Farm

Farm Report

Well, what a busy and HOT start to the school year!  The Year 11s have been busy with inductions and learning about how our farm runs. 

Safety is a priority when our staff are delivering inductions, so students have been learning about the dangers associated with everything from PTO shafts to unpredictable animals.  It is important that all students are aware of the dangers and processes that are involved with farming.  We want our future farmers to stay safe within this wonderful industry. 

There have been some tired students after starting their shearing careers with Lairdy!

The Year 12s have been participating in the shearing program with help from Owen, Kay and Ryan; of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of Technical Officers Lairdy and Miss Martini bringing sheep in and taking them back to the paddocks once shorn. 

Certificate III in Agriculture and Pork Production students have been receiving their booklets for the units they’ll be completing for these qualifications. Parents, please encourage your kids to get onto this work as soon as possible and gather as much evidence and information as they can!  This year will go so quickly for them and leaving it to the last minute isn’t advised.

The temperature has been soaring, so we encourage all students to be sun/heat aware.  College hats are compulsory (students not bringing hats will have a uniform infringement recorded against their name), sunscreen is available, and there are numerous cold-water fountains around to refill student water bottles as required. 

There are times when it’s too unpleasant to be outdoors, so we head to the classroom, and students are encouraged to use this time to get up to date with their written farm work.  Be aware of the signs of heat stress – this can include symptoms like dizziness/light-headedness, raised temperature, sweating profusely, headaches, weakness or fatigue, nausea and vomiting – and if you are experiencing these symptoms, let your TO know!

As we settle into a new year and new students get to know the inner workings of the College, parents please encourage your kids to be kind and helpful to others.  It is a big change for some students … being away from home for the first time, boarding, working on a farm, learning new skills, settling into a new group of peers, learning to drive … but the kindness and understanding of those around them can make all the difference.  On farm we strive to make everyone feel comfortable and to help them reach their goals.  We also encourage them to step out of their comfort zone once they’re ready – try new things!  Farm staff expect students to foster this same mentality – as Mr Jones always says, “it doesn’t cost anything to be nice”.  

Weekend Farm Duty

The roster for weekend farm duty has been finalised.  Please make sure you know when you are rostered on and turn up!!  Students who do not turn up to their rostered weekend duty without prior arrangement will still have to complete the required number of weekends to gain the Certificate II in Agriculture qualification.  A negative behaviour report may also be recorded on Compass for failure to turn up for work.  If you are unable to complete your rostered weekend duty, you must arrange a swap at least 2 weeks prior with another student and contact the Assistant Farm Manager to have this confirmed.  As we have a large number of students, it is not easy to re-roster weekend duties.

Daniel de Beer

Farm Manager

Madison Corsini

Assistant Farm Manager