PRINCIPAL

College Ball

This week sees us halfway through the term and ready for one of the highlights of the year, our College Ball. 

Many schools hold their Ball early in the year to reduce distractions from students’ studies. We prefer to hold ours at this time of year to give our Year 10s and new Year 11s a chance to settle into the College and feel part of our community. 

I look forward to seeing our students dress up and have a great time.  I ask that parents keep their children safe at any after-ball events that may be organised.

Rabobank Sheep Expo

This week, Steve Adams took four students to Katanning to compete in the Rabobank WA Sheep Expo.

Congratulations to Tom Robertson (3rd), Molly McIntyre-Edmonds (4th), Oscar Tozer, and Eva Kowald for representing the College. A special thanks also to Mr Adams for his organisation and training in preparation for the event.

Welcome to a New Staff Member

Next week we welcome Jamie Senbergs to the College. Jamie will be teaching in the Metals area and will be with us until the end of the year. Having previously worked at the College and with a strong background across a variety of schools, Jamie will be a welcome addition to our team.

New Equipment for the Farm

I am also very pleased to report that we were successful in securing funds to purchase two new cattle crushes, a new mid-sized tractor and various components to develop our hydroponic hot house. 

I am particularly excited about the hydroponic project as a way of engaging students in covered cropping systems. Growing crops under cover in hydroponic systems is well established in many countries as a way of controlling the growing environment, while also being more efficient with land and water resources.

After School Horse Riding

Recently we reviewed our horse riding procedures to make sure that our systems ensure safety of students. 

The main changes are as follows.

• Riding assessments are specific for the particular horse and rider. If a student rides a different horse they need to be re-assessed on that horse.

• Students need to demonstrate they are competent at any particular level over two riding assessments. This is comparable with all of our competency based training on Farm and Trades where at least two assessments are required to assure competence.

• Students at riding Level 2 will only be able to ride under supervision whilst they are learning the skill of controlling a horse at canter and other gaits

Have a great weekend