Head of Studies Report 

This term is a very important term for our year 12’s to keep up to date with task work and make every effort to maintain or increase their final grade.  I would encourage students to focus on their studies and discuss any concerns with their teachers. 

Year 12 ATAR Semester Two Exams

The Year 12 ATAR Semester Two written exams will take place in weeks 9 and 10 of this term, all exams commencing at 8.10am. The dates of the exams are:

Open Day

The annual College Open Day will be held on Saturday, 4th September. There will be a number of class based activities on during the day including practical demonstrations, course and subject presentations and the sale of College wine and vegetables. We have also invited trade industries to attend to provide information to students and parents about career opportunities. I would like to encourage all parents who may be interested in seeing an agricultural college in action, and some of the student projects, to attend. 

Pruning 

Mr Gibbins Year 10 Plants class have been busy assisting in the pruning of grapes vines at the Denmark Cheese Factory.  This experience gives the students an opportunity to achieve a competency in Prune Grapes by Hand which goes toward their Certificate I in AgriFood Operations.  A special thank you to Annette Stock for giving us the opportunity to use their vineyard.

Fodder Crop

The oat fodder crop was planted on the 5th May to a late maturing variety of oats called Tucana and is being used as a major project for Plant Production students.  The 4 hectare crop has recently been grazed with ewes and is currently being set up as a trial site to grow more pasture in winter. 

The trial will involve applying varying rates of fertiliser, based partly on tissue test results and research on the application of nitrogen fertilisers. 

Fodder cuts will be done at the end of day 30 to estimate total dry matter per hectare and we hope to include the results in the next newsletter.  Waterlogging is an issue with nearly 700mm since the start of May, however the paddock has reasonable drainage.

Lights Beach re-development project

Year 11 Plant Production Systems students and Year 12 Conservation and Land Management students have been assisting Mark Parre from the Denmark Shire in the establishment of native seedlings at Lights Beach car park.  This area is very exposed to strong winds and sea salt, hence the tree seedlings are protected with wind guards.   Students were busy working in teams of three to plant the seedlings and install wind guards.