PRINCIPAL

As we come to the end of term, students and staff enjoyed our Annual College Social—a lovely way to celebrate the term together. Thank you to our coordinators, Teresa Hickman and Sue Fimmano, our kitchen staff, and all College staff who made the evening a success.

This week, we hosted Year 10 students from the WA College of Agriculture – Denmark as part of their industry tour. It was a pleasure to welcome our sister college, and a timely reminder of the outstanding opportunities Agricultural Colleges provide for young people across the state.

Staffing

A massive thank you to all those who have stepped in, stepped up, or filled in throughout this term. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Mr Cantwell for the outstanding way he fulfilled the Vice Principal role, providing strong support to staff, administration, and students. We are grateful for his leadership and flexibility, and wish him well as he returns to his familiar role as Head of Trades.

I would also like to sincerely thank Mr Depiazzi for stepping into the Head of Trades role, where he did an admirable job. My thanks extend to Mr Bates and Mr Denboer for their support in the Trades area during this time—your commitment to our students has been greatly appreciated, and I am sure we will continue to see you around the College throughout the year.

Ms Davies has been an absolute trooper while filling in for Mrs Staker, who is currently on leave. We greatly appreciate her professionalism and commitment to ensuring that our students have a strong, grounded term of agricultural learning.

We were also fortunate to have Heidi Armstrong step in to head the Residential team while Bernie Murnane was away. Heidi’s willingness to take on this role ensured continuity and strong support for our boarding students.

We thank Mr Brad Falkingham for his many years of expertise and dedicated service as Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager. Brad has chosen to step away from farm operations and transition into the Residential space. While we lose his skills in one area, we gain significantly in another, and we are pleased to retain his knowledge and experience within the College. We wish Brad every success in this new position.

A massive thank you is also extended to Mr Geoff Howell, who has generously placed his retirement on hold to support the College in the Assistant Farm Manager role for Term 2 while this position is advertised.

The processes for appointing the Principal and Vice Principal have now concluded, and we are awaiting the formal announcement of these roles. Due to the short term and the Easter break, we are not yet able to share further details; however, please be assured that both positions will be fully in place for the commencement of Term 2.

 I would like to acknowledge the effort shown by our students throughout this term, across the classroom, agricultural, trades, and boarding programs. Their commitment to College life is commendable.

I hope parents and carers found the interim reports and staff interviews helpful in understanding your child’s progress. Ongoing communication between families and staff is essential, and we greatly value your partnership and continued support. Thank you to the parents who took the time to meet with staff. 

As the term concludes, I encourage students to take time over the break to rest and reconnect with family.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term.

Stay safe.