From the Principal

If there is a week on the calendar for our students to be excited about, it’s a 4-day school week which includes a trip to Dowerin Field days and the highly anticipate College Ball scheduled for this Saturday. It was a pleasure to be at the Dowerin Field Day on Wednesday showcasing our fantastic College and speaking with prospective students and their families. There were many Old Collegians and former staff who dropped in to our stall to say hello and flick through the old Agricollegian magazines. It is evident that our College is held in high regard within our community.

It has been pleasing to observe an increase in personal accountability over the last fortnight. We place importance on preparing our students for the world of work and holding high expectations of what we expect of them as their future employers will expect this in the not too distant future. To put it into perspective I often have conversations with students about how a future boss would respond to that particular comment or action given they would be dipping into their pockets to pay their wages each fortnight.

Dowerin Field Day

There was a fantastic turnout at the Field Day and both our Year 11 & 12 students were able to attend this year. Our students represented the College to the highest of standards and there were many positive comments made by members of the public regarding their presentation and conduct. Well done to our students!

Open Day

Our staff and students are busily preparing for next Friday’s Open Day. There is a great buzz in the air as it is a great opportunity to showcase our students and their achievements here at the College. There will be once again lots of events, industry representatives, student work and major project displays, farm tours and workshops and classrooms will be open. I am eagerly awaiting this year’s event, as it is my first! 

College Ball

All students have been spoken to twice in regards to the schedule and expectations of the Ball. I encourage all families to discuss the content of the Ball information prior to Saturday’s long awaited event. I’m looking forward to seeing our students flashed up on the evening and also seeing many parents at the parent function.

Yr 11 Parent Interviews

Year 11 Parent interviews were conducted Thursday before the closed weekend with a higher than average parent turnout which is great. For those unable to attend, I encourage you to still touch base via email or phone with the relevant staff to discuss your child’s progress. 

Student Vehicles on Site

All students were reminded on Thursday that the speed limit on campus is 20kmph. Students who require multiple reminders will be unable to bring their car on site. I also kindly ask that parents and students please only park in the spaces that face the Admin/Rec Centre/Library buildings and not park parallel to the grassed area as this causes significant congestion and is a hazard given the number of staff and students crossing the road (particularly on a Friday).

College-Wide Wellbeing Plan

Our College has collated all of our current and planned programs, initiatives and staff training into our College-Wide Wellbeing Plan. This Plan outlines the things we put in place to support our students with social, emotional, mental, sexual and physical health along with drug and alcohol education, child protection, student leadership and building on our positive College culture. Our plan will be accessible on our College website shortly but can be accessed by clicking the below attachment.

Staff Development Day Friday

All staff are engaging in workshops on Friday to review our Staff, Student and Parent feedback from the recent National Schools Opinion Survey and will be working towards the development of our 2022-2024 College Business Plan and Public School Review scheduled for next term. Staff will also be engaging in RTO compliance workshops, assistive devices (technology) for students with literacy challenges and Distance Education planning in case we go into lockdown at any stage.

Student COVID19 Vaccinations

I have had a couple of enquiries in regards to COVID19 vaccine clinics for our students. At this stage there is no school vaccine program and parents are encouraged to make private arrangements. Bookings have opened for Western Australians aged 16 to 29. Vaccination bookings are essential and can be made by visiting Roll Up for WA.

Wishing you all a restful and safe weekend ahead.

Matt Dowell