AT Holme
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PEN: Win Some. Learn Some. Become.
I enjoy watching Fairholme sport, debating, dance, choir (and the list meanders on), from the sideline. There is joy in watching without responsibility. It does not, as Mr Tregaskis would attest, mean that I do not wince when I see what I believe to be, an incorrect umpire’s decision.
You have no idea how much I will miss standing on the sideline observing young people learning to be. After all, these performance arenas are just that – places of becoming. That is, when we, as adults don’t mess with ‘the becoming.’
In anticipation of losing my legitimate reason to watch Fairholme play anything, perform anything … I am concentrating on the privilege of the moment. I am soaking in the delights of fiercely contested debating finals, narrow wins and losses on the courts and fields of Toowoomba where the temperature is always colder or hotter than forecast and, the unparalleled joy of Junior School girls dancing on stage without inhibition, some perfectly attuned with the music’s beat and other’s not. I am absorbing the opportunity to witness learning at its essence.
Performance in sport or The Arts is a public event. If your artwork is hung in a gallery space it is ‘public’ – open to
be appreciated or criticised. If one is singing, dancing, debating or playing an instrument on stage with an audience there is nowhere to hide if an error is made. And, on a court or field – one’s performance is open to scrutiny or praise – or everything in between. Becoming is core business at these times.
Anthony Simcoe, perhaps best known for his role as Steve in the epic Australian film, The Castle with lines like, “Dale dug a hole, Dad,” or “How much for jousting sticks?” was a gangly 15-year-old boy when I first met him at Burnside State High School in Nambour, where he was seeking to master the volleyball dig, serve and
“You have no idea how much I will miss standing on the sideline observing young people learning to be...”
- Dr Linda Evans
set. Who would have imagined his becoming?
Even years on, Anthony would say that he learned to become an actor through washing dishes at cafes – earning money between acting jobs – learning to observe the humanness in his customers. He washed a lot of dishes and served a lot of tables in order to become a credible member of The Castle’s Kerrigan family. In tedious hours he learned about people and about hard, repetitive work.
Repetition is the underpinning pattern of rehearsal and practice. Some of us do it well, others not so. I hear it in action many mornings as I pass the Performing Arts building, I see it on mornings and afternoons in our gym and on our oval. Rehearsal. Practice. Becoming. It is more palpable; it would seem, than our classroom learning which inhabits a far more private space: often behind a closed door.
How special it was, a few weeks ago, to invite the parents of Year 12.1 English to join their daughter, Mrs Anderson and I for a Period Five Friday afternoon lesson of Macbeth. Seated in a huge circle in the confines of G24, students directed the lesson: spelling, quotations, thematic discussions and questions, for their parent and the other class members.
It was an impressive moment (from a teacher’s perspective anyway) – to see students demonstrate their knowledge in a semi-public forum.
It was timely for parents, no doubt, to remember the awkwardness of not knowing an answer, the joy of accuracy as well as the discomfort of feedback about an incorrect assumption – these are aspects of learning with which our students grapple, daily -as they become.
There was delight in sharing the messiness of learning, the non-linear path of knowledge and how these segue to ‘becoming.’
Although, that moment of self-
actualisation we seek or reaching the mountain top does not come at the same time or in the same way for any of us. And we have to be patient from our sideline position.
We have to trust the process. We have to remember also, that losing and missing out are important components of future winning.
We have to remember in the words of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Spanish Priest, theologian and thinker, “we learn only when we are ready to learn.” St. Ignatius reminds us that education is not confined to classrooms; it can happen anywhere and at any time: if we allow it.
And thus, as adults, as we inhabit more than our fair share of sidelines real and metaphoric. During the rundown to the finish line, let us all be gracious in allowing our young people ‘to become’ … a process that is uneven, at times uncomfortable, messy, deeply disappointing and … often wildly exhilarating.
Let us enjoy each and every facet and be gracious in the spaces where alignment with expectation is not met in performance or outcome. It is here, in this place, which can feel unpleasant, unsatisfactory and uninvited that the greatest learning and hence the greatest opportunity to become, can occur. If we, as adults who should know better, don’t mess with ‘the becoming.’
“Another ball game lost! Good grief!” Charlie moans. “I get tired of losing. Everything I do, I lose!”
“Look at it this way, Charlie Brown,” Lucy replies. “We learn more from losing than we do from winning.”
“That makes me the smartest person in the world!” replies Charlie. Win some. Learn some. Become.
REFERENCE
Maxwell, J. (2013) On Turning a Loss into a Gain | Adapted from Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn (October 2013) https://www. johnmaxwell.com/blog/ on-turning-a-lossinto-a-gain-adaptedfrom-sometimes-youwin-sometimes-you/
Dr Linda Evans | Principal
100 Days to go
In week 6 of this term, the Year 12s celebrated with their parents and Fairholme College staff the milestone of having only 100 days left at Fairholme. This event signified the start of the series of ‘lasts’ that occur between now and the Valedictory Assembly on Friday, 15 November. The theme for this event was high tea, where guests enjoyed some savoury and sweet delicacies with tea and coffee, all served in vintage china hired in for this special occasion.
Dr Evans opened the event and spoke about the importance of the remaining school days, noting that of the 100 days left, only 36 will be spent in the classroom. She urged students to make the most of this time, to be present, and to notice the people and experiences around them. Drawing on the Olympic motto, “no journey is taken alone,” she encouraged students to finish well, to be grateful, and to give their best effort in everything, honouring themselves and those who have supported them.
This event was concluded by Madeline Grant, a Fairholme Old Girl from 2016 who spoke to the Year 12s about the importance of making mistakes. She talked about reframing failure, and rather than viewing errors as setbacks, she encouraged the students to see them as integral steps in the learning process, akin to the great historical achievements that have endured through centuries. She intertwined personal stories of her career and studies with the role of mistakes in historical and archaeological contexts.
From the construction failures of ancient Egyptian pyramids to the trial and error visible in ostraca (pottery shards), she emphasised that what may seem like catastrophic errors at that moment may become simple struggles and errors viewed one day with the same kindness that history affords to the trial and error of the past often seen by future generations as evidence of learning and growth.
In a world where perfection is often sought and expected, Maddy’s speech served as a refreshing reminder that imperfection is not only natural but necessary.
This event was a chance to reflect, relax, reset, and prepare for trial exams, final lessons, and revision and to celebrate this significant stage of the Senior’s Fairholme journey.
marketing
in the modern school
Storytelling, building connections, and engaging our community is irreplaceable in the marketing strategy of a school. Fairholme Marketing Manager, Kathryn Doyle, talks about what resonates in modern-day school communication.
School marketing is more than just promoting programs and events; it’s about telling the stories that define a school’s identity, its values, and its community. In an era where AI and digital tools dominate the conversation, the human touch remains as critical as ever. This became abundantly clear during a recent school marketing retreat I attended—an experience that was far from your ordinary conference.
As soon as we stepped into the room on Day 1, it was laptops open, minds engaged, and hearts invested. The retreat, organised by School Marketing Manifesto, was designed to pull school marketers out of their busy office environments and immerse them in two days of intense, hands-on work. By the end of it, we didn’t just walk away with a head full of ideas; we left with a complete marketing plan ready to take back to our principals and business managers, along with new networks and a reignited passion for our work.
One of the key takeaways from the retreat was the importance of planning. As school marketers, we are often so consumed by the daily demands of our roles that we rarely find the time to step back and strategise. This retreat provided that much-needed pause, a moment to delve into the data, conduct SWOT analyses, and write comprehensive marketing and communications plans.
At Fairholme, this meant grappling with both the opportunities and threats presented by our current situation—such as the arrival of a new principal next year. How will this transition impact our marketing efforts? How can we leverage our strong enrolment numbers, given that we’re the largest girls’ school in Toowoomba? With
“No matter how advanced our tools become, the stories we tell and the relationships we build will always be our most powerful assets...”
- Kathryn Doyle
waiting pools already in place, we face the challenge of marketing something we may not be able to deliver, all while ensuring we remain present and top-of-mind for prospective families.
Despite the growing role of AI in marketing, the retreat reaffirmed that the human element—storytelling, building connections, and engaging our community—remains irreplaceable. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest digital trends, but at its core, effective school marketing is about telling stories that resonate.
One of the sessions that stood out featured a school videographer who works prominently with international schools. His insights on the positives and negatives of AI, along with strategies for maximising digital marketing efforts, were invaluable. Yet, the
underlying message was clear: no matter how advanced our tools become, the stories we tell and the relationships we build will always be our most powerful assets.
Another highlight of the retreat was the opportunity to connect with other school marketers. Many of my peers were in leadership roles, which underscored the importance of marketing at a strategic level within schools. While I may not be part of the leadership team at Fairholme, the experience reinforced that our marketing and communication efforts are ahead of the curve in many ways. However, it also highlighted areas where we can improve, particularly in internal communications and stakeholder engagement.
One area where I see room for growth is in the use of our communication tools. We’ve rolled out fantastic resources like our “Happenings at Holme” and app, but we haven’t always put enough effort into ensuring everyone—parents, teachers, admin staff—knows how to use them effectively. My goal now is to implement a comprehensive communications strategy that includes video tutorials and parent engagement events. It’s not enough to introduce new tools; we need to follow up and ensure they’re being used to their full potential.
The retreat didn’t just reignite my passion for school marketing; it also gave me the tools and inspiration to take our efforts at Fairholme to the next level. I’m excited about the upcoming implementation of the Funnel enrolment system, which will be a game-changer in how we connect with prospective families. I’m also more committed than ever to the power of planning and the importance of human interest in our marketing efforts.
Holme away from home
For Year 7 Boarder, Audrey Colville, just getting from her home on Groote Eylandt to Fairholme is an adventure in itself
Fairholme College is not just a school; it’s a second home for girls who come from far and wide, seeking an education that is as enriching as it is welcoming.
Our Boarding family is a vibrant mix of students hailing from across Australia and even beyond, each bringing their unique backgrounds, lifestyles, and communities into the fold of the Fairholme community.
One such student is Audrey Colville, a Year 7 Boarder who embarks on quite a journey to reach school each term.
Audrey’s home is on Groote Eylandt, a small, remote island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which she calculates is “2,182 kilometres” from Toowoomba.
Describing her island home, Audrey shared, “It’s very remote, with a couple of little shops, and then lots of beaches.”
Her trip to Fairholme involves two flights—from Groote to Cairns, then Cairns to Brisbane—followed by a drive to Toowoomba.
Audrey’s family chose Fairholme College after hearing about it from a close family friend, and so far, she’s thrilled with the decision. When asked about her favourite part of being at Fairholme, Audrey quickly responded, “Having all the friends and the opportunities.”
Before moving to Groote Eylandt, Audrey lived in Tasmania and Sydney, but she now enjoys the outdoor life on the island, where she spends her time “fishing and
camping.” Groote Eylandt is a “traditional place,” she explained, where people engage in activities like “spear making” and exploring “bush tracks and water holes.”
While life in Toowoomba is vastly different, Audrey says she “loves the cold” and enjoys weekends either “going out with some daygirl friends” or spending time with her boarder friends at school.
Since arriving at Fairholme, Audrey has quickly embraced the many extracurricular activities the school offers, including “netball, swimming, horse riding, speed, power, strength, and choir.”
These opportunities, available to all students, provide a fantastic way for both boarders and day girls to connect, make friends, and pursue their passions.
Despite her enthusiasm for Fairholme, Audrey admits that homesickness has been a challenge. “This term it’s definitely better,” she said, noting how the close-knit community of the boarding house has helped her adjust. Audrey’s favourite part of boarding? The friendships she’s made, with girls from places like Julia Creek and Alice Springs. Fairholme College is fortunate to have boarders from diverse backgrounds who form such an integral and unique component of our community.
They contribute to the dynamic environment that makes our school a true ‘holme away from home.’
the Boarding House from
IN THE ARTS
UniSQ Future Visions
The ‘Future Visions’ 2024 Exhibition was officially opened at the University of Southern Queensland on Friday 9 August. In exciting news, Fairholme’s Year 12 student, Alana Callaghan was awarded the Overall First Prize of $500 for her work, ‘Light at the end of the Tunnel’. Alana was presented her Award from Dr Rhiannan Johnson and Dr Alexandra Lawson from The School of Creative Arts at UniSQ.
In addition to Alana’s superb first prize, an amazing 27 artworks were produced by Fairholme girls in Years 10-12. The annual Future Vision art award attracted 126 entries from 13 schools in the Region, with just 55 works selected as Finalists from just eight schools.
The Exhibition is on display at the UniSQ A Block Gallery until the 9 September.
QDU Debating Finals
A successful Debating season has come to an end with five Fairholme teams making the Semi Finals of the Queensland Debating Union’s Toowoomba Region Interschool competition and three teams progressing all the way to the Grand Finals!
Congratulations to our Year 7, Year 8 and Senior teams on their outstanding final debates. Although runner-ups this time, all teams debated beautifully and did themselves and the College proud.
It was also so wonderful to see such a large crew of Fairholme girls and staff supporting our Grand Finalists.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Clean Sweep for our Touch Teams
It was a clean sweep for our 13s, 15s and Opens at the South West Queensland Secondary All Schools Touch Competition.
All Fairholme teams remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament.
Huge thanks to our dedicated coaches for their incredible effort and commitment to developing our girls’ touch football skills!
We wish our teams all the best in their final preparations for the Gold Coast Titans All Schools tournament in October.
Vicki Wilson Netball State Championships
Our Senior and Junior Vicki Wilson 1 teams competed at State Vicki Wilson on the 9th and 10th August at Nissan Arena in Brisbane. Our juniors came up against Immanuel College whom they lost against in their pool game but in the playoff for 7th, Fairholme JVW1 won! 2622 was the final score. Our seniors came 10th overall coming up against St Aidans.
It was close the entire game but it ended up St Aidans 29 and Fairholme 21. All girls played their hearts out for their coaches and
their teammates and have done Fairholme proud.
Primary Schools Netball Gala Day
Our Junior netballers had a fantastic day at the inaugural Darling Downs Primary Schools Netball Gala Day. Playing against primary schools from across the region, the girls were thrilled to go through undefeated all day.
Congratulations to our student recently selected to represent the Darling Downs region in Cricket: Alice Shepherd (10-12 Years)
Back To Back National Champion
Our swimming superstar Mackenzie Grimes has done it again! Mackenzie brought home an incredible five medals from the recent School Sport Australia Games, including back-to-back Australian titles in the 100m Backstroke.
• Gold 100m Backstroke
• Silver 200m Backstroke
• Bronze 50m Backstroke
• Gold Mixed Medley Relay
• Gold Girls Medley Relay and new School Sport Australia record
Darling Downs Athletics
Last week we had 34 athletes participate at the Darling Downs Track and Field Championships across 84 different events. The girls enjoyed great success winning 20 Gold, 13 Silver and 12 Bronze. Addi Attrill won the 14 years 1500m and broke the record with the win and Fairholme won every age group of the 1500m.
Winners of events were:
Abi Barnes: 1st in 15 years
800m and 1500m
Georgia Brassington: 1st in 15 years 3000m
Amara Clemens: 1st in 14 years
400m and 800m
Milla Deignan-Ekelund: 1st in 18 years Discus
Claire Longmire: 1st in 14 years
Triple Jump and 90m Hurdles
Meli Manibe: 1st in 13 years
Triple Jump
Olivia Martell: 1st in 16 years
Long Jump
Sally McLean: 1st in 16 years
Hammer and Discus
Rose McLoughlin: 1st in 17 years Hammer
Carla Nobbs: 1st in 16 years
High Jump
Mackenzi Schefe: 1st in 17 years 1500m and 3000m
Gemma Sullivan: 1st in 13 years 1500m
Julia Wainwright: 1st in 16 years 1500m
All our girls, along with Milly Chappel, Izzie Elsley, Isabel Longmire, Elana Schultheiss, Scarlett Sippel, Alara Williams and Sophie McMaster, have been selected in the 13-19 years
Darling Downs team to go to State Championships early next term.
Meanwhile, Elvie Saltner has been selected in the 10-12 years.
JUNIOR SHOWCASE I LOVE BROADWAY!
CREME DE LA CREME CONCERT
