PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents/Carers, Families and College Community

We have had a very pleasing start to the growing season with early rains and good pasture growth. As part of normal farm operations, several paddocks have been renovated and reseeded including one in our Regenerative Agriculture Demonstration site. 

For those that don’t know, Regenerative Agriculture is a recent term which describes the combining of a number of long established practices, such as use of mineral fertilisers and softer chemicals, planting of multi- species pastures, incorporation of grazing animals into the rotation. The ultimate goal is to increase biodiversity, soil carbon and soil biological activity. 

In doing so, the aim is to increase soil fertility, water holding capacity and ultimately increase productivity and resistance to climate extremes.

Landcare

This week Craig Sullivan (Assistant Farm Manager) and I spent time with a representative of the Leschenault Catchment Council looking at sites for some Landcare projects focussed on protecting and enhancing our water ways. We have identified two sites where we can fence off a creek line from cattle and undertake replanting of native species. 

Electronic Quiz Night

My thanks to Michael Kilrain who took a leadership role in arranging this week’s digital quiz night. Whilst there were some minor issues on the night, it was seen as a great concept and with some adjustments, we would repeat the exercise.

Student Driving

Speaking of leadership. Our Year 12 Councillors who attended the senior staff meeting this week expressed their concerns that some of their peers need a reminder about safe driving practices. Clearly the students themselves are sufficiently worried to bring it up, so we will discuss how we can assist with the safe driving messaging, especially for our Year 12s.

College Mural

Staff are currently putting the final touches on our remodelling around the new mural. Students have been involved in a range of projects including limestone block laying, installing drainage and irrigation systems and laying turf. The area is looking fantastic and a credit to all those involved. Thanks particularly to Farm staff Rob Hodgson, Steve Cruickshank, Tessa Ferraro and Matt Olde for their hard work and expertise.   

Regards

Steve