PRINCIPAL

Year 10 Board Representative

I have emailed a link to the families of our Year 10 students to elect a representative for the College Board from the two nominations. Please take the time to respond and I will close off the ballot Friday 3rd March. 

New Families to the College Survey

I have closed the survey of new families and collated the results; my thanks to those who took the time to give me their views. The responses were overwhelmingly positive which is very pleasing.  We all thrive on positive reinforcement so it is lovely to hear that our staff are professional, positive, welcoming and responsive, and to hear that our systems and processes are efficient and effective.

Areas that were identified for us to look for improvement include;

• Face to face interviews for prospective students - we conducted our first interviews this week and given no COVID restrictions, have returned to in person interviews, presentation on the College and tour. This personal approach is by far our preferred approach.
• Improve feedback to applicants who are not successful in being offered a place - when we run through rounds of offers, we will provide better detail about the process and try to provide an indication of where unsuccessful students sit on the continuum. On the presentation to prospective students and families on interview day, I will try to better explain the selection and offer process.
• Buddying up new students with current students at Transition.
• Excessive information - we are conscious about the need to provide enough information in a timely manner. We always look to refine and streamline but there is a lot for new families to learn about the College.  There is always the invitation to parents to contact us if they have any concerns.  Our website always has up to date information for current and future students. 

Residential Activities

I have been pleased with the range of activities on weekends this term so far and thank the Residential Supervisors for their efforts in this area. 

The Busselton Camp last weekend was a great opportunity for students to spend some recreational time together and assist the settling in process for our new students. Unfortunately, we had to sanction a number of students who chose to go into the opposite gender dorm during the camp. These students received a residential suspension to reflect the serious breach of trust. Ultimately if we are unable to trust a student to be doing the right thing, in the right place and time, we cannot have them in the Residence. On rare occasions this becomes a permanent arrangement.

WACoA Carnival

Traditionally Harvey hosts a sports carnival between the other Agricultural Colleges in Week 8, Term One. Last year we had to cancel due to COVID and this year we have to cancel because the other colleges have been unable to secure accommodation. This is unfortunate as the carnival is a great event, but we will look to alternatives including the possibility of a smaller, friendly weekend event in the lead up to Country Week.

We are now almost at the midway point of the term with a closed weekend scheduled for next weekend. These first few weeks are always tiring for new students and staff as they adapt to the College environment, so the weekend is a great opportunity to recharge and reset for the second innings. Families need to be communicating travel arrangements with us via Reach early next week so we can manage students’ departure next Friday. 

Regards to all and have a great weekend

Steve