AT Holme
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN: Showing Up
When my daughter was twenty-one, she began her teaching career at an Autism specialty school in Brixton, London. She would ring – often for advice, for debriefing, for re-setting – the school she was at was classified as being in Special Measures – it was being inspected most weeks by OFSTED and was close to closure. The staff had to make big changes to practice to get the school functioning again. To do so was tough. Redirecting our habits and practices is tough. Sometimes she would ring and describe her day – a chair thrown across the room, desks thrown out of windows, students exploding with frustration. Vastly different from Fairholme. But my advice to her – as it is to all - was this:
Show up. Keep showing up.
When we show up, even when it’s hard we learn a lot about ourselves and others. The kids at her school in Brixton, London – needed teachers to show up, they needed people to notice them, they needed interest, care, attention. Basic needs for us all. They needed to know that they mattered.
Mattering is a fresh take on its noun cousin – matter and has a psychological science behind it too. Mattering is, according to Dr Flett, a York University professor and
author of the text – “The Psychology of Mattering,” a core, universal human need. It runs more deeply than purpose, or connection or belonging – it runs to being “missed by people in your group if you aren’t there.”
In the bliss of Olympic watching, I have been struck over and over again, by the value of family in the success of athletes: their mattering. I watched Ariarne Titmus’ family breathe through every stroke in her 400-metre final, and delighted when Jess Fox, having blitzed the canoe slalom K1 final, paid tribute to her family.
On her helmet are the words – “Ma petite est comme
“In effect, we are engaging in the process of mattering. Show me your friends, show me your family – and I will have a glimpse into your future because I will have a sense of what matters to you.”
- Dr Linda Evans
l’eau, elle est comme l’eau vive,’” translating to “My little girl is like the water, she’s like the white water.” These words belong to a song her Papi (grandfather) sang to her as a small child.In some ways, singing her into her future.
Those words have weight for her, they are mattering words. Jess’ father, also an Olympian said something to the effect of, “I’m proud of her achievement but most of all, I’m proud of who she is as a person.” These are ultimately the things that matter most: family, connection, purpose, belief. The things we say, do, our actions and our reactions as parents, matter.
Yet, we parent on the run, don’t we. In the midst of the pace and chaos of life we are setting the tone, the tenor and the trajectory of our children’s lives. Our responses – each and all become the frame and filter of their worldview.
We often hear that the first 1000 days of parenting are the most formative, foundational - get them wrong and we have missed the moment. Every 1000 days of our children’s lives, matter – even when they enter their thirties, as mine have.
Hopefully, we have the privilege of parenting our children long into their futures and that we continue to show up for them, because in that example, we are enabling them to do the same.
In effect, we are engaging in the process of mattering. Show me your friends, show me your family – and I will have a glimpse into your future because I will have a sense of what matters to you.
Perhaps, a little like Jess Fox’s Papi who sang her into a love of white water, every step we take as parents, every word we speak, every action we undertake is about demonstrating mattering.
Even in those tough moments, those hard conversations and those testing times we need to show up. We need to keep showing up. When we do, what a wonderful example we are etching in our children’s character. Show up. Keep showing up.
Dinner with Dipper dads
The recent annual Fathers’ Dinner was a resounding success, marked by an evening filled with generosity, and community spirit.
This year, the event raised a recordbreaking amount of money, thanks to the generosity of donors and the enthusiastic participation in the raffle. These funds will significantly enhance our ability to support Fairholme families in crisis and increase our contributions to the Black Dog Institute, a leading organisation in mental health research and support.
A special acknowledgment goes to Tony Davey from Davey Group and Jeff Schultheiss from Smoke Hause, whose sponsorship played a crucial role in the event’s success. Their continued support and dedication are greatly appreciated.
The annual Fairholme Fathers’ Dinner was all about good food, great company, and an even greater purpose — supporting our community
work experience
At the beginning of the term, our Year 10 students embarked on an important journey of exploration and growth through our work experience program. This initiative provides our students with the invaluable opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the real world, where they will gain firsthand insights into various professions and industries.
This term, our Year 10 students have participated in a variety of activities and sessions focused on exploring possible future careers.
For the first three days of Term 3 the girls completed work experience. They went to a variety of workplaces to have a taste what it is like in the careers they are interested in.
A few of the many exciting career areas that the girls explored over their three-day work experience included physiotherapy, dentistry, real estate, architecture, radiology, engineering, and retail.
The girls all worked hard and were praised by their hosts at their workplaces for the enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism they showed. Many of the girls’ choices in workplace reflected the certificate or diploma that they are currently completing during the time that they are provided in grade 10.
Some of these include diploma of business, certificate II and III in health services assistant and certificate II in animal care.
Over the three work experience days, the 25 girls completing their certificate II and III in Health Services Assistant travelled to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane where they were able to get experience working in the hospital, even getting the chance to work with real patients.
Through this experience, the girls learned about midwifery, patient care, feeding rehabilitation and building meaningful connections with patients.
This experience was invaluable for the girls and is thanks to Fairholme College’s partnership with Mater education.
Following work experience the girls were involved in a series of career sessions that were held on campus as a part of the Pathways Week Program.
One of these insightful sessions included a panel consisting of Rachel Young (midwife and business owner), Annabelle Allpass (working for Headspace after having studied and worked in Marketing and Public Health), Sophie Knauth (currently interning at Fairholme while she studies Primary Education), Amy Fischer (part of the Fairholme College Learning Enhancement Centre team, also experienced in sport and exercise science and teaching), and Wendy Lohse (data management, including experience in both local government and with National Archives).
The girls learnt a lot from this panel and Fairholme is proud to have past students that have gone onto to so many exciting career endeavours.
Pathways week is a great chance for the girls to think about their future careers paths and get a chance to have firsthand experience in the areas they are interested in.
Experiences like this are extremely valuable for the girls and are all thanks to the amazing Fairholme College pathways centre which focuses on helping girls be prepared for their future outside the College.
the Boarding House from
Ending on a high
For Charlotte Ostwald, her last year in Boarding School is bittersweet
Head Boarder, Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Ostwald, has wasted no time in making the most of her final year in the MacLaren tartan.
‘It’s been a massive year, but such a rewarding one. Now that we are coming to the end, I have been reminiscing about Fairholme’, says Lottie.
Between Lottie’s dual leadership roles as Head Boarder and Equestrian Captain, being one of Australia’s top ranked Combined Training Equestrian riders, and chasing her aspiring career goals, Lottie is most proud of her work she’s done in the Boarding House to support the wellbeing of her fellow boarding sisters.
‘With the help of the Boarder Prefects, I’ve tried to concentrate on the mental health aspect of Boarding. Being a Boarder is lots of fun most of the time, but it can be very hard sometimes being away from your family. As a Boarder, you have to find new support systems.
‘Through addressing mental health publicly and our Boarders’ gift project, we have focussed on bringing the girls from all grades together. I want each girl to know that they are supported and if they are struggling, they’re not alone and can reach out for help.
‘This year round tables were introduced to the Dining Room to help the girls build connections and foster a sense of belonging. This small change has certainly made a big difference. So much so that mealtimes are now much louder with
all the talking.’
While being extremely fulfilling, juggling multiple leadership roles along with her academic and sporting commitments hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Lottie.
‘I’m not the most naturally organised person. I’ve had to really work on improving my time management skills to balance it all. I still feel that I have a long way to go, but challenging myself this year has helped me to improve a lot.’
As we race towards the end of the year and the many lasts for our class of 2024 cohort, Lottie still has so much to look forward to, including her final time competing at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships.
Lottie earnt herself a spot in the Queensland Equestrian team following her achievement of not one, but two Queensland titles in high level classes. She was also acknowledged for her contributions and etiquette, being named as the Senior award winner by the Event Officials.
‘At Nationals, I am competing in my favourite discipline, Combined Training, which involves jumping and dressage. I have in the past done well at Nationals and although I’ll be putting in my best effort, I’m focussing more this time on enjoying my final experience and soaking up the electric atmosphere.
‘I’ve loved being part of Fairholme Equestrian team, particularly as Captain this year. When I first
started in Year 7, it was a small team and we’ve all grown together. It’s been great to follow each of the team members’ journeys and the growth of the team.
‘It’s really satisfying seeing the girls’ flourishing and achieving new personal bests. Everyone has worked so hard together as a team, cultivating a really supportive environment where everyone wants to do their best.
‘The team has done so well this year winning the Lorette Wigan Cup for the fourth consecutive year which is awarded to the Champion Equestrian Secondary School at the Interschool Queensland Championships.
‘I am in two minds about my final days at school. I am so excited to move onto a new chapter in my life, however it’s going to be very hard to say goodbye to Fairholme.
“I will miss seeing my friends every day and it will be sad to farewell the teachers that have helped me so much.
‘Next year I’ll be hanging up the competitive Equestrian reigns for a little while to focus on university. I hope to gain entry to study Law and Commerce at UQ. I’m thinking I might want to work in Commercial Disputes one day or may be even go into Politics.’
Wherever life’s path ends up taking you Lottie, we’re sure you’ll continue to shine.
Working
holiday
For Year 10 Boarder, Liv Hawkins, her winter holiday was spent travelling the dusty roads of Outback Queensland competing in her beloved sport of campdrafting
The winter holidays is the perfect time to sleep in on cold foggy mornings, catch up with friends, catch a movie. But for Year 10 Boarder, Liv Hawkins, her June/July holiday was spent “working” - albeit on her passion in life: campdraftng.
Liv, from Hughenden, said while the best part of her break was reuniting with her family and friends and spending time with her beloved horses, it was essentially a “working” holiday. She spent the better part of her holidays on a journey across Queensland, competing in various campdraft and challenge events.
Liv and her family travelled across the remote roads of Outback Queensland in a truck with a living trailer, carrying nine horses, and a car. Their first stop was a twoday competition in the Pentland Campdraft. As they rolled into town ready for the first event of the season, Liv said she was nervous but excited.
Though she didn’t place in the top ranks, Liv loved the experience and the chance to be among her competitors who have all become friends.
Next stop was the Saxby Campdraft where Liv demonstrated her growing skills and dedication, securing a commendable 3rd place in the Juvenile Draft.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. A primary concern, obviously, is the health and happiness of the horses. Ensuring they were well fed, well rested and keeping the horses happy and healthy was paramount in importance. Liv and her family had to make sure the horses did not become sour from the repetitive nature of the competitions. Despite the difficulties, they worked tirelessly to maintain the well-being of their equine companions.
The Mount Isa Campdraft, the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft and the Flinders Classic Challenge and Campdraft rounded out her holiday.
Her 7th place in the Juvenile Draft division at Cloncurry was followed up by a 3rd and 4th at Flinders and she impressively clinched 1st place in the Encouragement Challenge.
Liv said it was the perfect culmination of a winter holidays filled with hard work, determination, and passion. These achievements were not just personal victories but a testament to the support of her family and the bond she shared with her horses.
IN THE ARTS
Pre-Eisteddfod Concert
The talented and dedicated members of our instrumental music ensembles took to the Assembly Hall stage for the ‘Instrumentally Inclined’ Pre-Eisteddfod Concert, showcasing their upcoming competition repertoire.
Our Junior School girls showed their impressive musical skills with no-lessthan 11 performances by our Junior Chime Choir, Junior Band, Year 2 String Immersion, Junior Chimelets and Junior String Orchestra.
Equally impressive were the performances by Middle and Senior School girls, who provided an array of highly polished performances for the appreciated audience. Our wonderful ensembles included Stage Band, Chime Choir, Symphonic Wind Band, Saxophone Ensemble, String Orchestra, Corelli and Hadyn String Quartets, Chamber Strings and Symphony Orchestra. Such a wonderful concert as this is not possible without the professional tutelage from our wonderful Music Staff – Mr Alexander Dixon, Mrs Elizabeth Egan, Mrs Fiona Hamill, Mr Hugh Hansen, Ms Eduarda van Klinken, Mrs Elizabeth Lawrence, Mr Phil Ryan and Mr Matt Westwood.
Reverberate Concert
Our Fairholme College Chime Choir joined together with Toowoombells Handbell Ensembles, Eduarda van Klinken on Organ and Kay Sullivan on Piano Accordian, in a unique afternoon concert at St Luke’s Anglican Church on Sunday 21 July. Well done to our Chime Choir on a beautiful performance.
The Scene Project
24 enthusiastic Year 9 and 10 Drama students spent a day at the University of Southern Queensland, participating in Queensland Theatre’s The Scene Project. This exciting initiative offers students the opportunity to engage in the artistic process of performance, from playbuilding and scriptwriting through to presentation.
The girls have worked collaboratively over the term to shape an original 15-minute version of Wendy Mocke’s Flowers in Antarctica, in which they performed at the Outcome Day.
Eisteddfod Instrumental Music Results
Congratulations to our wonderful instrumental musicians across all three sub-schools and their dedicated Ensemble Conductors on yet another brilliant Eisteddfod outcome! Our girls have been wonderful ambassadors for our College both as performers on stage, but also in the way they have conducted themselves as audience members.
A massive congratulation to our Specialists Arts Teachers: Lauren Crighton Elizabeth Egan, Hugh Hansen, Fiona Hamill, Phil Ryan, Eddy van Klinken and Matt Westwood, together with Alex Dixon, our Head of Performance Music and Natalie Rawle, our Co-ordinator of Junior School Performing Arts, who have all lived and breathed the Eisteddfod for many months now – thank you!
Eisteddfod Instrumental Ensemble Results
> 1st Place Stage Band – Secondary Stage Band
> 1st Place Junior Chime Choir – Primary Percussion Ensemble
> 1st Place Chime Choir – Secondary Percussion Ensemble
> 1st Place Junior Chimelets – Primary Percussion Quartet/Trio
> 2nd Place Symphony Orchestra –Secondary School Orchestra
> 3rd Place Junior String Orchestra –Primary School String Ensemble
> 3rd Place Corelli String Quartet –Secondary String Quartet/Trio
> Highly Commended String Orchestra –Secondary School String Ensemble
> Highly Commended Haydn String Quartet – Secondary String Quartet/Trio
Results still to come for Junior Band – Primary Concert Band, Saxaphone Ensemble – Secondary Woodwind/Brass Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Band –Secondary Concert Band
Junior School Showcase
Join us for a wonderful night celebrating Performing Arts at Fairholme Junior on Friday 23 August, from 6pm to 7.30pm in the Assembly Hall. The concert involves all girls from Prep to Year 6 and this year’s theme, I Love Broadway, is sure to be a delight featuring a variety of dances from Broadway musicals including Annie, The Wiz, Matilda, Footloose, Wonderland and much, much more.
Creme de la Creme Recital
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 9 August from 7pm.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Middle and Senior
Interhouse Carnival
12 Years
Champion (Pip Kehoe Cup) – Elouise Fraser (Pip Kehoe Cup)
Runner Up – Maya Martell
3rd – Elvie Saltner
13 Years
Champion (Cathy Freeman Cup) – Meli Manibe
Runner Up – Sophie McMaster
3rd – Gemma Sullivan
14 Years
Champion (W H A Dunn Trophy) –Amara Clemens
Runner Up – Claire Longmire
3rd – Lydia Shirtcliff
15 Years
Champion (Mackintosh Cup) – Scarlett Sippel
Runner Up – Georgia Brassington
3rd – Abi Barnes
16 Years
Champion (S G Stephens Cup) – Julia Wainwright
Runner Up – Carla Nobbs
3rd – Tayla Kauter
U20 Years
Champion (Donald Fletcher Cup) –Mackenzi Schefe
Runner Up – Milla Deignan-Ekelund
3rd – Milly Chappel
New Records
Amara Clemens, 14 Years 400m –previous record 1:02.30 (1993), new record 1:02.10
Amara Clemens, 14 Years 800m –previous record 2:28.30 (1987), new record 2:25.50
Ella Phillips, 12 Years Javelin – previous record 19.76m (2019), new record 19.93m
Mr & Mrs J S Klan Trophy for March Past Black House
Margot Parkinson Trophy (Distance Running)
Abi Barnes
Year 7-12 Holme Group Athletics Relay Cup
Stephens 3
Boarders v Daygirls Relay Cup Day Girls
W R Black Trophy (Champion Boarder)
Sophie McMaster
Newnham Trophy (Champion Day Girl)
Scarlett Sippel
E J Kellock Trophy (Effort and Dedication in Athletics)
Alana Schulteiss
Atthow Trophy (Throws)
Alara Williams
Bernays Trophy (Sprints)
Scarlett Sippell, Amara Clemens and Mackenzi Schefe
Jones Trophy (Jumps)
Lydia Shirtcliff
John Sessarago (Sess) Trophy for Best Individual Performance in High Jump
Sophie McMaster and Carla Nobbs
Senior Tug of War Trophy
Powell House
S Landsberg & P MacDonald Trophy (Seniors v Staff v Old Girls Relay)
Seniors
Harris Cup (Aggregate Cup for B Division)
Stephens House
The Riverview Cup (Aggregate Cup –Champion House)
1st Cameron House – 1471
2nd Stephens House - 1465
3rd Powell House – 1117
4th Black House – 1096
QRSS Touch Football
We had three Fairholme girls on the Darling Downs 16-18 Years Touch Football team that competed at the recent State Championships. Well done to Gracie Johnston, Maggie Walker and Carla Nobbs. Carla had a superb tournament and was selected as a shadow in the Queensland Team! Our girls were well represented in the Darling Downs Touch Football teams across all age groups, with 10 Fairholme students wearing the red, white and blue last term!
QRSS Cross Country
Congratulations to our 17 Darling Downs representatives who ran with so much courage and strength at the Queensland Cross Country Championships. The girls jumped hay bales, navigated around tyres and conquered the hills, with some incredible results being achieved. A special shout out to our four Fairholme students placing Top 10 in their respective age groups:
> Lucy Barnes QLD Champion - 12 Years
3km (10:29) and member of the gold medal winning 12 Years Girls DD relay team
> Eden Broksch 4th - 10 Years 2km (7:40) and member of the bronze medal winning 10 Years Girls DD relay team
> Addison Attrill 5th - 14 Years 4km (15:33)
> Abi Barnes 7th - 15 Years 4km (15:17).
Lucy and Eden have now been selected in the Queensland team to compete at the Australian School Sport Cross Country Championships in August.
Darling Downs Cross Country Representatives
10-12 Years: Eden Broksch, Lucy Barnes and Emme Hall
13-19 Years: Gemma Sullivan, Hannah Barton, Sophie McMaster, Amara Clemens, Addison Attrill, Ruby Richardson, Layla Magarey, Abi Barnes, Georgia Brassington, Immi Allen, Julia Wainwright, Evie Armstrong, Mackenzi Schefe and Amelia Ramia.
Queensland Schools Orienteering
A small but competitive Fairholme Orienteering team has finished second at the 2024 Qld Schools Orienteering Championships. The carnival consisted of three races across two days including an Urban “Sprint” event at Sheldon College and two “Bush” events at Karingal and Tingalpa Creek in bushland on the south side of Brisbane. It was another strong team effort with good results across all age groups despite competing against schools with much larger co-ed teams who have the advantage of gaining points in all events (girls and boys).
Congratulations to our medal winners:
Karingal - Bush Mass Start (Hagaby)
Senior Girls Gold - Alexandra Edwards
Junior Girls Bronze - Abigail Barnes
13 Years Girls Silver - Sophie Murray
Sheldon - Sprint Event (Urban)
Senior Girls Silver - Alexandra Edwards
13 Years Girls Silver - Sophia Lunn
Tingalpa Creek - Bush Long Distance
Senior Girls Bronze - Alexandra Edwards
Abi Barnes, Kari Brennan and Alexandra Edwards have now been selected to represent Queensland at the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships, to be held in Armidale late September.
Fairholme Orienteering Team:
Sophie Murray, Sophia Lunn, Matilda Rogers, Abigail Barnes, Alexandra Edwards, Kari Brennan, Lucy Barnes
Queensland School Sport Team Selections
A special shout out to our most recent students selected to represent Queensland:
Touch Football: Scarlett Sippel (1315 Years) and Carla Nobbs (16-18 Years Shadow)
Cross Country: Eden Broksch (10 Years) and Lucy Barnes (12 Years)
Orienteering: Abi Barnes (Junior Girls), Kari Brennan (Senior Girls) and Alexandra Edwards (Senior Girls)
Equestrian: Chloe Bruggemann, Georgie Hill, Geneva Searle, Abbey Gordon, Charlotte Ostwald, Kaida MacDonald, Kate Frith, Isabella Ostwald, Ruby Hooper, Kendra MacDonald, Emily Davis, Annabelle Rogan and Jemima Southwood
Darling Downs Representative Selections
Congratulations to our students recently selected to represent the Darling Downs region:
Cricket (13-15 Years): Morgan Smith and Emmy Cussons
Rugby League (11-12 Years): Phoebe Tulilo-Seremaia
Rugby League (13-14 Years): Alara Williams and Ella Williams
NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Community
Congratulations to Year 7 student, Elvie Saltner, who was awarded the NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Community Award, presented by Cherbourg Council. Elvie has excelled in her chosen sport of Netball, having gained selection in the 2024 Queensland Representative School Sport Netball team to travel to Nationals in Melbourne. Well-deserved recognition for this rising sports star!
Junior Sports Star of the Month
Congratulations to Simoné Botha who was announced as the Sports Darling Downs Junior Sports Star for the month of June in the sport of Netball. After her sensational performance at the 2024 National Netball Championships, Simoné was one of 36 athletes from across Australia to be selected in the Australian 17/U Squad. As a member of the high-performance squad, Simoné was invited to attend a five-day intensive netball training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra where she participated in education sessions and court sessions with specialist coaches.
Q&
A
with Year 11 student Jordan Amos
Student and Coach of the Modified Rugby Program at UniSQ
What is the name of the program you are involved in?
The name of the program is the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) and was created by the Ginger Cloud Foundation. MRP is an organisation that allows young neurodiverse individuals to engage with the community in a game of a modified version of rugby and to have fun playing sport and staying active.
How did you get involved in the Modified Rugby Team?
I got involved in MRP through the school as a Mentor in February last year at UniSQ with my friend Mabel Galbraith (Year 11) and continued through the rest of the year and we were fortunate enough to be offered to coach at UniSQ this year.
What has the experience been like for you?
The experience has been nothing short of amazing. I never thought I would have had this much fun doing MRP in a million years, but I find it so enjoyable to do and so rewarding. MRP has been so good for me as I am able to help younger kids in the rugby community have fun and be involved.
What have have been some of the highlights?
There have been so many highlights! Last year, we played with some of the Australian Wallabies when they were in Toowoomba. I was fortunate enough to meet former rugby greats like Chris Latham and Wallaroo Selena Worsley-Tranter. Later that year, we played a mini game in between TGS 1st and 2nds at the Grammar Downlands match. Every experience at MRP is a highlight for me!
How does volunteering your time and giving back to the community feel?
When I was volunteering as a mentor ,and even now as a coach, giving my time and giving back to the MRP community didn’t seem like a difficult decision. I find it an absolute privilege to have this experience and for them to allow me to continue.
How do you assist the Modified Rugby Team?
As a mentor you assist the coaches by keeping your mentee (player) engaged in training drills and gamedays. As a mentor you are usually paired with a player for the season to easily connect with them so the players feel more comfortable. As a coach, we get the privilege to run trainings, run gamedays as well as referee and we also have to do various paperwork for the people who are in charge of MRP to keep the success of the organisation.
Recently the team played on the main field of TGS what did that feel like and how did the team react?
The players have played at TGS many times before but every time you can see the players feel really special as the rugby boys usually create a tunnel for them onto the field for their game. The players are particularly eager to be involved whenever they play at TGS and are always wanting to support the TGS boys, as they joined the boys to make a tunnel for the 16A’s and even joined in with their war cries. It was truly remarkable.
Upcoming events
