Principal

I am pleased to report that we have begun the term positively. We began fully staffed; the majority of our students returned and for a little while we weren’t wearing masks!

COVID

The term has begun again with COVID featuring regularly and it’s fair to say that COVID is now impacting on our day-to-day business. Over the course of the term, we have rapidly seen an increased number of staff and students who have tested positive for COVID. At the time of writing we have had about ten staff and thirty students test positive for COVID this term, with most of those occurring in the last two weeks. We are experiencing positive cases both in the residence and the day program. Although Principals are no longer required to contact trace in the day program, there is still a responsibility to contact trace in residence. Currently any student who has four hours of unmasked contact with another student in residence is deemed to be a close contact. That close contact must wear a mask and submit to RATs for 7 days. Our residential staff are working closely with the students to identify symptoms early and all students are encouraged to get tested on a needs basis. 

In regards to staff, we have been able to enact our business continuity plan. We are blessed to have a strong group of flexible employees. It is this flexibility and access to relief staff, that has allowed us to continue with our teaching program. Despite that flexibility, we are beginning to see some impact on teaching and learning. Some classes are being collapsed and teachers are on occasion delivering curriculum outside of their expertise.  We are doing the best we can and I ask for your support as we focus on the continuity of learning.  

I have been advised by the Department of Education to expect an additional order of 3000 RATs. Once these arrive all students will be given their allocation of 20 RATs per family. I understand that this delivery has been delayed. Once the shipment arrives, we will distribute to students as quickly as we can. It is expected that all students take these home and give them to their families. 

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

A requirement of the College being a Registered Training Organisation is that we are expected to expose staff to industry currency. For the remainder of the year our staff, especially those entrusted with delivering certificate qualifications, will venture to other workplaces to engage in industry practices. Staff are looking forward to the experience and confirming that what we are doing here at the College reflects industry practices. This will ensure that we have first-hand knowledge to best prepare our students for the workplaces they will be employed in. Thank you to those businesses who have responded to our call and have supported the College with their willingness to open their worksites.

ENROLMENTS

There has been a change to the enrolment process this year. All families have been contacted, but essentially some changes have been put in place to increase transparency and consistency among all the agriculture colleges. Details of the change of process is available on our website and Facebook page, but essentially it means that enrolment offers will only be made at set times of the year. Ms Gaunt and I have been feverishly interviewing students and it’s been lovely to meet these Year 9 students and their families. It’s been such a pleasure listening to their plans for the future and hearing what impact they are going to have in the agriculture or trades industry. First round offers have just been released and this week we have begun interviewing possible Round 2 candidates. 

Finally, I want to wish everyone well. I know many families are experiencing sickness in their homes and this is creating some stress. Stay well and keep safe.