Old Stomping Ground

these are the memories vividly and indelibly etched into Jacinta Bury’s mind from her time as a Fairholme girl in the early 2000s.

‘These are the aspects of College life that feels like I only left yesterday,’ Jacinta says. ‘While some parts, of course, have changed in technology, society and the curriculum, the essence of Fairholme remains uncompromised.’

Jacinta returns to the College as a teacher of Psychology, stepping into Mr Stewart Peacock’s shoes as he takes long-service leave.

‘Having experienced the high standard of teaching at the College and stepping into the talented Mr Peacock’s classes in his absence, I wanted to ensure I was bringing my best. The whole staff has been so welcoming and have assisted in making my transition into the College community smooth.’

Jacinta says she has wanted to be a teacher from a young age – in no small part because of the teachers from her time at Fairholme. 

‘While at Fairholme, each of my teachers in their own unique way modelled respect, genuine care, and authenticity in their classrooms. There was never a culture of authoritarianism governing the class. These experiences as a student, have no doubt shaped the culture and climate I seek to establish in the classroom.’

Psychology is a relatively new subject at Fairholme, but Jacinta says it is quickly becoming a popular choice amongst the Year 11 and 12 girls. 

‘Senior Psychology is a rich and diverse subject, exploring many aspects of individual development and behaviour, identity, health, relationships, and the influence of others. It challenges the girls to think critically and not take information at face value,’ she says. ‘During my first lesson with both the Year 11 and 12 classes, I expressed my envy, as Psychology was not a subject available in the curriculum when I was at school.’

But it was her time as a Boarder that Jacinta remembers so fondly… ‘I still have notes, photographs and items of nostalgia from my time Boarding at Fairholme,’ Jacinta says.

‘I visited the Boarding house while attending the 2014 Spring Fair, which was the weekend of our 10 year reunion. To catch up with Miss Burns and have her still remember our names and where we were from was a testament to the care the staff took in knowing us as individuals. Upon getting to know some of the current Boarding students in my classes, I had to inquire as to whether the giant plate-sized pancakes were still being served on a Saturday morning….’

…They are!