From the Principal 

Welcome back everyone! We have had a sensational start to the term and what a better way to start than to jump on a bus and chase the warm weather up north which 58 of our Year 11's are currently doing. I hope they all have a great adventure with minimal mechanical issues this time round! I'm sure our fleet of new buses will serve them well.

It has been great catching up with the Year 12's this week. It is evident they have returned ready and knowing that Term 3 is not only full of exciting events, but the last opportunity to finish off their course requirements. Before we know it, they will all be on stage accepting their leavers portfolios, so there is not a minute to spare.

COVID-19 Update

Earlier this week, I emailed out to parents a COVID-19 update and I encourage you to familiarise yourself with it, if you are yet to do so. I predict COVID-19 will continue to impact our staffing and student attendance again this term. Masks are strongly encouraged, with many of our staff already opting to wear them throughout this wave and I encourage our students to do so likewise. We are committed to maintaining learning programs to the absolute best of our ability and thank you for your understanding.

Dress Code Reminder

Some students have returned to the college and are not currently meeting dress requirements regarding haircuts or have forgotten uniform items, such as shoes and clothing. I ask parents to please check with their son/daughter to ensure they meet their obligations. As of next week, students who do not meet haircut requirements will not be eligible to participate in off-campus activities such as town run, sport training, excursions, College Ball, Country Week etc. Our local hairdresser has recently ceased operating in town unfortunately, so students will need to arrange haircuts in their own time or organize an appointment during a weekend leisure activity in Northam or Perth. Students are also reminded of jewellery expectations during Class, Trades and Farm.

Competition Shearing Training Day

We are looking forward to hosting the WA Competition Shearing Association's Training Day on Saturday 6th August here at the College. This is a fantastic opportunity for our staff and students to connect with industry and further develop their knowledge and skills.

Members of the community are encouraged to join in on the day. 

AgriFutures Grant - Drone Technology Project

As part of our AgriFutures Grant funding initiative, in coming weeks, we will have drone technology demonstrations for students, staff and local producers to be held here on site.

We will send out information once the program has been confirmed and encourage local farmers to come along and take part.

Sustainability Committee

During the week, a group of passionate Year 12's have established a Sustainability Committee. This like-minded and innovative group have set some goals for this term, with hope to recruit some Year 11's when they return from North West Tour. The Committee will be working on:

• Revegetation through planting native trees on campus
• Assisting with the development of a native garden which will be planted out with vegetation indigenous to the area
• Recycling food waste from the Dining Hall and dorm kitchen areas for composting
• Revitalising our veggie patch  

Keep up the great work!

Principal Position Update

I am pleased to inform you that I have been appointed as the substantive (permanent) Principal of WACoA Cunderdin. I feel very privileged and honoured to be able to continue leading such a fantastic college. As a qualified Agriculture/Design and Technology teacher and a Vocational Education and Trainer (VET), I am grateful of the opportunity to work in a school which aligns with my experience and passion. The opportunities our students have on offer here should not be underestimated, which gives me a huge amount of satisfaction.

All the best for the weekend ahead, and here's hoping for a good soaking on Saturday!