FOCUS on Fairholme Spring 2014

ON FAIRHOLME | SPRING 2014

this issue

‘The fundamental purpose of school is

learning,

not teaching.’

Richard DuFour

And thus, our Winter 2014 issue of Focus on Fairholme adjusts its lens to display a series of of ‘learning snapshots’ at the College over the past 12 months.

As we well know, learning takes place in all shapes and forms. From Kindy through to Junior and Middle Schools, and our graduating Seniors stepping out into the brave world of adulthood – the learning of numeracy, literacy, science, languages, the arts and sport is imperative, as is the manner in which we conduct our execution of each of those disciplines.

But what of the learning of becoming a decent human being? Of becoming a young woman of genuine selflessness? The Year 11 girls who travelled to Mizpah would tell you that their adventure disarmingly and beautifully brought their perspective on need and want to an abrupt halt.

Gratitude is, indeed, a lesson that lasts a lifetime.

The tapestry of learning experiences at Fairholme College is vast and rich. As you survey the following portraits and their insights, we trust that you consider the value of each story for each girl’s memories, abilities, dreams... her learning.

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contents

g n i n learto lead

6 KEEN TO BE GREEN Fairholme Junior Garden Club reap their rewards Chairman of the Fairholme College Board of Directors, Mr Ian Andersen, speaks of the benefits of professional learning in the area of governance.

7 FOOD FOR THE SOUL Providing ‘Baked Relief’ for our farming families

10 THE PERFECT PLACE TO PLAY Showcasing the new adventure area in the Fairholme Junior Kindy 13 SINGING UP A STORM Five talented Fairhome girls feature in ‘Project Pucini’

22 SETTING TRENDS Seeking excellence and securing success – across the board

26

Learning is a form of good stewardship. This truth, simple as it sounds, but profound in application, has become increasingly clear to me as I continue in my role as Chairman.

I found myself contemplating this principle again after recently completing the Independent Schools Queensland Governance Program.

The program was well presented, thought-provoking and stimulating. I received great benefit from this unique forum of collaborating with other professionals, enjoying the privilege and responsibility, as I do, of working in the world of school governance.

This program covered a range of complex subject matters such as compliance and policy framework, strategy and performance measures, legal environment and stakeholder networking. However, for those of us involved in the program, and in spite of the many differences between our schools, there was a simple motivation that drove us all: to learn, so that we are better prepared to govern better the precious things entrusted to us.

It is true that ‘To whom much is given, much is required’ (Luke 12:48). As a member of the College Board, entrusted with ‘much’ – overseeing Fairholme College’s regulatory compliance, financial health, setting strategy and managing strategic risk for the future – it is vital that we, as Board members equip ourselves with an attitude that seeks to know best practice, so we can apply those principles. For the advancement of our students both current and future, it is my personal responsibility to learn.

As educators and governors, we are acutely aware of the need to better of ourselves as individuals, and the attainment of excellence in our own personal learning is part of the privilege of serving in this capacity. It is through our individual effort, combined collaboration, and thoughtful application that we will see Fairholme continue to flourish.

Mr Ian Andersen | Chairman

Learning is a form of good stewardship.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Keep up with the news of our Fairholme Old Girls SPRING 2014 | 3

A TALE OF tenacity

…

A brief insight into the Principal’s Journey of discovery during Doctoral writing Jemima: Can you name some driving forces that assisted you during the five years of this extensive process?

Mrs Evans: An absolute constant was my father encouraging me to simply ‘get it done!’

Recently, I sat down with Fairholme College Principal, Mrs Linda Evans, to ponder the merits of thesis writing. During our conversation, she stood up, walked over to the shelf and picked up, what I thought, was a fresh ream of printing paper.

‘I’m done,’ she said, and that was the moment I realised that she was, in fact, holding her doctoratal thesis.

It has taken her five years, 75, 000 words and 22 pages of bibliographical references to reach this point. The endgame: a Doctorate of Education.

Mrs Evans’s thesis examined the effects of teacher professional learning upon school improvement.

Her primary objective was to uncover the best way that teachers can be supported to learn, in order to strengthen their pedagogical practice.

The findings showed that learning is an on-going process which is made more achievable through in-depth, context-based research involving collaboration and phases of reflection.

As students, we can learn two things from Mrs Evans’ endeavours.

4 | SPRING 2014

Firstly, this is a story of tenacity.

When I asked whether she had ever regretted taking it on, she responded candidly, ‘often’. The process to getting a doctorate is anything but simple. It is highly involved, requiring reading and more reading, extensive drafting and countless consultation sessions. This is a story of academic rigour, a trait which we can apply to our own lives.

Secondly, she said that part of the reason for her persistence was her father. He encouraged her to simply ‘get it done!’. It is widely known that nothing worth having comes easily; however, sometimes timely encouragement from those who matter to us most, is priceless.

Though Mrs Evans is delighted to have finished her thesis, she still has to undergo a number of final interviews and critiques before officially being awarded her Doctorate of Education. Whilst Mrs Evans was once caught out on an Assembly saying: ‘Winning is a terrible thing’, it is fair to say that in this academic domain, ‘winning’ is not such a terrible thing after all.

on the reef

Reef Magic Cruises | Work ‘Adventure’ Being a qualified scuba diver and caring about our oceans, I chose work experience in the Marine Biology field on-board a vessel leaving Cairns each day, steaming out to Moore Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. I was labelled by the crew a ‘cruisey bio’. That is, my duties were half cruise attendant and half marine biologist.

A few rough weather days with 30 knot winds didn’t stop me from loving every minute on the ocean (even though some of the passengers didn’t like it very much!). During the 1.5hr boat trip to the floating pontoon I operated as a cruise attendant, and was responsible for deck watch and making sure the passengers were travelling well. After arriving at the pontoon, all staff had a roster to follow for their jobs that day. I usually started with handing out wetsuits, and, funnily enough, some foreigners had absolutely no idea how to put one on.

During the course of the week I was paired up with two marine biologists who arranged all of the snorkel and dive tours, so I had the opportunity to accompany them on all of these water activities. This is where Wally befriended me – Wally, the hump headed Maori Wrasse, the gentle giant who takes a keen interest in all who swim into his territory. I actually took more of a strong liking to Willy, his smaller brother. I couldn’t ever swim past without him brushing and knocking up against me, wanting a pat and a scrub of his lips.

I had a wonderful time on Reef Magic and loved every minute of it. Having met some wonderful people and learning more about the reef and what marine biologists actually do, this is definitely an experience I will always treasure and remember.

Bobbie Finch | Year 10

SPRING 2014 | 5

An

learning

for

Take a wander around the winding pathway below Fairholme Junior, and you will no doubt behold a most rewarding sight. A plot of earth, rich not only in nutrients for the fresh produce it yields, but rich also in life lessons for young growers.

The Junior School Environment Club is keen to make Fairholme College as ‘green as can be’. Club members harvested a bumper crop from their recently installed vegetable garden, which is full of delicious vegetables and herbs. When the food is ready to be picked, the students sell their produce to parents and staff. From the funds raised, they are buying more seedlings to ensure this project remains selfsustainable. The children will also utilise the College kitchen to cook up delicious healthy food from their fresh produce.

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Members of the Environment Club are also involved in recycling food scraps for a worm farm and to feed Ms Eden’s chickens.

Food scraps are collected in bins and the waste is used to feed the worm farm which is then used for fertilising our vegetable garden. The waste in school bins has been greatly reduced thanks to this project, and also due to the fact that the Club members are promoting a weekly Nude Food day, where students bring food to eat that doesn’t use plastic wrap or packaging.

SOUL To date some 17,000 ANZAC biscuits and 600 fruit cakes have been distributed in this year’s BAKED RELIEF campaign. That tally can now be raised by at least 1,000 biscuits after Fairholme Year 11 girls proudly supported Mrs Georgie Somerset (A Fairholme Boarder Mum) and the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network BAKED RELIEF’s efforts. The girls baked, packaged and assisted in the distribution of baked goods to Queensland farmers in need, accompanied by heartfelt notes of love and encouragement from both Fairholme families and caring members of the wider local community.

Following the delivery of the ‘care packs’ to farming families, the College was inundated with letters of thanks, and gracious messages – an example of which follows: ‘Dear students, thankyou for your kind thoughts. I can assure you these are the best biscuits that I have eaten in 70 years. Keep thinking of others and the world will be a better place...’

EVERYONE’s FAVOURITE FLAVOURS Fairholme College’s Family Favourites cookbook is a compilation of recipes and photographs which capture our heritage, our present and our future.

Within these 260 pages you will find favourite recipes along with those that have been handed down lovingly through families. It is with the knowledge that the kitchen is often the heart of the family home, that we are delighted to share them with you.

For the perfect gift, or simply for your own indulgence, purchase a copy today by contacting the administration office: T 07 4688 4688 E info@fairholme.qld.edu.au

On sale now for only

$39.95 SPRING 2014 | 7

And so, we danced...

Foxtrots and high heels, red carpet and stunning fashion were on display as College Seniors stepped out in style for the 2014 Fairholme Formal.

Crowds of eager family and friends lined the edges of Fairholme’s Palm Drive to herald the entrance of this year’s Senior cohort, as they celebrated their muchanticipated Formal on Thursday, 3 April. The transformation from tartan-clad school girls to graceful and elegant young women was breathtaking. Gowns were long, flowing, simple in design, and diverse in their colours. The heels were high, very high.

As is tradition, the evening began with a function for parents, teachers, the girls and their partners.

Following the red carpet walk-in and an on-stage introduction of each girl and her partner, some ballroom dancing – including a father-daughter foxtrot. The formal part of the evening was celebrated at Picnic Point where a delicious meal was shared, along with more photographs, dancing, and the formalities of the cutting of the cake – introduced by Head Girl, Sarah Aljassim. This special social milestone was celebrated with style and panache, and the Fairholme community was proud to share it with its impressive Seniors of 2014.

○ Joumannah Haddad and Will Hansen

○ Hannah Nugent and Max Fox

○ Maddison Neven and Ryan Schefe 8 | SPRING 2014

○ Ellen Morrison and Geordi Pohlman

○ Anita Brits and Jesse DeVeth

○ Danielle Clarke and Caitlin Van Der Vyver

○ Sarah Patterson and Preston Anderson

○ Tiarna Pratt, Jemima Burt, Dom Du Toit, Sarah Aljassim, and Lucy Grigg

○ Georgia Gierke, Ali Doyle, Taylah Ford, Kiris Apelt, and Shannon McHours

○ Sophie Rae and Timothy Beare SPRING 2014 | 9

seeds

of imagination Of all the child-like qualities that are desirable to retain in adults, surely the ability to imagine wonderful, fantastical worlds is one.

So it is, that on any given day in Fairholme Kindy, tiny tots can be seen and heard laughing, gazing curiously, and carrying out a multitude of activities with immense celebration and gusto: tapping, splashing, drumming, planting, harvesting... learning.

10 | SPRING 2014

The perfect place to play...

The new adventure area in the Fairholme Junior Kindy brings a whole new meaning to playbased learning.

We acknowledge and thank the Queensland Government for funding from the Renovation and Refurbishment Grant Program for Kindergarten Services. Our students can now enjoy a fascinating landscaped area with interesting textures and paths to explore, a water way with a pump, a new deck, a vegetable garden, a sand pit and an outdoor musical instrument.

SPRING 2014 | 11

Gaining the

International ADVANTAGE There’s nothing quite like learning how to represent an Australian women’s rugby team – on an international stage, with the world watching.

Fairholme sportswoman Dominique Du Toit is set to receive a vigorous schooling in challenging tackles, defending her line and staring down fierce opponents whose sole aim is to bring her down... and she can’t wait.

NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPION TO REPRESENT THE AUSTRALIAN JKA TEAM IN TOKYO

With her sights firmly on emulating the achievements of one of her role models, past Fairholme student and 2012 Sports Prefect Emilee Cherry, who is a dual Australian Open representative, Dominique has built up an impressive list of achievements. A member of Fairholme’s squad that became the first Darling Downs school to win the girls division of the State All Schools Touch Championships, she has captained the Darling Downs juniors, played for the Open South West Swans and has been a member of the Queensland Juniors and Open Schoolgirls Teams. An Elite 8s player with the Stingrays, Dominique has toured New Zealand twice and also plays for the Gold Coast Dodgers in the Brisbane competition.

12 | SPRING 2014

While her goal to represent Australia in Touch is still a major focus, it is currently Rugby 7s which has seen Dominique make her first Australian Squad. At the National Sevens Tournament on the Gold Coast, she was named Australian Player of the Tournament and was selected, along with Fairholme’s 2013 Sports Prefect Georgina Rackemann, in the Youth Olympic Squad to compete in China in August. With a tour to Japan in April for the SANIX World Youth Championships, it has become a busy year for the talented sportswomen.

Congratulations and good luck to both girls for the tournament in Nanjing, which begins on 17 August.

What an action-packed Senior year Anita Brits has had! Anita started 2014 with a Karate training seminar that hosted top Japanese instructors from the JKA headquarters held in Melbourne, this was followed by the National championships, showcasing the best Karate talent in Australia competing for the coveted title of National champion in the various age groups. Impressively, Anita competed in a very hard and well-contested division, going on to win and claim the National title for the third year in a row.

The National selections took place over the same period, where she was seeded number one in Australia and selected to represent the Australian Junior JKA team, which will be competing at the World JKA Karate Championship to be held in Tokyo, Japan, from 13 – 19 October.

Anita was placed second in the 2011 World cup in Thailand, and will be displaying some steely determination to win the title this year.

‘Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.’

Abigail Adams

Some talented Fairholme girls have discovered that diligence and an uncompromising work ethic in perfecting their craft can occasionally result in a most wonderful outcome: the attaining of learning in a league far above normal, everyday life.

Hand-picked by Opera Queensland, five Fairholme girls were included in the selected chorus (36 adults and 12 children from Toowoomba) to perform in Puccini’s La Boheme at the Empire Theatre on Friday 15 August 2014.

A number of Fairholme students had the courage to audition for Opera Queensland representatives. This in itself was a wonderful achievement, and all are to be congratulated.

Some 90 local singers auditioned for the Toowoomba performance.

Spanning Junior, Middle and Senior schools, these girls had the opportunity to sing in Italian alongside many talented Opera singers:

Project Puccini is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Playing Queensland Fund, and is also supported by the Graeme Wood Foundation. An intensive 10-week development program will equip all participants with improved music and drama skills, new social and creative networks, and an increased sense of community, wellbeing and self-esteem.

> Year 7 Emma Baillie and Phoebe Long-Heslop > Year 10 Georgia Hayward > Year 11 Nina Wildman > Year 12 Courtney Hayward

Project Puccini is a world-first initiative by Opera Queensland, which gives hundreds of Queenslanders the opportunity to perform in the chorus of a brand new production of Puccini's La Bohème.

An intensive 10-week development program will equip all participants with improved music and drama skills, new social and creative networks, and an increased sense of community, wellbeing and self-esteem.

Supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Playing Queensland Fund, it is also supported by the Graeme Wood Foundation.

SPRING 2014 | 13

The tutelage of

service

The College’s annual service trip to Mizpah Orphanage, India, creates a new life perspective for Fairholme girls.

How can one’s heart not become full of gratitude for what we have, when one has been forever touched, indeed taught, by those with far less?

December 2013 and January 2014 saw two groups of Fairholme Year 11 girls and staff embark on a voyage to India.

There, they learned: contentment despite the lack of earthly goods, the importance of joy even in hardship, and the realness of faith of a people trusting in God, literally, for their daily bread.

‘When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.’

Maya Angelou

In 2006, almost by chance, Fairholme College’s Pastor Richard Jessup and his wife Kerrie stumbled upon a small orphanage, Mizpah Home, in Oootacumund, Southern India. What has emerged from this chance meeting has been a fabulous relationship, strengthened by service, on-going financial support and an annual trek by groups of Year 11 girls and staff.

14 | SPRING 2014

Agape Hope Children’s Centre: truly a place of love and hope.

Early in 2014, along with a small team from Australia, I headed off on my second mission trip to Agape Hope Children’s Centre, Nairobi Kenya. This orphanage is small in size, yet gives so much love and hope to the 100 plus children within its walls.

Founded in 2003 by Pastor Oliver and his wife Margaret Cheriba, Agape Hope has a school attached where children from the local area can also attend. Schooling in Kenya isn’t free – there isn’t any financial support from the government for either schools or orphanages.

Whilst in Kenya the group’s main mission was the building of school desks for all classes. Between mum and myself, we also successfully implemented a hand washing program, educating children from baby class up to class 8. Water tanks and hand washing stations were also purchased and placed throughout Agape Hope, to reinforce the issue of personal hygiene.

In 2013-14, thirty-eight Year 11 girls and eight

As is the case each year that Fairholme

teachers spent part of their Christmas holidays

travels to Ooty, all involved were reminded

in India, with their time in ‘Ooty’ being divided

of the privilege of service and the blessing

between the Mizpah orphanage and Smyrna

of gaining a broader perspective of life …

Rehabilitation Centre. Girls were involved

Of course this sort of service is not about

in beggar food drops but predominantly in

helping the impoverished and feeling some

painting, playing and simply interacting with

sort of self-righteousness because of it.

children of a diversity of ages, from a diversity

It is the reverse, really. This trip is about

of impoverished backgrounds.

humility, valuing people and learning about the things that matter.

My aim is to raise $100 000 (Aus) for the orphange, this amount would secure the land required (currently being leased) as well as having money to begin replacing or upgrading dilapidated building structures which are currently being used. This may seem a big ask, but it only takes one spark to start a fire.

My heart is with my Kenyan brothers and sisters – children who may feel their voice will not be heard: as the Lord guides me, I will endeavour to be that voice for them, creating awareness.

Erin Higgins | Year 10

SPRING 2014 | 15

Equestriennes Triumph

in 2014 State Champions!!

An Extravaganza of Success at Scots PGC The largest Fairholme equestrian team to date led the field at this year’s Scots PGC Extravaganza, held in Warwick from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June.

Three days of competition saw Fairholme’s 15 riders contending for placings across all categories, including Dressage, Show jumping, Showhorse, Showman and Combined Training. The team had a successful and rewarding tournament, returning home with several champion titles across individual and team events. The Secondary equestrian team is comprised totally of boarders, which adds to the challenge of training and all that is entailed in attending equestrian events such as this, so they should be further commended for their efforts.

Riders: Georgie Tonkin, Claudia Dight, Tory Robertson, Brittany Clark, Loretta Morris, Meg Gillan, Clare Hensley, Lauren Bougoure, Bree Robertson, Mia Doering, Chelsea Toomey, Amilia Schooley, Becky Gillan, Phoebe Riordan and Kaitlin Topalov.

16 | SPRING 2014

The 2014 Interschool Equestrian State Championships were held in Maryborough during the June/July school holidays. Fairholme sent a team of nine Secondary riders and two Primary riders to compete in the four disciplines of Dressage, Showhorse, Showman and Showjumping.

The riders competing in Dressage competed at Medium, Elementary, Novice and Preliminary levels and all rode and placed well. They also achieved placings in in the Showhorse and Showman sections. Our largest number of competitors was in Showjumping, with riders competing at all height levels, with huge success across all classes, culminating in winning Champion Secondary Showjumping Team.

Impressively, the following five riders qualified for Nationals which will be held in Melbourne in the September/October school holidays: Phoebe Riordan, our youngest rider (Dressage and Showjumping), Becky Gillan, Brittany Clarke and Loretta Morris (Showjumping) and Tory Robertson (Dressage).

Congratulations to all our riders who showed such skill, confidence and camaraderie over the four days of competition.

Supreme Champion – Australian Stock Horse National Championships

What a start to 2014 for Year 10 Fairholme boarder Anna Elder, after her outstanding performance at the Australian Stock Horse National Championships at Tamworth during the first week of March. Anna took out a plethora of awards resulting in her being awarded Supreme Champion Hack of the Show (there were over 500 horses competing for this award).

Anna’s success deserves the highest praise, as during the entire competition she was in Open company and was one of only a handful of riders under the age of 18 years.

in the making

Junior students enjoy the ‘thrill of discovery’ during the CSIRO Early Learners Science Lab Program There were huge smiles on all the faces of the Prep girls, as, together with Lisa, the CSIRO Education Officer, they rotated through the many hands-on activities designed to get them thinking about how things work.

The girls were fascinated by electrical circuit experiments, and enjoyed learning about magnetic experiments, body organs, and air pressure through playing with water balls.

The Year 1 girls also attended an in-school hands-on learning experience presented by a CSIRO Science Education Officer on the topic, Beginner Robotics. The girls happily engaged with the awesome and very cute Beebots, and thus, extending their skills of literacy and numeracy, working collaboratively, problem solving, spatial awareness and logical thinking.

The Year 6 girls participated in a workshop called Robotics NXT. This program works in conjunction with Year 6 Science and ICT units which, over the course of the year, look at electricity, energy and simple elements of computer programming. All of these aspects were combined when the girls looked at robots, the use and potential of robotics and how to move robots in Robotics NXT. They initially discussed the qualities of robots and then the girls were able to connect to their very own robot via computers.

SPRING 2014 | 17

FINDING THEIR VOICE

Time travel, toe-tapping music and talent to boot!

Fairholme Junior students bring an amazing Aussie tale to life during their performance of the annual Junior School Musical.

18 | SPRING 2014

FINDING THEIR VOICE

Where had Aunt Mabel gone?

In Term 1, the Junior School girls from Years 1 – 6 prepared and presented this year’s Junior School musical, Finding Aunt Mabel.

Mabel, played by Elizabeth Perrignon, accidentally triggered a time machine built by her husband John in an old hut that had been on their farm for 160 years.

FINDING THEIR VOICE

FINDING THEIR VOICE

Mabel’s nieces, Millie and Tillie Walker, played by Madelyn Gordon and Aisling Teahan, also triggered the operation of the time machine and they ended up following Aunt Mabel through time until they finally found her in 1855 and brought her home.

The girls had so much fun throughout the term as they developed their singing and dancing, learning about using the stage and delivering lines, annd the reward of presenting the resulting performances to such wonderfully receptive audiences.

The far-fetched and amusing tale took the audience on a journey to visit cavemen, Australian animals, 1855 early settlers, 1905 schoolgirls, hippies, 1980s bush dancers and finally home to 2014.

Thank you to Mrs Belinda Eldridge, Co-ordinator of Fairholme Junior Arts, for her creative ingenuity in once again weaving farreaching adventures into our hearts and minds.

SPRING 2014 | 19

Seeking Excell ence

EDUCATION AND THE WORLD OF LEAGUE TABLES The June 21-22 Weekend Australian listed the nation’s ‘top performing schools’. Fairholme was placed number 26 in Queensland and number 12 in Australian Country Schools (the highest performing Queensland regional school). We can be justifiably proud of being able to rub shoulders, in an academic sense, with counterparts from interstate and capital cities.

Like all data it provides feedback, a brief snapshot, and in this instance, an external perspective of Fairholme which gives impetus to continue to seek excellence in all that we do. The academic mountain top is an elusive but enticing goal for each one of us. Our teachers continue to stirve for improvement in learning outcomes for all.

CELEBRATING SUCCESSES We are very pleased to present a synopsis of the Overall Position

STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Mrs Lee-Ann Grantham, Junior Sports Co-ordinator, who was presented with a Service Award from the Toowoomba Primary School Sport Association for her time, dedication and support of Primary School Sport in Toowoomba over the past 14 years. Mrs Grantham is certainly a worthy recipient of such an award.

What an awesome effort from Mr Brian Schmaker (one of our helpful IT co-ordinators) whilst competing at the Queensland Masters Track Championships. Brian gained the following medals at the competition: • Gold in 200m sprints, setting a new State record.

• Silver in 500m time trial (pipped by 0.08 second for Gold).

• Silver in the 5km Scratch Race (all competitors racing at the same time on the velodrome).

Mrs Lyn Merry, Head of Fairholme Junior recently had her member’s Professional Development Grant Report from her attendance at the 2013 United Kingdom Literacy Association 49th International Conference on Literacy Policies and Practices published in an Independent Primary School Heads of Australia e-publication.

Both our Principal, Mrs Linda Evans, and Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School, Ms Catrina Sharp, have been asked to present at the Restorative Practice International| Queensland Conference, in October 2014. The conference title is Relationships Matter: building, maintaining and repairing school communities. Mrs Evans is also presented at an ant-bullying symposium at the Gold Coast in August.

data for the Seniors of 2013. The achievements of these students were strong, with academic improvement most evident in the OP 1-5 band. The results below are representative of commitment and hard work both individually and as a whole cohort as well as reflecting the strong educational and pastoral support that was provided by a professional and dedicated teaching staff. > 100% of our girls achieved their QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) > 93% of our girls achieved an Overall Position between 1 - 15 > 31% of our girls achieved an Overall Position between 1 - 5 > 50% of our boarders achieved an Overall Position between 1 - 8

From 10 -12 June, Mrs Belinda Eldridge, Co-ordinator of Fairholme Junior Arts, was responsible for the staging of Sing Out, the biennial choral festival, at the Empire Theatre. The festival enabled 47 primary school choirs from across the Darling Downs to participate in workshops. In total there were just over 1500 students involved during the three-day festival. A concert for the parents of the choristers was performed each evening.

Mr Rod Egerton is to be ‘applauded’ for his co-ordination of the magnificent Colourstrings event that took place at Fairholme during the recent holidays. Celebrated string teachers and conductors, Géza and Csaba Szlivay, led student orchestras, culminating in a public concert on Saturday 5 July, followed by an intensive five-day Teachers Training Workshop in the materials and method of Colourstrings, as developed in Finland over the past 40 years.

Congratulations to Ms Dee Erdelyi and Mr Derek Cantle who have been appointed Panel Chair for German and Geography respectively. They join Mr Rohan Davis and Mrs Feranki Hughes as Panel Chairs for the District.

It’s full steam ahead for Junior School IPAD project with Mr Shane Buckley (IT Coach) leading the way for piloting with Year fours, Year ones, and their teachers, Ms Lauren Threlfall and Ms Lauren Miller.

20 | SPRING 2014

in

n the making ultimate CHANGE he making THE

Cultural Immersion via Student Exchanges The Fairholme College Exchange program continues to be very popular, with opportunites to meet and host visiting students from sister schools in England, France, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand.

JOSHI

PAN

HS | JA

KENT C

By travelling overseas as exchange students, girls are given the opportunity to become acquainted with another culture, its language, heritage and values.

OLLEGE

| UK

Similarly, hosting an overseas student is a wonderful way to bring another part of the world into your own home. It provides Australian familes with the opportunity to observe and hear stories of other countries. The fun, friendship and rewarding educational benefits of hosting an international student can make the experience an unforgettable one.

CURRENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS Year 9 NEW ZEALAND – Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Wellington

| GERMANY EDITH-STIEN GYMNASIUM

Year 9 – Year 10 UNITED KINGDOM – Kent College, Pembury, Kent, England Year 10/Year 11 language students: FRANCE – Lycée René Cassin, Arpajon, France > Fairholme students to France, November - January holidays > French students to Fairholme, July - August GERMANY – Edith-Stein-Gymnasium, Bretten, Germany > Fairholme students to Germany, November - January holidays > German students to Fairholme, July - August JAPAN – Reitaku Mizunami High School, Japan Jissen Joshigakuen High School, Japan > Fairholme students to Japan, November January holidays > Japanese students to Fairholme, July - August

NCE Lycée René Cassin | FRA

We welcome our Fairholme Girls for a Term who will be arriving from Joshi Seigakuin High School.

Their photos are featured at right.

SPRING 2014 | 21

relay swims. announcement of overall house champion.

Setting

nanna in war paint.

SETTING

trends

what’s

your favourite

interhouse swimming carnival moment?

TSSS Swimming Success Fairholme’s team of 24 swimmers performed strongly throughout the 2014 Toowoomba Secondary Schools competition, taking out the ‘A’ Schools title for the 13 th consecutive year!

Darling Downs Cross Country Champions at Kearneys Spring, May 2014. The Fairholme Cross Country team was crowned Aggregate Winners and were champions in the 13 , 14 and 15 years age groups.

Congratulations to Briana Suey, Jolie Wheeler, Emily Payne, Katie Wright and Bridget Meyers who were selected to represent Toowoomba at the Queensland U13 Hockey Championships which were held in Rockhampton from Monday 30 June through to Wednesday 2 July. To add to this success, Briana Suey was selected for the 2014 Queensland Under 13 Women’s team to compete at the Australian Championships which will take place in Brisbane from the 4 - 11 October.

Fairholme’s FLAMES cohort of 41 swimmers competed against Clayfield College in Brisbane on Friday 28 February, returning triumphant! Fairholme won by six points, finishing on 33 points to Clayfield’s 27 points. The team was well led by our Swim Captains, Danielle Clark and Kaiti McGregor, ably supported by our other senior swimmers, Alex Day and Meg Jakins.

Fairholme College Middle and Senior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival Friday 21 February 2014

Invitation to Sponsor Julia brings home eight medals from Australian School Sports Swimming Championships.

Congratulations to Year 11 student Julia Algie, representing Queensland Secondary Schools with distinction in the pool in Melbourne last week, 21 – 25 July. Her program of eight individual events yielded three gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal. A further two gold medals from two relay events brought the medal total up to eight. Continuing to receive accolades over and above her race results, Julia was awarded the ‘Multi Class Senior Swimmer’ of the meet, and also received the ‘Team Spirit Award’ for Queensland. Well done Julia, and our thanks also to Coach Tim Taylor, who attended part of the meet for support.

22 | SPRING 2014

A tempting taste of The Arts Middle School Arts students treated a capacity audience to a delightful program of outstanding performances in the James Taylor Room at Gip’s Restaurant in May 2014, co-ordinated by Middle School Leaders for the Arts – Isabel Fitton and Lola Lachmund. The Chocolate Box Concert showcased performances in all areas of the Arts, including Music, Dance, and Drama. An exhibition of art works were also on display with a collection of fine lino-black and white drawings created by students and offered for sale. The featured artist, Shannon Gralow, an International violinist and singer, performed the beautiful theme, Schindler’s List by John Williams. The Concert ended with a supper of tempting chocolate delicacies and coffee, while auction items from sponsors and student art work were sold to many enthusiastic buyers.

Earlier this year, a large group of students from Fairholme College and a number of other regional schools were extremely fortunate to participate in a Master Class and workshop with celebrated Australian flautist, Jane Rutter.

Our very own Flute Ensemble, under the direction of Ms Nicola Hayden, were invited to play with Jane, again receiving welcomed advice and encouragement.

In addition, a piano Master Class with Cho Qi Wong, a leading pianist and conductor, was also held at the College with a number of students gaining a valuable insight into making the most of their playing using sensitivity and making the notes sing!

Painting a pretty picture!

24 Fairholme students in Years 11 and 12, had their works selected as finalists in this year’s USQ Future Visions Art Awards and are to be congratulated on this outstanding achievement. Amongst the major award winners, Annabelle Thelander’s work, entitled ‘I Can ReGeneR8’ was awarded Third Prize. Also, a total of 12 Fairholme students were announced as finalists at the 2014 Chronicle Junior Art Expo Awards. From 644 entries received, the judges selected just 100 works as the finalists (from Pre-school to Year 12) Records fell in rapid succession at the Fairholme College Interhouse Athletics Championships held on Friday 1 August, 2014.

Congratulations to Black House on winning the carnival and to the following girls for creating new records:

Congratulations to Bella McLoughlin (Year 6) who competed in the National Track and Field championships in Brisbane in shot put and discus in November 2013. Her outstanding results are as follows: > 7th in Australia in Shotput! PB on Saturday (a huge 9metres 40m) > 3rd in Australia in discus (another PB : 31.73m improved by 1 metre 40cm).

Lilli Anderson Brianna Dascombe Ellie Bowyer Georgie Heath Samantha Lenton Zoe Phillips Katie Lowe Ali Doyle AGE CHAMPIONS: 12 years 13 years 14 years 15 years 16 years Senior

200m &Long Jump Triple Jump Javelin Hurdles Shot Put & Javelin Long Jump Javelin Javelin

Lilli Anderson Alexis Thornberry Brianna Dascombe Natalie Webster Sophia Harper Mackenzie Andrews

SPRING 2014 | 23

Fairholme Old Girls’ Association

learning OF OUR PAST

Known variously as Fairholme Preparatory School, Fairholme Primary, Junior or Senior Primary and Fairholme Junior, since 1919 it has been an integral part of Fairholme. Our College archives collection contains a number of photos, uniforms and records – that help to tell the story of what Fairholme students learned.

Kindergarten boys and girls were part of Fairholme from its beginnings and were taught by Miss Anne Clarke from 1919.

As they reported: We little girls like paper folding and sewing but the boys would rather make houses and trains with their blocks. What else did they learn? Literature, Arithmetic – including mental arithmetic and tables – geography, mapping, singing, eurhythmics and folk dancing, drawing, dictation and writing, history and scripture were all part of their schooldays. I like drawing horses best of all, reported Bernice in 1927. Social Studies and French were added in the 1950s and 1960s; in the 1970s and 1980s, lessons in Mothercraft, Science, Speech and Drama, Japanese, recorder playing, and ‘use of computers’ became part of their learning experiences.

The Preparatory School gained a new home in 1938, when new classrooms were added to the Kindergarten bungalow. As reported in the College Magazine, we have become very important people, for now we are a school of our own! A brand new flag bearing the lettering ‘Fairholme Preparatory’ was presented to us. In 1988 this building (pictured left) was moved to the corner of Bridge and Wirra Wirra Streets, to make way for what is now the Fairholme Sports Centre, and the Primary School moved into the Lindsay Statham Building (L Block) in 1990. In 1996, when the Preschool was reestablished at Fairholme, the old bungalow became its home.

Who could forget the great traditions of the Primary School, such as the annual Fancy Dress Party, the socials with the boys from the Church of England Preparatory School (now Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School) and the Interhouse gardening competition, or the camps and excursions of more recent years? And the great characters, such as the legendary Miss Mildred Hawkins, for 20 years the Senior Mistress in the Preparatory School from 1949, and the Scholarship Class (Year 8) teacher.

What did you learn in Primary School here at Fairholme?

If you have a special memory or story or an item from your days in the Preparatory, Primary or Junior School at Fairholme, and you’d like to preserve it in the College archives, please contact me.

Jenny Noble | Archives T 07 4688 4688 E foga@fairholme.qld.edu.au

24 | SPRING 2014

Mystery Photo

FOGA DATES TO REMEMBER THURSDAY 18 September Friends of Fairholme FOUNDERS’ DAY 2014 FOGA Catch-up 11am Luncheon 1pm Founders’ Day Assembly 2pm

Mystery Photo

Were you a Fairholme Vigoro Star? Can you help us with information regarding the trophy pictured, with the inscription: The Interhouse Vigoro Championship - Presented

by C & R Penfold.

SATURDAY 18 & SUNDAY 19 October SPRING FAIR & REUNION WEEKEND (including Westpac Fairholme Fashion Week) SATURDAY 18 October Fairholme Spring Fair 10am - 4pm SUNDAY 19 October All Year Levels Reunion celebrations Annual Reunion CHURCH SERVICE 9am Annual Reunion LUNCHEON 11.30am * See individual Year Level Reunion details listed on RSVP Flier enclosed

fairholme families ...X 3 gENERATIONS Three generations of very proud Fairholme Girls got together recently and, very kindly, sent in this lovely photo (from left): Kingsley Brimblecombe (Year 4), Mrs Maxene Proctor (Summers) (1966-67), and Mrs Paula Brimblecombe (Proctor) (1987-88).

NB: Annual Brisbane FOGA Church Parade has been rescheduled to become a bi-annual event >

One of our oldest Old Girls celebrates a special birthday!

SUNDAY 23 August 2015 St Paul’s Presbyterian Church Spring Hill 9.30am

Family and friends gathered together at the Gold Coast late last year to celebrate Dorothea (Doss) Hart’s 102nd birthday. Doss Borland was born on 20th September, 1911 and attended Fairholme in 1926.

Have you considered leaving a legacy ?

By creating a Named Bursary, you could provide outstanding educational opportunities for girls, as well as nurturing individual students’ interests and talents.

Please contact the Fairholme College Business Office for further details : T 07 4688 4688

SPRING 2014 | 25

Where

ARE THEY NOW? FOG Update

On Friday 14 February, the Year 11 and Year 12 English Communication students attended a presentation by past student Caitlin Holding (2005-2006). Caitlin is Chief of Staff and a journalist at WIN News Toowoomba and was invited to speak with the class about investigative journalism. The aim of the presentation was to improve the students’ understanding of the process used to develop a story of interest and to understand aspects of being a journalist in television.

After showcasing her talent for Queensland at the Australian Indoor Cricket Championships recently, Anna Paton (2009-2013), was selected into the National under 20 Women’s team! Anna will travel to New Zealand in October to play for the Australian team in the World Cup, with eight other countries competing in the competition.

Tenelle Hodson (2003-2009) graduated from her occupational therapy course with honours, and this year has had a research paper published in Disability and Rehabilitation - an international multidisciplinary journal, she recently presented at this year’s Smart Strokes seminar in Sydney.

The Triathlon Journey of a Fairholme Old Girl Fairholme College was my second home from 1982-1995. I can safely say that Fairholme had a significant impact on the person I am today. Fairholme was a wonderful school that exposed me to so many different opportunities and gave me an excellent grounding for life. I was a hard-working student and participated in activities and teams when selected. I was never the best but I always enjoyed the challenges.

It was encouragement from a friend to enter my first triathlon that has led me to find a sport that is so rewarding – in fact it has been a sport where I have reconnected with other Fairholme Old Girls who I had not seen for over 15 years!

My triathlon journey has been a crazy ride and only began less than 2 years ago – who would have thought a mother of 3, who works full time and could not ride a bike would be selected to represent their country (in age group events) not once, but twice!

Remember, it is never too late to achieve your dreams! http://www.mycause.com.au/page/77460 Hannah Ryan (Leddington-Hill) (1982-1995)

26 | SPRING 2014

2006 Prefect for Performing Arts, Shannon Gralow (2005-2006), has studied piano, dance, voice and violin, and has focused primarily on music theatre. Her theatrical experience is highly varied, including lead roles in Les Miserables, My Fair Lady (Fairholme College and TGS), Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, Singin’ in the Rain, Cats, Guys & Dolls, Hairspray and more recently, the title roles in Dusty: The Original Pop Diva, and Cinderella.

Shannon is now looking forward to her forthcoming role as Maria in the Toowoomba Choral Society’s production of The Sound of Music. Shannon has a Bachelor of Music majoring in Violin Performance, with her musical studies taking her to destinations such as North America, Mexico, France, Hungary, Finland and Wales.

Jayne Davidson (Maloney) (1973-1974) was part of a group of seven medical professionals who travelled to Uganda in June this year, to volunteer their clinical skills in medical clinics in villages outside the capital, Kampala.

Maggie Munn (2007-2011) was named UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador and is currently volunteering in a year-long role, speaking out on issues affecting Australia’s children.

What a year for our FOG Rugby players!

Emily Cherry (2007-2010), NIkki Etheridge (1997-2004) and Gemma Etheridge (19972004) were all selected in Australia’s Women’s Rugby sevens team to play in the 2014 IRB World Series Championship.

In November 2013, Amelia Dowe (1995-1997) co-ordinated an amazing ‘Art Swap’ with a friend of hers in Japan, the result of which was the Strong Children Project, combining the works of children from Fukushma and Toowoomba both on the road to recovery from two very different kinds of disasters: the Nuclear Reactor Crisis and the 2011 floods, respectively. The student works were exhibited at both the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and the Showa Village Community Hall in Fukushima Prefecture.

Cathy Speed (2008-2012) is studying at the Academy of Design Australia in Port Melbourne, and living in the city.

In Cathy’s words: It’s been a very busy and challenging journey, but I’ve learnt so much!

Nine stunning women, including some of Australia’s leading actresses, stepped onto the red carpet wearing Margot McKinney jewellery for the 2014 TV Week Logie Awards. Margot (19651976), who currently lives in New Farm, Brisbane, creates ‘one of a kind’ treasures and takes great pride in carrying on her family’s 130-year old business.

Jane Flood (1997-2007) recently launched the cooking website, Marinya Cottage Kitchen, inspiring others to make a healthy change with her passion for seasonal wholefood cooking.

Natalie Wolfenden Woods (Fisher) 1990-1994) now operates Woods Organic farm and flour mill at Yelarbon, Queensland, with her husband, Bryce, where they create perfect organic flours and live with their two children, Brigalow and Bauhinia.

Toowomba artist and Kontraband Studios curator, Grace Dewar (20032007), has been very busy of late! Grace, a former USQ Visual Arts student, assisted in the development of the ‘First Coat’ project and has orchestrated five exhibitions in the new Kontraband studio space in Laurel Street, Toowoomba.

You may have enjoyed cooking from one of Jocelyn Parry’s (Hancock) (1982-1983) recipes featured in the Courier-Mail of late. Jocelyn, the founder of Jocelyn’s Provisions, currently works as a food consultant for David Griffith’s hotel group, and enjoys regular visits to her ‘second home’ in Killarney.

Dr Tamara Johansen (Barton) (1988-99) finished Year 12 with an OP 1 and a determination to gain entry into Medicine.

When this did not eventuate she was left to make a decision about a Plan B – which in her case was Veterinary Science. Dr Johansen completed her Veterinary Science Degree and worked in this profession for 5 years before studying Medicine at Griffith University as a Postgraduate student.

She completed her final year of Medicine studies in 2013.

Georgie Somerset (Robinson) (1983-1984) has had an exceptionally busy time of late in her role as President of the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network, member of the board of Children’s Health Queensland, running local leadership programs for the South Burnett, co-ordinating Baked Relief projects and, of course, working on the family’s cattle property – it is little wonder then, that she earned the title of Women in Australian Agribusiness 100 (WIAA 100) ‘Outstanding contributor to rural Australia’ in March 2014.

Former Fairholme Drama Captain Libby Munro (19991-1998) always knew she wanted a career in acting, and her dedication to her craft saw her shine in the Queensland Theatre Company’s 2013 smash hit, Venus in Fur. Libby quickly moved on to star in the stage production of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, followed up by by a movie role in Eight. It’s hard to know how she fitted in her marriage to Angus Gemmell during such a whirlwind year!

Susie Pini (Marsden) (1991-1995), Sports Captain 1995, qualified for the ITU Triathlon World Championships in London and is competing for PNG where she has lived with her husband (stationery and surveying equipment supplies business owners) and three young children for the last ten years.

Sarah Stiller (2007-2011) took part in her local Miss Showgirl competition over the Easter holidays and was selected to represent the Wandoan Show Society at the South West Regional Sub Chamber finals a few weeks ago. While Sarah was there she caught up with Alexandra Hindle (2006-2008) (pictured at left), who was representing the Roma Show Society.

Congratulations to Sarah, who was selected to represent the South West Region at the State Showgirl Finals at the Ekka in August.

Since 2008, Heather Kelly (Maltman) (1954–1966) and her husband David have been travelling to D.R. Congo twice a year, for several months at a time, to work at HEAL Africa, a 155bed Christian Hospital in Goma, also working with community programs to help individuals and communities to restore health, build hope and help create a better future for all people of eastern D.R.Congo. One of Heather’s roles is teaching English to the Hospital’s French-speaking Doctors and senior staff, as well as working on projects reaching out to the vulnerable women and children in the community.

The work includes meeting with widows, grandmothers – who often care for many young children as the middle generation has died through HIV AIDS or war – to teaching in HEAL Africa’s two schools, and the Sunday school.

In Heather’s own words: Little did I know back in my Fairholme days, that the senior French lessons with Miss Cumming would be so beneficial over 40 years later!

Kylie Warrian (1997-2001), Peta McIntyre (Burgess 1994-1998) and the Cloncurry community have been a great support to the McGrath Foundation. Their involvement in the annual Cloncurry Breast Friends Day has helped raise over $100,000 for the charity. Follow the story on FaceBook: # Breast Friends Day - Cloncurry.

After deciding that she had to ‘do what she loved’, Meg Hamilton (2008-2012) auditioned and has been accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium to study Musical Theatre.

A lifelong ambition to become a rural doctor has come to fruition for Sally Wilkinson (2001-2005) who studied biomedical science before embarking on a degree in medicine. Sally is currently rotating her internship between Warwick and Toowoomba hospitals.

Fairholme Prefect and Head Girl, Jenny Wynter (1987-1955) recently featured at the 2014 Brisbane Comedy Festival in A Viking Tale a shamelessly silly one-woman rock opera about finding the viking within.

SPRING 2014 | 27

FOGA gements Enga

Devenish – Warriner: The engagement of Michelle Devenish (1993-2003) to Thomas Warriner was announced earlier this year.

s g n i d d e W Weddings Weddings

Leisa Anderson (1995-96) married Neil Davies on 3 May, 2014 at the Preston Village Chapel, Toowoomba. Leisa and Neil met at the University of Southern Queensland and both now work in Toowoomba in their chosen careers.

Libby Munro (1991-1998) married farmer and businessman Angus Gemmell and now divides her time between Sydney and his property in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Sonya Hain (2007-2008) and Matthew Campbell were married on 21 March, 2014 at the Warwick Street Chapel in Toowoomba. The couple honeymooned at the Gold Coast and have returned to live in Westbrook.

The engagement of Olivia Playford (2000-2004) to Stuart Propsting was announced with much pleasure in December 2013.

Kelly Lund (1999) and David Williams announced their engagement earlier this year.

Kehoe – Rice: The engagement of Philipa Kehoe (1998-2002) and Stuart Rice was announced in February this year.

Lisa Wason (2003-2005) and Nathan Braden proudly announced in their engagement in October 2013.

Congratulations to Jayne Gunthorpe (1997-1999) and Hamish Siddins who also announced their engagement this year.

Births

Harriet Claire Couper. Born 9th September, 2013 in Townsville.

Eagerly awaited 1st child for Stephanie Couper (Wuth) (2004) and Leith Couper and 1st Grandchild for Claire Wuth (Perkins 1974).

28 | SPRING 2014

Grace Wuth (2002-2006), daughter of Claire Wuth (Perkins) (1968-1974), and Cam Daff were married on Sunday 17th March, 2013 at Ballandean Estate Winery, Stanthorpe. Bridesmaids were Stephanie Couper (Wuth) (2000- 2004),and Maddie Wuth (2006-2007). Grace and Cam now work and live in Brisbane. Grace made her dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses herself.

College Chaplain, Pastor Richard Jessup, had the pleasure of conducting marriage ceremonies for the following FOGs: Paige Featherstone (2002- 2007) to Rowan Anderson (pictured above) at Yandina Station on 15 February, 2014; and Kelly Reinhardt (2003-2009) to Andrew Macpherson (pictured left) at Preston Peak Chapel, Toowoomba, on 7 June, 2014.

Georgia Noakes (1984-1994) moved to Bundaberg 2 years ago after travelling extensively overseas for the last 10 years.

Last year Georgia married Rion Burgess on their 50-acre property just north of Bundaberg. She is stepmum to two ‘awesome’ boys (Darcy 7 and Harry 5), and Georgie and Rion are now expecting their first child together.

Xanthe Eagles (1999-2003) married Benn Blessing in Sydney in April 2013. The couple became engaged in Paris in 2012 and returned to Europe for their honeymoon. They have made their home in Sydney.

PASSINGS SAD PASSINGS SAD PASSINGS Ashleigh Althaus (2002-2003) and Jack Sinclair were married on 10 May, 2014, at Brindabella Country Gardens, Highfields.

They started married life with a cruise to North Queensland and are now living in Toowoomba.

Daphne FACER (JANZ) (1942-1943) Passed away 24 February 2014 aged 86 years

Irene DALGLIESH (VELLNAGEL) (1951-52) Passed away 23 June 2014

Megan Banks (1999-2003) married Dominic Mohr on 21 September, 2013 in Blackall. Fairholme Old Girl Nicole Hawkins (2002-2003) was one of the bridesmaids.

Margery Elizabeth STOCKLEY (BENNETT) (1944-1945) Passed away 18 January 2014 aged 84 years

Florence ‘Molly’ SMART (PROVAN) (1928) Passed away 25 June 2014 aged 96 years

Katie Williams (2000-2004) married Geyshan Senanayake on 15 June, 2013 at The Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast.

The couple have made their home at the Gold Coast.

Jill WARDROP (JAMIESON) (1959-1961) Passed away 24 January 2014 aged 69 years

Helen Anne THORP (1973) Passed away 25 May 2014 aged 55 years

Lin Taylor (1995-2002) married Andrew Wegener on 4 May, 2013 in the gardens of Gip’s Restaurant.

Niketta Webb (2004-2008) married Benjamin Taylor 27 July, 2013.

Amy Bridle (1994-1998) married Cameron Abrahams in a relaxed ceremony in the garden of Amy’s family home at Highfields The couple are now living in Brisbane.

Esther Jane HARRIS (PATTERSON) (1954-1955) Passed away 8 November 2013 aged 73 years Noela Mary LEYDEN (BOX) (1934-1935) Passed away 20 December 2013 aged 92 years Alys May MERCER (HART) (1939-1940) Passed away 9 December 2013 aged 89 years Thelma May LUDER (WENSLEY) (1934-1935) Joyce Agnes GRAY (PICKERING) (1940-1941) Passed away 22 October 2013 aged 88 years

Rachel McKenzie (1998- 2004) married Thomas Heading on 15 February, 2014, at All Saints Anglican Church before celebrating with family and friends at Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba.

Fairholme Old Girl Jacinta Bury (Lobwein) (2002-2004) was a bridesmaid and fellow Old Girls in attendance included Katherine Marquhart (McClymont), Ann Doljanin (McClymont), Susan McClymont, Nicole Whitby and Meredith Tweddell. Rachel and Tom are now living in Melbourne.

Nina Elizabeth INGLIS (DEVINE) (1961-1962) Passed away 4 October 2013 aged 69 years

Meredith WADDELL (1956-63) Passed away 30 April 2013 aged 66 years Holly Michele TUCKERMAN (1984-89) Passed away 27 August 2013 Beryl COXETER (RANSON) (1937-38) Passed away 15 May 2013 aged 91 years Margaret Helen MITTELHEUSER (1942) Passed away 27 December 2013 aged 82 years Bettie LEE (WILD) (1935-37) passed away 13 March 2013

Joyce FORN (nee PENNINGTON) (1942) Passed away in Santa Monica, Mary Frances Elizabeth WILD (DRIEMEL) California USA in March 2013 (1938-1939) Audrey DOUGLAS (YEATES) passed Passed away 21 September 2013 away on 12 April 2013 aged 90. aged 94 years Rosemary NICHOLAS (TANNOCK) (1957-1958) Passed away 11 August 2013

Gwendolen Rose Mattner (HILL) (1932-34) Passed away 5 June 2014

Ruth Timmins NICHOLS (MILNER) (1964-1968) Passed away 23 August 2013 aged 62 years

Rev. Corin ‘Nyree’ SVENSON(1938-40) Passed away 26 February 2014 aged 89 years.

(Nyree Svenson taught commercial subjects at Fairholme from 19521964, and was Black House Mistress and Form Mistress for the Junior Forms. She became a Uniting Church Minister in 1977. Nyree also served in WWII as a Corporal in the WAAAF from March 1943 - August 1945.)

Verna HASS (ROSENBERGER) (1939-1941) Boarder Passed away 18 August 2013 aged 88 years Matilda Antonio (1995 – 2005) married Cameron Schmidt at Gregory Terrace Chapel, Spring Hill, on 17 November 2012.

The reception was held at Northshore Riverside at Hamilton.

Matilda was attended by Hayley Mason (Robertson) (2001–2005), and her sisters Michaela Olsen (1995-2002) and Bronte Antonio (1996-2008). Guests included former Fairholme students Alice Buttenshaw, Lauren Peacock, Kylie Squelch, Alice Neldner (Balsillie) and Chloe Criss (Nielsen).

Margaret PEARSON (SCHRODER) (1953-55) Passed away 13 July 2013 aged 75 years

Ada Beatrice BAMBLING (GRIMES) (1942-1949) Passed away 13 December 2013 aged 81 years Brenda Joan BOARD (MEARES) (1933-34) Passed away 27 May 2014 aged 94 years

* Errors and omissions from Sad Passings in Winter 2013 edition: 1. Lyndal Fiechntner (Harwood) (1961-65) 2. Retraction of Mrs Lynette Ann Gordon (not deceased) SPRING 2014 | 29

THANKS!

FOGA reunions 20 years 2013

From the Alumni Team

Reflections, reminiscings and Fairholme Spirit in spades!

More than once during my time in this role, I have heard the addage: ‘Fairholme girls can do anything’... and after compliling this edition of the FOCUS on Fairholme FOGA pages, this is an understatement!

2013

The class of 1993 had the most fabulous weekend celebrating their 20-year reunion, starting with a casual get-together at the Spotted Cow Hotel on Friday 18 October and then a most enjoyable cocktail evening at GPO Cafe, Toowomba. All agreed they needed to do it again soon!

Reunion Co-ordinator | Louise Brown (Wall)

30 years 2013

5 years 2013

Laura Wilson has been very busy of late: She organised a 5-year Fairholme reunion at her home in Brisbane in October 2013, with 27 girls attenting, including: Annika Bell, Cate Duncan, Georgie Cameron, Kassandra Bailey, Alli Ogg, Teagan Hartwig, Laura Wilson, Heidi Begg, Tori McGregor, Min Simmons, Shantinie Murphy, Nanci Rose Taylor, Natalie Norris, Sara Kuzma, Laura Turton, Sam Tennant, Hannah Roth, Emily Swalling, Emily Fulwood, Georgia Dight, Brooke Armstrong, Brooke Barkla, Bianca Maree, Ash Miller, Jo Crawley and Marlene Hu. Pictured left at the Metro Cafe on Saturday 19 October celebrating their 30-year reunion are: Back row L-R: Karyn Milne, Wendy Cocks (Luscombe), Melissa Perkins (Bisley), Jenny Bisley (Mortlock), Robyn Herron (Wallace), Maree Pearce (Walker), Jocelyn Jannusch (McCosker), Margaret Ward (Comerford), Rosie Caswell (Lee) Middle row L-R: Catherine Wormwell (O’Dwyer), Tanya Knauer, Nicola Knight (McDonald), Katrina Jordan (Ainsbury), Kim Cross (Radke) Front(kneeling): Naomi Lowe, Dorothy Lawson (Lethbridge), Sharon Hunt, Anne Ash (Brampton), Lyndal Wallace (McPhie) Reunion Co-ordinator | Naomi Lowe Old Girls re-unite in London

50 years 2013

Heather Harrison (Snow) and Lorna (Joey) Roberts Class of 1958, catching up at Canary Wharf, London, September 2013.

2013

Pictured above at Angelo’s House, Toowoomba, are the very cheery class of 1963 enjoying celebrating 50 years since their time at Fairholme. A great evening was had by all, following some ‘catching up of classmates’ at the Spring Fair earlier on the afternoon of Saturday 19 October.

Reunion Co-ordinators | Susan Goodwin (Corfe) and Jan Bimrose (Spencer) 30 | SPRING 2014

We love hearing of FOG achievements here in the Alumni Office, and it gives me great pleasure to see this edition bursting with news and successes of our very loyal past students.

Thanks so much to those who keep in touch, we really appreciate it!

We also appreciate the work of our hardworking re-union co-ordinators. Each year, I am amazed by the energy and enthusiasm

of those who devote their time to getting our ‘girls’ back together.

be suitably cared for and acknowledged, thanks to our Archivist, Mrs Jenny Noble.

Thanks also to our growing body of ‘Archives Volunteers’ – combined with the recently installed ‘Mosiac’ Archives database, accessing is much easier. If you have any Fairholme Memoriabilia lurking in the cupboard at home, and think that you might like to pass it on, please be assured that your treasures will

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Spring Fair Reunion weekend, or, please contact us to arrange a visit at any time during the year - we’d love to see you!

Jo Glasheen | Publications, Promotions & Alumni

2014 In April 2014, Laura Wilson also managed to catch up with Liz Correy, Ellen Adams, Heidi Begg, Mel Simmons and George Dight in Brisbane for dinner. Laura’s words were, ‘It was such a nice night. None of us could believe we are now 5 years out of school, crazy!!!’

20 years 2014 On 12 April at Cove Bar and Dining, Southbank, 39 ladies from all across the globe overlooked the Brisbane River and caught up on the last 20 years and where they have taken us. A lot of laughter and fun was had by all ladies and we reminisced on our time at Fairholme all those years ago. Friendships were made during our school years and it was so lovely to see that they are still going strong and that many are friends for life.

We have doctors, engineers, business analysts, media advisors, artists, principals, business owners, managers, teachers, veterinarians, Medical Laboratory Scientists and a lot of mothers!

A very happy and successful group of women graduated from Fairholme College in 1994, and I am proud to be one of them.

Megan Lever (Lakin) | Reunion Co-ordinator

30 years 2014

For those who were unable to make the gathering in Brisbane, please note that Skye Duggan (Douglas) is organising a table at this year’s SPRING FAIR Reunion Luncheon. Please see flier enclosed.

The class of 1984 celebrated their 30-year reunion in style on 25-27 July, at the stunning Noosa Valley Manor B & B retreat, owned and operated

by Renate Bowden (1982-1984). The ladies enjoyed a delicious dinner on Saturday evening, and more catch-up time on Sunday in the relaxing surrounds. Again, for those unable to make the gathering in July, a table is being organised for the class of 1984 at the 2014 SPRING FAIR Reunion Luncheon. Please see flier enclosed, and contact the Alumni Office for further information: foga@fairholme.qld.edu.au Megan Daniels | Reunion Co-ordinator (visit our Class of ‘84 Facebook page!)

SPRING 2014 | 31

*Disclaimer All the information presented in this magazine is published in good faith and for general information purposes only.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, Fairholme College cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Compiled by: Fairholme Colllege Publications and Promotions Office Fairholme College, Toowoomba Q 4350 Images: Mr John Sessarago, Fairholme Archives and Fairholme Old Girls

Fairholme

Residential Address Wirra Wirra Street Toowoomba Q 4350 Postal Address PO Box 688 Toowoomba Q 4350 T 07 4688 4688 F 07 4688 4694 E info@fairholme.qld.edu.au www.fairholme.qld.edu.au Registered Provider (QLD): Fairholme College (Toowoomba) Pty Ltd CRICOS Provicer Code: 00651J ABN 78 096 814 130

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