ATHolme
“And suddenly you know... It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” - Meister Eckhart -
Issue 22 | January 2024
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN: Welcome Holme Dear Members of the Fairholme Family
We find ourselves in a heightened state of
Welcome to 2024 – a new school year teetering on the brink of commencing. I love a good beginning – turning the first pages of a book, starting an overseas trip, holding a newborn baby … or the commencement of a school year: always so full of anticipation and promise.
excitement or anxiety – or perhaps both, after
Yet we know that beginnings can also be challenging, unexpected, confronting. The child who has been begging to start school, suddenly becomes reluctant, withdrawn, clingy – whilst the hesitant beginner seems to take things with impressive independence, so much so that we can feel redundant as parents. Some children plead to go home, immediately, whilst others embrace the newness of things. We can’t always predict our child’s response, nor our own.
branding does matter.
Beginning at a new school, particularly as a boarder is ultimately about separation and with that, grieving pitched against opportunity. It is the ultimate dichotomy – separation allows for growth, but it doesn’t mean that it is easy. At such a time, we find ourselves in a heightened state of excitement or anxiety – or perhaps both, after all, the physiological response is the same, irrespective of how we brand the feeling, the branding does matter. Excitement and anticipation are much more palatable sensations than fear or anxiety. Language matters and how we describe those feelings matters too. To our brand-new starters When our children start school or boarding school for the first time, we may find ourselves hovering uncomfortably at the top rung of the change scale. No matter how attentively we have prepared for this moment, it can also feel that nothing has prepared us for this moment. So, what to do, to allay that feeling?
all, the physiological response is the same, irrespective of how we brand the feeling, the
> Talk to other parents – particularly pertinent for our new Boarder parents. > Talk about school and the things you know, the things to look forward to, and the things that might need some adjustment, don’t fixate on the hard stuff but don’t avoid it entirely, either. > Be positive about the change and get involved in the practicalities of getting ready. > Respond to questions and assure that together you will seek out the answers. > Remind your children that whenever they can/ not to hang on the metaphoric sideline – and, to ask for help if needed. The phrase ‘fake it ‘til you’ll make it’ has relevance to everyone beginning again. For all parents, the fundamental ‘do’ is to speak in the positive, whilst also acknowledging that which may be challenging. Let us look forward to a promising and enriching 2024, I hope to touch base with many in the days, ahead. May God walk with you each and all throughout the year.
Dr Linda Evans | Principal
Building and Maintenance As is typical of the holiday period, significant refurbishment and upgrades to buildings and grounds have occurred in readiness for students’ return. The Year 3 classroom has been refurbished and a number of bathrooms have been completely updated: including the undercroft facilities in the Junior School and those on the Upper floor of the gymnasium. Two visitors’ toilets have been added to the eastern side of the homestead – of particular note for our boarder families. Further, the entrance to the gymnasium has been significantly upgraded. In the Senior School, the Pathways Centre classroom is in the process of a full makeover- new furniture is on its way in Term 1. Heads of House offices have been upgraded and a new staff room has been added to the Science Block. We have also added a landscaped area to the south of the Performing Arts Building which includes a playground for our secondary students. Repainting of a number of office areas and general maintenance has also occurred. The gardens are magnificent, and the oval is green and lush, ready for the pounding feet of athletes. Grateful thanks to our grounds and maintenance staff who have been pivotal in these projects!
Let Them Play “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.” - Charles Schaefer
I remember a conversation with a new and young boarder, many years ago. She was walking, it would seem, reluctantly back to the Boarding House one afternoon during her first week of term. I enquired about her day. She shrugged her shoulders, a little diffidently, dropped her head and mumbled, “It was OK – I guess.” I caught a wistful edge to her tone and presumed that the lure of home was calling her. Tell me what was good, I asked – trying to wend things towards a more positive frame. “I liked PE,” she offered, “and everything else was OK, but I’m wondering when I get to play.” It was the phrase “I’m wondering when I get to play,” that caught me hard. In fact, it’s never left me. If I close my eyes, I can still see that student and where we both stood in conversation. I couldn’t answer her well, she wasn’t looking for an organised activity … she was looking for the opposite, she was seeking out the joy of the unstructured - play.
Interestingly, Article 31 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child says that play is a fundamental right, optimal to child development. What’s more, such spaces allow for self-restoration. Psychologist, Lisa Damour (2020) shares that “when it comes to self-restoration, we all have options — with connection, distraction and reflection being chief among them.” Play can distract, it can connect, and it can give metaphoric and actual space to reflect. We are hoping that this reimagined space will allow for that. Marantz Henig in 2018 reminded us that play is much more than “a way for restless kids to work off steam or to burn off calories”, it is also more than “a frivolous luxury.” It is central to neurological growth and the extensive work conducted by the Berry Street Schools leads to play as one learning tool in classrooms, also – one that provides a platform for building trust.
For those familiar with the tiered area between the Assembly Hall and the Performing Arts Building – you may be surprised. In that underutilised, awkward space is a transformed area – for sitting, relaxing and for … playing. Whilst we mindfully meet the play needs of younger students, we are sometimes less likely to consider the notion that play is important for us all, irrespective of age. If you’ve travelled around the suburbs of Brisbane recently, you may have noted the rise of the playground for ‘older kids’ … a nod to the importance of play. Bradbury Park in Kedron first took my eye, but research has led me to lots of interesting spaces, including Calamvale District Park and Buxton Park in Yarrabilla. Whilst the new addition to our College landscape, is less large scale, it is significant, nonetheless. Its significance lies in our recognition that our young people require spaces that facilitate pause, play and connection. I think, it links aptly with the legislated ‘phones and wearable technologyfree’ mandate for Queensland schools which is about a positive persuasion to encourage young people to use time, differently.
So, here’s to more play in 2024. Here’s to the joy of the unstructured and an opportunity for self-restoration in this reconfigured space. After a generally joyful Brisbane childhood of sliding headfirst down blisteringly hot metal slippery slides, clambering across monkey bars or making myself giddy on the playground merry-go-round, I’m keen to see this space embraced with enthusiasm. Finally, girls like that young boarder, so many years ago – have another place to play – a space that’s a little bit free from the encumbrances of adults. Let them … play (without technology). Dr Linda Evans | Principal REFERENCES Damour, L. (2020). ‘How Teenagers Use Free Time Affects Mood’. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/03/well/family/teenagersdowntime-free-time-choices.html Marantz Henig, R. (2008). ‘Taking Play Seriously’. The New York Times. https:// www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/magazine/17play.html
Fairholme College Communique 2024 In our ongoing effort to enhance communication and keep you informed, we primarily utilise electronic platforms such as the phone app, the Parent Lounge on MyFairholme, Happenings at Holme, and At Holme. To ensure effective and timely communication, it is crucial that we have accurate and up-to-date contact information for each family. If there are any changes to your email address or mobile phone details, we kindly request that you notify us promptly.
For those who are new to the Fairholme family, we encourage you to download our phone app, which serves as a vital tool for receiving urgent information, staying updated on calendar changes, receiving reminders about significant events, and promptly accessing notices such as bus return times from excursions or camps.
Health matters
VAPING/VAPES
As you may be aware, during 2024, new vaping laws are being rolled out across Australia, these include: • From 1 January, the import of disposable vapes will be prohibited. • From 1 March, the import of non-disposable vapes that do not comply with new standards to be set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be prohibited. Standards will include plain packaging with no added flavourings. Vapes will also have a prescribed level of nicotine. • Is illegal to sell vapes in convenience or vape stores. Vapes will only be available at pharmacies and it is likely that their purchase will be via a script. • As you would know, vapes are not welcome at Fairholme at any time and consequences will ensue if students are in possession of, or using vapes. This is about health and wellbeing and respect for the entirely reasonable expectations of the College community. We thank you for your ongoing support. PHONES/SMART WATCHES/WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY AWAY FOR THE DAY Additionally, do refer to my letter outlining Fairholme’s adoption of the Phones (and smart watches/wearable technology) ‘Away for the Day, Everyday’ approach. This applies to the moment of a student’s arrival at Fairholme until after departure from the College campus. It will require adjustment for some but not many of our students. The end goal is about lessening addiction and dependence on technology, shifting the culture and strengthening learning. Research tells us that the presence of a mobile phone/smart watch affects brain function adversely. [They] “have posited that simply the presence of a cell phone may have detrimental effects on learning and memory as well. A mobile phone left next to the participant while completing a task, is a powerful distractor even when not in use” (Tanil and Yong, 2020).
Quick contacts
Main Administration Office T 07 4688 4688 | E info@fairholme.qld.edu.au Boarding House Office T 07 4688 4611 | E boarding@fairholme.qld.edu.au Health Centre T 07 4688 4613 | E healthcentre@fairholme.qld.edu.au HOLMEstore T 07 4688 4666 | E HOLMEstore@fairholme.qld.edu.au Middle School T 07 4688 4681 | E middle.school@fairholme.qld.edu.au Senior School T 07 4688 4655 | E senior.school@fairholme.qld.edu.au Academic Leave T 07 4688 4655 E academic-leave-request@fairholme.qld.edu.au
Fairholme App
Access all your daughter’s news and alerts in just a few taps.
Our communiqué with you is predominantly electronic – through the Fairholme phone app or via Happenings@Holme. Make sure you ‘update’ or download the Fairholme App (available in the App store). The app features instant access to Happenings@ Holme and myFairholme (Parent Portal), key dates and absentees. There is also an Alerts button which is used to notify you of any urgent information, or as a quick avenue for notices such as bus return times from excursions, or camps. As our school year nudges closer, keep a close look at your Happenings@Holme newsfeed. We recommend checking in daily for all the latest information. For frequently asked questions regarding logging in, the app or myFairholme, please follow this link: https://www.fairholme.qld.edu.au/frequentlyasked-questions If you need any further assistance, please contact sandra.buckley@fairholme.qld.edu.au
Outstanding ATARs If you have accessed our website, you may have already noted the strong academic achievements of the Senior cohort of 2023. Whilst we will acknowledge these girls more formally at our Commencement Assembly on Tuesday 23 January, we express our pride in their accomplishments, as well as appreciation of the work of our teachers and families who have journeyed with these young women. We do acknowledge and celebrate our highest achievers in Year 12 2023:
Dux Isabella Doyle Proxime Accessit Julia Rathie Ordine Tertia Janithya Dharamawardhane
Congratulations We also note and celebrate some outstanding individual achievements that have occurred over the holidays - Lilli Hamilton in the Queensland U16 (captain) Women’s Cricket team as well as the Queensland U19 Women’s Cricket team – with some formidable bowling statistics, along with Simone Botha who is in the final 16 for the Queensland U17 Netball team and Mackenzi Schefe who achieved bronze in the Under 17 2000m Steeplechase at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.
Further, our Equestrian team of 2023 under the captainship of Torra McDonald and Simone Sorensen, were named Equestrian Queensland School of the Year. Do share any other successes that have occurred over the break that have not come to our attention, as yet.
The mighty force of the Christmas Day storms brought down the magnificent Jacaranda tree located outside Ms Sharp’s office. The tree, which was split right down the middle, has been removed, and the soil is being prepared for another planting.
Staffing
matters
We warmly welcome new staff members who will be working across the campus in a range of roles, as well as current staff who are moving into new roles for 2023 or, returning to previous roles. We are excited to welcome: Heather Beresford: Traffic Controller Lauren Cash: Teacher of Science and Psychology Callum Duncan: Junior School Teacher (Year 2) Melissa Gould: Teacher of Science Natalie Gurr: Head of Learning Enhancement Jin Kim: Teacher of Business, Christian Studies, Economics, Legal Studies Ed Lucas: Teacher of Christian Studies, Music, and Visual Art Kate Kefford: Junior School Teacher (Year 6) Sophie Knauth: Teacher Intern Ana Lyons: Junior School Teacher (Year 4) Alice Mason: Teacher of Humanities and Geography Natalie McConnell: Teacher of Japanese and Science Stephen Payton: Teacher Intern RETURNING STAFF AND STAFF IN ADDITIONAL OR NEW ROLES Mrs Laura Anderson: Acting Role, Head of Stephens House Mrs Vicki Anderson: Expanded Role, Restorative Practices Coach Mrs Maddi Craven: Acting Role, Head of Aquatics Centre Ms Kristen Currie: Expanded Role, Restorative Practices Coach Mr Alex Dixon: Expanded Role, Head of Performance Music (to include Instrumental Music) Mrs Melissa Hall: New Role, Laboratory Technician Mrs Kylie Wallis: New Role, Head of Boarding
Holiday snaps
From the coast to the snow, from the city to the Outback, Fairholme families have been enjoying time off with their families and friends...
Mark it in the Diary 22 January
Fairholme Art Exhibition
New Boarders into Residence 8.45am
In 2017, Fairholme College, celebrated ‘100 Years At
Orientation for all New Middle and Senior students, including all Year 7s from 1pm Returning Boarders into Residence by 5pm 23 January Term 1 Commences 26 January Australia Day Public Holiday 31 January FOJS Meet and Greet and Parent Information Evening 15 February Junior School (Years 3 to 6) Interhouse Swimming Carnival 16 February Middle and Senior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival Year 7 Parent Information Session 4.45pm Principal’s Welcome Function 6pm 18 February
Fairholme’ and as a part of the festivities to mark this exciting milestone, an inaugural Art Exhibition, the ‘Facets of Fairholme’, was held at the College. Following on from the success of this boutique exhibition, plans are underway to host another such event in 2023. Now in its eigth year, ‘Fairholme Art Exhibition – FACETS’, presents a carefully selected and thoughtfully curated presentation by our Curatorial Team that invites a shared conversation, artistic expression, and audience engagement; and it is this, the celebration of Art, Education and Community that have become the focus of this exhibition. This year, we launch the Fairholme Open Art Prize. The exhibition provides artists an exciting opportunity to exhibit their works in a refined, boutique setting. Up to 200 works will be exhibited and these works will vie for a
Twilight Family Worship Service 5.30pm
number of acquisitive awards.
19 February
Submissions are open now, and will close on 26 April.
Induction of Year 9 Leaders 8.25am
Opening Night and Award Presentation is on 10 May.
24 February
FAIRHOLME COLLEGE | Wirra Wirra Street Toowoomba | (07) 4688 4688 | communications@fairholme.qld.edu.au
Scholarship Testing Day 12 March
Interhouse Cross Country Carnival 21 March Dolphin Interhouse Swimming Carnival (Prep-Year 2) 27 March Term 1 Concludes 29 March Good Friday 30 March Easter Saturday 1 April Easter Monday 16 April Term 2 Commences 19 April Toowoomba Show Public Holiday 25 April ANZAC Day Public Holiday 10-12 May Fairholme Open Art Prize - FACETS