From Associate Principal

Welcome to all the new and returning students for what we hope will be a positive, productive and enjoyable year at the College. The year has kicked off with a busy first two weeks as students settle into residence and acquaint themselves with College life. 

The Year 11 students and their families joined us early last week, enabling them to explore the College Campus, visit each section and meet the staff who will be working to support the students on their educational journey here at WACOA Cunderdin. I strongly encourage the Year 11 students to work hard this year and build solid routines for study, develop their organisational skills and do their best to experience all the College has to offer. It is a unique experience that truly sets them up for life. Whether the goal is to gain an apprenticeship, enter the workforce or undertake further study, the skills and experiences gained over the next two years will certainly assist your child in achieving these goals. 

Welcome back to the Year 12 students, have been thrown straight back into Class, Farm and Trades studies as they move into their final year of schooling. For some students these next three terms will be jam packed with a combination of sports commitments, academics, VET studies and excursions which may result in times throughout the year where there are a number of deadlines all occurring at once. I strongly encourage Year 12s to be forward-planning, aware of due dates and be proactive in completing paperwork across all areas of the College to ensure that they are able to juggle their commitments and complete their studies to the best of their ability. Students are actively encouraged to access staff support during class, after school a prep of an evening to assist with this.

Course Changes

Students wishing to discuss course selection changes need to arrange a meeting with me as soon as possible to make this request. Unfortunately, although we try our best, not all course changes can be accommodated. Please note the cut off for course changes will be Friday 21 February.  

Uniform, Organisation and Phones

It has been great to see the students taking pride in themselves, wearing the correct uniform to sections and keeping themselves neat and tidy throughout the day. As a working farm, busy trade training centre and challenging academic site, there are many reasons, including safety reasons for phones not to be permitted on Farm, in Trades or in Class. Students are reminded that phones are to stay in their rooms when they leave for the school day as per the Department's policy - "Off and Away, All Day". 

Communication 

Please contact staff if you have any concerns about your child's achievements academically or how they are settling into residence so we can work together to ensure your child is able to make the most of their time here at the College. All new parents should have received an email invitation including login details for Compass and Connect which are our main methods of regular communication but please reach out if you wish to discuss your child's progress throughout the term or are unsure of how to access these platforms.

I look forward to working with parents, staff and students throughout the year to support our students to achieve success in their learning.   

Leanne Sjollema

Associate Principal