Farm 

Geoff Howell

Geoffrey.Howell@education.wa.edu.au

Paul Dyson

Paul.Dyson@education.wa.edu.au

Paddock Prep

More rain has presented the Farm with the opportunity to commence seeding. Mr Millichamp, Mr Dunlop and Mr Falkingham, with the assistance of students, have been busy spreading and spraying in anticipation of a start to our seeding program. 

You may have noticed the rugby goals have been removed from the front of the College, this area will now be used as a trial plot by Class to grow varying pasture grasses. 

Hopefully the season will continue as it has started and provided the much needed rain for agriculture in general. I was heartened to see reports of 50mm falling at Lake Grace on some media reports during the week. 

Carbon Footprint on Farm

I have commenced looking at our carbon foot print at Beef, Sheep, Dairy and Horticulture with Certificate III in Agriculture students. While this is a very topical and sometimes emotional subject, the intent is that students will become aware of what greenhouse gases are and in the broader picture, what that looks like locally, nationally and globally. 

Both Harvey Beef and Meat and Livestock Australia have committed to being carbon neutral by 2030 which will be upon us very soon. Our College “Inquiry Process” will be developed to be used across all learning areas and will be used to explore any changes we can make that would be helpful in reducing our carbon footprint.

Horticulture

I was recently at the Horticulture section with members of the Advisory Committee and they commented how well the section was looking and commended Mr Olde and Mrs Morris on the efforts they have made this term. The Advisory Committee have been supporting the College to explore ways to redevelop Horticulture over the next five to ten years. This will include such things as hot houses that would allow us to grow produce over a full yearly cycle. 

Back to the Carbon

Getting back to our carbon footprint and where to from here. I have some simple “greenhouse gas” calculators which I would be happy to share with any families who would like to do an audit on their property. 

Please contact Mr Howell or myself and I can easily send you the material we are using which has come to us via the University of Melbourne. If you have any calculators of information that you think would assist us at the College, please feel free to send it to me at paul.dyson@education.wa.edu.au

COVID

COVID remains an ongoing issue for us but all things being in perspective, we are extremely fortunate in comparison to other countries around the world battling this pandemic. 

Happy Mothers Day

To all our Mothers within the College family – we hope you are spoilt on Sunday and thank you for your contributions to the College and your children’s education.