Boarding at Fairholme 2021 Handbook (08/21)

BOARDING at Fairholme ‘Your preparation of today determines your achievement of tomorrow’ Welcome to Boarding at Fairholme We acknowledge the difficult decision involved in sending your daughter to Boarding School and thank you for the opportunity to journey with you, throughout her schooling. As a College, we will never be able to replace her real home, but we do seek to work with you in the provision of a safe, structured environment with clear expectations and guidelines which allow for her growth and learning. For most of our Fairholme boarder parents, the choice to send their daughter away is necessitated by their rural or remote location or seeking out opportunities for a rich and diverse education, not otherwise accessible. We pride ourselves on thinking as a Boarding School, and, as one of the largest in Australia, we know that it is important that we do. Your daughter will become part of a large, vibrant community of girls, girls who will literally become her lifelong friendship network. She will be cared for and nurtured throughout her formative adolescent years; a time when stability, routine and support are deemed vital. Our boarding staff, led by Head of Boarding, Ms Marguerite Dunne have a wealth of experience in working with girls of this age. Whilst they cannot be mum or dad, they are passionately interested in each girl and want to see them achieve their very best in all that they do. There is much to do in all spheres – academic, cultural, sporting and service. We believe that the best education is a well-rounded one, founded in the College’s values where Christ-centred faith is the underpinning. Importantly, we look forward to the journey ahead and welcome you warmly, to the Fairholme Family. Kind regards Dr Linda Evans | PRINCIPAL 2 RE ‘There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.’ ~ C.S. Lewis 3 FROM the Head of Boarding Boarding at Fairholme College is a happy school: Christ-centred faith, respect, and rewarding experience for all. For collaboration, seeking excellence and Welcome to over 100 years, boarders have played enjoyment. Fairholme a valued and significant role in the life of the College. With approximately A committed, qualified and professional College 210 girls and staff living on campus, team of teaching, residential and Boarding. boarders make up the ‘fabric’ of the medical staff aim to provide the highest We hope your College constituting over a third of the level of care and support and monitor student body of the Junior, Middle and the wellbeing of each individual boarder. association Senior Schools. The College maintains Recent refurbishments in the Boarding with the a strong connection with rural families House have created warm ‘home away Boarding with current boarding students from home’ living and communal spaces predominately from country areas of for the girls to relax and enjoy together. House will be Queensland, New South Wales, and the a happy one. Northern Territory, and a small number Being a boarder can be very rewarding of girls joining us from overseas. in a number of ways. Living on campus gives convenient access to an extensive In the Boarding House we aim to range of activities and facilities, enabling create a friendly and supportive home each boarding student the opportunity where the boarders gain the social to experience a balanced involvement skills necessary to live happily together, in the academic, spiritual, sporting showing respect and empathy for and cultural life of the College. The the needs of others, whilst growing carefully designed study program and in independence and self-reliance. prep routine assists the girls with their 4 We all live by the core values of the academic studies. There is also a sense of fraternity that care and support as girls learn to manage is fostered amongst all of the Fairholme boarding life. A network of support from the boarders, with friendships being established Head of Boarding, Deputy Head of Boarding that last a lifetime. and Senior School Co-ordinator, Middle and Junior Schools Co-ordinator, Head of The connections made across friendship Wellbeing – Boarding, Floor Supervisors, groups and year levels, and the care and School Nursing Staff, older Boarders and, if concern that the girls experience themselves needed, Wellness Coaches or Head of House, from the staff and students, or give to is in most cases successful in helping the others, are the valued extra that boarding at girls quickly adjust to their new situation and Fairholme provides. All of these experiences environment. Part of the growth process nurture lifelong learning in each girl which involves learning to live with others and is not left at the gate when she leaves at the within the guidelines appropriate for a busy end of her Fairholme journey but enables her boarding house. As past boarding parents to flourish beyond school. will attest to, the girls will quickly build in confidence and independence during their As in any community, there may be times time in our vibrant boarding community. which may challenge, particularly for a new boarder (and her family) when she first The Boarding House looks forward to transitions into the boarding community. At welcoming you to Fairholme College. We Fairholme we try to alleviate any anxiety and hope your association with us will be a turn it into anticipation through visits to each fulfilling and happy one. new student and their family by academic and boarding staff members, in the year prior to entry, as well as through our September Orientation and January First Day programs. At all times, parents are encouraged to work in partnership with the boarding staff in ensuring their daughter/s enjoy the positive experience of their time in Fairholme Boarding. Boarding does make a number of demands on the girls as they have to complete several routine tasks, many of which have been done for them previously. These might include getting their clothes to the laundry, making beds, keeping their belongings and their area tidy, and getting organised for school or prep or their extra- curricular activities. This can be greatly assisted if parents ensure their daughters are familiar with some of these tasks before they come to boarding school. Just like at home our experienced staff are always on-hand to offer encouragement, 5 Philosophy The following ethos underpins Boarding at Fairholme: • Fairholme College Boarding House • Co-operation and consideration are nurtures the growth and development fundamental principles underpinning of each girl within a safe and secure the Boarding House environment. Each girl is encouraged • Self-discipline is valued and each girl is to reach her goals and the staff encouraged to accept responsibility is sensitive to each girl’s physical, for her actions academic, emotional, spiritual, • Parents are encouraged to visit the sporting and cultural needs Boarding House as often as they wish. • Girls are encouraged to become Communication between girls, parents responsible citizens who respect and staff is fostered. themselves and others, and who live harmoniously with others in a community whilst maintaining individuality 6 Organisation The organisation of the Boarding House is as Middle and Junior School Co-ordinator follows: She has a responsibility to oversee • Years 5 to 7 live in Nancy Shaw all year the physical, emotional and spiritual round development of the middle and junior school • Years 8 to 12 live throughout the girls in the Boarding House. Boarding House in vertically structured floors of rooms but always sharing their Head of Wellbeing – Boarding room with their own year level. Each The Boarding House provides another layer to term, girls change rooms and change the Boarders’ support network through our with whom they share. This ensures qualified staff who support and nurture the everyone has a turn in different parts wellbeing of each individual girl. of the Boarding House and also gets to know more girls in their year group. Floor Supervisors The primary role of the floor supervisors is An experienced team of staff care for the girls to be involved in the physical, emotional and in the Boarding House. The positions and spiritual development of each girl under their roles are as follows: care in a day to day situation. Head of Boarding Nursing Staff The Head of Boarding is responsible for the A Registered Nurse is available to girls operation of the Boarding House. This entails throughout the day for health care and establishing policy, communication with for making appointments with health the parent body, staff matters, and student professionals. There is also a Nurse-on-duty concerns. She provides a link between the available to Boarders during the night. Day School and the Boarding House and is to supervise the physical, emotional and spiritual development of the girls under her care while establishing effective communication with the parents. Pastoral care and academic progress are prime responsibilities of the Head of Boarding. Any concerns regarding these areas should be directed to the Head of Boarding. Deputy Head of Boarding and Senior School Co-ordinator The primary role of the Deputy Head of Boarding and Senior School Co-ordinator is the daily operation of the Boarding House. She also has a responsibility to oversee the physical, emotional and spiritual development of the senior school girls in the Boarding House. 8 Student Leadership Fairholme College encourages the development of leadership skills amongst the Boarders. Leadership opportunities are available for all students in roles such as: Head Boarder and Boarder Prefects Prefects are expected to be fine ambassadors of the Boarding House and excellent role models for their peers and the younger boarders. Each Prefect is responsible for setting high standards of behaviour and is to show pride in wearing the Fairholme uniform.

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