The Dance Of The In-Between

November 16, 2022

All the world's a stage, 

And all the men and women merely players: 

They have their exits and their entrances.

(Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It,’ Act II scene vii)


I remember leaving home, so clearly. I was eighteen and bulletproof. My father stood at the top of the red brick stairs holding the hand of my little sister, Jill – aged five. He looked forlorn. Just as I was loading my desk into the boot of an overloaded Subaru station wagon, he called out. “Say goodbye to your sister, she doesn’t understand why you are leaving.” And, in the midst of my heady excitement of moving out and on, I realised, with a fleeting moment of insight that it wasn’t my little sister Jill who was confused about my leaving, it was actually my father who wondered why I was exiting the home stage. At the time, I was a bit surprised – here was the most exciting point in my life thus far (or so I thought) and he was sad, caught unwittingly in the dance of the in-between. I wondered why he wasn’t as excited as me, or for me. I will never forget that moment. That vision of my father, struggling to let go, has revisited me on the countless occasions I have farewelled my own children – invariably as they were heading off on their seemingly impulsive overseas trips with their multi-stamped passports in hand, backpacks bulging and faces alight with the promise of the new. It is in that moment that I came to understand the tug between independence and dependence, and the sense of being uncomfortably wedged between two competing constructs. 


No-one prepares you for the joy/grief cycle of parenting or the dance of the in-between, do they? It would seem that so much focus is given to the Year 12 year, as if, having achieved the ultimate highs and lows of such a time that life might resume its pre-Senior rhythm. Not so. We are all raising adolescents whose main aim in life right now is … independence, the ability to define themselves separately from their parents and to thrive in the process. Autonomy is vital if young adults are to believe that their choices and actions matter (Harris, 2022). Yet watching our children become or seek to become autonomous can be a confronting reality, because we would like to hold on for just a little bit longer. We would like to be needed for things other than car advice or wallet opening or loan negotiations. We would like to regain the equilibrium of the pre-adolescent state, even just for a moment: wouldn’t we?


Perhaps not. Perhaps you are braver and wiser than me and more stoic in the face of departures. Perhaps you have learned to manage through the various exits and entrances of life, more robustly. Yet, I am always struck by the bitter sweetness of our Year 12 cohort, finishing. Right now, they are vacillating between brief moments of insight – appreciation for friendships, for parental belief in them and for the care of their teachers and, at other times, indicating their casual, sometimes brutal indifference or displaying energetically, their desperation to ‘get out’ – deeming that life beyond Palm Drive will be so much richer, more liberated, and more exciting – we hope it is. This is the time of the dance in-between. Every teen goes through it but that does not stop us as parents from wondering if it is only our child and it is only us who are feeling like on-lookers rather than participants in this elaborate performance.


The silver lining is, of course, that this is but a phase, a time, a universal period that parents invariably face – differently, at different times, but face, nonetheless: lest our adolescents never step across the threshold into adulthood. And so how do we manage such a time – we bravely inhale the moments of joy; the delight we have when we feel their enthusiasm for their new life, see their deep connections with friends and almost touch their palpable excitement about the tomorrows ahead. We remember our own energy-infused delight at moving on and out of the ‘captivity’ of uniforms, bells, and regimes. We seek to enjoy and embrace this time as special, important, and alive. There is nothing humdrum about the dance of the in-between, it is vibrant, capricious, and all-consuming. Let us embrace it, learn its steps, join in – for we shall not pass this way again.


Thank you to our Year 12 parents for sharing a part of this journey with us – we pray for all that lies ahead – far, far beyond the dance of the in-between.


Dr Linda Evans | Principal



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It has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication of our students, staff and families who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow. There are many memories from this term in my first year that will linger for a time to come. The Year 6 Graduation was a beautiful celebration of our Junior School girls stepping confidently into the next chapter of their educational journey. Their music and presentation reflected maturity beyond their years and their enthusiasm about what is to come was infectious. Similarly, the Junior School Presentation Assembly showcased the incredible talent and effort of younger students. These awards remind us that success comes in many forms. At the other end of the spectrum, our Year 12 external exams ended with our glorious Valedictory dinner and assembly honouring the graduating class of 2025. These young women have left an indelible and positive mark on our school. Their leadership and camaraderie went beyond being known as our 100%ers and we know they will continue to shine brightly in their chosen paths. Beyond the classroom, our students have embraced opportunities to challenge themselves and excel. This year, our team garnered national recognition in the Future Anything showcase, where their innovative ideas placed them among the country’s best young entrepreneurs. Likewise, our Junior School Lego League newcomers impressed everyone with their creativity, research and problem-solving skills, proving that age is no barrier to innovation. Sporting achievements this month were equally inspiring. Eden Broksch claimed the title of State Tetrathlon Champion for her age bracket – a feat that speaks to determination and versatility. These successes remind us that education is not confined to textbooks. It flourishes on sports field, stages and in collaborative spaces where passion meets perseverance. The November edition of At Holme is brimming with stories that reflect the heart and soul of our community. You will read about our amazing Mrs Nichol, whose dedication to our youngest Kindy students earned her the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Apple Award. She is a shining example of the impact great educators have on young lives. Miranda Mann, our Head Boarder, shares insights into the unique experience of living and learning on campus, offering a glimpse into the bonds that make boarding life so special. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named Lion’s Youth of the Year for the Wilsonton club, a recognition of leadership and service that embodies our school values. These individual achievements, alongside team triumphs, weave a narrative of excellence that is both humbling and inspiring. What makes these accomplishments truly meaningful is the sense of community that underpins them. Parents, teacher and friends have all played a role in nurturing talent and encouraging ambition. Whether cheering from the sidelines, guiding through challenges, or simply offering words of support, our collective efforts have created an environment where every student can burn yet flourish. As we close the chapter on 2025, on behalf of the entire staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, Old Girls and broader community for your unwavering support and partnership. It is through value of collaboration that we continue to build Fairholme as a school where character is nurtured alongside a commitment to excellence in whatever we do. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and restful summer break, as the festive season approaches. May this holiday bring time for relaxation, laughter and connection with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready to embrace fresh opportunities and challenges with the same spirit that has made 2025 so memorable. Here is to a bright and exciting 2026! Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

Leading with Heart: Miranda Mann, 2026 Head Boarder

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
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By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
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More News…

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By Sarah Richardson • December 3, 2025
It has been nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the dedication of our students, staff and families who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow. There are many memories from this term in my first year that will linger for a time to come. The Year 6 Graduation was a beautiful celebration of our Junior School girls stepping confidently into the next chapter of their educational journey. Their music and presentation reflected maturity beyond their years and their enthusiasm about what is to come was infectious. Similarly, the Junior School Presentation Assembly showcased the incredible talent and effort of younger students. These awards remind us that success comes in many forms. At the other end of the spectrum, our Year 12 external exams ended with our glorious Valedictory dinner and assembly honouring the graduating class of 2025. These young women have left an indelible and positive mark on our school. Their leadership and camaraderie went beyond being known as our 100%ers and we know they will continue to shine brightly in their chosen paths. Beyond the classroom, our students have embraced opportunities to challenge themselves and excel. This year, our team garnered national recognition in the Future Anything showcase, where their innovative ideas placed them among the country’s best young entrepreneurs. Likewise, our Junior School Lego League newcomers impressed everyone with their creativity, research and problem-solving skills, proving that age is no barrier to innovation. Sporting achievements this month were equally inspiring. Eden Broksch claimed the title of State Tetrathlon Champion for her age bracket – a feat that speaks to determination and versatility. These successes remind us that education is not confined to textbooks. It flourishes on sports field, stages and in collaborative spaces where passion meets perseverance. The November edition of At Holme is brimming with stories that reflect the heart and soul of our community. You will read about our amazing Mrs Nichol, whose dedication to our youngest Kindy students earned her the prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Apple Award. She is a shining example of the impact great educators have on young lives. Miranda Mann, our Head Boarder, shares insights into the unique experience of living and learning on campus, offering a glimpse into the bonds that make boarding life so special. We also celebrate Mariam Nabizada who was named Lion’s Youth of the Year for the Wilsonton club, a recognition of leadership and service that embodies our school values. These individual achievements, alongside team triumphs, weave a narrative of excellence that is both humbling and inspiring. What makes these accomplishments truly meaningful is the sense of community that underpins them. Parents, teacher and friends have all played a role in nurturing talent and encouraging ambition. Whether cheering from the sidelines, guiding through challenges, or simply offering words of support, our collective efforts have created an environment where every student can burn yet flourish. As we close the chapter on 2025, on behalf of the entire staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, Old Girls and broader community for your unwavering support and partnership. It is through value of collaboration that we continue to build Fairholme as a school where character is nurtured alongside a commitment to excellence in whatever we do. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and restful summer break, as the festive season approaches. May this holiday bring time for relaxation, laughter and connection with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready to embrace fresh opportunities and challenges with the same spirit that has made 2025 so memorable. Here is to a bright and exciting 2026! Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal

Leading with Heart: Miranda Mann, 2026 Head Boarder

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
As we welcome a new year, 2026 Head Boarder Miranda Mann talks about her ambition for her time in the role, reflects on her formative years and looks to what the future holds beyond the tartan. Miranda represents the sixth-generation of cattle graziers from Hillgrove Station, north of Charters Towers. With a deep connection to the land and a heart full of compassion, Miranda brings a grounded, inclusive, and community-focused ideal to the Head Boarder role in 2026. Beginning at Fairholme in Year 7, when she first arrived from her family’s historic Brahman cattle station, established in 1861, before the founding of Townsville. The transition from rural life to boarding school was significant, but it was the unwavering support of her fellow boarders and the dedicated boarding staff that helped her find her place. “An experience that has shaped me to who I am today is the support I received from fellow boarders and staff during tough times,” Miranda reflects. “It’s a great feeling when you know the people around you care for you and want you to succeed. That drives me to do the same for others, because the impact can be significant.” As Head Boarder, Miranda is most excited about working closely with students and staff throughout the year, especially during key events that bring the community together. “I want to make the most of my time left at Fairholme, it’s going to fly by,” she says. “My goal is to leave an everlasting impact by building a more connected and respectful boarding environment. I want every girl to feel comfortable and to enjoy the boarding space even more than they do now.” Miranda’s hope is that her leadership style is rooted in empathy and action. She encourages younger boarders to embrace every opportunity: “Get involved with others and join in on activities around the boarding house, even something as simple as a game of touch. It really makes the term more enjoyable and creates everlasting memories. And don’t be afraid to try new extracurriculars, even if you haven’t done them before.” With her strong sense of community, deep appreciation for her roots, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, Miranda Mann is set to make 2026 a memorable and meaningful year for the Fairholme boarding family.

Celebrating Peer Support in Boarding

By Sarah Richardson • November 24, 2025
Friendship, connection, and a beautiful handover afternoon tea. At the beginning of this year, our Boarding Wellbeing Audit highlighted one message loud and clear: strong peer support is one of the most powerful influences on boarder wellbeing. In response, we set out with intention to strengthen and expand the ways our older girls walk beside and uplift our younger ones. In Term 2, we introduced our Middle Sisters program: a group of dedicated Year 11 Boarders who stepped in to support our Year 7s as the Year 12 academic demands increased. Over the past three terms, the Year 7s and Year 11s have shared plenty of laughs, chats, and practical support, building bonds that have enriched daily boarding life. Wanting our Year 8s to experience the same connection, we extended the initiative to include Year 10 Boarders who were interested to take on a similar role. This group has done a wonderful job running relaxed, group-style mentoring over shared dinners—something the Year 8s have thoroughly enjoyed. A big thank you to Year 11 Boarder, Bella Quinn, who has taken the lead in organising our next group of peer mentors. She has brought together our current Year 9s, who will step into mentoring roles in 2026, supporting today’s Year 7s as they move into Year 8, continuing the cycle of connection and care. Bella hosted a lovely afternoon tea to mark the handover. It was a chance for our Year 11 Middle Sisters to introduce their Year 7s to the new Year 9 mentors who will walk alongside them next year. The Cameron Room was filled with chatter, laughter and the beginnings of friendships that will carry through many years of boarding life. It was a reminder of what makes our community so special: girls supporting girls, encouraging one another, and finding strength in connection.
All News