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One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.

Inspiring, imaginative and the ultimate celebration of creativity, the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival trip was one to remember for our Year 11 and 12 Fashion Students. Across three inspiring days, students immersed themselves in world-class design, bold artistic expression and the evolving future of fashion. Students explored the joyful and imaginative ‘Let’s Party’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Drawing from the gallery’s renowned Fashion & Textiles Collection, the showcase celebrated playful accessories, inventive silhouettes and the expressive power of dressing up. Seeing fashion presented within a fine-art context proved eye-opening. Pieces were bold, theatrical and delightfully unexpected, encouraging students to view clothing not just as garments, but as creative statements. The visit also included a stunning display of works by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Her fearless use of colour, texture and form captivated the group, offering a masterclass in how fashion can challenge conventions while remaining unmistakably beautiful. In a powerful celebration of women in the arts, students next explored the dazzling Diva collection at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The exhibition featured breathtaking costumes worn by icons including Cher and Cate Blanchett. A tram ride to Lygon Street brought a shift in focus from glamour to responsibility at MIND: The Regenerative Fashion Store, which returned for an exclusive three-day appearance as part of the festival. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented, the space encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textiles. The visit highlighted an important message that fashion isn’t just about what’s trending on the runway, it’s about responsibility, sustainability and investing in the future. Of course, no Melbourne Fashion Festival experience would be complete without the runway, and our students were treated to some breathtaking productions. Between inspiring exhibitions and runway moments, the experience was rich with creativity, individuality and discovery. The students have returned buzzing with ideas and inspiration, ready to channel what they had seen in their own creative work. Heartfelt thanks go to our Fashion staff for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.

Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.

In 2026, Fairholme College will proudly celebrate 40 years of Equestrian, marking a significant milestone in the College’s sporting history. This anniversary honours our rich traditions, the dedication of generations of riders, coaches and families, and the enduring place equestrian sport holds within our community. At the same time, it invites us to look ahead to the continued growth of the sport and the opportunities available for future Fairholme riders across the Darling Downs and beyond - particularly as the region looks ahead to hosting Olympic Equestrian during the Brisbane 2032 Games. Fairholme’s strong sporting pathways have long inspired students to dream big. Across our history, the College has produced 11 Olympians across multiple sports, a remarkable achievement that continues to motivate today’s students to pursue excellence on and off the field. Our equestrian journey began humbly in 1986, when Fairholme competed for the first time in the Inter High School Equestrian Championships alongside schools from Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. The occasion was made even more special by the generosity of the Fairholme Parents and Friends Association, who donated saddle cloths to the team. Made from the summer tartan and bound in gold ribbon, with the school badge sewn into the left hand corner, these cloths symbolised strong community support, values that remain central to Fairholme equestrian today. Four decades later, the program continues to go from strength to strength. In 2025, the Fairholme Equestrian Team celebrated an outstanding year of achievement, including being named: > Finalist – 2025 Equestrian Queensland School of the Year > 2025 Equestrian Queensland Interschool Overall Champion Secondary School, winning the prestigious Lorette Wigan Cup for the fifth consecutive year > Grand Champion School – 2025 Darling Downs and South West Queensland Regional Championships Adding to this success, ten Fairholme riders were selected to compete at the 2025 Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships, showcasing their talent on the national stage. This anniversary provides the College with the opportunity to celebrate not only past and present achievements, but the passion and promise of the riders who will shape the next chapter of equestrian at the College. The future of this proud legacy sport has never looked brighter.

Across 13 to 15 March, Fairholme College was proud to be involved in and support the Motherland Australia National Conference held in Toowoomba, an event dedicated to strengthening connection, wellbeing and support for rural mothers across the country. Motherland Australia is a nationally recognised charity that works to reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes for women living and raising families in regional and remote communities. On Saturday, a group of Fairholme boarders attended the conference, facilitating a bracelet making workshop and connecting with more than 300 rural mums from across Australia. Many girls made connections with people from their home towns or those that knew their families. The activity created a warm, welcoming space for conversation and creativity, reinforcing the importance of community, shared experience and mutual support among rural women. For Fairholme, one of Australia’s largest all-girls boarding schools, the Motherland message is one of great importance. Our students and families come from all over regional and rural Australia, and we see firsthand the challenges distance and isolation can present. Supporting initiatives that bring rural women together aligns strongly with Fairholme’s commitment to community, wellbeing and leadership. The experience also provided our boarders with a meaningful opportunity to serve others, develop empathy and engage with the broader rural communities they proudly represent.

Meet Year 7 Boarders, Willow Gilliland and Adi Dodson For Boarder Willow Gilliland, cattle is in her blood, competing in her first judging competition at just six years old. Her family run beef and stud cattle from their property at Alice Creek in the South Burnett, where her passion for the industry continues to grow. Willow, in Year 7, has competed in numerous competitions across the country, regularly topping her category in both judging and parading. Most recently, she cleaned up at the Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo, taking out Champion Junior Judging, third place in Sub Intermediate Handler, and took out first place Junior Handler at the 2026 Pittsworth Show. Willow has her sights firmly set on a future career in agriculture, saying there are plenty of exciting opportunities opening up across the industry, especially for girls. Adi Dodson, a Year 7 Boarder from Banana in Central Queensland, has been showing cattle for five years. Following in her family’s footsteps, Adi is an up‑and‑coming cattle stud groomer, exhibitor and judge, just like her mum and dad. A standout young competitor, Adi claimed the Junior Parader title in the 13 years and under category at last year’s Ekka, beating more than 150 other entrants. With a strong passion for the industry, Adi hopes to pursue a career in beef, contributing to her home region, and in one of our most important and iconic sectors.

How long have you been a student at Fairholme? I joined Fairholme in 2021 as a Year 7 Day Girl, so I am now in my sixth year at the College. What drew you to the role of Prefect for Service? I have always been involved in service activities at Fairholme, and over time it became something I was really passionate about. I was always inspired by the work that Interact does and the positive impact it has both within Fairholme and in the wider community. Watching older students organise and lead initiatives such as Shave for a Cure and Share the Dignity motivated me and seeing their courage and commitment made me want to contribute in the same way. Do you have a favourite or most memorable service activity you’ve been involved in? Definitely, Homework Help. I participated in it during both Year 10 and Year 11, and it quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Being able to engage with children from various backgrounds and build friendships with them was really special. Seeing their faces light up when they achieved something made the experience incredibly fulfilling, and it truly felt like we were making a meaningful difference in the community. Has there been a particular influence on your passion for helping others? I would say my grandma has always set a positive example as she was always very involved in helping her community at Warra, whether through volunteering her time or organising local events. Seeing the impact she had on others shaped the way I think about service and ultimately shaped my passion for helping others. What advice would you give to students who might be unsure about getting involved in service activities? My advice would simply be to just sign up and give it a go. It can sometimes feel a little daunting trying something new, but service activities are always welcoming and enjoyable experiences. Not only do you get to spend time with friends and meet new people, but you also gain a lot of perspective about the world around you. It really helps you appreciate what you have and understand how much even small efforts can mean to others. Once you get involved, you quickly realise how rewarding it is. Do you hope to continue volunteering after school? I would love to. I love volunteering and I am hopeful to volunteer all around the world when I am older and get the opportunity to travel. It would be really special to make a significant difference in both my local community but also in communities around the world. What’s a random fact about you that most people might not know? A random fact about me is that I danced for fourteen years of my life. It was a huge part of my life growing up. I started when I was three years old and continued all the way until the end of Year 11, when I finished at seventeen, training in the disciplines of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Irish and Contemporary.

How long have you been a student at Fairholme? I’ve been at Fairholme since I was in Year 10, so I’m beginning my third year here this year. What made you want to become the Prefect for Ministry? I wanted to become Prefect for Ministry to really help draw girls closer to God, but to also help girls to learn more about the Bible in a more relatable and interesting way that would make them enjoy learning about God and the Bible more. What part of the role have you been enjoying most? The part of my role I enjoy the most would definitely be the messages I get to write for Chapels. It’s been quite enjoyable to be able to take a Bible story and retell it in a more modernised or entertaining way to get people more engaged during Chapels. It’s also helped me learn more about the Bible as well, which has been good. Who has been your biggest influence or inspiration in your faith journey? The biggest influence in my faith journey would have to be some of my old church friends or Mr Cavanough. Having chats about faith and religion to either has been really helpful in deepening my understanding and beliefs. But of course, the biggest inspiration would have to be Jesus and God themselves. Can’t get more inspiring than them. What advice would you give your Year 7 self? I would tell her to just trust what God has in store for you, and that everything would work out for the best in the end. And also to just go to bed instead of pulling all-nighters on assignments; it really never was that serious. Go enjoy your life with your friends instead. Do you see faith or serving others continuing to be part of your life after school? Yes, absolutely. My faith will definitely continue to play a big part of my life after I leave Fairholme. While I may no longer be a Ministry Prefect - unfortunately - I will still keep my faith central in my life long after I finish school. What’s a random fact about you that most people might not know? A random fact about me would be that I don’t have pets in Australia, but I have five pet chickens in Zimbabwe.

A wonderful achievement for Year 11 student Helen Yong, who was recently presented with her Associate in Music Australia (AMusA) Diploma in Piano from the Australian Music Examinations Board at a special ceremony held at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. This highly regarded qualification recognises an advanced level of musical understanding and performance, and is a testament to Helen’s dedication, discipline and passion for her craft. Helen began playing piano in Year 1 and has since developed into an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, also playing the violin and previously the clarinet. After completing her AMEB Grade 8, she spent a further 18 months to two years preparing for her Diploma, a journey requiring countless hours of focused practice and perseverance. ‘There were times when I wanted to quit when I was younger,’ Helen reflects, ‘but I’m really glad now that I kept going.’ The AMusA examination process is rigorous, requiring candidates to complete a written exam, perform a memorised recital before a panel of examiners, followed by an in-depth discussion demonstrating extensive knowledge of each work. Helen’s success speaks not only to her musical ability but also her commitment, often dedicating three to four hours of daily practice while balancing her academic studies. Reflecting on her involvement in music, Helen shares that she ‘loves making new connections and just how much you learn from it. It has forced me to better with my time management, having to fit my studies in around my practice. It’s been tough to juggle it all, but I’ve had my friends encouraging me which has been really helpful.’ Beyond piano, Helen is currently working towards her Diploma in violin, as well as Grade Six Music Theory, along with commencing her second Diploma in Piano. She draws inspiration from composers such as Mendelssohn and Debussy, whose lyrical styles resonate deeply with her. A regular competitor in eisteddfods and events including the Queensland Piano Competition, Helen is also an active member of Fairholme’s trio, chamber strings and symphony orchestra. Helen’s passion for music is matched by her ambition, with aspirations to pursue a dual degree combining the arts with medicine, and one day work as a GP. She also hopes to remain involved in music beyond school, potentially performing in orchestras or even exploring violin making and repair. Helen credits her parents, teachers and friends for their support, including the weekly commitment of travelling to Brisbane for lessons. With her remarkable work ethic, Helen’s future is undoubtedly bright, and we look forward to seeing where