KIM HOLMAN: TO ALAMEDA AND BEYOND!

SHANNON KING Digital Marketing & Communications Officer

Kim Holman, the former Girls Boarding Coordinator at St Peters Lutheran College, spent 18 years nurturing and shaping the lives of young Boarders. Her journey from Arizona to Brisbane has been filled with memorable experiences, and her passion for education and commitment to creating a caring environment have left an indelible mark on the Boarding community.

Kim has a strong connection to Alameda, a city in California. When she was in Year 5, her family relocated there from Phoenix for her father’s work. However, as Arizonans born and raised, Kim and her siblings left “kicking and screaming”. Surprisingly, Alameda turned out to be the perfect place for her and she cherished her time in California. As an adult, Kim coined the term 'Alameda' within her workplace and family, using it to signify being in the exact place you are supposed to be.

When asked why she became a teacher, Kim credited the feedback she received during a job interview for an airline stewardess position, which ultimately led her to pursue a degree in education at Northern Arizona University.

"My answers were so passionate regarding education and youth that the writing was always on the wall," she said.

Kim's teaching career commenced in Arizona and eventually took her to Australia where she taught in Toomelah and at an Indigenous mission in NSW, at St Mary’s School in Goondiwindi and Crestmead College before finally finding her place at St Peters.

It was an advertisement in the local newspaper that piqued Kim’s interest in Boarding. Intrigued by the opportunity, she contacted David Radke, the then Director of Boarding at St Peters, to explore the possibility further. Kim's diverse background, including working with Indigenous children, farming experience and a strong passion for youth development made her an ideal candidate for the role. With the support of the Boarding team and the principal at the time, Stephen Rudolph, Kim joined St Peters Lutheran College in 2005. “Alameda!” she declared.

Kim's tenure at St Peters spanned 18 years, during which she served as the Girls Boarding Coordinator. She worked alongside Barbara Smallhorne during her first year, receiving valuable guidance and support.

Over the years, Kim assembled an incredible team of dedicated Boarding staff who became the foundation of St Peters' Boarding success.

“Every woman that came through those doors was the right person at the right time. Basically, through prayer, the skies would open, and Mary Poppins would float down at the exact time I needed her,” she recalled.

During her time in Boarding, Kim experienced countless highlights that filled her with joy and gratitude. From house camps and watching young Boarders grow and mature as they journeyed from Year 7 to Year 12, to celebrating birthdays and milestones and visiting families in their hometowns, each experience held a special place in her heart.

"Every water station I attended at 5:00am to help cheer on the marathon runners... Every ANZAC service attended at 4:00am in the city never failed to bring a tear to my eye," she said.

While every Boarding community faces challenges, Kim acknowledged the tremendous support she received from the College community. The presence of on-call counsellors, nursing staff and accessible principals ensured that challenges were addressed promptly and effectively. Kim's proximity to the Boarding House as a live-in staff member, alongside the support of Boarding parents and her husband Mark, contributed significantly to overcoming any obstacles that arose.

The most rewarding aspect for Kim has been the privilege of connecting with families from around the world. She has found witnessing the growth and development of Boarders into capable and confident young women and seeing her staff members thrive personally and professionally, immensely fulfilling.

“My family are all in America so I was able to adopt Boarding as my extended family which I will carry in my heart forever.”

Kim reflects on the significant changes she has witnessed in Boarding over the years.

The advent of smartphones transformed the way Boarders connected with their families and friends but also meant the girls spent less time together in their spare time. To address the challenges posed by excessive phone use, Kim introduced various clubs and activities tailored to the interests of the Boarders.

She also played a pivotal role in introducing ‘family groups’, where Year 12 students oversee and mentor a group of younger Boarders, emphasising the importance of leadership and responsibility within the Boarding community.

“This [initiative] has resulted in a wonderful and organic transition to a kinder and more caring environment,” she explained. Kim Holman leaves behind a Boarding community enriched by her dedication, compassionate nature and genuine love for the Boarders and staff. Kim affirmed, "For parents to trust me and my staff enough to leave their children in our care is an absolute privilege and honour that we never took lightly."

The memories, relationships and growth she facilitated will continue to resonate within the Boarding community for years to come.