AT Holme
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN: Be That Person...
“Act well your part; there all the honour lies.” - Alexander Pope
I find myself at the inaugural Fairholme Old Girls’ Association (FOGA) ‘Coming Holme’ dinner during the holidays. Jenny Wynter is the star attraction – a gifted comedian, actor, singer, author and presenter … and a Fairholme Old Girl (1995). She is wooing us, charming us and delighting us – we laugh richly, and we reflect deeply, as we ponder her life and her Fairholme story.
Each Fairholme story is unique – the lived memories of school take different form for each person. But underpinning the gathering was a groundswell of spirit, lingering close to the surface, waiting to pounce. It would not have taken much, for the Jump’n’Jive to be performed or for the previous war cry: Copcha Copcha to be chanted with enthusiasm from the Jenny Sutton/Heather Harrison table.
One thing I remember as a Fairholme girl is enthusiasm. The get up and go, the jump’n’jive and throwing ourselves into everything we did … that enthusiasm for life and giving all of it a go is something I have held close since leaving Palm Drive. It’s been a lasting gift from my days at Fairholme. (Jenny Wynter, ‘Coming Holme’ 2024)
It was interesting to be – in research terms – an ‘insider/ outsider’ at that event. You can be the College principal for a decade and a half – but you can never really be a
Fairholme Old Girl. A shared adolescent journey is special on its own terms – you have to be there, to know it and you have to live it, to share it. That shared common time of troughs and peaks cements friendships and consolidates a sense of who we are. Old Girl, and long-time Brisbane FOGA President, Daphne Stewart (1952) used to say that she loved returning to Fairholme.
There are few things as uplifting as seeing past students sitting at tables together lost in the deeps of reminiscing, revelling in one another’s company and the power of remembrance.
- Dr Linda Evans
Here, she was, in her words, “Entirely Daphne.” She wasn’t a mother, wife or grandmother and she luxuriated in stepping back to a time of simply being Daphne. You could see and feel those moments at the FOGA dinner. When Jenny recounted a dramatic presentation that took place in the College pool – resplendent with a full-sized boat, appalling acoustics and a Spring Fair audience – she said, “It
could only happen at Fairholme.” Most probably so.
She said that her acting career was born at Fairholme –where her Holme Group teacher, and Geography teaching legend, Mrs Patricia (Pat) Sulewski allowed her to perform skits for the group – there were boundaries for what could or couldn’t be shared, and when Jenny crossed the content line, Mrs Sulewski would bring her back, gently.
Here, in this safe place of learning, she was cultivating and growing Jenny’s confidence and courage. It’s been almost three decades since Jenny left Fairholme, yet her Sunday mission before returning home to Brisbane was to catch up with Mrs Sulewski. I’m not sure if she managed – but the drive was there, as was the deep need to say thank you to the teacher who had nurtured her self-belief, perhaps unwittingly but with the intuitive understanding some people hold. Be that person.
There is nothing easy about a career in the Arts –underfunded, seasonal, fickle – there are no guarantees. There is nothing easy about being Head Girl and Dux of your year and pursuing the road less travelled, the road least expected and the road without a linear means of reaching one’s destination. Because we are all consciously and unconsciously writing scripts and manufacturing endings for our children and our students.
We are imagining their futures, sometimes without consultation; sometimes without listening for the whisperings and nuances of their passions. It takes courage to depart from the script, improvisation is its own skill. Jenny has this abundantly: metaphorically and literally. It is a talent founded on wit and intelligence and daring.
As an audience we were enriched through this, every minute of her performance: the gift of theatre, “theatre [that] was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation” (Stella Adler).
When your father tells you to become an engineer and your mother is batting for you to pursue something medical –and you like neither, where do you turn? When the script has been written with such precision, love and good intent, can you resist the words and the stage directions that have almost become who you are, or at least who you are expected to become? I don’t know the answer, although I do know, if I am honest, that I have penned a fair few scripts for my own children, written in indelible ink. They haven’t been closely observed, or at times, even recognised as in existence and I have been forced to confront new and unfamiliar texts, ones that I haven’t authored: not easy. I have had to come back to truisms like – “You cannot live someone else’s life for them” or “You cannot build a bridge with borrowed bricks.”
Reunions are interesting phenomenon. At times we embrace them, at other times we avoid them – not wanting to remember who we were, wanting to place distance and time between our adolescent and adult selves.
But there are few things as uplifting as seeing past students sitting at tables together lost in the deeps of reminiscing, revelling in one another’s company and the power of remembrance. Jenny observed the next day, “This has been so special, it’s warmed my heart. I will hold on to this.”
And I will hold on to her reference to Mrs Sulewski too – so much more than a Geography teacher.
She was a person who grew self-belief. Sometimes, such a person is all we need to launch our lives – one person who believes in us unconditionally, one person who refuses to write a rigid script, a person who knows, intuitively, that you cannot live someone else’s life for them. Wherever you can, whenever you can and in whatever way you can: be that person.
Dr Linda Evans | Principal
equestrian
The 2024 Interschool State Championships
For the fourth consecutive year our Fairholme Equestrian Team have won the prestigious Lorette Wigan Cup for the Interschool Champion Equestrian Secondary School.
In addition, Georgie Hill was awarded the Brett Family Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the secondary rider with the best overall results on the same horse across all disciplines, and Kendra McDonald received the Finch Farm Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the overall champion rider from Years 7, 8 and 9. Abbey Gordon was also awarded the Sailor Trophy for the lowest penalties in the Eventing event. Ten of our riders have been selected in the Queensland State team, across all disciplines. The girls will compete in the Australian National Interschool Championships.
Combined Training 60cm
9th Ruby Hooper
Combined Training 80cm
Champion – Chloe Bruggemann (Golden Ticket)
16th Matilda Redding
20th Heidi Horsley
Combined Training 95cm
Reserve Champion – Georgie Hill (Golden Ticket)
11th Kendra MacDonald
12th Adelaide Gilbert
14th Gracie Bunker
Combined Training 1
Champion – Geneva Searle (Golden Ticket)
Reserve Champion – Kate Frith (Golden Ticket)
4th Abbey Gordon – (Golden Ticket)
5th Geneva Searle
7th Jemima Southwood
8th Kaida MacDonald
Combined Training 2
Champion – Charlotte Ostwald
(Golden Ticket)
Eventing
5th Geneva Searle
EvA95
Champion – Abbey Gordon (Golden Ticket)
Reserve Champion – Kaida MacDonald (Golden Ticket)
12th Jemima Southwood.
EvA80
9th Gracie Bunker
11th Kendra MacDonald
29th Matilda Redding
EvA60
10th Ruby Hooper
Dressage Intermediate 7, 8 and 9,
Senior 10, 11 and 12
Secondary Senior Preliminary
Reserve Champion – Chloe Bruggeman (Golden Ticket)
4th Jemima Southwood (Golden Ticket)
12th Kaida MacDonald
Secondary Intermediate Preliminary
3rd Kate Frith (Golden Ticket)
11th Kendra MacDonald
28th Ruby Hooper
32nd Heidi Horsley
Secondary Novice
5th Abbey Gordon
10th Kaida MacDonald
18th Matilda Redding
Secondary Elementary
5th Georgie Hill
Secondary Advanced
4th Isabella Ostwald (Golden Ticket)
Secondary Medium
Champion -Charlotte Ostwald (Golden Ticket)
Reserve Champion – Isabella Ostwald (Golden Ticket)
Show Horse Intermediate Show Horse
Reserve Champion – Ruby Hooper (Golden Ticket)
8th Heidi Horsley
Intermediate Working Hunter 65cm
Champion-Kendra MacDonald (Golden Ticket)
3rd Emily Davis (Golden Ticket)
5th Ruby Hooper
Intermediate Show Hunter
4th Kate Frith (Golden Ticket)
Secondary Working Hunter 65
Reserve Champion – Georgie Hill (Golden Ticket)
6th Jemima Southwood
7th Kaida MacDonald
Show Jumping Secondary 70cm
11th Ruby Hooper
Secondary 80cm
12th Matilda Redding
17th Bianca Bruggemann
28th Chloe Bruggemann
40th Grace Ward
42nd Heidi Horsley
Intermediate Secondary 90cm
10th Grace Todd
13th Emily Davis
14th Bianca Bruggemann
17th Kendra MacDonald
Secondary 90cm
18th Georgie Hill
23rd Matilda Redding
26th Gracie Bunker
Intermediate Secondary 100cm
4th Kate Frith (Golden Ticket)
16th Emily Davis
Secondary 100cm
7th Geneva Searle
12th Annabelle Rogan
19th Jemima Southwood
24th Geneva Searle
25th Gracie Bunker
Secondary 110cm
3rd Annabelle Rogan (Golden Ticket)
7th Adelaide Gilbert
13th Annabelle Rogan
Secondary 120cm
4th Annabelle Rogan (Golden Ticket)
From holme Boarders on Holidays
No rest for our Facilities’ Team!
Our dedicated maintenance team has been hard at work over the holidays, bringing a range of exciting upgrades to the College grounds. Here’s a look at what they’ve been up to:
> Kindy: Pete is building a fantastic new cubby and puppet show area for the kids to enjoy.
> Kitchen Loading Dock: A new covered area is now in place for improved functionality.
> Talara: The new patio, car port, and garden shed are currently in progress.
> Baby Pool: We’ve installed a brand-new heating system to keep the water just right and it is currently being refilled.
> Gym Foyer: Stunning new trophy cabinets are set to be installed this week.
> Pathways: Fresh, new classroom furniture and a newly painted bulkhead will welcome students back.
> 5 Anembo: A new fence enhances the security and aesthetics of the area.
> L Block Storage Room: A new door has been added for better access and security.
> Boarding Courtyard: A new door has been installed, improving functionality and safety.
A huge thank you to our amazing maintenance team for their hard work over the holidays. We truly appreciate all that you do!
2024 FAIRHOLME SKI TRIP
Forty Year 11 and 12 girls spent the first week of their holidays in Perisher for our annual Ski Trip.
Just a few days before their departure, there was no snow, but they were fortunate to receive over 25cm that afternoon, turning the trip into a true snow adventure.
Both skiing and snowboarding were offered, with 28 girls choosing skiing and 12 opting for snowboarding. Of these, 27 were first-timers, 8 had a few days of experience with previous lessons, and the rest had intermediate skills.
For most girls, it was their first time seeing snow, and the excitement grew as our bus neared Perisher, making the 20-hour drive well worth it.
The girls received two-hour lessons each day for six days with an instructor.
They quickly realised that the best way to reach the accommodation was to attend lessons and practice,
avoiding the two massive hikes up and down the mountain each day to get to lessons and back to the lodge for lunch.
Fairholme staff provided additional tuition before and after lessons, and by Day 3, all the girls could ski in and out (or walk a short distance) from the accommodation.
The girls were encouraged to embrace all lessons, extra tuition with staff, and practice on their own to master and improve their skills, and they certainly did.
Evening activities included games, card playing, a quiz night, a magician show, and an attempt at night skiing (which was cancelled due to conditions).
Most importantly, everyone got a good night’s sleep!
A massive thank you to Ms Munro for organising the trip and to the staff who accompanied us: Miss Mason, Mrs Masters, Mr Lucas, and Mr and Mrs Tregaskis.
AQ& with Georgina
Rackemann
Touch and Rugby 7s Co-ordinator and Teacher of Physical Education and Mathematics
Have you ever been a part of a World Cup before?
No this will be my first world cup. The last world cup was in 2019. They are usually every 4 years but covid pushed it back.
What was the trial process like?
Squads are picked on your performance at a number of high level competitions in Aus. There are always coaches and talent scouts keeping an eye out and the best way to be seen is to play in as many of these competitions as possible. Once you have this foot in the door, the coaches and performance staff will look after you and try and help develop you as much as they can. I have been lucky enough to be a squad member of a couple of years now. From there we had a selection camp in February where the final team is picked.
What are you looking forward to the most about representing your country?
I am looking forward to putting on my green and gold jersey representing and Australia with pride. Australia has such a rich sporting culture that brings so much passion, determination and sportsmanship. My favourite part is
moments before the game starts, standing in the middle of the field, wearing the green and gold, arms around your teammates, singing the national anthem. In a sporting world, there is no better feeling.
Can you give us some background on the World Cupwhere it’s being held, what countries will you be playing, how many games?
We are playing in Nottingham, England. In the open women’s division there are 21 countries (see photo below), split into two pools. We play the following countries:
• Day 1: Wales and Singapore
• Day 2: PNG and Lebanon
• Day 3: Japan and France
• Day 4: Cook Islands and Canada
• Day 5: Belgium
• Day 6: Finals
What do you think you will be able to bring back to Fairholme and share with our touch players?
I would love to be able to bring back some fresh passion and excitement to a young touch player in Toowoomba, but particularly at Fairholme. I was a Fairholme student and
followed the same path that many of the girls are on at the moment.
Hopefully, I will give them a bit of inspiration to keep working hard and enjoying the sport, and that no goal is out of reach for them.
Do you have a goal for the tournament?
Our goal for the tournament will be to go through undefeated in our pool games and meet NZ in the final. NZ are very strong and we hope to put on a good show and come away with the World Cup trophy. Personally, my goal will be to get through the tournament injury free.
Playing two games a day for six days is mentally and physically tough, and I want to be able to play my best come finals day.
What’s your game-day ritual?
I don’t really have any game day rituals. I try to take it as easy as possible, eat lots of food and make sure my body is feeling fresh and ready to go. Although, my boots need to be done up tight and hair must be pulled back out of my face.
Who are you looking forward to playing against?
I am looking forward to playing the different countries
and experiencing how diversely each country plays touch. I have played against NZ and Japan before, and even both of their games styles are so different. It will be interesting to see what the other countries bring to the table and watch challenges we will have to overcome. Will your family be at your games?
I am so lucky to have such a supportive family. Both of my parents are coming over to watch, and my husband. They are very proud and wouldn’t miss it for the world. There is quite a contingent of Toowoomba players going, how does that make you feel, and is it an inspiration for our younger players coming through the ranks?
It is very rewarding to see so many people representing Toowoomba and South West. Brisbane and the Gold Coast seem to dominate the Queensland contingency of touch football players, and a lot of people forget what we have to offer out here in the ‘bush’.
I think it is exciting for young players to see a pathway to high level touch that doesn’t involve being from those metro areas.
It’s nice for them to see someone they might play with or against in the local competition going away to a World Cup.
Holiday Upcomingevents
spotlight
Year 11 student Ebbeny Williams-Cherry has had an enriching holiday experience at the Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
Attending the Tertiary Preparation Workshop, Ebbeny immersed herself in a week filled with Aural and Theory classes, lectures, workshops, masterclasses, and Q&A sessions. During her time at the Conservatorium, Ebbeny not only gained invaluable insight into university life but also received crucial tips for the audition process.
She had the unique opportunity to have several one-on-one lessons with senior lecturers who may become her teachers for classical voice and violin, should her auditions be successful.
Congratulations to our incredible Fairholme girls who represented Darling
Downs at the QRSS Touch Football State Championships in Brisbane recently!
Romy Wilson, Amara Clemens, Scarlett Sippel, and Alara Williams showed amazing skill and teamwork, helping DD finish 6th overall.
Special shoutout to Scarlett for being selected in the Queensland Team!
Over the holidays, Fairholme girls traveled to Rockhampton to compete in the QLD Country Rugby Championships. Representing the U14 girls were Emaya Fagan, Josie Ostwald, Ella Williams, Alara Williams, and Ava Henry. The U16 girls team included Izzy Johnstone, CC Hindmarch, Issy Elsley, Charlie Coleman, and Tilly Anderson.
From this tournament, Alara Williams earned a spot on the U14 girls QLD Country team, while Izzy Johnstone was selected for the U16 girls QLD Country team.
This week, they faced off against City in two games. The U14 team emerged victorious in both matches, and the U16 team also won both games, securing the championship.
19 July
Interhouse Athletics Carnival
19 July Fathers’ Dinner
29 July
NAIDOC Week
1 August
Fairholme Girl for a Day
9 August
Year 12 100 Day Celebration High Tea
9 August Crème de la Crème
12 August
Photograph Day – Cultural and Sporting Photographs
4-6 September
Year 4 and 5 Camp
13 September
2025 Boarder Orientation
13 September Term 3 Concludes
14 September
2025 Boarding and Day Orientation
1 October
Term 4 Commences
17 October
Presenting Fairholme
19 October
Spring Fair and Fashion Parade