Welcome Paul Beecham - Associate Principal

Hi there, my name is Paul Beecham and I am commencing in the role as Associate Principal later next week. I’ve taught in a variety of roles over the last thirty years including Youth Education Officer, Head of Learning Area in Health and Physical Education and Deputy Principal of Senior School. I am currently the Manager of Operations at Thornlie SHS focussing on enhancing student outcomes and achievement.

I’m a passionate advocate for Men’s Health (both physical and mental) and I am an avid surfer and mountain biker. My partner and I have 5 children, 2 grand-children and Eddie our dog who loves travelling as much as us.

I am looking forward to working with staff, students and families at Cunderdin Ag College and embracing the culture of the community.

Telstra Tech for STEM Regional Scholarships Winners

Congratulations to Marshall Rawlings, Zachary Argent, Imogen Will, Adam Cosgrove, Tarkeyshia Exton, Jake Pickering, Ryan Prater, Frazer Sutherland and Tim Bretschneider for being selected to receive the Tech for STEM Regional Scholarship sponsored by Telstra!

These students were nominated by the College's Senior Staff Team for their commitment and dedication to their STEM programs and courses and have each been awarded a brand new iPad to support their learning here at the College!

Updated College Dress Policy

Please note the finalised updates to the College Dress Policy as endorsed by the College Board;

A maximum of two sleepers or studs per ear, no other visible piercings (in all areas of the College, including full College Uniform).
Girls to wear black socks with all College uniforms.
Haircuts with the sides and top no shorter than a No. 2. The back must not be noticeably longer than the top, and it must be neat and tidy. Sides must be no shorter than a number 2. Extremes with short sides and long top/back are not permitted.

The Principal, Associate Principal and Head of Residence will make the final judgement on the appropriateness of hairstyles where necessary. Breaches in hairstyles are to be rectified within a reasonable timeframe as negotiated.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) 2022

With the College Board’s support and endorsement, the College is implementing the Department's BYOD initiative for 2022 and beyond. Currently the College provides a laptop to each student and parents contribute a $250 p/a fee for ‘Computing – After Hours’ through the Contributions and Charges. This contribution has been removed from the Contributions and Charges list to acknowledge the cost to parents for purchasing a device for their son/daughter to use via the BYOD program.

The BYOD initiative allows parents to purchase a device of their choosing for their son/daughter to use at the College. We will provide ‘purchase options’ and information regarding the required specifications to ensure the device connects to our network.

Important information regarding the program;

There is a ‘phase out’ year for the current Year 11’s for next year and the BYOD program be optional
The program will apply to all incoming Year 11’s for 2022
Students retain the device once they depart school (as it is theirs and they own it)
As students own the devices, care, safekeeping, repairs and insurance claims are the responsibility of the student/parent. Student lockers were purchased at the end of 2020 for student use (padlock required)
The College has partnered with ‘JB HiFi Solutions for Education’ to provide options to parents that meet the College network specifications, however parents are free to choose a device of their preference from a retailer of their choice

More information about the program and device options via JB HiFi will be sent out in coming weeks.

Additional COVID-19 Vaccination Information

WA secondary students aged 16 and over have been able to walk in to a state-run COVID-19 vaccination clinic at dedicated times since 20 September.

The Department of Health is leading the planning for the walk-in and school-based clinics. Parents and carers can visit the HealthyWA website for more information.

Parents and carers may wish to discuss options for vaccination with their GP as all children aged 12 years and over are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in Western Australia. The Department of Education’s Student Health Care in Public Schools Policy and Procedures provides that parents have the responsibility for the welfare and development of their child. If a parent does not consent to a vaccination being given to their child at school, their child will not be vaccinated at the school.

For further information on the state’s response to COVID-19, including current health advice regarding COVID-19 testing, please visit the Department of Health website – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-vaccine or call the COVID-19 Help Line on 13 268 43.

Overdue DTP, HPV & Meningococcal Vaccinations

If you think your child is overdue for any Year 7 or 10 vaccinations, please complete the consent form(s) attached below and I will check the Australian Immunisation Register to determine their status. I will make contact with you via mobile or email to advise if your child needs vaccinations, so please include these details. School nurses will visit the Cunderdin WACOA on Wednesday 17th November to provide catch up vaccinations for students who missed vaccinations at their previous school. These vaccinations can also be given at a GP until they turn 18 years.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns on 96352216 or 0407933513 or donna.jasper2@health.wa.gov.au

Many Thanks, Donna

College Chatter

Our VisionRural educational excellence through innovation, passion and collaboration.

Term 4 Issue 1 · 15 Oct 2021

In this issue

Our Vision
Rural educational excellence through innovation, passion and collaboration.