PRINCIPAL

Trust Fund

The Trust Fund is administered by the Agricultural Education Directorate in the Central Office and supports all schools offering a recognised and approved agricultural education program. In this way, we, the larger contributing schools, provide funds for schools with smaller farms that may be less commercial but still offer valuable agricultural education.

Each year, schools are invited to submit requests to the Trust Fund for new projects or for the replacement of machinery and equipment. About 10% of the total funds available annually are reserved for the non-contributory sites (eight schools), with the remainder allocated to the six contributory sites.

The Combined Agricultural Advisory Committee (CAAC) is made up of representatives from each individual school’s Agricultural Advisory Committee. One of CAAC’s key roles is to provide advice to the Director of Agricultural Education on the allocation of funds to school requests. 

Next week, the CAAC distribution meeting will take place, and Graeme Moore, Chair of our Ag Advisory, will represent us in the discussions. Graeme has been a valued member of our Agricultural Advisory Committee since 1997 and has an outstanding understanding of both the farm and the broader school organisation.

This year, we have requested funds for the following projects:

• Establishment of our hothouse and hydroponic project.

• Medium-sized tractor to replace the existing old tractor — we have two we would like to replace.

• Laser levelling of additional paddocks to increase our irrigated fodder production.

• Replacement of two cattle crushes (beef and dairy).

Horse Riding Incident

This week, we had a horse riding incident in which a student fell from her horse and had to be transported to Perth by rescue helicopter due to a suspected spinal injury.

Fortunately, tests indicate there is no lasting damage. The student was riding in accordance with our riding procedures, and staff responded efficiently and competently to the situation. My thanks to all involved in managing an incident that could have had far worse outcomes.

Empowering Parents and Carers to Support Teen Mental Health - Webinar

See below the link for details about the free mental health webinars delivered by the Black Dog Institute.

We know that parenting a teenager can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing. Black Dog Institute are inviting parents and carers to attend the upcoming free mental health webinars, designed to provide practical tools, strategies, and insights to help parents and carers in supporting the young people in their lives.