Issue 4 2024 - Principal
Principal
Wayne Austin
Welcoming School
I have welcomed the opportunity to take on the role as Principal at the WA College of Agriculture- Denmark. I have lived in Denmark since 2010 and spent most of that time at Denmark SHS, with a three-year stint at Albany SHS before returning to Denmark SHS in 2023. Prior to 2010 I worked in several country locations including Merredin, Port Hedland, Karratha, Jurien Bay and Exmouth. It has been a pleasure to make the transition to the WA College of Agriculture-Denmark, moving here to cover for Rebecca Kirkwood whilst she is on leave. The physical move is not big, however the difference in work and activities that takes place is massive.
As a Denmark resident since 2010, I have rarely found myself at this campus, and it was usually only for a quick meeting and recently to assist with a staff appointment. So, this will be a big change for me and an opportunity to grow my knowledge and understanding of the education opportunities to students in Denmark and beyond.
I have felt exceptionally welcomed, it is a pleasure to be able to walk around this site, have positive interactions with staff and students and feel as though I belong. This is a testament to the work ethic and attitudes of the people who work and learn at this school. It is nice to be accepted into the school halfway through the year and I am looking forward to my time here.
Open Day
My first open day ever, despite living in Denmark for 15 years! I can only say this was a huge success. I have thanked all the staff and the students for their dedication and the time they spent showcasing the College. This day would not have been possible if it weren’t for the work completed particularly by the open day committee members with their organisation and planning. It was pleasing to see all the staff who gave their time to come in and show what they do to the general public, prospective parents and students past and present. The time given by our staff and students to make the day the success it was reinforces the belief they all have in this College.
Term Three
Term three is a busy time of the year. Our Year 12’s are completing their courses, the ATAR students in particular are also busy preparing for examinations. With only six weeks to go, the timelines for completing and submitting assessments, completing units of competency and demonstrating to teachers and trainers the skills they have acquired, is short. I have observed the students working independently to get through these tasks. The light at the end of the tunnel is fast approaching and I encourage all Year 12 students to keep working diligently, make it to the end of the year and receive the accolades of the work and effort they have put into their studies, not just this year but for all the years of their formal schooling.
While some students are coming to the end of their school career, we are busy interviewing and accepting the next crop of college students. With such a demand for places, the calibre of applicants has been high. We are in the stages of our final round of offers, with interviews of prospective students taking place.
Further to this, planning for 2025 has begun. We will be looking at the subjects on offer, student preferences and our workforce. An invite has recently been sent to Year 10 parents to come and find out more about moving into Year 11.
We have a busy few weeks ahead of us! I look forward to meeting our parents, carers and community at the events we have coming up this term and concluding term 3 on a positive note.
Wayne Austin
Principal
WACOA - Denmark