From Boarder to Leader

November 11, 2024

Penne Skene joined Fairholme as a boarder in 2017, when she was only in Year 5. Although moving away from home to attend boarding school may seem daunting for many 10-year-olds, Penne was captivated by Fairholme right from the start, recalling, 'I knew immediately that I would proudly call this school my home for the next eight years.'

Reflecting on her first days at Fairholme, Penne, then just 10 years old, recalls, 'I thought it was the best thing ever!' She felt so welcomed by her 'boarding big sisters,' Year 12 students Lauren Begore and Sarah Tomlinson, that she never experienced homesickness. 'They were so kind and supportive,' she said. 'I never felt alone.' 


When Priscilla McPhee joined the boarding house in Year 6, Penne was no longer the only boarder in her grade. 'Meeting Priscilla was amazing because I had a friend who was right there by my side through everything,' she shared. Now, as they prepare to graduate together in a few weeks, Penne reflects on the friends and memories she’s made, saying, 'I know these friendships will last a lifetime.'


One of her fondest memories from her early years was her Year 6 classroom. 'Walking in and seeing Mrs Harris as my teacher—that made every day the best,' she recalls. 'She was so encouraging, and from then on, I’ve felt the same support from every teacher here.' 


According to Penne, 'Fairholme’s teachers couldn’t get any better,' and she added that 'many of them now hold a special place in my heart.'


During her time at Fairholme, Penne took advantage of many extracurricular activities, including tennis, cross country, and swimming. 

However, her true passion emerged when she joined the TGS Army Cadets Unit in 2021, during Year 9. Inspired by family members in the defence force, she joined Cadets, saying, 'I wanted to learn new skills and make new friends, and Cadets offered that.' 


Through Cadets, Penne discovered that 'teamwork is key with everything.' She explained, 'Whether it’s a job by yourself, there’s always a team behind you. You’ve got to talk to people to support each other—you don’t learn unless you ask others.' 


Her dedication earned her the rank of Sergeant in the TGS Army Cadets, and she’s now ready to bring her experiences and skills to her new role as an Aircraft Technician for the Australian Defence Force.


Since the end of Year 11, Penne has worked tirelessly toward her goal, and she will soon see her hard work pay off. 


'On the 10th of February 2025, I’m moving to Wagga Wagga to start my work in helicopter engineering with the ADF,' she shared. 'I’m so excited to wake up and be in a team every day, working with people who are going through the same journey.'


Penne has learned countless valuable lessons during her time at Fairholme, and although she will miss it dearly, we couldn’t be prouder of her.


We look forward to seeing all the exciting adventures that await her in the real world.



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Leading with Heart: Miranda Mann, 2026 Head Boarder

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
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Celebrating Peer Support in Boarding

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
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Back-to-Back State Champion

By Sarah Richardson • November 19, 2025
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