PRINCIPAL

WOW! 

My first experience of a Harvey Ag Open Day and I must say it was absolutely amazing. To prepare a site of 940Ha to accommodate over 1100 people for a period of 4 ½ hours takes a monumental amount of teamwork and cooperation. 

Every staff member and student positively engaged in this task in the weeks leading up to Open Day but the way the site was transformed through Friday and on Saturday morning was incredible. Sheds were cleared, grass cut, classrooms tidied, produce gathered and the entire College given a spruce up in preparation for the influx of visitors. 

All the Farm staff made sure each of the sections were ready to receive visitors and showcase the skills and talents which form part of the College programs.  Catering staff produced a mountain of food which was enjoyed by everyone – especially the desserts. Cleaning staff made sure all areas within the College were spick and span. Residential staff made sure students were appropriately attired and ready to run their sausage sizzle stall. Teaching staff prepared the classrooms with various displays showcasing the activities in each learning area. 

The front office staff, led by Mrs Hickman put together the showcase of College memorabilia and history in the gym which I found particularly interesting and informative. They also provided all the programs, floats, signage and running sheets for the day for the various stalls and raffle. 

Mr Pfitzner, Mr Dyson and Ms Stringer coordinated a range of other activities such as the bus tours, student projects and ensuring students were all in the right places at the right times. 

Of course, the stars of the show were the students who gave up a Saturday (some even went to sport commitments and returned) to showcase the College. They showed off their projects, guided parents, family and community members around, provided running commentary on the bus tours, sold produce, demonstrated farm skills and did all of this with pride and respect. 

As a school leader, it was truly a humbling event that I have not previously experienced in all my years in education – Thank you and well done to all!

College Planning

There have been some recent changes to the alignment of enterprises and staffing within the Farm operations here at the College. These changes have been planned via the school and Farm management teams, along with input and support from the Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Group and Chair of the College Board. All staff and students have been advised of the changes. 

No section of the Farm is being closed, but some sections are being realigned to provide better educational outcomes for students and commercial outcomes for the College. Further information will be provided as the details around the realignment are implemented and more enterprises come on board in the coming months. 

Thank you for your support and understanding as the College continues to meet the educational needs and outcomes of the students, preparing them for the future in the agricultural industry.

Aspiration, Respect and Safety

Last week I talked with our Year 12 boys around our core expectations of Aspiration, Respect and Safety and how they, as members of our school community, could assist in making sure that everyone feels safe and respected around the College. I also spoke about their opportunities and pathways once they finish their secondary school education and start on the real path of life. 

Please be reminded that this week and next week are short weeks in recognition of the commitment of staff and students who were here on a Saturday, so students will return to classes on Tuesday 4th June 2024.