At Holme Issue 24 - March 2024

ATHolme

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN: Going to the well...

The finish line has been crossed, finally. It is the time for replenishment – time to go to ‘the well’ whatever that means for us, and to drink deeply. Given the approach of Easter, for many, it is our time to redirect our attention to our relationship with God, and the gift of new life.

We have worked our way through a term that will forever be punctuated by the sudden passing of Sess. In reflection, I am drawn unerringly to the overwhelming response of all connected to Fairholme upon the news of his passing, to his Memorial Service and the courage of our students who formed the guard of honour, and especially to the gentle kindness students and staff afforded one another.

I am struck by the word ‘community’ because it was palpable in the midst of our collective grief.

We haven’t forgotten Sess. We can’t forget. We won’t forget. I could say that our community has demonstrated impressive resilience – we have.

In a recent article on that topic, Helen Street (2024) writes, “[research tells us] that we become resilient when we are under threat, as a way of addressing and surviving tough times. This research also tells us that we don’t build resiliency in advance of threat when all is well in our world.”

Street actually writes of the ill effect of having to demonstrate resilience too often and proposes that we need to place our focus on living well, building our wellbeing rather than trying to do the impossible: the stockpiling of resilience.

What we saw in our community was a broad, diverse, and far-reaching group of people who are connected and deeply so because of the actions Sess undertook on a daily basis, for decades. One of his many gifts given is the legacy of connection. What next? Holidays allow for pause, regrouping, and the recalibration of self – all skills at the base of living well. They are legitimate and important actions that need our focus, always. Perhaps, in the wake of a tumultuous term for many, these moments matter more that usual.

Holidays allow for pause, regrouping, and the recalibration of self - all skills at the base of living well.

- Dr Linda Evans

Going to ‘the well’, will mean different things for all of us. I am conscious nonetheless that stopping, gives time for thinking and reflection about things we might not want to ponder, or have avoided pondering.

As such, Cath Butler our Head of Faith and Wellbeing has put together resources for your consideration – click here to view.

I am so proud to be part of a community that cares, a community

that has been able to honour a man who gave more, then more and then some more – every single day.

We have required resilience to respond to such a profound loss, it is a loss that continues to loom as a large footprint in our collective consciousness, appearing, receding, reappearing. It would be naïve to imagine that many of us do not need replenishment. How timely to be able to do so at Easter, a time for reflection and contemplation.

Thank you to those who have carried weight this term, at different times, for different reasons. Fairholme has been an exceptional community of which to be a part.

There is a lot to be grateful for, there is a lot to look forward to – in looking forward, let us seek out the well that nourishes us, and drink deeply.

Dr Linda Evans | Principal

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.” -

Paulo Coelho

There are seasons … and Mr Rohan Davis has had a very long Fairholme season as our Head of English for the past 22 years. He is making a brave and very exciting change and he has secured a role as Head of English at King’s College, Cascais, Portugal from the beginning of their school year, in September. As such, he will complete his time at Fairholme in June – ahead of his move. We have been blessed to have his strong and steady leadership for such a time span. The standard of English that our girls aspire to and often exceed, relates directly to Rohan’s own high standards, his insistence on studying quality texts, and his adherence to the importance of grammatical competency.

He has been a loyal colleague and a highly respected teacher throughout his time here – we have been fortunate, as have so many cohorts of students. We wish Rohan well for this significant step and have great confidence in the ‘leadership by example’ that he will provide to teachers and students at King’s College. During second term we will acknowledge his contributions more formally – we are very grateful for the thoughtful enrichment and expertise he has shared in this pivotal learning space. - Dr Linda Evans

The Fairholme 2024 formal

From Builder to Educator

The Fairholme Step Forward to Teach Scholarsip recipient, Sophie Knauth, swapped her hammer for chalk as she realises a life-long dream of becoming a teacher

In a world where career paths can take unexpected turns, Sophie Knauth’s journey from full-time builder to aspiring teacher stands as a testament to the power of passion and opportunity.

Sophie, a recipient of the inaugural Fairholme Step Forward to Teach Scholarship, is embarking on a new chapter in her professional life that blends her love for construction with her desire to educate future generations.

The Fairholme Step Forward to Teach Scholarship, a twelve-month internship, is a beacon of hope for students like Sophie, who are pursuing degrees in Education. This scholarship, tailored for individuals studying Education at University in 2024, offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of teaching through hands-on experience and mentorship.

Sophie’s journey to this scholarship was anything but conventional. Despite harbouring a childhood dream of becoming a teacher, she was presented with an enticing opportunity to pursue a carpentry apprenticeship in Year 12.

Intrigued by the prospect of working with her hands and mastering a trade, she veered off the traditional academic path and embraced the world of construction.

Reflecting on her decision, Sophie shares, ‘I’ve always had a passion for teaching, but when the opportunity to learn carpentry came along, I couldn’t resist. It was a chance to explore something different and challenge myself in a new way.’

For years, Sophie thrived as a builder, honing her skills and

relishing in the satisfaction of creating tangible, lasting structures. However, as she completed her apprenticeship and gained more experience in the field, she found herself drawn back to her original calling – teaching.

‘After years of working in construction, I realised that my true passion lies in guiding and shaping young minds,’ Sophie explains. ‘I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, just as my teachers had done for me.’

Determined to pursue her newfound ambition, Sophie seized the opportunity to apply for the Fairholme Step Forward to Teach Scholarship.

Her unique blend of practical experience in construction coupled with her unwavering dedication to education made her a standout candidate.

In addition to her scholarship, Sophie has taken on a part-time role within the school’s maintenance team, further immersing herself in the educational environment while continuing to utilise her construction skills.

As Sophie prepares to embark on her teaching internship, she remains grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped her path. ‘My journey has been anything but linear, but each twist and turn has led me closer to where I’m meant to be,’ she reflects.

Applications for the 2025 Step Forward to Teach Scholarship is now open.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Fairholme College website.

Happy Easter

from The Boarders!

Preparing for life beyond Holme

For our Senior girls on the verge of moving from Year 12 into life beyond the tartan, feeling prepared and confident to write their next chapter is crucial.

The Fairholme College Pathways Programs are designed to empower each girl to explore their unique career interests long before they reach graduation, ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their future study, work, and career pathways.

‘Not only to do all our girls in Years 10, 11 and 12 create an exciting and authentic career plan, but they also get hands-on opportunities to explore what is available outside of traditional subject offerings early in their Senior schooling,’ explains Fairholme’s Head of Pathways, Laura Anderson.

‘Gaining a nationally recognised industry qualification and valuable workplace experience while at school, can enhance students’ tertiary pathways and provide our girls a competitive edge when entering the workforce directly after Year 12, or beforehand.’

‘We are thrilled to see so many of our girls experience success in their ATAR subjects, tertiary study and careers, all due to our dynamic the range of opportunities they can access through the Pathway Centre Programs,’ Ms Anderson says.

‘Last year, 98% of our students graduated from Fairholme with one or more Vocational Education qualifications. In addition to this, some Year 12s left Fairholme with a first-year university course already in their portfolio.

‘These qualifications can assist our girls with direct entry into university, enhance scholarship and job applications, contribute to ATAR results, and provide employment options.

‘A bonus to our Pathways Programs and the Year 10 Specialist Electives is that a Certificate III, IV or Diploma level qualification can contribute directly to a student’s ATAR calculation.

This stand alone, nationally recognised qualification can also be used as an alternative pathway into some universities across Queensland. This gives many of our girls the peace of mind of a guaranteed minimum alternative rank that can be used as an ATAR equivalent result.’

In 2024, Fairholme students are working towards completing 19 diverse qualifications, covering specialist electives from Aviation, Hospitality, Agriculture and Electrical Technology to Design Fundamentals, Teacher of Dance, Fitness, Education Support and Business.

‘Currently, our most popular courses include Certificate II in Health Support Services, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, Diploma of Business, Certificate III in Fitness (including Cert II Sports Coaching) and Certificate II/III in Hospitality.’

Many of these courses are delivered on-campus by external training providers and high-quality partner organisations, such

as Mater Education.

‘Our on-campus Fairholme Health Hub provides a 3-bed simulated hospital ward with Allied Health Station, enabling our Health, Allied Health and Medical students to train in Toowoomba, while also accessing the high-quality training opportunity Mater Education delivers out of the Mater Hospital in Brisbane.’

Each year, our Fairholme Pathways team adapt the specialist electives to meet demand and cater to the students’ interests.

‘One of our students this year is working towards achieving her Recreational Pilot Licence. Although not an official QCE qualification, at the end of the year she will be qualified to fly a light, single-engine aircraft.

‘Leaving Fairholme with real-world qualifications and valuable life skills puts our girls ahead of the rest, and our team of Pathways Centre staff are committed to placing our girls in the best position to launch into life beyond school.’

What’s so good about our Pathway Programs?

> Get a taste – Our students explore areas of career interest earlier in their schooling, ensuring they are equipped to make informed subject choices.

> Achieve industry qualifications - Gaining a nationally recognised qualification gives our girls an edge when entering the workforce and can provide pathways into tertiary study.

> Gain valuable experience - Our Pathway Programs help students to gain valuable workplace experience and improve their life skill sets prior to leaving school.

> Contribute to ATAR results - Certificate III and above level qualifications can contribute directly to ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) calculation or can be used as a standalone qualification and alternative entry point for some QLD universities.

Homework Help

Fairholme College students in Years 10 and 11 are making a meaningful impact in our community by volunteering their time every Tuesday of the term at the HumeRidge Homework Help Program.

This initiative, established in collaboration with HumeRidge church, provides invaluable support to children, especially those from refugee or migrant backgrounds, in their academic pursuits.

Our volunteers offer a range of services, from helping with homework to creating tasks aimed at reinforcing fundamental skills learned in school. Importantly, they tailor their support to the individual needs of each child, ensuring that those without specific homework tasks still receive valuable assistance.

At the heart of this initiative lies a broader philosophy of service and community engagement. Often, the concept of ‘service’ is misunderstood as a burden on one’s time. However, through their involvement in programs like the HumeRidge Homework Help Program, Fairholme students discover that using their skills to help others can be immensely rewarding.

Leora Dowling, a Year 11 student, encapsulates the spirit of this initiative with her reflections: ‘Homework Help is not only an incredible opportunity to meet new people and use your skills to help younger students, but it is so inspiring to see the kids you are working with respond to what you are teaching them and find confidence and joy in their learning.’

Looking ahead, Fairholme College hopes that initiatives like the HumeRidge Homework Help Program will continue to instil in its students a sense of responsibility and compassion.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

2024 Interhouse Cross Country

Congratulations to our 2024 Interhouse Cross Country Champions!

JUNIOR SCHOOL

8 Years

1st Evie Farr

2nd Francesca Morrisby

3rd Greta Macdonald

9 Years

1st Adeline Martin

2nd Matilda Neville

3rd Maya Roberts

10 Years

1st Eden Broksch

2nd Ella Pauli

3rd Madison Conwell

11 Years

1st Anna Shirtcliff

2nd Evie Nairn

3rd Ava Farr

12 Years

1st Lucy Barnes

2nd Emme Hall

3rd Lula Carrigan

12 Years (Combined Junior & Middle School)

1st Lucy Barnes

2nd Elouise Fraser

3rd Emme Hall

Champion House*

Cameron House

*Kindy to Year 2 Cross Country results to be added in Term 2.

MIDDLE & SENIOR

12 Years

1st Elouise Fraser

2nd Grace Zisesmer

3rd Maya Martell

13 Years

1st Sophie McMaster

2nd Hannah Barton

3rd Gemma Sullivan

14 Years

1st Ruby Richardson

2nd Felicity Taylor

3rd Rosemary Wilson

15 Years

1st Abi Barnes

2nd Layla Magarey

3rd Georgia Brassington

16 Years

1st Julia Wainwright

2nd Carla Nobbs

3rd Evie Armstrong

Under 20 Years

1st Chelsea Gladwin

2nd Mackenzie Schefe

3rd Amelia Ramia

Champion House

Black House

Andrews Cup Swimming

Congratulations to our Junior Swimmers for their outstanding performance at the Andrews Cup in Brisbane. The Fairholme team proudly secured Second Overall in the Percentage Cup and ranked as the top Toowoomba School!

Laura Geitz Cup

There has been a sensational start to the Netball season with our Laura Geitz team taking out the Laura Geitz Cup in a nail biting final against Glennie. Their efforts were rewarded with Laura Geitz herself presenting the coveted shield.

Queensland School Sport Tennis Championships

Year 10 student, Alexandra Edwards, represented the Darling Downs at the 13-19 Years Queensland School Sport Tennis Championships held at the University of Queensland earlier this month. Alexandra recorded wins in the Main Draw and Consolation Singles events.

Darling Downs Swimming Trials

Our swimmers showed their strength at the Darling Downs Swimming Trials with 12 Fairholme girls gaining selection to compete at the Queensland School Sport Championships.

10-12 Years: Adeline Martin, Elouise Fraser, Elizabeth Riddle and Savannah Sanson-Male

13-19 Years: Ava Macey, Sarah Adcock, Olivia Fraser, Maggie Geiger, Mackenzie Grimes, Libby Wormwell, Mim Leslie and Mackenzie Zimmerle

Special mention to our super fish Adeline Martin who was awarded 9 Years Age Champion at the Darling Downs Trials and to Mackenzie Grimes for setting a new Darling Downs record in the 50m Backstroke of 31.12 seconds.

Darling Downs Selections

Congratulations to the following girls on their selection in Darling Downs teams to compete at Queensland School Sport State Championship events in Term 2.

Basketball

13-16 Years: Lara Ecroyd

Netball

16-19 Years: Simonѐ Botha, Eadi Bruton, Lucia Luhrs, Tayla Kauter and Amy Williams

Rugby 7s

15-16 Years: Issy Johnston and Tayla Kauter

17-18 Years: Gracie Johnston

Water Polo

13-19 Years: Katie Seaby, Kalea Anderson, Polly Duggan, Heather McKenzie and Ava Macey

Equestrian Qualifiers

Our Equestrian team members have been busy gaining qualifications towards the Queensland Interschool State Championship in June. Emily Davis recently competed at the Wide Bay Interschool Regionals in Gympie, gaining a State Championship qualification.

Fairholme riders also completed at the Warwick ODE with all girls attaining qualifications. Abbey Gordon achieved 1st in EvA95 Junior, Kaida MacDonald 5th and Jemima Southwood 14th in the same class. Kendra MacDonald placed 6th in the EvA80 Junior and Gracie Bunker 8th in the same class. The 2024 Equestrian team is the largest Fairholme has ever formed, with 27 Boarders and 4 Day Girls. We wish them all the best for their next competitions!

Chess

On Tuesday 5 March, our Junior Chess players represented Fairholme at the Toowoomba District Primary Individual Chess Championships. The girls played against 375 girls and boys from Years 1 to 6, from 25 schools and 3 homeschool groups.

A special congratulations to Ashni Pai who achieved equal 3rd place in the Open Division of the competition.

1st – Black House (819 points)

2nd – Stephens (598 points)

3rd – Powell (357 points)

4th – Cameron (318 points)

8 years

1st – Evie Farr

2nd – Amelia Kingsford

3rd – Alisha Galappaththi

9 years

1st – Adeline Martin

2nd – Jasmine Yan

3rd – Oriana Bourne

10 years

1st – Madison Conwell

2nd – Imogen Searson

3rd – Sophie Stains

11 years

1st – Elizabeth Riddle

2nd – Indi Chappel

3rd – Evie Nairn

12 years

1st – Madison Turnbull

2nd – Lula Carrigan

3rd – Emme Hall

Champion House for Relays

Black House

Individual Medley Fastest Time

Elizabeth Riddle

Queensland Touch Q Youth Academy

Congratulations to Alara Williams, Romy Wilson and Scarlett Sippel who were selected to attend the Queensland Touch Football Q Youth Academy, based on their outstanding performance at the National Youth Championship. A special mention to Scarlett for being awarded the Most Valuable Player in the Titans 14 Girls squad, which is made up of emerging talent from South West Queensland, South Queensland and Border Districts.

Sports Darling Downs Annual Awards

Fairholme Year 10 student, Mackenzie Grimes was awarded the prestigious Sports Darling Downs Junior Sport Star of the Year award, along with Year 9 student, Taylah Chapman who was recognised as Junior Para Athlete of the Year.

Fairholme Old Girl, Tatum Stewart was also the recipient of the Senior Sport Star of the Year runner-up award.

Darling Downs Representatives

Six Fairholme girls represented the Darling Downs at the recent

Queensland School Sport Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships.

Addison Attrill and Gemma Sullivan took on the Junior 13-14 Years Triathlon (300m swim, 10km ride and 2km run). Addision had a sensational race, placing 11th and was named as first reserve for the Queensland Team. Gemma was excited to reach her goal of top 50, placing 45th in a strong field. Mackenzi Schefe toughed it out with a 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run in the 17-19 Years Senior Triathlon, finishing in an excellent 25th place. In the 11-12 Years Aquathlon, Elouise Fraser, Grace Ziesemer and Emme Hall all performed strongly. Their race consisting of a 1km run, 200m swim and 1km run.

Interschool Equestrian

Congratulations to Fairholme

Equestrian team members Bella Ostwald, Geneva Searle and Josie Ostwald, on their achievements at the recent Stuartholme School Interschool Equestrian event.

Bella Ostwald - Champion Medium Dressage

Josie Ostwald - 3rd 100cm Showjumping

Geneva Searle - 9th Preliminary Dressage, 6th Novice Dressage, 5th 110cm Showjumping

CROSS COUNTRY 2024

IN THE ARTS

QAGOMA Fairy Tales Exhibition

Our Year 11 and 12 Visual Art students travelled to QAGOMA in Brisbane and excitedly stepped into the enchanting world of ‘once upon a time’. From opulent carriages to sumptuous gowns, twisted woodlands to mystical mirrors, the ‘Fairy Tales’ Exhibition explores centuries of beloved folk stories through art, design and film.

The girls have contemplated how contemporary artists interrogate fairy tale themes such as journeys and transformations, love and beauty, reality versus fantasy, and resilience in the face of adversity through the manipulation of the visual language.

What a spellbinding learning experience for our girls studying Visual Arts.

Choral Music Camp

Thirty-eight of our singing sensations travelled to the QCCC Brookfield campus for our annual Fairholme Choral Music Camp.

Our College Choir girls diligently rehearsed many of their upcoming choral Eisteddfod pieces and our Chime Choir had the opportunity to learn an array of new and exciting pieces for the Eisteddfod in July.

Our specialist Chamber Choir enjoyed the challenge of their new repertoire and Guest Opera Singer and Conservatorium Lecturer, Mrs Ireni Utley, provided a wonderful masterclass on how to enhance our vocal performances.

Among the rehearsals, the girls also had time for lots of fun, including an exciting talent show and, of course, music-themed games. Shout out to Mr Dixon, Mrs Lebsanft and Mrs Thompson for your unwavering support of our choristers.

Finding their voice

Adolescents have a discerning response to the sound of their mother’s voice, and they seek it out, particularly in stressful times...

As a strong-willed and sometimes feisty teenager my daughter would say from time-to-time, “You don’t have to yell at me.” Bewildered, I would check with my husband who would shrug his shoulders in mute despair, saying, “Your voice wasn’t even remotely loud.”

Invariably, her frustrated comment would occur on occasions when I disagreed with her viewpoint, challenged her thinking, or simply said no to a request for me to buy her something far beyond budget or to take her somewhere at a ridiculous hour or distance.

In having a meeting with myself (hence a quiet place of retreat and solace where there is no disagreement), I came to the totally unresearched conclusion that adolescent females have a heightened sensitivity to the tone or sound of their mother’s voice. And guess what, my unsubstantiated qualitative research had a tiny nub of truth: adolescents have a discerning response to the sound of their mother’s voice.

Yes, adolescents are in one sense “far more tuned into the voices of others,” than to their mother’s voice says Daniel Abrams, a neuroscientist at Stanford University (cited in Sanders, 2022).

As they meander their way through their teen years especially, other voices become more interesting and attractive, as they seek to broaden their social connections and detach from family as their primary interest. Yes, this is puberty, the beautifully complex and dangerously fraught decade of time where the work of your adolescent is primarily about developing independence – from

you, it is a place and time where she perceives that maternal support is less crucial to her survival than it has been. In order to achieve this, she attends far more carefully to the world and the words spoken, beyond home (Abrams et al. 2022): the voice of another. And as mothers, we find ourselves forced to the sidelines, sometimes as reluctant onlookers, lest we be tempted to take to the field – their field of play. Don’t despair. Mothers’ voices are unique in their power, particularly in stressful times. Researchers have found that stress hormone levels ease when girls in the midst of anxiety, hear the voice of their mother, on the phone. Conversely, text messages from mothers invariably heighten the anxiety register. Your voice rather than your texted message has more weight and provides more comfort. And in all those times when we think our messages have fallen on her

metaphorically deaf ears, they have in fact nudged their way into her deeper consciousness.

After all, they are bombarded by so many voices, so many images, so many edicts on how to be that you are a beacon of truth. In her article, ‘Being 13’, Bennet writes “Girls [carry] a mental load, — in facing the age-old pressure to be good enough, pretty enough, kind enough, popular enough, [they have to do so] on multiple platforms.” Not surprisingly, your voice – albeit more influential in spoken form, continues to matter.

Stephen Biddulph, more acclaimed for his research into the adolescent male brain believes that as mothers, we influence our daughters in three primary ways:

1. Role Modelling – which accounts for half our influence. The way we interact with others. Our behaviour as drivers. The words we use in frustration. The

kindness we show to those from whom we gain no benefit. Every step we take, every move we make – as the song goes, they are watching us. Our example becomes part of their manner of being.

2. Values sharing – how we articulate our beliefs, how we discuss our view of others, the moral lessons we teach, these things become the echoes in their head, and the voice of reason in the most difficult of circumstances.

3. Exposure to role models – to whom do we expose our daughters in these formative years, who are the people of influence we share with them? (as cited in Moorhead, 2023)

Author Hilda Blum’s prose piece title ‘A Mother, Her Daughter, a Masterwork of Psychological Tension’ captures the tight walk dance that is parenting a teen-aged daughter. Yet, even in their feisty moments, even in their quest to find affirmation beyond you and their home, they continue to hear and seek out your voice. You are the role model of greatest influence.

Your advice matters, even when it is counter to the advice of the mainstream. They want to be connected to you, even when you find it hard to read their personal landscape. They want, according to author, Lisa Damour (2023) to be able to “bring up topics that are close to their heart” with you.

The trick is to be present, available, and open – even when it appears they are pushing you away, attending to the voices of others, and thirsting for independence. What a dance it is.

Yes, adolescents continue to have a discerning response to the sound of their mother’s voice, and they seek it out, particularly in stressful times.

They, are, in the tumultuous world of adolescence … finding their voice.

Dr Linda Evans | Principal

REFERENCES

Abrams, D. et al. (2022). A neurodevelopmental shift in reward circuitry from mother’s to nonfamilial voices in adolescence. Journal of Neuroscience. Published online April 28, 2022. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2018-21.2022.

Bennett, J. (2023). ‘Being 13.’ The New York Times. September 20, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/ interactive/2023/09/20/well/family/13-year-old-girls-socialmedia-self-esteem.html?searchResultPosition=7

Blum, H. (2023). ‘A Mother, Her Daughter, a Masterwork of Psychological Tension’. The New York Times. https://www. nytimes.com/2023/07/21/books/review/how-to-love-yourdaughter-hila-blum.html

Damour, L. (2023). ‘Raising Teens Is Hard. Lisa Damour Has Some Answers’. The New York Times. August 28. 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/28/well/mind/teen-

anxiety-school-lisa-damour.html

Moorhead, J. (2023). ‘Raising girls: the challenges of bringing up daughters.’ The Guardian. 19 January. 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jan/19/ challenges-of-raising-girls

Sanders, L. (2022). ‘Why teens can’t help tuning out mom’s voice.’ Science News Explores. https://www.snexplores.org/ article/mom-voice-kid-brain-teen-neuroscience#

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