AT Holme
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN:
Never Grow Up (a nod to Taylor)
I’m watching on, as this cohort of Year 12 parents face the ultimate challenge of letting go. There is no criticism here, I am walking a tumultuous season too – my own confronting detachment from Fairholme and all that goes with that.
Paediatrician and author, Kenneth Ginsburg, in an article written more than a decade ago entitled ‘Letting Go: The Greatest Challenge of Parenting Teens’ says that “holding on tight feels good, but letting go expresses love” (2011).
Taylor Swift’s song “Never Grow Up” speaks to the reality that, at this time of imminent change for Year 12s, we may find ourselves as parents, wishing to return to the halcyon moments of a raising a small child.
This wish is juxtaposed cruelly against the stark reality of releasing emerging adults into a future we can’t, shouldn’t or won’t be able to control.
It is the season of “one mores” – wishing for one more moment that we can capture, preserve, and never detach from; after all, in many ways, it is the season of grieving. At Spring Fair, I was blessed with the opportunity to retrace some Fairholme footsteps with some of the class of 2014. For more than an hour we sat in G25, where
I had taught some of these young women in Year 12 English, along with my colleague Mrs Cathy Mason.
They were bemused that I could recall where they sat each lesson, who they sat next to – this is a teacher’s privilege for a short time in the life of a student. For parents, this is a lifetime privilege … you are your child’s first, enduring and most influential teacher.
Thus, if the refrain “never grow up” features in your personal narrative at this moment, it is no surprise. Your investment in your daughter’s future has been and is immeasurable.
“There is too much ahead to be always looking back, or to be held captive in the past.”
- Dr Linda Evans
What I heard and saw in that time with these impressive young women was the power of connection, the ability to reminisce but also the ability to step back quickly into the now. We need both skills. We can take photos of our childhood room as Taylor Swift suggests but only “in our mind” because we can’t stay there, too frightened to leave.
As parents, we can’t hold on either, even if doing so, feels safe. Take heart, that a decade on, these young women are strong, independent but connected, and deliciously hopeful about their futures. I can’t tell you how precious it was to see and hear that – this is what we all want a Fairholme education to be founded upon.
Because we do know that the world beyond the gates of Wirra Wirra Street may deliver a different picture than the one envisaged, and the script that has been so carefully penned may need some readjustments.
The choices that have been clear as a seventeen-year-old dressed in tartan may become less apparent in the throng of fellow school-leavers, all with their eyes focused on the future.
Faltering is a human response to significant change. Disappointment is probably unavoidable and freedom sometimes fraught, even briefly, with the feeling of being overwhelmed. It is also a time when we may miss out on the goal, dream, or prize we have strived for – and that is OK because new goals will emerge, sometimes yielding much greater rewards.
We learn as much from missing out at times, as we do from gaining. Quite publicly many, many years ago I said on an Assembly: ‘winning can be a terrible thing’. I meant to say ‘losing can be a terrible thing’ but I’m glad I made the
error. I’ve come to appreciate that winning can be a terrible thing when we forget that its sweetness is gained through previous losses, through the near-wins we’ve endured, through determination and perseverance – all those wonderful life qualities.
How easy, at this bittersweet time filled with the paradox of readiness to go and fearfulness to let go, to forget to acknowledge and celebrate the convolutions of life that lead to the completion of Year 12. It is an achievement for families, for teachers and always, for the girls themselves.
A lot occurs between the cute kindergarten child who clings to mum or dad on their first day ‘alone’ and the confident school-leaver who departs Fairholme; ready and not so ready to embrace the world beyond. A lot. A lot of joys and a lot of disappointments. A lot of learning for us all. Parenting is actually a constant process of “letting go”, after all, our one job, is to ensure that our children are able to stand independent of us, particularly in the toughest of seasons.
May we continue to enjoy what has passed, the images of childhood, the complexities of adolescence but look forward to a hope-filled future – just as I saw in that group of fabulous young women from the cohort of 2014.
Never grow up? I think not, Taylor. There is too much ahead, to be always looking back, or to be held captive in the past.
Holding on tight feels good but letting go expresses love. (Ginsburg, 2011)
Dr Linda Evans | Principal
REFERENCE
Ginsburg, K. (2011). ‘Letting Go: The Greatest Challenge of Parenting Teens’. Psychology Today. https://www. psychologytoday. com/ca/blog/raisingresilient-childrenand-teens/201107/ letting-go-thegreatest-challengeof-parenting
Soaring to new heights
Year 10 Fairholme College student Claire Willis is on a flight path to an extraordinary career in aviation, driven by her ambition to pilot private and corporate jets. Currently pursuing a Certificate III in Aviation, Claire’s journey has been shaped by her love for flying and family ties to the skies.
‘I had the opportunity to do the Certificate III that Fairholme offers,’ Claire shares, ‘but I decided just to go flying. I thought it would get me closer to my career goal.’
That career goal? Earning her private pilot’s license, then commercial, with the ultimate dream of flying private or corporate jets. ‘I haven’t told anyone that yet actually,’ she confesses with a smile.
When asked about her dream to pilot private jets, Claire is refreshingly candid. ‘Celebrities often charter private jets to travel wherever they want, whenever they want. I think it’s more appealing than being an airline pilot – it’s like being a limo driver in the sky.’
Claire’s passion for flying comes from her upbringing. A rural boarder from a family with strong ties to aviation, Claire’s father owns a Bonanza A36 aircraft, which they often use to travel for school or business trips to Hervey Bay.
‘We’ve flown on holidays before in Dad’s little plane,’ she recalls. ‘Growing up, I would spend hours watching the spray planes at home.’
Balancing her aviation training with life as a boarder has been no easy feat. Claire has been attending lessons every Tuesday since the start of the year, with additional Saturday sessions when weather permits.
So far, she’s logged 18.2 flight hours, steadily working towards the 30 to 40 hours required for her recreational license. ‘It’s all competency-based, so it might take me a bit longer doing just one day a week, but I’ll get there.’
Learning to fly has been a natural progression for Claire. Her first memories of the cockpit are from childhood. ‘Dad’s phone wallpaper is me as a little kid trying to reach the yoke,’ she laughs. ‘That’s always been a good reminder of how far I’ve come.’
Despite her passion, there are challenges. ‘Landing is the hardest part. Trying to get every little bit right takes practice, but I’m not nervous about it. If something were to go wrong, it would likely be while I’m in the air, not during landing.’
Thanks to Fairholme’s Pathways Program, Claire has been able to pursue her aviation dreams while still in school. ‘It’s incredible to have the opportunity to leave school every
Claire Willis’ family ties to the skies have her on the flight of her life...
Tuesday and do something I love. I feel really lucky.’ Claire’s next step is earning her recreational license, which will allow her to fly within 25 nautical miles of Toowoomba. After that, she plans to work towards her private pilot’s license, enabling her to travel from town to town and city to city.
For Claire, flying isn’t just about the mechanics – it’s about the freedom and the people she meets along the way. ‘One day, I’ll be able to go anywhere and everywhere,’ she says. ‘And that’s what I love about it.’
Presenting fairholme
Presenting Fairholme awards
The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life Giaan Zammataro
The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers Chloe Cassidy
General Merit Madeleine Brown, Harriet Gilshenan, Annabelle King, Elizabeth Kluck, Fleur Lowien, Harper Magarey, Emma Maunder, Elaine Mutsando, Ella Phillips, Abigail Pietsch, Louisa Smiddy, Grace Ward, Lily Waters, Giaan Zammataro
The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life Yuexin Deng
The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers Rosemary Wilson
General Merit Matilda Browning, Amara Clemens, Georgia Cussons, Yuexin Deng, Felicity Fagan, Heidi Kassab, Anna Le Lievre, Arabella McDouall, Aishwarya Prabu, Courtney Primus, Tharushi Ratnayake, Giselle Statham, Amelia Taylor, Rosemary Wilson
The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers Sophie Khan
The Madge Chamberlin Middle School Cultural Award Alicia Yap
Middle School Sportswoman of the Year Addison Attrill
Multi-Class Sportswoman of the Year Taylah Chapman
The Virginia Noakes Memorial Prize for Dedication Lauren Diener
The Dorothy Morton Encouragement Prize for Piano Claire Murphy
The Quota Award for Service Chrismari van Eck
The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life Alicia Yap
General Merit Alexia Davey, Mila Faletau, Imogen Groat, Ashton Hamblin, Zoe Hurford, Isabella Kentish, Charlotte Lee, Layla Magarey, Aemilia Moar, Ruby Murphy, Avantika
Saji, Caitlin Schultheiss, Richa Vimal, Alicia Yap, Helen Yong
Ardens sed Virens Award Eliza Kinniburgh
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award Claudia Lawrie
Maria Barr Memorial Prize for Visual Art Mia Wiggins
The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers Bronte Callachor
The Allan and Jeanette Faragher Spirit of Fairholme Award
Millie Dewar
The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life Gracie Mack
The Chairman’s Award for Positive Care and Support of Peers Leora Dowling
General Merit Anne Anderson, Gracie Bunker, Rhea Desai, Alexandra Edwards, Claudia Lawrie, Isabella Loughlin, Lily Martin, Adelaide May, Penelope Moffitt, Lerato Mpofu, Claire Murphy, Sadhana Nathan, Isobel Robertson-Hoy, Emma Salter, Grace Taylor, Serah Vimal
The Patricia Horrocks Memorial Prize for Diligence
Mackenzie Smith
The Fairholme Old Girls’ Association Bursary Zoe Hoare
The Cupples Family Prize Kaylah Daniel-Stafford
The Professor WM Kyle Memorial Bursary Annabelle Rogan
The Professor WM Kyle Memorial Bursary Katie Seaby
The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life Hannah Pocknee
The Gwen Gartshore Prize for Piano Madleine Yeo
General Merit Rubie Angell, Bridie Bruggemann, Chloe Carmody,Yueying Deng, Lara Ecroyd, Lilli Hamilton, Zoe Hoare, Olivia Kennedy, Eleanor MacFarlane, Gracie Mack, Sanjana Nathan, Nicole Pascoe, Ruoqing Qiu, Elana Schultheiss, Geneva Searle, Freya Statham, Annie White, Rori Zimmerman
The Nicholas Byron Award for an Outstanding Captain of Sport Mia Callachor
The Waveney Browne Memorial Award for Conscientious Endeavour Shelby Rowles
The Rita Moreton Award for Servant Leadership Roma Aarons
The Rita Moreton Award for Servant Leadership Hannah Kassab
The Mrs Margaret Cameron Prize for Work and Character
Abbie Loughlin
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Future Innovators Award Heather McKenzie
The Allan Faragher Memorial Award for Head Day Girl
Sruthi Gandu
The Daisy Culpin Memorial Award for Leadership and Work
Sruthi Gandu
The Phyllis Lovell Memorial Bursary Ruby Newell
Prefect for Sport Chelsea Gladwin
The John Sessarago Memorial Senior School Sportswoman of the Year
Carla Nobbs
Presenting Fairholme awards
The Award for Outstanding Service to the College Rachel Yap
The Community Service Award Grace Cornford
The Patrea O’Shea Memorial Award for an Outstanding Captain of The Arts Olivine Murphy
Ray Powell Cup for Work and Sport Annabelle Rogan
Significant Contribution in Work, Sport, Cultural Activities and Leadership Ruby Newell
The Award for Outstanding Service to the College Rachel Yap
The Nancy Shaw Prize for Head Girl Rachel Yap
The Pat Jackson Prize for Responsibility and Initiative of a Day Girl Elizabeth Kelly
Ampol Best All-Rounder Award Ciara Teahan
The Bob Balsillie Memorial Award for the Prefect for The Arts Elizabeth Kelly
Lindsay Statham Memorial Award for Contribution to The Arts Elizabeth Kelly
The Mayoral School Achievement Medal Celina Mouzouris
Dr Ros Dunlop Prize for Outstanding Commitment Clare Hogan
The Janet Abberton Memorial Award Milla DeignanEkelund
The Award for Original and Significant Contribution to College Life Hannah Pocknee
The Award for Work and Artistic Endeavour Rachel Yap
The Marshall Award for Positive Attitude and Helpfulness in the Boarding House Zoe Hurford
The Phyllis Lovell Memorial Bursary Charlotte Ostwald
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award Kadence Wilson
The Friends of Boarding Award for Responsibility and Initiative of a Boarder Annabelle Rogan
The Prize for Head Boarder Charlotte Ostwald
Economics Award Molly Lutton
Music Award Rachel Yap
Essential English Award Danielle McKenna
Accounting Award Mia Callachor
Biological Science Award Annabelle Rogan
German Award Elizabeth Kelly
General Merit Hannah Kassab, Elizabeth Kelly, Elizabeth Kelly, Sophie Khan, Emma Krieg
Literature Award Ruby Newell
French Award Ruby Newell
Mathematical Methods Award Hannah Pocknee
Modern History Award Ruby Newell
Mrs Norma Thomas Memorial Award for Dedication in Year 12 French Studies Annabelle Rogan
The Beverley-Anne Schmidt Award for Love of Literature Celina Mouzouris
Agricultural Science Award Lily Cameron
The Mrs M Snow Memorial Award for General
Mathematics Lucy Salter
The Mater Education Pursuit of Health Excellence Award
Lily Schneider
Patricia Sulewski Geography Award Chloe Bruggemann
TAFE Queensland Outstanding Vocational Student
Award Lyndsay Hales
The Mrs Robyn Jones Award for a Dedicated Student of Ancient History Ciara Teahan
English and Literature Extension Award Rachel Yap
Japanese Award Amelia Ramia
Jeff Randall Memorial Award for Most Improved Student in Year 12
Accounting Jessica Wild
Dance Award Ella Everest
Physical Education Award Amy Williams
Fashion Award Clare Hogan
The Lady Persia Galleghan Memorial English Award
Elizabeth McCollum
Chemistry Award Hannah Pocknee
Physics Award Hannah Pocknee
Essential Mathematics Harriet Smith
Hospitality Award Priscilla McPhee
Legal Studies Award Elizabeth McCollum
Visual Art Award Celina Mouzouris
Sport and Recreation Award Lucinda Donges
Ancient History Award Ruby Newell
Psychology Award Hannah Smith
The MacLaren Award Sophia Baker, Lina Duong, Elizabeth Kelly, Philippa Lilford, Priscilla McPhee, Lena
Nabizada, Isabella Tyrrell, Jessica Wild
Fairholme College Year 12 Summa Cum Laude Award
Sophie Khan, Abbie Loughlin, Ruby Newell, Hannah Pocknee, Annabelle Rogan, Shumaila Wahab, Rachel Yap
Cracking the Whipwith Giaan Zammataro
Although year 7 boarder, Giaan Zammataro, has only been here at Fairholme for a short time she has already enriched the Fairholme culture by introducing many of us to the unique sport of competitive whip cracking.
Giaan comes from Alice Creek, a small town about half an hour out of Kingaroy. Since she was in primary school
Giaan has been involved in competitive whip cracking.
Giaan states that whip cracking had “always been on the farm”, however she got into it competitively because she was “a bit jealous” of her brother doing it when they were in primary school.
Recently she competed in the Australian Titles at the Ekka where she placed third in the junior age category. This comes after she came first in the juvenile age group at the State Titles in Boona earlier this year.
Giaan competes against kids from all over the country with most of her competitors being from Victoria and New South Wales.
Giaan loves whip cracking because she thinks it is “a really cool skill to have” and enjoys showing off all the “really cool tricks” she has learnt. She also loves that she gets to “meet new people” from all across Australia through travelling for competitions. Giaan’s whip cracking is so impressive that she is now sponsored by whip maker, Chris Barr.
the school provides. She says that her favourite part of boarding “is having the privilege to wake up in the morning and do sport” and being surrounded by so many other like-minded girls. When she is not being a champion whip cracker Giaan also participates in swimming, tennis, touch, futsal, choir, band, and speed, power, strength at Fairholme.
The Fairholme boarding house is very supportive of Giaan’s whip cracking, organising news crews to come interview her to promote her sport, and allowing her to practice out in the Daisy Culpin courtyard most afternoons or in the Assembly Hall, like when it was raining during the lead up to the Australian titles.
Although whip cracking has recently decreased in popularity Giaan is striving to keep her beloved sport alive and has already recruited some more girls from the Boarding House to join her in whip cracking in the afternoons.
Giaan has inspired other girls to try whip cracking and she has even encouraged one of her friends, Ella, to join in competing in an upcoming whip cracking competition. She also has many other
friends come out with her in the afternoon to give whip cracking a try, “a lot of girls have come out and had a little go,” which is great to see how our girls support each other and want to join in, to keep the whip cracking tradition alive.
Support from sponsors helps her keep this unique sport going which, in turn, helps Giaan keep this important “Aussie tradition” alive.
Giaan chose to start boarding at Fairholme after hearing about it from some friends. She was drawn to Fairholme by their “value for the boarders” and wide variety of opportunities that
Giaan’s next whip cracking competition is coming up in Clifton, starting off the next season, but she is also looking to travel out of state to join in some other competitions in the future. The entire Fairholme community is behind Giaan, fully supporting her endeavours in this exciting sport and we cannot wait to see where her unique talent takes her in the future.
Spring Fair through the lens!
The rides, the food, the fairy floss, the fashion, the smiles, the sunshine - Spring Fair 2024 was a cracking success! Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors, parents, staff and girls for a great day at Fairholme.
Thanks to our amazing Platinum Sponsor!
Fairholme Fashion Week
Fairholme Fashion Week - sponsored by Better Lawyers Groupbrought an electrifying burst of creativity and style to the campus, as students stepped onto the catwalk and shone in a spectacular display of talent and fashion prowess. With months of preparation and dedication, these budding designers and models showcased their unique creations, turning the campus into a runway filled with glamour and innovation.
Congratulations to Head of Fashion, Mrs Meise, Communications Manager Kathryn Doyle and all involved in a stunning Fairholme Fashion Week!
Congratulations to our super talented designers from Fairholme Fashion Week Spring Parade!
Open Champion Designer
Lily Mergard
Open Emerging Designer
Taryn Walker
Senior School Champion Designer
Lucy Cameron
Senior School Encouragement Award
Clare Hogan
Middle School Champion Designer
Maeve Morison
Middle School Encouragement Award
Payton Kane
Curtain Call
The end-of-year Curtain Call Concert featured the incredible talents of our girls in The Fairholme Arts. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the evening’s entertainment!
Dance Showcase
From Holme P&F Luncheon
IN THE ARTS
Curtain Call End of Year
Showcase and Awards
Presentation
Instrumental Musician of the Year Award
Senior School: Ebbeny Williams-Cherry
Middle School: Sin Ming Yue
Choral Musician of the Year Award
Senior School: Olivine Murphy
Middle School: Alicia Yap
Dramatic Artist of the Year Award
Senior School: Hannah Pocknee and Alana Callaghan
Middle School: Eliza Kinniburgh and Alicia Yap
Dancer of the Year Award
Senior School: Ella Everest and Lily Manthey
Middle School: Layla Magarey and Mia Hall
Visual Artist of the Year Award
Kadence Wilson
Sound & Lighting Technician of the Year Award
Haylee Crouch and Scarlett Reedy
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts
Senior School: Ebbeny Williams-Cherry, Ciara Teahan, Elizabeth Kelly, Ruby Newell and Rachel Yap
Middle School: Alicia Yap and Sin Ming Yue
Fairholme Singing Studio Recital
33 Fairholme College students from Years 1 to 12 performed at the annual Fairholme Singing Studio Recital at the Toowoomba Choral Society Hall on Saturday, October 12.
The girls each performed a piece for special guest adjudicator Jo Willans, a Brisbanebased voice teacher and performer who holds a Master of Music Studies from Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium.
Well done girls and congratulations to each of the award winners –Singer of the Year
Olivine Murphy – Year 12
Singer of the Day
Junior School: Brighid Searson – Year 6
Middle School: Mila Faletau – Year 9
Senior School: Lanu Faletau – Year 11
Encouragement Awards
Junior School: Aarna Kansagara – Year 3
Middle School: Mila Faletau – Year 9
Senior School: Annie Anderson – Year 10
Gondwana Voices Europe Tour
From Westminster Abbey and The Barbican in London to La Madeleine in Paris and Bilbao in Spain, Ebbeny Williams-Cherry has been on a European tour to remember as a member of Gondwana Voices Choir.
Jazz Dance Troupe Bound for Hawaii
At the recent Eutopia Dance Competition in Brisbane, the Fairholme Jazz Dance Troupe won a bid to compete at the Global Games to be held in Hawaii in May next year.
Cadets Passing Out Parade
This year has been very special for Fairholme’s four Year 12 Cadet graduates including Corporal Lak Prabu who joined in 2022, Corporal Alana Callaghan who also joined in 2022, and, in her final year become the Drum Major.
Sergeant Penne Skene joined in 2021, impressively becoming the first female Honour Guard Commander within the unit. Cadet Under Officer Heather McKenzie joined in 2020 and was promoted to the TGSACU Company Commander in her final year, becoming the fifth female in the role throughout the unit’s long history.
We congratulate Lak, Alana, Penne and Heather for their outstanding commitment to cadets and acknowledge the significant skills they have developed and displayed throughout their time. Their leaving was marked by two special occasions – the Annual Dining Out Night and Passing Out Parade.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Team Sports Awards
More than 130 Fairholme College sport teams were awarded Players’ Player Awards (voted by their peers) and Coach’s Awards at our recent Team Sport Awards. 58 students who have represented Darling Downs School Sport and /or Queensland School Sport so far this year across 84 sports were also recognised with Certificates and Pockets. Well done on a sensational year of sport, girls and coaches!
Interhouse Holme Group Aquathon
Well done to our Champion Holme Group, Cameron 3 team of Abi Barnes and Mackenzie Grimes!
Overall Places
1st – Mackenzie Grimes and Abi Barnes (Cameron 3)
2nd – Sammy Cheetham and Addi Attrill (Black 5)
3rd – Ellie MacFarlane and Amelia Ramia (Black 2)
Champion House Cameron House
Queensland representative School Sport
Congratulations to our most recent students selected to represent
Queensland School Sport –
Netball (10-12 Years): Elvie Saltner
Rugby League (13-14 Years) Merit Squad: Alara Williams
Softball (11-12 Years): Ella Phillips
Touch Football (13-15 Years): Scarlett Sippel
Track & Field (10-12 Years): Eden Broksch
Hitting Goals For Six!
Year 11 student, Lilli Hamilton, is currently part of the Brisbane Heat Women’s Squad and she competed in both Sydney and Adelaide this month in the Cricket Australia T20 Spring Bash. In her debut match she took a wicket in her second over – that of Fairholme Old Girl, Georgia Voll! Lilli also debuted in the green and gold earlier this month, gaining selection in the Australian Under 19 Womens Cricket squad.
Track and Field State Championships
Year 5 student, Eden Broksch, had a sensational two days at the QRSS 10-12 Years Track & Field Championships, winning Gold in the 10 Years Tetrathlon. The Tetrathlon event consists of a 100m sprint, Long Jump, Shot Put and an 800m run. Lucy Barnes also ran a personal best time to place 4th in the 12
Years 1500m.
At the 13-19 Years event, Taylah Chapman took home two Gold medals in the 15 Years Multi-Class Discus and Shot Put, as a well as a Silver in Javelin and the 4 x 100m Relay. In the 16 Years 800m, Julia Wainwright earnt the Bronze medal.
Congratulations to each of our Fairholme girls who gave their all at the championships:
10-12 Years: Lucy Barnes, Eden Broksch, Madison Conwell, Elvie Saltner
13-19 Years: Georgia Brassington, Taylah Chapman, Milly Chappel, Amara Clemens, Isabella Elsley, Claire Longmire, Meli Manibe, Olivia Martell, Sally McLean, Rose McLoughlin, Sophie McMaster, Carla Nobbs, Mackenzi Schefe, Elana Schultheiss, Gemma
Sullivan, Julia Wainwright.
Australian Orienteering Championships
Three of our Fairholme athletes represented Queensland at the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships (ASOC) and Orienteering Australia National Championships, held in Armidale, New South Wales. In addition to some exciting team medals, the girls achieved a number of impressive individual Top 5 results, including –
ASOC Long (Bush):
Abi Barnes, 4th Australian
ASOC Sprint (Urban): Alexandra Edwards, 5th Australian Australian Orienteering Championship Middle Distance (Bush):
W16A - Alexandra Edwards, 4th Australian (7th Overall) Long Distance (Bush) Event: W16A - Alexandra Edwards, 4th Australian (8th Overall) Sprint (Urban) Event:
W16A - Alexandra Edwards, 3rd Australian (6th Overall)
W16A - Kari Brennan, 4th Australian (10th Overall)
Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships
Our Equestrian girls have returned from the Australian Interschool Championships with some excellent results. A special shout out to our highest placegetters –
Combined Training 80cm:
Reserve Champion - Chloe Bruggemann
Dressage Secondary
Intermediate Preliminary: Reserve Champion - Hayley
Richter
Combined Training 105cm: 3rd Place - Jemima Southwood
Fairholme was well represented in Tamworth with 14 girls competing as members of the Queensland team, as well as Hayley Richter representing her home state, the Northern Territory.
Congratulations to our 2024 Fairholme Representatives:
Chloe Bruggemann (Qld Combined Training Captain), Emily Davis, Kate Frith, Adelaide Gilbert, Abbey Gordon, Georgie Hill, Ruby Hooper, Kaida MacDonald, Kendra MacDonald, Bella Ostwald, Lottie Ostwald (Qld Team Captain), Hayley Richter, Annabelle Rogan (Qld Jumping Captain), Geneva Searle and Jemima Southwood.
All Schools Touch
Fairholme had three teams compete in the largest Touch Football competition in the world on the Gold Coast.
With over 450 teams representing various schools both nationally and internationally, all three of our teams played exceptionally well.
Our Open team excelled finishing in the Top 8 out of more than 80 teams, with our Under 13s making it through to the Top 16, going down to eventual tournament winners Palm Beach Currumbin.
Although our Under 15s won 6 of their 7 pool games to finish second in their pool, they narrowly missed out on making it through to the round of 16 out of 118 teams!
Just give it a go
Our Year 10 students currently undertaking their Certificate III in Fitness had a visit from special guest speaker, Katrina Robertson, earlier this term. Katrina’s story is nothing short of inspiring and her ‘give it a go’ attitude truly remarkable.
Katrina is an experienced Psychologist, mentor, and advocate for women’s sport who at the age of 37 became the World Super Heavyweight Powerlifting Champion after doctors had advised her almost 20 years earlier that she would never play sport again.
As a teenager Katrina’s heart was set on representing Australia at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, however a near fatal motorbike accident shattered her dreams. After two years of multiple surgeries and learning to walk again, Katrina went against the advice of pursuing a sedentary career and began nursing training, later furthering her career with a degree and honours in Psychology.
In 1994, the World Masters Games in Brisbane reignited Katrina’s sporting flame, which led her to take the first steps to regaining her fitness and strength. Following her success at World Masters, Katrina went on to start Powerlifting, training in a gym next to a cane paddock under the guidance as her 70-year-old father as her coach.
Over the next five years, Katrina broke 31 Australian, 12 Oceania, 18 Commonwealth and 7 World Records, and at the
Our Year 10 Certificate III in Fitness class were inspired by guest speaker Katrina Robertson’s story of resilience
age of 37, won the World Super Heavyweight Powerlifting title, being coined by the media as the ‘Strongest Woman in the World’ at the time. All this, after being told she would never play sport again.
After hearing her incredible story, our Certificate III in Fitness students were full of questions for Katrina, sparking conversations of mental health and resilience, as well as motivation and performing as an elite athlete, learning to love yourself and living life to the fullest.