a much more apt phrase.

Learning from what we don’t do well, often provides the greatest learning of all. Wabi-sabi, however, is the ultimate concept. Imagine if we could all find and celebrate the beauty of flaws and embrace a place or state of being where practice never creates nor seeks perfection and where stress sensitivity does not exist.

As I consider the benefits of embracing mistakes, flaws and imperfections, I am led to yet another childhood truism … ‘we learn through our mistakes’, but therein is another conundrum, for another time …

Dr Linda Evans | Principal

pink Real men wear

Our Facilities Team look pretty in pink every Friday - all in the name of a good cause

Every Friday, amongst a sea of tartan, you might catch a glimpse of hot pink... Our fearless Fairholme Facilities team has decided to don their best pink attire in an act of solidarity and support for a good cause.

Head of Facilities, Shane Tessmer, said the trend started with a few of the team adding a touch of pink to their Friday outfits to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

‘It started as a simple gesture, but the positive response has been overwhelming,’ Shane said. ‘It’s amazing to see how something as small as wearing a pink shirt can bring so much joy and camaraderie and awareness to the workplace.’

Andrew Kajewski, who was also instrumental in spearheading the campaign, believes in the importance of male involvement in such endeavors.

‘Breast cancer affects not just women but families and communities - and other men - as well. As

men, it is our responsibility to support our female colleagues and friends during their battle with this disease. By wearing pink, we want to break down gender barriers and show our commitment to fighting breast cancer together.’

Shane adds: ‘Wearing pink on Fridays is a real conversation starter, and maybe one of these conversations might just save a life.’

Q&

A

with Year 12 Boarder, Caitlyn Bowling

How long have you been a Boarder and what are some of your fondest memories?

I have been a boarder for three years (starting in year 10). Some of my fondest memories of boarding so far would be the movie nights in the common rooms, and going to friend’s room to talk for hours and not even realise it!

Where is home and what do you love about it?

I live 50km out of a small town called Wandoan on a cattle property. I’ve loved the freedom with living on the property and the wide-open spaces, also I love that every day has something different to offer. What will you miss the most when your Fairholme journey ends?

I will miss being able to see all the amazing people I have met and made connections with every day. As well as the teachers that have helped and guided me throughout my time here and my senior Holme group for always being the highlight of my day and

having something new to talk about. Some may not know but you are a fantastic Polocrosse player, what is Polocrosse?

Polocrosse is the “King of the one-horse sport,” a combination of both polo and lacrosse where each player uses a cane with a loose net attached in which the ball is carried. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between the opposing team’s goal posts. A team consists of six players, divided into two sections of three, which play two chukkas of six to eight minutes.

What do you love most about the sport?

I love that you get to play with people of all ages and, and as the teams change every weekend, you get to meet new people within both your club and other clubs too. It is the only sport that I know of that you can even play with your grandad!

You were one of the Seniors who cut off their locks for Shave for a Cure, why did you want to do this

and what was the experience like?

Bringing back the bob was always something I aspired to do when I saw the 2021 senior cohort do it. It is such an important cause and I wanted to continue raising awareness for the Leukaemia foundation by doing my part to make a difference in any way that I could: cutting 38cm off my hair!

You’re a Boarder Prefect, describe what that experience has been like, and share the highlights?

Throughout my boarder prefect role, I have been able to strengthen bonds with girls across all year levels within the boarding house, particularly the Year 7s and help them settle into the new routine and environment. Also, a highlight would be holding the Met Gala dinner this term, as it was something new that we can hopefully continue in future years as it was a great way for the boarding house to come together and dress up on a fun night.

Who has been one of your best roomies over the years and why?

My best roomie was Maggie Caskey in Year 10, Term 2, as we didn’t know each other at all beforehand as I was still pretty new, but we got on so well from the beginning, having late night chats and sharing the occasional prank with one another. It was always a cheerful atmosphere, and we are still best friends.

What do you hope to do after school?

I hope to go to university in Brisbane, live at college, to study Business Management, then hopefully transfer into accounting.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS

> The Riverview Cup (Aggregate Cup - Champion House)

1. Stephens House

2. Powell House

3. Black House

4. Cameron House

> Mr & Mrs J S Klan Trophy for March Past - Stephens House

> Boarders vs Day Girls Relay Cup - Day Girls

> S Landsberg & P MacDonald Trophy for Seniors v Staff v Old Girls Relay – Seniors

> Holme Group Relay Cup - Stephens 2

> Senior Tug of War - Black House

> The Harris Cup (Aggregate Cup for B Division)Powell & Stephens House

> WR Black Trophy for Champion Boarder - Laura

Patterson

> Newnham Trophy for Champion Day Girl - Julia

Wainwright

> Atthow Trophy for Throws - Alara Williams

> Bernays Trophy for Sprints - Scarlett Sippel and

Chelsea Gladwin

> Jones Trophy for Jumps - Grace Vanzella

> Margot Parkinson Trophy for Distance Running -

Chelsea Gladwin

> E J Kellock Trophy for Effort & Dedication in Athletics

– Milla Deignan-Ekelund

Age Champions:

> 12 Years Champion - Lola Marjoribanks

Runner Up – Gemma Sullivan

3rd Place – Kate Willis

> 13 Years Champion - Alara Williams

Runner Up – Claire Longmire

3rd Place – Ella Williams & Addison Attrill

> 14 Years Champion - Scarlett Sippel

Runner Up – Abigail Barnes

3rd Place – Isabel Longmire

> 15 Years Champion - Julia Wainwright

Runner Up – Tayla Kauter

3rd Place – Evie Armstrong

> 16 Years Champion - Chelsea Gladwin

Runner Up – Greer Muirhead

3rd Place – Mackenzie Schefe

> Senior Champion - Grace Vanzella

Runner Up – Laura Patterson

3rd Place – Maddie Muirhead

RUNNERS REPRESENT

17 Fairholme runners recently represented the Darling Downs at the Queensland School Sport Cross Country Championships in Hervey Bay. Our runners did themselves exceptionally proud with six Fairholme girls achieving top 15 finishes!

> Lucy Barnes 2nd – 11 Years Girls 3km & 11 Years Relay

> Addison Attrill 12th - 13 Years Girls 3km

Abigail Barnes 13th - 14 Years Girls 4km

> Georgia Brassington 15th - 14 Years Girls 4km

> Julia Wainwright 12th - 15 Years Girls 4km

> Mackenzi Schefe 15th – 16 Years Girls 4km

QUEENSLAND REPRESENTATIVES

Over the school holidays, our Sports Captain, Emerson Hamblin, represented Queensland at the 49th Australian Schools Rugby Sevens Championships in Sydney. Em now turns her attention to Touch Football as a shadow player for the Queensland Schoolgirls Team. Tayla Kauter (Year 9) made the trip over to Perth to represent Queensland at the Under 15 School Sport Australia Netball Championships. Tayla was the only Darling Downs representative to be named in the Queensland squad. Year 12 student, Eloise McKenzie, recently represented Queensland at the 2023 Australian Indoor Cricket Championships where the team took out the National title for the second year in a row!

ORIENTEERING SUCCESS

The Fairholme Orienteering team has been crowned the 2023 Queensland Schools Orienteering Champion School for the third year in a row. At least one Fairholme team member either won or placed in every girls’ event across all age groups. Congratulations to Abigail Barnes, Kari Brennan and Alexandra Edwards on selection in the Queensland Schools Orienteering team. The girls will now compete in the Australian Orienteering Championships in Western Australia later this year.

Celebrating

Unstoppable stride

At just 11-years-old, Lucy Barnes has already proven herself as a force to be reckoned with on the running track.

After coming second in the state competition, she has secured a spot at Nationals in Canberra, an opportunity she is determined to make the most of.

Despite her disappointment at not winning the state competition, she quickly found solace in the fact that being second in the state and says it is still a remarkable achievement.

‘I always want to do my best and make my family proud.’

Lucy’s weekly schedule revolves around her passion for running and her commitment to improving her fitness.

She dedicates several days a week to running and utilises a day for music practice, as well as a day of rest to recharge.

‘I also play Netball, Orienteering and Touch Football,’ she adds.

Her journey in running began when she was just six years old, inspired by her siblings who were participating in their own cross-country training. Ever since that moment, Lucy’s love for running has only grown stronger, and she has never looked back. In her first-ever cross-country race, she finished second behind a boy, leading to a friendly rivalry between the two.

‘I remember having an argument with him at the end of the race, so I made sure I flogged him in every other race we competed against each other.’

To fuel her running performances, Lucy relies on her mother’s energy balls, which she consumes an hour before each race. She also has a favourite pre-race meal: Tuna Casserole the night before. Despite the nerves that accompany big competitions like States and Nationals, Lucy views them as an opportunity to perform even better, using the butterflies in her stomach to fuel her speed. With Nationals approaching in five weeks, Lucy has set her sights on a top-three finish, hoping to earn an individual medal. Having come fourth last year, she is more determined than ever.

‘I got outsprinted last year, so I want to work on that and make sure I sprint harder.’

Though she’s done Orienteering in Canberra before, this will be her first experience competing in cross-country there. Looking into the future, Lucy has a grand vision of participating in longdistance running at the Olympics—an ambitious goal for a young athlete with such immense talent and dedication.

Lucy’s passion, drive and commitment to running serve as an inspiration not only to her peers but also to anyone looking to pursue their dreams. With her focus on excelling at Nationals and her eyes set on a future at the Olympics, Lucy Barnes is undoubtedly a young athlete to watch out for in the world of running and we are so proud of her.

Fairholme Fathers making a difference

During our annual Fathers' Dinner, our dads came together for an evening filled with bonding, laughter, and meaningful conversations. The event featured Ed and Dan from TradeMutt, two remarkable individuals who shared their inspiring stories and the profound purpose driving their efforts in mental health.

‘We are here to make an invisible issue impossible to ignore,’ Dan Allen said.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to The Davey Group and DFSmokeHaus for their generous sponsorship and support. Their contribution made this event possible.

Special thanks to The Finch, Nikki and Sam Marsden, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Bergen Restaurant

Toowoomba, Studio Pilates Middle Ridge, R.M.Williams OUTBACK magazine, and Phil and Karen Tonkin of Tonkin Farming.

dads dinner

Athletics Carnival in pictures

IN THE ARTS

EISTEDDFOD EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to our talented girls who have represented the College so beautifully in Part 2 of the Toowoomba Eisteddfod. Some outstanding results were achieved by our Instrumental ensembles:

> Fairholme Junior Chime Choir – 1st Primary

Instrumental Ensemble

> Fairholme College Symphony Orchestra - 2nd

Secondary School Orchestra

> Fairholme College Chamber Strings - 2nd Secondary

School String Ensemble

> Fairholme College Stage Band – 2nd Secondary

School A Grade Stage Band

> Fairholme College Saxophone Ensemble - 3rd

Secondary School Brass Ensemble

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

Thank you must also go to our Arts staff who so passionately provide unwavering professional support to our girls throughout the entire year. These results highlight your dedication and hard work.

JUNIOR SCHOOL SHOWCASE

Join us for a magical night of Performing Arts on Friday 25 August, from 6pm in the Assembly Hall. Our talented Junior School students will be presenting a variety of items from bucket drumming and ukulele to musical theatre, dance items and much more! Tickets available via MyFairholme.

CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

Our Crème de la Crème concert features the incredible talents of some of our most accomplished Fairholme music students. This free concert will be held in the Fairholme Assembly Hall on Friday 11 August from 7pm.

CHOIR CAMP

On the first weekend of this term, our Middle and Senior Choirs (of the vocal and chime varieties) had their annual camp at QCCC Brookfield.

Our Dance students have busy rehearsing for this year’s Dance Showcase. Don’t miss out on a night of spectacular performances on Saturday 19 August. The free event commences at 5pm in the Assembly Hall.

As a new ensemble, this was the first time the Chime Choir joined us.

In amongst the many rehearsals, the girls enjoyed activities including guest Conservatorium of Music clinician, Ireni Utley’s masterclass and a games evening and talent quest organised by Choir Captain, Isabelle Watts. The camp provided an excellent opportunity to prepare repertoire for our upcoming College events and the ‘Prelude to Peace’ concert to be held on Saturday 20 August at St Patrick’s Cathedral, commencing at 2.30pm.

The Prelude to Peace concert promises to be an exciting collaboration between our Fairholme Middle / Senior Choirs, Chime Choir and the Toowoombells.

Wellbeing Breakfast

The Student Wellbeing Breakfast started in Term 2 this year and currently happens every Monday from 7.30 to 8.15am in the Cameron room in the Homestead. This is a place where girls and their friends can gather together, enjoy delicious pastries and dive into interesting discussions about wellbeing.

It's a relaxed and welcoming environment where girls’ opinions and ideas are not just valued, but encouraged! We talk about managing stress, getting a good night's sleep, building resilience, practicing gratitude, staying organised, setting goals, dealing with perfectionism, beating procrastination, and even the power of teamwork. It is proven that taking care of mental wellbeing has incredible benefits for teenagers. It lifts their mood, boosts their ability to handle tough situations, and allows them to make the most out of life and their education. These sessions are also important because they are an additional point of connection for students, offering them time to enjoy bonding with their friends and learning from each other. We aim to equip them with the tools to kickstart their week on the right foot and set themself up for success.

So, please, encourage your daughters to join us at the Wellbeing Breakfast! Everyone is welcome.