At Holme Issue 15 - June 2023

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN Disconnect

Holidays bring with them the tantalizing opportunity to pause, to honour a different rhythm and to disconnect from technology – even partially. The current ‘unplug movement’ addresses the relationship between technology addiction and poor mental health. Detoxification from our wired life is an essential part of living in 2023 where the push of a button, obsession with image and inability to delay gratification are trademark. The rise of wellbeing as a focus in all forums – within and outside of schools, reflects the need for – pause.

You may not all be aware that Fairholme staff operate under an email communique curfew – one that has been in operation for the past decade. At least once per term all staff are reminded of protocols around emailing colleagues – this is about preserving and respecting one another’s right to pause and to disconnect from this highly wired environment. It is rare for a staff member to ever communicate outside of a 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday timeframe – even rarer for this to occur during holidays. Always, an

email sent outside this timeframe will be prefaced by an apology and will contain urgent content required prior to the next school day.

For your interest, I share the conventions that we adhere to, so respectfully.

email@Fairholme College

1. Write Hot. Edit Cold.

2. Emails need to be respectful and timely – more than two paragraphs generally indicate the need for a real time in-person conversation. To author an email essay to a recipient constitutes ‘management by monologue.’

3. It is our right to answer emails at any time; our responsibility to be judicious about when we send them and how they are written.

4. Always ask – Would this be better to talk about in person, or by phone?

5. Consider: Is it important to send this outside of a 7am – to 7pm Monday to Friday timeframe

6. Does the recipient need to be thinking on this outside of school hours?

In thinking of the wired world, I am drawn back to mid-December of 2017. I am sitting in a food market in Lisbon, Portugal. A Mum, Dad and tennish year-old son are sitting at a table beside me in this buzzing, vibrant place. It is midday and I am relishing the sights, smells, and differences. That is, until a familiar scene unfolds beside me – the tennish year-old boy begins to wriggle, desperate for mum and dad’s attention. Engrossed on their iPhones they do not notice as he squirms, pulls faces, and eventually, pushes against the table to make it rock. His parents do not move, respond, or react. For a few excited minutes I am delusional and imagine that I am observing the world’s most skilled parents making a deliberate choice to completely ignore their son’s behaviour. Alas, they are so attached to their iPhones, they have forgotten where they are, or who they are with: they have forgotten that their son is with them. Eventually, their tennish year-old son is able to rock the table hard enough to spill their drinks and scatter their platters of finely sliced pork. The rocking has been constant for minutes, not a word has been spoken until, in this deliberate gesture … he finally gains their attention.

Hell, hath no fury than two parents whose social media activity is interrupted. The scene unfolds dramatically: a chaotic mix of yelling, hitting and tears. I optimistically will them some deep breathing which (Dent, 2016) reminds us, creates some much-needed serotonin – the calming neurotransmitter. Whilst tennish year-old ‘Miguel’ had chosen his attention-seeking behaviours unwisely, I wonder how things might have unfolded without the presence of iPhones.

So too, it’s years ago and I am sitting in a restaurant in Toowoomba and watching a marriage proposal unfold. I am conscious of how I am being addictively drawn to the romance of the scene. Nonetheless, I attempt to practice what I see as the requisite privacy for such a situation (my mother’s manners mantra were on repeat in my head). Flowers, a sparkling diamond, champagne, tears – the scene unfolded as you might imagine. And then … mobile phones were retrieved, photographs taken and shared. For the next thirty minutes that couple, newly engaged, deeply in love, did not acknowledge one another. Heads down, fingers swiping and typing frantically, they shared their news online.

‘Yes, our devices keep us connected but emotionally they keep us disconnected: such is the tension that we traverse, daily – often unknowingly. ’

– Dr Linda Evans

Wired. Excited. And … totally disconnected from one another. Again, I wondered how things might have unfolded without the presence of an iPhone. Yes, our devices keep us connected but emotionally they keep us disconnected: such is the tension that we traverse, daily – often unknowingly. Our worlds are lived on gadgets, unless we permit ourselves time to observe the gift of ordinary days, days not filled by gadget checking, and social media diversions, where we privilege connection at a human level. Blaise Pascal wrote in the 1600s of ‘man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone’ and foreshadowed our impulse to ‘turn to something else’ (Kagge, 2017, p. 37) leading us with addictive magnetism to the age of noise: social media noise. Here’s to the holidays ahead – a time to privilege connection through disconnection with technology: it is time to pause. Book in hand – I intend to do just that.

REFERENCES

Dent, M. (2016). The Power of the Parental Pause. https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/power-parental-pause/ Kagge, E. (2017). Silence: In the Age of Noise. trans. from Norwegian by Becky L. Crook. China: Penguin.

END OF TERM NEWS

I do wish to acknowledge Mrs Jillian Bialy - a stalwart member of staff in the Junior School since mid-2003, who has decided to retire and enjoy greater time with family and friends. Jillian has been an essential part of Fairholme Junior – an empathetic listener, a friendly face, and an enthusiastic supporter of all. We have been fortunate to enjoy her broad contributions and the professionalism she has brought to school every day, during that time. We wish her every blessing into the future.

We are delighted that Ms Sarah Van der Ros will continue as an Assistant to the Junior School.

Mr Bob Nelder has been a sterling member of the Mathematics Department for the past twelve months, during Head of Mathematics - Mrs Karleigh Nicholl’s parental leave. We have been the grateful recipients of his wisdom about life, his Mathematical expertise and genuine interest in all things, Fairholme. Bob – we suspect you will be drawn back, soon! We are grateful for Mrs Carla Oliphant and Ms Sophie Cover who have jointly led the Mathematics Department with thoroughness and collective professionalism during this time.

Mrs Louise Hamilton leaves the Publications and Promotions Department to take up a new role. Louise has brought energy, enthusiasm, and a careful eye to this area of the school and many events have been honed and professionalized through her efforts. We are deeply appreciative and wish her well in taking up a new role, external to The College.

Thank you to Mr Michael Murtagh for bringing his French expertise to the classroom during this term , and the early part of the next – we have been most grateful for his contributions.

I am taking some (pause) leave from 12 June and will be back - with metaphoric bells on for the Interhouse Athletics Carnival on 21 July. During this time, the College will be led by Ms Catrina Sharp who will be Acting Principal for that period: Fairholme will be in safe and capable hands.

Q&

A

with Junior student, Chloe Gipps

How long have you been a Fairholme girl?

I didn’t go to Prep here but went to Kindy, so I’ve been a Fairholme girl for 5 years now.

What do you love about Fairholme?

All the amazing friends that I have. They all help me speak up when I don’t feel like I can.

Favourite subject?

Art is my favourite subject because I get to be creative. It also helps me relax. One of the most memorable pieces I have created is was when I was in Year 1, and we had to draw a cat in a corner of a big city. We learnt how to use salt to create the bright starts of the city.

Do you have any pets?

I have two Ragdoll cats and their names are Bruisey and Willow.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Last weekend, my sister and I went to the skatepark and that was so much fun. I also like to draw on the weekends.

What is your favourite book?

I found a new book this year that I am really enjoying reading. The author is called Lottie Perkins and there are a series of books. The reason I love these books is because the pictures are really cute and they have a really interesting story.

What’s an interesting fact about you?

I play the Piano. I like to play in our lunchtime concerts, but I also get very nervous. My friends sit in the corner and all cheer me on, and that’s how I get through feeling nervous.

Blooming Brilliance: Three Decades of Spring Gardening Tips

Toowoomba is known as the Garden City for good reason, as it bursts into colour every September. If you’re looking for expert advice on how to create a stunning spring garden, look no further than the wisdom of Fairholme gardener, John McSweeny. With over 29 years of experience, this seasoned gardener has mastered the art of planting flowers that blossom magnificently during the spring season. In this article, John explores some of his top tips and tricks to help you create a stunning springtime display in your own garden.

Choose the Right Location:

Before you start planting, carefully assess your garden’s sunlight and soil conditions. Most flowering plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so select an area that receives adequate light. Additionally, consider the soil type and drainage. Flowers thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or compacted, you may need to amend it with compost or sand.

tiller. Incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to enhance soil fertility and improve moisture retention. Smooth out the soil surface with a rake, removing any large clumps or stones that may impede growth.

Plan your planting time:

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting flowers for spring. Different flowers have specific requirements for optimal growth. Some varieties, like tulips and daffodils, are best planted in autumn, while others, such as pansies and snapdragons, can be sown directly in early winter.

Prepare the Soil:

Prepare your soil before planting to ensure healthy root development and maximum flower production. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area and loosen the soil with a garden fork or

Planting Techniques:

Follow proper planting techniques to give your flowers the best start. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the plant’s root ball. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was previously growing. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the plant to eliminate air

pockets. Water the newly planted flowers thoroughly to settle the soil and ensure good root-to-soil contact. I also highly recommend using Seasol to kickstart your planting. When the seedlings are taken out of their pots it can cause some damage, so the Seasol acts like a Panadol for the new plants.

Watering and Mulching:

Proper watering is vital to establish healthy plants. Water your flowers deeply but infrequently, aiming for a deep root system rather than frequent shallow watering. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust your

watering schedule accordingly. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around your plants will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain more stable soil temperatures.

Regular Maintenance:

To keep your spring garden looking its best, regular maintenance is essential. Deadhead, spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plants from diverting energy into seed production. Remove any weeds promptly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

We recently witness the remarkable culmination of nine months of hard work by the staff and students of Fairholme College and the Toowoomba Grammar School. Together, they brought to life an exhilarating co-production of the musical ‘Footloose’ on the grand stage of the Empire Theatre.

The dedication exhibited by the Cast and Crew has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the auditions held last October to the holiday workshops in January and April, and the countless Sunday and Wednesday evening rehearsals throughout the academic year, these students have diligently polished their acting skills, refined their choreography, and committed numerous lines and vocal numbers to memory. Their collective efforts have resulted in a highly successful and visually captivating musical.

We take immense pride in every student involved in this production, and we relished the opportunity to collaborate with girls from Year 7 to 12, as well as students from the Grammar School. The diversity and talent on display were truly remarkable.

In addition to the performers on stage, we were fortunate to have some of Fairholme’s talented

musicians contribute as part of the Footloose Band. They provided exceptional musical from the Orchestra Pit, adding depth and rhythm to the entire production.

We extend our gratitude to numerous individuals who played integral roles in our journey. Our Facilities, Publications, and Fairholme Kitchen staff for their unwavering support in various capacities.

We also express our appreciation to the Fairholme staff directly involved in the musical and to those who provided supervision to facilitate their participation. To all the audience members who attended, we sincerely hope you enjoyed the show. And to our parents, we extend a heartfelt thanks for your support throughout the entirety of this production.

Bravo!

Reconciliation Action Plan Launch

We are proud to announce the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a significant step towards fostering a culture of reconciliation and inclusivity. This momentous occasion coincided with National Reconciliation Action Week, adding even more meaning to this milestone.

Fairholme College firmly believes in the power of education and acknowledges the importance of reconciliation in our society. Our RAP is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines our commitment to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures, and their communities.

By implementing this plan, we aim to deepen our understanding of First Nations histories, cultures, and contributions, as well as to promote greater respect and recognition. Our goal is to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of their background, feel valued and included.

During National Reconciliation Action Week, we held a range of engaging activities and events to raise awareness and celebrate the rich diversity of Australia’s First Nations. These included workshops, guest speakers, cultural performances.

the Countryside Capturing

Fairholme art student Kadence Wilson fulfilled a lifelong goal as she exhibited her photography for the first time at the Fairholme Open Art Prize – FACETS.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Kadence couldn’t contain her enthusiasm and immediately called her mother.

‘Mum had just returned from an exhausting journey home, but I couldn’t wait to tell her,’ Kadence said.

Kadence’s exhibition showcased a collection of recent works, all centered around the theme of travel. Each piece represented a difference aspect of her journey, from her hometown of McKinlay, 1778km away from where she boards in Toowoomba.

One particular photograph (pictured) caught the essence of her adventure. Kadence says her father was eager to reach their destination, with the ominous signs of a storm.

‘I was driving on my Learners permit, and I could see just how beautiful the sky looked and I had pull over to get a photo of it, despite dad’s urgency. It also captures the sight of green grass, which was such a rarity over the past six years.’

Growing up, Kadence was surrounded by the creative influence of her crafty mother, who engaged in activities like scrapbooking especially during months of dry weather.

‘Immersed in an artistic environment, I developed a deep passion for the land and I aimed to showcase it through the medium of photography.’

For Kadence, receiving the coveted red dot, symbolising a sold artwork, was not the ultimate goal. Instead, she says it was about taking the courageous step of exhibiting her work.

‘The experience has taught me invaluable lessons and provided a platform for growth and learning.’

Fairholme Open Art Prize

Junior Athletics Carnival

Junior School Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all the girls who ran, jumped, threw, and cheered their hearts out throughout the entire day, and to Black House for claiming the title as the Junior School Athletics Champions for 2023.

Medal Winners included:

8 years – 1st Adeline Martin, 2nd Oriana Bourne, and 3rd Matilda Neville

9 years – 1st Eden Broksch, 2nd Ella Pauli, and 3rd Maddison Conwell

10 years – 1st Ava Farr, 2nd Elizabeth Riddle, and 3rd Evie Brassington

11 years – 1st Lily Gipps, 2nd Emme Hall, and 3rd Caoimhe More

12 years – 1st Grace Ward, 2nd Asher Hart, and 3rd Madeleine Brown

A heartfelt thank you to our staff, dedicated parents, and enthusiastic students who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the event. Your support and hard work is truly appreciated.

Working at Fairholme as a student

I remember when I was in Year 9 and my high school form teacher (similar to a Holme Group Teacher) advertised to the class that the school was launching a ‘Student Representative Council’ (known as an SRC). We were told that the purpose of this initiative was to ensure that ‘students had a voice in decisions being made across the school’. I am not sure why, but this opportunity caught my attention. My father was heavily involved in trade unions, and my brother was a youth parliament MP for our local constituency, so it is safe to say that we McCormicks have always had a lot to say and have not been afraid to speak up. My wife would also agree that I ‘have an opinion on everything’. It is probably for these reasons that I applied, and surprisingly, I was selected as one of 12 representatives from across Years 7-13.

Unfortunately, my work with the SRC was to be shortlived.

My first and last experience of being a member of the Student Representative Council was being sat in a classroom during a very rushed lunchtime meeting. The meeting consisted of a teacher picking apart suggestions made by each of the SRC representatives. Suggestions on changes to break times, increased healthy food choices in the canteen and support of further fundraising opportunities were met with critical comments by the teacher leading the group. He would make references to the lack of resources or funding and felt the need to justify why the school operates the way it did.

I vaguely remember a Year 8 student mentioning something about buses and being completely ignored. It was clear that the teacher did not want to be there, and it was clear from the start that the severe lack of collaboration, clear goals, encouragement, or autonomy would result in the failure of this initiative.

I remember feeling deflated and thinking, why should I value something that the teachers or leaders in the school did not value either? Although my parents had brought me up to follow through on things that I had signed up for, I knew I would not go back to any other meetings. The cynic in me, looking back 20 years later (through my educator eyes), feels that the main reason for such an initiative in the school was a mere tick-boxing exercise to satisfy the governing body’s (OFSTED) expectations.

I am not sure if it was experiences like this that fuelled my passion for student voice in schools, but ever since becoming a teacher, I have looked for ways to encourage students to speak up, play a role in their schools and be change agents within their communities. At Fairholme College, we believe that when students have a voice in their education, they feel empowered and are more likely to take ownership of their learning. This can lead to increased engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. Also, when students feel that their voices are heard and valued, they are more likely to feel connected to their school community and have a positive school experience, which can lead to a more positive and supportive school culture overall.

Since 2021, we have looked at ways we can empower students to have a strong voice in their own education. We believe in ‘student agency’ and understand that young people bring fresh perspectives, insights and ideas to the table, which can be valuable to discussions and decision-making processes. Students also have a unique understanding of the challenges facing students and are the key stakeholder in the operation of a school.

In 2021, we launched Lunch with the Head of Senior School (Carpet Conversations), which involved me meeting with groups of Year 12 students each term to hear their opinions on how life in Year 12 is going and what are some of the challenges they face. These

Head of Senior School, Mr Tom McCormick reflects on his own educational journey and why he’s so passionate about our latest initiative, Student Employee Program.

insights have been invaluable in supporting our development of Wellbeing and Teaching Learning Frameworks.

I also regularly speak at Senior School Year Level meetings and meet individually with each Senior School student to talk through what they like about Fairholme, what we do well in the Senior School and areas they feel we need to look at in greater detail. Ideas such as refurbishment within the Senior School, changes to the College uniform, and the creation of new clubs have all come from these meetings. However, the most significant project in the area of ‘student agency’ has been the launching of the Students as Employees initiative this year. This initiative is open to all Year 11 students and is paid employment for the students in the areas of Marketing, Publications and Photography. Students are put through a rigorous application and induction process involving a written application, the formulation of a curriculum vitae with the support of the Pathway Centre, and an interview with members of the leadership team.

Other than increased student voice, there are a number of reasons why we felt the need to launch this initiative.

• Sense of responsibility: Students develop a sense of responsibility and accountability when asked to lead a project or be responsible for an activity or event.

• Skill development: The initiative provides students with opportunities to develop valuable skills such

‘I decided to get involved in the Students as Employees’ Program to both gain experience and learn new skills within the field. It was something I was interested in and could be something I continue once I leave school. The interview process was very professional and helps you gain an understanding of how job interviews will be in the future.’

– Hannah Smith.

as time management, communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

• Building relationships: We felt that students working in a school environment would provide them with the opportunity to build relationships with teachers, staff, and other students, as well as network with professionals and be mentored by experts in different fields. This will hopefully enhance their future skills.

• Positive school culture: Opportunities such as this allow for students to feel more connected to their school community.

After the extensive recruitment processes, Hannah Smith (Marketing and Publications) and Penne Skene (Photography) were successful in gaining positions and, as of Term 1, have been doing a brilliant job working with their mentors, Mr Sessarago and Mrs Doyle.

We hope to roll out this initiative to other areas of the College in 2024, such as gardening, administration, and in catering.

The ripple effect

Year 12 student Lilly Biernhoff has always wanted to give back to her community. One particular act of selflessness had been on her mind since she was 11 years old: shaving her head for Shave for a Cure.

Lilly says the experience had a profound impact on her and solidified her passion for giving back.

‘The experience was truly empowering and deeply personal, and I am so proud of this small act compared to what those with cancer are suffering.’

Lilly’s passion for giving back didn’t stop there. She’s since taken on the Push-Up Challenge to increase awareness, engagement and raise funds for mental health.

‘When it comes to promoting good mental health, sometimes we all need a little push,’ Lilly said.

Lilly gained the support of Fairholme College staff and her fellow students, who quickly supported the concept.

Each day, participants complete their push-ups while learning about mental health, with the number

of push-ups changing daily to reflect a vital mental health statistic.

‘The goal is to do 3144 push-ups or star jumps from 1 June to 23 June,’ she said.

‘It’s a big goal, but that’s because it’s the number of people who sadly committed suicide in 2021.’

While Lilly deserves a well-earned rest these holidays, she says the journey of giving back has only just begun.

‘I want to continue seeking opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.’

‘The experience was truly empowering and deeply personal, and I am so proud of this small act compared to what those with cancer are suffering.’

– Lilly Biernhoff

Taking aim at the Olympics

With a personal best under her belt, Caitlin Gray is shooting for the stars in her favourite sport of pistol shooting.

Congratulations to Caitlin Gray for her outstanding performance at the 65th Pistol Australia ISSF Nationals in Darwin, in May. Caitlin, an aspiring Olympic-style pistol shooter, showcased her skills and dedication throughout the competition.

As a member of the three-person Queensland Junior Team, alongside her brother Oliver, Caitlin demonstrated her talent in various disciplines.

In her favourite event, the Air Pistol, Caitlin achieved a new personal best, securing third place.

This event holds particular significance as it is one of the two Olympic pistol events for women.

Other results include:

Junior Rapid Fire Pistol: 4th place

Junior Standard Pistol: 9th place

Junio Women’s 25 metre Pistol: 16th place

At present, Caitlin in the leading Junior ISSF Women’s pistol shooter in Queensland. Way to go, Caitlin!