Principal

Susan Kerr

Susan.Kerr@education.wa.edu.au

M.Ed.Admin,B.Ed,Dip.Teach

Well Christmas already and here I am writing the last newsletter for 2019. Where did the time go?

As with any great organisation we are currently engaged in reviewing our plans, procedures, and processes which guide the College.

The staff, College Board and Agricultural Advisory Committee have spent a considerable amount of time over the last few months developing our latest Business Plan which focuses on our four new priorities.

Effective Students - We are passionate in our endeavors to ensure that we equip students to be able to respond to any future challenges and opportunities.
Effective Staff - We aim to strengthen our staff in teaching and learning and in being collaborative, so we can continue to deliver outstanding student outcomes.

College Environment - We are focused on continuing to develop our world class facilities to ensure they remain relevant and of the highest standard.

Future Focused - We foster a community of thinkers who are future ready, creative and innovative.

The final College Business Plan will be available on our school website and will be sent out to all parents and guardians via Connect early in the 2020 year.

Year 12 Students Farewell

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 for the successful completion of their studies at WA College of Agriculture – Harvey. It was such a pleasure to be able to celebrate their achievements with family and friends on the 15th November. Our 63 graduating students managed to achieve a mammoth number of qualifications.

In particular, I would like to congratulate the ATAR Dux - Rhys Shales and the VET Dux - Kyle Symington. I would also like to make special mention to the companies who donated the Year 12, 11 and 10 awards for the scholarships and prizes. The level of support the College receives from local businesses and the wider community is amazing.

Staff Farewells and Welcome

It is that time of the year where we farewell staff who are off on leave, to work in other places or better still, retirement. Firstly, I would like to wish Jenny Stringer all the best while she heads off on long service leave in Term 1, 2020. We are presently in the process of selecting an Acting Student Services Coordinator to fill her shoes. We are also selecting two new Science teachers for 2020 to support us with our “Animal and Plant” Production programs.

We would also like to wish Colin Newton, our Science Teacher, all the best as he leaves to College to pursue other interests.

Early next year we will have a second Cook, Ian Diment, and a part-time gardener, Michael Campion who will be joining our staff. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michelle Rumsley, one of our wonderful kitchen hands for her dedication and support over the last 3 years.

School Captains and Councillors

It was a real pleasure interviewing the students who nominated to be the School Captain in 2020. A very high calibre of students to select from made the panel’s decision extremely difficult.

Congratulations go to the 2020 College Captains Levi Parravicini and Jade McLean. It is wonderful to have these two extremely dedicated students leading the College Council. Well done also to all other students on the 2020 Leadership team - Luke Pfitzner, Matthew Tilbee, Georgie Hartnell and Mistyrose Kokiri.

We look forward to working with you all next year and in particular being part of our management and decision making groups.

College Board, Agriculture Advisory & Trades Advisory

The College Board, Agriculture Advisory and Trades Committees have an important role to play in the vision, governance and accountability requirements of the schools. Best practice tells us that educating our young people is the responsibility of the entire community, not just the College.

The College has formed these strong partnerships because we wish to improve outcomes for young people and recognise that by working together, they can achieve far more than working alone. I would like to take the opportunity to thank this dedicated group of individuals who give up a considerable amount of time and energy to support the College with its educational programs.

Staff Thank You

I would also like to give some special thankyous. Firstly, to our staff who do an amazing job; they nurture, support and work with the students of the College to get the best possible outcomes. To all the Admin staff who work to keep the school ticking along. To the parents who continue to positively communicate with the College.

I am really enjoying my opportunity working at the College. Next year I will be returning until July and I look forward to continue working with all the wonderful staff and students.

The year would not have been the success that it has been without the enthusiasm of students and their families. I look forward to our Year 11 and 12 students returning and would like to officially welcome our new Year 10 students.

I wish all of you a very safe and happy holiday season.