ATHolme Issue Seven | September 2022
(David G Allen)
FROM
Consider the school week that has just passed and with it, the joy of a Junior School Showcase where our girls from Prep to Year 6 presented snippets THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN Patience
What is the best piece of advice your parent has given you? What is the voice in your head that directs you to act in a particular way, holds you firm to a value or gives you wisdom when confronted by difficulty? What is the best advice you have given your child or children? When Gai Waterhouse was asked recently for the best piece of advice her father, trainer, TJ Smith gave her, her reply was swift – ‘he told me to be patient.’ Implicit in the notion of patience is the idea of waiting, the delay of gratification, and the ability to endure - even in the toughest of Waterhouse,circumstances.as the first female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup, understands patience better than most. It does not mean there was any lack of urgency, low bar of expectations, or a relinquishment of drive – quite the reverse, really. It meant she had no such word as ‘can’t’, it meant she was persistent at banging the glass ceiling until it cracked, and she possessed a determination to wear others down. Patience does not mean standing stationary. Without patience, and a willingness to persist, Gai Waterhouse would not have carried the Melbourne Cup in the boot of her car for three months, following her epic win. Without her mantra, to keep getting on and doing it, and her willingness to see adversity as an opportunity for growth and an opportunity to appreciate that growth, she would have followed a different pathway. She says, ‘sometimes you win, sometimes you rise.’
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Of course, the advice we give is best seen in our actions, not our words. I watched the Matildas lose with grace to the Canadian women’s soccer team on Saturday afternoon. Down by one goal very early on in the match, the Matildas were patient in seeking opportunities to even and then better the score. They were also persistent and determined. No doubt they will rise from this opportunity to play and lose against one of the world’s best soccer teams. But what struck me most were the Matildas who were waiting for a spot on the field. They were warming up with focus, each half, practising drills and repeating sprint patterns. They were waiting, waiting for their call up to take to the action. Not all got that call up. No doubt, within them there was high anticipation and hope surging – and in the midst of that hope and anticipation, they too were learning patience. Sometimes patience is about waiting for an opportunity that might not arrive or might arrive in different packaging and at a different time. It is a skill worthy of our attention.
‘Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.’
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN Continued...
My [then teenage] son, watching me proofreading Year 1 reports many years ago was stunned by the number of descriptors for each student. With a mix of tongue in cheek and genuine disbelief, he said, ‘Why don’t they just write – this is Lucy, she is five years old, she’s fabulous – let’s just see how she goes.’ There is a lot in that, isn’t there? Yes, the calm acceptance that we, and especially our youngest people, are still becoming … they become who they are over a lifetime, and we need to be patient. All our hopes and intent will not and cannot dictate the path of that becoming. So many factors influence our pathways, our successes and our setbacks, and our ability and interest in learning and improving. The Gai Waterhouses of the world have achieved through dogged persistence and sheer hard work, more than through talent or opportunity. Early mornings, long nights, self-reflection, and the willingness to do things differently, all have their place. So too does patience, the ability to accept the pattern of things, the readiness to wait, and having the faith to believe in the becoming process – the process of a Sometimeslifetime.we win. Sometimes, we rise within ourselves, when we calmly accept that life rarely follows the order that we imagine for ourselves, or for our children. Patience is indeed a virtue worth acquiring.
from their Music/Drama/Dance classes, along with performances from the Junior Strings, Junior Band, Choirs, and the Middle School Voices Choir. It was an Arts feast and a beautiful celebration of ‘becoming’ – becoming confident on stage, becoming confident with self-expression, and becoming part of a team or group with a collective goal in mind. One cannot decide which Prep girl twirling her chiffon scarf as she danced across stage will become a ballerina or an accomplished dancer, nor which choir member will continue to sing publicly throughout her life – and neither should one. Patience is, after all, the calm acceptance that things can and do happen in a different order than the one we have in mind. It is often about simultaneously setting expectations and abandoning them when they become too prescriptive, too detailed, and too unrealistic.
Dr Linda Evans | Principal Giddy up!
The Kindy kids got a surprise this week when a carousel of hobby horses was delivered to their Theclassroom!2021Nokie Group - a Middle School Art group - meets once a week to complete service activities through art for the school. The girls painted the hobby horses for the Kindy kids, having previously completed artwork for the Greta Centre, and they are currently working on papier-mache birds to display in the school.
Emerging artist named as AT HOLME finalist
Community, expression, and connection are the key messages from the inspiring artwork Year 7 artist, Nellie Saltner, has created, and which has been chosen as a finalist design for the Queensland Reds 2023 Indigenous jersey. Nellie chose to represent those suffering from domestic violence. ‘Indigenous art is centered on story telling, and I wanted this piece to give those that may not be strong enough to speak up, the knowledge that they have a voice.’ Other elements include pink dot work, honoring those that have or are suffering from breast cancer, as well as the connection of community groups through the circles of white Nelliedots. said she would be immensely proud to see her creation transformed into a Reds jersey. ‘Whether my artwork is chosen or not, I’m very proud of myself for having the courage to pick up the paintbrush and give it a go.’ A proud Wakka Wakka woman, Nellie says her passion for Indigenous art was ignited when she began as a Boarder at Fairholme College this ‘I’veyear.felt very supported and encouraged by the entire Fairholme community and that is what makes me want to keep creating,’ Nellie said.
Nellie says for her painting is therapeutic; ‘it helps me escape reality and gives me a connection to the meaning behind what I’m Shecreating.’offers this piece of advice for first-time painters. ‘You just have to have a steady hand, be patient and let your dots dry before starting a new section and use the end of the paintbrush not the bristle.’
Women of Strength
Fairholme College has been a proud sponsor of The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation’s Women of Strength lunch for the past five years. Each year, around 57 girls from Middle School volunteer their time to welcome guests, serve lunch, and entertain the 700-strong crowd with music and dance. We think it’s a perfect way to showcase our College’s future women of strength!
AT HOLME Fashion Pop-Up Market Sunday 16 October Time: 10am -2pm Venue: West Star Motors James St Free Entry Workshop 1: Meet the Designer Lucy Mantova Thursday 20 October Time: Cost:Venue:1.30pmNewChapelFreeforstudents Workshop 2: Meet the Designer Sarah McCarthy Thursday 20 October Time: Cost:Venue:2.30pmNewChapelFreeforstudents Prejudging for the 2022 Fairholme Fashion Awards at 4pm BoostSpringJuiceParade Saturday 22 October | Doors open 10am, Assembly Hall Please purchase tickets prior to the event via the Fairholme website Sew Your Own A-Line Skirt Workshop Tuesday 18 October Time: Cost:Venue:5-7.30pmL22$70(includes fabric, cheese and wine) Student Duct Tape Clutch Workshop Wednesday 19 October Time: Venue:5-7.30pmJuniorSchool Art Room Cost: $20 Lampshade Covering Workshop Wednesday 19 October Time: Cost:Venue:5-7.30pmL22Small$55 Medium $60 Large $65 (includes lampshade frame, cheese and wine) Please provide your own fabric (0.50m) with the following characteristics: woven fabric (linen or cotton), fabric weight (depending on the desired lighting effect) from 110gsm to 220gsm
‘I played in five solo sections and received four firsts and a second,’ Eliza modestly said. Eliza first picked up the violin at the age of four and said she’s been lucky enough to be under the guidance of Mrs Celia Egerton ever since.
If there was ever a way to finish your last Eisteddfod, Prefect of the Arts, Eliza Kingston, certainly nailed the Thebrief.talented violinist was awarded the Strings Championship Trophy, amongst numerous other accolades.
‘My parents used to drive in from the farm every week for an hour for me to do lessons with Mrs Egerton.
‘She could teach anywhere she wanted and, in my opinion, would be the best, but she chose to come to Toowoomba, and I count my lucky stars every day that she made that ‘Yourdecision.music
‘Fairholme has improved my appreciation of music because if I hadn’t come to Fairholme, I wouldn’t have been given all those performance opportunities, and I would never have made it to that space where performing was ‘It’senjoyable.alsoallowed me to meet many different people and make lifelong friends, which has completely changed my personality. ‘Dad always had this dream; he always wanted his only daughter to go to Fairholme, and here I am finishing Year 12.’
Eliza was in Year 6 when she decided music was her future. Eliza and her father’s strong desire for her to wear the tartan found her applying for a scholarship at Fairholme College. She says if she hadn’t been awarded the Marjorie Milliken Music Scholarship, she would never have had the opportunity to be a Fairholme girl.
Finishing on a high note
teacher is like the third most important person in your life, after your parents, because you see them every single week for your entire life; they know everything about you.’
‘I want to continue playing my violin, especially in chamber music. I can’t imagine life without music.’
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Eliza will pack up her life and move to Canberra next year after she received early entry to the ANU Medicine program, and while she prepares for life outside of school, Eliza says there’ll always be time for her violin.
AT HOLME THE ARTS | Dance Showcase 2022
THE ARTS | Dance Showcase 2022
‘In May last year, 2,286 men, women and children in Toowoomba didn’t have a safe place to sleep. The housing crisis in Toowoomba is growing and Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot in April 2021 found that less than 1% of Australia’s private rental market was affordable to people on government pensions and benefits...’ - Mali Brennan
According to the Queensland Council of Social Service, in May 2021 there were 2,286 men, women and children in Toowoomba who didn’t have a safe place to sleep each night. The housing crisis in Toowoomba is growing, and Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot in April 2021 found that less than 1% of Australia’s private rental market was affordable to people on government pensions and benefits. Over the past 12 months, BASE Services has provided more than 20,000 meals, food, and hygiene packs and over 200 backpack beds to people sleeping rough in Toowoomba. https://homelessforaweek.com.au/
The last stop was Protea Place, where we were all served hot soup. Protea Place is a women’s support centre which offers women in need a safe, comfortable place that provides a meal, shower and a friendly face to chat to. We then continued on our journey, to the city library carpark where we set up camp for the night. Some brought swags, whilst others had nothing other than a sleeping bag for shelter and comfort. Trying to get to sleep on a cold night despite constant noise and glaring lights was truly challenging but enlightening.
Every conversation or donation will help.
The ‘Homeless for a Night’ sleepout is an event organised to raise awareness of the current housing crisis in our community, as well as raise funds to ensure the Basement Soup Kitchen can continue to provide support and assistance to people experiencing homelessness in our community. Together my mum and I raised $465; however, the most valuable contribution to the cause that we and anyone can make is to talk about it and continue spreading awareness of both local homelessness and the organisations running in Toowoomba.
The Homeless for a Night Sleepout was an invaluable experience which I encourage others to participate in if they have the opportunity to. It developed my understanding of the challenges faced daily by people in Toowoomba and worldwide and it reminded me of just how much every conversation and donation helps.
Recently, Mali Brennan participated in the ‘Homeless for a Night’ sleepout, an event organised to raise awareness of the housing crisis in our community
In recent years I have been participating in the annual Hike for the Homeless event, run by Base Services, a not-for-profit, community-developed organisation that works with individuals and families who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness. Last year my mum participated in the Homeless for a Night event run by BASE Services and she told me about what an eye-opening experience it was, so this year I decided it was something I wanted to take part in myself. Was it local homelessness that you wanted to raise awareness of?
• 14% of people experiencing homelessness are aged 12 or below • 24% of people experiencing homelessness are between 12 and 24 • 16% of people experiencing homelessness are over 55.
The Homeless for a Night Sleepout involved hearing different people’s stories and experiences and then getting to experience for ourselves just a small part of what homelessness can be like. The night began with a walk around Toowoomba, jumping from organisation to organisation, and hearing about the amazing services and support they provide to anyone in need, all year round.
What did you learn about sleeping rough for the night?
Tell me about the night itself…
Q& with Mali BrennanA
Why did you participate in Homeless For A Night?
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Homelessness in Australia is continuing to rise. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 1 in 200 Australians find themselves without a safe, secure or affordable place to sleep.
And what did you learn about yourself?
What are the statistics of homelessness in our region?
While spending a single night sleeping rough does not come close to the experiences of someone facing homelessness, it reminded me just how fortunate everyone who has a safe place to call home is and made me appreciate the security and comfort my house offers me every night.
The Fairholme Home Economics Kitchen was transformed into a production line as over 1000 Anzac biscuits were baked and Thepackaged.biscuits were posted in time for our Boarding Dads to enjoy during their smoko break on Father’s Day, as they often don’t get the chance to spend the day with their daughters. Thank you to Mrs Tina Hammond and Mrs Kylie Wallis for coming in on their weekend to bake and also to the Boarder girls who helped put together over 200 packages, which included hand-written notesFrom daughters to their dads. HOLME
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Dinner and a sunset
Dinner and a sunset
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Platinum Sponsors SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 10 FAIRHOLMEam-3pmCOLLEGEGoldSponsorsFace painting, showbags, a chocolate wheel, the (very popular) bottle stall, cake & bake, a photo booth, chip van, Boarder Cent Sale, a delicious food court and rides galore... The 2022 Spring Fair at Fairholme College is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! Thanks to our amazing sponsors...
Footy Finals Fever
Our girls played in the finals of the Swans Schools Cup Touch Football last week. The Fairholme Open Team won their play-off for third and fourth. The 13yrs Team played in the Grand Final and the scores were even at full time. The game went to a drop off, with the two teams playing three on three for over eight minutes. Unfortunately, the girls went down by one try. Our 15yrs Team won their Grand Final 5-4, with Sophie Brownlie named player of the final. Well done, to all three teams! - Tony Tregaskis, Head of Sport
AT HOLME Upcoming events FAIRHOLME COLLEGE | Wirra Wirra Street Toowoomba | (07) 4688 4688 | communications@fairholme.qld.edu.au Term 3 Concludes 15 September Boarder & Day Girl Orientation 17 September Term 4 Commences 05 October Fashion Week 16-22 October Presenting Fairholme 20 October Induction of Senior Leaders 21 October Spring Fair & Fashion Show 22 October Mothers’ Long Lunch 11 November Year 6 Chapel & Graduation Dinner 14 November Year 12 Valedictory Morning & Dinner 17 November Year 12 Valedictory Assembly 18 November Community Carols & Thanksgiving 20 November Year 9 Graduation Assembly 22 November Term 4 Concludes 23 November