At Holme Issue 26 - June 2024

AT Holme

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN:

What’s next? Because the next matters...

When Melinda Tankard-Reist spoke to parents from Fairholme, Glennie and Toowoomba Grammar, at Fairholme a few weeks ago, she posed the question, “Are you finding parenting easy?”

There was laughter, in the immediate. It would seem that, being a parent in an age of on-line activity is more challenging than ever before. We live in an arena of vigilance in all aspects of life – except, it would seem, in the on-line world where children have greater knowledge than parents.

Thus, when your child follows a path on-line that you would never have permitted, when the consequences seem catastrophic, then ask – what next, rather than why. The ‘whys’ take us down a rabbit hole of ‘we should haves’ but the considerations around the ‘what nexts,’ can drive us to do things differently. As adults we have the greater capacity to change, than do young people. Our example always matters.

Melinda and her colleague, Daniel Principe work in the field of raising on-line awareness. They speak to, are immersed in, and deeply knowledgeable about the way in which social media connects lives, disconnects lives and its capacity for harm as well as for good – particularly amongst adolescents.

And whilst many in who attended the session, were educators, wide readers and researchers in this area, we were reminded that gifting your child with a mobile phone, or smart watch, or other personal electronic computer device, at any age, carries deep responsibilities that cannot be outsourced in their entirety to schools.

To see the recorded session, copy and paste this link in your browser: https://my.fairholme.qld.edu.au/news/6654

We are collectively in the business of raising tech-healthy humans, and the enormity of that task is both daunting and necessary, given that ‘a growing body of research has found that adolescents who spend more than three

Whilst we do not have the capability to stop world-wide social media (it is a bigger force than us), we all have the capability to heighten our awareness of its pervasiveness and to be active in understanding our own children’s interactions with it

- Dr Linda Evans

hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety’ (Henebery, 2024).

For those parents concerned with maximising their child’s academic outcomes, there is no surprise in a recent Sydney Morning Herald article that states, ‘teenagers who spend more that an hour each day on social media and browsing the internet are likely to achieve lower test scores than those who have limits on their usage’ (Carroll and Grace, 2024).

All hail the pen and exercise book, the hour’s music lesson or the game of Netball – all tech-free activities that promote learning: learning to be and learning to think. It would seem that activities away from technology have greater value than ever before, certainly in reducing an addiction that we have fuelled.

As authorities in Australia grapple with how to restrict social media for children under the age of 16, that familiar feeling of ‘playing catch up’ looms.

The pervasiveness and lure of social media knows no limits it would seem. Hooked with sharp teeth into an adolescent’s ever-elusive self-esteem it preys indiscriminately on the vulnerable and the seemingly confident: the Kardashian effect.

Whilst we do not have the capability to stop world-wide social media (it is a bigger force than us), we all have the capability to heighten our awareness of its pervasiveness and to be active in understanding our own children’s interactions with it: to talk about it, to find distractions away from it, as well as examples of the ways in which it can be used for good: and it can.

It is not enough, or is it helpful to say, ‘my child would never do that.’ Because they might. Because social media is a force of incomprehensible power. Good kids make dumb choices – historical factperhaps it is important that we dig into our own histories, as a salient reminder of the adolescence we experienced: lest we forget.

Far better to say, ‘What will we do next in this space, to make this less likely to occur?’

Because ‘the next’ always matters, when our children stray from our expectations, as well as their own expectations. What’s next is more important always, than immobilising ourselves fearfully within the infinitum of ‘whys’.

‘We can’t say,’ Amanda Lenhart, Head of Research at Common Sense Media reminds us, ‘Don’t do X, Y is fine, stay away from Z, [because], unlike TV or movies, it’s impossible to know what children will see on social media ahead of time. Sometimes it’s hair dye or dance videos, but sometimes it’s white supremacy or eating disorder content’ (Miller, 2023).

Yet, we can be active in our conversations, our own modelling of on-line behaviour (ever important) and the way in which we spend time with our children –whether we drive them to mobile phone dependence or whether we lure them away.

Whichever, to close our eyes and give unlimited, unfiltered access is negligent or naïve or both.

Privacy does not exist on-line, it relies on the veracity of relationships with friends which are often fickle, fleeting or transitory. Kudos to the parents who attended the Melinda Tankard-Reist/ Daniel Principe session or who have accessed the on-line recording.

You have already stepped from the ‘why’ zone into the ‘what next’ zone and, in doing so, are taking steps to empower your children to reduce their social media activity, or to heighten their respectful interactions on social media, or most importantly, to demonstrate, that as parents they matter to you.

Never underestimate your validation of them, nor your willingness to parent, rather than ‘to friend’, to address the tricky conversation, to say no, to listen deeply. What’s next? What’s your next conversation, action, reflection? Because the next matters … always.

Dr Linda Evans | Principal

“We can be active in our conversations, our own modelling of on-line behaviour (ever important) and the way in which we spend time with our children...”

- Dr Linda Evans

REFERENCES

Carroll, L. and Grace, R. (2024). ‘How much screen time is too much? This is the answer to every parent’s question’. The Sydney Morning Herald. June 2, 2024 – 5.00am.

Henebery, B. ‘Should children under 16 be banned from using social media?’ The Educator Online. 24 May 2024. https:// www.theeducatoronline.com/ k12/news/should-childrenunder-16-be-banned-fromusing-social-media/284779 Miller, C. (2023). ‘Everyone Says Social Media Is Bad for Teens. Proving It Is Another Thing’. The New York Times. June 17, 2023.

https://www.nytimes. com/2023/06/17/upshot/socialmedia-teen-mental-health.html

For A Cure shave

Fairholme College was in the top five fundraisers in Australia for the Shave For A Cure event, raising an incredible $100,000 for the charity

This year’s annual Shave for a Cure event has become an historic occasion. In a show of incredible solidarity and compassion, a record 14 girls and two staff members shaved their heads, while 46 other girls cut their long locks to contribute to the cause.

The sight of students embracing their new looks with beanies and broad smiles has become a common, heartwarming scene across the college.

This year’s event shattered all previous records, raising over $100,000 and placing Fairholme College among the top five fundraisers in Australia.

The funds will go to the Leukaemia Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting Australians battling blood cancer. This money will provide lifechanging practical and emotional support to those in need and fund critical research, pushing us closer to a future where no lives are lost to blood cancer.

Blood cancer is often referred to as Australia’s hidden

cancer crisis. With 140,000 families currently grappling with this disease and 16 Australians losing their lives to it every day, the efforts of the Fairholme community took on a poignant significance. The students’ actions were more than just a fundraiser; they were a beacon of hope for those affected by the disease.

The impact of their efforts reached far beyond the school gates. Word of their achievements spread quickly, drawing attention from the wider community and even earning a feature in Take 5 magazine.

The girls were lauded not just for their fundraising success, but for the powerful message they sent about empathy, resilience, and collective action.

The Fairholme College Shave for a Cure page will remain open until the end of the financial year. Each contribution, no matter how small, is a step closer to a world without blood cancer.

circle time

Sitting in circles promotes equality, openness and collaboration, and it carries significant cultural value. Head of Senior School, Tom McCormick, breaks down why circle time is so important at Fairholme

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is conducting enrolment tours. These tours provide the pleasure of meeting new prospective students and their families and also gives me the opportunity to proudly highlight the many exceptional initiatives at Fairholme.

During a recent tour, a prospective student and her family inquired about the prevalence of circles at Fairholme, referring to the various circular seating arrangements and spaces throughout the college. Their observation allowed me to discuss Fairholme’s emphasis on wellbeing and our core value of Connection.

In response to their inquiry, I asked the student where she had noticed circles. She mentioned observing a class seated in a circle at the back of a traditional classroom, as well as the yarning circles in both the Kindergarten and Senior School areas.

Additionally, she noticed the circular dining tables in our Homestead, which were arranged for an event, and in the dining room where students have their morning tea and lunch. I was impressed with this student’s keen eye.

As a history teacher, I am, of course, interested in the origins of everything, and when putting together this article, I felt it was appropriate to research the history of circles and circle time.

My research found that throughout history, the practice of sitting in a circle has been integral to various cultures and societies. In Australia, the tradition of talking circles has deep roots in First

Circles work for one reason - the absence of a power position...

- Adam Voight

Nations culture.

Fundamentally, participants gather in a circle to discuss a problem or question that has been posed. The circle typically commences with a prayer, often led by the facilitator or an elder. A talking stick is passed to each speaker as they share, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. The emphasis is on speaking and listening from the heart, with the discussion continuing for as long as necessary. Similarly, ancient Celtic and Norse societies held councils and rituals in circular formations, such as at Stonehenge, this practice was believed to facilitate divine communication. In classical antiquity, the Greek symposium featured circular seating to encourage dialogue on philosophy, politics, and poetry, while the Roman Senate used

a similar arrangement for deliberative assemblies, this model emphasised equality among senators.

During the medieval period, the legend of King Arthur included the Round Table, where the king and his knights sat in a circle to promote equality and unity.

Circles at Fairholme

At Fairholme, we hold the belief that when students frequently gather in circles, they cultivate a sense of belonging within the group, thereby fostering a stronger community. We also believe that circles can teach our students some of the necessary skills on how to live and work in a community that promotes care, respect, and accountability.

Research in this area indicates that the circular configuration naturally fosters opportunities for participants to learn about and understand one another, thereby promoting harmonious coexistence (Armstrong & Vinegard, 2014).

The setup necessitates that members be physically present for each other more so than traditional classroom arrangements, addressing two basic human needs: the need to belong and the need to be unique (Szal, 2019).

By creating safe spaces for feedback and development, circles encourage healthy and productive conflict resolution, building trust and promoting healing. This environment ensures that participants can share their opinions without interruption or judgment, allowing everyone to be heard and respected. Additionally, circles broaden participants’

perspectives, facilitating a deeper understanding and connection within the group (Burt, Davies, & Drakeford, 1999).

It is for these reasons, that we promote the use of circles in both academic and social time at Fairholme and provide professional development to all teachers on how to manage circle time effectively. Please see below some examples of us using circles at Fairholme.

Holme Group

Since 2022, we have encouraged teachers to conduct their Home Group sessions in a circle formation. Examples of activities in these sessions include discussions, games, and wellbeing check-ins. A benefit of circles in homegroup time is that circles are designed in a way that allows us to slow down, allowing a student’s inner voice to emerge. Typically, amid group interactions, in a more formal classroom setting, nerves often prompt mental rehearsals of students’ responses which can stem the flow of a rich conversation. However, in the circlestructured classroom set-up, students are prompted to foster attentive listening and authentic engagement as much as possible.

This year, Home Group teachers have noted that circles have led to more honest discussions and improved

Aboriginal people are taught to respect silence as a pedagogical tool. In circle, we listen ‘as witnesses’, respectfully, to the experience of others...

- Graveline, 1998

student attentiveness in their Home Group. Additionally, the circles have reduced digital distractions, fostered a supportive environment for cold-call questioning, and provided valuable opportunities for peer reflection.

All of our staff have received training in circle facilitation from Jane Langley and Sue Chandler, experts in circle time.

Boarding House

This year, the Boarding House made a change to the furniture arrangement in the dining hall. With the support of a donation from the Parents and Friends Association, we were able to replace the rectangular tables with round tables for groups of 10 students across Years 7-12 to eat their meals each day.

Our Deputy Head of Boarding, Lindy Masters, shared her thoughts on the success of our recent change. She told me, ‘The new circular tables really bring everyone together. They help our girls engage in a more inclusive and positive way. Sitting at a round table encourages eye contact, which is the first step to meaningful conversation. Plus, it has increased conversation amongst students and allows everyone to read each other’s emotions, fostering empathy and kindness, especially when someone is feeling down’.

Yarning Circles

Yarning circles have been used at Fairholme since 2019, first in the Kindergarten and, more recently, in the Senior school.

Since its inception in 2019, the yarning circle in the Kindy has played a significant role in the education of the College’s youngest students. It is a beautiful space that has evolved to include bush tucker plants, metal animals in the trees, symbolic pavers, and totems. Designed by First Nation’s

boarders of previous years, the stones represent Toowoomba’s swamp and creek. The yarning circle is integral to the Kindy routine, starting with an acknowledgement of country and discussions on earth care, fair share, and people care, often linked to First Nation’s wisdom. Visits from Carbal Elders, like Uncle Doug, highlight the importance of inclusivity and equality in the circle.

Kindy students are taught respect and care for this special communal space. Additionally, a new yarning circle has been built in the senior school near the boarding house for use by all students, both during classes and during their morning teas and lunchtimes for students to sit, be still and enjoy the company of each other.

We will continue with our work on Circles in 2025, looking at how circles can play a more active role in our academic classes to benefit all students.

References Armstrong, M., & Vinegrad, D. (2023). Working in circles in primary and secondary classrooms. Woodslane Pty Limited. Burt, S., Davies, G., & Drakeford, P. (1999). Six years of circle time : A curriculum for Key Stages 1 & 2. Lucky Duck. Graveline, F.J. (1998). Circle works: Transforming Eurocentric consciousness. Halifax, N.S: Fernwood. P.145 Szal, R. (2019, February 05). 10 benefits you’re missing by not circling up at work. Medium. Retrieved June 06, 2024 from https://medium.com/graymake-consulting/10-benefitsyoure-missing-by-not-circling-up-at-work-2cb28e6d9c50 Voigt, A. (2020, July). Restoring teaching : How working restoratively unleashes the teacher and school leader within you Adam Voigt.

From holme

A chance to make adifference

“I’ve

become more open-minded, and I fear the unknown a lot less. I’ve grown closer to my community and my family.”

- Felicity, Silver Award Participant

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognised development program for young people aged 14 to 24, was founded in 1956 by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and is now facilitated in over 130 countries. Excitingly, we have officially reintroduced the Award to Fairholme College this year and currently have 37 students participating. The Award consists of three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – each progressively more challenging, and within each level, students complete four sections. They have opportunities to become more physically active (Physical Recreation), to develop a range of skills (Skills), to give back to their community (Voluntary Service), and to foster a love for adventure and the unknown (Adventurous Journeys).

Participants have the independence and flexibility to select an activity for each section and to set aspirational goals. They then work towards achieving these goals by logging hours via the Award’s Online Record Book (averaging one hour per section, per week), developing their interests and passions along the way.

Many Fairholme students are already participating in activities they could use towards attaining their Award – pursuits like Cadets, dance, Tony’s Kitchen, netball, debating coaching, equestrian, Homework Help at HumeRidge, cooking, or cross-country are all fantastic options. The Award challenges individuals to try new activities, but they can also tap into what they are already doing.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has been life changing. I am now inspied to travel the world and experience the natural wonders that saturate the earth, and to experience the love of all cultures.

- Sarah, Gold Award Participant

As part of their Adventurous Journeys, students have the chance to get out in nature, honing their navigation and camp craft skills by embarking upon one-, two-, or threenight hiking expeditions. This is a wonderful way for students to increase their independence and resourcefulness, while immersing themselves in the beautiful Queensland outdoors and forming new friendships. Through this challenging journey of self-discovery, participants learn to take responsibility for their goals and choices, and to demonstrate persistence and commitment to their chosen activities.

They make a tangible difference to society through their positive contributes to and involvement in their communities, they increase their resilience, perseverance, and ability to overcome barriers to success, and they learn important life skills. They also increase their career opportunities.

If Fairholme students are interested in commencing their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, they should contact Samantha Bear (samantha.bear@fairholme. qld.edu.au) to arrange to pick up a Parental Consent Form.

Mentoring Luncheon foga

Last week, Fairholme College hosted a mentoring luncheon, welcoming back four alumnae: Sally Johnston (1998), Christina Meelen (2017), Caitlin Hogan (2010), and Georgia Piggott (2013). These four inspiring women returned holme to share with the Senior girls their journeys, wisdom, and experiences since graduation in the fields of business, creative industries, Psychology and Speech Pathology. Underpinning one of the core beliefs of the Fairholme Old Girls’ Association is mentoring current students at Fairholme and supporting the next generation of Old Girls.

Over lunch, the Old Girls shared stories about Fairholme and talked about their current professional lives, from the challenges they faced in their careers to the strategies they employed to overcome them. They emphasised the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to take risks. These lessons are particularly crucial for young women preparing to embark on their own professional journeys.

Our Senior girls walked away from the lunch with not only new connections but also a renewed sense of motivation and a clearer vision of their future paths.

FAIRHOLME College students, Lauren McAdam and Lizzie McCollum, achieved remarkable success by reaching the Grand Final of the National High School Mooting Competition last month.

Selected from 90 competing schools nationwide, Lauren and Lizzie competed against the top 12 schools in the Grand Final, hosted by the Faculty of Law at Bond University on June 1.

Lauren and Lizzie’s journey to the Grand Final has been marked by exceptional performance and dedication. During the Preliminary Round, their outstanding advocacy skills earned them individual Advocacy Awards, a testament to their hard work and talent.

The National High School Mooting Competition provides a unique platform for high school students to delve into the world of law. It is an excellent opportunity for our students to enhance their research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Through this competition, participants gain a deeper understanding of legal principles and the justice system, laying a strong foundation for future studies and careers in law. While Lizzie and Lauren didn’t go through to the finals, they were formidable in their debating and we applaud their determination and skill.

IN THE ARTS

Fairholme CentreStage Presents Picnic at Hanging Rock

Months of rehearsals culminated into a powerful performance of Picnic at Hanging Rock by our Fairholme CentreStage drama group at the Empire Theatre Armitage Centre.

Under the direction of Matthew Caffoe from Mashed Theatre & Films, the girls performed to a sold-out audience, bringing to the stage a modern adaption of the classic book by Joan Lindsay.

Congratulations to the cast of Middle and Senior girls and to our Drama teachers, Katrina Bailey and Karen Wighton, on your dedication to providing our students with high quality performance opportunities. We thank the Fairholme P&F for their funding support to help make this production possible.

Toowoomba Eisteddfod Part 1 Wrap Up Well done to each of our Fairholme students who showed great courage performing on stage at part 1 of this year’s Toowoomba Eisteddfod.

Fairholme Choirs

First Place

Middle School Vocal Ensemble - Middle Voices

Middle School Choir - Middle Voices

Second Place

Secondary School Folk Singing ChoirFairholme Chamber Choir

Secondary School Hymn Singing ChoirFairholme College Choir

Highly Commended

Secondary School Spiritual Gospel ChoirFairholme College Choir

Primary School A Grade Choir - Fairholme Junior Chorale

Fairholme Chamber Choir - Seondary Vocal Ensemble

Major Individual Awards

Congratulations to Ebbeny WilliamsCherry on her outstanding achievements in the vocal sections. Ebbeny was presented with the following major awards:

• The Dulcie Burstow Memorial Trophy Awarded to the vocalist with the most potential aged 16-21 years.

• Mary and Ron Bradley Trophy

Awarded for Music Theatre

• The John Penny Memorial Trophy Awarded for the highest agregate points

• Vocal Championship

Runner-Up Years 10-12

Vocal Music

First Place

Year 11 Vocal Solo, Year 11/12 Australian

Composer Vocal Solo & Year 11/12 Music

Theatre - Ebbeny Williams-Cherry

Year 12 Vocal Solo - Hannah Pocknee

Year 7-9 Australian Composition SoloAlicia Yap

Year 10 Piano Solo - Madleine Yeo

Second Place

Year 10-12 Australian Composition SoloRachel Yap

Secondary Duet - Hannah Pocknee & Ebbeny Williams-Cherry

Third Place

Year 11/12 Australian Composition Vocal Solo - Hannah Pocknee

Music Theatre Ensemble - Hannah

Pocknee and Ebbeny Williams-Cherry

Highly Commended

Year 11/12 Music Theatre - Hannah Pocknee

Year 10-12 Australian Composition SoloAriel Qiu

Speech and Drama

Second Place

Duologue Pair - Eden Broksch and Grace

Andersen (Year 5)

Duologue Pair - Alice Shepherd and Cassie

Webb (Year 6)

Third Place

Poem in Pairs - Charleston Dobbins and Gracie Andersen (Year 4)

Poem in Pairs - Charlotte Potter and Senaya Wanasinghe (Year 5)

Highly Commended

Poem in Pairs - Bailey Sander and Poppy Doyle (Year 5)

Duologue Pair - Anna Shirtcliff and Charlotte Grundell (Year 6)

Duologue Pair - Maddy Moore and Myah Murphy (Year 6)

Poem in Pairs - Daisy McCormick and Tara Shridhar(Year 6)

Poem in Pairs - Chelsea Sullivan and Seha Manamperi (Year 6)

Piano Section

First Place

Graded Piano Solo (Grades 7 or 8) - Alicia Yap

Year 10 Piano Solo - Madleine Yeo

Year 6 Piano Solo - Chloe Wong

Third Place

Year 10-12 Bach Piano Solo - Madleine Yeo

Highly Commended

Year 10-12 Piano Duet - Claire Murphy and Madleine Yeo

Graded Piano Solo (Grades 5 or 6)Tharushi Ratnayake

Graded Piano Solo (Grades 5 or 6) - Chloe Wong

Graded Piano Solo (Grade 4) - Yuna Jeong

Graded Piano Solo (Grade 2) - Amaya Adikari

Preliminary Piano Solo - Charlotte Grundell

Fairholme Singing Studio

First Place

Secondary Vocal Duet - Mila Faletau and Lanu Faletau

Second Place

Year 12 Vocal Solo - Olivine Murphy

Year 11 Vocal Solo and Year 10-12

Contemporary Ballad Solo - Ayesha Saleh

Year 8-9 Contemporary Solo - Mila Faletau

Year 9 Vocal Solo - Avantika Saji

Third Place

Year 12 Vocal Solo - Anna St John

Year 11-12 Music Theatre Solo - Ayesha Saleh

Year 10-12 Contemporary Ballad SoloLucy Lutton

Year 10 Vocal Solo - Annie Anderson

Year 8-9 Contemporary Solo - Brooke Johnson

Year 7 Vocal Solo - Giaan Zammataro

Year 7 Music Theatre Solo - Giaan Zammataro

Year 9 Music Theatre Solo - Avantika Saji

Year 4 Vocal Solo - Lucy Hall

Highly Commeded

Year 9 Music Theatre Solo - Mila Faletau

Year 9 Vocal Solo - Brooke Johnson

Year 5-7 Contemporary Solo - Carlie Johnson

Year 5-7 Contemporary Solo - Giaan Zammataro

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Kindy to Year 2 Cross Country

Our youngest runners showed so much determination and Fairholme spirit at the annual Kindy to Year 2 Interhouse Cross Country Carnival. Well done to all competitors and to our Year 6 girls for helping each of those little legs reach the finish line.

Congratulations to our individual winners and to the Champion House, Black House!

6 Years and Under

1st Havana Wagstaff

2nd Stella Valdal

3rd Iona Pihl

4th Isla Watts

7 Years

1st Char Carey

2nd Quinn Nestor

3rd Eliza Cope

4th Meeka Hayes

8 Years

1st Ava Ryals

2nd Matilda Roberts

3rd Hadley Millers

4th Ariela Jansen

Vicky Wilson Netball Darling Downs Champions

The Darling Downs Vicki Wilson Carnival highlighted the depth and strength of Netball at Fairholme. Our four Fairholme teams had a sensational day, all qualifying for the Grand Finals in their respective divisions.

Congratulations to our Senior Vicki Wilson 1 team who were crowned Darling Downs Champions and to our Junior Vicki Wilson 1 team, placing Runner-Ups. In the Development divisions, both our Senior 2 and Junior 2 teams were victorious.

Our Senior Vicki Wilson 1 and Junior Vicki Wilson 1 teams will now progress through to the State Vicki Wilson Championships at Nissan Arena in August.

Darling Downs Cross Country

Our Cross Country squad put their training into action at the Darling Downs Cross Country trials in May.

Our 13-19 Years girls were crowned the Darling Downs Cross Country Overall Champions (by a significant margin!) and our 10-12 Years girls were part of the winning Range Zone team.

Congratulations to our incredible runners finishing Top 6 in their age group.

We have 18 girls who have now earnt selection in the Darling Downs team to compete at the State Championships in July.

10 Years 2km

3rd Eden Broksch

12 Years 3km

1st Lucy Barnes

6th Emme Hall

13 Years 3km

3rd Gemma Sullivan

4th Hannah Barton

6th Sophie McMaster

14 Years 4km

1st Amara Clemens

6th Addison Attrill

15 Years 4km

1st Layla Magarey

2nd Georgia Brassington

4th Immi Allen

16 Years 4km

2nd Julia Wainwright

4th Evie Armstrong

5th Carla Nobbs

17 Years 4km

1st Mackenzi Schefe

18 Years 6km

4th Amelia Ramia

Rugby 7s State Champions

Our Darling Downs Rugby 7s representatives have done us proud at the Queensland School Sport Championships.

Well done to Issy Johnston, Tayla Kauter and Carla Nobbs, members of the Gold medal winning 15-16 Years Darling Downs Rugby 7s team. Gracie Johnston was also part of the the Open team, bringing home the Bronze medal.

A special congratulations to Carla Nobbs and Gracie Johnston who have now been selected in the Queensland team to compete at the Australian School Sport Rugby Championships in July.

Darling Downs Equestrian Champions

Our team of 25 riders were awarded with the Champion Secondary School trophy and the Overall Grand Champion Secondary School trophy at the Darling Downs and South West Queensland Regional Equestrian Championships.

The team were also crowned Champion Combined Training Team, Champion Dressage Team, Reserve Champion Show Horse Team and Reserve Champion Show Jumping Team.

In addition to these sensational team results, there were many outstanding individual achievements and personal bests.

Queensland Netball Selection

Congratulations to Elvie Saltner on her strong performance at the recent Queensland School Sport 10-12 Years Netball Championships.

Elvie was not only awarded the Most Valuable Player for the Darling Downs, but also earnt selection in the Queensland team to compete at Melbourne in September.

JUNIOR ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Cold weather, what cold weather! Our Junior School students braved the frosty conditions, showing incredible determination and spirit at the Kindy to Year 6 Interhouse Athletics Carnival.

8 Years

1st Place – Evie Farr

2nd Place – Thiseni Vithumya

3rd Place – Ava Ryals

9 Years

1st Place – Adeline Martin

2nd Place – Oriana Bourne

3rd Place – Miette Carrigan

10 Years

1st Place – Eden Broksh

2nd Place – Madison Conwell

3rd Place – Ella Pauli

11 Years

1st Place – Ava Farr

2nd Place – Elizabeth Riddle 3rd Place – Indie Gamble

12 Years

1st Place – Emme Hall

2nd Place – Lula Carrigan 3rd Place – Sophie Moore

Paul Cotterell Field Events

Champion Trophy – Eden Broksch

Brownlie House Trophy for Champion House – Black House

JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY

The Big Year 7 sleepover

The beloved Middle School tradition continued this term, bringing joy and camaraderie to our students: our Year 7 Boarders inviting all the Day Girls to join them for the most anticipated sleepover of the year! This event has become a highlight on our school calendar, fostering a sense of unity and friendship among our students.

The success of this grand slumber party is largely thanks to the incredible efforts of our Year 12 Boarder Prefects and Head Girls. Their dedication and enthusiasm ensured that the night was filled with laughter, engaging games, and a variety of fun activities that kept everyone entertained. From creative crafts to spirited competitions, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The sense of community extended beyond the school grounds as our Day families hosted the Boarding girls the weekend after, creating an opportunity for further bonding and shared experiences.

AQ& with Casey Reynoldson

Fairholme’s Coordinator of High-Performance Coaching and Teacher of Physical Education

Where is home?

I come from the Gold Coast. I used to work at a couple of schools there, All Saints Anglican School and Somerset College.

How did you get into the career of sports performance coaching?

I studied Exercise Science and then did a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and I have just completed my Masters of Secondary Teaching. I’ve always loved sport. AFL was my choice of sport and I’ve loved playing it and coaching it as well.

Tell us a little bit more about your coaching experience?

I started coaching AFL and Soccer and then I went into coaching Swimming and worked in women’s AFL at the highest level with the Gold Coast Suns.

What are you hoping to bring to Fairholme?

It’s really bringing in high performance in sport and everything that comes with that. I am looking at the whole load management, the periodization plans, what training the athletes are doing, and how we can better prepare them. I’d also like to implement programs that can help them with injury prevention, warming up, cooling down, and recovery.

Knee injuries are very common, especially in girls, particularly in contact sports or impact sports so it is about how can we activate those muscles and strengthen them surrounding those joints, and to be able to reduce the injuries. It is all about how we can introduce ways to warm up and implement an approach that can be for all sports? It can be 10 to 15 minutes before a session and hopefully reduce their likelihood of injury.

What are you looking forward to the most about starting next term?

Working with the girls in the classroom and on the field and on the court; start making a difference to their

performances.

What attracted you to Toowoomba and Fairholme?

It was really just the job and how it was written and then meeting Linda, Tony, Tash, Pam all of them in the interview they all just had such a warmth to them, and you could tell the culture of the school from literally the minute that I walked into the College. I haven’t been to Toowoomba before so it was pretty big to move here but with the job description, the incredible athletes we have here and the people I’ll be working with I’m very excited to get started.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to go to the gym myself and just get outdoors. I’ve heard Toowoomba has some amazing trails so I’m looking forward to checking them out. I also like to read and relax with friends and family.

What are you reading at the moment?

I alternate between reading sport and then reading fantasy stuff. I just finished Ash Barty’s book which was really good, she’s an absolute legend, and I’ve just started reading Billy Slater’s book.

Year 8 Mother Daughter Lunch