From the Chairman

MR IAN ANDERSEN, CHAIRMAN

To state the obvious – 2020 was a year like no other. While it presented its own unique and significant challenges and stresses, there were opportunities to do things differently – which is exactly what Fairholme did.

There were many times this year when I felt somewhat disconnected – simply because we were not able to go about our usual activities and events in the normal way. For example, and as you might expect, most of our Board meetings were conducted via video link – and I really missed the many events and opportunities for me to be involved in College life.

Our Principal, Dr Evans, and I had many conversations about how we managed the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. I’m very aware of the way 2020 unfolded, so I want to express my sincere thanks to each and every one of you – students, parents, and staff in particular – for your perseverance, persistence and ingenuity, your thoughtfulness and generosity throughout this year, thus ensuring we were able to continue providing the very best education possible. I particularly thank Dr Evans and the Senior Leadership Team for their unfaltering commitment, drive and passion in leading the whole Fairholme Community.

Last year, I announced the finalization and approval of our new Master Plan. This year I announced at ‘Presenting Fairholme’ that we plan to commence construction of Stage 1 of the Master Plan in June 2021, with completion due in December 2022, at an expected cost of more than $9 million.

The motivation to commence Stage 1 as soon as possible comes from a review of our current and projected needs, the condition of some of our Senior School buildings and the distribution of functions across the campus.

Stage 1 will make use of the only available land on the site that does not directly impact teaching needs – right at the front of the College. Once complete, it will allow us to empty and demolish some of the buildings on the north-eastern corner of our site (the corner of Bridge and Fairholme Streets) to make way for new facilities to be constructed in Stage 2, and eventually Stage 3. Stage 1 pulls together the Administration functions of the College into a new building and creates a new front door to the College. It also accommodates teaching and learning spaces. Importantly, there will be no loss of teaching and learning spaces during any stage of construction. accommodation for Senior Classrooms, Drama Classrooms, Art Classrooms, a new Junior and Middle School Assembly and Multi-Functional Space and the College Reception and Administration Functions. It will further integrate the Junior and Middle Schools through the creation of this new Junior and Middle School Assembly Area and Multifunctional Space in what is the current Administration Building.

The design of this space will also allow the College to accommodate more effectively any parent functions and information sessions; P&F meetings; staff professional learning seminars; student socials and celebration events. Its location at the front of the College also allows good accessibility for members of the Toowoomba and Fairholme Communities.

Significantly, Stage 1 will also see the commencement of the reconfiguration of vehicle access, set-down and parking arrangements at the front of the College, in order to improve the safety and efficiency of this area and provide an all-weather connection to the College.

Construction of this magnitude will come with some substantial impacts - particularly related to traffic movements and parking arrangements for parents and staff. We will, of course, put temporary arrangements in place to manage these impacts, but I seek your patience and forbearance while works progress and thank you in advance for your understanding of these requirements.

Picture: Fairholme College Master Plan

The Board of Directors continued to provide stable and considered leadership throughout the year. The Moderator of The Presbyterian Church of Queensland (PCQ), Right Reverend Dr Phil Strong, continued to serve in his second consecutive year as Moderator; and we welcomed the Reverend Stuart Hoadley as PCQ Clerk of Assembly and Mr Paul Cotton as PCQ Treasurer, who replaced Reverend Peter Barson and Mr George Harris respectively, during the year. Reverend Barson continues to serve on the Board in his previous (vacant) position on the Board. I thank the Board of Directors for their ongoing service and dedication to the College and the use of their considerable talents in their vital governance role. The College enjoys the wholehearted support of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland.

In 2020, the College spent almost $1.4 million on improvements to our facilities and infrastructure. Projects approved and completed during the year included: • Planning for Stage 1 of the College Masterplan • creation of new offices for the Head of Learning Enhancement in the Middle School • refurbishment of the Health Centre and Sports Offices • ongoing upgrading and replacement of IT equipment • furniture, fittings, plant and equipment replacements.

The Board approved the 2021 Budget at its November meeting. The Board is very conscious of the many competing factors in developing the budget each year, including the realities of daily life and the ongoing and new financial challenges confronting many of our families; as well as the need to continue to improve our facilities and provide the very best education for our students. With this in mind, the 2021 Budget provides for a 2.5 per cent increase in Tuition Fees; a 2.5 per cent increase in Boarding Fees.

The Capital Levy has increased by 2.5 per cent, and for the first time in six years the Technology Levy will increase by an increment of $10.00 per term to $150.00 per term.

As always, it is vital that we reflect on each year as it passes, in order to celebrate our successes, learn from our mistakes, and to reminisce. Our greatest legacy is the impact we have on each other and on the lives of those around us. So, as we move on, either to life away from Fairholme for some of us, or continuing at Fairholme, I trust you will look forward with enthusiasm to the challenges and opportunities I’m sure 2021 will present.

This great College continues to be very well-placed to meet those challenges and opportunities.