From the Head of Boarding

The Newdegate Machinery Field Days is a much-anticipated event in our local agricultural calendar, and this year was no exception. Our Principal, Mr Mathew Irving, Community Relations Manager Mrs Julia Bairstow and I had the opportunity to attend and enjoyed engaging with our broader Great Southern Grammar community and exploring the latest innovations in farming and machinery.

The Field Days provided a unique chance for both staff and our local boarding students to connect with their region's vibrant agricultural industry. From advanced machinery displays to interactive exhibits on sustainable farming practices, the event was a great way for us to continue to learn more about the environment many of our boarding students and families come from.

Mr Irving shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, It’s an important connection for us at Great Southern Grammar, with so many of our families connected to this region and event. We are always looking for ways to bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world applications, and the Field Day is a perfect example of that.

I have echoed this sentiment, emphasising how meaningful it was to interact with families and our boarders outside of the school environment. Meeting parents, hearing their stories, and learning more about their livelihoods really strengthens the bond we have with our boarding community. Events like these help us understand the unique challenges and opportunities our boarders experience in their home lives.

The day finished with us hosting a Meet the Principal event at the Plough & Tractor (Footy Bar). This was well attended with current, new and alumni students soaking up the energy of the bustling crowds. For our boarders and students who came home to be at the Field Day, it was a fantastic opportunity to proudly share their world with us.

The Newdegate Machinery Field Days was a unique experience for all involved, and we look forward to future opportunities to connect with the community at similar events. As a school, we are committed to fostering strong relationships with our families and ensuring our students’ home and school lives are closely connected. This outing was just one example of our ongoing efforts to achieve that.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat at our stand and event, shared their story, provided a place to stay and a chance to see farming operations in action, or made a donut and poured a coffee for us!  We're already looking forward to next year.

Mr Ashley Keatch | Head of Boarding