FARM TRAINING

Welcome back to Term 1.  I hope parents, staff and students have had a fantastic holiday period. I am currently in the role of Head of Department – Farm Training overseeing the delivery and assessment of the agricultural related qualifications and short courses on the College Farm. 

2024 Student Inductions 

Prior to commencing on Farm all new students needed to be inducted into different areas on Farm.  This included farm safety with Chris Curran (Assistant Farm Manager), into machinery and vehicle with Farm staff and I explained the Farm learning program. 

As all new students have now completed their inductions, they will be rostered onto the various farm sections next week. Thank you to the staff and students for your involvement in the induction program and for making it a smooth and painless process. A special mention to Mrs Raper and Mrs Coulson who prepared most of the paperwork for the inductions. 

Student Driving

This week I reminded students of the requirement of carrying their College drivers licence with them when they come to Farm. If students do not have their license to display to staff, they will not be permitted to drive a College vehicle or machinery. Please also be aware that new students will be having their eye sight tested by the College nurse and must be over the age of 15 to operate a College vehicle or machine. Students must only operate a vehicle or machine if instructed to do so by a staff member.

2024 Certificate III in Wool Handling

This week I emailed Year 11 parents/guardians regarding the 2024 Certificate III in Advanced Wool Handling. The course will be delivered as a short course through South Regional TAFE. Students completing the course will be required to return to the College in Week 7 of Term 4 2024 (18th - 22nd November 2024). Please note that these dates are after the last official day for Year 11 students in Term 4 (15th November 2024). 

This course is free of charge. I encourage parents to speak with their Year 11 child about this opportunity and complete an application form if they are interested. Spaces in the course are limited to 16 students so a panel will be formed to review applications. Application forms are available to be collected from my office and this closes on Friday 9th February 2024 at 4:00pm. When completed the applications can be submitted to myself or the front office.

Auschem Course 2024

In coming weeks, I will be enrolling Year 11 Farm Focus students in the 2024 Auschem Course. The course will be delivered by South Regional TAFE later in the year. This course usually has a high cost and in some states the purchase of agricultural chemicals is restricted for sale without this accreditation. 

The College has been fortunate to receive government funding to reduce the cost for parents this year. The cost of the two-day course is approximately $95 and this will be added to student accounts closer to the course commencing. The course is particularly valuable for students who plan to complete Certificate III in Agriculture in 2025 as it provides credit for two Units of Competency.

Student Rosters

The weekly student roster for Farm has been completed and is displayed around the College. Year 10 and 11 students are encouraged to take special note of the Weekend Stock Roster as their attendance is a requirement of their Farm learning program. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require further information regarding the Farm Training program.