Last weekend we passed the shortest day/longest night in the year so from here on things get gradually lighter in the mornings and evenings. It seems like the rainy season has only just started and we are already working our way closer to the sun.

This will be our last Weekly Wrap for this term so it is timely to farewell some staff who have been with us.

Staffing Update

Duncan Campbell will return from long service leave into his Automotive training role. Jake Williams has been filling in the Trades area given his interest and experience in mechanics and we thank him for his efforts across the Trades faculty. Jake returns to his role as Maths and PE teacher in the Class schedule. With Jake’s return to his role, Beth Thompson’s contract finishes. Thanks to Beth for being part of us this year.

Margaret Henderson will be taking some long service leave over Semester 2 and we will welcome Louisa Sgambelluri to replace Margaret. Louisa has been involved in relief teaching at the College in the past and has a good understanding of our systems and many of our students. Best wishes to Margaret for her leave.

Gordan Hogarth has been working in our cleaning area for two years and leaves us to take up employment elsewhere. Thank you, Gordon, for being part of our amazing cleaning crew who keep our College looking fantastic.

Last week interviews were conducted to select a new Farm Manager. Whilst I cannot share any details about the recommended applicant until the breach period has closed, I am looking forward to them joining us early next term. You would be aware that Brad Falkingham has been filling in the role since Tony Abel left us and I thank Brad for stepping up to the role in such a capable way.

Calculations

Just to prove Maths is everywhere, I spent some time in the Butchershop this week with a group of Year 11s as they were processing pig carcasses. Tracking the value over the process from live pig to the various cuts, we calculated that a pig of around 100 kg returned a 67 kg carcass.

Had we sold that live pig into the market it would have returned almost $300 to us. The value of that pig when converted into cuts like roasts and chops, was more like $1136; almost four times the value.

Added value comes from the various processing like making ham, sausages, crumbed cutlets and so on. Well done Bob for the great job you do in the Butchershop by value adding to our animals.

Country Week

My thanks in advance to the staff taking the Country Week team to Perth next week. This is another example of where staff willingly give up their time to provide additional experience for students. Special thanks to Patrick Swallow and Heidi Armstrong who have been the chief organisers. Parents are encouraged to visit the sporting venues to support our teams. Students not attending Country Week will be involved in either work experience or a modified timetable on site.

College Ball

I was surprised and disappointed to learn this week that some of our female students appear to be dictating what dresses other girls are wearing to the College Ball. No student has the right to approve or forbid any other student or guest’s choice of dress to the Ball. I believe to do so is a form of coercive control and something we should not accept. Our Ball has been run for many years as a whole school Ball and is always hugely successful, partly because we get far better numbers which improves the atmosphere. Please speak to your daughter and reinforce the right of individuals to be dressed as they please.

I wish to thank our whole College community, students, staff, parents, committee members for a positive and productive term and a restful break if you have one.

Have a good break.

FARM

Bradley.Falkingham@education.wa.edu.au