PRINCIPAL

This week we saw a welcome change in the weather after a run of really hot days. Complain as we might about the weather, but spare a thought for our Queensland cousins who are dealing with floods and devastation.

Over the course of this week one of the school nurses gave a presentation to all students about vaping and the inherent dangers. These messages are important and hopefully reinforced from home. I feel as if that vaping seems to be less prevalent than a few years ago but I have no evidence to support that other than my own anecdotal observation.

I joined a group of students exploring a part of our Farm searching for a location to install a solar pump with the aim of improving our water security. We have a number of soaks on the College farm and a creek line that runs all year that present potential sites to collect water. I was reminded how lucky we are to have this property as part of our school. 

You might be interested to know…..

Agricultural Advisory Committee and Combined Agricultural Advisory Committee

The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) are a group of highly regarded farmers tasked with advising us on our Farm operations. The aim is to provide as close to a realistic industry environment as possible to enhance our training for students. Each AAC member has a particular strength and we aim to align one or two members to each of our separate Farm Enterprises. We are very grateful for our Agricultural Advisory members and the time they provide in their busy lives. Of note is our current Chairperson, Graeme Moore, who has been on the committee for 28 years and remains passionate, a wealth of knowledge and committed to the College.

The Combined Agricultural Advisory Committee (CAAC) is made up of representatives from the individual schools’ AAC. The CAAC role is to provide higher level advice to the Education Department and the Minister for Education on agricultural education matters. One of the important roles of the CAAC is to advise on the expenditure of funds from the 'Trust'. 

WA Colleges of Agriculture (plus Esperance) contribute 40% of their gross farm income to the 'Trust', which in turn funds a variety of items such as vehicle leases to all schools. Each year all schools delivering an agricultural program (including eight non-contributory schools with smaller farms) can apply for additional funds from the 'Trust' for specific projects. In this way schools with higher capacity to generate funds, like us, support schools with less ability to generate funds.

Last year we were successful in gaining 'Trust' funds for the following projects;

• 4 tonne mini excavator - $68,000.

• 50kg drone with spreading and spraying attachments - $40,000. 

• Permanent irrigation water - $150,000.

• Grain storage complex as first phase of mixing our own livestock rations - $46,700.

Have a great weekend.